Roger and Noah

Now does he look the part or what! This is my darling Roger with little Noah fast asleep in the pram. We were taken to visit the Rheinfalls by Jakob and Eliane. This was a special treat for us, and especially for Jocelyn. We had a wonderful time, spent in the company of lovely new friends. We provided the picnic and yes, the weather was even kind to us.

More photos to come, though I am having trouble posting them since I changed to the new blogger. (I do these things and then regret them!).

OFF TO MUNICH

We've had a rather bumpy ride during January, especially as I have been so sick. Roger and I have been feeling a little sad that we have not been able to show Jocelyn any of the beautiful sights of our area so we are off to Munich for a couple of days with Jocelyn in tow!!! We're going of train OF COURSE.

We leave EARLY Wednesday morning and come back on Friday. I look forward to telling you all about it.

AUSTRALIA DAY GIRL'S NIGHT - JANUARY 26

My darling daughter Jocelyn leaves for Melbourne Sunday 4 February. She put the pressure on to meet 'my girls' before she goes! We settled on 26 January so thought it most appropriate to celebrate Australia Day with my German girlfriends and Amanda from America. We made sausage rolls, savoury pies, meat balls (with tomato sauce of course) and lamingtons. Amanda made some muffins and friends brought Australian wine and various drinks.

Jocelyn and I thought of 10 quiz questions about Australia. Took some thinking I can tell you. There were 7 of us altogether and another great evening was had by all.

The next day being Saturday (and Roger off on a Men's Retreat), Jocelyn and I slept in, had breakfast in bed, watched a movies and then eventually did the dishes of the night before!

Thanks Mum

Yay! This is my first post to my Mum's blog.... This picture above is or her and me at Rhinefalls in Switzerland, which we visited with a lovely young couple and their son from Mum and Dad's local FEG chuch. To commemorate my first post here and my first visit to my parents at their new home, I just wanted to start with a BIG thank you to Gaynor....

Thank you for cups of tea and lovely chats...
Thank you for your yummy cooking...
Thank you for washing and ironing my clothes...
Thank you for taking up my trousers...

Thanks for watching TV with me...
Thanks for helping with that puzzle!!
Thanks for taking me on walks...
Thanks for taking me to the shops...

Thank you for introducing me to your friends...
Thank you for including me in your quiet times...
Thank you for letting me take care of you when you were sick...
Thank you for allowing me to help around the house...

But most of all I'd just like to thank God for blessing me with such a wonderful, godly woman for my Mum. A woman who has modelled being a good wife and mother, a hard worker, a lovely lady, a faithful friend. A woman who takes an interest, without being nosy... Who remembers when and what people need... A woman who loves not only with her words, but with her whole heart, her hands and most importantly her feet!!

May our Father continue to bless you as you minister in the place where he has called you.

Lots of Love,
Jocelyn <><

IT'S SNOWING

Apologies for my silence and thank you each one who has been praying for me. I am so much better now. I do get tired and occasional twinges that don't feel so good but I am on my feet and raring to go again.

At last it has snowed (last Tuesday night and Wednesday). This is a view from our bedroom window. In fact, whilst Roger was at the Mosaic Men's Retreat today, Jocelyn and I sat in bed having breakfast and watching 'Hussle'. We pulled back the light curtain and also watched 'the snow f a l l i n g from the sky' (just for Glenda)!! What a way to spend a lazy Saturday.

Watch this space! I have so much to tell you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOM

I'm late with this one! Sorry darling Tom. We know you had a great Birthday celebrated in style with your gorgeous wife Glenda in the heat of beautiful Melbourne. May you have the most fantastic year and stay focused and well. It was absolutely wonderful to chat to you on the phone this morning.

Housebound and Tired !

Was not sure if I should post about me at the moment, but I need your prayers. I have Shingles and it is driving me crazy. A rash appeared last Wednesday and of course I didn't have a clue what it was until the blisters appear on Sunday. I am in pain, it is very itchy and I am tired. Most annoying as I really have to lie low for this week AND I DON'T WANT TO!

Please pray for my healing and that it won't be long and drawn out and that the pain and itching will subside quickly. If you have any remedies I'd be most interested to hear them!

Background to Three King's Day

When I posted the photo's below (in a hurry as always) I knew I should include more information about this occasion. So, here is a little research done by me. Thanks Pat and Angie for your comments. I can see we are going to become great blogging friends!


On the evening before Three Kings, traditionally there were prayers, blessed dried herbs would be burnt and their aromatic smell would fill the house. Doorways would be sprinkled with holy water and the master of the house would write with chalk C + M + B and the year above the house and barn door and say: "Caspar, Melchior, Balthasar, behütet uns auch für dieses Jahr, vor Feuer und vor Wassergefahr." ("CMB, protect us again this year from the dangers of fire and water.") C + M + B has traditionally been translated with Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar, however, according to the Church it stands for "Christus Mansionem Benedictat" (Christ bless this home).

The custom of the Star Singers, reminiscent of the travel of the Three Kings is still very much alive in Bavaria and Austria. Beginning with New Years and through January 6, children dressed as the kings, and holding up a large star, go from door to door, caroling and singing a Three Kings' song. For this they receive money or sweets. Formerly the collected donations went to unemployed craftsmen and veterans, today they go to charities of the church or the Third World.

THREE KING'S DAY

It's Saturday and a Public Holiday in this part of the world. I'm sorry I can't tell you what Three King's Day is in German. Yesterday we had a visit from 5 little Kings and a young lady helping them along! As usual our hearts bubbled over with joy at this amazing sight. Here they are singing a carol to us and reciting a message for us. They were also collecting money for the children in Madagascar. We sent them on their way with a Caramello Koala each. (Ah, those funny Australian's living in Schopfheim!).

New Year's Eve

Girls's Just Wanna Have Fun!!! (Lorraine, Gaynor & Jocelyn) Famous Bernard on the keys!

















Spoilt by Jocelyn's beautiful singing. (This Mum is NOT biased!)

NEW YEAR'S EVE (SILVESTER)

The very famous Herr Bernhard Rytz playing amazing jazz on his beautiful Fazioli Grand Piano. Herr Roger Ridley singing jazz!! What a night. An evening of quality rather than quantity enjoyed with amazing friends in Basel. How very blessed we are to be living in this beautiful place in the world.

The Smiling Trio

Peter, Caroline and Gaynor at the Centrepoint International Christmas Apero in Basel. A great time to meet new friends and catch up with old friends. As you can see, I really enjoyed myself.