ENJOYING THE WINTER INSIDE AND OUTSIDE

Since running in our area is becoming increasingly difficult (snow everywhere!) we have switched to taking extended walks in our winter wonderland. Isn't it pretty?




When professors invite, students come. Voilà, the SLC (Second Languages and Cultures) crowd, at least the big part of it. It was a lovely evening, and we barely talked about school! Thanks, everyone!

Christmas cookies were yesterday, Christmas pretzels are the new thing. And now guess which ones are ours!

DEEP WINTER

... has different faces. There is the sunny winter day, when the world is turned into a gorgeous crystal wonderland. Great for a walk!



But overnight, things can change dramatically. For example, a blizzard can come and make walking difficult and driving impossible. Buses don't run any more, events are cancelled. But secretly, we find that pretty cool and think: Great time for a walk, too!

FOOTBALL - FINALLY!

Going to a football game has ranked high on Marko's list of things to do in America. Last Sunday the opportunity finally opened up (thanks to Chris and the Vikings' miserable season), and Marko can tick one more thing off the list.

Loyal Vikings fans filled the streets (and parking lots) hours before the game



Empty Metrodome waiting for the players....


who soon ran in accompanied by explosions and 90's Heavyrock - gotta love it!




Players played.


Cheearleaders cheered.


Vikings won, and everyone (except Chris) was happy. GO VIKINGS!!

WHAT HELPS BRING ABOUT SOME CHRISTMAS SPIRIT?

Well, lots and lots of snow would do the trick, for example. This weekend brought on a whole load, and while drivers might curse, we thoroughly enjoy the winter wonderland around us.


Advent vespers help a lot too. The one hosted by the Augsburg college was extremely impressive, with a great orchestra, over 200 singers from 4 choirs singing from different places in the church, and lots of well chosen music from German classics to Finnish folk tunes and readings from Luther to L'Engle. Good! Thank you, Matthew!

ONE'S NOT ENOUGH

... which is why we were honored to be invited to another Thanksgiving dinner. This time, like last year, in Menomonie, Wisconsin, where at beautiful table and a lot of excellent food were expecting us at Jenna's parents' house.

Not to mention all the pies ...

The carving is done by a pro ...

under thorough supervision.

After the meal, people tell stories and jokes ...

and play games.

What a lovely day! Thank you, everyone!

WE ARE GRATEFUL

that we got to spend a great night with a bunch of wonderful people. Despite all its historical weirdness, we thoroughly enjoyed the friendly and relaxed celebration of Thanksgiving. Thank you, everyone! Here is the full report.

After tons of food have been hauled home from several different places we are ready to start!

And tasks are shared like this: While Hanna is cosy on the sofa watching the parade ...

Marko is very excited to start his biggest cooking endeavor to date: a traditional American Thanksgiving dinner.

Hanna sets the table while the cooking continues.


And after a long time in the oven, a couple of checks ...

and a little primping ...

the Turkey is done! Bravo, chef Marko!


Turns out, the carving of the turkey is not that easy. Thank god some guests have arrived for support.


And after a festive any yummy meal...


it's time for games!


More people arrive, some ready to dance ;-)

And after a fun, festive, fantastic night, what is left to be done is some cleaning and relaxing for the hosts. Thanks again, everyone. We had a great time!

FROM AUSTRIA

came two packages full of good stuff. Thank you so much dear parents for all the delicious and practical things. Mail from Austria is always special and always makes us happy! Thank you again, Mädi. No advent without Milka!