Ok, so we’re literally in! I’ll take you on a little tour, but first, I want to thank you all for the great comments and encouragement. We started this project almost five years ago. Lutz’s mother left the house and property to both Lutz and his sister, Doris. Since Doris and her husband, Dieter, are nicely settled with a beautiful home in Oberwolfach, they decided not to move to one of the nine apartments in the complex. With the help of the contractor, we designed our top-floor apartment. It’s been a slow process, but we’re so pleased with our new home, and the views are just spectacular. The electrical contractor of the building has purchased the other penthouse on the top floor next to us. The process has taken this long to walk in and call it our own.
We still have much to do, but the basics are in. Our patio is huge and the garden designer, Dominik Schulte, Lutz’s son, (Schulte und Schoenes) is a wizard. We’re excited to have this amazingly creative guy from Wien transform this space into a dream patio. However, the 19 huge tree and flower planters from Brussels in our Keller will have to wait until spring for the trees and plants to arrive. Since we’re both receiving our second shot this week, we plan to take off and tour for a couple of weeks on our boat, visit lutz’s boys and grandkids, and hopefully head to the USA at the end of July. Leaving new potted trees and plants alone is not the best for their health in the first three months. Below is a picture of one of Dominik’s beautiful patios he created in Wien. Check out Dominik’s site…seriously, he does amazing designs in the center of Wien and beyond! But, below, you will get a good feel of what’s to come.
Let’s start with our patio! Remember, you’ve got to use your imagination! It is rather long. Dominik designed a pergola for shade which we are waiting for the cover…
In this corner, we have a jacuzzi coming when we return from the USA! Just use your imagination!
Although the patio will eventually be filled with flowers, trees, and shrubs, we’ve reverted to plastic flowers inside our home in the meantime…sorry folks but got to have some green!
We just got our dining room table light! So nice and modern. Plus hung Lutz’s mother’s 100+-year-old mirror. Still waiting for our doors on the buffet.
The kitchen is done, and I’ve been cooking up a storm in the new steamer and my oven. Both have automatic programs for cooking several items at a time. So much fun to experiment with! All my appliances are Miele, and the company is wonderful. I contacted them, and they sent me all the manuals and cookbooks in English. Beautiful pictures in each book and easy-to-follow recipes using both the steamer and the oven. Plus, I believe a woman designed my dishwasher. MY PLATES and BOWLS fit in several places with room to spare. It’s amazing. (sorry, Dominik, for the plastic flowers…)
I finally got the bedspread I wanted! I made both the spread and the skirt myself since the one I wanted online was over 500 euro… mine, 75 euro. Plus, I’m a purple fan and Lutz, not so much. I decided to change the name of the color to aubergine; Lutz likes that color much better. LOL
The guest room is ready and waiting. Let me know when you plan to come!
The office and gym room is basically a junk collector, and concerted efforts have been made to keep a clear path to the machines and Lutz’s tools…hidden behind the sofa.
As far as our travels they have taken us to the Wolfach Market every Wednesday…
Out to the balcony to make buckwheat pancakes…
And to the grill to make our first dinner on the balcony with Lutz’s new toy…a Weber!
Again, thanks for following me the past 5 years and keeping up with our building progress, traveling attempts, resources, and cooking experiences. Be sure to take a few minutes to peek at the following new recipes I’ve posted and this super resource. Until next month, I hope you are all safe, healthy, and with loved ones.
New Fav Recipes:
Za’atar Seasoning is an amazing seasoning to add to your pantry. You can use it as a rub for your grilling pleasure, season salads, yogurt, or veggies. It’s easy, so I suggest you double the recipe, you’ll thank me!
Vanilla Bean Tapioca Pudding and Bourbon Banana Whipped Cream is one of my childhood favorites. By accident, I rediscovered this yummy pudding and added an amazing touch! But, unfortunately, it’s not a kid’s dessert anymore…this one is only for adults.
New Fav Resource: Can You Mix Covid Vaccines?
I'm Melinda Stevens and living the life of a beach bum was inevitable since my father was a lifeguard for the city of Los Angeles. My memories of growing up on John Street in Manhattan Beach, California were filled with joy, excitement and adventures; until my world, as I knew it, fell apart when we moved to Del Mar, California. My father was offered the position as Captain of the lifeguards and we started the slow migration to the small deserted stretch of beach in 1963. At twelve years old, this seemed like the end of my life. Remember, I’m writing with clear hindsight now, ok somewhat clearer… Little did I know this would be the beginning of a new journey and give a bit more clarity to many of the events that led me to this new cooking adventure.
you forgot to metion the highlight of your week, the Friday night concerts… the idea iss awesome !!
Oh, you’re right! I forgot to mention that. Hugs and thanks for following me! I have a video but have to learn how to put one in my post…so far, I have not been successful.
Melinda,
What an exciting adventure to renovate your new home! What a great space! I know the feeling of having that vision in your mind of what you want it to look like and then the satisfaction that comes when you have achieved it! Congratulations and I look forward to your next update! Safe travels and enjoy your time stateside.
Cathy
Thanks for the encouraging comments. I’m so excited to be moved in and ready to make plans for traveling now. Welcome to my little site, and thanks for joining! Promise I won’t bug you but once a month! Loving your post about Italy, such an amazing country. I love the little pockets of wonder you have shared.