Holiday Hodgepodge

 

Thank you to Joyce for our questions. How would you answer the questions? Please join up with us at From This Side of the Pond or answer in the comments!

1. What does it mean to have the 'holiday spirit'? On a scale of 1-10 how is yours this year? (10=off the charts, 1=still looking for it) 

I am not "not in the spirit," but I am low on the scale right now. I have a wreath on our door and our naked tree is up in our family room. When you work for a church, Advent is packed. I will have some more Christmas spirit each day as we approach Christmas. When I walk out of the door at 5:15 on Christmas Eve, THEN I will hopefully be totally in the spirit. We set out date to celebrate as a family on the Saturday after Christmas so that should be fun! Both of our kids, their spouses, and our granddaughters will be here for a meal and time together.

2. What's your favorite character from a (December) holiday-themed movie, book, or TV special? Tell us why. 

We have two movies we watch every year -- Christmas Vacation and Four Christmases. There are some true "characters" in both of those movies and some of them I equally love and detest haha!

3. Do you like gingerbread? Are gingerbread houses part of your holiday tradition? 

I love gingerbread - cookies are just so/so - I love more of a gingerbread muffin or cake. The houses aren't a tradition, but we have made them with our oldest granddaughter. These Pounddropper Gingerbread doughnuts (mine look more like muffins) are my favorite go-to right now! 

4. Much of our vocabulary is determined by where we live or where we grew up. What say you-

sprinkles or jimmies? lightning bugs or fireflies? soda or pop? I guess I say soda, but neither really. We tend to use the word "coke" for lots of fizzy beverages. I don't even drink coke products - I'm a Diet Pepsi person!! sneakers, trainers, or tennis shoes? sub, hoagie, grinder, or hero? freeway, highway, or motorway? We say "interstate" a lot! I never use motorway, but do use freeway and highway, too. frosting or icing? sauce or gravy? I'm assuming you are talking red sauce, right? If so, I say sauce. We live in a neighborhood with a lot of Italian Catholic families and they say gravy!

5. Share a favorite holiday memory from your childhood. 

One year I received a doll for Christmas and a doll clothing trunk (still had the Western Auto tag on the trunk). My oldest sister, who died a year ago last week, made a trunk full of clothes to go along with the doll that Santa brought. I was probably in at least the third grade. One time Santa brought a new bicycle and he left a note on the tree to go look in the garage. I remember the whole family tramping through the backyard. I remember Christmas Eve dinners at my paternal grandparents; house, and it would too hot in the house! There would be lots of laughter and good food and since I was a kid, there was always this feeling of "anticipation/magic" in the air. I think you only wanted "one" memory, but all three of those popped into my head!

6.  Insert your own random thought here.  

I need to finish blogging about our trip. I have Day 9 and Day 10 . . .and just a few words on our travel home day(Day 11). I didn't mean for it to take soooo long to recap and I apologize for all of my lengthy posts lately.

Weekend in Review

 Happy Monday, dear friends!!

My weekend started Tuesday after work haha! I took a day of vacation on Wednesday so I had 4 whole glorious days of a weekend before returning to work on Sunday morning. I LOVE my job, but every once in a while it is so nice to have a few days at home. 

First things first! I had to find my sister-in-law's recipe for sweet potato casserole. Rebecca died in February - I can't believe it has been almost a year. We weren't that close, but she had been our sister-in-law for over 25 years and we saw her several times a month. Anyway, our family loves her sweet potato casserole and I know why. I triple it and by the time you finish adding sugar to the potatoes and brown sugar to the topping . . .you are practically eating a bowl of sweet potato candy! I actually don't add quite as much and you can't tell.

We knew that a rainy cold front was headed our way so we took the golf cart out for a spin to look at Christmas lights.

It is a long-standing tradition for everyone to put white lights in the tree in front. It is lovely. You aren't required . . .I sometimes wish we would highly encourage a few folks haha!

On Wednesday, I baked . . .

. . .a German Chocolate cake. This is our daughter-in-law's favorite and her birthday was back at the first of November. I made it for Thanksgiving and she took it home afterwards.

This is Mark's mother's recipe and it is probably the best German Chocolate Cake I've ever eaten (thought I don't eat it anymore). I also made a pumpkin pie, mini pecan pies, green bean bundles, and sweet potato casserole.

Mark's sister has a huge space for entertaining so she hosted. Our son, Glenn, was carving the turkeys. Susie smoked two turkeys on her Pit Barrel Cooker.

My green bean bundles are in the first two pans. My sweet potatoe casserole is next - it is in a four quart glass pyrex but the only way we could figure out how to carry it was nestled inside a massive disposable pan.

The Pit Barrel Cooker smokes the turkey to perfection.

A quick selfie with our daughter-in-law and oldest granddaughter . . .

Lots of activity around the kitchen . . .

Our son did a great job carving the birds!

A quick picture with Susie, my sister-in-law . . .

Here are those mini pecan pies . . .

Susie made a pumpkin roll . . .

I was at our son's house bright and early on Friday morning - not for a Black Friday sale . . . but to head to the Christmas Tree Farm. It was so cold!! Wynn is wearing the Christmas Vacation sweat suit and hat. Glenn is on the left and our granddaughter is on the right - she did NOT have on enough clothes.

She was trying to get warm nestled in the trees.

Cute family - I am biased!

We rode the little train. It was a gorgeous day . . .but cold!

After the tree farm, I hit one store for their Black Friday sale - Home Depot. They have their smaller wreaths for under $6. I bought 16 plus one rope of garland. I thought I had 17 and I paid for 17 . . .but I evidently miscounted.

What I didn't post is pictures of me doing homework . . .and more homework . . .and more homework! I'm closing in on the end of another semester . . .this week and next! I also cleaned out a bathroom drawer and organized a bathroom cabinet.

Sunday was a fifth Sunday and I'm in charge of Fifth Sunday Fellowship. Hero Doughnuts delivered my 13 dozen doughnuts - their doughnuts are so beautiful and evidently delicious. We normally host Fifth Sunday Fellowship in our Fellowship Hall, but this month we set up by the coffee bar with the intention of encouraging all adults to join an adult Sunday School Class - at least for the season of Lent.

It was a madhouse - but, a good madhouse! There were approximately 375 people in the early traditional service and 150 or so in the Family Service so between folks grabbing a doughnut and a cup of coffee, it was busy! I intentionally didn't order enough doughnuts for everyone because these doughnuts are so expensive, plus everyone doesn't eat doughnuts.

Our sermon series is "Christmas Interrupted" and we have a screensaver to be downloaded on our phones - to remind us that Jesus was born into this world to interrupt our lives. Yesterday was about interrupting the need for "more" with realizing that Jesus is "enough." There was a challenge issued during the sermon and then someone in our class issued a challenge to all of us. Our class party is December 11 and Claudia (host) will have a tree set up. She challenged everyone to give to a charity between now and then and to make a simple paper star ornament and write the charity's name on the star. We will decorate the tree with the starts - no amount and the stars will be anonymous. We will just see where all the money goes.

I baked Pound Dropper's Gingerbread doughnuts two different times over the weekend. They are so good and are made with Monk Fruit sweetener rather than sugar.

Why is it so much more fun to decorate for a holiday, rather than pack away after a holiday. The fall and Thanksgiving decorations had to be packed away. We will start getting out Christmas decorations later this week.

While I was packing away decorations and while I was riding my stationary bike, I listened to the morning worship service. The internet is good for many things. When you are a Sunday employee, you worship when you can . . . I worshipped in my fuzzy Christmas pajama pants!

I came back downstairs and did more homework. I am making progress on two massive projects. While I did homework I did some meal prep. We watched one episode of Ozark and one episode of Better Call Saul and called it a night at 10:00 p.m.

I gave you way more info about our weekend than you wanted to read, didn't I? I keep my blog as sort of a journal for me so I know that sometimes I overshare!

What did you do this weekend?

Sunday Stealing

 

Welcome to Sunday Stealing. Here we will steal all types of questions from every corner of the blogosphere. Our promise to you is that we will work hard to find the most interesting and intelligent questions. Cheers to all of us thieves!

Since it's Thanksgiving weekend, we're going to keep this simple. We stole this from a blogger named Idzie, who called this the F.A.B. (film, audio, book) meme.

F.A.B.

F. Film: What movie or tv show are you watching? We are watching Ozark right now and it is an intense show. We have also been watching Better Call Saul.

A. Audio: What are you listening to? I am writing this on Friday afternoon and I'm listening to the washer and dryer and I've been listening to videos recorded by classmates about macro goals and vocation.

B. Book: What are you reading? By Sunday, I will have completed what I'm reading today -- The Widow by John Grisham. It is a good book. I'm ready to find out how it ends.

Thank you for playing! Please come back next week.

Day Eight - Ludwigshafen and Heidelberg

On Day 8, we approached Ludwigshafen. My best friend's maiden name is Ludwig so I had texted her our destination. 

The leaves along the bank were just gorgeous. 

When we docked in Ludwigshafen, we found that it was pretty much just an industrial area. Our tour guide met us with a bus and he was amazing!! 

We boarded a bus and headed to Heidelberg Castle. The drive was so beautiful but I am so glad that I was in the front of the bus and I am so glad that I was able to take dramamine!! I also wore my relief band - it truly helps.

can be ordered from Amazon - Reliefband

Look at those trees - glorious autumn leaves!

We arrived at the castle gate!!

once again - those leaves!!

Heidelberg Castle was once considered the 8th wonder
of the world!

Our tour guide told us the legend of the vomitoria - which according to our guide
and to the internet is indeed a myth. People wanted to appear wealthy and
be able to eat and eat and eat . . .so supposedly, they would vomit in order to 
eat more. That is just so gross. It sounds like the beginning of eating
disorders!!

This massive wine barrel was impressive.
Mark's knee was hurting so we didn't climb
on top.

There was a sweet Asian family taking
pictures by the ginormous wine barrel.
They spoke no English and I didn't 
speak their language, but she and I
communicated and I took photos
of their family and she took photos
of us!

Mark took a photo of the wine menu so that he could show

our wine drinking friends.

There is also a legend about this indention. On the Great Terrace at Heidelberg Castle, a shoe-shaped imprint fascinates visitors from across the globe. A brave knight is said to have left this deep impression in the sandstone as he leaped from a window in the Friedrich’s Wing. . . in his heavy armor.

Would anyone like to guess why he was jumping? He was caught in the act with

someone who was not his wife and was married to someone else.

If he was caught in the act, how did he put on his armor so quickly??

It really does look like a footprint and makes for a great legend.

These views - oh my goodness - the view took

my breath away!

We could turn in every direction and it was beautiful.

This is such a beautiful village along the banks.

Several of the "statues" on the side of the building

are overweight -- because being overweight

showed their wealth!

Look at this big guy!

I know y'all are tired of my photos of leaves - but they were just so beautiful that I couldn't stop snapping away!

Below is the Elizabeth Gate in the Artillery Garden and it is a true treasure, and was commissioned by Friedrich V from Salomon de Caus. Friedrich V had it built for his wife, Elizabeth Stuart, in 1615. According to the legend, it was a birthday gift and is said to have been built in a single night. The triumphal-arch-style structure is adorned with delicate ornamental sculpture. The stone foliage hides many animals, such as frogs, lizards and squirrels.

Our guide told us that the way it was built in a single night while the lady was sleeping . . .

it was built in several sections and brought in during the night and put together

before she awakened!

There was construction going on behind the gate - hence the ugly construction fence you can see through the arch.

We got back on the bus and headed down to the town of Heidelberg.

We had a couple of hours of free time. We were originally with Kim and Caristi, but split off.

I love all of these towns we visited.

Here is the view of the castle from down in the town. There is a whole lot of history.  Heidelberg Castle was ruined by the French in two attacks in 1689 and 1693. After the 1693 destruction, townspeople salvaged bricks from the ruins to build new houses, an act that contributed to the castle remaining in a state of ruin. People literally scavaged the bricks and built their own homes.

In 1764, after some makeshift repairs, the battered castle was heavily damaged again: this time by the forces of Nature, in the form of two devastating lightning strikes (I understand how that feels, don’t I?)

I am not sure I have the timeline exactly right - I do remember heavily damaged in a couple of wars and struck by lightning twice and the fact about the townspeople stealing the bricks.

I am such a sucker for a town square. They were cleaning this one getting it ready to set up for Christmas Market!

We made our way to a bakery. Mark was disappointed in his choice and after a few bites, threw it away.

I, on the other hand, loved every single bite of my pretzel. I did share some with Mark.

Cute little streets (love them!)

This is a liquor store that Mark loved. You could taste everything. The bus was getting ready to leave and Mark was still in the store . . .the man who doesn't like to shop!

This is from the store's website - it was in German and I asked ChatGPT to translate for me and now I share with with:

Our shop in Heidelberg’s Old Town is not only a place to shop, but also an oasis of enjoyment. Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of the Old Town and let our lovingly designed store inspire you. The combination of historic charm and modern flair makes every visit a special experience.

In our shop, you’ll find a refined selection of handcrafted spirits and liqueurs. From classic fruit brandies to innovative specialties, you’ll discover products made with passion and dedication, offering incomparable flavor. Our knowledgeable team is happy to advise you and help you find the perfect spirit for any occasion.

Would you like to bring joy to someone special? Our Heidelberg Old Town location offers a wide range of gift ideas for every occasion. Let our staff inspire you!

Visit us in Heidelberg’s Old Town and let Alte Brennerei enchant you. Experience craftsmanship, culinary variety, and warm hospitality in one of the most beautiful places in the city. We look forward to welcoming you to our shop and providing you with unforgettable moments of enjoyment.

It was a really interesting shop - they had these little casks along the walls and they had English speaking employees. 

We went to see the old bridge made of Neckar valley sandstone. It was built by Elector Karl Theodor in the 18th century and connects Old Heidelberg with new. The views from the bridge are lovely.

Headed back to the boat docked in Ludwigshafen.

We attended the chef's tasting dinner that night. We literally made the reservation within moments of boarding the boat. An employee was walking around with a clipboard. We made our reservation, but they wrote down the wrong room number . . .so we didn't get our special invitation delivered to the room. Mark checked on it and they told us they would work us in. We had made reservations to sit with the Texas and California folks we met on the first day of the cruise so we knew we made the reservation. When we arrived at dinner, they realized he had written our room number down incorrectly. 

I think we looked pretty good that night!

The food prepared and served was comparable to a five star restaurant. There was a tiny appetizer of heirloom tomatoes and cheese - our amuse-bouche.

A soup was served, but for some reason I don't have a photo!

Below is shrimp ceveche and I tried it. I just want to acknowledge that I ate several small bites. I just have a hard time understanding how lime juice can cook shrimp.

Our chef was in view which was very nice.

One course was halibut and risoto and spinach.

We were served our palate cleanser - a freshly made sorbet. Y'all know I don't eat sugar, but I did sample it.

There was also a beef course. Some people ate every bite of every course. I did not. I could not. Some people also drank massive amounts of wine. I did not. I'm not being sanctimonious - it was a LOT of food and beverage. I drank a lot of water hahaha!

The last course was dessert. It was mango sherbet, a macaron, and a tiny pie. I took a tiny taste of all three. Hopefully, we will go on another cruise and have another opportunity for a night like this . . .but just in case, I didn't want the opportunity to pass by.

Our chef, the chef de cuisine, and head water served us so beautifully that night!

Danon (former Dallas cheerleader) and her husband

Robert and his wife

Our table all together - such a fun night and a unique experience.

And the rest of the group headed to the lounge for more drinking. I selfishly asked Mark if we could just go to the room. I was so tired!!