New Year 2011

Well, after two days of chaos and total destruction of the house I have all the Christmas decorations taken down, packed away and have managed to put things back together quite nicely. The kitchen is spotless, the living room cozy and the gym is awaiting my workouts-"which I have been putting on the back burner for the last few weeks" {I'm a very bad girl!} But I'll be back, full swing in no-time!
I'm not exactly sure what we will end up doing tonight to bring in the New Year; but my cousin Linda and her husband Chris will be here to bring it in with us. In fact they are on their way as I write this, they came for a visit just after we moved into this house although this visit will be much more comfortable...we have furniture this time!
I hope everyone brings in the New Year safely. We wish you much joy, good health and a lot of love for 2011.

Operation "Take-Down"

I'm in the process of taking down my Christmas decorations. However with me...I can't just take them down; "I have to re-arrange all the furniture!" Perhaps one of these days I'll even be happy with the re-arrangements, the way the rooms lay out can make it quite challenging! I'm excited to see what I can come up with.
Rich is back to work- although he's one of the few, many will remain on leave until after the New Year; but he's able to conduct the inventory without disturbing too many people. 
Well enough procrastinating...... time to get back to work on this project!

Hoildays

Hello...I trust everyone had a wonderful Christmas with Family and Friends; Rich and I sure missed our family this year, however we were able to speak with everyone on the phone {next best thing}. We are looking forward to meeting-up with the kids in Ca. Plus we have our "Fisher Family Vacation" to look forward to. Now I get to begin a new countdown to Christmas!! "only 361 more days! What can I say? I just love the Holidays!!
I have to begin packing away all of our Christmas decorations until next November, a task I really do-not enjoy. After I'm finished..the house just looks so empty! But I'm looking forward to enjoying the rest of the winter season and all the snow-storms yet to arrive. 

Remembering

Today I'm thinking about the boy's and how much I miss them being little/younger. I was the type of Mother who never wished the time away although I would "sometimes" wish a birthday or two away..just so I could have another year with them. I remember "snow days" when school would be called off {I was sometimes more excited than the boys} On wet cold snowy or rainy days; they would rush through the front door, change into dry clothes and curl-up on the couch with some homemade warm chocolate chip cookies. a glass of milk or hot chocolate....I always had "something" ready for them. Oh how I loved those times, just thinking of them brings a tear to my eyes and I'm so very thankful for each of those days.
I'm also thankful for the ones I have today..I'm still with the man of my dreams whom I met when I was just 14! Being able to share all the memories we've had and continue to make. I'm very lucky- and I realize that.
Anyway....sitting in my kitchen looking through the snow globe, "yes..it's snowing hard" I thought I would share "THE BEST" Sugar cookie recipe with you. ENJOY!!!
                                                    Sour Cream Sugar Cookies
1/2 cup margarine
2 1/2 cups flour
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup dairy sour cream
1 egg
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Dash salt
1 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel
  Mix the above, divide in half, wrap and chill for 2 hrs. Roll out on floured surface. Cut into desired shapes and bake at 375  5-7 min.
  Glaze:
2 cups powered sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Milk
  Mix and add enough milk {2-4 tablespoons} to make of glazing consistency- spread on cooled cookies.
If you wish...using a small paintbrush you or/and the kids can paint designs on each cookie using food coloring.

Happy Monday

Good-morning! What a weekend, we made a Commissary trip to Heidelberg on Saturday; {long drive} however we were successful in our purchases. As soon as our mail room changes I'll be able to mail packages {right now we can't mail anything larger than a VCR tape} But I haven't forgotten about sending out small packages with a taste of Switzerland. It also make's it impossible to send out Christmas gifts!!! So, money will have to work this year for Shealynn and Brady. Although Craig and Trista will be doing our shopping and wrapping for us this year,- our love is with them always. I'm not saying what we're doing for the kid's this year...."not yet anyway".
I spent my morning climbing the elevator shafts again; I just can't seem to stay out of them! LOL  Rich made Tenure with the State Dept. so- if he chooses to stay a Diplomat he may do so until retirement. Which brings the question: Where in the world will "The Fisher's" live after next year?!?! But for right now, it's back to cleaning and baking.
 

Still..

Hello Everyone..I know I still have to post pictures of our weekend in Edinburgh, however I'm still waiting for Rich to send them to me from his computer! He did send me a few that I was unable to download.
Anyway, Switzerland has been just beautiful this past week "like living inside a snow-globe" I'm such a snow lover! I missed it so much the two years we lived in Israel. I was talking to my friend Terri earlier today and she pointed out that Christmas here in Europe is so much nicer and relaxing; over here it's more about celebrating the season with family and friends, where-as in the USA it's focused more on gift giving and purchases. Now don't get me wrong...I love Holiday shopping- but it is nice not to be pushed into the buy this, get that, hurry while supplies last type of marketing. I can even tell you that the Swiss people have never heard of Black Friday, one lady even asked me if it was a "sickness Day" LOL Huh, I guess one could say it was--in a since. When I think back on my childhood now I can honestly say it wasn't about the gifts. It was about baking and spending time with family, everyone "of course" on their best behavior. I know, I know..but YES. I'm still looking for that perfect little Norman Rockwell town to settle into where neighbors are friends, no need to lock your doors, and when people say their going to do something you can consider it done, and neighbors actually work out their problems and each mans word is solid gold. If any of you know of such a village; please let me know where it is!
Earlier this week was Kris Kringle Day, that is when all the kids place their just cleaned shoes out side the front door in the afternoon. And if the children have been good Kris will leave candy in their shoes...if they've been bad he leaves a switch instead. Although in all our years living in Europe I've never met any child that bad. Here's hoping for another snowy week!!!

What a Trip

Well- we made it back from Edinburgh! What an adventure..first we sat on the plane for 4 1/2 hours, "at least we were in an Exit row, so we had more leg room than most". Then we were told they were letting us off the plane..but not to go far and stay in the loading area...another 4 1/2 hours later still no flight staff- but six Police Officers show up to tell us the Airport has closed down! With no direction on what to do or where to go we made our way to find our luggage Rich and I split up to check out all the caravels since we had no idea which one they were coming in on. Got them!! Now what?! They were not booking any flights but "WERE" making Hotel reservations. So Rich got on the phone booked a room at the Hilton and off we went for the night. Our Flight did get re-booked the next morning {however} the airport was still closed and they were not sure when it would be open, so again Rich got on the phone and found out that Flights were taking off from Glasgow. He had luck in booking us on the flight however we still had to get there!! At the Train Station they told us we would be taking a chance..as they might be running or not. After an hour wait we got the Train; but not so fast! About 20 minutes from the airport the train breaks down, we were told to get off and another would be along to pick us up..15 minutes later a small train pulls up; definitely not room for everyone so we had to wait for yet another one!! A half hour later we were once again on our way. The plane got delayed for over an hour but we did make it to Geneva just in time to catch the last train into Bern. From there we took a cab and walked in our home at 2 AM!!! FINELY HOME. Funny thing, we went to Edinburgh to set up an Amazing Race for our Family vacation in August and ended up on one ourselves just to get home. I wouldn't have wanted to miss a moment of it...Rich and I seem to have a good time no-matter what's going on..plus we met some great people.
I will post some pictures as soon as I can however I'll need to be careful not to post any of the "up-coming race".

Happy Thanksgiving

I hope everyone is having a wonderful Thanksgiving!! While our son's celebrate apart from us this year, Rich and I find ourselves in Edinburgh Scotland on a mission of "recon" for our Fisher Family vacation in August. We have secured our B&B for 19 people. "wow" how our family is growing!!! Today we weren't able to have a Thanksgiving dinner; however we did have a wonderful dinner for two! Also tonight the city of Edinburgh set off fireworks followed by the turning on of Christmas lights throughout the city. I can't explain to you how beautiful everything looks out-there right now. Earlier we were able to walk through the Christmas market..although it doesn't officially open until Saturday, we were able to look at some of the booths that were all set-up and ready to sell. Then we realized it was the German side of the Christmas Market we were walking through; we'll go back on Saturday to see the Scottish side! And baby it's cold outside...snow is on the weather map for the rest of the weekend, and yes...I'm looking forward to it. As soon as we get back home to Bern I will post some great pictures.

Onion Market

For those of you that just love doing crafty thing's...pay attention and enjoy. I know you could make these things!!

Hay Balls with baby onion nose, feet and hands

Onion dolls all dressed-up

Caterpillars, elephants and bumble bees

Turtles and snails

onions, onions everywhere!

owls made with sticks

And...what to do with old skates?? This is great for the memories and the beauty of the Season.

About the Onion Market

The Onion Market (Zibelemärit) is a traditional folk festival which takes place on the fourth Monday every November. Farmers from the surrounding area bring more than 50 tons of onions - in artisti-cally woven plaits - and garlic to the federal capital. Colorful mar-ket stalls offer ceramic pots, bread, vegetables and mementos to the visitor. To help resist the winter cold, don't miss the Glühwein stand. The bustle starts early in the morning and hundreds of visi-tors from home and abroad stream through the town. This is the day when cheese, cheesecake, onion cakes and onion soup are on offer in all the restaurants, giving off a spicy aroma. Younger visitors scatter confetti in the streets, and have fun at the fairground.
Historical:
Modern Myth and Ancient Fact
Shortly before five o‟clock on the afternoon of 14th May, 1405, fire broke out in Bern‟s Brunngasse. Within the space of a few minutes, fanned by a strong wind, the flames had spread across to the oppo-site bank of the Aare River. Neighboring towns collected money and sent helpers. Most admirably of all, over a period of two months the citizens of Fribourg, led by their alderman N. Gambach, helped clear away the de-bris and displayed great honesty by handing in all items found in the process.
At this point the tale audaciously takes on mythical propor-tions, as first told around 60 years ago in the schoolrooms of the City of Bern. According to this version, as an expression of their gratitude, the Bernese granted citizens their first Onion Market (Zibelemärit) in 1406. Yet in the chronicles of Conrad Justinger, who was witness to the fire, there is no mention of this grant to sell on-ions. Indeed, it would have been a poor ex-pression of thanks! Just where were the hundreds of Fribourg helpers, all city dwell-
ers, supposed to get hold of onions for an annual market? At that time, there was no extensive growing of one par-ticular crop in the region. Moreover, the Bernese grew vegetables them-selves behind their houses. And if the yield was insufficient, they could al-ways buy onions at the weekly market in Onion Lane (Zibelegässli).
The Onion Market (Zibelemärit) actually began much later. In the 18th century, farm-ers‟ wives brought the vegetables they had cultivated on Mont Vully above Lake Mur-ten to markets in Fribourg, Murten and Neuchâtel. Around 1850, at first almost unno-ticed, these so-called „marmettes“, began to turn up in Bern on the first day of the city‟s ancient two-week Martinmas Fairs, selling primarily onions but also endives, leeks, celeriac and black satisfy, nuts, chestnuts and fruit. Thanks to the excellent qual-ity of the produce and the cheerful, friendly demeanor of the farmers‟ wives who sold it, the new vegetable market rapidly blossomed until, as early as 1860, newspapers were proclaiming the Onion Market (Zibelemärit) as the „traditional“ start of the Mar-tinmas Fair.
So the establishment of the Onion Market was linked to the much older Martinmas Fair. And how did the Fair itself originate? Since the late Middle Ages - long before the fire of 1405 - citizens of Bern and other residents of Switzerland‟s southern German-speaking regions had celebrated the changeover from the summer half-year to the win-ter half-year on Martinmas or St. Martins‟ Day, with festive meals, processions and torch lit parades in which the younger citizens played a noisy and enthusiastic part. The festival was accompanied by a busy weekly market which mainly sold goods for the coming winter and, due to its various attractions, gradually grew in popularity un-til in 1439 the authorities officially declared a levy-free Martinmas Fair to last several days. Bern was also granted an Easter Fair in the same year.
In the course of the present century, large department stores have gradually super-seded these traditional market fairs. The Easter Fair disappeared after the Second World War, and only the first day of the Martinmas Fair (the fourth Monday in No-vember) is still celebrated - with the Onion Market (Zibelemärit).
However, some medieval Martinmas customs survive to this day: notably the festive meals featuring cheese and onion pies, and the wild antics of the younger population in Spitalgasse. Only the torch lit parades have disappeared. More-over, the two-week annual market at Easter and Martinmas are still a lively tradition.

The Ball

All went well at the Marine Corps Ball. It was held at the Belmont Hotel..."very posh", do you know that a room there for one night is $1600. dollars!?

These six young men will be coming to our home for Christmas Eve Dinner

Entering the room for dinner

Posting the colors

A few opening words from our Ambassador....

Waiters presenting dinner with flair

Appetizer

Dinner

May I offer you a light dessert?

Our very good friends and dinner companions...Doug and Lisa Reynolds

. Doug is the Air Force Attache.

I hope you enjoyed seeing "some" of our evening. For those of you who want to attend next year: Be here in November next year!
 

Its that time of year

Tonight is the Marine Corps Ball. A function we now find ourselves attending {instead of our ever loved Military ST.Barbers Day Ball} I can tell you that the Marines are much more reserved than the Artillery! I myself prefer the Artillery Ball, I find it much more amusing...and fun. So this evening will be spent in formal wear doing the "one thing I hate more than anything" shaking hands....I really hate the thought of shaking everyone's hand!! Plus in this country another ritual is added: a kiss on each cheek-x3, Right, left, right. Now, I'm not a total prude; I have no-problem if I know the people-if their friends/ I'm just not keen having people I don't know moving into my space. Luckily I have a wonderful husband who will step in to avert the unknowns. Silly huh?? It's just a small part of who I am. Now I'm interested in hearing from the rest of you to find out what your "silly thing" is!!! We all have "something"! On a lighter note, we will be taking the camera with us- so hopefully I'll have some great pictures to post tomorrow.
This virus thing really put me down this week. I thought I was safe and good to go after having the flu shot. Boy was I wrong!  My advice? Wear your scarfs and warm jackets...stay healthy!

November what??

WOW!! Where has this month gone? I mean this is always a busy time of year for me, but geese! Unfortunately one of my favorite things to do this time of year will most likely have to take place on-line. "SHOPPING".... Here at this Post we only have pouch mail, which means we can-not send anything that will not fit in a large envelope.We could however drive to one of the Military Bases in Germany and try to use the APO "which is an idea"...at least to send the kids a Swiss candy countdown calendar for December. They are like the European ones- only bigger! I need to get them on their way by the end of next week. 
I can close my eyes and see everyone getting ready for Thanksgiving...I so wish we could be with our kids this year. "not fair" But instead of sulking, Rich and I are going to Edinburgh Scotland to do a "recon" for our Fisher Family vacation in August. We will be staying at the same B&B we booked to make sure they'll be able to accommodate our growing family. The rest will have to remain a mystery, at least for now. I don't want to give any surprises away to the kids!!! As an extra bonus to us the kids will be arriving a week before the vacation to experience Switzerland! So we will defiantly have tons of pictures to post for all to see. "I get so excited just thinking about it!"
Oh..and I have been busy putting up "most" of our Christmas decorations. Although I still need the Grinch to put up the Tree!! "wish me luck" LOL But I'll take some pictures of the house for all to see...there's a bit of Christmas wherever you look in here. It's just so warm and cozy...my favorite time of year for sure!

Since when..

So while going to work this morning I was noticing the way Swiss women dress. "Like me" they enjoy dark colors but also I noticed that no-one wore nylons- not one single person had nylons under their dress. "Tights"... dark tights, mostly black, Grey or brown. {now, I don't know about you but I haven't worn tights in years!} I guess it makes sense over here giving the fact that it gets so cold. Curiosity got the better of me and on my way home I stopped at the store to look and I can tell you that they do have nylons.."lots of them". Most everyone wears dark colors, I noticed that the stores carry a few pieces of color but nothing bright....dark blue,green,Grey.etc... I like the dark's. When my friend Pat came to visit me in DC, she took me shopping to "put some color into my wardrobe". It didn't work; I'm just not a Summer/Spring. I'm a Fall/Winter I like the warm colors. But I do have to give Pat credit...she tried very hard!
So don't put those dresses away for the winter ladies, run out and buy some cute tights...but stay away from the white!

School Days

A friend's daughter attends the American International School here in Switzerland. She was telling me about her school "routine" last week, and I thought you might find it interesting.
They are on a 7 day schedule over here, the reason being is for Winter; each Friday from November- March is mandatory ski day. That's right.... each student from K-12 has ski class every Friday!! If they are just learning, their on the bunny slope but if they know how to ski, they can pick their trail, the hours? 8:30-2:30 of course! Now why didn't I have a class like that in school?
This is just another example of what is open to Foreign Service Students, they are given great opportunities to accomplish wonderful adventures. It's really a shame schools in the States have such limited funding' we all should be able to provide the best in Education for our children. I also wonder if programs like this were available- would the children be more eager to learn? Or would it even make a difference?

First day of work

Yesterday was my first day of work at the US Embassy. I went in early in order to get my new badge and number codes, my office is located between the FBI and the DEA; I was given "the talk" and then it was time for my first job. I was to take a Swiss worker up the elevator shafts and watch while he did maintenance. All the while I was climbing- in my head I kept hearing the theme from Mission Impossible ....LOL thinking to myself; "I'm a Mother of three wonderful grown boy's, I have two grandchildren with one more on the way...how in the hell did I end up here; doing this! "so much for take your Grandchild to work day". But on the other hand- it was quite exciting, I like being able to know things that no-one else can know although being in the elevator shaft totally blew my perception to the way they can come crashing down in the movies. {My disappointment of the day}
After returning home to spend a few minutes with Mikey, I took off to get my hair done "all of you ladies know what I'm talking about when I say" new job/new style! Now I fit the job. I'm already looking forward to Monday to see what plays out next.
Rich and I went out to the local restaurant last night with friends. We had such a wonderful time! Must do that again soon!! Now for all of you Stateside please make a note that we are doing our time change tonight: setting the clocks back one hour.

Aliens

This had to be my favorite place of the day. I'm a big Sci-Fi, horror movie buff!! And this museum didn't disappoint. 
We began walking through a beautiful old town complete with cobble stone streets and buildings with history....

The oldest house in town built in 1789 such detail

We were greeted upon our entrance

the artwork was.....different

and meetings were uneasy but interesting...

A Bust, I think every home should have one!

My favorite of the day, dining table with six chairs. Wonder where I can purchase this set?

And if you go, don't forget to stop off at the local Bar for a drink. 

so fun!

It was like being at a convention for space people....FUN!
Alright..beam me up Scotty, time to go back to Earth.

Cheese

The "one of many" cheese factory's we went to was quite a bore, however they were having a craft show with a few people selling some of their talents. Now I didn't purchase anything- but it was interesting to walk though.

here is the one photo that Rich took of cheese being made

cute but small, I saw them as dust collectors

must not forget the bells Swiss is famous for

wood sticks had threads attached.She would move them around

 to make photo

Choclate Factory

Well, who doesn't love chocolate?! Our trip to the factory was "bitter/sweet"; although small in size and production, the smells and taste were amazing. A place worth taking the kids to!

when you walk in, your facing a wall of chocolate bars

looking around- it's chocolate,chocolate everywhere!

we begin with the candy man...

the chocolate then comes out in long strips

cut in pieces

covered in chocolate.....

after going through the cooling machine,

the pieces are wrapped,

packaged, and ready to send out.

then we entered the tasting room

soooo much chocolate!!!!

could "YOU" taste it all?

 By the time we made it back to the gift shop; I couldn't even "LOOK" at any chocolate to purchase.! If you go...buy your chocolate "before" touring the factory!!
GYM.....must go to the gym!

Word is in

I received an e-mail from the Bureau of Diplomatic Security yesterday; I've been granted clearance to classified information at the SECRET level. Top secret will have to wait until they finish their investigation. I also just received a call from the Embassy, informing me that I could begin work as early as Monday. I have already been introduced to my new Boss and he showed me my new office. Now getting into my office will be a little iffy at first; at least until I can memorize the code to get in. "I was never good at remembering numbers!!!! IE: locker combination's, phone numbers, addresses...and without my GPS I would be lost 90% of the time"!!! And let us not forget that people call me Lucy...{from I Love Lucy} so I should be bringing a lot of color and excitement to the job! You should wish my new co-workers well!!!! As soon as I'm up and running I'll send out my State e-mail address. Rich and I will be working in the same building, on different floors---which reminds me, I'm going to be decorating Rich's Office for the Holidays beginning Mid-November...I've decided on the theme: The Grinch Cave. So if you can help by forwarding me any web-sites selling good Grinch Items Please do!

Temperature dropping

Yesterday we awoke to frost on the ground and this morning the car was iced-over. That being said, I love this weather! I had my German class yesterday- took the strab into the Baunhoff and decided to walk to the Embassy from there. The air was so fresh, crisp and snappy; I just loved the cold air on my face. Wonder if they have a job for me in the Arctic's? Or Iceland? "now that would be my dream job" LOL It's already beginning to warm up out there, the temp is up to 30 right now. I'll have to finish up so I can get out for my morning walk before it gets too-warm.
You can all look forward to my Blog this weekend...we will be going to a cheese factory, Chocolate Factory and the HR Giger Museum. Containing the biggest existing collection of sculptures, furnishings and film sets. Giger is best known for his visual effects in the film Alien. We'll also be having lunch in the Alien Restaurant! Since I intend to get a lot of pictures...I'll write a separate blog for each site. Humm...wonder how fun it would be to have an Alien Dining Room?!

Chestnuts

Yesterday Rich and I ventured out to Fete de la Chataingne, Fully to the annual Chestnut Festival. Although the weather turned into cold, windy rain; armed with winter coats and our trusty umbrellas we made our way through the Festival. Consisting of about 270 stands of goodies to purchase including food. "almost everything was made with chestnuts" 
Some of the sights included:

Although the view was beautiful, the day was very hazy

 

 

 

of course they had the candy/gummy booth

anyone for red garlic and onions?

let us not forget the chocolate....

...and Hot Cocoa

 Will and Terri "who told us about this festival" also introduced us to their favorite

 

food vender

also a favorite in the area

one of them even tried to get Terri to take his place for the day

And the day wouldn't be complete without chestnuts roasting over open fires

    One of the best parts of the day "aside from being with good friends"...on the drive home the rain was mixed with SNOW!!!!!