Happy Dance!

I am not talking about the weather. I am talking about that James and I both have now an appointment for our first vaccine shot (or 'jab' as the British call it).

Well, may be I am talking about the weather because our appointment was on February 16 between two ice storms. And it was in Blacksburg which is about a 3 1/2 hours drive (each way) and over the mountains. The vaccination is hard to come by here. But it was a very nice day. Blue sky and even some sunshine. On the way there the thermometer in the car at one point showed 52'F. 

From the little Pharmacy we could see this sculpture on the other side of the street. How appropriate at this time.

The (first) deed is done. Of course they kept us for 15 minutes to see whether we had any side effects. 

When we were leaving Blacksburg in the afternoon it was 28'F. But it was still a pretty drive. 

The sunset was gorgeous but behind me and I just could not manage to take the beautiful photo I wanted to take. Ha-ha, some things just have to be committed to memory.

Of course it was Shrove Tuesday. Normally we would go to church where there was a traditional pancake supper offered by the church youth and leaders as a fundraiser for the yearly youth mission trip. Always a nice time with friends. Because of the pandemic that is not possible.

So I assumed "dispensation" and made potato pancakes for lunch on Wednesday. Always was one of my favorite meals way back in Germany. Oh my, was it good (if I may say so myself).

We are so grateful to have received the first dose of the vaccination. What a great feeling that is. We know that we will still have to be careful, wear the masks etc, but at least I don't feel so paranoid any more.

Kids activity

Don't know how daughter Helen found out about "Raddish".

Last year she bought a few months for William, I think for his birthday. When they both came for Thanksgiving she brought one month with her. William and Caleb with help from their mothers made the veggie side dishes for the festive meal together. Caleb loved it and Helen decided that was a perfect Christmas gift from them to him. We had nice reports about the boys cooking efforts since then.

Sunday a week ago it was Helen's birthday. William cooked a thai meal for her and made the tiramisu dessert. Helen shared these photos on FaceBook.

Friend Kim celebrated with them and posted this photo on FB saying it was the best tiramisu ever. Seems that Bernie liked it too!?

Sarah also shared photos on FB. Caleb was also making tiramisu.

He also made raviolis. 

I think this kid's cooking club is a success. Helen also commented that William now likes to eat things he might have never tried before.

Can't wait until they can invite Papa and Omi again. No vaccination on the horizon for us yet.

PS: 

Helen says that if you are interested in trying this ... you could save $20 with this code: 5GX538

Surprise

I actually have something to write. The big snow of 2021 (?)

Last Thursday we got a little of the 'white stuff'. I am sure many children were disappointed. Even though our three across the river where up and outside very early before school to throw some snowballs. There were even tears because Owen got one in his face. We heard this from Sarah because we have not seen them in quite a while because of the pandemic. The snow was quickly gone though.

Sunday morning was a different story. It started when we were still in bed but it came down fast. And it looked beautiful.

As soon as I could I put our biggest bowl on the picnic table. 

And then we had a nice Sunday breakfast.

Nice view from my chair.

Lately we also can enjoy that the amaryllis which had given us two beautiful flower stalks already is now working on the third. So much fun. This amaryllis always had its place on the kitchen table. 

When it stopped snowing just before lunch James measured how much snow had fallen. It was about 5 inches. 

I retrieved the bowl but had to carefully scoop a little more into it. 

I had googled on snow cream or snow ice cream. 1 can of sweetened condensed milk with some vanilla was all I needed. We had some after lunch and quite enjoyed it. It is a very light dessert. The rest filled the larger of those two containers. It will last a little in the freezer. 

Needless to say that our grandsons across the river had a wonderful day. They sledded and played all day outside. They truly are outside boys. Sarah reported that she and Wade were pooped in the evening. James and I had the pleasure of looking at Sarah's photos and videos on Facebook. Much appreciated.

And now I better post this before the snow is all gone and history. The sky is blue and the sun shining. It's dripping from the roof.