Sunday, February 17, 2013

So, you close your eyes




Your finger is on the button
and you click where it says Finish.



It's a done deal.  You've just spent thousands of Dollars for a First Class Ticket to Europe. 





But this year is different.


We had amassed a few frequent flyer points. 
I tried different agents, some were grumpy, some were non committal, some were new and then, one agent was absolutely perfect.




She made it happen.  Only 100,000.00 points for a round trip, nonstop, first class flight to Paris and on to Frankfurt.






We've been there many times. 
This year is special.






We are celebrating  our 50th Wedding Anniversary in December.

We remember:
Christmas and New Year celebrations at the
Geyerhof, Soprabolzano, Italy. 
Christkindlemarkt in Nuernberg,  
A little Christmas tree remembered in our room at the
Goldener Hirsch in Salzburg.




The Adler Hotel in Niederdorf, beautiful fabrics made by an old gentleman French weaver and sitting by the hand painted Kachelofen warming us,
while enjoying fine cuisine. 





So many ski trails discovered and re-discovered so many years thereafter,
 until we just couldn't find a new trail. 





Everything is set.  We have all year to think about the magic of Christmas in Europe.





This Austrian Farmer is letting his horse pull a Christmas tree sideways across this large field.   Why?  It disperses fertilizer which was left behind from earlier occupants (cows).







Before we go on our trip there will be planting and harvesting the garden.  There will also be lots of time to celebrate with good friends and neighbors. 


Have a wonderful week my dear
Blogging Friends.

Thank you so much for the lovely comments you have left for me. 
You are the very Best.

Gina   
  

30 comments:

  1. 50 years??? That is an inspiration today. I know you will be dreaming about this all year. And, you scared me with your post the other day about the blood work. Glad everything is OK. xo

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    1. Dear Barbara, 50 years went by in a hurry. I can't believe it myself. I feel so fortunate to be so lucky.

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  2. My heart is actually pounding with excitement for you. I love knowing that you all are avid skiers, and you have skied the slopes of Europe. I'm absolutely thrilled for your coming trip. Cherry Kay

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    1. Hello Cherry Kay and welcome. Thank you for your visit and comment. Our type of skiing is the easy kind, cross country. It's like walking, only faster.

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  3. It is so wonderful to read this post, Gina, and to think of that button being punched. What a lovely celebration you and your husband have to anticipate.

    Thank you for sharing this happiness with us!

    xo

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    1. Dear Frances, We always purchase our tickets early in the year. There is so much time to think and plan and of course, the anticipation is part of the fun. ox, Gina

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  4. Dear Gina, it seems that you found a real bargain..........normally even Business class requires
    100.000 points/miles with LH and AA. But, of course, you must have that special touch and experience
    not to book with a grumpy agent. Your plan sounds heavenly and what a fine occasion to celebrate
    a life of 50 years together with a handsome husband.I always love to see your travel photos and
    enjoyed the recent ones from France very much. We've been to Burgundy and I love the region's wines
    and of course the food.
    Warmest greetings, Sieglinde

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    1. Dear Sieglinde, Often I try to purchase air tickets without the help of an agent. However, it has been my experience that the right agent can actually save you money. If you have the luxury of being flexible with dates then often price and other requirements change drastically. But you have to have an agent that is willing to spend the time.
      I'm not surprised that you enjoyed Burgundy...in fact all of the western part of France was a pleasant surprise for us. ox, Gina

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  5. I got chills reading this, Gina. I am so very happy for you two! It will be marvelous thinking and planning and dreaming all year and then the most wonderful celebration in December. Congratulations!!!! xoxo

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    1. Dearest Georgianna, It has been a few years since we have spent time in Europe during the Christmas season. It will be fun to explore new areas and visit some old favorites. In the meantime I'm looking forward to seeing and enjoying more of your fabulous photographs. ox, Gina

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  6. Dear Gina - what an exciting holiday for the two of you and at the same time also conjuring up lots of happy past memories and future ones to come.
    I know what you mean about pressing the button, I always feel the same. There is a nervous anticipation, shall we do it? are we sure? and then a sense of relief that all is organised and arranged.
    Congratulations for a happy golden year ahead to you both♥

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    1. Dear Rosemary, I'm aways surprised with the ease with which I push that last button. Almost like it really isn't money I'm spending. The fun is in the planning and anticipation. I like to have certain aspects of a trip organized but always leave a little time open for new adventures.
      ox, Gina

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  7. Dear Gina,

    Congratulations to you and Gene on celebrating 50 years! I hope your trip brings back happy memories, but also forges new directions and adventures. . .

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    1. Thank you Mark. Part of the fun in planning a trip like this is the discovery of new places and hopefully making the right choices. Have a great week and thank you for commenting.

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  8. This is called happiness ! Congratulations ! Great photos , I'm fond of Austria .
    Olympia

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  9. Thank you Olympia. Austria is a wonderfully friendly country. And what scenery! And what about their fabulous food.

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  10. Dear Gina,
    Oh! Such an exciting trip! I send my warmest congratulations to you on reaching this wonderful milestone with your dear husband. I think you've planned the perfect celebration-- it's sure to be an amazing adventure for you both!
    Warm regards,
    Erika

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    1. Dear Erika, The fun part is the many months we have to plan and scheme. Thank you for your good wishes. ox, Gina

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  11. Just having a lovely catch up here, how exciting about your forthcoming trip to spend Christmas here in Europe and Warmest Congratulations on the milestone anniversary. Your recent comments on my own blog are much appreciated Gina.

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  12. Oh what a wonderful and happy trip to look forward to! And congratulations - that's an extraordinary milestone!
    Thank you for your lovely and helpful comments on my blog xo

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    1. Dear Karen, I am so envious. You are in Marrakech. I want to go back. What an exciting place.

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  13. Dear LindyLou,Thank you for your warm wishes. I guess 50 years is quite a number. Seems like only yesterday.

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  14. Replies
    1. Hello Hans, thank you for your visit and thank you also for your very nice compliment.

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  15. Happy Anniversary! Wow! 50 years ~ Glad you went to this beautiful place with your frequent flyer miles ~ Wonderful photography for WTS ~ ^_^

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    1. Hello creative. Frequent flyer miles do make the adventure even more special. Thank you for your visit.

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  16. Sounds marvelous! Happy 50th, that is sweet! Love all of these shots, and the onions look freshly picked... Thank you for sharing on Weekly Top Shot #71!

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    1. Dear Madge, It is so nice of you to host Top shot. I know that it is a lot of work and we thank you. ox, Gina

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  17. Wow...50 years!! A huge congratulations on a great accomplishment and so worth your trip to Germany. The photos are beautiful and inspiring...:)

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  18. Hello Nancy and welcome. Your very comment is so appreciated.

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