The Laboratory

One of our treats of the year was a holiday in Berlin, a city Adam has visited many times before, and that we went together to in 2006. It's got amazing architecture, on both sides of the city, and has a wealth of things to visit. We were very excited to hear that our dear friend Heidi was visiting Berlin for the first time on a school trip, though we knew that it would no doubt include worthy but depressing sights such as Checkpoint Charlie, the Jewish Memorial, and the Stasi Museum. We hoped she woud have a great time. And she did! Here are two of her great photos: A genuine German market, not one of those fake ones selling gluhwein and wooden ties. This is a model of a church in western Berlin, which was bombed in the war, and now has a modern addition and carillon next to it. Made of chocolate! Thanks for the photos, Heidi!

This year, December 1st is also Advent Sunday, which doesn't happen often. So as you open the first window on your Advent Calendar, it's also the day the church starts its own Festival of Light, thinking of the Light that is to come into the world. At Ottershaw, we're having our Christingles today, oranges decorated with fruits and ribbon, representing aspects of the Christmas story and life of Jesus. So Sarah and I wish you all the very best at the start of December and the start of the season! We were in Berlin at half-term and found these lovely miniature Advent Calendars. Every day is numbered, and you pop out the Smartie like a little sugar pill. Tastier then homeopathy, and some would argue more efficacious! 2013 is the 10th Anniversary of the Creen Laboratory Advent Calendar, so welcome, and if you've been with us since 2003, what are you doing with your life?! We'd love your contributions, so do send any ideas for photos, music or stories you...