Paris... a black and white chronicle~

Paris in winter... fall or spring for that matter, I'll take each and every season in this city~
It was an extremely romantic destination, as Eric and I traveled 3 hours into France to celebrate the ringing in of 2010, destined to be a fabulous year!!!
It was beautifully gray, with clouds of white and buildings of faint camel color lining the streets of the city of lights. With its Les Champs Elysee, Moulin Rouge, Eiffel Tower, and Louve, it was an amazingly beautiful site. Despite the frigid weather, we managed to stroll the streets until our feet could take no more and the warmth of a cafe' called our names. Escargot, creme brulee', lamb filets, and more and more creme brulee'... that was my diet for 3 delicious days and nights. It was not un-usual for us to take an evening trek to the corner market to find ourselves overwhelmed with wine and cheese choices that would make anyone cry with delight.
Our hotel room, though slightly cramped, was worth the find as we found ourselves within a short walking distance to the Eiffel Tower where we did spend the eve of the New Year amongst hundreds of others crazy, cold people. Unfortunately, we never did check the reports, assuming that this year it would be one of magnificent fire works... only to see a small light show as those fire works were down on the Elysee. So sad indeed!
So, here are just a few images of the markets in front of our hotel and the beautiful Eiffel Tower... all in rose black and white. My personal favorite style...

Merry Early Christmas~

There are times in my life when I have to take a deep breath and stop... stop for just a moment to remember how lucky I am. How lucky I am to have a beautiful, warm home... in the heart of a quiet little town in Germany! To have two crazy, lovable dogs who miss me, even when I only go two feet outside to our mailbox. To have friends who still write, email and phone, even though I am a half a world apart. And a man who loves me with all his heart and soul.... THAT'S the BEST one of them all!!!!!

Today we traveled by train (for the first time ever~) to Stuttgart, where our new baby was waiting to come home. I call her SIDA 2, because there was already a SIDA 1 and... well, because I can! :) Inside joke~
She is obsidian black with ash/ white leather interior. Smells like a dream and rides like its in the clouds. Or maybe that's just how I am feeling today was in the clouds. Complete heaven, I swear I saw God on that showroom floor! Ive never seen anything like it. 25 people on a bus, touring the actual plant that they are built at right here in Germany. VIP lunch to follow, complete with "white glove" treatment when they present you with the marvelous piece of machinery. Now THAT'S the way to feel when you purchase a car.

They line them up side by side and call your name. Present you with your keys, and walk you through all the options of your new car. I cried... I mean literally cried. I think the guy thought I was a bit nuts. But that's OK because today I could give a damn. Today my baby and I picked up my new car and she is amazing! I have never had anything so beautiful that I can call mine. Anything that is material that is. My hubby is beautiful, amazing, gorgeous and all those other great things... let's not forget that. And he married me!!!! Am I not the luckiest girl ever???!!!???

I thank you baby... for giving me a life I only dreamed of. For making every wish I ever have always come true. And, for choosing me... again and again and again. I am the luckiest woman ever! And I love you to pieces~

Here she is... presenting SIDA 2~

The Chritskindl Markets of Germany~

In Germany, Christmas time is HUGE! The people brave 25* temps., snow included, to walk the streets of countryside villages in search of that perfect Christmas item... or a warm glass of Gluhwein, a very warm, very potent Germany hot wine. They drink it like its koolaid, and is it ever yummy!!!
This weekend we ventured out to Nuremberg, Germany for one of the larger Markets. We met up with friends Wes and Gabby who happen to be friends of Erics from some 20 years ago! Wes and Eric were stationed here in Germany together way back when... found one another on facebook and was given the chance to hook up once again. They were wonderfully gracious hosts, and wow... can gabby cook! :)
We walked the cobblestone streets, drinking Gluhwein, eating bratwurst and listening to the music that filled the crisp air. It was wonderful!!!
And as the weekend came to a close, Eric and I headed home where we were greeted by the seasons first snow fall. The streets were pure white with tree lined roads dusted with white powder. Looks like it could be my first ever white Christmas!
Here are a few images from our wonderful weekend~

A Home Coming~

After many weeks off, settling my own family into our new lives here in Germany... tonight the camera came out to work. Well, it didn't really feel like work, as I was honored to be in attendance at the Home Coming of the 8th Medical Logistics Battalion, and the 64th Veterinary Detachment.
It was amazing! At 11:45pm the air was crisp, with temperatures in the low 30's... but the moral and the enthusiasm was enormously high in the gymnasium on base as families filled the floor to welcome their loved ones home. I stood there in silence, as I imagined how I would feel if it were me. After a long 12 month separation from everything on this earth that I love... how would I be feeling. The tears came, as if I were a part of this big family that I don't even know. Children cheered, parents welled with pride, wives and husbands cried. I loved it!
I thank you Col. and Mrs. Jordan, for asking me to be here and for welcoming me with open arms to my new family and my new home. I will forever be grateful.
Now here are some images from my night~

WELCOME HOME TROOPS!!!!!