Holiday Round-Up -- Christmas, New Year

Ah well, need to clean up the old year and get started anew.  It's already 2015 (Happy New Year!), so here's a wrap-up of end-of-year festivities.

After returning from the USofA and after not quite acclimating to local time, we had Christmas Eve dinner with friends and their family.  Fondue, songs, conversation. It was warm and comforting.

 

There was no time for a tree this year, so some Christmas red amaryllis stood in. That worked just fine. Christmas Day, we were on our own for a late breakfast and a gourmet dinner for two with the fine china and the crystal goblets, since we are of course Gourmets:  breast of duck as a centerpiece for sides of veggies and fruit.

And what fun using Skype to check in with all the family, every single one.   I think back to all the various ways  I tried to stay connected in real time - calling cards and call-back services and who knows.  Technology can be a bear, but it can be such a boon.  Wish I had a snap of Mother leaning into the picture as if she could touch us.  And as accustomed as the younger generation is to all these wonders, it is still just fun to talk.

Then it was off to our German folks.  Same old, same old - fantastic crispy goose with red cabbage and potatoes, happy times together and fun opening presents.  I particularly like Amina in an FSU cap!!

New Year.  Same as last year, almost, but this year. We met in town at Ulli and Ilsemarie's, had wild boar goulash instead of cheese fondue (but we will have to have cheese fondue soon because I can already taste it!) and of course a bit of dancing and spouting off fire into the air.  We Germans do our share -   so much per year.  But I will refrain from commenting on our waste. We all need a little playfulness.

And now, back to work.  Werner's making our workroom look a bit more finished after the invasion   of the plumbers a year ago. 

I am working on getting the stash under control. On tap:  more doll clothes, a couple of baby quilts, and eyemasks filled with lavender.  Orders anyone???