There's No Place Like Home...Especially if it's one of these!

I thought I'd post a few pictures of the castles we visited while in Germany. It's amazing that they were built so long ago, without the use of construction equipment, and are still standing solidly today. In several of them family members (royals, of course) still reside occasionally. I kept imagining what it must have been like to be a family member of the King, a visitor to court or a mere peasant living in that time. Without a doubt I would have been royalty (just like now...in my own mind!). I especially loved a ball gown that was displayed in one of the castles - it was a beautiful blue silk and hand crocheted lace garment. We weren't allowed to photograph it because the light from the flash could cause additional fabric damage over time. Maybe next Halloween I'll have to gussie myself up in similar fashion! The preserved decorating from fabrics to dishes was really interesting to see and the arsenal of weapons to protect the throne were very intimidating as well. We are hoping to return in 2010 to visit the southern part of the country and add a side trip to Switzerland. Go with us!!!
This is the first castle we visited - Burg Hohenzollern. What a magnificent structure and awesome view...up on the hill so they could watch for the bad guys. It was in great condition and still occupied.


Pictured below is Schloss Lichenstein - look how it is built right on the cliff. Great protection for the family within. Again, family members still occupy the castle. It was in amazing condition and some of the items inside were pretty cool. There were ceramic fireplaces that were fabulous in many of the rooms. One picture on the wall had eyes that followed you whereever you moved - creepy. There was an unusual wine glass (because it was about 6 feet long) hanging in the King's study that was a special gift from his Queen. This was a room with a small balcony-like stage where the men would take turns entertaining their friends with hunting stories, etc. Well, they had to do something - there were no big screen TV football games!


In Heidelberg we toured this interesting castle. One part of it was in decent condition, but most of it was in ruins. I love the picture of just one wall standing on its own. There was a beautiful view of the village and the Rhine River from here. There is really no way to describe what it's like to stand in a place with such history. It would be fabulous to just step back into time for a minute...but only a minute...I'd miss my cell phone, computer and blow dryer!


Well, the bottom line...I should have been a Queen or at least a Princess. In reality I'd probably just have been an ordinary wench. No fair!

TGIF and then some!

You can tell it's been a long week when I haven't blogged at all. My Army husband was out of town and had our computer - that pretty much leaves me without a lifeline. I took advantage of my "free time" and organized my craft closet. After being inspired by my friend Judy's post about putting her scrap room in order I couldn't wait to get started on my own space. It is now a thing of beauty. Every single item is organized and easily attainable in cute boxes, etc. Now, what do you think I have planned for the weekend? Nothing! How sweet it is. But...very soon I'm going to start painting my kitchen and guest rooms. I better rest up!

Sassy Ladies

Here’s a recent photo of the “girls” in my family. Pictured left to right; my sister, me, my daughter, my niece, my mom and in front, my granddaughter. We got it going on...well...at least we think we do...sometimes!

Winter Weather-Brrrr

OK folks...it's 13 degrees here in the Atlanta area. When you are used to not even needing a coat all winter that feels pretty darn chilly. One local school district closed today because of the unusually low temperatures. That cracks me up. Of course, prior to moving to Georgia I lived in the very cold mountains of western North Carolina. Now, there's some winter weather happening and solid (ice) reasons for cancelling classes and everything else. The snowy and icy mountains roads can be treacherous. Prior to that...I grew up and resided in the Chicago area. It was not unusual to have wind chills of 30 below - they rarely cancelled anything! I remember walking to kindergarten with snow drifts on both sides of the sidewalk being over my tiny little head (I wasn't barefoot though!). So, enjoy a free day off and take it when you can get it! Many of us had to brave the cold and trudge in to work today. Of course, I love the opportunity to wear my cozy, soft, warm winter coat. Why, why did I get rid of my fur boots??? Stay warm everyone!

I'm so lucky!

Isn't this a beautiful card? Lovely, elegant, fabulous...just like the friend that made it for me!

My scrap club Diva's surprised me with an abundance of wonderful gifts (and cheesecake) for my birthday celebration - I was almost speechless! I'm having so much fun trying out all the new supplies. Getting older isn't so bad when your friends share the day with you. I've said it before...I'm truly blessed in my life to have such great friends!

Back to Work!

Oh my...is it true??? Am I really back to the 8-5 daily grind? Yep, and you know what? It felt good to get back to work. I was ready to get off the couch (where I've watched a steady stream of Lifetime and Hallmark movies) and I missed my co-workers, especially my "work sisters" - I looked forward to hearing about their holidays (after all, we do spend a great deal of time together). It also felt good to get back to the gym today...did I really say good? OK - it felt necessary! Let's go 2009!!!

Happy New Year!

Hope everyone had a great new year's eve and a restful new year's day! My resolutions...only one...ENJOY LIFE! Join me!!!