That Jolie Girl

Chapman Swifts

I first saw the Vaux's Swifts back in 2005 when my cousin was visiting.  It was a very serene peaceful evening of about 30 people watching the birds retire for the evening.  This year I got to see them again and it was a very different experience. 

Each September the Swifts sleep in the old chimney at Chapman Elementary School for a few weeks.  We are one of their many stops on their migration trail.  They spend the days out and about.  When the sun sets, they create a swirl pattern and descend into the chimney for the night.  It's an amazing sight to see thousands of birds deftly enter this small opening in a very short period of time. 

This time a hawk created a lot of drama.  He would sweep in and the swifts would scatter.  This went on for quite awhile (with the crowd rooting loudly for the swifts) until the swifts ganged up on the hawk.  Finally, the hawk left and the swifts could continue to retire for the evening.

This is a super cropped shot to show the birds in better detail. 

The thing that was most amazing about the night was the turn out.  Hundreds of people brought blankets and picnics to watch birds.  Birds! People were friendly and courteous.  It felt like one big party.  It's such a fun thing to experience.  I can't wait to see them next year.

Topol in Fiddler on the Roof

Fiddler was the first play in Broadway series this year.  After having such a great experience with our season tickets last year, we opted to keep our seats for another year. 

Being born in the 1970's,  I grew up with Topol.  I've seen the movie a zillion times and can sing along to every song.  Getting the opportunity to see Fiddler with Topol was just incredible.  Every word, every gesture embodies Tevye. 

The play itself was really well done.  The sound was great.  We could clearly hear the softest of words, but the songs weren't crazy loud.  It was a nice blend.  The set was also very creative and used the stage well.  It was just a joy to watch this play.

The dream sequence is always fun.  I've had this song in my head since seeing the play.

This is a trailer for the production in Australia. It will give you a sense of how great this play is.

Bargain Hunting 101

The day after getting back from Germany, I managed to make it to Bargain Hunting 101 at the Crystal Ballroom.  I got there about 20 minutes early and the line had already started.  Luckily my husband was happy to spend the time at Everyday Music across the street.  When noon struck the line to get in was all the way around the block.  Booths were set up in Lola's room as well as the main ballroom.  I managed to get a few gifts for folks, but also picked up a couple of goodies for myself that I just had to share. 

I have always craved a SmallThings piece since she started in 2002.  These necklaces are just so incredible and they are all handmade.  Because of this, the price has always been a bit too steep for me.  But I found this hummingbird necklace in lavender for more than half off the retail price.  I snapped this up as fast as I could!  I couldn't believe my luck.

I also picked up this cute fox ring from Soop for super cheap.  I've seen these rings before and have always loved them, but I just couldn't shell out the dough for them.  As well as being crafty and shy, I'm also very frugal.

I also bought a green tree ring to layer with the fox.  These are just cutest rings!  I managed to spend lots of money at this bargain craft show and I will show more once I've given presents out.  I can't wait for the next Bargain Hunting sale!

Pilgrimage to Bimbach

I just got back from a week long trip to Germany!  This was my first real trip in a couple of years and I was definitely ready.  My husband was born in Germany because both of his parents were in the military.  They returned to the US when my husband was about 2 years old.  The main adventure was to find the house where he used to live.  He lived in the tiny hamlet of Bimbach, just outside of Fulda, and we did find his old house. 

We spent 3 nights in Frankfurt very close to the Altstadt (old town) pictured above. 

Our hotel was located in the Apfelwein District.  My husband isn't a beer drinker, so he was in hog heaven with Apfelwein which is cheaper than soda.

Downtown Frankfurt

I have always loved fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm.  We stopped at their hometown of Hanau.

Rothenburg was probably my favorite town.  We spent one night here. This pristine town was not bombed during WWII, so everything is original and old.

Rothenburg

We went visited the Wuzberg Residenz which was amazing!  I couldn't resist taking a picture of the speed limits for tanks.

Munich is a beautiful city and easy to navigate on the subway.  We spent 3 nights here.  We made a day trip to Dachau and also to the Olympiaturm, home of the 1972 Olympics

We went inside so many beautiful cathedrals.  Everything is just so beautiful!

Marienplatz in Munich

We jammed packed each day with lots to see and do.  We even survied the autobahn!  I'm so glad we went and I'm thrilled my husband got to see where he was born.