Hello everyone!
We enjoyed our first snowfall this weekend. It's simply beautiful! It started on Friday with just a few inches of accumulation late in the evening, it melted away by Saturday afternoon and snowed a few more inches Sat. evening.
We're supposed to get snow for the next few days so we may be enjoying a white Thanksgiving.
Speaking of Thanksgiving, I am excited to be hosting Thanksgiving again this year! Stephen's parents arrived last Wed. and will come to our house for dinner. Additionally, my mom's eldest brother, Bud, has also recently moved here and he and his wife will be joining us for dinner as well!
Watch out! 2 worlds will collide - The Watsons and The Rasmussens. Don't worry, there'll be pleanty of wine to keep everyone relaxed and festive :)
So I bought my Turkey yesterday (15.9 lbs) and I got the potatoes (1 metric ton - mashed potatoes are pretty much the only reason Stephen wakes up on Thanksgiving...though he's not opposed to the delicious bird and pies!) and I've got makings for green bean casserole and sweet potato casserole (compliments of Ellen). My "Beth's Holiday Relish" is chilling in the fridge already and the pies are slated to be baked today or tomorrow - Thank you MIL!! We will have a feast for sure.
Isn't it interesting how traditions develop? Let's take, for example, my Thanksgiving dinner:
Turkey - the bird will be grilled, yes, grilled. This is the way that Stephen's family has done it for years. It's super easy and it frees up the oven for other yummy dishes. Stephen's Dad does the grilling which frees me up to make other things.
Potatoes - ok, nothing special here, they're just same old mashed potatoes that have been made for generations: potatoes, milk, butter, mash.
Green Bean Casserole - I'm certain this tradition started from the back of a package of French Onions but I'm happy to continue it!
Sweet Potato Casserole - this is new this year...sort of. My family has always had sweet potatos as a part of the Feast...The Watson's haven't. I introduced them last year, but they didn't get the warm welcome that I expected. So this year, I'm trying a different approach, a small casserole rather than a few whole potatoes. Additionally, this dish is being contributed by my friend and colleage, Ellen.
Holiday Relish - perhaps the most delicious side dish on the table, the Holiday Relish recipe was given to me by a good friend from Augusta, Beth. I first brought this along with me when I attend my first Watson Family Thanksgiving to make them fall in love with me...it seems to have worked because it is now requested each year. No lie, i've got 4 quarts of the stuff chilling in my fridge right now and that may give us leftovers for just a day or so.
(M.I.A) Ribbon Jello - anyone who has ever attended the Rasmussen Thanksgiving (my Mom's family) is well acquainted with the Ribbon Jello. This dish is a masterful piece of art! It takes about 2 days to prepare this jello. It is layer upon layer of jello flavors topped with whipped cream. Absolutely delightful - way to much work! I made my first one last year, and much like the sweet potatoes, people didn't warm up to it like I had hoped. So this year, no ribbon jello...at least at my Thanksgiving.
Pies - a delightful finish to an increadible feast and provided by Scootie, Stephen's mom. I can't tell you how long I've been waiting for a bit of Pecan Pie...probably since last Thanksgiving!
Thanksgiving may just be the answer to everyone's problems. It shows us how to work together as a team while making choices to please everyone - and in the end you either have an increadible meal or a good story...perhaps both.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Trick or Treat?!
It's been a while since I've written, so I just wanted to give you all a mini-update.
NOTHING's GOING ON...
Stephen and I haven't really gone on any advetures lately. Fall has brought us some BEAUTIFUL autumn color, but the weather turns a bit grey, rainy and dreary in late fall.
On a personal note, I have now lost 45 lbs. I'm steaming full force ahead at my first major goal of 50 lbs. I've been working with a personal trainer for the last 2 months and have been loving it! He kicks my ass every week, and I pay him for it.
Last night was Halloween. Sadly, Halloween isn't very popular in Germany - so we thought. So in order to not stand out, Stephen and I didn't make any party plans, didn't carve pumpkins and only bought candy for our own consumption. Additionally, I was working that evening at a special event. So no real reason to make any effort.
Well I ended up getting off early, and was home at about 6:30 pm. On my way in, i accidentally hit the porch light and it didn't take too long for the first kids to show up at our door to scream "Suss oder Sauer!" (Trick or Treat in German). I was VERY suprised. Halloween and Trick or Treating is really an American tradition.
Luckily we had some candy and there were only 2 of them. So I passed out the candy, closed the door, and turned off the light.
Turns out - the light has nothing to do w/ it. Every kid, rings every door bell! So, we closed the shutters (to protect from flying eggs), kept the TV low and ignored the bell. I know, we're a bunch of party poopers, but I was just unprepared to spend the evening passing out candy.
NOTHING's GOING ON...
Stephen and I haven't really gone on any advetures lately. Fall has brought us some BEAUTIFUL autumn color, but the weather turns a bit grey, rainy and dreary in late fall.
On a personal note, I have now lost 45 lbs. I'm steaming full force ahead at my first major goal of 50 lbs. I've been working with a personal trainer for the last 2 months and have been loving it! He kicks my ass every week, and I pay him for it.
Last night was Halloween. Sadly, Halloween isn't very popular in Germany - so we thought. So in order to not stand out, Stephen and I didn't make any party plans, didn't carve pumpkins and only bought candy for our own consumption. Additionally, I was working that evening at a special event. So no real reason to make any effort.
Well I ended up getting off early, and was home at about 6:30 pm. On my way in, i accidentally hit the porch light and it didn't take too long for the first kids to show up at our door to scream "Suss oder Sauer!" (Trick or Treat in German). I was VERY suprised. Halloween and Trick or Treating is really an American tradition.
Luckily we had some candy and there were only 2 of them. So I passed out the candy, closed the door, and turned off the light.
Turns out - the light has nothing to do w/ it. Every kid, rings every door bell! So, we closed the shutters (to protect from flying eggs), kept the TV low and ignored the bell. I know, we're a bunch of party poopers, but I was just unprepared to spend the evening passing out candy.
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Relax and unwind
Ahhhhhh....a sigh of relief. My wonderful husband treated me to a day of spa luxury!
Stephen and I took the afternoon yesterday (Sat. Sept. 27) and drove to Wiesbaden (about 1.25 hrs. from where we live) to spend the evening in the sauna/spa.
Oh, it was so relaxing. I was very sick this week with a textbook case of a severe cold, so sitting in the saunas-breathing in the infused steam and relaxing in the swirling pools of mineral water really rejuvenated my body and soul.
After our spa day, Stephen took me to his favorite restaurant in Mainz - where he commutes to for work 2 to 3 times a week. This Turkish restaurant treated me to what may have been the best meal I've ever had. I literally have no idea what it was, but I think it was pork. It was covered in a fragrant red sauce and came with a garlic yogurt sauce for dipping. AMAZING. I spent the entire meal nibbling and shaking my head in disbelief! That experience comes too infrequently!
Scrubbed clean by steam and filled to the brim with incredible eats, we drove home and fell into bed where I got my most fitful night of sleep in ages. Unfortunately, now it's 5am and I don't know what to do with myself so early in the morning on a weekend! :) Oh well, I could have much worse problems.
Stephen and I took the afternoon yesterday (Sat. Sept. 27) and drove to Wiesbaden (about 1.25 hrs. from where we live) to spend the evening in the sauna/spa.
Oh, it was so relaxing. I was very sick this week with a textbook case of a severe cold, so sitting in the saunas-breathing in the infused steam and relaxing in the swirling pools of mineral water really rejuvenated my body and soul.
After our spa day, Stephen took me to his favorite restaurant in Mainz - where he commutes to for work 2 to 3 times a week. This Turkish restaurant treated me to what may have been the best meal I've ever had. I literally have no idea what it was, but I think it was pork. It was covered in a fragrant red sauce and came with a garlic yogurt sauce for dipping. AMAZING. I spent the entire meal nibbling and shaking my head in disbelief! That experience comes too infrequently!
Scrubbed clean by steam and filled to the brim with incredible eats, we drove home and fell into bed where I got my most fitful night of sleep in ages. Unfortunately, now it's 5am and I don't know what to do with myself so early in the morning on a weekend! :) Oh well, I could have much worse problems.
Saturday, September 13, 2008
Bad Durkheim Weinfest
Well...actually, it's called a "Wurstmarkt" (literally a sausage market) but Bad Durkheim is the city which brings us the world's largest Wine festival.
Stephen, Patty and I hopped a train on Saturday evening and trekked out to the beautiful city. The weather was terrible, cold and rainy - typically German, but the ride was very nice. Beautiful scenery whisked us east thru the wooded land and into the main vineyards or the Pfalz region.
When we arrived, we jumped off the train and followed the droves of people headed to the fest where we were greeted by the sights and sounds that can only be equal to that of the State Fair. Meat on sticks, in buns, on plates. Candy in bags, boxes and of course on sticks. Beer, Wine and liquor flowed freely. It certainly was a party!
I can't even begin to tell you the number of food stands there were. Offering everything from sausages to cuts of meat cooked over spits. There were delicious, fresh, beautiful offerings from several regions of Germany as well as from around the world.
But, all-in-all, this is a wine fest! And therefore, the wine is served in 1/2 liter glasses (1 bottle of wine is usually .75-1.5 liters). There, again, were a hundred tents set up from all different clubs, organizations and vintners selling glasses of wine from their favorite vineyards (or their own vineyard). Hundreds of people huddled under the tents guzzling the wine and laughing and singing.
Despite the chaos of the people, rides, food, shopping, etc,etc, etc., the whole thing was quite an experience. Be sure you set aside some time if you're ever here the middle of September to visit Bad Durkheim to experience your version of the Wurstmarkt.
Stephen, Patty and I hopped a train on Saturday evening and trekked out to the beautiful city. The weather was terrible, cold and rainy - typically German, but the ride was very nice. Beautiful scenery whisked us east thru the wooded land and into the main vineyards or the Pfalz region.
When we arrived, we jumped off the train and followed the droves of people headed to the fest where we were greeted by the sights and sounds that can only be equal to that of the State Fair. Meat on sticks, in buns, on plates. Candy in bags, boxes and of course on sticks. Beer, Wine and liquor flowed freely. It certainly was a party!
I can't even begin to tell you the number of food stands there were. Offering everything from sausages to cuts of meat cooked over spits. There were delicious, fresh, beautiful offerings from several regions of Germany as well as from around the world.
But, all-in-all, this is a wine fest! And therefore, the wine is served in 1/2 liter glasses (1 bottle of wine is usually .75-1.5 liters). There, again, were a hundred tents set up from all different clubs, organizations and vintners selling glasses of wine from their favorite vineyards (or their own vineyard). Hundreds of people huddled under the tents guzzling the wine and laughing and singing.
Despite the chaos of the people, rides, food, shopping, etc,etc, etc., the whole thing was quite an experience. Be sure you set aside some time if you're ever here the middle of September to visit Bad Durkheim to experience your version of the Wurstmarkt.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Brussles & Brugge, Belgium for Labor Day
This blog comes to you late (as I'm writing it at the end of September) but it's worth sharing any way :).
Very early on Saturday, Aug. 30, Stephen and I got up and out of the house to catch our coach bus at 7am to Brussels, Belgium. The bus ride was a little more than 4 hrs but in the end, we found ourselves in the Capital of the European Union.
The city was filled with historical sites, monuments and beautiful architecture. In a couple of the photos I posted, there is a main square with the MOST beautiful buildings I have ever seen. These are the offices of the labor unions (masons, wood workers and MANY other skilled craftsmen). These buildings were built in the 1400's (I think) and they embodied the belief that from honest work, comes honest wealth - and this WAS the case in Brussels. The people of Brussels were very wealthy and became so on the hard work of a blue collar profession. Quite different from today's standards, eh?
The next morning we were off early again on an hour long bus ride north to the medieval city of Bruges. OMG! This city is filled with even more beauty than Brussels! Back in its Hay-Day (again around the 1400's), Bruges was a major city of commerce. At the time, they were directly connected to the North Sea and were the regional center for international trade. This made the city extremely wealthy. As the years went on, major shifts in political power and environmental factors literally killed the city. The sea port silted in, the people in power made some harsh decisions and the people of Bruges had no way to earn money. The city essentially was preserved by its death. Very few people lived there for a long time and those that did, had no income. Fast forward a few hundred years and the city was discovered by tourists. Preserved entirely in its original medieval state - due to the city's inability to upgrade ANYTHING - the city was infused with new money from tourism. Today, it stands nearly exactly as it did in the days of its most prosperous times. The photos are spectacular but the city is best experienced in person.
Very early on Saturday, Aug. 30, Stephen and I got up and out of the house to catch our coach bus at 7am to Brussels, Belgium. The bus ride was a little more than 4 hrs but in the end, we found ourselves in the Capital of the European Union.
The city was filled with historical sites, monuments and beautiful architecture. In a couple of the photos I posted, there is a main square with the MOST beautiful buildings I have ever seen. These are the offices of the labor unions (masons, wood workers and MANY other skilled craftsmen). These buildings were built in the 1400's (I think) and they embodied the belief that from honest work, comes honest wealth - and this WAS the case in Brussels. The people of Brussels were very wealthy and became so on the hard work of a blue collar profession. Quite different from today's standards, eh?
The next morning we were off early again on an hour long bus ride north to the medieval city of Bruges. OMG! This city is filled with even more beauty than Brussels! Back in its Hay-Day (again around the 1400's), Bruges was a major city of commerce. At the time, they were directly connected to the North Sea and were the regional center for international trade. This made the city extremely wealthy. As the years went on, major shifts in political power and environmental factors literally killed the city. The sea port silted in, the people in power made some harsh decisions and the people of Bruges had no way to earn money. The city essentially was preserved by its death. Very few people lived there for a long time and those that did, had no income. Fast forward a few hundred years and the city was discovered by tourists. Preserved entirely in its original medieval state - due to the city's inability to upgrade ANYTHING - the city was infused with new money from tourism. Today, it stands nearly exactly as it did in the days of its most prosperous times. The photos are spectacular but the city is best experienced in person.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
A night on the town…then the next in another…
Stephen and I finally had the pleasure of tasting the K-town night life last Friday.
As it was Cousin Shannon's last few nights in town, we thought we'd fulfill her desire (and our standing curiosity) for the K-town night life. We started the evening out at a lounge called GUSTO. Cool place! Very black leather and chill. Good music, (reasonably) affordable drinks, an air of culture and all-in-all the atmosphere that I most enjoy.
But we couldn't stop there! Next stop was Thirsty Nelly's (TN). Now on the scale of bars, these 2 places were on opposite ends of the spectrum. TN was loud and raucous, filled with Americans and the stale smell of beer on the floor. Definitely a place I would have enjoyed if I were still in my college days. Gosh, if this statement isn't proof enough that I'm getting old!!
Overall, I had a really good time despite my initial reluctance to "go out" (just not a priority for us old married folk).
Now, the following night, we joined friends: Ellen & Matt for a Wine Fest in the city of Deidesheim. Germany is covered in 7 or 8 different wine regions. On a previous blog I mentioned a trip to the Mosel area, this trip introduced us to the area known as the Pfalz wine area.
The city was cute and quaint, the streets were blocked off so that the pedestrians could freely roam the streets (drunk as skunks). The air was filled with the sounds of regional music and folk songs, the smells of German delicacies and people guzzling wine by the gallon. If you are EVER in Germany between April and November, be sure to make plans to attend a wine fest. Any will do! It doesn't matter what size the city or the fest is, it's simply an exceptional time. Especially when you can share it with new friends.
As it was Cousin Shannon's last few nights in town, we thought we'd fulfill her desire (and our standing curiosity) for the K-town night life. We started the evening out at a lounge called GUSTO. Cool place! Very black leather and chill. Good music, (reasonably) affordable drinks, an air of culture and all-in-all the atmosphere that I most enjoy.
But we couldn't stop there! Next stop was Thirsty Nelly's (TN). Now on the scale of bars, these 2 places were on opposite ends of the spectrum. TN was loud and raucous, filled with Americans and the stale smell of beer on the floor. Definitely a place I would have enjoyed if I were still in my college days. Gosh, if this statement isn't proof enough that I'm getting old!!
Overall, I had a really good time despite my initial reluctance to "go out" (just not a priority for us old married folk).
Now, the following night, we joined friends: Ellen & Matt for a Wine Fest in the city of Deidesheim. Germany is covered in 7 or 8 different wine regions. On a previous blog I mentioned a trip to the Mosel area, this trip introduced us to the area known as the Pfalz wine area.
The city was cute and quaint, the streets were blocked off so that the pedestrians could freely roam the streets (drunk as skunks). The air was filled with the sounds of regional music and folk songs, the smells of German delicacies and people guzzling wine by the gallon. If you are EVER in Germany between April and November, be sure to make plans to attend a wine fest. Any will do! It doesn't matter what size the city or the fest is, it's simply an exceptional time. Especially when you can share it with new friends.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
I’m Bored…lets go to Belgium!
Stephen's cousin Shannon is here visiting! She arrived on Sat. Aug 9. So that afternoon Stephen and I headed over to Patty's house to meet and greet her.
As we all were talking, Patty (Stephen's Sister) mentioned that there was an Antique market taking place the following day. She suggested that we go up and check it out. It was located in Tongeren Belgium.
I said, "well what the heck, let's go tonight, then we can be there and back with plenty of time." Then Patty suggested that we hit Cologne on the way home on Sunday.
So there it was…we were bored and making plans to go to a different country!
We booked a hotel room, ran home and put an overnight bag together and then we were off.
Just 2 hours later, we arrived at our hotel in Liege Belgium (30 min from our destination).
The next morning we checked out early and headed off to the market.
It was cold and raining…relentlessly. We traipsed thru the streets and in and out of stores. Ideally, Stephen and I were looking for a wardrobe (they're called shrunks here). Alas, we found nothing that we loved AND that was in our price range. As the morning of antiquing in the rain was winding down, no one had purchased anything. We couldn't leave with no treasure to show for our adventure!
Fortunately, I had seen something early in the day that had caught my eye. It was a metal (silver brass perhaps) clarinet that was reverse handed. What the heck does that mean? Well, usually a clarinet is played w/ the Left hand on top and right on bottom, this one was reversed! I didn't even know such thing existed.
I had left it behind the first time because 1) it was a bit expensive (marked at 70 Euro = ~$100) and 2) it was still early in the day. Well I decided that if I could talk the guy down, I'd get it. However, I wouldn't spend more than 45 euro ($70). In the end he wouldn't go any lower than 50 euro (even though I walked away) but I just couldn't leave it behind. So I took one for the team and scored a, what seems to be, very rare piece.
I can find NO information on the instrument! As far as I've gotten is it is probably from the 30's and was used in jazz bands. There are no distinguishing marks or maker's stamp and NO ONE has info about a reverse handed horn! So, I'm thinking I've either got a MAJOR dud, or maybe I've really scored some treasure.
Maybe someday I'll have it appraised.
On the way home from Tongeren, we skirted through Cologne Germany. We stopped for lunch and a tour of the Dom (the gothic style cathedral that stands in the center of the city). We then enjoyed ice cream/cappuccinos at a café and then hit the road for K-Town. What a great weekend! Spontaneity rocks!!
As we all were talking, Patty (Stephen's Sister) mentioned that there was an Antique market taking place the following day. She suggested that we go up and check it out. It was located in Tongeren Belgium.
I said, "well what the heck, let's go tonight, then we can be there and back with plenty of time." Then Patty suggested that we hit Cologne on the way home on Sunday.
So there it was…we were bored and making plans to go to a different country!
We booked a hotel room, ran home and put an overnight bag together and then we were off.
Just 2 hours later, we arrived at our hotel in Liege Belgium (30 min from our destination).
The next morning we checked out early and headed off to the market.
It was cold and raining…relentlessly. We traipsed thru the streets and in and out of stores. Ideally, Stephen and I were looking for a wardrobe (they're called shrunks here). Alas, we found nothing that we loved AND that was in our price range. As the morning of antiquing in the rain was winding down, no one had purchased anything. We couldn't leave with no treasure to show for our adventure!
Fortunately, I had seen something early in the day that had caught my eye. It was a metal (silver brass perhaps) clarinet that was reverse handed. What the heck does that mean? Well, usually a clarinet is played w/ the Left hand on top and right on bottom, this one was reversed! I didn't even know such thing existed.
I had left it behind the first time because 1) it was a bit expensive (marked at 70 Euro = ~$100) and 2) it was still early in the day. Well I decided that if I could talk the guy down, I'd get it. However, I wouldn't spend more than 45 euro ($70). In the end he wouldn't go any lower than 50 euro (even though I walked away) but I just couldn't leave it behind. So I took one for the team and scored a, what seems to be, very rare piece.
I can find NO information on the instrument! As far as I've gotten is it is probably from the 30's and was used in jazz bands. There are no distinguishing marks or maker's stamp and NO ONE has info about a reverse handed horn! So, I'm thinking I've either got a MAJOR dud, or maybe I've really scored some treasure.
Maybe someday I'll have it appraised.
On the way home from Tongeren, we skirted through Cologne Germany. We stopped for lunch and a tour of the Dom (the gothic style cathedral that stands in the center of the city). We then enjoyed ice cream/cappuccinos at a café and then hit the road for K-Town. What a great weekend! Spontaneity rocks!!
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