Fall in Germany--Fests, Food, Photos and Facts

Loved the vine-covered garage/barn

Facts, the latter, would be best to get rid of first--rather like a child eating his vegetables before the other food on the plate.  Thank you to those praying for my “out of field” assignment in science.  Until we went out of town last Wednesday, during the day off due to German Reunification, I did not realize how many hours were consumed daily with either research, preparation, or agonizing...we’re not even talking about teaching here.  Last Friday’s prayer request was for focus and some greater understanding of the end from the beginning to ease this constant pressure of lots of information and a lack of direction.  (Thanks to those of you praying with me.) That afternoon, as I was going through material on my computer stored for future use, I came across an on-line course that did not make much sense earlier; I did not have enough information at that time.  The great things is how it fills in the big areas for the overall pattern desired for the year.  Yes!!!  Between the research plans and this presentation of various segments, it seems like it will come together; now if it could just magically fall into place while I was sleeping. I’d really like that.

“Fests” and “food” equal the vocabulary of the season.  “The Holtsen craft fair is fantastic; you have to go the weekend of the 6th,” was heard repeatedly in one form or another, and I love craft fairs.  Well, it was uncertain because without a car it was too far to walk.   That, too, became a matter of prayer on Friday morning.  (Trying to help Him out, I checked the bus schedule Friday afternoon--yes, a bus goes to there, but not on the weekends.) Late Friday evening Laura, our host, FBed asking if Pat and I would like to go to Lörroch for the Kürbisfest, the pumpkin festival the next day.  Long story short, Saturday afternoon Pat, Laura, Brant, and I were headed there.  Delightful.  While there, my food choice was the creamy Kürbissuppe, of course!  Delicious.  These red, roundish pumpkins can even be cooked and eaten with the skin on!  While strolling amid the various pumpkin related tents,  naturally the storekeepers had wares out to attract as well, lots of eye candy.  After a morning of productive study and walking around the fest, the day was topped off by finding computer speakers so I can listen to iTunes radio, something I’d been looking for online.  Double jackpot!  Then we headed back, and Laura said, “Plan on coming to Holtsen with us after church tomorrow.”  Well, I’m not a gambling gal, but isn’t that like the slot machine handle that is pulled and the pictures whirl around, and if you’re lucky, three of the same things coming up at one time...home run. (jig dance here) Oops, mixed metaphor.  Excuse me.

MISSING PHOTO:  In the Kürbisfest one vender of food had an entire cow carcass on a rotisserie from which they sliced off meat to make the sandwiches.  By the time we were there it was almost all bones.  I'll have to get that one for you.  And this is in the city!

Laura & Brant, our hosts, w/ a hand carved deer

Holsen is a stork preserve...they're all over 

Sunday’s message was MUCH more encouraging than the dreary, rainy weather that started the day.  However, being true to the German fortitude--can’t refrain from going in lousy weather or nothing will ever get done attitude--we went.  The food tent was the first stop in hopes the rain would give up.  Kürbissuppe could be had, but I opted for another local food, a thin crust pizza with sautéd onions in a cream sauce, one of the few pizzas they have here that I do care for.  Then the rain stopped and we could look around. I loved the felted scarfs and hats, beautifully colorful and gauzy. Farther down one lady had rocks painted with cats, “Ruth” written on every one, but especially the tabbies.  As we walked, a woman walzed among the crowd dramatically dressed in black with red roses liltingly playing an accordian.  To add to the effect was her partner dancing to the rhythm, circling her while covering her with an umbrella...wonderful!  We agreed to meed at certain time...where else but a place for Karottenkuchen (carrot cake) and Kaffee...really inexpensive at fairs and home-made-by-a-baker-person good.  Afterward I had to return to the one thing that grabbed my attention--uniquely shaped and glazed tableware at one booth. The slightly arched mug in variegated greens and brown glazes perfectly complements a bowl and plate with a slight triangular shape, all delicately and finely crafted.  After getting it home, I wished it could have been a set of each of the color it is so gorgeous...a perfect finish to a delightful outing.

Yes, I started back to work that evening, but not for long.  It was good to have a chance to talk to Ruth.  This time difference really makes calling difficult.  I go to bed around 10 here, which is 6 in the Eastern time zone...not very flexible, especially for those who work until 6 in the evening.  That was a great way to end a full weekend.

The next time we’ll have to talk about the kids, school, and some unusual announcements there.

The dishes