Latest Project

So I didn't want to share my last knitting project just yet as the recipient reads this blog.  I've been busy knitting away since then to make another kind of present and lots of them but as far as I know, none of the recipients reads this blog so I think I'm safe to share this with you.

It started at Weightwatchers, our leader wanted us to do something that kept our hands out of the biscuit tin on an evening and mentioned how easy it is to knit wrist warmers.  I had no idea where to start but having mentioned the idea to my mum, she sent me a great link and I went on from there to make six pairs (including to smaller pairs - here's hoping they fit too!).  I was surprised at how cozy they turned out and will definitely be making more in the new year.

Inspiration

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Christmas Here...

So on Saturday we put the tree up and I can't believe how great it looks.  It changes the whole room and with the candles we've had going makes the place so cozy!  

In the corner of the picture, you can see the amazing advent calendar that Nico bought me.  Instead of chocolate this year, there's a little bauble shaped card for each day and on one side there is part of the story and on the other side there is a picture of something from the story.  It continues every day - I look forward to it every day.

Munich

 

Around this time of year, I always reminisce about my trip to Munich during my time in Oldenburg.  It was early December - the Christmas markets had just started and it was thick of snow.  It was one of few overnight trips, making use of the whole weekend and one of the trips that really reminds me how independent I was back then.  Munich is beautiful and the Christmas market is huge.  The only drawback for me was the accent as I struggled to understand (I still do with that accent - I recently had to have German subtitles on a German film set there as I hadn't a clue!).  I would love to visit again sometime.

Winter's Here!

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I don't care what the official line is (Winter starts on 21st December), Winter is actually well and truly here.  The beautiful Autumn colours and temperatures have gone and the snow arrived yesterday!  Luckily it hasn't settled yet and I can still cycle to work, just well wrapped up, but it was beautiful to watch yesterday morning.

Adding to the winter feel around here, we put our tree up on Saturday and started a special advent calendar (more on those to come).  While we were in town on Saturday I also bought these lovely cozy pyjamas and lived in them for the rest of the weekend - so comfy!!  And I'm in a Small!! 

This winter I'm looking forward to a lot of things, apart from Christmas we've got a visit from England, a visit to England, my first German New Year, the Xmas market and a nice Gluehwein.  I'm sure there's a lot I've forgotten - I just can't wait!!

Mother Tongue

Another book a read in November was Mother Tongue.  I've read some of Bill Bryson's books before and enjoy his style of writing.  Having read this book now, I'm surprised I never came across it before.  

The content of the book is very wide ranging.  Some things I was already aware of but most of the information was new to me.  Although it is a technical piece of writing, Bryson really breaks things down for the reader and makes the topic very accessible.  

He takes the read through the history, geography, differences and future of the English language and links it to other languages, including German which was the highlight for me of course.

Everyone who studies language should read this book.

The Saturday Update

This week I am just going to cut through all the usual work stuff and tell you the biggest news - we got engaged!!

I came home from meeting the lovely Loreto for coffee on Wednesday and Nico had baked this amazing mince pie and got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.

We are hoping to get married in Summer in Nico's home town so we need to get planning now!  We spent the evening ringing family and friends who were over the moon for us.

I'm not planning to turn this into a wedding blog but it's the best way to keep everyone on the island up to date with plans too so prepare yourselves!

Today we are going ring shopping and setting up for Christmas!