Photo of Friends Who Joined Jochen on the Walk to the Lookout PointFor his 40th birthday Jochen invited 50 friends and family to gather with him for a day at El Toro Canyon Regional Park, located in a picturesque oak-filled canyon behind Montecito. A BBQ lunch was provided, followed by a one-mile walk up to a marvelous lookout point with 180 degree views of the Pacific Ocean and Carpinteria Valley.
Meanwhile, the kids enjoyed clambering on a natural sandstone formation in the park and throwing water balloons with Uncle Brett. In the late afternoon, in typical German fashion, kaffee und kuchen (coffee and cake) were served. While lingering over the many homemade pastries, friends and family performed skits or shared funny anecdotes about Jochen with the group.
One of the best was an original sketch written by Shana titled "Jochen Says" where she played a game show host and invited contestants up to guess what Jochen's answers to various questions would be, before he gave the final word. Questions were multiple choice, including the following:
1) What does Jochen miss most about Germany?
a. Good 'ol Mom and Dad;
b. Nationalized Health Care;
c. The Variety of Birkenstock Available; or
d. All of the Above
2) When Jochen wakes up in the morning, what's the first thing he thinks when he looks in the mirror?
a. Atta-Boy, Let's Get This Day Started;
b. I Sure Could Use Another Hour of Sleep;
c. You're A Handsome Dude; or
d. I Wonder What Toby's Up To Now?
In keeping with Jochen's bent toward environmental stewardship, those who answered the questions correctly went home with eco-prizes: LED flashlights, compact flourescent light bulbs, a canvas Trader Joe's bag, suggestions on how to cut down on junk mail, etc.
This was a song written for Jochen and sung by the group to the tune of The Sound of Music classic: "A Few of My Favorite Things":
Most of his days he's a man on a mission
Laundry, Trader Joe's runs, cooks meals in the kitchen.
Scheduling play dates, teaching German like mad
That's Jochen's life as a stay at home Dad.
He loves his boys but not cleaning their messes
Falls apart if one comes and confesses
That once again something broke, needs to be mend
He asks himself, "Is there ever an end?"
Chorus: Now's he's forty.
No more twenty.
Does that make him sad?
No, Jochen enjoys every day of his life,
He's thankful and truly glad.
He enjoys volleyball and playing soccer
Although no spring chicken,
Not quite off his rocker.
Once a week he jumps, digs, sets. block, serves, hits
Good for his body and keeping his wits.
He has a sweet tooth, eats cookies galore
Gummybears, skittles, ice cream and much more,
Nibbles on white chocolate chips by the pound,
He'd better be careful or soon he'll be round!
Chorus
He did not approve of farm animal treatment,
"No longer can I eat meat" that is what that meant.
Schnitzel is out, 'cause Tofu tastes quite swell
Veggie soyburgers, and soups do as well.
He'd like to see peace, better care of creation
Enough to get by for all men in each nation.
Hopes he can contribute his humble part,
But life is so busy now where does he start?
Chorus
