Walking in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, they had so many beautiful Xmas scenes in the windows. Look at this one of the Angel orchestra, how clever.
Another nice touch, they decorate with small Christmas trees outside their homes. They have electric candles on the trees. In the old days, they actually used real lit candles.
Here you have stuffed bears in the windows. This was a Teddy Bear shop.
This was such a simple tree. I’ve always liked hearts, what a great idea! The red felt hearts stand out because of the light wood. I would do this.
This was interesting, so earthy the way they decorated their window with wood, etc. The cakes, I didn’t touch them, but they look like hardened sand, clay or concrete?
I fell in love with their door stops. I haven’t seen these in America, but I don’t think we have as heavy doors as they have. Where we stayed, in a charming old home, they had different door stops on each door. This HOME was on ours, but there was a cat that I liked.
As I walked the neighborhood, I came across a sewing store. She had patterns of a reindeer door stop. Of course, I had to buy it and a pattern for a cute bear, I bought that too.
So, there you have it. Another quick visit around Rothenburg ob der Tauber.
I have to say, it did get me in the mood to decorate, make Christmas fun in a NEW way!
Last year, I found a Bavarian puzzle. I fell in love with this Bavarian city, but the puzzle box did not mention where this city was. I sent the photo to different people asking and asking, “Does this city exist?”
Finally, someone told me, it’s a medieval town in Germany called, “Rothenburg ob der Tauber” north of Munich. So, I started to formulate a plan to visit Bavaria. First Munich, then Rothenburg ob der Tauber for the Christmas Markets. Then fulfill another dream of seeing Andre Rieu in concert.
My daughters were on board and we started our pre-Christmas journey to Germany a week ago. Munich was lovely, so fun and festive to be there this time of year. We had plenty of sausages!
In Munich, we saw the Haribo store. Of course, we stopped in.
Then we headed to Rothenburg ob der Tauber. They had a Teddy Bear store, you can see in the photo that there was a Teddy Bear blowing bubbles from the window. What a great idea! It did catch our attention.
This was a lovely Advent Calendar. Each door we opened would play music and surprisingly there was enough space behind each door to put a chocolate or a small ornament as a surprise.
In Rothenburg, this was the main market where they had a lot of shops. It was wonderful to see the people out with their families enjoying the Christmas Markets, the food, the wine, etc.
Finally, after our visit in Rothenburg ob der Tauber, we headed to Maastricht in The Netherlands to attend the Andre Rieu concert. I’ve watched Andre Rieu on PBS for over 20 years. Always with a goal to see him in person. Realizing that he is now around 74 years old, it was time to go. Perfect for Christmas.
The music and his orchestra were fabulous. We had good seats, row 7 to the left of the stage. He had dancers on two ice rinks on either side of the stage and dancers also came in between the isles where we sat. So, it was extremely festive.
I wish all my Blogging friends a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! If don’t celebrate Christmas, I wish you a very HAPPY HOLIDAY!
Years ago, I read The Secret by Rhonda Byrne. The book has been around since 2006, so most of you must have heard of it. Basically, the premise of the book is that you can have ANYTHING you want by just focusing your attention on it. I wish that was true for “everything,” but it is true for “some things.”
A few weeks ago, I wrote about wanting a pair of slippers. I really had slippers on my mind. I didn’t know what I wanted, but I knew I wanted a pair. I admit, I was FEELING that I would have a pair of slippers.
Now, The Secret does state that you have to passionately believe in what you want, so the vibrations go out to the Universe. If you wish for something, but in your heart, do not believe you will receive it — YOU WON’T! So, your wishes have to be strong and clear.
DEAR READERS – I have to THANK YOU for this favorable outcome. Your interesting comments, kept my slipper thoughts on HIGH – UNIVERSE – FREQUENCY!
GUESS WHAT, a miracle – A friend, who I rarely talk to, sent me a pair of slippers for Christmas!
An unexpected surprise gift! Kudos to Amazon for the nice gift wrap! Cozy, warm, fuzzy slippers that are machine washable! Laughing! Oh, and another miracle, the slippers were the right size.
I am so very grateful! I could not decide on what I wanted, the decision was made for me. PERFECT!
So, now I’m wondering if I can manifest something even bigger?
A boyfriend, a car, a trip… stay tuned! The Secret says there is nothing that is off limits! Dream BIG!
I received the latest issue of Garden & Gun magazine, December 2023 / January 2024 issue. This is a lovely national magazine focused on the South, ie food, music, sporting events, shopping, vacationing and more. As I am from the North, I enjoy learning about the South.
This particular issue had a focus on Florida travel. Makes sense, temperatures are dropping, it’s getting cold and many of us are dreaming of warm beach weather vacations during or after the holidays.
As I was perusing the magazine, my eye caught the title of a particular article. I pondered this… A chance career opportunity, a friendship changing a surfer and journalist’s life. WHO could this be about? SURFER, could this be about Jimmy Buffet? The cartoony picture had a man with blond hair and flip flops… maybe??
Yes, indeed!! Chris Dixon, the journalist, shares his chance meeting with Buffet and how the friendship evolved. Always under the radar, of course. Dixon pays tribute to Buffet, the friend v.s. the celebrity.
If you were a fan of Jimmy Buffet, you’ll enjoy reading this article and feel a bit of sadness too. Two guys surfing together! And Jimmy was 71, still going at it, no fear of the huge waves! Buffet was ill; but he was still trying to make the most of every moment until the end. A friendship that changed Dixon’s life.
In memory of Jimmy Buffet, we’re toasting you with a margarita this holiday season!
It’s that time of year again. Il Pandoro is out and I must have one. In fact, for Thanksgiving, I brought one to my Italian mother. She was so happy, hands clapping, ready to make coffee or tea and have a slice. I warned her though, for some reason, this year, the texture was “different.”
It’s an Italian tradition to have this. Usually, people buy the Panettone, which has the fruit inside. It’s not my favorite, by the time I pull out all that fruit, there isn’t much cake left.
My daughter and I bought Il Pandoro at Jewel (our grocery store). Sorry, I should have taken a picture. It was the Bauducco brand. The texture was strange. It was like a soft dinner roll, instead of bread like.
Every year, I buy one or more. I vow to remember the brand that is the BEST. Of course, every year, I forget and start this process again. This Balocco brand is pretty good.
Next stop, Trader Joe’s for a box of Baci candies. They sell out FAST!
I was in Indiana enjoying the fury of Lake Michigan. The temperatures dropped; it was cold and windy there. I realized I could see the Chicago skyline. I took this picture with my IPhone, but I couldn’t capture what I was seeing “in person,” a crisper and more distinct looking skyline.
Distance photos should be taken with a high powered camera.
Today is BLACK Friday. It’s the official start of the Christmas season. If you are shopping, I hope you find some GREAT deals out there.
I’ve been on the hunt for a pair of slippers. The problem, many are heavy, and have an extremely hard plastic bottom that doesn’t bend. Very uncomfortable.
At the store, I saw these pink glamour slippers. They reminded me of Marilyn Monroe. Practical, no! Fun and flirty, YES! I like pink, so was immediately enamored.
Searching online, I found these blue Ugg slippers. My first impression, soft and comfy. My second thought, fashionable. At least, they don’t look like granny slippers… DO THEY?
My Dad was a fanatic about slippers. He didn’t like bare feet or wearing just socks around the house, which he felt cleaned the floor. It’s true. If you don’t believe this, wear a pair of white socks around your house for a day. You will need a ton, and I do mean a ton, of bleach to make them white again.
I’m curious. How many of you wear slippers? If you do, what is your criteria for them.
Winter is coming, the leaves are falling. However, when I am walking, I see there are STILL some flowers alive and well. The colors are so vibrant for this time of year. Look at those ornamental cabbage plants. I rarely see those.
This is my favorite type of weather to walk in. It’s border line cold, but still fresh outside for a brisk walk. Allows time for creative thinking.
I leave you with this yellow rose. What does the yellow rose mean? Friendship??
Recently, I had a strange experience. My daughter and I went on a walk. A lady was raking. I enjoy Fall and raking, so I kidded her that I wouldn’t mind helping.
We joked about this, which led to conversations about the Food Pantry. She volunteers and said they were in desperate need of help. I’ve seen the long lines at a local church, I know there is a need right now. My daughter volunteers. So, I said I would look into this too. We were about to continue our walk…
The lady said, “Oh, I don’t have a piece of paper.”
I took out my phone and said, “I can take your number.”
I texted her the next day. The standard message of “nice to meet you,” if you send me the number for the Food Pantry, I’ll see what help they need. I work during the week, so hope they need weekend help.
GUESS WHAT — She never wrote back. No message, nothing.
My daughter asked me too, “Hey, did you hear from the lady.”
My response, “No, not even a nice to meet you message.”
The reason this was so surprising was the fact that this lady was extremely friendly. Telling us about her neighbors, her kids, her grandkids, baking cookies, etc.
My daughter wanted to contact her, so asked for her number and wrote to her. The lady responded to my daughter, answering her question and saying, “I’ll get in touch with your Mom with the Food Pantry number.” The lady AGAIN re-iterated how desperate the Food Pantry was for help.
Isn’t this the silliest thing… Feels like High School. What is interesting is that I had not asked for HER number. She was the one who asked first.
So, I ask you… “What do you make of this?”
Recently, I stopped by church. During the week, they have a quick 30 minute mass in the morning. The school kids attend. It’s nice. The Priest will engage the children of all ages when he asks questions.
That day, he brought up the subject of kindness, meeting new people, etc. Wow, my ears perked up. How did he know I needed to hear this talk?!
He chose this subject to reach the children; however, it’s true even when we are older. Meaning, no matter what age, people can be superficial.
He talked about how our world has changed, especially since COVID. People want and need interaction, but because of the isolation we experienced during COVID, we have fallen into a dark hole. Everyone wants to remain anonymous. Our phones add to this, allowing us to hide behind them. We can talk to people on our phones, no “in person” interaction needed, we’ve grown comfortable with this.
The Priest made a case for showing kindness, helping others, putting the phones down, etc. EVEN HE needs to make more efforts. He said he got a new dog, which has opened the door to talking with people. If you walk your dog, other dog owners enjoy talking.
Anyhow…. PERFECT subject. I smiled, “Yes, we do like to be anonymous these days. Hide behind our phones/computers.”
This is why the coffee shops are engaging customers, knowing their names and what they order. Greeting them in the morning. In the end, people “do want” face-to-face human interaction. Good for repeat business.
It’s that time of year again. YES, when the Hallmark Channel starts showing Christmas movies. You need to have a tissue box close by for some of the shows. Then with other movies you can talk your heart out with other viewers, because the story line is S-L-O-W.
This past weekend, I saw on LIFETIME, “Reba McEntire’s Christmas in Tune.” It came out in 2021. I’m not sure how I missed it a few years ago. There was a lot of advertising around it. Well, it was during COVID. If you like country music, you’ll like this one, great songs.
Oh, and John Schneider, the main actor with Reba, he’s from the TheDukes of Hazzard days. I had no idea he sung country music too. So, the movie’s storyline of husband/wife country singers, who have been separated for 15 years, getting together for their daughter’s Christmas Charity, where old feelings are rekindled is a cute one.
Here’s one of the songs from the movie…
Have you started watching any Christmas movies? Which ones do you enjoy?
Brilliant Viewpoint 