EASTER MONDAY - Visit to Kempen

Andreas & Ruth's Backyard Monday morning

Ruth and Andreas took us to the historical village of Kempen, only 6 km's from their village. Long ago it was a 'walled village' and you can see the remains of the wall. We had 4 seasons in one day on Monday, but it was lovely to visit this very interesting village. Just as well the shops were closed. There were some very nice kitchenware shops that Roger and I would have loved to have a 'browse' in!! We did get out of the cold and have afternoon tea in a very nice cafe.

STEFFI'S 18TH BIRTHDAY

Maria, Ruth, Steffi and Andreas

Roger and I enjoyed gathering with the Karsten family on Sunday to celebrate Steffi's 18th Birthday. Maria always cooks a very yummy midday meal (we have enjoyed several over the years) and it's always fun trying to speak in German and getting told off by Maria that we haven't learnt more in the time we have been here. But she's patient and enjoys a visit from the Pastor and Gaynor. Sunday was the pick of the days (weatherwise) over Easter.

TRAIN TO KREFELD

WELL...... we were extremely spoilt going by First Class Rail to Krefeld. Roger is friendly with the man who issues the rail tickets at the Bahnhof in Schopfheim. He said it was 2 euro cheaper for us to travel first class by rail to Krefeld because he could do a special deal. Whilst travelling I said to Roger "I could get used to this"!! Lovely seats to sit in, leg rests, nice toilets, free papers to read, choccies (!!!!!) and personal service from the Restaurant! What more could we want on our travels (and most of you would know we love travelling on the train).

Here are a few pictures taken out of the window of the ICE as it winds it's way up the Rhine River.

We would have loved to jump off and camp along the way, but it's still a little nippy!!!

EASTER HOT CROSS BUNS

In my misery (shouldn't say that - I'm just not myself), I decided to try my hand at Hot Cross Buns. You can't buy them here in Germany. Well, I am pretty happy with the result, and taste. If I make them regularly I will be able to perfect the recipe. A little more salt and a little more spice! Also, not sure about the container, but that's what the recipe said to use. I could make them a little more even!

Now I'm waiting for Roger to produce a delicious dinner, but sorry, no photo's!

Dinner with the Albrechts

Jakob, Eliane Noah and Roger with the 'cars'

A real little boy!!

Roger's black Rolls Royce in the foreground (from his childhood). A big hit with the boys!

ST PATRICK'S DAY

Sorry Pat!! I have been quite unwell this past week and definitely didn't feel like blogging. I have a virus/flu and it doesn't want to go away. I am still feeling rather sick in the stomach and not feeling like doing a great deal. But hopefully I will be better soon.

We are off to Dusseldorf by train for Easter, leaving Wednesday and we are both looking forward to this. Nothing like a good train ride to cheer oneself up! We will stay with Ruth and Andreas and be back next Tuesday night. Hopefully we will have happy pictures to share after this time.

And I've lost my comments! I fiddled and I shouldn't have!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY OUR DARLING GLENDA

Wishing our Darling Glenda a Happy Birthday for Friday 7 March. We trust you have a wonderful Birthday and do something special with your darling husband. Just think you have the whole long weekend to celebrate your Birthday. That should be fun. We're just sorry we won't be there to spoil you, but we are there in spirit darling. We love you very much and think you're an amazing young lady who is rising to many challenges at the moment. Good for you. Our prayer is that you will cast all your cares upon Jesus who cares for you very much.


Isn't this photo the cutest? Hope you don't mind me sharing it with the world, especially as you haven't quite become the proud owners of little Peach yet. The pick up day is Easter Sunday, so not long to go now.


With our love, very special daughter,
Mum and Dad xo xo xo xo xo xo xo xo xo

LIFE

Life is ticking along. Can you believe it is now March? My goodness what is going to happen to this year. Which means I make the most of each and every day. I am recovering from the common cold (most miserable) so have not felt like doing much at all. I've even enjoyed a couple of sleeps in the afternoon. I'd love to do it all the time, just to recharge the batteries, but it usually doesn't happen.

I've had some lovely contacts with people that I wouldn't normally come into contact with of late and I've thoroughly enjoyed this. I love people. Can't seem to get enough of them.

Hiking has been great and of course a good way to have long conversations as you come alongside people that are walking the same pace as you!
I've been involved in a 6 week 'Memoir Writing Workshop' which I have found very challenging. Probably not the best time to be doing it, but I have really enjoyed the other 4 ladies doing the course and it has challenged me in a way I haven't been challenged before. We've had 3 sessions so far. It is being run at Centrepoint (the English speaking Club in Basel) and of course if free to members, so that's a bonus in itself!

Last Sunday we went with friends to visit a Christian Celtic Community in Einigen, Switzerland. I will post a few photo's Roger took. It was the most beautiful day and the Alps looked stunning. What a joy it was to meet Roger and Ursula, who run the Community.

Driving in the car to Einigen

View from the house to the barn and lake

Roger playing 'tag' with Stryker-Ann and Wils!