The Magnificent Clash of Cultures

“Miss Judy, will you come on Thursday to share our bread and salt, as we say?” “Oh, thank you for the invitation.  I would love to come.  But bread and salt are all I will share, because in the evening we Americans have our Thanksgiving celebration, with a big feast.” “Good.  We normally do not… Continue reading The Magnificent Clash of Cultures

Apples — Part One

With many thanks to Helmut and Christel for sharing this information.  What’s the connection between apples and your local Council? Plenty, if you happen to live in Rheinstetten, Germany.  Our friend Helmut has a buddy-buddy relationship with his town council – a very forward thinking lot, those people. Their public land is dotted with apple… Continue reading Apples — Part One

Wassail!

Wassail On a dark January night at the time of the new moon I arrived at an icy parking lot with my tin pan and wooden spoon, little knowing what was awaiting me. I joined 50 shadowy figures wreathed in black flowing clothing, black painted faces and amazing feathered flowered headgear.  Every time they moved… Continue reading Wassail!