Happy Christmas!

The past three Decembers, we have flown to a Christmas market. The first year was Munich, then Salzburg and last year we went to Prague. This year, Europe was far out of our reach so we headed downtown for the christkindlemarket on a cold Sunday. It is a nice little market that is contained to about a block. It doesn't compare to the European markets but the prices of some things were actually lower than in Europe! We were also able to get tasty gluwein, some donut things, and good German sausage. So, even though it is small, it filled our "need" for a Christmas market and was a quite enjoyable couple of hours downtown. :)


This year, we also got a Christmas tree. The kitties are quite curious about it but they didn't climb is and haven't knocked it down. Darshin has tried to eat the branches. It is so nice to have a tree and have the presents wrapped under it. Somehow, it feels more like Christmas with the tree and presents. We even have four stockings waiting for Santa to fill them!

Also, for the second year in a row, I participated in an Irish Secret Santa. Even though presents weren't "due" until the 6th of January, I got mine already. It was a lovely surprise one day to have a package from Ireland. It contained two of my favourite yarns, too. :) When trying to take pictures, Tiffin was very interested in the hand made stitch markers.

So, on Christmas Eve, I wish you a Happy Christmas!

Sunny summer

A month ago (where did the time go?), Aileen came to visit. While she was here, I took her to multiple yarn shops (with some major stash enhancement) and to explore the city. The day that we went downtown was sunny (but hazy) and hot. As we walked around the city center, I was reminded of how interesting the architecture is here. I had forgotten how varied the buildings are, and yet they work together well.

I have to say, it is wonderful to have a summer again. Last summer in Ireland was so rainy. Even during the nice summers in Ireland, they don't compare to summers here. However, now the sun sets sooner, there is a chill in the air at night, and autumn is coming...