Dear Reader
For the first time we contemplated taking a substantial summer
break and skip an issue, but being German has its way of
sneaking in with the discipline of old: you do not change a good
routine without good reason. Our reason would simply have been
that we wanted a break, but that is not enough to stop doing
what we always do, and that is to at least have a small offering
for you, our readers, even though the beaches are beckoning.
Speaking of beaches: If there are not children to be cared for
it is a great time to grab a book and catch up on a little
reading. Traditionally I read something very light, even
something like romance novel, yes, you got that right! – but
this time I took a couple of unusual books along, both in
German. You can read
 about them under “Für Sie gelesen”.
I recently heard from a reader who loves Long Point on Lake
Erie. She was wondering where my favorite spot is. I can tell
you that it is Long Point too. It reminds me so much of my youth
and days on and at the Baltic Sea (Ostsee), where I was born,
not in Berlin, as so many of you think. Perhaps it is even more
beautiful than the Baltic, which does not have the dunes with
trees on them, but the space feels similar with its wide open
sky, only water on the horizon and pale sand, gulls littering
the beach, tending their nursery, teaching their young ones to
fly high, swallows suddenly swooping down for insect prey. A
constant breeze off the lake makes it sometimes necessary to
wear a light cardigan, even when the temperatures are 30 plus
degrees on the other side of the dune.
In the city there is lots happening too and we did make an
effort to go see a few happenings, but we skipped Caribana this
year. It just is getting very big and I have not got the stamina
anymore to stand for hours in the sun with a million people to
watch the parade go by. Instead I enjoyed my garden morning,
noon and night for meals and tranquility. This year we have
attracted even more beautiful birds, which I have not even
identified yet. They display remarkable colours like bright
yellow and red. Butterflies and bees of various descriptions are
also abounding. I guess we finally planted all the right
flowers.
August is the last end of summer, which was much longer than
usual, since it started so early, but it does not feel longer.
This season can never be too long for me.
One last word in regards to the front page. We visited the
annual event of the Remembrance Society at the Anny Tuerr
Memorial and feted afterwards at Paul Tuerr’s farm. It is good
to be reminded of the purpose and never lose sight of the
society’s goals. If you are not a fan or member yet, it would be
good to join so we have a voice for peace and tolerance that is
loud and clear. I’ll give you the details in the report.
So, let us enjoy the rest of the summer to the fullest, let us
meet at picnics and garden parties, on the beach and on boats,
let us enjoy all that Canada has to offer that we love so much.
Until next time,
Sybille Forster-Rentmeister
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