CHRISTMAS TIME!

We have been in Germany for about a week, visiting many of Tarek's friends and relatives, as they chatter away in German while we sit, smile, and nod. It has been wonderful to be in a family's home (we are being taken care of VERY well). And now... IT'S FINALLY CHRISTMAS! A few days ago we scavenged Grandpa Bass' forest in search of the perfect tree. With a limited selection, Tarek found the one he wanted. A small little thing it was, but the potential of christmas trees knows no bounds! You get those twinkly lights, and shiny tinsel on there and VOILA! It's a grand looking prize! So we cut it down, stuck it in the back of the car and drove it home again. In the Bass household, the big event happens on the evening of the 24th, not on the morning of the 25th. So last night after a (slightly dull) church service - entirely in German - we feasted on fish, broccoli and nutmeg potatoes! Yum yum! With full bellies, we moved into the sitting room where the gifts were opened by all. As always, I ate too many christmas chocolates and went to bed with a stomach ache. But its Christmas , after all, and one tends to get the over-eating stomach ache at least once during the festivities. This morning, Nick & I woke early anticipating, of course, Santa's Arrival! Although it still doesn't feel quite like Christmas, we are happy and full of love.

We want to wish everyone a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS (and a Happy New Year!). We hope you are safe and sound and snug in your homes. Enjoy your families... we are missing ours!