2024 December: It Was A Fall For The Books!

This fall has been one to remember. Actually, it is our first fall in Germany for some time now. Usually, we are in the USA, hanging out with my family and friends in the San Diego area, Oregon, or Borrego. As for our travels last month, we stayed near home. Our big trip was to Khel to finalize the paperwork to sell our boat, Virus. We have a great salesman working on it as we speak. They even drove her to Strasbourg, where Virus would be housed in their harbor for sale. It was a sad farewell to see Virus leave. Now, our fingers are crossed!

It’s been rather peaceful around here, and this is definitely a Fall for the book (s). Reading has become a daily ritual for both Lutz and me. My recent book by one of my favorite authors, Isabel Allende, has enthralled me. Lutz is captivated by Karl May and his tales of the West and the world.

We had some good weather and headed to check out this cool hotel, Hotel Munde, on the top of the Black Forest. There is also a restaurant. Click here to see the inside of this gorgeous place.

There is an outside pool!

Super children’s playground.

The great thing is the beautiful hiking, biking, and walking paths. Great getaway!

It’s been rather cold here, so I’ve spent much time indoors trying new recipes, cutting the last of my herbs, and drying them before the cold weather hits.

This sticky Pork Belly was amazing. I’m working on the recipe, so keep your eyes peeled!

This time of year calls for my Indian food. Taj Chicken is my version of Palak Paneer. I love this stuff, and it is so simple. The sauce is spinach, skinned and seeded tomatoes, onions, garlic, spices, coconut cream, and coconut yogurt.

I saw this recipe on social media and just had to try it. These are spicy salmon sushi cupcakes! I’m working on this one as well. They didn’t hold up, but the taste was amazing. I made some chili mayo to top these babies off.

My latest pottery creation was just the right thing for this special meal.

Yes, I am improving, but I’m missing the expertise to bring out the colors I was hoping for.

We had a great surprise and a cold fall day for the books. It snowed! Yes, in November. Since living here, I can’t remember a day of snow in November. I always recall in November, when I was teaching, that the children were outside bundled up, but it was never snow, just blue skies. A first for the books for me!

Our patio was beautiful for two days. I got to wear my winter boots and play in the snow, and those two days were enough to put me in the Christmas spirit. We spend one day decorating the patio.

And our outside Christmas tree. Welcome December! We are ready for you.

We made it just in time for the first opening of our little town’s Christmas Market on November 29, 2024!

Thanks for following along this month. I hope your winter and holidays are filled with family, friends, and good food! After much planning, Lutz and I are spending our first Christmas apart since we’ve been married. This event is truly one for the books. I’m heading to the USA, and Lutz is staying with his family in Germany. Lutz is set up to join me in San Diego from the middle of January to the middle of February. I’m crossing my fingers that all goes well.

I look forward to sharing our separate holiday with you all next month. Until then, enjoy this delicious recipe and the helpful resource to make your holiday merry!

Fave Recipe: Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Donuts

I’ve posted this super Christmas recipe, Maple Pecan Sweet Potato Donuts. They are made with sweet potato puree, but pumpkin puree also works. These are delicious and will be the perfect snack for those up before you on Christmas Day!

Fave Resource: How to Keep The Holidays Merry

This time of year can be stressful: shopping, guests arriving, dinner planning, traveling, and more. The political situations surrounding the world can add additional stress. I found this article by Lisa Sharp on her website. She provides some great tips for avoiding drama during this season.