Candy Canes and Christmas Carols

We've had a lot going on lately, so we haven't gotten entirely in the holiday spirit. We did decorate our apartment the weekend before Thanksgiving (I know its early, but we are leaving for the US on Dec 14 and we wanted to enjoy), but other than that we've been busy. But this morning, we listened to Christmas carols on the way into work and had candy canes for a snack. I think I might be able to get in the holiday spirit a little more each day!!

Hope all your holiday planning is going well. I have only bought 2 Christmas presents and have several more to get....I better get busy!!

(pictures of the decorated apartment to come before the end of the weekend!)

Thankful

Things for which I am thankful:

1 - my husband and being able to call him that!
2 - my friends and family even though most are a thousand miles away (or more like 5000)
3 - having an expat community in which to share traditional American holidays
4 - being able to see and go most places we want
5 - this blog for being able to share our expat life with above mentioned friends and family.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING ALL! WE MISS YOU!

(see I promised I was thankful!)

GRRR - Blogging Frustrations

Shortly, you will see the blog on our trip to Champagne. Let me tell you, this blog has been a nightmare. Between adding the pictures and getting the formatting down, and then figuring out no one could see the pictures, I gave up. So I promise it will be up soon, I just have to load all the pictures. It may be awhile before I do another blog with pictures. Though I did discover how to add more pictures and that its easier to upload the pictures to Kodak and then copy the link. The pictures load way faster that way. (but then no one can see them) I am still relatively new to this blogging world and I guess I still have a lot to learn.

But, it'll be there soon for you to read. Enjoy!!

Weekend in Champagne (France, not IL)

James and I joined our Belgian friends on a weekend trip to the Champagne region of France. It was a great trip. We visited 3 Champagne houses, ranging from small to one of the largest. We stayed at a bed and breakfast, which was fantastic for the rate. Below are pictures and commentary This is the group before leaving from Lieven and Inge's house. All smiles. We thought before and after pictures would be fun!!

Tasting at the first house: Henriet-Bazen
We tasted about 4 different champagnes here. I didn't know there were so many different types. Generally, champagnes are not given vintages, but are blend from various harvests. You won't see dates on these bottles. However, if its a good year, they will create a vintage and you will see dates on the bottle. These bottles typically go for more. This is were we consumed the most and bought the most!

Driving from Henriet-Bazen (which was in a very small town) to Ruinart for our tour. Ruinart is located in Reims, which is the largest city in the region. The countryside was beautiful with the colors of fall. (the pictures are a bit blurry as they were taken from the backseat of a moving vehicle)

Yes, we even found windmills in France. (pardon the spot a bird left behind. i was a backseat photographer at this point.)

At Ruinart, we had a private tour scheduled (thanks Martin). This picture is us venturing down into the caves.



A wall of champagne bottles aging at Ruinart (the picture is kind of dark, so you don't see me very well). I believe there are 3000+ bottles there.

Displays of Aging Champagne. The lighting looks cool on this picture.







This picture is in the tasting area. The bar is similar to the aging displays we saw in the caves. The Photographer (James) got a good shot through the glasses to the bar.


This is James with Lieven and Martin. They met while working Brussels.













Tasting at the small champagne house. This was very informal and cozy.













The group after dinner. Dinner was good, but LONG. It took 4 hours for dinner. I think by the time we left, we were all ready to go to sleep! It was a fun day, but long and exhausting!

Not feeling so Thankful

So, its Thanksgiving week and I should be feeling thankful for all the great things/people in my life. But, I'm having a hard time with it given that we do not get the day off. I know, I'll get over it and need to look at the bright side, but at the moment, I am having trouble.......

Maybe tomorrow or Thursday I will post what I am thankful for because I am, really, I promise, thankful.

BLACK

So, I happened upon this test on another blog while I was lurking....interesting. (you can take it for yourself using the link at the bottom)

Jessi, your true color is Black!
Your color is black. The color of night. Serene and mysterious, black conjures up images of elegant evening gowns, dashing tuxedos, and gleaming limousines. Traditionally a symbol of success, black also represents power and an uncompromising demand for perfection. Not surprisingly, you tend to set challenging goals for yourself and do whatever it takes to achieve them — your strength of character is second to none. This unfaltering determination, along with your natural elegance, impresses people. But keep in mind that your personality might be intimidating to some. Try to temper your demanding side with a little softness — trust us, it won't kill you. Overall, though, black is the color of professionalism and achievement, which means it's clearly the color for you.

http://web.tickle.com/color/index.jsp?testname=colorogt&resultid=F

3 Years

Corny, I know, but today is 3 years of knowing each other. From a simple lunch at Atlanta Bread Company to being 3 days away from our 6 month wedding anniversary, oh the fun we've had! (Its fun to celebrate twice a year....knowing each other and the official wedding anniversary!)
Here's to many more to come!
Love you!
(and because I was reminiscing and found old pictures, I have thrown one in of Barley right after we got him. He's about 8 weeks old.)

GO BLUE, GO RED

No, not that blue (Michigan Blue), this BLUE (Kentucky Blue)





An no, not that red (Georgia Red), this RED (OSU Scarlet)








Two Big Games this weekend!!! We will be able to watch the OSU v. UM game because it is on the NASN (North American Sports Network) that is part of our cable package here!! Finally, we can "tailgate" and watch a game!

Whatever your favorite team, enjoy a great weekend of college football!

Go CATS!

GO BUCKEYES!!