Do you know the name of this Flower?

It's growing in my greenhouse.

I bet you know what it is. 

Outside?  Don't ask.

It's dreary

But all is well in my Greenhouse.

Snow doesn't want to melt.
Pond freezes over every night.

My Nasturtiums are happy.  They love a cool greenhouse.  

 Do have a wonderful week my dear 

Blogging Friends.

Gina 



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   
  

It was only supposed to be routine

It's the New Year.

Routine blood tests.

Some numbers didn't look right.

A few more tests.

More anxiety, more waiting.

All is well...we are grateful.

Have a great weekend my dear 

Blogging Friends.

Gina

Cooking School for Lovers

At the Gritti Palace Hotel

Venice, Italy

Our room at the Gritti.

Chef Giacomello' s talented hands at work.

Chef Giacomello, his assistant, and our class. 
Carlo Coco (on the left, in black) expert in gastronomic history, guidebook and cookbook author.
And Antonio (lower right), interpreter and Venice expert who guided us through the backstreets and historic sites of Venice.  

Mr G receiving his Award.

We also learned how to prepare:

White Chocolate Heart with Passion Fruit Jelly

Terrine of Giant Prawns in Curry-Flavored Pastry Case with Pumpkin cream

Banana Mousse with Chocolate Heart and Caramel Sauce

Saffroned "Chiche" in Truffle-Flavoured Robiola Cream served in Parmesan Wafers

Duck's Breast in Honey and Chili Peppers with Whisked Potatoes and Ribbon-shaped Vegetables

Champagne Mousse

Veal Fillet Medallions

Chef Giacomello taught us how to cook and bake with aphrodisiacs and 22 karat gold.

Each day we "tested" our recipes in Gritti's elegant dining room.

After our 4-hour stroll through Venice, each afternoon, we enjoyed a glass of Prosecco at the famous Gritti bar. 


Happy Valentine's  Day
to you, my dear 
Blogging Friends.

Gina  



What was she thinking?

My Hen left me a little surprise.  

A little egg  laid by one of my full grown chickens. It should be the size of all the other eggs.  

 I think it was my golden Buff Orpington.  She is the clever one in the bunch.

 How many yolks do you see? 
Yep, that's the little egg.  All complete, egg white and egg yolk,  only in miniature. 

I'm still on vacation but just had to send you a happy Hello. 

Gina 

Teesny, Weensy Break

Dear Friends

I'm taking a teesny, weesny break from blogging. 

Thank you for your friendship.

Gina