Jane Comes to Visit

The same day that Amanda left, our friend Jane McMurrer arrived in Strasbourg. Jane teaches at Center Grove High School and was passing through on a trip to Salzburg by the school symphony orchestra. (Note: Salzburg is not to be confused with Strasbourg. Salzburg is in Austria and is the birthplace of Mozart. This year they are celebrating his 250th birthday.) Jane planned to stay with us for 10 days or so.

On the week-end of Jane's arrival, we took a drive down along the wine route to visit the village of Turckheim. Among other things, Turckheim has an outlet for Staub cookware. Staub makes top-of-the-line cookware, mostly enamel on cast iron. The prices are significantly marked down, but are still too pricey for my wallet. On the other hand, they have a line of ceramic cookware that they sell for 2 euro per kilo. This makes for cost-effective cooking.

Anyways, Turckhiem is one of the lovely little Alsatian villages with half-timbered houses and flower boxes. The opening picture is of Jane with the waiter who provides us with lunch. She wanted a picture with local scenery. And there you have it.

Following picture proves that winter is over and the flowers are back in bloom.Turkheim also has a museum dedicated to World War II and the liberation of Alsace in 1944 - 5. It's a small museum but it gives a flavor of the destruction that occurred in the villages. Moreover, it gave a warm remembrance of the USA's involvement, which was appreciated by an American like me living away from home in this day and age.It says "The village of Turckhiem in remembrance of the 50th anniversery of it's liberation. Feb 4, 1945 - Feb 4, 1995. The population in recongnition of the French soldiers of the 1st Shock Batallion and the American soldiers of the 112th Infantry Regiment of the 28th Infantry Division."