Riding the tram (www.kvv.de) around the area has proven to be such a joy–it takes me to places I would have never known about before–like the quaint village of Fraunalb in Baden-Wurtämburg. The videos show case some of the wonderful and beautiful aspects of the monastary ruins–
Sunday Drives are always lovely, especially with suprises.
The Rhein, with aid from heavy rains, ran over its banks. There is a levy that blocks the road from Rheinstetten to the next town as it is unsafe to cross–being flooded.
An adventure is wonderful–with a small price of just 2 liters of gasoline in the car and natures amazing ebbs.
Salad and Entree
Working on the dream list of cooking more often is becomign quite fun…groceries in Germany are relatively inexpensive, especially compared to American grocery costs.
Thomas, thankfully, is pretty open to trying new things, even when it is me that is cooking. Spending time in the kitchen is well worth the while when there is someone to feed.
This evenings meal was a two-part evening–salad as a appetizer and then the entree. I have not quite learned or mastered the art of pairing wine or an adult beverage with food yet but one step at a time…
Salad:
Baby spinach—chopped walnuts–cranberries–crumbled goat Feta cheese–diced roma tomatoes–oil and vinegar dressing
Entree:
Steamed Green beens with salt, topped with sauted red bell pepper spears
Pork loins..seasoned with black pepper, garlic salt, and paprika and lightly fried on low heat in Sunflower oil.
I think food always tastes better when it is arranged in a pretty way—edible art?
Summer Pasta Salad
A light, easy meal for a hot summer evening–easily feeds 4.
1 Box of spiraly Pasta, Cooked al-dente (easily done if directions on box are followed)
1 large can of sliced black olives
6 fresh basil leaves, coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons of virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp coarse ground salt
1 cup of Feta Cheese Crumbles
1 tsp Lemon Juice
1 large tomatoe, diced
A dash of Pepper
Mix all ingredients together in a large, glass bowl. Cover and let stand (in refridgearador) for 30 minutes.
Stir and serve. It is excellent, cool, and super yummy.
Amazing day!! The chapel is not normally open to tourists-visitors but today, with special perimissin, Thomas and I not only got a tour of the private chapel on estate grounds but I also was given the opprotunity to cross something off my bucket list–our guide ENCOURAGED me, with full permission (without me even asking) to ring the bell in the chapel–all after an amazing, personal tour of the estate–including the private chambers of the Margravine Franziska Sibylla Augusta of Sachsen-Lauenburg.
A week after touring the estate, Thomas and I were invited to attend a classical concert at the estate–an amazing evening where the musicians dressed in period correct costumes. Champagne and delights were served during intermission and oh, what fun!!!
History Courtesy Wik.
Schloss Favorite is a castle on the outskirts of Rastatt-Förch in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Built by Johann Michael Ludwig Rohrer between 1710 and 1730, it was a pleasure and hunting palace (French: Maison de plaisance) used by Margravine Franziska Sibylla Augusta of Sachsen-Lauenburg, widow of Louis William, Margrave of Baden-Baden (‘Türkenlouis’). It is the oldest of the German so-called ‘Porcelain Palaces’ and the only to survive intact to this day. The castle was only used for several weeks a year as a summer residence.
The castle houses a large collection of Chinese porcelain, black lacquerwork and Schwartz Porcelain.
Address: Am Schloß Favorite 5, 76437 Rastatt, Germany
Hot tea, Apples and Nutella
Yogurt Dip and vegetables as snack
Thomas and I are playing dominoes
A lovely evening of playing games with my sweetheart. neither of us have played dominoes in years. We had to read the directions on the box and make a practice game or two before getting the hang of it.
Thomas has also ‘discovered’ that he likes apple slices and Nutella (the wonderful chocolate hazelnut creme spread)- I enjoyed this delightful snack before in the U.S.A but Thomas had never heard of the combo before–I think he is now hooked!!!
Home Made Breakfast
An easy breakfast to dish up–takes under 12 minutes from start to finish.
2 Cups of Old Fashioned Oatmeal
3 cups of cold tap water
a pinch of salt
1/2 Cup of Dried Raisins ( I like to use the purple-dark raisins)
1 TSP of ground Cinnamon
Mix everything together in a pot–cook on medium low heat for 7-9 minutes, if the mix is too thick for you, add a bit more water.
Divide up into bowls, topping with a swirl-drizzle of honey. It is so good and easily made with very common ingredients–can easily be double or tripled or quadrupled for large groups and holiday guests.
I served it with a half slice of toast and half banana this morning for a little extra ‘boost’
The New Year has officially begun….and thus my brain started reeling of all the exciting things that the New Year will hold for me. Daydreaming, I admit, is a ‘bad’ habit I possess; I am guilty in relishing in this habit as well, practicing it often, sometimes daily for hours on end. Whew!!
A fascinating article (5 Important Lessons You’ll Learn About Your Life When You’re Following Your Dreams) has prompted (inspired, encouraged) me to write down, list the things I dream (a.k.a. day dream) about doing…a bucket list of sorts but I am not about to keel over, no worries.
(in no particular order, at this time!)
Why not??
Family Night having Dinner at AJ
Enjoying Colorado Raised beef, Prime Rib
Prime rib is always a good idea!!!
Haake and I knew about this place for a while but we discovered recently that it has Prime Rib specials on Friday evenings–and dinner is always more enjoyable with good company.
M. Haake and I love the Prime Rib Fridays at AJ’s In Orchard, Colorado
Colorado Mammoths
Goofy friends with Kevin H.
Friends watching the Mammoth Lacrosse Game at the Pepsi Center, Prive Box, Denver, Colorado
Watching Mammoth Lacross, Pepsi Center, Denver, Colorado
Tanner, Margaret, and Haake enjyoing the game from box seats.
What a fun, wonderful evening!! Friends and family enjoyed a Colorado Mammoths Lacross game and the crowds were roaring!! The skill and agility of the athletes was astounding!!!
My Travels 