Bretzeli

Christmas time is Bretzeli time. More specific Berner Bretzeli. Just like mum used to make for years we are keeping the tradition going. The Faithfull Migros Machine we got as a present from mum is working thanks to the heavy duty Electricity Converter that weighs a ton.

This year Jesse got very much involved and was the main cook. Enjoy the pictures

Seasons Greetings

Jane, Bonnie, Samuel, Jesse and I would like to wish everyone the best for the coming Christmas and the new Year. Today we had another 4 inches of Snow followed by a cold - 17 C Temperature. 

We went and took our yearly family photo. 

This will be our 6th Christmas here in the USA. Who would have thought this when we first got the news that we won a place in the Diversity Lottery. Anyway the last five years passed so quickly it is hard to believe. So to all a merry  Christmas and a happy new Year

From the Schrag's

From left to right

Samuel ( 10)

Jesse ( 8)

Bonnie ( 12)

Christmas Tree

Yesterday the kids put up the Christmas Tree

What a nice job they have done.

Jesse with Santa Hat

Let it Snow

We had the first decent snowfall this winter with about 7 inches ( 21cm) of snow overnight. Driving was fun. It also got a little bit colder with temps of 22 F or -6 C.

So with a little bit of luck we might get a white Christmas here in Louisville.

Check out the snow on the deck. 

Keystone

I went up to Keystone for the first time this winter to attend the 2 days on snow Training.

The weather was not too ad and the snow was great. A little bit crowded because not all slopes are open. We covered the GO Factor Keystones new motto to teach all type of skiers.

The drive back was not too bad a little bit busy on the I-70 at Georgetown.

View from the top of Dercum Mountain at Keystone

The new Gondola at River Run

View to Lake Dillon

Beaver Creek Gingerbread competition! The Results

Today I dropped off the Gingerbread house to Beaver Creek. Only a 3 hour drive on the Freeway. However we had Winter driving conditions which means snow covered roads. Luckily I have 4 wheel drive which i needed to get safely over Vail Pass and the loveland Tunnel. On the way back i counted at least 6 cars that went off the road. Some cars with backdrive slid all over the road or had to give up over Vail Pass. 

Our Entry won 1st price in the professional section which came with $US 1000 prize money. Not bad for a couple of days work. Below are some pictures.

Gerald R Ford Hall this is where the entries were displayed

Beaver Creek Ice rink. Beaver Creek is the play ground for the rich!! 

Our Entry

Second Place Professional section

3rd Place professional section

Amateur section

Another good example from the amateur section

1st Place Kids section ( what a great entry)

1st Place Amateur. This shows how good the "amateur" are they give everyone a run for the money.

Beaver Creek Gingerbread House

Once again I have teamed up with Colleague Marcia Kramer and we entered the Annual Beaver Creek  Gingerbread house competition. We spent a couple of days working on our Rustic House and it will be my task this year to drive the House up to Beaver Creek about 2 hours drive and drop it off . All the Houses are Auctioned off after the competition with all proceedings going to the  CASA charity that supports abused children.

Craigslist Landscaping

Below is a picture of our house when we first moved in . 

This are the pictures of the house after we finished our Craigslist Landscaping project.

For those of you who do not know what Craigslist is, it is a website where people sell or give away all sorts. Jane and I like the Free column of Craigslist.  

Other than the plants, some Sand for the Patio  and the Wood for the framing we got everything of Craigslist for free. Naturally we had to go and haul the rocks and other materials but hey it was all worth it in the end. See the finished project. We were constantly amazed what people are giving away for free.

Christmas lights installed

Christmas is just around the Corner

It is still  very warm here in Colorado. Today was another Bluebird day and Jane finished laying the last of the Flagstones. And we installed the Christmas lights for 2008.

With Thanksgiving just around the corner it might be time for the first snow to fall. 

Haloween

Jane in Costume

Bonnie the Devilish Angel

Impressions from Las Vegas

Vivas Las Vegas

The Famous Bellagio Casino

It has a 5 meter tall Chocolate Fountain in the Pastry Shop

The Lion's from the MGM Casino

Dessert entry followed by a couple of Cold Platters

Trip to Grand Mesa

Earlier in the summer we went for a Camping Trip to Grand Mesa National Park.

We had a good time doing some fishing and tramping.

Here are some impressions.

Setting up the tent and Jesse fishing

Fall 2008

Hi 

We have been busy working on the front and the back of the house.

Jane continued on the back patio which is starting to come along quite nicely

I have been busy training the Johnson & Wales Culinary team for the Colorado State competition.

Unfortunately due to some incorrect filled paperwork the team got disqualified and therefore will not be able to go on to Seattle.

The Weather here has been fantastic we only had a couple of cold days and barely an inch of snow.

Temps during the day still reach mid 20's and naturally we are having a great time.