A Bright Blue Day

Saturday, December 8 - I was awakened this morning to the sounds of "I'm Dreaming of White Christmas." The rest of family was awake and listening to Christmas carols. While it wasn't Christmas, it certainly was white. Perhaps six inches of new snow fell overnight, but dawn had broken with bright blue skies. It was my last full day in Switzerland. While sad to think about leaving, the sun sparkling off the new snow was mood lifting. Late morning; we walked to a small local grocer for fondue cheese, some dried meats, bread and white wine. Relatives were coming over for lunch. Fondue was on the menu. Real Swiss fondue with a fresh brown bread. I consumed the fondue until I thought I would burst; and then came a wonderful chestnut dessert. Family tales were told in French and English. Somehow, language never seems to be a problem with family. After lunch, we headed into Lausanne for some last minute shopping. The city was busy with holiday shoppers. Shops were packed with people looking for the perfect Christmas gift. For me, it was simply a few mementos to bring back to the family plus Suiess

chocolate - lots of Suiess chocolate. It was starting to grow dark as we headed back to the house. It would be a light supper of homemade soup and then watching Cinderella with the girls.