The featured photo was taken last year. I’ll probably get a 2024 era photo later today.

It amazes me how time flies. It seems like we just had Christmas, and now it’s time for Easter. I have been noticing that, along with the new blooms in gardens and on the trees and bushes, we also have some “eggs” showing up in the neighborhood. I’ve seen a couple of Ostereierbaum (Easter egg trees) springing up in the village.

A few years ago, I wrote a blog post about the German tradition of people putting up an Ostereierbaum in their yards to help celebrate the spring holiday season. I haven’t yet taken any pictures of the ones I’ve seen in Breckenheim, but I did happen to walk Noyzi while a huge crew of neighborhood folks were putting up our Dorfplatz Easter display…

Based on our local Facebook group’s postings, it looks like there was also trash pickup. I really like this community spirit in our neighborhood. People are friends with each other and they work together to make the community better. It’s a spirit I rarely saw in the United States, although I do think Gloucester had its moments… at least back in the 80s. I’ll bet there was beer and/or wine drinking after this chore was accomplished.

I’m sure I’ll see the newly erected Easter egg decorations as I walk Noyzi later. I’m glad it’s Sunday, because that means that Bill will be home in just a few days. It would have been nice to have company yesterday. The weather was pleasant… or, at least it was sunny outside, rather than cold, cloudy, and depressing. The sun lifts my spirits and makes me want to plan trips!

But first… we have a new family member who will hopefully be joining us very soon… Stay tuned!

Edited to add: A few more 2024 era photos…