Let the Disks fly

A tradtion in our area of Germany, which probably has its roots going back hundreds of years, is to mark the end of winter and invite spring to come.  This is connected to the Lent Season somehow and usually follows "Fasching" which is like Carnival or Mardi Gras.  While we don't take part in the colourful, loud, and often rowdy festivities that lead up to lent, we do join our village in the tradition of welcoming spring.

Every village lights a HUGE bonfire on the highest hill above their town.  I think all of the tree cuttings and Christmas trees are collected for months and added to the pile.  It is as big as a house.  There are many little bonfires as well and people gather together for a fun time.  The activity of the evening is letting the disk fly...

 The little girls happily stand on the side waiting their turn.  I think they have more fun talking with each other and watching the boys, although they will all take a few turns.  For the boys, this evening ranks right up there in the best days of the year.  Fire, sticks, buring disks - can it really get much better?

 
The How to.....
First you need the disks.  These are wooden squares with beveled edges and a hole in the center.

Then you need the sticks.  They must be of hazelwood.  Danny and Jason went up the  woods to cut their sticks, feeling quite on top of this cultural event.  They walked by a group of men who commented on their sticks.  Yes, D &J said, they knew it had to be hazel wood. On their return. sticks, in hand, they passed this same group of men who asked how many people were planning to shoot off the disks.  Confused, D & J remarked, "Well, two."  This was met with a huge burst of laughter.  Even more confused Danny asked and discovered that every person needs AT LEAST 4 sticks!  So much for their pride.

Then you put the disk on your stick and place it in the fire.  When it is nicely glowing it is ready.

While you wait for your turn at the ramp, you keep your sticks held high, waving them slightly to keep them glowing.

 

ANd then it is time to take aim, and fire.  The disk should hit the ramp at just the right angle.  When done right the disk flies off of the stick and goes soaring into the valley below.  This takes a fair amount of practice to get it right and it is so fun to see the older men teaching the young ones.  Every boy wants to hear the approving "whoa...gut!!" after his disk has been fired.

Jason has had a few years practice and can hold his own pretty good.  He got a few approving comments.

 

The Siberian Cold

We woke up this morning to another fresh layer of snow.  Winter here tends to be quite mild, hovering around the 0°C, but dipping down lower at least once in the winter.  Snow is not uncommon but is doesn't usually last long.
This winter began unusually mild, but now for the past two weeks the temperatures have stayed consistently below 0°.  We have even had -17°C one night. We are fortunate as many other parts of Europe have had much colder temps.  The weather man called it "The Siberian Cold". So glad for a house with good heating!

20 Years!

Twenty years ago today, we boarded a plane and flew to Germany to begin a new adventure.  We were young and Lindsey was not even a year old.  We had no idea how long the adventure would last, and today we look back with grateful hearts for all of these wonderful years and for God's great faithfulness.

A Great Day for A Carriage Ride

 On Sunday, although the weather was quite cold, we were taken on a carriage ride.  The day was clear and crisp.  The snow was crunchy and the views were wonderful. 

Seventeen

Our dear son turned 17 last week!  He is growing into a very fine young man for which we are so thankful. We are also thankful for his group of friends.  They are a great bunch of guys!  Here are a few of them, about to devour the birthday cake...

The Tree

A short distance from our home begins a walk that is always a favourite with us.  It is an easy walk, perfect for chatting and walking at the same time.  It leads to the castle ruins above Loerrach.  We do love to wander around the ruin but when the kids were young the favourite part always seemed to be "The Tree".  Today was no exception.  The castle was closed, but the tree (or maybe I should say, "it's roots") still held its pull.

Another Year...

Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
In working or in waiting, another year with Thee.
Another year of progress, another year of praise,
Another year of proving Thy presence all the days.

Another year of mercies, of faithfulness and grace,
Another year of gladness in the shining of Thy face;
Another year of leaning upon Thy loving breast;
Another year of trusting, of quiet, happy rest.

Another year of service, of witness for Thy love,
Another year of training for holier work above.
Another year is dawning, dear Father, let it be
On earth, or else in Heaven, another year for Thee.

Words: Frances Havergal, 1874. Music: Samuel Wesley, 1864