Last few days,

Last Friday night we hosted two young ladies from, I think it was, Sweden and Denmark. It was a real hardship for James - he had to give up his room for these two long blond haired, beautiful blue eyed, drop dead gorgeous 16/17 year old girls. He also had to show them around Dresden that evening, what a bother for him, he was really put out. Then he had to tolerate his room smelling like girls for days after. It was tough, but he made the sacrifice without a complaint. Such a trouper :o) Sunday night Dean and I went to some friends to "help them" celebrate American Thanksgiving. There were about 20 people there, it was fun. They actually bought a whole turkey, rather than doing it like us; piecing the bird of our own creation together. That is fine, except you don't get as many legs, and you end up spending about sixty euro ($94) for the bird, YIKES, ouch!! Our way of doing is far better, and you get a three or four legged bird too, bonus! :o) On Tuesday I went to the Striezel Markt (Christmas Market) with a few other ladies - it was very busy, quite cold, but beautiful just the same. This market has been happening in the area since 1434! It began as a week long meat market, because meat was hard to come by, growing into the month long market it is now shortly after, because it was so popular. Vendors are from towns in the area, like this one from Pleuner, where lace (or whatever the town is known for) like this are hand made and world known. There are some beautiful wares to be seen/had. Another town, Seiffen, is known for it's wood workings. This town makes the wooden toys Germany is known for! The pyramid pictured here is the worlds tallest, built locally, representing the traditions of the area over time. Very impressive. Nice visit - fantastic gluhwein mit rum!!