Grünkohl and Pinkel - Again

And thank goodness for that!  Johanna and Klaus had the date set for our annual feast before the New Year's celebrations were done.  Can't be too careful - there's lots to plan and lots to plan around given that most of us are retired and not bound to regular work schedules anymore.

And we were particularly happy participants since last Thursday we finally got water.  What a relief.  Now there's some serious patching to be done and the bathroom to do, but more on that later.  Now we can party.

We have to start early since we have to walk for a couple of hours - get our appetite in peak form and enjoy the crisp weather.  And it was so nice!  Before we put on our boots and coats, there was time to enjoy the sun and have a cup of coffee.
 

But then - out!  And look, spring is on the way - little snowdrops blooming.

We were a smaller than usual group this year, but no less fun.  It was a popular day for an outing - underway we met at least 8 other groups on their own Kohl+Pinkel Walks, all ages and sizes.

 
It's always pleasant walking along the Lesum and through Knoop's Park.  I never tire of the landscape.

And as much as I love everyone's company and the walk and the Schnapps and the sweets - the highlight is always the food. Everyone tweaks the Grünkohl (kale) their own particular way and there's the ongoing friendly debate on whose Pinkel sausages are the best - Bremen's or Oldenburg's.  We always go with the Bremen variety - less meat and more grain - but there's no conflict around the table since we can choose from both! Clever hosts.

 
I can say YUM several ways in German - lecker, köstlich, herrlich, herzhaft, wohlschmeckend. And all of them apply!

The Grünkohl season is about over. I wonder if I can squeeze in one more meal .....