Country Christmas Market

In the Hinter Lands

The small town of Urnäsch had its Christmas market today. And we went. It is local people presenting locally-made foods, preserves, crafts, and Advent greens. We supported the local economy and enjoyed ourselves. 

The setting

Window decorations


One part of the market. The sun came out.


Our first stop: home-made caramels in various flavors, including Amaretti, lavender, Honig, and chili. The children of the family were running the stand, with no accoutrements. Big brother did the math in his head.


The Raclette stand


Served thusly


Some chose home-made Wurstli


A 1901 military kitchen wagon. You have seen it in other posts pulled by two horses. 


They served a fine steaming soup. 


Edible decorations


The church ladies made Advent wreaths, door wreaths, wall swags, and these Wichtels (gnomes). Some of them came home with some of us. 






This is Maria‘s home town now, so she knows everyone, and all about everything. So she led us down a hill, across a bridge, and around a corner….

…and down a switchback sidewalk….


To a hidden door…


…to a smith.


Inside, tables were set up, it was warm, drinks and cookies were offered for a free-will offering, and the Schmied was working. His Name is Schmid.








This was a commission.


One could also order pieces, like this Damascener sausage knife. 




The smithy


When one needs a PARTICULAR hammer, one should have choices. 




Then we left, but not without roasted Maroni/Chestnuts. All Christmas markets have Maroni. 


Blessed Advent.

Happy Thanksgiving Day

And Blessings to All

I was bustling about so much that I took very few pictures, but here is one. I needed to transport everything but the kitchen sink from one canton to another, so the logistics were complicated. We put together this and that from what we brought and what we scrounged up from various corners. But everyone was happy with the festivities. And we all gave thanks for everything and everyone. 

Almost Advent

First Christmas Cards

Some people really get at things early. Lucky them. 

The timing is good for the one on the right. It is an Advent calendar. 

Happy Birthday

To Me

Thanks for good wishes. After numbers of busy days with family and friends, concert, touring, dinners, and such, today will be snuggled in with tea and chocolate and reading. 

Card from Oma

It says,

“A good year lies behind you,

What does the new bring?

With God begin

And God end,

That is Life’s best way.”

An early gift that should get some attention today or tomorrow will help the sound quality of the recorded lessons for my online history course. Listen for that soon, if you are following the course. Thank you, brother!

A couple of days ago, Better Half brought these home with him. Not from him, per se, but someone did not want them. So, would you be the one to say, “ The scent is too strong for me,” or the one to say, “Yes, I will gladly enjoy them.” I was the latter. 

From My Dear this morning, one of the sweet things from him,

And then - surprise, surprise - about midmorning, these arrived,

From my children. That warms a mother’s heart. They are in my studio with me now. 

Thank you, Everyone. 

Also for KleinKind card and Baby smiles for Oma. 

City Walk

Advent Coming

On a chilly grey day, we met two young ladies in St. Gallen to see some of its seasonal finery. The Christmas lights were being put up.

But the store front decoration colors were bright and festive.

Huge (about 15 inch) filled cookies made with old wooden forms. Price: 230 Francs


A fountain figure. The fountains are turned off for the winter.







Sweets for one‘s sweet.



And dinner for us at the Schäfli




Then to the chocolate store.


And goodbyes to the visitors. Their next stop - Germany. 🇩🇪