Thanksgiving in Germany? Accomplished.

All of the trees are blank now. This picture was taken about a week or so ago and I am still in awe of all of the colors of Germany in the fall. I feel as if this season progressed slowly before my eyes so that I could take in each exact hue of orange, red, and yellow. I chuckle at the sprinkle of evergreen, so prominent in the woods here, because it means my theory that Germany never stops being green has been vindicated. The winter season has crept in with its sunless days and cold windy nights; however the signs of the new season aren't far behind. While Germany doesn't commercialize the holidays like America does, you still see Christmas trees and twinkle lights and big red bows. Plus, the Christmas deal commercials on Hulu scream that December is just around the corner, lest I forget. It's just a bit strange having almost come full circle, with a whole year of Germany under my belt. Our view out of our window has changed with every passing month, and this was the last new scene to be set before everything began repeating again.

Thanksgiving this year was freaking awesome. Not only was it the first Thanksgiving D and I have ever celebrated together as a married couple (last year he was in Germany, and I was still in the states) but I was invited to co-host this year's turkey holiday with the Jess Aiduk and Shawna Meese in Otterberg. It was probably the easiest holiday function I have ever been a part of. J, S and I are all high functioning human beings, full of organizational scheduling and control freak planning. We all split the dishes to bring and spent several days before in our respective kitchens cooking. Coming together T-day morning was fantastic. Like a giant food unveiling. Shawna's pie's were gorgeous!!! Jess's gorgonzola squash dish was picture perfect!!! We had appetizers and munched while prepping for dinner, then the guests arrived (some odd 25 people from assorted squadrons). The appetizers were swept up and replaced with the fruits of everyone's labor starring the prized fried turkey's cooked by Jesse Aiduk. He took his turkey contribution so seriously, even skyping with his dad to make sure we were doing things correctly. That is excellent dedication! It was a heart warming holiday with framily (friends + family). D and I woke up the next day content and psyched about all the leftovers!

So lately I've been on the receiving end of the questions "Who are the Jess's?" and "Why do you call them that?" Well my friends, here is the answer for all to see.... The Jess's AKA "The Aiduks" are a married couple D and I are close with here in Germany. We call them the Jess's because Her name is Jessica and His name is Jesse. da dum ching! = The Jess's. Below is my favorite picture of them from Thanksgiving. Mr. Aiduk was having a keen 'ole time impersonating his wife and I caught him in the act.

So here is the photogrphy story of our Thanksgiving festivities. I borrowed some photos from Jess because they were taken on her camera, but don't worry J! I'm giving you photo credit! Enjoy!

Photo of me by J. Aiduk

Photo by J. Aiduk with re-edits by K. Wollschlager.

D is doing much better!!! Which is awesome news. We even have him off the heavy meds and just on Ibuprofen. My hope is to get the Christmas tree and relative decorations up today, which involves a trip to the basement and a possible tetris game in the elevator. I hope everyone is having a wonderful day! Happy last days of November!

Eye Surgery, Model Sophia & a Scottish Whiskey Tasting

D received PRK eye surgery yesterday. And before you ask, yes I was terrified... He on the other hand was so excited! I can only imagine what someone who cannot wear contacts and has been trapped in the world of glasses forever would feel like. So thus begins the healing process... slow and tedious. He should be doing better one week from today, but until then... it's eye drops, frozen peas ice packs, ibuprofen and hydrocodone. Luckily several of our friends here have had the surgery, so my worries (and his) are greatly lessened.


While my in-laws were here, we spent a great deal of time just walking around town. It was a really great way to get some exercise and spend some time out of the apartment if we didn't travel by car that day. As I mentioned in A HIKING WE WILL GO there are so many walking paths around our area. Of course I took an opportunity to show my family around. Sophia was such a bundle of energy!!! I wish I could have just a fraction of what she has. I've heard from many photography mom's in the area, that using your kids for models is a great way to practice your photography skills. You better believe I jumped at the chance to photograph my niece. Sophia cracks me up. This girl is definitely from Texas... she's got her poses down pat. I had to teach her that sometimes when someone is taking your picture they don't want you to pose so they can get your real smile. We had a ton of fun though. She is super cute and extremely photogenic, which makes me feel like I cheated. Nonetheless, here is our photo shoot of the day.

A couple of weekends back, my fairy-God-mother Amy invited D and I to a whiskey tasting at their house. A WHAT?!?!? That's right folks, a Scottish Whiskey Tasting!!!! It was incredible. There were six whiskeys to taste, all from Scotland. I've never been big on Scotch, but I know it's D's favorite. I was insanely curious to see if I could find one that I liked. The set up Amy had put together was beautiful! So of course I had to photograph....

At this point, the only person who knew which kind of whiskey was in each bottle was Amy. She did a grand unveiling at the end of the night. I was suprised by some, not so much by others. Oban, you will always taste like an ashtray.... blech.

We had such a wonderful time!!! I found that Glenmorangie is my favorite! Got me a high five from Amy.... It's the caramelly finish that I fancied so much. I hope they do something like this again. I never would have known the wide spectrum that is scotch-whiskey until I tasted them all side by side. Thanks for having us and bravo to an excellent soiree!!

This week is a mess. Hopefully a manageable one. With my partner in crime blind and on bed rest, I'm doing all the work for two. I don't mind of course, I just miss having his help. Plus it breaks my heart to have him in pain. Luckily I have great friends like Jess and Laura to help me get out of the house for a bit. Hope everyone didn't die over Black Friday shopping. I missed it so much. (crazy huh?) It's been a tradition in the family for years to head out at 6AM with the Aunties starting at Starbucks. Definitely felt like something was missing this year. Silly Germans. I hope to have my post on Thanksgiving with the Jess's up soon!! In the meantime, I hope everyone enjoys the last week of November!!! All my love...