Clean up

The Candlelight Dinner runs for two evenings so the morning after the first evening, everything has to be cleaned up and done again. Bethany and I volunteered along with several other people to go at 10:00 this morning to clean up the tables and re-set them for tonight. There were at least 15 of us working for 2 hours to get things ready for tonight.


The napkin rings were all handmade. There were three styles of keyholes. A very creative idea.

The Candlelight Dinner 2009

The theme this year - "Sing Freedom!" - highlights the escape of the Negro slaves to Canada on the underground railroad and gives a strong message of Hope and Freedom.


A portrait of Harriet Tubman painted by one of our local artists.
Our great friend, Danny, the singer, songwriter and performer extraordinaire had a key role in the whole event.
Two murals painted by the grade 5 teacher.

The reason it's called "The Candlelight Dinner".
Here is Harriet Tubman telling the story of the plight of the slave and their yearning for freedom.
The gospel choir directed by Danny.


The gospel choir with the HS choir = about 100 singers! It was fantastic.


A strange effect called "grain". It certainly is!
It was a powerful evening and we trust that people were moved by the very strong message of Freedom in Christ!

Daffodils

I love daffodils. And I love it that I can go to the grocery store and buy a bundle for 79 Euro cents. The first time I saw them there I did not have a clue what they were. It was only after I had had them at home for a few days that I saw them begin to spread their wings and and come to life. Then they lasted for days... I really love daffodils. A great bargain for a beautiful flower that is quite hearty yet very delicate. Works for me!

Today I can say today is my birthday!

Years ago Katy made up a little song... Two days before her birthday... "tomorrow I can say, tomorrow is my birthday...Next day... "today I can say tomorrow is my birthday...Birthday day..."today I can say, today is my birthday...". It was cute and it has stuck, so much so that we all know it and we all sing it when her birthday is coming close. So yes, today she can say that TODAY is her birthday - her 17th at that!
We had the traditional gift opening on our bed this morning. The card Bethany made for Katy. Beth was inspired by the Basel artist and sculptor, Jean Tinguley.
A lovely card from Grandma Dennis.
Some of Bethany's old organ music that she used to wrap Katy's gifts. I love this idea!
Katy loves tins and Howard found this one for 1 Euro in that second-hand store in France that we enjoy so much. It was very dirty but once I took the Windex to it, it looked like new.

She had a wonderful day at school while I was busy, busy, busy getting things ready for her birthday supper. She had wanted a poppy seed cake and today it turned out absolutely perfect. I was very pleased.
Bethany has been home this week so she took charge of the table setting.
Katy arrived home after school with all her loot from so many friends. She is a well-loved young woman!
I personally didn't think the meal was that hilarious but at least everyone enjoyed themselves!

My kind of sign

I don't think I could ever get enough pictures of these beautiful signs that grace so many of the stores and buildings.

Endingen

On our way up to the Black Forest on Saturday we stopped in the historic town of Endingen.





This town knows how to decorate for Fasching. No underwear hanging above the streets here!




A few Carnival cakes through the bakery window. Amazing creativity!