2022 February: Just made it by the hairs on our chinny-chin-chins!

We made it out of Dodge!

Last month I left you hanging and wondering if after being exposed to the virus we’d make it out of San Diego.  If you recall we all made it a family event to be tested. The day before we were supposed to fly, both my daughter’s family and ourselves were clear and free. I am surprised how we ever stayed that long in California without being infected. The numbers were so high!

We had an adventure upon landing. Our new home is 3 hours from Frankfurt airport and no transportation except the train. So after 15 hours in flight with our masks on we spent another 3 hours on a train with them securely fastened.  By the time we got home I was exhausted and ready to breathe some of that good Black Forest fresh air.

For the first week home, the snow tried its best to hang around but it melts to slush within the hour. If it was going to be cold and wet I needed to change the scenery and see some snow. So, we packed up and headed thirty minutes up the mountain for a hike in the freshly fallen snow.

A long walk was in store! We are so fortunate to have such great company! Freya and Jeorg, our close friends, always know the best spots to explore and see this beautiful area. 

The views were amazing and the universe sure knows how to decorate!

We had lots to prepare for the following week. Lutz’s birthday was fast approaching and his son Dominik and Philipp, his wife and two sons were coming for the weekend to celebrate. Lots of cooking, shopping, and cleaning to make this a very special event.  It was the first time that any of them have come to visit us.  It was a great weekend and the jacuzzi was up and running.

Not much else happening these past few days. Trying to get back on my eating regime. It’s so hard when you are away. Plus, just getting familiar with my new kitchen and trying to remember where I placed all my appliances, dishes, and gadgets!  I think I am experiencing massive brain fog.

While Dominik was here he inspired me with some new design ideas. I think I’ve got a vision now. His simple but elegant touches really helped me make some decisions for stepping up my living area. This gorgeous dried flower addition has set me on a path for painting the entry hall a deep eggplant and…

a lighter eggplant color on my living room wall where the huge mirror hangs.

He also added a simple addition to Lutz’s mother’s old vase, which I love, but could not figure out what to do with it. This plant just brought some life and color into my black, gold, and beige decor.

I’ll keep you posted next month. The painter is coming next week! Yikes…

Fave Recipes:

I’ve been totally consumed with this season’s blood oranges and have created a few super dishes that bring out their flavor and color. Take a peek! This Blood Orange Marmalade is a wake-up call for breakfast and this recipe for Blood Orange Cream Pie is an easy gourmet delight.

Fave Resource:

Looking for an interesting read? This caught my attention last week and I thought you might enjoy it. I’m not certain I agree with ALL of this article but…it is certainly worth a peek: 21 Food  Myths You Still Think Are True.  (My favorite is the egg myth)