And so the lockdown continues. Time kind of doesn’t exist anymore, only moments. Well, let’s create moments!

Mondays turned into veggie soup days: reducing lunch time cooking stress while (2nd) eating healthy.

Almost done with winter early dark days.

4 weeks to go… (maybe a bit more). Well, batteries are charged. We are ready!

Virtual coffee with the President of the devision I work for. Nice change to the daily work & home office routine. I even dressed properly (a blouse & earrings) with a bit of eye make up (video call was on).

Hubby made his first „after Brexit“ experiences and had to show up at the customs office in Stuttgart to receive a (Christmas) parcel from N.Ireland. Apparently the customs declaration form wasn’t filled in properly.

Shops remaining closed… so where else to get Italian coffee beans (to survive those long home office days)?

Lockdown or not. Creativity has no boundaries. Best proof is hubby: yeast (ingredient for future craft beer) produced from a (dead) bee & (dead) wasp (both found dead in the garden. If they knew what useful after life was awaiting them…).

Sunshine… In the home office. Nice change to white skies filled with snow.

Strong wind delivering blue sky. A wonderful reason for a work break:

If I wouldn’t know better this blue amazing sky reminds me about South Carolina or California. From snow to 2-digit plus degrees. Windy hair.

Some are wearing a hat…

… others are a little bolder… and checking (not existing) talents…

Either case, it’s about time for a visit at a hair dresser! Very much looking forward to it!

I will look upon this winter as so many things. How we were all at home, all the time. How many soups we made, how many legs of lamb. How we would turn on the news, and turn off the news. How many candles we enjoyed. How many roses & tulips making the difference to the long days of home office. How we knew simple and daily routines: making cappuccino, slicing vegetables, brewing beer, stocking up on wine, taking Charlie for walks, being thrilled by weekly grocery shopping (the event of the week. Lol) and making sure to be home by 8pm!

And how much snow we got. All over the country. Maybe a reward? Today I escaped for a day trip: cross-country skiing back home. Loved it. Now thinking of moving my home office for a few days. Yes, that’s a brilliant idea! (Let’s see how the muscle ache will be in the next days…)

Good chances to become the word of the year:

„Today, I dared to let myself dream,

That the world will one day open again.

That the locks will loosen, the walls will fall,

The doors will fly open and reunite us all.

I dared to imagine the warmth of a cuddle,

A group of my friends all locked in a huddle.

I felt all the heartbeats, drumming with mine,

I heard all the laughter, I tasted the wine.

I thought of the feelings I’ve missed for long,

The room full of music, united by song.

The freedom to roam, to plan and to meet

To hold someone’s hand, to meet, to greet.

Just for a moment I dared to dream of,

The flights I would board to the places I love.

The moment those eyes would meet mine at the gate,

The feeling of joy after so long a wait.

Today, I dared to let myself dream,

That the life we once had would happen again.

That we’d no longer fear the danger of air,

That our lives would not depend on such care.

They say that we mustn’t wish time away,

But it’s hard, my friend, when faced with a day,

So long in blank hours and so wiped of laughter,

It’s tempting to drift away to thereafter.

So yes, I dared to dream just a while,

Of life coming back, it brought me a smile.

One day I know, this will be in the past,

And hugs will be free, again, at last.“

-Donna Ashworth-

Image by the wonderful Charlie Mackesy,

Author of ‘The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse’

News of the week: lockdown extended, new end: mid of February. Well, we can’t change the situation so we might just want to make the best out of it.

How about a bit of variety in your lockdown life:

An exciting week is ending: my headset broke (thanks Amazon for next day delivery). I finished a great book (thanks, lockdown nights). Socializing is back on focus and very much needed: neighbor chats, virtual work coffee dates, guests. It feels so good!

Celebrating USA‘s new President (with a bottle of wine on the sofa) while being wowed by Amanda’s poem: „We are striving to forge a union with purpose. To compose a country committed to all cultures, colors, characters and conditions of man.“ …my favorite lines. Representation is what matters!

„Bad ass chef“! That’s hubbies nickname of the week: Beef Brisket & chicken aioli. Nickname definitely deserved (looking forward to next week)!

Weather was also exciting: from snow to spring & return.

Did I mention that the BBQ season 2021 is open?

Posting food in versus chats. Bad ass chefs can do that! And if you cannot invite people why not share what there would have been for dinner. The competition is on. Lol.

Whatever you are doing, at any hour, for any reason, two tiny words, two small ways to bring joy closer: “by candlelight”.

You can drink (because you don’t drive). And you can drink all day. House bar & benefit of lockdown. Cheers!

Who else has upped their gaming this COVID time? For me it’s rummy. I loved this game when I was a kid and thanks to friends we are back on rummy. Always with wine.

Cheese board for ending wonderful dinners & days last week!

The tradition involves a handwritten note, which the outgoing president leaves in the center drawer of his desk in the Oval Office for his successor. Let’s see if Mr Trump will continue the tradition and leave a letter for the new Mr. President Joe Biden.

By the way, the tradition began with Ronald Reagan, who scribbled a note on stationary paper, leaving it for George H. W. Bush to find when he sat down. That single act left an impression on Bush, so much so that he followed suit. Despite suffering a difficult loss to Bill Clinton in 1993, Bush still wrote him a letter.

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Final Message from President Barack Obama to all Americans, 2017: Barack Obama alluded to in his thank you message to the nation on Thursday, the eve of his stepping down as president:

“My fellow Americans,

It’s a long-standing tradition for the sitting president of the United States to leave a parting letter in the Oval Office for the American elected to take his or her place. It’s a letter meant to share what we know, what we’ve learned, and what small wisdom may help our successor bear the great responsibility that comes with the highest office in our land, and the leadership of the free world. But before I leave my note for our 45th president, I wanted to say one final thank you for the honor of serving as your 44th. Because all that I’ve learned in my time in office, I’ve learned from you. You made me a better President, and you made me a better man. Throughout these eight years, you have been the source of goodness, resilience, and hope from which I’ve pulled strength. I’ve seen neighbors and communities take care of each other during the worst economic crisis of our lifetimes. I have mourned with grieving families searching for answers — and found grace in a Charleston church. I’ve taken heart from the hope of young graduates and our newest military officers. I’ve seen our scientists help a paralyzed man regain his sense of touch, and wounded warriors once given up for dead walk again. I’ve seen Americans whose lives have been saved because they finally have access to medical care, and families whose lives have been changed because their marriages are recognized as equal to our own. I’ve seen the youngest of children remind us through their actions and through their generosity of our obligations to care for refugees, or work for peace, and, above all, to look out for each other. I’ve seen you, the American people, in all your decency, determination, good humor, and kindness. And in your daily acts of citizenship, I’ve seen our future unfolding. All of us, regardless of party, should throw ourselves into that work — the joyous work of citizenship. Not just when there’s an election, not just when our own narrow interest is at stake, but over the full span of a lifetime. I’ll be right there with you every step of the way. And when the arc of progress seems slow, remember: America is not the project of any one person. The single most powerful word in our democracy is the word ‘We.’ ‘We the People.’ ‘We shall overcome.’ Yes, we can.”

From President Barack Obama to President Trump, 2017:

“Dear Mr. President – Congratulations on a remarkable run. Millions have placed their hopes in you, and all of us, regardless of party, should hope for expanded prosperity and security during your tenure. This is a unique office, without a clear blueprint for success, so I don’t know that any advice from me will be particularly helpful. Still, let me offer a few reflections from the past 8 years. First, we’ve both been blessed, in different ways, with great good fortune. Not everyone is so lucky. It’s up to us to do everything we can (to) build more ladders of success for every child and family that’s willing to work hard. Second, American leadership in this world really is indispensable. It’s up to us, through action and example, to sustain the international order that’s expanded steadily since the end of the Cold War, and upon which our own wealth and safety depend. Third, we are just temporary occupants of this office. That makes us guardians of those democratic institutions and traditions — like rule of law, separation of powers, equal protection and civil liberties — that our forebears fought and bled for. Regardless of the push and pull of daily politics, it’s up to us to leave those instruments of our democracy at least as strong as we found them. And finally, take time, in the rush of events and responsibilities, for friends and family. They’ll get you through the inevitable rough patches. Michelle and I wish you and Melania the very best as you embark on this great adventure, and know that we stand ready to help in any ways which we can. Good luck and Godspeed, BO”

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From President George W. Bush to President Barack Obama, 2009:

Jan. 20, 2009

“Dear Barack,

Congratulations on becoming our President. You have just begun a fantastic chapter in your life. Very few have had the honor of knowing the responsibility you now feel. Very few know the excitement of the moment and the challenges you will face. There will be trying moments. The critics will rage. Your “friends” will disappoint you. But, you will have an Almighty God to comfort you, a family who loves you, and a country that is pulling for you, including me. No matter what comes, you will be inspired by the character and compassion of the people you now lead. God bless you. Sincerely, GW”

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From President Bill Clinton to President George W. Bush, 2001:

January 20, 2001

“Dear George,

Today you embark on the greatest venture, with the greatest honor, that can come to an American citizen. Like me, you are especially fortunate to lead our country in a time of profound and largely positive change, when old questions, not just about the role of government, but about the very nature of our nation, must be answered anew. You lead a proud, decent, good people. And from this day you are President of all of us. I salute you and wish you success and much happiness. The burdens you now shoulder are great but often exaggerated. The sheer joy of doing what you believe is right is inexpressible. My prayers are with you and your family. Godspeed. Sincerely, Bill”

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From the First President George W. Bush to President Bill Clinton, 1993:

Jan. 20, 1993

“Dear Bill,

When I walked into this office just now I felt the same sense of wonder and respect that I felt four years ago. I know you will feel that, too. I wish you great happiness here. I never felt the loneliness some Presidents have described. There will be very tough times, made even more difficult by criticism you may not think is fair. I’m not a very good one to give advice; but just don’t let the critics discourage you or push you off course. You will be our President when you read this note. I wish you well. I wish your family well. Your success now is our country’s success. I am rooting hard for you. Good Luck — George”

And so the lockdown continues. Don’t know what’s up with you but here it’s all about home office, Netflix, reading, winter walks and cooking. Ok, and sometimes escaping for some wonderful city views. Blue sky included.

(Survived) first full week back at work. Home office.

And the time you spare by working from home. Incredible.

Early morning winter walks.

And jealous. This is how it looks back home in Bavaria.

First spring feelings (surrounded by (hubby’s) chaos. Yep, that’s what happens when you get no more visitors and therefore no reason to clean up).

Plenty of time. Perfect time for creating new food variants. All low carb.

Ready for next week!

Happy new year (not a very happy start after watching news on January6)…

This year I will… pick up my phone less and books more. And favorite magazines. Take Charlie on long walks. Breath the fresh air deep. Continue writing my blog (this blog). Travel to destinations I have not been to (beautiful calendars had to do for the wanderlust). Love fearlessly. Love fiercely… Well, I copied the resolutions from 2020 to 2021. New year new chance.

It’s a winter wonderland (Spain may not call it that positively). It’s a dream for kids, skiers. It’s also lockdown 1.0 in 2021. Or extended from 2020. Numbers increasing. Motivation to stay at home decreasing. It’s winter time. Christmas is over. The only thing looking forward to now: the end of lockdown, spring & better times.

You cannot do much these days but resting and going for long wonderful winter walks (at least that resolution works out very well). In the snow. In vineyards.

And every day at 7:30pm it goes like this: watching people on their way home to meet the Swabian curfew at 8pm. Same for us. Dinner starts nowadays at 4pm. Alarm clock included to make sure we leave our friends houses on time (back home 7:59pm. Puh. Made it.). After 8pm ghost towns. Some teenagers still smoking a cigarette (or 2). Poor guys. Feeling with them. The only excuse these days after 8pm: Charlie.

(Holiday) ideas for 2021: in mind, no plans. Waiting what’s going to happen. And more importantly when it will happen.

Winter time. Lockdown time. This time is for long sleeping nights in the hush of snowflakes. Time to snuggle in at home. To read a book. To watch Netflix. Soaking in a wonderful smelling lavender bath. Time to create wanderlust destinations.

Yes, it sucks (beaming ourselves to the Maldives would be great, agree.). Be patient (we got vaccines). Stay healthy! We can do this!

Instead of busting one’s head in the sand… be like Hugo and bust it into hay.

Dear 2020, you promised so much… soccer EM, Olympic Games in Tokyo, cinema premier of the new Bond (and plenty of other films), rock festivals, classic concerts, red carpets… all canceled.

Wow! What a year! A year like no other.

Don’t worry I am not repeating what happened in the past 12 months… besides the most asked questions this year: Is my microphone on? Can you hear me (echoes and lots of weird noises)? What book are you reading at the moment? Is this allowed? Any recommendations on Netflix? Virtual beer tonight on zoom? Do you want to go for a walk? Where can I get tested? Isn’t the peace and quiet amazing? Do you have your mask with you? Can you go to school tomorrow or not? Where is my mask? How many people are allowed? Can we sit outside, please? Today Döner? How many packs of toilet paper? Is this allowed?

2020. The year of corona, quarantinis and covidiots. The year of the mask. When we all pulled together but lived apart. A global pandemic. There was plenty of reason to get a drink. At 11am! Virtual „Gin&Tonic“ on Wednesdays at 5pm was nice but not enough and a real glass of wine had to follow very often.

Passport stamps this year:

But also through the darkest of times, there have been many moments of light: Mr Trump will be replaced & Kamala Harris will be the First Woman in US presidential office. Black Lives Matter inspires global change. Harvey Weinstein is out behind bars. During the first lockdown this year greenhouse gas emissions were slashed worldwide. Working flexibility has become reality. Handwashing saved more lives. We found our community spirit. We supported local and small business. Germany and the USA developed a vaccination in a very short time. Music brought us together in new ways. Small businesses changed direction, became innovative and found new revenue streams in tough times. Germany increased its digitalization. We saw incredible examples of humanity. We learnt to accept boredom. We’ve learned to break new ground, to rise above ourselves and to adapt to changing circumstances. We can be proud of ourselves! (And there was always enough toilet paper!)

I hope this crisis will change the way we think about life now. Each day is a gift.

Bye bye 2020!

Put your feet up and tap yourself on the back for a job well done! Time for 2021!

Walking in the snow. Making angels. Enjoying the beautiful fairytale. A white winter wonderland.

What a fabulous idea!

Love the idea of supporting local restaurants & enjoying delicious food!

4 days to go. Merry Christmas! And happy 70th birthday, daddy!

And once again we are impressed about what’s possible in pandemic times.

Now chilling on the sofa with Frank Sinatra. What a fantastic Sunday.