February Odds and Ends

For us here in Ehningen, February was definitely winter--with more snow than the last two winters put together. But, there have been some brights spots, when the sun has broken through the clouds (both literally and figuratively).

And there have been some encouraging and exciting signs of spring. The snowbell shoots I found a couple of weeks ago are just about to open!



The kids were able to enjoy some of the snow (except for when it was their turn to have the colds and flu that we passed around). Kira was very proud of the Calvin & Hobbes inspired snowman she made all by herself. After a few days, though, even he looked like he was tired of February.


Sarah surprised us with a bit of "springtime" when the little, green chrysalis she has been keeping in a glass in her room since fall actually produced a little butterfly (Emma had saved one, too--but when it started growing mold I banished it to the bin). Schmetti (short for Schmetterling, the German word for butterfly) subsisted the first few days on sugar water. Then, amazingly, the plant that Sarah had also had in her room since fall produced one single flower. It was amazing to watch Schmetti's long tongue roll out to eat the nectar. I'm embarrassed to say that as a former Biology teacher, I don't know the normal life span of a butterfly--but, Schmetti was only with us for a couple of weeks. During that time we were able to witness and enjoy some incredible miracles of nature, as well as learn some of the consequences of changing the natural course of things.
Also on the subject of "the natural course of things", Chuck, Kira, and I spent yesterday afternoon at the funeral of a wonderful lady who had been the oldest member of our Tübingen ward--Sister Margarete Schneider. It was a sweet service, even though the weather was rainy and cold--just like funerals in the movies. We are especially grateful that we were able to spend some time with her just a few weeks ago when we took the older Primary kids (plus Kira) for a visit--with our offerings of flowers, goodies, and songs. It was meaningful to all of us to see how thankful and happy she was to have us there.