Gadding About at IKEA During the Holidays

Whenever I make a trip to Shelby, I pass by the Swedish store, IKEA.  Although IKEA is known mainly for its modern and reasonably priced home furnishings it has a cafeteria with an interesting assortment of Swedish dishes.  Recently I was there near lunchtime, and I stopped to have a bite to eat. I had a smoked salmon burger, my favorite drink, lingonberry juice, and a chocolate pastry or candy.  All were quite good.

After lunch I thought I would have a quick trip around the store, but I had forgotten that there's nothing quick about getting through the store even at a fast pace.  I wasn't looking for anything, just looking which I rarely do. If I go shopping it is to look for something in particular.  I'm actually not fond of shopping for the sake of shopping.

There were lots of decorations for the Christmas season.  Pretty red and white tins, Christmas balls in silver and gold, and wrapping paper.

I did find a pretty pillow with cats in black on white.  I bought two---one for the Chatfield house and the other as a gift for a friend who really loves anything feline and who has two black and white cats.  They had quite an assortment of stuffed animals, and I've always wanted a Husky so I put one in the cart and brought it home.  It can be a buddy for Maggie.

One of the drawbacks of shopping at IKEA is the long line at checkout, and this was especially true for the holiday shopping.

The Twelve Days of Christmas at the Carolina Inn

My friend Marcia and I made a quick trip over to Chapel Hill to see the Twelve Days of Christmas Designs at the Carolina Inn.  We had gone several years ago and enjoyed it so thought we would try it again this year.  The artists who design the vignettes are diverse and creative.

My bff Marcia.  

The Christmas tree in the center of the lobby is always a work of art, and this year was no exception. I especially like the lime green ornaments and lime touches in the ribbons.

I photographed just a few of the displays for your enjoyment.  If you are in the area, you really just not miss a visit to the Carolina Inn for this annual display.

Two turtle doves had real doves.

Seven swans swimming was one of my favorite. 

Nine ladies dancing. Created by Lance McRorie, a professional glass artist.

Ten drummers drumming.  

It would have been fun to stay for the afternoon tea, but there is a waiting list for reservations.  And we resisted the temptation to have dessert before we left.  (We did stop for ice cream on the way home though.)

Gadding About at the Symphony of Lights

Over the weekend I visited cousins and friends in Columbia Maryland.  On the way back from dinner Rick, Joan and I drove through the Symphony of Lights Display in downtown Columbia.  This really put me in the Christmas spirit.  We tuned the radio to the designated station and there was Christmas music playing as we drove through.

I had a great time visiting everyone and this spectacular display was just the icing on the cake for me.

Gadding About in Copenhagen

Unfortunately it is not I gadding about in Copenhagen, but my grandson Zach who is visiting his girlfriend Claire who is spending this semester studying in Copenhagen.  So I am vicariously experiencing this.  I have traveled quite a bit but never to Denmark.  This has been a fun trip!

First day there touring along the canal.  

Beer tasting at the Carlsberg brewery.

Tivoli decorated for Christmas. 

Claire's host family prepared a Thanksgiving dinner for them.

The Little Mermaid.:  a bronze statute that is a Copenhagen icon. 

I'm glad to see that Zach was well prepared for the cool weather. 

Visiting Rosenborg Castle.  .  

Zach returns home tomorrow and Claire will be home in a couple of weeks.
Scandinavia  is definitely high on my bucket list.  Maybe next summer?

Photos by Claire and Zach.

Giant White Rabbits at the Museum

A traveling art exhibit by Australian artist Amanda Parer was recently on display at the Museum Park Ellipse outdoors at the North Carolina Museum of Art in Raleigh.  There were five inflated rabbits up to 25 feet tall.  At night they were lit up making for a delightful scene.  I ventured over during the day. and  Marcia and I ventured over at dusk to see the rabbits lit up.

This outdoor part of the NCMA will lend itself to many interesting exhibits.  

Read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/entertainment/arts-culture/article110958197.html#storylink=cpy

Gadding About at the Art Deco Car Exhibit

The North Carolina Museum of Art has very unique exhibits, and recently Marcia and I went over to see the Art Deco Car Exhibit.  I have always been intrigued with the Art Deco Period, and the cars didn't disappoint.  I don't know whether these were considered works of art at the time (1930s or 1940s) but they certainly are now.  Come along as we view these.

This one even had a small table and chairs for having a picni in the car I suppose. 

I particulary like the fronts of these cars.  

There were even two or three motorcycle from that era, and boy they are different from today.

This is the only one of these ever made.  I like that fancy grill. 

If you are in the Raleigh area, you really should check out this exhibit.

Lunch With Boguska and Leslaw my Polish Friends

Potato cakes.  

I had a delightful visit with my friend Boguska and her husband Leslaw for lunch today.  Boguska is one of my "surrogate daughters", and she is a wonderful cook.  She is always bringing me goodies to eat---Polish dishes from her home country.  But today I was treated to lunch at her house.

I knew the lunch would be special because not only do I love her cooking I enjoy her and Leslaw's company.  Her table was beautifully decorated with these lovely flowers that complemet her walls perfectly.  And look at that homemade bread on the table.

Pretty arrangement on table.  

Homemade bread.  Yum!

The first course consisted of homemade mushroom soup.  I particuarly enjoy Boguska's soups.

Mushroom soup.

And then I watched as she prepared potato cakes. She says they are only good if eaten when freshly made (but I'm not sure if that's true, because I brought home those that were left and I'm looking forward to those for lunch tomorrow.)  She used frozen hash brown which she turned into mashed potatoes in her blender, and then added an egg, onions, and a spoonful or two of flour to hold the cakes together as they were fried.

The potato cakes are garnished with sour cream.  

Of course, I should have known that she would have a wonderful dessert (she and I both like our sweets). Today it was a homemade cherry layered cake with whipped cream.

After lunch I enjoyed a long visit on her screened porch looking out over her beautiful backyard. What a relaxing day.  Thank you Boguska.

Enjoying the backyard from the screened porch.