Exquisite Netherlands

We had two holidays bookending a weekend, so most of the senior missionary couples headed out of town to the Netherlands. Bob, knowing how to make me very, very happy, headed toward the blustery seaside town of Zandvoort.

I must say that I was absolutely in Heaven when we got to the sea. It was a cold and windy spring day and overcast when we first arrived. But just for our visit, the skies cleared, the wind abated, and the sun shone down in all of its glory. 

The wide and empty beach of fine sand was much like the sand of the South Bay in California. Being up on the cliff reminded me of overlooking Redondo Beach but much windier and colder.

The beach houses were fabulous. . .

and I discovered a quaint street with a darling shop while Bob looked for birds on the beach.

Truly in Heaven!

We left Heaven and drove toward Zuid-Hennemerland National Park. Along the way we saw this cool sculpture and this large tree off in the distance that we were to discover was not a tree at all, but the way that they camoflauge their utility poles.

The dunes were so usual with their sunken spots, as the land is all below sea level.

 Zuid-Hennemerland National Park where the bathrooms have a better view than most five star hotels.

A Busy April

Our time here is passing by quickly and being involved in many different activities with wonderful people makes time fly by. This month we had a lovely fireside with President and Sister Leimer. They talked about enduring to the end and told the remarkable story of  Cliff Young, who at 61, won the World's toughest race.

http://www.elitefeet.com/the-legend-of-cliff-young

We did our home teaching and attended the Temple and then went out to dinner at Me-King with our fellow missionaries. We went to the Temple again with the Coltons and the Moores to do sealings for Julie's family members. We also had a wonderful barbecue at the Coltons to say farewell to Joe and Kathy Wirthlin who are moving to New York to be Mission Presidents there. We also had a delightful Thai lunch with the Coltons and some of their kids who were in town. 

For our Sisters Day Out this month, I arranged a luncheon at our neighborhood Chinese restaurant, Ni Hao. The owner served us "Sky Juice,"which is tap water--a rare find in restaurants in Germany. The portions served here are so huge, that it's always two meals, and the food is delicious. We love the Krabbenchips--puffed rice chips--that our fluffy, crisp, and tasty.

The English and International Theaters

We spent our Family Home Evening on Monday going to a presentation about the Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale Festival, which is held annually in Hanau (the birthplace of Wilhelm and Jakob). Each summer, new fairy tales are performed in German on an elaborate outdoor stage at the Philippsruhe Castle. We enjoyed seeing some of our friends from the TLS theater company there. We met Dieter Gring, the artistic director of the festival, and invited him to come to see our production in English of A Grimm Tale in the fall. They served lovely food after the program. 

We were curious to see in the park across the street, a lot of tents set up for a sit in.

In April, we were invited to attend The Foreigner written by Larry Shue, a very funny comedy produced by TLS and directed by Abigail Paul. We attended this performance at the Frankfurt International Theater.

I am so much looking forward to the production of my play, A Grimm Tale, that will be produced in November or December of 2012. They will begin casting it this summer.

April Is Here!

April is here! In a neighborhood yard, we found an egg tree.

The daffodils are coming up in the most unusual places, like in the middle of lawns. The blossoms on the trees are bursting open, and it is so pretty. We are also grateful for warmer weather, and we hope that you are enjoying it too!

We loved listening to the LDS General Conference and spent most of Saturday and Sunday enjoying the sessions. It's amazing how each individual can hear exactly what is needed. We each felt inspired and received many comforting messages and answers. We are grateful for a loving Prophet, and leaders, and the Gift of the Holy Ghost.

On Saturday afternoon, Bob and I took off for a little adventure to Bergerstrasse. This is a fun street with lots of little shops, a fruit and vegetable market, a Woolworth's Store and a Euro (Dollar) Store! What a find! I got some crochet yarn for my quilt and a new pair of dollar earrings. At the end of the street is a beautiful Oriental Garden and a park. Bob enjoyed an afternoon of bird watching and found five new birds!

I enjoyed gathering Spring floral ideas. The flower shops here, really know how to put things together in creative ways.