Vacation

I have just got back from  vacation.  As usual we spent time in  our home in Germany, just on the border with Alsace, France.  I had hoped for better weather, but the first week was very rainy and cold.  The last few days, however, were sunny and warm, just in time for us to leave !  I only stitched on one of the days, because we were finishing up some things in the house, going to wine festivals, and generally sightseeing.  Although I do not want this to turn into a travel blog, I thought you might enjoy some photos.  I love the style of houses in this region, so here is a selection of Southern Wine Route homes and Alsatian ones.

And just for luck, some lavender stuck in our old barn door.

September on the wine route ....

The grapes are glorious right now

View from our upstairs hallway

I found a small chest and old wash jug and bowl for the guest restroom

Our village church had the 150 year anniversary of its consecration, so all was decorated in the diocese colors of yellow and white.  I planted two old sandstone pots like this

We love our little house !

Wissembourg

Wreath of dried flowers bought at a farmers' market on the last day

Last week we spent some time in our house on the southern wine route in Germany, and also helped our son get organized for his new degree program at the FH Aachen, campus Juelich.  Despite being a hectic week, we did do some fun things, and just enjoyed being out in the beautiful late summer weather.  So here are a few impressions of house and some local villages last week:

Decorating Progress

 Nicole has made me this wonderful cross stitch monogram which she framed in a white, antiqued frame which goes beautifully in our small cottage.  She does such perfect work, and is very particular about how she does things, and this picture proved quite a challenge because of its size - she explains about it here.  I placed it in a small alcove in our living room wall, and gave it an antique child's head sculpture for company (it is a family piece inscribed Christmas 1908 in German).  I think they look good together.

In these two pictures you can see we are making some progress in making our rooms more livable.  I am not the best decorator and wanted to keep everything light and in natural colors.  I will be making a few bright pillows I think for contrast, and of course a boutis or two will have to find their way here as well.

 For the second bedroom we opted for a rattan sleeper sofa, this room gives onto a roof terrace which is just so pretty with the forest right behind.  We thought we would like to sit up here from time to time.

And as always, I love the view from my bedroom window at the front of the house.  I like to hear the Church bells chime (which they do every 15 minutes, and on the hour, 24 hours a day !)

Favorite Things Part II

Here are some more photos from our recent trip.  I have always loved this style of house, in particular the palatinate wine village house with the main house, courtyard, and smaller house opposite, with the beautiful sandstone entry.  We have not been in Germany for some years in June, and I was overwhelmed by the profusion of roses everywhere. 
Because of so many commitments, I have not stitched in some time, and my fingers are "itching" to do something again.  I hope to have a little time this weekend.  I have so many projects which are in various stages of completion, and I think I need to prioritize them and just start working down the list.  That way at least some might become complete quilts !