Thank you, good luck and maybe goodbye

Most of you have surely already heard about the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) which has to be implemented starting on May 25th, 2018. There have been a lot of discussions among German bloggers how that affects blogs. A lot of bloggers either close their blogs or make them private to be on the safe side. For the time-being, I will also make my blog private until I have more time to figure out how to keep on blogging and abiding to the law at the same time. 

I have always enjoyed sharing some of my photos and digital images, thus allowing you a glimpse of my life in Munich, Germany. More important, I have loved your comments, making new friends over the years and getting so much inspiration from you all. It's a bit sad that rules and regulations dim that spirit, even though the GDPR itself does make sense. Anyway, if you want to stay in contact, please send me a note to swappinghowdies@yahoo.de. Then I will mail you the password to my private blog, as I would very much appreciate if we could stay in touch.

Whether our paths now go in different directions or not, I want to thank you for all the time you spent reading my lines and looking at my photos, for the comments and food for thought you left, and, most of all, for your friendship and inspiration. 

You guys rock!

I wish you good luck

and all the best in life!

 

New Year's Eve

Can it be that the last day of the year has already arrived?

The last December days brought lots and lots of snow.

Heather flowers in the snow.

Sinking into the snow.

It's a tradition to watch Dinner For One on New Year's Eve.

  

James: The same procedure as last year, Miss Sophie? 

Miss Sophie: The same procedure as every year, James!

The sketch is just hilarious, and never fails to make me laugh.

Time for New Year's Eve dinner.

Almost time to raise the glass to toast to a happy 2015!

Have a wonderful,

happy and healthy

New Year!

Christmas

Flecki is watching for Santa Claus in the morning of December 24.

He loves his cat tree -- and his toy mouse.

December 24 was a very mild winter day -- and the roses were still in full bloom.

All four candles are lit up on the Advent wreath -- the Holy Evening has arrived.

Christmas gifts waiting to be unwrapped.

A cute owl on the Christmas tree -- a gift from last year.

The sunset on the Holy Evening was very fiery.

The Christmas tree all lit up -- a peaceful and relaxed moment.

Flecki sleeping on the couch in the living room while we listened to Christmas songs on the radio.

Can you see yours truly's reflection in the golden Christmas ball?

Lunch on Christmas Day -- duck with potato dumplings and red cabbage.

The second Christmas Day (December 26) brought lots of snow.

Enjoying the Christmas presents -- books, a stuffed owl, and some Disney goodies.

I hope you and yours had a wonderful Christmas time!

November Impressions

November came and went so fast. The pumkins looked wild a few days after Halloween.

That red -- just splendid!

Flecki exploring my place -- each corner and nook.

What's up there?

Would that dress fit me?

There's more to discover down there...

Time to get ready for the countdown to Christmas.

My mom made that Christmas calendar for me when I was a child. This year I filled it with Quality Street chocolates. 

The first candle is lit.

Have a wonderful Advent!

F is for Flecki

In September 2012, I asked you how I should call this cute fellow. Since he has several spots on his fur, I started to call him Flecki (Fleck = spot). For me, it's a perfect F for Jenny's Alphabe-Thursday.

Flecki didn't show up much in 2013, but since January 2014 he comes by nearly every day. He even loves to stay over for a nap, sleeping deeply with a slightly opened mouth. Please note the rolled tongue.

He completely relaxes while taking a nap.

At times he stretches out.

What a sweet paw.

Here he is playing with me on the terrace.

Flecki in the kitchen -- he knows how to get his cat treats.

Sleeping soundly once again.

At times he lies like that while looking around. I guess he enjoys the different perspective.

Flecki is such a good natured fellow. He doesn't mind cuddling with neon-colored alien friends.

One tired cat -- he surely loves to come over for a nap.

I really like his striped tail.

I am sure this cat knows how to look extra cute.

Would you believe that this cat is not my cat? In fact, I am still not sure where he lives.

A hearty yawn.

Time to cuddle.

Time to play. I kept the toy from my late cat Muschi. It's great that it's used once again.

Enjoying the terrace.

Looking out of the terrace door.

Sleeping on the terrace bench.

Looking out of the window.

There is so much to see. (And, fortunately, Flecki doesn't mind me putting the camera in his face all the time.)

That's how he can comfortably look out of the window -- sitting on the ironing board.

I can't help taking pictures while Flecki is sleeping.

My personal Easter bunny.

Another hearty yawn.

Enjoying the tulips in the garden.

Lying in the kitchen and waiting for a cat treat.

I presume I have taken more photos of Flecki in the last months than his owners did during his lifetime (he must be around 3 years old). Never mind -- he is just too cute.