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Oktoberfest 2011

For as many years as I can remember, we've been invited to celebrate the German heritage of our family friend at his annual Oktoberfest.  I think that in the 30 or so years that he's been hosting this party, I've probably only missed it twice (and one of those times we were at the mother of all Oktoberfests in Munich). 

At Hans' party, much like in Germany, it's all about the traditional food, the good beer and the polka.  It's also about getting together with neighbors for the annual review of life in this small place that we call home.  We are reminded of those who are no longer with us, but also of those little ones who are newly here or who have grown and changed beyond immediate recognition.  It's one of those events that is so predictable and constant that it can be used to measure time. The idea that friends and I attended this party every year as kids, and that we now come back with our own kids is sort of mind boggling but comforting too.


Thanks, Hans, for a festive fall tradition that we all look forward to and love.