Spring?

The calendar says it, but my bones do not agree.  I remember Easters in Baltimore that were less than lovely - cold and windy.  There was a tradition of "spring coats" up north that we never participated in, but in hindsight I understand it. You don't want to be wearing the same dark wool coat you wore all winter when the calendar says it isn't anymore, but the temperatures, well, they talk back  to you.

And I remember too hiding Easter eggs and Michelle and Lee hunting for them still wearing warm coats, so this isn't just a north Germany phenomenon.
 
But it is cold and you have to live with it and so you keep doing stuff you do.

So cold or not, the Spargel is in! And the first Spargelessen is always a bit special.

THIS time, however, I'm doing all the preparation alone.  Werner went and did in a finger!  It looks a lot more serious than it was, but still, peeling potatoes and washing asparagus are not on his "can do" list!

First, get out the special accoutrements.

Then cook it up just right.

Then serve it up.  A pretty dish and a nice Silvaner helps.

Then you just enjoy.  Life's pleasures are small, but these small pleasures take up a whole big place in our lives and are worth the work - even when I have to do it all myself!

Asparagus Fest

Yes, it's that time of year and can you believe it has been another year - they're going by ever faster.

This year, unlike some others, we had perfect weather!  Ilsemarie and Ulli had set up chairs and tables in their back yard and after our dry rosé sparkling wine, we started with the Starter - shrimp salad.  Lovely.

We retired to the inside for the main course, which varies not at all from year to year - wonderful fresh asparagus, boiled potatoes, smoked meats and butter sauce.  We ate our fill and then some.

But there was more:  Dessert with a capital "D."  In German, this is called Fürst Pücklers Torte (the name is a mouthful!).   Strawberry and vanilla creams layered in a form and then covered with chocolate sauce.  Home made ice cream. Bowls of strawberries.  Coffee.  Schnapps.

And of course unending conversation on politics (US and German), the election, recent trips, planned trips, catching up on family events.  As always, an evening with friends is an evening well spent.