Winter Walk

I enjoy going for a walk in winter. That February afternoon it was lovely to see a bit of blue sky in the middle of this alley.

In fact, the sky was amazing.

I discovered some interesting plants which were illuminated by the sun.

The snow made them even more interesting.

This dog also enjoyed walking in the snow.

 

Goodies In My Mailbox

Recently, I found wonderful goodies from Gigi from Sunshine, Lollipops & Butterflies in my mailbox -- an envelope full of scrapbooking papers, some ribbon, and ATC-sized cards.

The paper goodies included a sweet bookmark, too.

I really like these flamingos -- they would surely look great on a Valentine's Day card.

The blank Artist Trading Cards.

Pretty red ribbon.

I really like the lady on this scrapbooking paper. I can picture her on a New Year's card.

Aren't those animals just adorable?

Most of all, I love Gigi's note -- thanks so much for all and everything, Gigi!

Happy Valentine's Day

For Valentine's Day I re-decorated my kitchen window.

The vases are from IKEA.

The bear with the heart is from someone special.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Snowy Carnival

The weather broadcast predicted only occasional snow showers for Mardi Gras. That didn't happen. It snowed nearly all day long. These beer steins were on display outside a store.

A gray sky over the Marienplatz (Mary's Square) with the New City Hall.

The putto fighting a serpent is a detail on the pedestal of the Mariensäule (Mary's Column) on Mary's Square.

The dancers on stage were real troopers wearing those outfits, as the temperature was below 0 °C (about 25 °F).

Truly chilled glasses and bottles.

Das Brunnenbuberl (Fountain Boy) near Karlsplatz.

Do you recognize anything behind the snowflakes? It's a brass orchestra performing on a stage on Karlsplatz.

It was time to get out of the cold for a while. The cat was welcoming visitors to the restaurant.

Yummy duck with rice and vegetables.

Back outside and swapping howdies with the clown hanging from Karlstor (Charles' Gate).

Here he is again, looking over the pedestrian zone.

That's what he sees.

A group of demons posing in the snow.

A group of gothic people with a fancy baby carriage.

 It snowed and snowed and snowed, so it was really a challenge to take at least a few decent photos.

  

Yet people still enjoyed walking up and down the pedestrian zone.

The booths along the pedestrian zone were welcome colorful isles.

Even the lamp posts were decorated.

Manga characters.

A delicious cruller filled with vanilla cream and raspberry sauce.

 

Last but not least yours truly who still enjoyed Mardi Gras in Munich's city center despite the snow and icy ways.

Carnival at the local mall

Rosenmontag (Rose Monday) at the local mall -- looking down to cruller vendors.

The mall was decorated beautifully, and people had fun watching dancers and other performers.

Parking Lot Tree

That's why I love to take a camera with me wherever I go -- you never know where you will find a worthwhile motive. I really liked how this snow-covered tree was illuminated in the parking lot of a local supermarket.