May Day

May 1 is a federal holiday in Germany; in fact, it's celebrated just about all over Europe. Since it fell on a Tuesday this year, Monday was a holiday for lots of people. What a great LONG weekend!

It's not only International Workers' Day, it's Walpurgus Night, when the witches dance with the devil on the highest mountain in Germany. Some people get a bit carried away ....


But we did the usual. Since the weather was so beautiful, most of the town was out and about. We took the train to a really nice area of town and along the way passed the Oberneulandermühle (the Oberneuland Mill). This is particularly nice and is maintained by one of the museums in town.





And as you can see, there's still grain growing near the mill. I wonder if they actually mill it in the summer?
















We stopped at a little gathering where a few others decided to stop, too! This isn't even a fraction of all the bikes parked there. There was music from a brass band, Bratwurst, beer, and a little Art Fair.


Along the way, we passed a public garden with these fantastic hedges. See me? I'm standing in one of the arches. We'll see a lot more of this sort of thing next week in Paris.


Riding back home on our bikes, we ran into some folks who decided to take a different kind of transportation. Check out the hairy feet!

Das Alte Land

Literally translated, it means "Old Land" but apparently it has nothing to do with old. Or land. Funny, but language does that sometimes. One source says the name is a corruption of Olland, the name for the region when it was controlled by (H)olland. So, Ol land, old land.

Regardless, today everyone here connects Altes Land with apples, cherries and pears, but mostly apples. It's the largest single apple producing area in Europe. In the spring time, it's a popular tourist destination - busloads of (mostly) old folks head up there to look at the miles and miles and miles of fruit trees in blossom. So, we went too. Even though we're not old.

And naturally, we took our bikes instead of taking the tour bus.

We drove up to Stade, a lovely town near the Elbe to start the tour. I was impressed the first time by all the lovely doors. Here's a single example.







Stade has a charming little harbor in the center of the original town, and an old and interesting crane that was used to pull goods from the ships.








Then off to the hinterland.

First we went along the dikes, used - as all of you know by now - for sheep grazing. Also occasional cows. But here it was only sheep. I'm afraid I didn't get the best shot here - we were there just after the shepherd had let the sheep through to the new area - but still, they move and bleet. Baaaaaa. Cute.

What is so interesting too - architecture is still fun for me - is the way the bricklayers can vary the patters of the bricks. It reminds me of how the women could do so much with stitches on simple linen. Art shows itself in simple ways.







Further along the trail, we came to some of the first blossoms. But of course, not the FIRST blossoms, since they had done their thing and were already finished two weeks earlier! Werner had come up here by car with his mother and seen the cherry blossoms, all deep pink and lovely. Now we have the end of the apple blossom season - still lovely, but the blossoms are white with just a hint of pink. Not quite as dramatic from a distance, but up close, they are wonderful.

It's still a bit strange to see these rather large ships looking over the river banks.


















Really, the trip was about air and space and flowers. Here, a collage of the flowers along the way.



Make a wish and try to blow all the seeds away from the dandelion.

Oldie Newly Weds

Our dear dear friends Ulli Brandt and Ilsemarie Meyer got married. Eloped. Went to New York. All official.

We are so happy for them! Here are a few images.

A picture from before the wedding. They went first to Vermont for a few days and had a relaxing time in the snow and quiet.


Here they are after the civil ceremony, on the top floor of the building where you can choose to have the ceremony performed. What a view!

And a cake afterwards with their friends there who helped arrange it all. Looks delicious - and beautiful !






It had been a hard year for the family with death and illness and changes; this was the ideal solution for a happy event for the two of them. Later, there'll be a party for us local folks. But tonight at our house, with chicken wings, potato salad, celery and carrot sticks with blue cheese dressing (all home made since you can't get ANY of that stuff pre-prepared here!) we had a happy, intimate get together to congratulate the new pair.

Welcome to the club, Ilsemarie and Ulli!

Bike Trip - Friesland


It's Easter break for the Bremen schools and the college as well and I HAVE NO APPOINTMENTS ON MY CALENDAR THIS WEEK. Can't remember the last time that happened. Last week we did the major work on the kitchen and though not completely done, we took a break from the mess. It was supposed to be almost warm yesterday - predicted highs around 70°, sunny all day. Since the rest of the week's forcast was gray, threatening rain and cooler, it seemed the perfect day to take a bike trip.

We loaded the bikes on the car and then drove about an hour north of here to a small town called Dangast on the Jever Bay (Jadebusen in German) where we first took a loook at the water and considered immediately returning home - it was freezing! Not freezing really, but of course it was a lot cooler there by the water and a good bit breezier as well. I was so glad I put on my summer pants! Werner suggested I wrap my exposed legs with his jacket, but that would have made pedalling impossible, so I toughed it out.

It is spring time. The crocuses at the top of the page adorned our front step for a couple of weeks; now the forsythia is out in full, the Japanese magnolia are blooming, there are daffodils and tulips everywhere. And best of all, the days are brighter and longer.


There are always sheep on the dikes. Now of course, lots of new baby lambs. Seems most of the mama sheep had two, often a white one and a speckled one. Cute!

Another sign of spring, or more specifically Easter, are the piles of wood and discarded Christmas trees and such that will be burned on Saturday night before Easter. Of course it was originally a pagan ritual to welcome spring and the new growing season. In the past peasants used to watch the fire carefully because superstition said the fields would be fruitful and the households protected from sickness as far as the light from the fire reached. Needless to say, there were lots of fires in those days! Now it's mostly a time to stand around, drink some beer, talk with the neighbors - and conveniently get rid of the scraps.

Werner watching the train go by.

We always think we can get a sandwich or a Bratwurst rather easily, and Werner had his mind set on a fish sandwich (since we were so close to the sea), but we always take something just in case. Good thing - we were out in the countryside a lot and the little villages around there close at mid-day for an hour or two. So we sat down in one of those little villages across from one of the churches and had our sandwich and water. Nice view.

A little later we came across this cemetery, hidden a bit from view by shrubs - I don't know if I'd have seen in it the summertime. All the gravestones were very close to each other, fenced in, outside of the village, and it reminded me somehow of the old Jewish cemeteries in The Czech Republic that we'd seen. Sure enough, it was a Jewish cemetery. Most of the stones were inscribed in Hebrew and German, most were from the 19th century, but there were a few rather recent grave stones as well. Interesting.

And here, the local manor house, Schloß Gödens. We'd heard of it before because they have antique auctions there several times a year (nothing that we can afford, of course, but it would be fun to go sometime). The residence is private (can you imagine!) but the grounds are open for visitors.

Last, but not least, a windmill. How typically German. This is low country, and this is a water pump mill to help keep the fields drained. They used to be all over the place of course, but now there are only a few.

50 kilometers and we were back at the car. We'd packed essentials to spend the night somewhere, but decided it was easier to go home. So we did. Nice day.

Werner the Artist (but we knew that)


Here's a picture of Werner's latest effort, a stool painted for Gerd and Renate, our neighbors who looked after the house, the plants, took in the mail, and picked us up at the airport. Renate had mentioned how nice my kitchen stool was, how handy, and of course was surprised we did it ourselves. So, it seemed the right Thank You for them.


The painting is from one Nancy has at her house, a very appealing composition and color choice. They were really pleased (I should think so!) and of course asked why we don't do this for money. Easy answer - no one could afford us. Everything takes so long to finish!

A Cooking Event with René and Rima

Yes, an event it was. This was René and Rima's Christmas gift to us and to Monika and Lex - an evening with all of them and an invited Chef who would bring all the ingredients for a four-course meal. We could then work with him - or not - to make the meal , learn a little bit along the way, and then enjoy the results together. Not a bad idea!

And besides, René and Rima are wearing the aprons we made for them. Cool!

The extra table was set for the meal - this time for 8 but it can be done for 12 or 16.

The Chef arrived with all the requisite goodies, and then changed in to his Official Chef Clothes. All a part of the Event. Fun.

Here's the menu; of course, I have to translate. But one thing at a time.

The first task was preparing the main meat course since it had to be braised for two hours.

And it was -- Braised Veal Cheeks. WHAT? BRAISED VEAL CHEEKS. Never heard of it, but Google has over 46,ooo references to it. Guess I'm out of the loop...... Go figure.

Mr. Chef and René worked on preparing the cheeks and Werner prepared the veggie bed for the oven braising - extra fine white Port wine, red wine, Tahitian vanilla and veal fond are added and into the oven it goes - 300° for two hours or more.

In the meantime, we prepare the appetizer -

FOIS GRAS with POTATO MOUSSE, TRUFFLE OIL AND WHITE TRUFFLES

I'd never eaten truffles. Of course, you hear all the hype about truffles and you expect a lot. Now I have eaten truffles. Offer me truffles again and I will not refuse! It wasn't something to take my breath away, but the taste was quite different from anything I'd tasted before, had a certain texture I'd not expected, and maybe just a hint of something addictive. Yow. Maybe that's the thing about truffles -a bit to make you want more.

And then there was the fois gras - fois gras on the side !!!??? So, Julia, you remember my only experience with fois gras - at Lutèce in New York, the not-to-be-forgotten lunch when you sat in the chair where RICHARD I-am-not-a-crook NIXON sat and his good friend Robert Aplanap treated us to meal I will never forget. This fois gras doesn't compare, but I did recognize it and it was good. The bad thing is it's 99% fat. At least. Rich doesn't even begin to describe it. So, a beginning that one notices ....

This event needs some pauses, so here is Werner playing with Amina. It is such a pleasure to see she likes playing with the doll house we spent so much time re-doing.

Second course: SEA SCALLOPS ON A ORANGE - CARDAMON REDUCTION

The scallops had been placed in an ice water bath so they could swell. Then we took them out (FREEZING HANDS!) patted them dry and then they were sauteed with sprigs of fresh mint and a canola oil from Sweden that smelled like pure butter! Then the scallops were served on the reduction. Wow. I think this was my favorite part of the meal. Of course I LOVE seafood, and this orange cardamon flavor was incredible. I've done it before making french toast (here's a recipe) and it is a wonderful combination of flavors.

Here I suppose, I should insert pictures of us: first the ladies (me, Monika, Rima in various skin shades. Can you believe I am the most pale?? Why is that?)

And then the men (René, Lex, and Werner). I might have captured us at an off moment, but, believe me, we were all enjoying the food and the company!

Now, the main course: VEAL CHEEKS on a bed of potato and wasabi mousse.

The meat is naturally tough, but after this slooooooow braising, it is fork-tender and incredibly tasty. Wasabi is usually much too hot for me, but there was just enough here to be tasty but not burning.

At this point I was a bit unattentive - assorted wines, etc. , so I didn't get a picture of the dessert .

CHOCOLATE WONDERFUL

I don't know the name of it. A chocolate something that you bake and the outside is like cake and then you cut into it and all this chocolate liquid wonderful flows out and you eat it with spoon and fork and just sigh.

Sigh. WAAAY too much. Calories I don't want to count, cholesterol to die for. But the experience was nice. Mr. Chef was very congenial and willing to share all his recipes (let me know if you want something) and we all learned a trick or two about cooking fancy. I think Werner looks like he enjoyed it all!

USA - Weeks 2,3, and 4

Obviously, blogging was not the primary focus of our trip, so the Postings were pushed off ... and off ... and off. Herewith, a condensed version of the final three weeks of our time in the US.

Orlando

It took Hayden only minutes to warm up to us again. He's a corker - likes to move, likes to laugh, likes to pack things into the little table in the family room. It was AMAZING what he could put in there. Cheap entertainment! We took walks almost every day (there is occasional rain in the Sunshine State), watched Hayden while Mommy and Daddy worked, had a nice afternoon in Winter Park and lunch with Crissy's mom before we left at The Columbia - the fantastic Cuban restaurant from Tampa. Great Cuban sandwich! Besides leaving with fun memories, I left behind my germs and poor Hayden came down with the croup! Sorry!

Atlanta

We checked in at the Reid Hotel in Tucker this time - but it doesn't matter where we spend the nights, the days are always full of family. The focus of this visit was a celebration party for Tim and Carla, getting married in April. Only one no-show - poor Gina was up to her eyeballs in papers and briefs for an upcoming case. In addition to the immediate family, Larry's nephew Mitch and family were there - there's always room for more family! As usual, there was enough food to feed the Russian army - rib roast, chickens, veggies, salads, three desserts including a cake with a picture of the happy couple on it. What won't they think of next!


My cough was not getting better and I was a bit under the weather there, but we still had a wonderful visit.

Tallahassee

Maybe because it felt more like home, I finally went to the Doc in a Box when we got here. A little fever, a little pneumonia. Pneumonia! Well, there WAS a reason I wasn't feeling any better! So lots of antibiotics and rest, good food (more!) and a visit with Nancy. That's all good medicine. Here's Werner and Nancy with a bronze doggy that looks a lot like Bitty on the sidewalk in Thomasville.

Panama City Redux

The last few days in PC. First, the kids want us to walk them home. What fun! Too bad we only got to do it Monday. Tuesday, we picked them up and then drove to the beach. Glorious weather, though not quite enough wind to get the larger kite up. No mind - we enjoyed the smaller ones.



The next day, after returning the rental car, we went back to the beach once more. Salt air, salt water - they're healing and soothing. And - we found two teeny tiny perfect sand dollars and one baby's ear shell. Perfect.





Leaving is never easy what with all the packing, scrounging for a box for the stuff we bought (aluminum foil, chocolate chips, wooden stools, etc.) and making sure all our things are collected from around the house. And finish the teepee for Hayden's birthday! The hand prints are from cousins Hunter and Hannah. But this was a bit harder than usual - we spent the day in the airport waiting for delayed flights to resume and then they just up and cancelled everything. Tornados and strong storms will play havoc with air travel.

So back to Michelle + Joey's for one more night and off the next day without incident.

Sigh. It was a good trip. As always, we're looking forward to the next one already.

USA - Week 1
The best trip is the most uneventful. This ranks right up there with the most boring - that is to say, perfect. No significant delays, no cancellations, THE BAGS ARRIVED WITH US. That's worth a beer.

Yells and jumpings of the up and down sort greeted us when we got to Michelle and Joey's; that's simply the best. The kids have not grown so much as matured. A few months makes such a difference!

Unpack, get organized, hand out the little gifts. Hunter and Hannah really like the German Űberraschungseier, a chocolate egg with a little toy inside. So far, six of the ten are gone. The chocolate is of course incidental to the toy, which is cheap plastic, small, but somehow a little fascinating. Hunter has tucked away the ones from last time we were here.

Friday night there was a tag football game for Hunter in this incredible indoor complex for all kinds of sports. It was hopping! Lots (more than three is lots and this was way too many) teenagers doing what they do, noise, parents, popcorn, little kids. The game was fast and fun to watch.



Saturday we were back there again for indoor soccer, but we got the schedule a bit off and so missed the game. Only crocodile tears were shed - we showed up at 10 for the 8 o'clock game, but 8 might have brought on real tears!


And then it was Super Bowl Sunday! Party!



Here's Werner painting the field on some artificial turf that covered the table (later covered by lots of food) .....







...... and Hunter with his hand-made goal posts, one for the Colts, one for the Bears.







So many of the neighbors we've come to know so well were there - along with the kids. J+M had ordered a blow-up slide/jump thingy that kept the kids happy while the grown ups ate and bet and watched the game on the three televisions set up - family room, living room and terrace. Though it hadn't been a sunny day, there wasn't any rain (thank you!) and a good time was had by all - little kids and big kids alike. The Colts won, but that was incidental to all the fun.





Clean up is a breeze since the guys have no qualms about doing the house work.


Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday we walked to school to pick up the kids and then walked home together. That was a little adventure since they'd never done it before. It's not all that far - a mile plus - but there are only spotty sidewalks and a major intersection to cross. Going it alone is out of the question! But we had fun doing it together, throwing rocks in the water, finding rusty screws and checking out the flowers blooming already!

Michelle had repainted Hannah's room, so there was a bit of redecorating to do. Here's Hannah doing a bit of sewing with me. Never too young to learn!


So now it's off to Orlando and Lee, Crissy and Hayden. Part two coming soon.