The Open Air Museum in Kommern, Germany

 For many years I do read a blog from Willy, a Dutch lady that lives in the Province where Pieter is born, in Gelderland/The Netherlands.

She is an excellent photographer and she visits the most interesting places.

Willy has been battling Leukemia and is back on track and we sure wish her a lot more time with her close travel companion and husband!

Open Air Museum Kommern, Germany

So I spotted on her blog: The open-air museum in Kommern - Het openluchtmuseum in Kommern and new it was the one we visited! Just click the link and yes, she has a translator on the side, a little down.

Both of us got invited to join our 3 German sons as they took a day off for showing us around at Kommern Freilicht Museum in the Eifel.An act of gratitude as they were our guests here in Georgia and we were there for them if needed while traveling in the USA.Family, not by blood...We went on to Switzerland and Italy for visiting friends.Doing so, I forgot my black Chanel boots, after a night with our friends in the Eifel, Germany and had to retrieve them on the way home...Adventures!

My 2nd Trip with Husband Pieter to Budapest in FREE Hungary

As you now know from reading my blog posts, we both LOVE the Hungarian culture, its composers, music and all.

So we booked a trip by luxury bus, all the way from The Netherlands with main stays Prague, Budapest and Vienna.

So here we went again on September 25 of 1996...

Happy me in the bus on our beautiful route from Vienna via Bratislava to Budapest in Hungary.

Comfy knitted Escada skirt with silk blouse.
We stayed at hotel Hunor in room 203.
address was: Budapest, Pünkösdfürdő u. 40, Hungary
After breakfast we head to Buda and Pest with our Dutch speaking guide; Imre.
He had been in The Netherlands after WWI when there was famine in Hungary.

More than 60,000 Hungarian children left between 1920 and 1930.
In 2018 there was an exhibition in Budapest, highlighting the famous 'baby trains' mainly to the Netherlands and Belgium to stay with foster parents.
My screenshot is being translated by google and thus a bit 'off' but it tells the story.
published on: www.rd.nl

from: www.federatio.org/history.html
We both found it heartwarming to hear about so much gratitude towards our birth country!

View over the Danube as seen from Buda looking at Pest...
While the rest of the group went on a boat on the Danube, we both went into the city.

The weather was pleasant for walking.
Wearing my Chanel loafers and belt with purse.
At a luxury mall we found a lightweight linnen/cotton/polyamide sweater for Pieter and for me socks of the same content, for wearing in my boots.
Oh, at this mall I also spotted a dream of an Escada suit that I later found on eBay as the boutique price was way off limit for us...

We drank a cappuccino at Café Gerbeaud before walking back to the Danube where our bus was waiting.

Back at our hotel and changed wearing my Escada suit; ready for dinner...

Dinner at a Csárdás restaurant in Budapest with excellent gypsy music + dance!
Yes, I was wearing my Hungarian blouse bought in Szentendre in 1984...
On Friday, September 27, we depart after breakfast for the plains between the Donau and Tisza.
We arrive via Kecskemét at the Pongrácz puszta where we first receive a welcome drink, the Barack Pálinka (apricot brandy).

Next we enjoy a wonderful horse show!

Wearing my Burberry blazer and The Bridge saddlebag.

Horse show and a DONKEY... to the right!

When I wanted a photo with these artists, this horse man planted his dusty hat on my head...!

The female rider and her horse with our entire group.
Husband Pieter is at the top right, wearing a cap (we both were the ONLY Americans!) and I'm to his left...

After a delicious hot lunch with goulash soup we went with 11 in a wagon...

The photographer was standing on top of his Trabant and he had these photos developed within the hour that we were out in the puszta.
The weather was nice and sunny!
On Saturday, September 28, we left Budapest by bus, via the Danube Bend with a stop in Esztergom.

Here in Esztergom we visited Hungary's Largest Church-Esztergom Basilica and Treasury (With Facts/Figures) just click through for informative short video.
This Basilica is also seen in my post about Pieter's 1974 visit during Communism.

Here in Esztergom lies Cardinal József Mindszenty reburied since 1991.
A primate of Hungary and hero of the anti-communist resistance. Mindszenty, who had been a prisoner from 1948 to 1956, took refuge after the Hungarian revolt in the American embassy in Budapest.
Cardinal Mindszenty died in 1975 at age 83, he was buried in Austria, where he lived in exile.
The proces for his beautification began in 1996.
As a child, I remember we prayed a lot for Cardinal Mindszenty!

From Esztergom I brought back this crystal and gold rabbit... named Snuffy.
We used to have a little wild rabbit here but with our felines of course none seen at present!

The bus went to Györ where we had lunch before leaving Hungary for Vienna in Austria.
We got most of this trip video taped...
~~☼~~
Thanks for your vist and comment!

Related links:
Communist Hungary with Husband Pieter Part III - Szentendre | previous post by me where I bought my blouse...
My 1st Trip to Communist Hungary with Husband Pieter Part II - Budapest | previous post by me
Husband Pieter's 1974 Visit to Esztergom, Hungary during Communism | previous post by me with Basilica in photo

REVUE 2017 with our CHOIR & Memories of MOM

On May 6 we did perform for the REVUE 2017 with our Choir at the local theatre, together with 3 younger girl choirs; Mockingbirds, Hummingbirds and Knightingales.

We are called the Empty Nesters, the Knight Owls and all under the leading of Kelly Knight.

Dublin: Women of all ages sing together as Knightengales click the hyperlink.

For me it was the very FIRST time to participate with those Empty Nesters and some of them performed 6 times already.

Here above we are dressed up for our Song: FEVER

It is singing and dancing...

REVUE 2017 We Are Strong click link to complete video from TV35 WDIG

At Minute: 10:46 you find our song: FEVER

Husband Pieter did snap this photo from me in my FEVER outfit, before I left for the Matinee performance at 2:00 PM and again at 7:00 PM.
Wearing my Escada silk blouse with Red Roses over new black Wolford leggings that arrived by special courier.
For the actual performance I wore these Chanel shoes with low heel...
Silver & Gold set of jewelry from TANE, México City, the Tiffany of Mexico.
Those are the special things we found during our time of Consulting when staying at the Camino Hotel Polanco Mexico.
They had great boutiques!
Necklace, bracelet, earrings and ring.

My spot was top left, on the risers.
Here we sing: HOME, which is visible at minute: 42.14 on the Youtube video.
For this song some ladies just had toned down their outfit; no boa, shimmery top or hat...

WOW, here we all turned into ROCK STARS by singing: JOURNEY at minute: 1:02:00 on the Youtube video.
Well, on Tuesday May 2nd during rehearsal at the theatre, on the risers, I did fall off towards the end.
I had practiced all my steps at home, in front of my Mac's full screen with video and on the solid oak plank floor of our office...
Boy did I have to reprogram my brain for making tiny baby-steps on the narrow risers!
Nothing broken, only my left thumb got bruised, my right underarm and feet.

So for that purpose of having to perform on the risers, I did NOT wear these Escada sandals...
Top is a bargain from Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th.
A Karl Lagerfeld cropped top with a leather look rose appliqué and buttons with roses.
Coming close to the desired look of Leather Moto Jackets and jeans.
Thinking about Singing, I know in my heart that my Mom would have been so proud of her eldest daughter performing as a 1st soprano, just like she did for three decades!
And Mom was wearing the perfect outfit for JOURNEY when her photo was taken here in Macon, Georgia in 1996...

Missing her once again around this Mother's Day but I could certainly feel her presence.
She is always near and safely in heaven with my eldest sister!

Right after we performed JOURNEY, we moved closer together for performing our final song: WHEN I FALL IN LOVE

The ending of WHEN I FALL IN LOVE... (made popular by Doris Day).
Husband Pieter did enjoy the evening performance and I will one day watch the entire video of almost 2 hours.
What a special gift from one of Dublin's Talented Ladies that had the vision for teaching young girls for 20 years now! 
What an impact it has had on our community and it taught them so much more than just singing!
So many young girls benefited from being taught confidence, poise, grace and expression!
Well, we, the 'mature girls' did also learn so much.

And the audience loved it!

Could not believe this incredible deal when I received my email notification from Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th.
Only US $ 39.99 so I snatched that up right away!

You'll dazzle in this glossy textured cropped top...

Love this fashion score!

Hope you enjoyed this little mention.
We are off now for 3 months, without any rehearsals and certainly look forward to starting again with this fun group!

Thank you for your visit!

Related links:

Journey - Don't Stop Believin' (Live in Houston) - Youtube video with 44 million views!

Journey - Faithfully (Official Video) - Youtube video with 67 million views!
Journey - Any Way You Want It - Youtube video with 21 million views!

{Mom Did Wear Many Hats} | previous post by me

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{Feeling Pampered with Silk/Wool Cap from Blogger Friend}

Oh my, on Christmas Eve, I was for the last time out of the house and than a very bad flu floored me literally.

Did not even notice that 2015 ended... it went past me.

Only on my Dad's 95th Birthday I managed to be up in the late morning and call him in The Netherlands.

From than on I improved, but did not want to be out in the nippy, windy weather as the warm temperatures from Christmas had suddenly dropped, even getting some night frost.

What a surprise when on Thursday, January 7, the mail delivered a parcel from France.

A sweet hand knitted gift from Anett from the blog: Faden Stille whom I follow since 2010. We have become virtual friends!

Friday, January 8, I did join Pieter for Rotary lunch and afterwards I did wear my silk/wool cap for taking a walk. Wearing of course my coat as well!

Spunky girl looks fluffy during the cold weather.
Me, showing off my crows feet from a great smile...!

Driveway is still damp and the weather dreary looking...

But our Verbena continues blooming inside the fiber glass window boxes from Flower Framers of Cincinnati!

Enjoying my Chanel boots; bought from tip money for consulting work in California!

You can read more about that here: {My Favorite Boots}

My silk/cashmere Jodphurs from Bergdorf Goodman 1994 still fit me perfectly and I love wearing them in winter time.

Matching cables in my Escada silk/cashmere sweater from December 26, 1993 - actually my very first Outlet score bought at Potomac Mills in Prince William, VA. We were traveling by car to the funeral of our Jewish friend in Delaware when we stopped at this Mall for lunch.

Thanks a lot Anett for so much WARMTH!

It warms the heart and the ears on a nippy winter's day...

{Our Christmas Eve Dinner at Ristorante da Maria}

Sorry for posting this late but since December 20, my FeedBurner was not working.

Rather annoying but nothing what I tried, pinging or whatever, worked...
Suddenly it was just back!
And off again after posting this... Arrrgggh.

So a belated post about our Christmas Eve Dinner at Dublin Farm Come Home To The Country at Ristorante da Maria.

Here we are in front of the Christmas tree with a Hot Punch.
There was a pianist who played during the 5-course dinner.

We have had heavy rain with flood warnings and unusual warm weather for Christmas.
Pieter's suit got a bit wet from getting out of the car to the restaurant...

My coat is on the coat rack...
Wearing my new cropped top in caviar from Neiman Marcus Last Call but to me it just is black color.

On the driveway before we left for Christmas Eve Mass.
We had donated a Poinsettia in loving memory of Mom and my Angel Sister Mariet

First Christmas without Mom... but it feels special for having one more Angel that we know by name!

My skirt is from Escada, printed hair calf and I've cut it shorter as it was below the knee and rather frumpy looking that way.
Panty hose are DIM PARIS which I bought in Jakarta, Indonesia.
Pumps are Chanel from Last Call at Sawgrass Mills, Florida.

Pieter's suit is from Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH in Woodbury Common Premium Outlet.

We both opted for the Fish; Red Snapper Fillet.

Appetizer: Potatoes au gratin with smoked salmon...

This was SO YUMMY!
First dish: Ravioli stuffed with Porcini mushrooms, topped with a 4-cheese sauce, white truffle oil, Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Our Fish Entrée: Red Snapper Fillet cooked in foil with a Puttanesca sauce.

Lime Sorbet

Strawberry Ice Cream Bomb with fresh berries and starfruit on strawberry coulis.
That was really heavenly!
Lady Chef Maria is the best in our region and she makes everything fresh and from scratch!
Don't you love Pieter's Espresso cup?!
We had a very joyful Christmas Eve, just the two of us.
Hope yours was likewise pleasant, or your Christmas Brunch, Dinner whatever your way of celebrating was.

{My Hand Knitted Silk Lace Shawl in Peacock Pattern}

It is about time that I show you my Hand Knitted Silk Lace Shawl in Peacock Pattern. Most bloggers know that it takes time for styling things and it's even harder for items you have to wear! The weather at home had been quite dark and dreary so we thought we take all those pieces with us in the car to Florida - to the SUNSHINE STATE.

Well yeah, SUNSHINE behind those gray clouds...

Here we are again on September 19, at the Hyatt House Miami Airport, our favorite home away from home.

Never mind, their botanical garden is still great for making photos!

So here is my hand knitted (yes, by ME!) shawl from Swiss Lang Yarns in a 100% taupe silk, which  I had obtained from New York by the box, wholesale. 

Closeup of the Peacock Pattern in Silk

As a matter of fact, I did three of these silk shawls. One was a gift for a dear friend in Australia and one I donated to "THREADS OF LIFE: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S TEXTILE ART" from the Georgia State University. You can read more from my LinkedIn profile.

Knitted after this Anna Burda pattern.

The skirt is my own sewing creation in a matching tropical wool from Britex Fabrics, San Francisco with silk lining from Britex Notions.

Shoes are Charles Jourdan from the Outlet.

Pantyhose are Wolford from the Outlet

Bag is from Chanel, from I Magnin, San Francisco.

Cotton peplum shirt is by Escada from the Outlet.

Gold Cameo brooch is a gift from Pieter, bought in Eindhoven, The Netherlands as an estate piece at a jewelry store.

Cane I used only because the model in the Anna Burda held one...

Watch is a Rado from Switzerland; tax free.

Pearl Majolica earrings are from Singapore airport; tax free.

Pearl bracelet by Majolica is from Neiman Marcus at Oahu in Hawaii.

When shopping frugally at Outlets and tax free, one can afford some little luxuries... 

Closing my eyes... dreaming of SUNSHINE.

That's a FULL size 4 or European 34

Related links:
Rose lace pattern with rippled diamond edging | blog by Astrid from Sweden with lace knitting shawl
GEBREIDESJAALS | blog by Mieke who is a Dutch artist in fine lace shawl knitting
Faden Stille | blog by Anett who is German artist in lace knitting, living in France
Träumereien Angel Smile | blog by Brigitte from Germany who does also lace knitting
Bergzauber stricken | blog by Marlies from Switzerland showing a knitted silk lace shawl

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