The machine

Oh do I wish the weather was nicer so I could spend more time on this machine. This size Large Scott Plasma 3 is built up with SRAM Red components, a Zipp Firecrest 808/404 combo, a Fizik Arione Tri2 Carbon saddle, a Quarq powermeter and Profile Design bars.

Hello beautiful

That says it all.

Nivea

Amy and I love the Nivea lotion below, but that version is not easily found in US stores, so we have to schlepp some with us when we travel to Europe or task my mom to send us some in a care package. Oh the vanity.

Happy New Year

We rang in the New Year last night at home and as I still don't like the taste and scent of alcohol, my beverage of choice was Orangina. Amy doesn't have that phobia and enjoyed some champagne. :-)

Happy New Year

Christmas in Columbia, SC 2010

Amy and I went with Pete to South Carolina to spend time with Amy's family over Christmas. We had a great time and below are a few pics from Christmas day.

Chuck's dog Simon is very festive in his green Christmas sweater.



Ron and Chuck checking out Chuck's coasters made from recycled phone buttons.



Pierre is a new addition to the house of Amy's dad Ron and his wife Amy. He is a little rascal.



Flora does not mind the camera that much.



Pete doing what he is doing best - relaxing. Well earned after the eye operation of course.



The brunch table is set at the house of Amy's mom



Lots of goodies on my plate



A very nice start for Christmas morning indeed



Grandmama Georgia joined us for brunch



After a lot of work finally at the table



The Christmas tree with presents at Amy's mom's house



A nice tissue holder for Grandmama Georgia



Happy faces everywhere



Well, trying hard to look unhappy



Cheryl displays her new earrings




The Christmas tree at Amy's dad's house blocked in by tons of gifts



Amy models new rain boots and flannel pajamas



A book for Amy is immediately getting attention



New knives for Grandmama Georgia



Am's dad looks forward to sleep, eat and read



We love this beautiful lamp from Ron and Amy



A quiet corner for Amy to read

Christmas time

A few Christmas impressions from our home ready for the holidays.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

The view from the dining room towards the living room


Our Charlie Brown tree on the counter between dining room and kitchen


The kitchen is clean and ready for guests


A slightly different perspective towards the kitchen


Our tree with modern ornaments in the den


The main Christmas tree in the living room, very traditional (and orderly) :-)


The warmest place in the house


Am's tree in her office is very cute

So many apples

Apples, apples everywhere

Advent factory on Clover Street

December 1st is almost upon us and we got the advent wreaths for a few friends and family done just in time. It is actually quite a time consuming enterprise but it does get you into the holiday spirit.

In full production :-)



Some imperfect Lindt truffles had to be eaten



Our advent wreath was the last one done



A closer look at the wreath



Another detail of the wreath



A few miniature clothespins fell victim to the feverish pace

Jordan Rapp rules

Jordan Rapp was nearly killed by a hit and run driver a few months back and today he finished 4th at Ironman Arizona. You rock my friend

A pet update

Pete does like the fireplace


and Sylvie has moved in the guest bathroom near the radiator

Suppe und Salat

Gestern Abend gab es Suppe und Salat bei uns und es war sehr gut. Fuer so ein Herbst Wetter Abend gibt es wohl kaum was besseres. Well, for those of you who don't understand my native tongue, we had soup and salad for dinner last night and it was very fine and hit the spot.

Foursquare success

Who says foursquare isn't good for anything? This morning I actually unlocked the foursquare special at Whole Foods. Yes.



The reward (a $10 gift card) was promptly put to good use

Halloween in the West End

Halloween came and went and we had a good time. Well, Amy actually was on call and Halloween is seemingly always a bit crazy in terms of work. So I represented alone.

The calm before the storm



As most likely expected, a diverse candy selection at our home



What people saw when they approached the house



The pumpkin really looked pretty good



Up the street from us a Krispy Kreme employee had these great treats to offer