Laowai

We’re still staying close to home even though the lockdown measures are loosening. 

I had some leftover bird fabric after making my latest Washi dress so I made a little wall hanging. I filled the birdies with lavender that Claire and I bought as a souvenir in Croatia. I love love love Monika Forsberg’s fabrics.

I am dreaming of being back in our house in Wilmette. And in my garden. I was (mindlessly) watching Downton Abbey and spotted my kitchen cabinets. Look – they’re just like mine!

At the same time I am feeling sad about leaving Switzerland. There are so many things I will miss. Things like the breathtaking views that I get at ordinary moments like the drive home from school. It hits me in a rush of emotion and I get a lump in my throat.

I did venture out to one of my favorite brocki’s. I found a sturdy little copper bottom tea kettle.

And I can’t stop buying old sheets. I don’t know what you call this type of fabric but it’s a sturdy cotton that is soft from age. They are great for quilting and this one has a sweet little monogram.

I also tried a new recipe – an Aprikosenwähe. A wähe is a Swiss sort of tarte – usually filled with fruit and a simple custard. I forgot to sprinkle the ground nuts under the fruit so I put them on top. It turned out OK but I always find apricots too sour. Maybe I’ll try a rhubarb version since I have another pie crust in the fridge. I got the recipe from a Swiss cooking blog that I really like – Helvetic Kitchen.

The girls have one more week of school. This new version of school that is not nearly as good as the old school. Things will not wrap up as a happy crescendo but as a sad sort of trailing off. Sigh.