I completely failed to acknowledge that my niece (and god-daughter) Greta turned 6 last week. I wanted a picture to go along with the occasion and then forgot, because I didn’t get any pictures from her actual birthday. So you get this recent one of her snuggling with their new kitty.
I wish my Mom had dressed us half as stylish when we were that age. Hah. Either way. I can’t believe she’s six. How is that possible?
* * *
I half-heartedly followed the World Series this year. My Boston Red Sox sucked balls this season and didn’t even make it to the playoffs. What’s a girl to do? I rooted for my 2nd favorite team — the SF Giants — and they didn’t disappoint and won in a 7-game run against the KC Royals. Congratulations, Giants! Fun side note: everyone is cracking up about Mad(ison) Bum(garner)’s name. Honestly, there wasn’t so much to laugh about if they hadn’t “anglicized” an originally German last name B(A)UMGAR(T)NER (which literally means ‘tree gardener”). There’s your language lesson for the day. You’re welcome.
* * *
It’s Halloween and I am looking forward to a cozy weekend.. As mentioned in previous years, I have an ambivalent relationship with Halloween. I love me some candy (who doesn’t?) and I enjoy kids halloween movies. I am not so much into the whole dressing up as slutty _____ (fill in the blank)-business and or real horror movies. I promised J I would watch (pssst, it’s going to be “semi-watch” for me) one scary movie with him, but other than that, I am planning to stay in my PJ’s, light some candles, drink copious amounts of coffee and knit.
I repeatedly get asked, if we have Halloween in Germany. The term Halloween, and its older spelling Hallowe’en, is shortened from All-hallows-eve, as it is the evening before “All Hallows’ Day” (also known as “All Saints’ Day”)” which we do celebrate in Germany on November, 1. Halloween itself isn’t really a holiday. There was no trick-or-treating or dressing up when I was little, but Germany has undoubtedly adopted Halloween traditions like carving pumpkins and scary movies, as well as the opportunity to throw parties and get drunk in recent years, especially considering that the next day is a holiday and people can nurse their hangovers. How very convenient. We Germans won’t leave out any opportunity to throw a party ;)
TGIF! What are your plans for Halloween?
Holly
October 31, 2014 at 1:33 pmWhen I was six I was wearing stirrup pants or monochromatic sweat suits. I don’t think style existed back then! Your niece is adorable! Her cat looks super impressed, lol
suki
October 31, 2014 at 2:27 pmomg the expression on the kitty’s face! hahahaha. :)
probably staying in this year for halloween. the city gets all sorts of crazy today with the parade, halloween, critical mass (last friday of the month!) and the rain!
Ti
October 31, 2014 at 8:24 pmHehe, but you Germans have Carnival to facilitate dressing up. Or at least Pia used to write about that… (p.s. warm beverages and knitting sounds perfect! what movie did he make you watch? we watched donnie darko, great pumpkin charlie brown, addams family and constantine over the last two days.)
Gina
November 1, 2014 at 12:39 pmYour Halloween plans sounded so relaxing. I kinda wish I had done the same. Chris and I went to a Halloween Ball downtown and while it was fun, going out and drinking just feels like so much work when you’re in your late 20’s/early 30’s. ;)
Marie
November 3, 2014 at 6:25 amFirst of all, can I just say I love the look on the cat’s face in that picture? It’s priceless. And your niece is adorable!!
I do love Halloween. I wish we had kids who passed by our place to trick or treat but sadly we don’t (even though we live in a very suburban, family oriented neighborhood). I didn’t do anything either. I worked out after work, and Matt did as well. Then we went to Whole Foods and had a tasty dinner with beer. It was perfect. :)