I’ve lost the knack….

For plane travel.

Due to I don’t-know-what I realized halfway through 2018 that I had not taken any flights – so decided to make it a no-fly year. Worked out just fine and this year was set to be the same until a friend’s youngest son and his wife (civil wedding last year) maintained their church wedding in Portugal.  Due to lack of time and the distances involved - a road trip would have been at least 15 hours under the best of circumstance – for a longer trip I booked my flight way back in March. For the privilege of coming back on a Sunday I coughed up serious money on a line that is known for its cheap rates. Still worth it to be there, but to not have to take two weeks.

At the last minute whilst checking in, I noticed that they had what they call a “hands free” option available so purchased that on the outgoing flight. This meant that I simply dropped off my cabin luggage in a priority lane and was free to wander the airport without having to drag it along and open up everything going through security. A big bonus was being able to still take out my usual larger hand sack so that I had reading material, my small purse, etc. A very good deal in my eyes.

That worked wonderfully well. I did not purchase it however for the return trip and for the first time in my life actually ended up leaving something in the security check bins. Actually two things: shortly after leaving security with my luggage I realized that my cell phone was not in my pocket – yikes I had thrown it in the bin at the last minute knowing that they would make me go back if I didn’t and totally forgot to take it out (probably under my purse at that point and I was wrapped up in the wonder of a bin line that not only had separate slots for every bin, but also had an automatic stacking process at both ends. No more bins piling up, running into each other and the like).  Big “oops” moment that.

I immediately back-tracked and enquired of the custom’s official on that line – ouf – he had seen it and taken it out of the bin before it went under the counter. All I had to do was open it, put in the pin code to prove it was mine – and it was – mine again that is.

I walked away only to realize the first time I saw my reflection in a mirror that I had also left a scarf. Sigh. Just not used to plane travel any more. Still the loss might have been much greater and I can chalk this lack of attention up to three late nights with more food in three days than I would normally eat in a month.

Great friends, great wedding, more than enough partying.

I’ll excuse myself for the lack of the traveling knack this time.

My camera has seen better days... still didn't want to loose it.

Onions and art

Many people dislike onions, they are praised for “catching” germs, they are dammed for causing food poisoning; someone always has an opinion on onions.

I personally love onions, but do tend to use more the white and purple varieties as although still flavoursome, cause less gastric upsets.

However, I have rarely seen anything quite as beautiful is this slide show – link below.

I wish that I could give credit to the artist, but was unable to find any information. Enjoy

Then by dint of several searches I was able to locate the original - always glad to recognize talent!

www.diaporamas-carmine.com/wp-content/uploads/.../Lart-aux-petits-oignons.pps

If for some reason you are unable to open this link you can search for it

doing the following

"aux-petits_oignons" filetype:ppt

Hanging raindrops out to dry.

As we have had such warm weather this summer, one day I got out the old clothesline out to air dry our wash. Although I absolutely abhor stiff towels, most anything else is just fine. Talk about a trip back to childhood – the smell of sun-dried clothes will do it every time. As a child, I hated having to help pin and take in the wash so have mostly avoided it as an adult, but special circumstances and the thought of saving electricity had me re-thinking former dislikes.

Yesterday I had washed the tablecloths and put them out to dry. Fortunately the last thing – in the dark – I remembered to take them off as it poured during the night.

The result was very artistic I thought thus my sharing with you:

Raindrops hung out to dry.

August 1st: Number 15 and

Changing traditions.

For various reasons, not the least of which was the fear of another heatwave, never mind the lack of energy this summer due to the ups and downs in the weather, I decided not to have the annual 1^st of August gathering at my home.

I did tell a few of the regulars that I ran into that I wasn’t going to, but there may be others who think that they have not been invited. I apologize.

With the “coming of age” last year, priorities (ok energy levels as well) have changed.  I have also become a grandmother and – surprise – everything everyone ever said about that state is true: love, love, love! It is one of the purest and truest of loves.

So, instead of having all my friends (Hmmm, perhaps a fall or winter party when I can be sure of cooler temperatures!) I simply decided to have the “N°.15 ers”, ie family and family-who-have-lived-here over the years.

Former housemates, current housemate, the younger son who is back living here for a few months, the older son who moved on at age 19, and two VERY WELCOME additions who will, I hope, eventually live here, that is my daughter-in-law and my grandson.

It was the baby’s first night outing as well; I am blessed to have been chosen. He fussed, but that was to be expected and at least now they have finally proven to me that he can as every time I have seen him so far he has started out crying, but stopped the minute I picked him up. But after his two-month visit to the paediatrician, a visit to the physical therapist yesterday then being drug across town in major traffic, I empathize. My “guests” had to fill up on chips and my younger son’s more-than-delicious guacamole whilst I cuddled and walked the baby in the attempt to soothe his pains and allow his parents a few minutes to bond with family and enjoy some moments without worrying (ok been there and so remember all the parties in which I only half participated – an eye and a thought are always on one’s child).

Once the burgers were finally on the grill and part of the way-too-much meal was eaten, the parents and baby were back on the road. The rest of us gathered in the living room and enjoyed champagne and dessert – one of the most decadent chocolate cakes I have ever had the pleasure of eating!

It was the best of celebrations.

Especially as today is the Swiss National Holiday and I could sleep in, clean up leisurely, eat breakfast in the most wonderful of environments and will later celebrate that in my village.

A new tradition begins at N° 15.