Dear Reader
It is here, and we think SPRING, because tulips and other spring
flowers are sticking out their greenery to test the
temperatures. They are still careful, and that is good, because
despite temperature above 10 degrees Celsius the nights are
threatening still with frost and even snow is again in the
forecast. The snow drops are bravely holding their ground, as
are some daring crocus. Some of the birds that frequented the
garden a month ago have disappeared again due to the frigid
temperatures. Hopefully they return soon. Or is it the
neighbour’s very agile little tomcat that runs like a squirrel
up and down the evergreen trees that are home to some of them
that chased them away?
Regardless of the reason, we are awaiting spring eagerly and
impassionedly, especially after we visited Canada Blooms. This
early show always inspires and brings great ideas to gardeners
and other creators of outdoor spaces. This year the designers
put emphasis on a special colour scheme, fuchsias and bright
pinks and purples, a theme I have followed a for a
 while
already. Even my porch chairs are pink. One could say that I was
ahead of my time; but next year I will be behind, because I am
sticking to this theme.
On the front page you see me talking to Ben Heppner who inspired
one of the gardens in the show. We also visited with
 some other
interesting people, like Adam Bienenstock, you guessed it, his
parents were German, who creates the most wonderful natural
playgrounds. And then there was Karen Fralich, sculptor
extraordinaire! Well, you just have to read all about it.
Other than that we had a lot going on in our personal life,
birthdays and such…We also welcomed a new president to the
Concordia Club in Kitchener, visited a festival of songs with 3
choirs in Oshawa, a film afternoon at the Hansa House, and a few
other little events, some of which we will report about. Easter
is very late this year. Thus I have lots of time to prepare for
the children in my life…No, not mine, but the ones from
neighbours and friends.
It is definitely time to recall some of our old customs and
re-enact them, as we do in the clubs with Easter egg hunts and
Easter brunch and a new suit or bonnet, or new shoes, and all
that of course after spring cleaning.
Let us enjoy all those wonderful things now, because come May we
are going to elect yet another government about which we will be
as unhappy as about the present version. I am following the
rhetoric of the various parties and they all cancel each other
out. So it is impossible to decide who is closer to the truth,
knowing full well, that no one is going to tell us the truth,
the whole truth and nothing but the truth.
 This election would be very interesting if our young people
would have as much guts as those in Egypt had. But I guess our
bellies are too full here to demonstrate that much civil
courage.
Regardless of all this gloom and doom, I wish you a very Happy
Easter, full of the spirit of renewal.
Happy Easter!
Sybille Forster-Rentmeister
As the editor of Echo Germanica Sybille reflects on cultural, artistic,
political and daily events within the German-Canadian landscape.
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