EXPATS AGAIN

EXPATS AGAIN! Experiencing other cultures while enriching our global view.

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ME

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Munich, Germany
I am married to the love of my life and am finally able to shower him with all of the attention he deserves. I am now retired and living the life here in Europe. I am an American, he is an Australian, and this is our second overseas address. The first was Shanghai, China and now Munich, Germany. Come along and live the life with us as we continue our adventure of discovering all Europe has to offer.

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Monday, June 20, 2011

Things That I Don't Need, But Would Like to Have


I just wanted to share some things that have peaked my interest lately.  These ceramic bowls are so lovely that I have been coveting them for some time now.  Rather than stand on the fence, I'm ordering a set of six.  I love the color and texture of these bowls so much.


I started knitting and crocheting about two years ago.  I started with hats and scarves, but I have just finished an afghan (photo soon).  This one above will be my next project.  It is a series of granny squares sewn together to make the afghan.  The colors are delightful.  I'm loving the teal.

What about this great upholstered chair?  It is so classic and although very retro, it speaks in a modern voice.  I have a difficult time with patterned furniture and would only use patterned fabrics for throw pillows or curtains.  Seeing this chair gives me all kinds of ideas.  Now, to find one.



Speaking of retro, how cool are these wind up alarm clocks?  It is so funny that now that I am retired and don't need an alarm to wake me up, I show an interest in these throwbacks.  But I really do like them, even if they would most likely only be used for decoration.

I doubt that I would ever purchase one of these, but oh how fun is it!  I think that each day would be that much brighter if it started with opening the door of this refrigerator.  Oh my....


These enameled bowls are just too cute, aren't they?  I would love to have a set of them!  Actually, I have been gathering up enamel ware, but these bowls are unlike anything I've ever come across.  Love them!


I am kicking myself for not picking up one of these in a shop in Savannah, GA.  It is a fair trade shop and there were so many things that caught my attention that it was hard to pick an item I loved most.  I found a woven basket from Kenya that I love, but I am angry at myself for not taking one of these also.

This bowl is so sweet.  I have a thing for birds and would love to have a set of dessert plates/cups/saucers in this pattern.  What a joyful pattern!


I am so making these headbands for my granddaughter.  So easy to make and so adorable.


I will leave you with an image of something I don't yearn for, this VW Van toaster that imprints the VW logo on your morning toast.  This is too kitschy and too "German" even for my taste.  But hey, it surely must speak to some one, right?

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

STILL ON VACATION


I am still on vacation in the states, but during a lull I found myself reminiscing about when my two boys were still children and what they did for playtime/fun.  I found myself remembering all kinds of toys and games that they had from toddlerhood on up.  One toy they both enjoyed was this record machine.  There were five discs and each played a different song (Twinkle Twinkle, Mary Had a Little Lamb, etc.).  I recall how much fun they had with this one.


When they were infants, they had one of these activity sets that lasted well beyond the crib.  They were still playing with it when they learned how to walk!


This toy, also by Fisher Price, is a standard still.  Stacking rings provided not only fun, but help with teething as I recall.  I remember the rings at the bottom of the toy box--never on the toy itself, much to my dismay as a young mother.


As they grew, the toys became a bit more sophisticated.  This Water Ring Toss would send the small, colored, plastic rings scattered throughout the water with the push of a button.  Hard to believe something so innocent and lacking in technology would amaze them.


The Big Wheels were a big hit with the boys.  Five years apart, this tricycle was indestructible and both of my sons used the same one with equal enjoyment.  I would venture to guess that this thing outlived two of our cars!


I could never forget this little pull toy!  How are little ones today going to pull a cell phone around on a string as they begin to learn to walk?

I found these characters everywhere around the house; in the lounge cushions, in the bathtub, on the window sills, and in my purse.  At times, I'd swear that they were procreating.  The boys always had one close by.





This last photo isn't one of the toys they enjoyed, but certainly is reminiscent of much of their childhood.  Children of the 70's didn't enjoy 15 cent hamburgers, I know.  They were 15 cents in 1948 -1968 and when my first son was born in 1972 they cost a whopping 25 cents.  Still, I remember it was a treat for them.