A new season
Two nights ago, winds blew gorgeous leaves onto our terrace. Oak and maples. I can't describe how vibrant they are, but those of you who are fortunate to live or have lived in colder climates know. Nature is so beautiful. And I am amazed. I've lived in warm climates my entire life—the Philippines, Nigeria, Southern California—and I'm enjoying this change of seasons in our little bit of German countryside.
I've been dutifully immersing myself in all things German. The language is far harder to learn, even though there are a lot of similarities between German and English. BFF said that it's easier for a German to pick up English than the other way around. It makes my head spin when we're engaged in conversation with friends, because it sounds like one long, guttural, tongue-twister. I have to ask, apologetically, "Langsam, bitte?"
German food is traditionally heavy, with its emphasis on meats, dairy, and potatoes with everything. The good thing is, Germans appreciate regional, seasonal foods. We've had spargel in mid-May; sweet cherries from our tree in June; apricots, nectarines, peaches, plums, and pfifferlinge in July, August, and September; and now pumpkin in October. BFF's parents took us to a gasthaus in the South famous for its karpfen; there was an enclosure for deer and we fed them apples crushed underfoot. I was a bit surprised to learn that they were raised for the table, but at least they're not in a feedlot, cramped and unhappy.
Now if only they had tofu in the regular supermarkets...
I've been reading Knut's blog. Ja, der Eisbär hat ein Blog. Oh, and news sites Expatica and Deutsche Welle.
Lastly, I finished my sweater. (It's *that* green.) A few weeks ago, overnight temperatures descended to 2°C (about 36°F) and we turned our little heater on. It was so good. I love my new sweater. I am loving Fall.
Ahhh brightly colored leaves falling... I was just explaining to someone that the thing I miss most about my hometown is the cold sunny days of early fall when all the pretty leaves start to fall. I can recall days when the wind blew and the birch leaves would fall at a rate that made it feel like it's snowing :)
It's wonderful to see the leaves changing colors (elsewhere - they don't do much of that here in SoCal) Though it's been windy here and I have a stack of leaves on my porch, they're all green.
I'd agree that it's easier for a German to learn English than the other way - my mom is totally bilingual while my German struggles in anything beyond the present tense. Viel Glueck!
The sweater looks wonderful!
I love maple leaves; they are so beautiful. And your sweater is gorgeous. Can we see more of it?
I'm about to embark in my first raglan sweater and am particularly interested in seeing the whole thing. :)
I love maple leaves; they are so beautiful. And your sweater is gorgeous. Can we see more of it?
I'm about to embark in my first raglan sweater and am particularly interested in seeing the whole thing. :)
lovely green sweater - and the fall leaves are grand.
Such a delight for the senses! The colour of those leaves and the texture of your new sweater just knock me out!
Fall is my favorite season and I miss it. The leaf pictures are lovely. I'm so glad you're having a fun adventure in Germany!
Beautiful colours in your pictures. I love how they all go so well together. Autumn colour really is a treat to those of us who grew up in the balmy climes of So Cal. =) Enjoy it.
hope you are enjoying living on the "right" side of the pond :) dont envy you and the german though- any language with words that have over 38 letters terrifies me!
Gorgeous leaves. Ours are turning, here in Portland too. I love autumn and spring in climates where there are seasons. Winter can be a little tougher.
The sweater looks gorgeous, though I wish I could see it modeled.
What a great post. My mind of winter is longing for a *real* fall with the change of leaves and chilly weather. The leaves I will have to experience vicariously, but it may eventually get chilly enough in LA to justify a fire in the fireplace. It's already the right weather for cocoa on the stovetop in the early morning. Miss you and love seeing your new life and reading about your adventures.
Awesome sweater! The pics of the leaves are fabulous. I can't wait for the fall to actually arrive for real. It was 90 degrees all weekend here!
Enjoy the change of seasons. Wonderful photos and beautiful sweater.
I love autumn. Miss it terribly. I have friends here in southern California who refuse to entertain the notion that it doesn't happen here. They insist that it does. I'm sorry. That 15 minutes of coolness just doesn't count. LOL Enjoy your first autumn. A good autumn is magical. :-)
Love *that* green sweater! And the leaves...aah...thanks for sharing with those of us currently experiencing the dreaded Santa Anas! xo-S.
Lovely pics of the leaves. It is nice to enjoy the seasonal changes.
Your green sweater is beautiful and the color is great. I'm glad you are loving your new sweater and in a place to fully appreciate fall and wearing a warm sweater.