Wine Tasting / Weinkost in Deutsch-Schuetzen.

Our local wine makers' exhibition.

Just shortly after we arrived here last year, we went to the annual Winetasting ( Weinkost in german ) here. That was around the same time, that we were digging and carrying and working jolly hard on our house. So this Weinkost was like a Nirvana for us. ( Actually, as I don't drink, more for Bob ).

They have this clever system, where you can buy a wrist bracelet for 15 Euros, which entitles you to taste as much and often as you like. Last year, Bob tried as many wines as he could, and he has been counting down the months to this year's !

So, last night we went to the local hall, where they had a wonderful set up. There were 56 different wines to taste, and just to line your stomach, food could be had too ( just as well ). Bob's eyes were sparkling and before you knew it, he was getting his first tasting.

Every table had a list with all the wines provided, explaining the wine and corresponding them with numbers. A very clever idea, because after the fifth or sixth taste, one tends to loose the plot a bit. The ingenious few were armed with a pen, to mark off each one tasted and that's how Bob kept count !

Our region's wines are well balanced, full of character and clean. The bouquet of most are enticing on it's own ( as I don't drink, I tend to whiff up each aroma ), with some of course better than others. For me, it was so interesting to see the whole wine making process completed. This whole year I have been privy to this wonderful cycle of wine making. Seeing the farmers tend to their crops in the various growing phases, the harvesting and all its inherent activities, and now the savouring and enjoyment of the wine. A real privilege !

Biggi

Bob can't wait to use his bracelet.

Rare photo of us together, as I am always the one taking them !

Bob is deciding on his next tasting...

Everyone had a great time towards the end of the evening !

Great to see everyone.

Feeling good about ourselves.

Little nudges help us along.

On the whole life is good for us, but there are always times or moments, when you feel down. In today's times, we do have a lot of difficult obstacles in front of us. One just has to turn on the TV to witness it. ( It is quite likely that I watch a bit to much TV ! )

They say that adversity makes us stronger, and I think that is true. Thinking back, some of the ' obstacles ' that set me in a panic years ago, would now be a breeze to master. For me, it is satisfying to notice those changes in what I suppose one would call character strength. Bob has also earned himself ' herculean ' character strength.

Of course, some of Bob's obstacles, are in the form of a sometimes " stubborn " wife, who likes to do things her way...But as we both at times like to point out to each other :
" You chose me, therefore you knew what you got into. No use complaining now !!! "
That always makes us roar ( okay sometimes only grimace ) with laughter...

What made me think along these lines, were a few articles I read in The Huffington Post's GPS for the Soul. These lovely articles actually made me realize that finding happiness in life and with ourselves is simple. We just need to be reminded of it.

When we are in times of hardship or difficulties, we ourselves actually often fail to see, how we are mastering them and have grown from them. That is until someone or something shows us !

Biggi