The Cowgirl's Notebook

Sunflower

2010-08-18T07:28:00.000+02:00

I love the pick-your-own flower fields around where we live. Simply find a spot to park, select your bouquet (bring scissors or a knife), and pay on your honor. I couldn't pass up the sunflowers...three for one Euro.

Trafalgar Square

2010-08-06T08:01:00.000+02:00

Giant ship in a bottle

Trafalgar Square, London, July 2010

I love Trafalgar Square. It sounds a pretty cliché thing to say, given its prominence as an icon for London, but there's just something about it. During our recent jaunt back, we found ourselves there visiting the National Gallery (again) to see Van Gogh's Sunflowers (again). But even amidst the art of the masters, the Square holds its own. On this day, the fountain was sparkling, the skies were a brilliant blue, and this ship was sailing off to ports unknown.

Music from my iPod...Chances by Athlete

A bit of promming, anyone?

2010-07-27T11:48:00.000+02:00

Royal Albert Hall, London, July 2010

Whirlwind trip...all for a little boy who loves The Doctor.

Love locks

2010-07-23T08:44:00.000+02:00

Locks of love

Paris, June 2010

Keep your love under lock and key...especially in Paris.

On the Pont des Arts, the wooden pedestrian bridge that transports one across the Seine to the Louvre, a simple padlock represents love and devotion. Some plain, some engraved, strangely they seem an appropriate gesture in the city of love. Unfortunately, not all think so. There used to be thousands of locks on the bridge, but recently the vast majority disappeared. It seems the powers that be in Paris think they are an eye-sore. One can only conclude that these powers are the reason behind the disappearance. However, some locks remain, further testament to the devotion they represent. I wish that I would have had one with me to add to the collection.

Gone fishing

2010-06-29T07:29:00.000+02:00

Prime fishing hole

Oberammergau, April 2010

Oh how absent I've been. Life and obligations get in the way, but I'm still here.

This photo is for my dad. I missed Father's Day this year. Rather than calling home, I was navigating the Paris rail system. But Dad is never far from my thoughts, as evidenced by this photo I snapped for him during a trip to Oberammergau this past April. Being the man who taught me how to fish, I knew he would appreciate this glorious little spot. The hole was filled with trout that aren't visible in the picture. Oh what I would have given for a pole...and my dad standing next to me.

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-08T20:58:00.000+02:00

Three generations

Schloss Hohenheim, November 2009

Everybody Wang Chung tonight...

2010-05-03T12:18:00.000+02:00

Tübingen, Germany, April 2010

Too cold for a picnic

2010-04-23T17:18:00.000+02:00

When we decided to go to Tübingen the other day, we thought we'd just pack a picnic and lunch in the town square. The weather had been decent in the days preceding, so we figured it was a safe bet...until we got there and immediately changed our minds...it was downright cold.

And so we sought out a place to eat, stumbling almost immediately onto Alte Weinstube Göhner (Old Wine Bar Göhner). Obviously a hangout for locals, it was small but welcoming. And even though it didn't look like one, it reminded me of the 'mom & pop' diners I used to frequent as a child. The owner greeted us with a smile and a hearty 'Grüß Gott'*.

The food was equally reminiscent of a diner, featuring regional Schwäbisch dishes. And although my Gaisburger Marsch (or what I affectionately call 'soup with meat and two starches') was not that great, the baked Maultaschen that my husband had was fabulous. Plus, our son's schnitzel was really good, which is a gauge of a decent restaurant around here. In the States, I measure a diner's worth with the quality of its hamburgers. In Germany, I measure with schnitzel.

A far cry from the peanut butter and jelly sandwiches we had packed, the Alte Weinstube Göhner was a welcome discovery on our little walkabout...and sometimes those are the best type of discoveries.

* 'Grüß Gott', or 'greet god', is the common greeting in southern Germany, rather than 'hello' or 'good day'.

Not-so-blue skies

2010-04-18T21:16:00.001+02:00

As my husband remarked during our walk today - is it a cloud or is it ash? I tend to think it's the latter since satellite pictures show the Icelandic spew is over us now.

Tübingen

2010-04-16T13:26:00.000+02:00

Central Tübingen, April 2010

Stopping for a drink

2010-04-13T11:26:00.001+02:00

Refreshment break

Tübingen, Germany, April 2010

All things western

2010-04-11T15:54:00.000+02:00

I'm not sure why, but Germans seem to have an obsession with the culture of our American west. Since we've moved here I've seen more allusions to the wild west and cowboys than in most parts of the United States.

Case in point...the above photo is my snack from last night's trip to the movies. 'Film Stars Little Sour Sticks'...with the said stick dressed in wild west garb. Yes, it made me smile.

Fitting that I also heard Texas Lightning on the radio the day before. A German country music band (recently split up), it doesn't get any better than that.

Related note: Those are 3D glasses in the photo. I got to see 'Alice in Wonderland' last night...my first 3D movie experience. Really enjoyable, despite moments of nausea as my eyes were trying to adjust.

Think SPRING

2010-03-24T13:13:00.008+01:00

'Denkpartner'
Friedrichsbau, Stuttgart, March 2010

Went for a head-clearing walk in the woods this morning. The weather is glorious right now. Bright sun, blue skies. Ducks were out on the pond. Birds were chirping. Spring is trying desperately to come to Germany. Too bad the weatherman is saying it's not going to last and that we still have a bit of cold to endure. Oh well, such is life...I just need to keep thinking positive 'spring' thoughts.

Music from my iPod...Our House by Madness

Almost spring...

2010-03-03T08:32:00.007+01:00

...although you wouldn't know it by the below-freezing temperatures this morning.

I've been quiet again. February was a bit hectic. I got to go through a battery of tests for my ear/sinus problems, including them taking pretty pictures of the inside of my head. Of course, those pretty pictures were about the only ones taken during the month. My poor camera thinks I don't love it anymore.

But February was also a good month, as it always is for us...

...because of things like this...

Angel food cake lovingly made by my husband and son for my birthday

...and this...

Putting the finishing touches on our son's birthday cake

Music from my iPod...Galway Girl by Steve Earle & Sharon Shannon

Of love...and fishing

2010-02-16T05:47:00.021+01:00

Raspberry-Apple Crumble

Our Valentine's dessert

I show love for my husband and son through food. For Valentine's Day, I always make them a special meal. It's just one of the ways to their hearts. I know I can't go wrong.

The first Valentine my husband gave me, while he was still just 'the boyfriend', included a bag of Kona coffee. I knew then I had to marry that man.

But in the realm of all time favorite Valentine gifts, my parents still hold one of the top spots. Every so often we would sit down to Valentine's dinner and there at our place would be our fishing license for the year. Few things said love like that. With the ranch keeping everyone constantly busy, the acknowledgment of a bit of fishing was like giving the gift of love and time, all wrapped into one. It was a real treat...just so long as you could stand the wait until the season actually started.

*******

Completely unrelated note: Watching the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics, I had a complete sense of déjà vu when k.d. lang got on stage. How could it be twenty-two years since I heard her sing for the first time while watching the Olympic games in Calgary? I can remember buying her album, Absolute Torch and Twang, because of it. That cassette rode around in my pickup for ages.

Music from my iPod... Big Boned Gal by k.d. lang

Burger

2010-01-22T13:13:00.004+01:00

A serious burger - the result of my inaugural run

So I mentioned that one of my Christmas gifts was the meat grinder attachment for my Kitchen Aid mixer. I had been pining over it forever, but finally made my desire known to my husband this past year by stating, 'seriously, all I want for Christmas is that grinder.' He got the hint. Now I can make wonderfully coarse-ground hamburgers like one of our favorite haunts here in Stuttgart, the Block House.

Sludge...and tall winter boots weather

2010-01-13T09:06:00.009+01:00

Frozen Katzenbachsee
January 2010

Some have asked how hard we were hit with the storm that moved through Europe. Answer - we were hit, but not as severely as originally predicted. Don't get me wrong, we got plenty of snow and it isn't leaving anytime soon (the picture above is from earlier this month, so it doesn't reflect current conditions). I guess I would call this 'tall winter boots with jeans tucked into them' weather.

Walking to and from school has become a test of seeing how much sludge you can avoid. Sludge is a technical term that my son and I came up with. It refers to the nasty, brownish-grey snow slush that develops near and around road crossings and other high traffic areas. Some days we do better than others, but this morning was particularly sludgey on the walk home and my boots look as if I bathed them in a salt bath. Oh well, the joys of winter.

Note: I was also asked whether or not I managed to snap a few pics of the snowflakes. No sooner had I mentioned the lovely, perfectly shaped flakes, than the snow changed to small microscopic dots...which resulted in the blanketing that we received. But I promise, when the other type of snowflakes return I will do my darnedest to get a pic!

Cowbell

2010-01-11T09:10:00.005+01:00

I'm not one to have 'favorite' gifts. Come Christmas and birthdays, I am generally thrilled with any gift received, because I do believe it's the thought that counts.

But this year one Christmas gift stood out from the rest.

A Maasai cowbell!

My dear husband brought it back from a recent trip to Tanzania. He always finds the most perfect little gifts on his travels. I have to admit the trip also garnered me a pair of Tanzanite earrings (an anniversary gift). No offense dear, but I'm not sure which gift I treasure more.

I have it on display not too far from one of my family's cowbells. The contrast in appearance is striking, but the reason and use behind them is not. Our world is so small.

Yes, hands down, it is a favorite gift...well, it and the Swatch watch that my son gave me...and the meat grinder attachment for my Kitchen Aid...and...

Snowflakes

2010-01-06T15:38:00.010+01:00

Snow on moss
January 2010

It's snowing again. Apparently we are just beginning to receive what has been hammering the UK. This weekend were are to expect a good blanketing.

On my walk to pick up our son from school, I noticed how beautiful the snowflakes are. This storm is very dry, so the flakes are perfectly formed. I was catching them on my gloves, examining their intricate designs. They looked as if they'd been cut with a punch. No matter the size, they were exquisite. True works of art.

And yes, more than once I had to make emergency maneuvers to avoid running into people because I was too busy staring at my hands.

Note: After telling my mom this story, she said I needed to get a picture of these snowflakes. I am kicking myself for not having my camera with me. With any luck, I'll have a chance this weekend to capture some.

Back to reality

2010-01-04T13:34:00.008+01:00

A snowy view
January 2010

While we didn't have a picture-perfect white Christmas, the snowy weather has come back to remind us that winter is only beginning. Today is a not-so-balmy -3°C/26°F with flurries.

Yesterday my good friend asked if I was ready to get back to reality. With school starting again today and my husband returning to work, the chaos of the holidays has officially come to an end. The reality of everyday life has returned and that is fine with me. Holidays are out, normal is back.

We spent the better part of the weekend taking Christmas out of the house. Don't get me wrong, I do love having a beautifully decorated holiday season, but once the calendar turns to January 2, I'm done. No sentimentality here, when the holidays are over it's time for things to look normal again. And today, to finally put it all to rest, I am transforming the last of our New Year's ham into a pot of beans for dinner. C'est fini.

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T13:24:00.007+01:00

Rain has replaced snow for the time being. I am hoping the new year will bring more of the white stuff. Cold rain is not my cup of tea.

On the last day of the year we are staying home (well, interrupted by a quick trip to buy a new DVD player this morning...why do those things always die at the most inopportune times?). We will ring out the end of the decade with pizza, movies, games, cheesy German shows and, of course, some bubbly.

Wishing all a healthy and happy new year!

Season's Greetings

2009-12-23T19:57:00.003+01:00

We are busy prepping for our traditional Christmas Eve Mexican feast. Cilantro, avocados, and tamales will be dancing in our heads as we sleep tonight.

And wherever you may find yourself this year, I wish you a Merry Christmas!

In the spotlight

2009-12-21T08:02:00.004+01:00

Buying meat
Markthalle, Stuttgart, December 2009

My favorite place in Stuttgart, hands down, is the Markthalle. The first time I walked into this year-round, indoor food market it took my breath away. Stalls, packed together, selling foods from around the world. The colors explode and the smells entice. On a busy day you will be sandwiched in like a sardine, jostling amongst the people to buy the treasures on your list. And yes, it's all worth it. The Markthalle is like Alice in Wonderland for foodies.

But the Markthalle is not without it's competition. Stuttgart has it's share of places that vie for my affections. Some were even featured in the December 2009 issue of Bon Appetit magazine. If you haven't seen it, click here.

Hot coffee and candy canes

2009-12-15T11:42:00.002+01:00

If you're lucky you can find a candy cane...before they all disappear.

The snow is blowing outside. Beautiful, perfect flakes...as if they were each made be hand. A crisp -2°C (28°F), perfect weather to be an indoor spectator and sit with a cup of coffee.

The hectic season

2009-12-06T09:22:00.005+01:00

Apple-Cranberry pie

Over a month since the last post. It was a month filled with good things like a visit from my mom (we're trouble when we're together) and lots of yummy food (how great is Thanksgiving).

And now, here I sit addressing Christmas cards, wrapping gifts and preparing for the next round of holiday madness. I could make a promise to post more, but knowing how things pop up this time of year, I won't. Instead I will say that I'm going to try to be better about it...really.

Autumn color

2009-11-04T06:47:00.005+01:00

Autumn on the Bärensee
October 2009

Happy Halloween

2009-10-31T14:48:00.002+01:00

Schloss Ludwigsburg, October 2009

Pumpkins galore

2009-10-29T13:20:00.006+01:00

If you ask me, pumpkins epitomize fall. Their gorgeous autumnal colors. Their rich, earthy taste. They are brisk days and crisp blue skies in gourd form. I adore them.

This past weekend we ventured to the Pumpkin Festival at Schloss Ludwigburg. The festival isn't an homage to Halloween (as the Germans aren't as in to the holiday as we are). Rather it's more about the gourd itself. Emphasis is on artful displays (centered on the theme of children's stories) and food that falls under the category of 'everything is better with pumpkin'.

There are large pumpkins. The one in the center weighed over 800 pounds.

There are pumpkins to buy, mainly for eating. Aren't these 'black' pumpkins gorgeous?

And there is an abundance of pumpkin food. Like the pumpkin maultaschen. Maultaschen are a speciality from this region of Germany. It's pasta stuffed with a mixture of meat and spices, similar to ravioli. This one has the addition of pumpkin flesh in the stuffing and a pumpkin puree sauce. To die for.

Fall

2009-10-27T10:19:00.004+01:00

A bench with a view
October 2009

So...it's been over a month. I've been silent, but not absent.

A month ago I had much needed surgery on some faulty leg veins. Such surgery requires a decent recovery period of lying on the couch and walking, but no sitting or standing. And typing on a laptop that can't sit on my lap is a bit tough. The extent of my computer use is craning my neck to the side and reading until a crick sets in.

Anyway, I am getting back into the swing of things now. And I have been getting some fabulous photos from my frequent therapeutic walks. So enjoy the view and I will be back with more.

Prost!

2009-09-18T09:00:00.006+02:00

We made it to Oktoberfest this year!

Okay, not really. We missed it by three weeks.

During a recent hop to Munich for a look around, we happened upon the fest site. I told my husband I wanted to get closer to snap a few pictures. To our surprise, the majority of Oktoberfest was already set up...and the grounds were open. In the States, you would never see a fairgrounds open to the public prior to the event, but here you could wander freely.

It was strange as we walked the streets of the famed fest. They weren't filled with masses of people or a barrage of sounds, rather it was quiet, with the only noise coming from the occasional bicyclist or walker also out to enjoy the area.

The Munich Oktoberfest opens tomorrow and runs for sixteen days. I'm actually happy that we were able to enjoy it the way we did. But to all those going - PROST!

Walking

2009-09-09T13:07:00.006+02:00

Cobblestones in the woods near Stuttgart
August 2009

Autumn is coming. The mornings are cold. The air is crisp. My little boy started school. To me, autumn feels like New Year's. Everything starts over again...at least in the world we live in.

I took a walk in the woods this morning to clear my head. Amazing what a little fresh air can do...and some selected music on an iPod. I think better when I'm out walking on my own. I can get a grasp on things. I can get all my ducks in the proverbial row. And now I'm ready. Come on, autumn, show your colors. I'm ready.

Music from my iPod... The Show by Lenka

Stuttgarter Weindorf

2009-09-03T12:33:00.007+02:00

The Germans love food and drink festivals...and I admire them for that.

We spent a recent afternoon at the Stuttgarter Weindorf. Nothing like a festival where it's just booth after booth of fabulous local wine and food.

So many choices, I finally settled on a plate of mushrooms and spaetzle, followed by a glass of Bottwartal Kellerei Trollinger. Trollinger is a light red wine produced in our area of Germany, perfect for this mid-afternoon treat.

Sadly, I was so full after this that I had to pass on the waffle with raspberries and cream. Heaven help me when the beer festivals start at the end of this month.

The things you see

2009-09-01T16:33:00.004+02:00

Flexible
Stuttgart, August 2009

I file this under the same category as the Indian - you just never know what you're going to see.

Can you imagine being this flexible? I certainly cannot. Joining her in her street routine was her fire-eating husband and three boys who could do various balancing tricks. I guess that is one way for a family to earn a few extra Euro.

Faces in the woods

2009-08-21T12:42:00.002+02:00

The Germans love their forests. Really. They have a true love of the outdoors and spend loads of time out enjoying it. You never know what you will see or find during a walk. I am constantly in awe of walking a mile or so into a forest and stumbling upon a restaurant or ice cream stand, accessible only by foot or bicycle.

Or even stumbling upon a sight like this. In one of the woods near us, there is a carver/artist in residence. His handiwork can be purchased to take home or you can simply enjoy the work that is permanently on display.

Like this snag.

At first look, you may not see much. But then the creatures and faces pop out as if greeting you, in this very German way, to their forest.

Where are the cowboys...

2009-08-16T15:06:00.004+02:00

Strolling Indian
Stuttgart, August 2009

...because I found the Indian.

Further proof of my theory that you always need a camera handy because you never know what you're going to see.

Musical interlude, part 2

2009-08-14T19:37:00.006+02:00

Band of many colors
Stuttgart, August 2009

We had some dear friends visiting this past weekend. During our requisite tour of the city we came across another band in the same location as the girls' quartet from a few weeks ago. I wanted to convert the photo to black and white, perhaps start a series featuring the same subject, but I couldn't...because check out the guy on the right. That outfit. That color. A man truly comfortable in his own skin.

Watercolor

2009-08-07T07:59:00.005+02:00

Impressionist painting or just a reflection?

Have a great weekend.

Update: Yes, the photo is a reflection...flipped upside-down. It's a pond in a nearby wood. The wind was creating just enough of a ripple on the surface to remind me of a Van Gogh.

One sweet ride

2009-07-31T11:50:00.006+02:00

I couldn't rightfully post pictures of the Mercedes Benz Museum without also posting a photo of a car. So here it is...

THE POPE MOBILE!

Yes, the original Pope Mobile resides at the museum. Built in 1980 to shield Pope John Paul II from the elements on a tour of Germany, it had a top speed of 81mph. The following year it was modified with bulletproof glazing after an attempt was made on the Pope's life.

Can you only imagine cruising the autobahn in that thing?

Side note: The Pope Mobile is part of a celebrity exhibit. See the small red coupe next to the papal car? That was Princess Diana's car.

Where function and style meet

2009-07-28T11:25:00.004+02:00

Forget their cars and contributions to human mobility...check out Mercedes Benz' museum. The design floored me. It wasn't just an homage to their products, it was a thing of beauty and spoke volumes to their pioneering image. Well worth a visit, even if you are not a gear-head.

Musical interlude

2009-07-20T08:58:00.004+02:00

Summer quartet captivating the crowd with Mozart
Stuttgart, July 2009

We happened upon this quartet on a trip into the city for a minor repair to Betsy (my camera...but then again I call my car Betsy as well...perhaps I should come up with another name). Dust on the sensor leads to photos with spots. A good cleaning and the purchase of a sensor cleaning kit...all is well.

Flying fish

2009-07-15T11:20:00.005+02:00

Well, not really flying...rather 'sliding' fish.

The Hamburg Fish Market has arrived in Stuttgart again and with it the backfisch (fried fish) lighthouse.

Drawing a crowd around the over-the-top concession stand is the cook, from his perch on the second level, with his market cry. As another batch of fish comes out of the fryer, he yells for all to hear - HIER KOMMT BACKFISCH! (or 'here comes the fried fish'). All stop to watch the fillets fly/slide down the metal corkscrew in the center of the stand...then gather to claim their food and eagerly dig in.

Gilded Flora

2009-07-13T08:27:00.003+02:00

Flora, goddess of flowers and spring, as a gilt fountain
Schloss Linderhof, Germany, July 2009

Happiness is...

2009-07-07T12:16:00.005+02:00

Mid-afternoon snack
Oberammergau, July 2009

Ritterspiele

2009-07-01T07:04:00.006+02:00

Last weekend we went to the Maximillian Ritterspiele (knight's games) in the beautiful village of Horb am Neckar. We've always been game for themed festivals and the Germans go all out.

What we tend to enjoy most about themed festivals is the lack of complete historic accuracy. While the concessionaire booths at this one looked the part, no portable trailers or stuffed animals in sight, there were still those little details that snuck through...and made us laugh.

Like authentic cotton candy...

Ancient methods of communication...

...and musicians who look like Flea gone medieval. I stood there waiting for him to break into Scar Tissue.

Don't drive on the palace grass

2009-06-29T08:56:00.008+02:00

After living here almost two years we still hadn't been to Ludwigsburg...which is ridiculous considering how close it is to us. So on a recent bright, sunny day we piled in the car and headed off in search of the palace and it's beautiful gardens.

We laughed as we went to enter. Slightly out of historical sync, we found the grounds covered with a classic car show. Okay, sure, why not. It wasn't what we had hoped to see, but it was still a nice day out.

Of all the Mercedes on display (and there were a lot since this area is home of the iconic car), this was my favorite. It screams 'Dictator of a Small Country', doesn't it?

But my son said this should be my car. He thought I would look good in it. I agree. The kid's got taste.

Rainy day activities

2009-06-25T11:51:00.004+02:00

Who doesn't love a good optical illusion?

With all the rain we've been getting the past couple weeks, you would think we were still living in England. Who knew German summers could be so wet, especially in 'drier' Southern Germany. Good thing there are places like Sensapolis to help entertain rambunctious 5 year olds...and their parents.

Things that make a cowgirl smile

2009-06-19T16:27:00.003+02:00

Signs like this make me smile. This should also make my father and my blog friend, Linda, smile. Anyone for a Hereford steak and all the trimmings? Lecker!

Cheers

2009-06-12T08:44:00.003+02:00

Radler (half beer, half fizzy lemonade) , a taste of German summer

Here's to a warm, sunny weekend.

The second string

2009-06-05T07:25:00.015+02:00

After a few days at Disneyland Paris, our son still had not had the opportunity to meet some of his favorite characters. While I remember characters wandering the park when I was a child (at least in California), it was not the case here. Character appearances in Paris were relegated to specific times and if you miss the window you are out of luck.

On the final day, leaving the parks without so much as a photo with the famous mouse, we decided to stop for dinner at Café Mickey in the Disney Village. We thought it was just a Disney-themed restaurant, a parting treat for our son, we had no idea that some of the characters joined you while dining.

So there we were, eating our meals, when Mickey appears out of the kitchen. Our son was beside himself...and I was thinking finally, he'll meet more of the big characters. Then out comes then Goofy, then Tigger, then Pluto and I'm still thinking JACKPOT! Granted we weren't sitting in the best location, but I still managed to get photos. I kept wondering who would appear next. Maybe we'd get lucky and have Woody or Buzz Lightyear.

And then came the second string.

'Who is that character?' my husband asks.

'Um...I know him...um,' scouring my cartoon memories for a name. 'Isn't he from Peter Pan?'

'Oh yeah, he's Captain Hook's toady, right?'

'Yeah, that's it...what's his name?' And only after several minutes did I remember it was Smee.

Smee was followed by Friar Tuck from Robin Hood, Geppetto from Pinocchio, and one of the cats from The Aristocats. Our son had never seen any of these movies. He's a connoisseur of the more recent Disney movies, primarily the fault of us, his parents, as we are not huge fans of the older movies. He was bewildered by these strange characters that seemed to also be the ones that made sure they said hello to the people in the cheap seats...like us. The photo I have of him and Geppetto is priceless. He has a true look of who the heck are you and why do you have your arm around me on his face. But hey, one day he'll finally see those characters on TV and think I've met them.

Café Mickey. A fun place to eat at Disneyland Paris, especially if you want to meet Mickey and friends...even the ones whose name you can't remember.

Like they're rock stars

2009-05-28T21:08:00.004+02:00

I think one of the best things about the Disney experience is the chance for kids to meet their idols. Just watching our son's face light up as he saw his favorite characters in person was priceless. And even though he knows they aren't real...you can still tell there is part of his mind that says they are.

But tell me, is it wrong for his mother to be equally excited to see these stars? I think I actually shouted 'look, it's Buzz Lightyear!' louder than the children standing around me.

Where dreams come true

2009-05-26T14:20:00.004+02:00

After four long and noisy days here, I am enjoying the quiet of home...and laundry. More to follow.

Bright spots

2009-05-21T20:36:00.004+02:00

Yes, the sun did shine last weekend...enough for us to enjoy a nice long walk in the woods. A bright spot after the not-so-bright weather.

And now we are off for a long weekend...to another bright spot...guaranteed to be happy...or so they claim. See you next week!

Let the sun shine

2009-05-15T09:33:00.003+02:00

A bit of sunshine

Osbourne House, Isle of Wight, 2007

It's been raining on and off for a week. Everything is beautifully clean. Shades of bright green are striking against the greys...but I'm hoping the forecast of sun this weekend holds true.

Picnic crasher

2009-05-13T15:26:00.005+02:00

Curious squirrel

Hyde Park, London, September 2007

Our friends are heading to London on vacation. Since we have spent considerable time in the city, they asked for tips and advice. I told them the one thing I tell all people - if the weather is good, take a picnic to Hyde Park.

I love picnicing in Hyde Park. You can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy the truly British art of soaking up any sunshine that sees fit to cut through the clouds. We would grab sandwiches and go find a place to sit in the quiet. However, you never know who may crash your little party...like this curious squirrel who joined my son and I on one such outing. He was not shy and, by the looks of him, very well fed. He would've crawled up on my lap if I would have let him. But my boy told him in no uncertain terms we weren't sharing and he soon scampered off to find another picnic to crash.

Frogger anyone?

2009-05-11T20:58:00.003+02:00

You know it's spring in our part of Germany when the frog signs appear.

Honestly, I thought I had a better picture of the frog signs, but after pouring through my photos I couldn't find any, so you will have to settle for this blurry shot captured while driving instead. Every spring these signs return to roads in the area, alerting motorists to migrating frogs. According to this particular sign, the speed limit on the road drops from 70 kph (44 mph) to 30 kph (18 mph) between the hours of 7pm and 4am to protect the frogs. But I always have to chuckle - if you are on the road during those hours, driving in the dark with lights on, would you notice and be able to avoid frogs hopping across the road? Or would it be more like playing Frogger?

Sugar packets

2009-05-08T09:09:00.006+02:00

My cappuccino this morning...and the beautiful sugar packet

I normally don't have espresso in the morning, I'm more of a black coffee girl when it comes to the first cup of the day. But today I had some free time on my hands, so I opted to put my moka pot on the stove for a cappuccino. And I normally don't do sugar in my coffees, but as I was putting my breakfast together I noticed a sugar packet that my husband brought me back from a recent trip (from an airport coffee break in Germany or France). This is one of the many reasons I love my husband, he noticed the packet's artwork and knew that I would enjoy it. It's the little things that count. As I looked at the sleeping duck (or is it a goose?), it reminded me of the sugar packets they had when I was a kid. Do you remember them? The small white packets that had photos of different places in the US on the back? I was so enthralled by the concept I collected them...much to the chagrin of my parents. So I guess it's no big surprise then that I kept this empty sugar packet and taped it inside my notebook.

Sun...Fog...Clouds...

2009-05-01T14:05:00.004+02:00

A classic spring morning in Germany

We left the house in sun. Halfway into our little morning commute we hit fog. At the end of the journey it was all clouds. I snapped this photo as we entered the fog. It's a bit fuzzy and not well framed, but I loved the light and had to capture it.

Yes, I was driving and snapping photos...but it's a holiday here in Germany and the roads were practically deserted...and I was driving slowly :)

1...2...3...Go

2009-04-30T09:10:00.003+02:00

I needed a break. A big break. I took one.

Then I realized I needed a fresh start. A clean slate to work with. So I made one.

Now I am ready again.

Stuttgart Schlossplatz

2009-04-23T08:49:00.001+02:00