Time Travel and Froehliche Weihnachten

Time travel of sorts. This is my ancestral family (Dad's side) 5 generations ago. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas (Froehliche Weihnachten).

My great great grandfather was a big man, especially for those times. Born in Germany Wilhelm Heinrich Mader, he immigrated to this country when he was young and single. He came alone after the death of his parents. He married Anna Heinlein who was also born in Germany; but immigrated to this country with her parents. They made their home in Chillicothe, Ohio.

I'd love to know what their Christmas's were like so long ago. I know they had a goose pen in their yard and that would have been The Christmas Dinner.

So, from my family to yours.
Merry Christmas

Gift Ideas when you Travel, Temecula California

Recently came across this very creative use of wine corks. I save my wine corks....to do "something" with them; though as yet haven't. Spotted this nifty wine and wine glass holder in a gift shop while touring the wine country of Temecula. Didn't have room in my suitcase as the time to purchase it....been thinking about it though, and looking at the mound of corks I've saved. Temecula is an awesome place to visit. In fact, we've been there 3 times and will be going again. Lots of different wineries, fun and interesting people, and ...the food.............yummy.
So for those of you who've not saved corks, perhaps you have a fancy sewing machine you've done anything with lately. Pull it out and embroidery a cute saying on some nice tea towels. Wouldn't that make a lovely gift? Personally, I loved this one; but you might have one that suits you or the person you have in mind. I'm always looking for neat and unique gifts while traveling. These fun tea towels were in the same gift shop there in Temecula. There's pretty scenery, good wine, good food............something for everyone. Add it to your list of places to visit.