Monika

The sweetheart of all pre-Christmas fairys has put a package in the kitchen for me. She knows that my heart is beating faster with words like Escape Room, Scavenger Hunt and Foxtrail. And because we all do not know how such activities will be happening in the near future, she has wisely shifted to the safe option. The prehistory begins like this: the Easter Bunny, the Tooth Fairy, the Sandman and Santa Claus play Mau-Mau. Santa Claus is caught cheating (which is admittedly unpleasant, before Christmas) and this leads to a conflict with the Easter bunny. Now Santa Claus needs my help and I have to solve puzzles for him / with him. One every evening and I'm already looking forward to it. I'll keep you posted - I promise.

Eva

We are writing again, the three of us from femart. I am pleased that Monika and Margit declared their solidarity with me and will also write, although only here in Austria we have a Lockdown, again.  From today and for the time being, planned is until 17th DEC 2021 for Upper Austria.

Incidence figures at dizzying heights, the medical staff in the intensive care units are burdened beyond their limits... Unbelievable that on Saturday the masses still have stormed the malls to go shopping - for Christmas! Wouldn't "contact minimization" be called for, in order to get the pandemic under control? I can only say - WITHOUT WORDS - what is going on in our society.

Margit

If only there was finally a ray of hope! 

The opposite is true. The 4th wave collapses over us. The intensive care units of the clinics are overwhelmed. This is accompanied by well-known and this time tightened measures, especially for the still large number of unvaccinated. Free tests, 2G for gastronomy, event, sports etc., 3G in the workplace and public transports. Regionally, the imposition of curfews, contact restrictions, partial lockdown is possible and high penalties for non-compliance! And today, the Saxon government has even ordered the complete closure of travel agencies at short notice. Of course, not without protest. What is supposed to happen? 

Monika

Pink and purple are the trendy colors for Christmas tree and Advent decorations this year, the saleswoman is telling me on Saturday in the flower shop. Well, I don't have to think twice. I don't have any Christmas decorations in these colors. Not that I don't like it, but such a pink Christmas tree or a purple Advent wreath? So far, I have stuck to red/gold/green - the safe way. And yet - when I saw these tulle moons on display a short time later, my conviction was a bit shaken. They look quite special and maybe combined with golden balls and pink fabric bows..... For a moment, I am tempted - but looking at the price tag brings me back to reality. They are very pink, very sweet and outrageously expensive. 

So, problem solved for this year. 

Eva

Bleak prospects
The three of us living in three different countries which border each other. They have a lot in common, including the current situation of being overrun by a Fourth Wave, but to what extent, that is shocking for me as an Austrian, because there we differ.

The highest incidence in Europe (!) is in the province of Salzburg (1.750), followed by Upper Austria (1.665).

Whether we will get out of the lockdown so quickly, it remains to be seen.

Margit

Double booster! 

Biontec, the third, 

but with cream for a treat! 

A reward has to be. 

Another step towards freedom! 

Monika

"After the performance is before the performance" - a saying of our conductor. So, three days after our last performance, we are already rehearsing for Christmas. On the program is the Bohemian Christmas Mass by Jakub Jan Ryba, a contemporary of Mozart. Ryba was a diligent composer, over 1300 compositions have been preserved, only recently has his entire compositional oeuvre been rediscovered. Songs, arias, most diverse compositions for different instruments can be found in his repertoire. In Ryba's extensive church music, numerous masses occupy an important place. And we're all really looking forward to singing one of them at Christmas.

Eva

This is my ginger harvest this year!
I dug them up just in time before the first morning frost, and the roots (or tubers?) lie plump and juicy in the basket.  With their wonderful aroma and piquant spiciness, they will add that certain something to winter dishes, but also to many a cup of tea, and - WARM FROM WITHIN!!! 
That's wonderful, because from the end of the week it's supposed to get cold and wintry, even snowing up to 400m.   
What does the Austrian say?  “Just have a look, then we’ll see!” 

Margit

Sunshine and deep blue skies, discoveries in the area with nice accompaniment lift the mood. 

Life is beautiful! 

A few hours without media reports leave it in new Light appears 

Monika

"Sirius" is written on the elegant box that contains this glass star. Sirius - clearly a star, but that's where the general education stops with me and research is announced. Sirius is one of the stars that make up the binary system of the "big dog". And because this constellation is particularly easy to see in midsummer, it is called dogs days. Sirius means "the sparkling" or "the burning". Sopdet, the ancient Egyptian goddess of heaven and New Year, is the embodiment of the star Sirius and patron goddess of the deceased pharaoh. She is meant to help him ascend heaven.

A star that shows us the way to heaven and should help us to penetrate into heavenly spheres. Again, something learned or just made an entry in the "Encyclopedia of useless knowledge"?  Sometimes this is also a balancing act.

Eva

"Brassicaceae" (which includes herbs and the like) are an absolute superfood, Magdalena told me today in her weekly email! They are vitamin bombs and above average rich in valuable ingredients - even in the cold season. 
Magdalna should know - she is the organic vegetable farmer we trust, and this year she has put her experimental annual focus on cabbage plants, which is why I am enjoying red Chinese cabbage for the first time today!
It is not only a feast for the eyes, but also a culinary delight: finely sliced with carrot and apple cubes - a dream and highly recommended! 
So this is not a late-flowering autumn rose, but the heart of the red Chinese cabbage. Bon appetit! 

Margit

Alert level II in Baden-Württemberg! The Christmas market in Freiburg is cancelled, the lights remain! There is still a transitional arrangement, but soon it will no longer be enough to be vaccinated or recovered. To let the "epidemic situation of national significance" expire today sounds like a mockery. In politics, the coalition agreement is being tightened up today. Moving times, but we should hardly move. 

Monika

 Directly at the main station it is standing - the “Alpomat” with country delicacies. It is touted as the smallest farm shop of the city. That might be true: there are farm shops in the city, but they are all much more extensive in their assortment. And I don't think there is anyone who is “cheesing” in the city. But we don't want to complain. In the Alpomat we find tree nut kernels, pickled vegetables, sour Cidre and local cheeses, neatly wrapped into plastic foil (the nanoparticles are sending their greetings). In addition, a right selection of fondue mixtures. However, the bread, garlic, maize starch and white wine are missing. But maybe everyone already will have that at home anyway. So, funny, funny trallalla and no one has to do the farm shop tour by car. That, at least, is real progress. 

Eva

The first snow of this winter. Just in time for the first weekend of Advent, the wintry splendour creates a calm and relaxed mood and makes you forget the current Corona madness. Thank you Petrus ;-)!

Margit

100.000 people have died since the beginning of the pandemic in connection with the virus and today people are crying about cancelled Christmas markets? In addition, we received alarming news. A new threat of a mutation (Omikron) from southern Africa is on its way. Flights to Europe have either been cancelled or only German citizens may be transported home to Germany, where they have to go into quarantine for 14 days. In the evening I walked through the still for Christmas illuminated streets of the city. 

Monika

The Pestalozzi Society Association was founded in 1896 with the aim of promoting popular education. In heated reading rooms you could stay without compulsion to consume and read newspapers and books. Today, the Pestalozzi Library Zürich operates a network of 14 neighbourhood libraries in the city with a huge range of books, films, games, sheet music, newspapers, E-media and media for learning languages. These libraries see themselves as meeting places in the district and it is still true that you can stay in them without restriction. There are reading corners and play corners for children, workplaces and in my favorite library in the old town even a terrace, a wonderful place in summer. On four floors there is everything your heart does desire and today I have returned home well equipped with books and audiobooks for the next few weeks. And good for heart and soul is the incredible silence in the rooms. 

Eva

The winter walk was as beautiful as the day begins. Cold air, warming sun, a refreshment for body, mind and soul. 
It should stay like this for the next few days, hopefully also down in the valley.
Tomorrow is the first Sunday of Advent, and I can just hear the bells ringing, calling for Mass with the consecration of the Advent wreath.

Margit

It has remained almost as empty in the adult education center. An intensive face-to-face seminar on writing short stories has taken place, but with a mask and large distance. Hardly used to such intensive conversations with different people at the same time, I’ve felt quite exhausted in addition to positive aspects.

Monika

We wanted to see something light, a feel-good movie and so we decided on “Eiffel in love”. Conveniently, it runs in the nearest cinema, where to we can also walk. The movie indeed is entertaining, the love story so, so, but the pictures of the construction project are totally fascinating. I've never seen it like this before. These sophisticated calculations, this precision, the daring of all the construction workers, that was terrific and yet has impressed me very much. Will have to read a bit more about Mr. Eiffel and his constructions. 

Eva

HANDMADE WITH LOVE
is written on the small card that is tied to the wick of the candle. Poured with love by the beekeeper in the neighbouring village from the wax of her own bees. That's why every candle looks a little bit different, she explains to me as I talk to her about pouring candles. 
I love the smell of the beeswax candle, my writing room smells so wonderfully homely and like Advent. 
Thank you dear bees, thank you dear beekeeper! 

Margit

In the writing workshop this morning some stories and contacts to like-minded people were created. 

On the way home it started to snow and at my front door I received a warm Advent greeting. It is something special to live in a nice house community. 

Maybe one day I'll write a short story about it?

Monika

The first presents wrapped! How I love these evenings! I'm working away comfortably, cutting and gluing, and my thoughts are with all the lovely people who will be unwrapping the little presents sometime at the end of December. Being undisturbed, completely with myself and everything around me and forgetting everyday life. How good that feels!

Eva

Christmas or Advent atmosphere in the village. 
A picture says more than a thousand words!

Margit

Many years ago, she was beautiful. She wore a crown whose arms stretched into the sky in the sun, wind, rain and snow. Shiny red apples hung in them like gemstones, delighting a family that loved apple pie. At some point, she came to an age in which she year after year was becoming weaker. During summer she could hardly bear the juicy fruits. Under the load, more and more, arms broke out of her crown, until her trunk remained as a sculpture on the side of the path, today.

Monika

Tuesday is rehearsal night in the choir - and because we don't know what new rules and restrictions the next few days will bring us, we have brought forward at least the annual "Chlausritual" (= St. Nicholas - ritual) today. Every year the Chlaus brings the choir members a glass of homemade Confi (=confiture). We don't know yet whether we will be able to hold the "Chlaushöck" next Tuesday (cosy get-together with Gritibänzessen and eating nuts, Madarines and chocolate from the Chlaussack). If not, the Confi will stay at home for the Gritibänzessen. A small consolation - but at least that.

Eva

Vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate is the word everywhere now. And the numbers are rising, although the so-called booster vaccinations, i.e. the "3rd stitch", account for about 70% of the vaccinations, the first vaccinations only about 10%.
Compulsory vaccination is due to come in February 2022, I'm curious to see whether this will push up the number of first-time vaccinations. If a father who is seriously ill with cancer is sent home before the urgently needed surgery (in the meantime he has received the surgery, thank God), and a small child does not receive a necessary heart surgery and the date is postponed to February because there are no beds available.... At the latest then, in my opinion, any discussion about whether one should be vaccinated or not becomes superfluous. If that means "freedom", then something is going wrong in our society.
Here is a film from an intensive care unit at the Salzkammergut Clinic.

Margit

My library – they are beautiful gifts from my friends, also some out of "takeaway boxes" in the house entrances along the road, second-hand books from the net and old or not yet read books on my shelf, the titles of which I had long forgotten. Reading material for every situation in life. On a day like this, when it doesn't want to get bright anymore, just the right thing! However, since it is difficult for me to decide, I’ll read in three at the same time.

Monika

I start writing "Züri z'Nacht" and actually want to report on the beauties of "my" city, when I notice that z'Nacht has two meanings in dialect. Sure, Zurich by night / Zurich at night could be translated, but z'Nacht also means dinner. In dialect, we make it very simple: z'Morgä, z'Nüni, z'Mittag, z'Vieri, z'Nacht (in the morning, at nine, at noon probably at 12.00, at four, and when night falls) - voilà all meals together. Of course, there is always "öppis Zwüschetdurä" - a snack or "äs Abgwöhnerli" (when something tastes so good that you still have to have a little piece of it to get used to it). Chains of thoughts are exciting - and Zurich by night is always nice.

Eva

They have been forgotten again lately, the many opportunities to meet - forced - via one of the many internet platforms. Since it is currently not possible to attend events in Austria, they are being offered again. And I remember how much I enjoyed it during the last lockdown to take part in all kinds of events in the German-speaking world. Getting together with people I would never have met, in places far too far away for a few hours of seminar.  And today? Today I really indulged myself and took part in two events. The first was a writing workshop and had  "Time" as the theme. And in the late afternoon I was allowed to attend my first tea mediation. Both themes - time and tea - complemented each other wonderfully; never before have I prepared tea so mindfully, observed it and enjoyed it. I took my time, what an experience, what a gift. If you're interested, next week it will be offered again - called "Sitting out the lockdown and drinking tea". I'll be back next Wednesday. Here to the LINK

Margit

 First day of the last month in 2021. It’s storming and raining. As long as it is still possible, I have chosen this day as my wellness day. After the workout in the gym, swimming a few moves in the small paddling pool and warming up in the sauna. Relaxing ! Wonderful ! And since I can choose when to go, I am alone almost everywhere in these spacious rooms. 

Monika

Where I work, there is the most wonderful "Vietnamese" you can imagine. The restaurant is tiny, hardly more than 20 seats and very simply furnished, but the dishes taste uniquely good. We were particularly taken with the soups. There is Pho (Vietnamese) (a beef broth with noodles) or the Thai soups Tom Kha Gai and Tom Yam Gum. And today, in sleet, we set out over lunch to reward ourselves with one of these delicacies for the hassle and effort of the day's work. Tom Kha Gai it must be for me today. Tom stands for soup (that's why many Thai soups are called Tom), Kha stands for Galagant a spice that looks like a fresh bay leaf and Gai is chicken. This soup is more than food, it has stored up the sun and warmth of Asia and the taste transports me instantly thousands of miles east. Escape from reality with a soup spoon - not bad, right?

Eva

Cryptic announcement on WhatsApp - and a premonition rises in me!
A package?
I check the post box several times, but there are only two free regional newspapers in it.
When I return home late in the afternoon, there it is. On the windowsill of the garage. I knew it! :-)
I'm delighted, immediately write to the dear "Christmas gnome" and receive this message: "I'm glad it's arrived! 😀 To Advent, which has to do without concerts in the Lockdown, and for your inspiration in writing with the beeswax candle! Hope you like it! All love!"
This is true joy when there are such lovely people! 
Thank you dear Christmas gnome! 

Margit

Yes, it would have been too nice!

As from today the 2G-PLUS-Regulation also applies for my dancing classes, which could take place again since September !!!

I will not be able to go, since the appointments in the test center near me are already taken (opening time only until 2 pm). In addition, there is no interest on my part to get me dead in the cold, storm and rain outside in the queue. Hope remains that the school will soon be able to carry out rapid tests themselves, before the start. 

But for me, it's a feeling of lockdown.

Monika

In my favourite department stores on Bahnhofstrasse, I'm looking for hip, colourful men's socks. But I am magically drawn one floor up to the household goods department. There it is - and I've been eyeing it every time I visit the department stores' for the past two weeks: This wonderful bowl with Father Christmas. It's big, certainly 50 centimetres in diameter, and it stands on a foot. And of course there are bowls and a coffee service - the whole porcelain Christmas glory. So I stand in front of it - breathe deeply, a magical moment and with a quiet regret I go in search of the socks.

Eva

Friday evening. 
It was a pleasant walk, which I wouldn't have done on my own - it's cold, it could snow - and anyway, my bastard is once again very well nourished. But with my girlfriend, I'll conquer the persistent guy!   And so I look forward to a cosy evening by candlelight, incense and a fine cup of tea, content with myself and the world. 
(I am NOT commenting -today- on the political events in Austria).

Margit

WELLENBRECHER has been named Word of the Year 2021. It stands for the actions taken to contain the pandemic. 

Yes, and tomorrow the time has come. 2G Plus in the whole of Germany for all areas of "pleasure". Soccer games are cancelled in BW. However, who already has the Booster, is exempt from the PLUS! This is new and very good news for me! 

Today I enjoyed visiting my favorite café. From now on, it will be difficult for many, especially for the gastronomy, which has already organized food and as from tomorrow probably will cater for a few guests only. The question is, for how long? 

Monika

Night city stroll despite the rain. Many people are out and about in the inner city. Of course, the many small Christmas markets with their mulled wine are tempting. But many are also simply out and about, enjoying the sea of Christmas lights and the beautiful shop window decorations. At Paradeplatz, this soft-night opulence is quite evident. The 5-star Hotel Savoy has covered all its balconies with fairy lights, the large decorated Christmas fir tree in front of the big bank shines with 1000 lights as it does every year, and the windows on the façade light up like the doors of an Advent calendar. It is beautiful and peaceful.

Eva

True encounter takes place when it opens doors between two people, when spaces open up. I took this beautiful thought from   
"Impulse im Advent ONLINE" - Time to pause and for encounter by the Catholic Education Centre Linz. A former Benedictine monk reflected on the theme "All real life is encounter" (M. Buber). Again a very nice online offering, the next one has on the topic: 
Meister Eckhart: The Birth of God in the Spark of the Soul. With the philosopher Katharina Ceming. Here is the link
Even if the doors are closed at the moment, there is always something beautiful worth sharing that finds its way to us through the back door. Because the important things cannot be locked out.

Margit

Every day I am writing, juggling with words. So, I have noticed that since the beginning of the pandemic there have been new word creations or terms that have arisen and will arise like an endless spiral. Words that I hadn’t heard, read or used in a text 2 years ago. Here you find some examples: 

Corona/Covid19, 1G, 2Gplus, 3G, AHA rules, systemically relevant, exponential, PCR, Antigen rapid test, Lockdown, mouth-nose protection, FFP2, medical mask, incidences, intensive care bed scarcity, Triage, home office, home schooling, mutations, Delta, Omikron variantion, superspreader, anti-vaccination movement, aerosols, MRNA vaccines, border closures, travel restrictions, distance rule, contact restriction, Epidemiologist, Virologist, home quarantine, RKI-case numbers, Biontec Pfizer, Astrazeneca and so on. My list is long! 

Monika

These stars shine in the streets of the old town on the left bank of the Limmat. And what about to the right of the Limmat? Well, that's a long and drawn-out story. The old town forms city district 1 - the Limmat flows through it from Lake Zurich into the Aare. The Limmat divides the city into Left of the Limmat (in the direction of flow) and Right of the Limmat. On the left of the Limmat is the small or minor town, on the right of the Limmat the large or multiple town (today one says Dörfli to it or Niederdorf). And because the history is a chequered one, there are also two residents' associations (Quartiervereine) - on the right of the Limmat and on the left of the Limmat, and of course different Christmas illuminations. On the left of the Limmat, Lucy on Bahnhofstrasse, the shower of lights on Rennweg and the globe stars around Münsterhof. The right side tries a chain of lights along the Limmat and otherwise relies on the individuality of the residents or shop owners. As small as the world is in the old town, you can't have everything prescribed, standardised or made the same.

Eva

Picture puzzle. Who is this? 

a) Father Christmas with a heavy sack on his back.
b) A tired Berlin traffic light man at night
c) The word of the year in Austria 
the shadow chancellor

You will find out the solution in the next few days. Maybe all three are true and something connects them? What could there be?

Margit

On such a wet and windy day, I’m not really tempted to go out, anymore. But then the grey cloud cover breaks open and a small walk with my friends, who came by for tea and some home-baked, became possible. During the punch afterwards I pulled out the precious beeswax candles that I got from Eva in the summer. Since they are actually much too precious to burn them off, I have at least banned this one on a photo for posterity. 

Monika

I have an extremely low general education when it comes to royal families and nobility. It's obvious, because we Swiss have "no interest in monarchies" in our genes. Democracy since 1291 - the Habsburgs chased out, Charles the Bold won three times against the Burgundians (mnemonic: he lost his estate in Grandson, his courage in Murten and his blood in Nancy) - only against the Napoleonic troops marching in in 1798 did we have to admit defeat. 
But nevertheless - in the last lockdown I watched "The Crown" on Netflix as a parasite of my son-in-law (that sounds very gruuuuuselig now) and it touched me very much. Part of the historical background melody of my life was set there (the Aberfan mine disaster, England's economic decline in the 70s, Falkand War, Lady Di's wedding and everything else you remember). 
And now Spencer is coming to the cinema - the story of 1991, when Lady Di, during the Christmas holidays with the royal family at Sandringham House in Norfolk, decides to end her marriage to Prince Charles. And although I have nothing to do with royal families, I think I have to see this one. If only because of the costumes.

Eva

Evening atmosphere shortly after 4 pm. Today is St. Nicholas' Day, and I have already seen him in person and up close, with his staff, mitre and white beard. Although I thought I had always been good, he just smiled and marched on to the kindergarten with his sack and pack. There the joy was great, and then the surprise! 

Margit

In front of my apartment door, dear Nicholas had already delivered something sweet this morning.

But then he had to wait a little longer until the Christmas cookies were ready. Now he is satisfied and already on his way again with his sled, which still needs a few rolls down here. On the mountains it is white.

Monika

 The first Christmas cards arrive. That is always a great joy for me. I have stretched a red velvet ribbon across the living room and all the cards are lovingly hung up with golden clothes pegs. Over the course of the Advent days, the line fills up and all the good thoughts and wishes from dear people fill the room - nice, isn't it? 

Eva

Spent the whole afternoon in the veterinary clinic. It took up to three staff members to restrain our lively dog until he lay down peacefully, anaesthetised by a syringe....
He is still staggering, I hope he will get better soon! Ear infections are very painful, for man and dog!

Margit

An E-bike is almost a car. Again, the annual inspection is due. Among other things, brakes, lights and battery are tested. It gets a new software transfer and I get two pages handout of statistics about the use of the different modes, kilometers driven etc. Only destinations and heart rates are missing😊). When picking it up, I had to show my vaccination certificate with identity card. 

Now my bike can go into its winter break.

Monika

Züri-Tirggel are pastries made of honey, flour and spices. They are the Zurich Christmas biscuits. The Tirgel are cut out with a wooden model and then baked over a high heat so that they have a brownish top and a light underside. The models are either family models with coats of arms or then sights from Zurich or other places. Tirgel always have a hole at the top so that red ribbons can be threaded through. 

red ribbons. This is how they hang on the traditional Zurich Christmas tree, together with red apples and beeswax candles.

You either like Züri-Tirggel or you don't. They have a neutral taste and a rather dry consistency. "Tirggel as a long-lasting energy supplier is also appreciated by endurance athletes who want to ensure a quick and steady supply of carbohydrates," says Wikipedia - which in plain German means nothing other than that they have a brutally high number of calories.

Eva

Holiday in Austria - Mary Conception. The starry night let the temperatures drop below zero. The morning frost lies on the landscape and conjures up images of ice. What could be more beautiful than a morning walk in this clear, cold winter air, no one out and about. It is as if the day and nature belong to me. What wonderful peace!

Margit

"Habemus Ampel", 

the spokeswoman on the radio said.

Yes, it is a historic day today. 

Finally, it's done!

We have a new government and with it 

a new Minister of Health also!

Will he manage to trim the ugly 

tentacles of the virus? It remains exciting. 

Monika

For some years now, this tree decorated with lights has been standing in a private front garden in the neighbourhood. I'm always amazed at how carefully the lights are placed. What I particularly like is that for once it is not a fir tree that is so festively decorated, but a deciduous tree or what is left of it in autumn. It is not easy to photograph. Either the wires of the tram are in the way or the streetlights cast ugly streaks on the photo. Yesterday I managed it, standing in the middle of the street. Not quite in line with road traffic - but sometimes you have to compromise for a good photo. 

Eva

This is already the third distance learning course in literature for me. I love dealing with topics that open up new horizons for me. To deal with them in depth and then to write about them and send in these assignments fills me with great joy and satisfaction. I am eagerly awaiting the feedback from my supervisor, what will she say about my engagement with the topic of "diary literature"? A total of eight booklets are sent, the next one is dedicated to Marlen Haushofer's book "Die Wand". This book by the Upper Austrian writer, who has already passed away, is  highly recommended .

Margit

Every December of her already fourteen-years lasting life, my rose still bears a flower. This year there are even three. But one of them shows herself still in particularly full splendour in the sun today. 

"Enjoy the little things in life!" she seems to tell me.

Monika

Pit stop on the edge of the Christmas market at Münsterhof. Homely wooden toilets handcrafted in Switzerland "turn every session into an experience" (according to the company's advertising slogan). Not only do they look much nicer than their plastic/chemical cousins, they are also absolutely odour-free and quite well ventilated for the male users. The "human output" is used as a soil conditioner and returned to the natural cycle. Innovation in everyday business - if that's not good news. 

Eva

The day is dawning
full of promise
what will it bring? 

The day is dawning
a blank page
everything is possible - yet.

The day is dawning
I welcome it
and know it is mine - or - I am his?

Margit

Snow in the morning, dirty weather afterwards. What could be more obvious than to bring back a little bit of a "summer-feeling"? I still dare to go to the gym.

I also thought I would be brave, wanting to book movie tickets for tomorrow.  –  No indication – although there are still single shows taking place tonight, as from tomorrow on the pages of the cinemas are just filled with contents of movies, but without playing times. What a pity! Perhaps a technical problem?

Monika

Pit stop on the edge of the Christmas market at Münsterhof. Homely wooden toilets handcrafted in Switzerland "turn every session into an experience" (according to the company's advertising slogan). Not only do they look much nicer than their plastic/chemical cousins, they are also absolutely odour-free and quite well ventilated for the male users. The "human output" is used as a soil conditioner and returned to the natural cycle. Innovation in everyday business - if that's not good news. 

Eva

"Life begins at the end of yout comfort zone"
It's good to venture out of your comfort zone again and again, especially the feeling of having dared to try something new.
I already know a few things for 2022...

Margit

Today, the online ticket order for the cinema would have been possible again. But now we have decided on home cinema with Christmas cookies and tea. 

In the end, it became a show of our holiday pictures of various trips. That's what my travel friend and I had been up to for a long time, already.

Monika

The Wasserkirche is the place where the execution site of the city saints Felix and Regula was venerated in the Middle Ages. Archaeological excavations took place here in 1940/41 and have been open to visitors ever since. On Saturday afternoon, we once again ventured into the crypt. A first church in the 10th century, a distinguished burial place in the High Middle Ages, the legendary martyr's stone: the archaeological crypt offers insight into the rich history of the Wasserkirche. What is particularly nice is that at an audio station you can not only hear the story of the suffering of Felix and Regula, but also other legends of the city of Zurich. And one exhibit immediately captured my heart: the agnus dei - the Lamb of God. 

Eva

Third Advent Sunday, today there are only 12 days left until the Christ Child arrives! He will be sweating bullets this year, as his little helpers are only allowed to get the presents from 17 December onwards, which will then be lovingly packed in the heavenly packing station. The Christ Child is also feeling the effects of the lockdown!

Margit

A few days ago, a Christmas tree grew out of the roof of the neighboring house. I already thought so, it would have to be the top of a larger one. So, tonight I went on a search and found it at a distance up on the slope with his incredible radiance. No one would suspect that this huge, magnificently decorated tree is standing in a private garden. It reminds me a lot of the annual huge Christmas Tree at the Rockefeller Center in New York. Should it be a gift to a family member or maybe even a bet?

We will hardly ever know. 

Monika

S' Märlitram (Fairytale Tram) is the oldest historic vehicle in operation by the Zurich public transport company. The tram was built in Schlieren and Oerlikon in 1913. Since 1958, the tram has been running as the Märlitram on a circular route of about 25 minutes in Zurich's city centre during the Christmas season. Children between the ages of four and ten are admitted. Christmas fairy tales are read to them by two angels. The tram is driven by Father Christmas. Every year, 7,000 to 10,000 children ride the Märlitram. I saw it on Saturday at Paradeplatz and it brought back a lot of nostalgic memories. How often did I ride on it as a child and how often did I "hand over" my children in the Märlitram! Unforgettable memories.

Eva

Lockdown weather. Both put a damper on the mood.

Margit

The famous Freiburger Bächle were first mentioned in a document in 1220. Today they have a total length of 15.9 kilometers, 6.4 of them underground. They are fed by the Dreisam, which flows past Freiburg, which originates for 29.7 km from two spring streams in the Black Forest, its running northwest and flows into the Elz near Riegel. 

According to the Baden legend, every tourist will hear the story that the person who steps into a stream during a visit will marry a native of Freiburg later in life. There are many anecdotes, including the one about Jacques Chirac, who promptly stepped into a stream in front of the town hall during the German-French summit in 2001. 

This "lady" continues to enjoy her bath until the Bächle are drained in the event of impending frost. 

Monika

After five chapters with Commissaire Dupin on the Belle-île, the desire for scallops was enormous. They are always a treat for the eye and the taste buds. Although the inspector is investigating the murder of a sheep farmer in the tenth volume, this does not detract from the pleasure. Coquille, cognac, cheese and double cream, the whole thing baked in the oven - delightful! 

Eva

Today an angel flew by and brought me something from the Christ Child. 12 more days to wait, I'll manage, I'm already big! :-)
But I am very curious... 

Margit

Aretha Franklin was an internationally acclaimed superstar, a brilliant songwriter, gospel and jazz singer, pianist and civil rights activist. She, who had to have her first child at the age of 12 and her second child at the age of 14, fought for respect for herself, against the strictness and paternalism of her father, as well as against the violence she experienced in her first marriage. Becoming addicted to alcohol because of all this, she was saved by her music in the end. 

This movie is a must for anyone who has loved and loves her music. In the large hall we were only 10 visitors with 2G+ or booster. How long can cinemas continue to work like this? 

Monika

Now in the Christmas season, angels fly through the house in various places. Very demure ones, in white veils, ornate glass angels (mouth-blown) and then a few unconventional ones. This one is one of my favourites. Full-bosomed and plump, he radiates so much joie de vivre and lust for life that it always warms my heart. Red cheeks, a kissing mouth, glitter in his hair and a bit of tutu and lace around his bottom. A bit frivolous, very feminine and yet quite close to everyday life - that's how all angels should be 

Eva

Soon they will go up again, the blinds, and it will be out again, namely out of lockdown number four. Our politicians are already talking about the looming fifth wave through Omikron. Will this be just a brief gasp for air? 
I fear so.

Margit

 This was sent to me today by a friend. 

She's so right! 

It's so important to have good friends! 

Always! 

Monika

A Father Christmas in a plane and for once not nostalgic, kitschy but really speedy and cool. There is always something new to marvel at, a new interpretation of a traditional subject. Well done, I think - it could even land in our garden.

Eva

The newspapers are full of it - shopping: 
Super special offers and then weekend shopping. 
It is the first time that shops are allowed to open on a Sunday, only those that were closed during the lockdown. Omikron will also feel at home in the shopping centre crowd!

Margit

Now they are circulating again, funny news on the net. 

Not everyone can be laughed at and this one came already for the second time. But "Dinner for One", a sketch on TV, is a must on New Year's Eve in Germany! 

On a day as dreary as today, it brightens up my mood a bit. Unfortunately, there is also a lot of truth in it. 

Let's see how it’s going to be this year. „Same procedure as last year, Miss Sophie?“   

(Hopefully not every year!) 

Monika

I started this Lockdown blog with the Advent book of the best of all pre-Christmas fairies. We puzzled every night to bring back the lost presents to Santa. Sometimes it was easier, sometimes harder, but we always managed. Only today, with all the different paths to Santa, we got tangled up in the forks and loops. We didn't find the right way. But tomorrow we will continue anyway and we are excited.

Eva

Which star do we follow?

The star that shines above the temple of consumption, the many stars that glitter above the countless shopping centres and want to seduce us into wanting more and more, into buying and believing that we need all this in order to lead a fulfilled life?

Or the star above the Christmas cot?

It is up to us alone, to each individual, which star, which path we choose. That is freedom, to be allowed to decide, to follow one's heart and to look for the star that lights my way to a meaningful, fulfilled life. 
I wish us all this star!

Margit

There are still the small rays of hope, at least weather wise. Today I went out to catch the sun. When it set, the full moon was already on the other side on the sky. The news, however, announce less pleasing things. Should a 5th wave roll towards us? In the case of ocean waves, triggered by a passing ship, there is the statement that the sea becomes calmer after seven violent waves  

Monika

The new extension of the Kunsthaus Zürich has been open for quite a while, the pictures of the important collections are hanging and we set out to marvel and discover. The new extension has turned out well and we are delighted with the cleverly hung pictures and the many details that we only notice when we take a closer look. For example, the "donkey door trap" on one of the large doors. We are delighted and also a little touched. He looks so sweet, the donkey!

Eva

"Kiss me under the mistletoe"-
We also have this at Christmas time - in Kirchdorf.

Margit

Last opportunity before the Xmas – for a nice meal and a glass of punch, in front of a blazing fire in the open fireplace, candlelight and a unique Christmas decoration, which you can also buy here! Much has already been "plundered" but there is still enough to be admired. Wooden horses, colorful glass balls and drops large and small, Santa Clauses in all sizes and situations, such as in a bathtub or on the motorbike. The right attunement to the 4th Advent, which was not possible last year. Once again, a treat before there are new restrictions coming up!?