Nikolaus

Nikolaus

For German children a kind of small Christmas took place in the morning today. 12/06 is "Nikolaus day". On the evening of 12/05 German children will suddenly show a deep interest in getting all their shoes cleaned, then put them clearly visible, like on parade.

If they were nice, Nikolaus will put something into their shoes when he comes at night. For people who don't have access to children's shoes at the right time there are these "Nikolaus boots" which can be filled and later given away, these are even available here in Taiwan. (But definitely not with Nikolaus in mind.)

The boot in the photo was meant for my daughter, but this year she is even less allowed than last year to take anything from me, so I'll keep it for next year and probably someone else.

A last photo before the distribution starts: 12 Stollen, 12kg gingerbread.

A last photo before the distribution starts: 12 Stollen, 12kg gingerbread.

I would have liked to make some other cookies too, but I couldn't think of any the kitchen and I were in the mood for, so this year may be a bit boring...

OK, the tree has been up for a week now.

OK, the tree has been up for a week now. After four casualties among the decorations during the first two days it seems the tigers lost interest. The lowest level of branches is also rather bare now, that too may have helped.

Let's see if the tree makes it to Christmas or if Garfield tries to climb...

Potato roses, second test run

Potato roses, second test run

The original instructions used bacon to hold the roses together. I don't have bacon, so I tried cheese to see how that works.

Well. It works well.

I think I mentioned before that beside the rolling stock not much has changed on the Alishan Forest Railway.

I think I mentioned before that beside the rolling stock not much has changed on the Alishan Forest Railway. It does for example still run on pretty much the same tracks. Literally.

If you look at modern railway tracks, you will often find that the rails are being held in place with sturdy springs, which are secured with equally sturdy screws and nuts. Not here.

On the left is a switch, the only reason you see screws holding the rails. On the right is the regular track, held in place with - nails. This is not a museum exhibit, this is the live track where the trains to and from the mountain run every day.

Exciting, isn't it?

This was the fishion of Fune '86.

This was the fishion of Fune '86.

Quite in contrast to her son, Batma had never developed a preference for anthracite.

Quite in contrast to her son, Batma had never developed a preference for anthracite.

For years I didn't dare to make Stollen, until two years ago I just tried and found it wasn't difficult at all.

For years I didn't dare to make Stollen, until two years ago I just tried and found it wasn't difficult at all. Christmas is getting closer...

The annual 8kg, this time baked in just one day.

The annual 8kg, this time baked in just one day.

Taking over the world is not easy these days, good henchmen are hard to find.

Taking over the world is not easy these days, good henchmen are hard to find. If you find yourself in need of loyal minions, you may need to consider cloning...