This and that

The time between Christmas and New Year's was somewhat strange. Of course I was pretty busy before, then we had the marvelous topsy turfy time with the children and grandchildren and then suddenly it was quiet. But quiet can be good. You can contemplate about all those nice memories. Well, and you also can straighten out the household a little again and catching up with things you should have done before.
And how did we spent the last day of the year? We had a nice fast walk in the neighborhood again. Felt good. Starting out to comply with New Years resolution early ... or with last years late (?)
James, the man in control of the remote, tried to find something entertaining on TV but no luck really. I remember way back in Germany we (my parents and I) could watch every year "Die Fledermaus bei Johann Strauss". I still would very much enjoy that. The rude and crude doings and comments of Anderson Cooper's sidekick are just not my taste.
So, what did we do? We played "angry birds". Yes, James and I played and high-fived when one of us "got it done" ... while thinking of my Opa Otto and my mother who so enjoyed champaign ... and did accordingly.

January 1st
James had the splendid idea to go on a little longer walk along the river. He wanted to invite me to lunch at Mama Zu's ... but it was closed. Bummer. Oh well, we found a sandwich shop, took it to go and James put it in the backpack. It was too early anyway.
The river was very high and the way James wanted to go was flooded. So we had to take the higher one.

I love circle walks. Much better then having to go back the same way. More then half way we found a nice spot to have our lunch.

A panorama picture.

It was a cold day but sunny. With the right clothing ... That wooly hat is sooooooo flattering (ha-ha).

And we had riparian entertainment. Anybody who watches Hyacinth Bucket on PBS knows what I am referring to.
A bunch of young people were practicing rock climbing on that old bridge pillar.

James was very happy when we found a way he hadn't found before. The walk continued in the middle of the 9th Street Bridge. Nice walk and lovely views. So happy we did it. It felt good.

Slowly working away holiday leftovers. I am getting braver ... no recipes. Sautéing red peppers and quartered brusselsprouds. Delicious!

And here something frustrating. For our daughter's wedding July 2011 I had helped her to make a cookbook with the couples favorite recipes. I had given mine away thinking I could reprint it anytime. 2 years later ... Finally I got serious about it. When I did I found that the font was not right. Checked the new print with Sarah's (on the left) when I visited her next time. Grrrrrr computers. After I thought about it I solved the mystery. I have a new computer now and didn't download the extra fonds. The file was still on my old laptop and voila!

A parcel arrived from my cousin in Germany who is a wonderful knitter. It's for William and Caleb though and I can't open it. Sigh.

Our church celebrates Epiphany, the Feast of the Light. One of my favorite services and it is all done by the youth. I find it very meaningful.

The Christ Candle is of course the first one to be lit and then a little light was lit with the mentioning of others who brought the Light of Christ into the world starting with the Apostles, first Christians, bishops, reformists etc etc to us.

Afterwards there is always a bonfire burning the dry "formerly live" Christmas trees parishioners brought. But it was too cold for me so no photo.

Sunday afternoon (today) the 12th day of Christmas, the last day of Christmas, and the last Christmas party of the season for me. I had invited the women of our church to tea from 3-5 pm to our house. I had a wonderful time because they are all such nice people. Took a few pictures in the beginning but then forgot.

Table decorations. I have made Fröbelsterne (Moravian stars) as long as I can remember. I had enough for each lady to take one home. Thanks for coming Pat A., Ruth B., Max B., Louise B., Patsy B., Barbara C., Julie C., Sally D., Betty H., Betty H., Marci J., Barbara L., N'neka L., Susan M., Ann R., Jean R., Kim S. and Mom Marty, Carolyn W., and Annette W. I had such a great time!

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The British are ... gone

Remember THIS BLOG not too long ago?

Friday! We were on the road shortly before 10 am. When we pulled away from the house William was very upset that Grandpa and Omi went bye-bye. Mixed feelings: that he is miserable (even if it is hopefully only for a short time) and that he loves us.
(Helen, Ben and William had one more great day there with going to a playground and the beach etc.)
We had to drive in rain for a while but then it was lovely sunshine again and we stopped for a picnic lunch. I had packed the leftover salad again in the single bowls. Strangely enough it made exactly 5 bowls again like for the time coming. I told the others that one of them could drop their bowl this time. It wouldn't be me.

We arrived at our house at 3 pm, unloaded etc etc. James, Kate and Dave walked to Martins for milk. We had to have a cup of tea on the back porch.
Sarah and Wade invited us for dinner at 6 pm. While the men were standing around the grill Sarah showed Kate and me the "kit" they had received in baby CPR class so they could teach family and friends. Sarah had to blow up the baby first.

After a most delicious dinner we had brownies with ice cream in the living room. Schatzi wanted to sit in Kate's chair.

After that I slept very well in my own bed again!

Saturday! Kate and Dave needed to go shopping. Destination: the Apple store at Short Pump Mall. They didn't want to "fight" over the communal iPad any longer. Kate wanted her own. The Apple person was very helpful and soon we were sitting and enjoying a coffee.

Look at that exciting cover!

And look what drove by. Train, train. Can't go anywhere and not think of William.

On the way we had to stop at Costco for food. Ha-ha, lunch was being served.

Later our friend Julie came over for tea. Julie is the wonderful friend who hosted Kate, Dave and Jane when they were here for Sarah's wedding two years ago.

Sunday! That day went by so fast. Service at St. Martin's at 10 am. Afterwards some more food shopping on the way home because Sarah and Wade came for dinner. The six of us had such a lively conversation that I totally forgot taking pictures. For the record: Wild-rice chicken casserole! For "pudding" I showed Kate how to make 3-2-1 cup cakes and I sent the rest of my "stuff" home with her so she can try them with her grandchildren.

Monday! I was shown how to make the English cooked breakfast. When Helen heard about it she was all excited. I know what I have to do next time in Nashville.

And then we went to the James River for a walk.

Walking over to Belle Island.

The weather for their "hols" (holidays) was perfect for the whole time. Today another glorious day. And again so much beauty all around us.

But what are those holes in all sizes all over the granite rocks? Most almost perfectly round. Amazing.

Hey, wait for me. I am taking photos for you.

Still time for another stop: the Byrd Park Pump House.

One of the locks of the canal.

Late afternoon ... check-in for Kate and Dave to fly home. What a wonderful time we had together. Safe travels!

8:30 pm: strange just sitting here by ourselves. Good thing I have a blog to write. 

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