It Was a Very Merry Christmas

The holiday season was such a blur for Katja - with all of her travels and festivities it went by in what seems like a second, albeit a very action packed second. Because she really, really loves Christmas, Katja often feels a bit gloomy when the holidays are over. Plus, it's started to get much too cold for her liking, and cold weather tends to maker her rather grumpy. So, she just figures she'll just reminisce about all of the great times she had. And, since it's so cold, why not do so over a glass of Glühwein or two? Because, Winterzeit is indeed Glühweinzeit.

After her Thanksgiving trip to visit Christmas markets in Frankfurt, Wiesbaden and Strasbourg, it was back to New York for a few days, during which she got in as many ballet classes as possible. They're the one thing she truly misses when she travels.

And, during the holiday season she really loves to take class at Ballet Arts, as the studio is covered in Christmas decorations, making her happy to be dancing mood even happier.

Then, after a few class-filled days (with a bit of work thrown in), it was time to cross the Big Pond once again. This time she made her way to London, to help a friend celebrate a big birthday. Always the life of the party, Katja wouldn't want to miss an important celebration. And, the generous soul that she is, she's always more than happy to help friends polish off large quantities bubbly. Or wine...she wouldn't want to come off as too fussy...if it comes in a bottle with a cork she'll drink it.

As always, London was incredibly festive for the holidays. The streets were covered in lights, and the restaurants and shops were beautifully decorated for the season. This got her in the mood to do some present shopping, which was a good thing as she had lots of it do. She swears she was only briefly distracted with some shopping for herself. But then again there's nothing wrong with also buying oneself a present.

Otherwise her time there was spent catching up with friends (over more bubbly and wine), and fitting in a dance class or two. She does love Danceworks, her London studio, and recommends it to anyone who likes to take class when they travel.

Once back in New York it wasn't long before she was on the road again, albeit to a much closer destination, Boston. She loves her friends there, so is happy to have any opportunity to visit them (something she believes she's mentioned before, she can be a bit of a broken record).

And, of course, she wanted to support her friends in Boston Ballet's Nutcracker, as they were in the midst of a very busy season of nonstop shows, so saw a couple of performances during her visit.

But obviously the highlight of the month was Christmas itself, which she spent with family in Fawn Lake, Virginia. Having been a good girl all year she anxiously awaited Santa's arrival, hoping she'd get all of the ballet related goodies (plus some other things) that she had requested. Whoever said patience is a virtue obviously does not like Christmas as much as she does.

But at least the wait for Santa was worth it, as she was well-rewarded Christmas morning. As were her friends and family. She knows it's not all about her, as greedy as she might sound at times.

And, of course, Christmas is not primarily about the presents (even though she really does like to get them), but about having a great time with those she loves, drinking and eating too much (it wouldn't be the holidays without excess), rocking around the Christmas tree, and laughing lots. Because, if there's one thing she believes, it's that we should all be happy penguins.

Life is much too short to live it any other way.

And I'm (Almost) Off

Katja is happy to report that in a few days she’ll finally be up in the skies again, heading somewhere further afield than the East Coast (Frankfurt, to be specific). Her passport is especially happy, as it’s been feeling rather neglected, not having been put to use since July.

In the meantime she’s been doing her usual research, museum (go see Fashion and Virtue, a small but very nice exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art), and ballet thing, as well as her regular trips to Boston. She did go slightly off the usual beaten path one weekend, when she made her way to Fawn Lake, Virginia, to help celebrate a family member's big birthday.

Despite the craziness that surrounded the festivities, Katja was able to enjoy some relaxing moments,

and, more importantly, treats at Dairy Queen, a place she loves. As tasty as the much trendier artisanal ice cream may be, Katja thinks there's noting quite as good as a Blizzard (or peanut butter sundae), and she thinks the seasonal Candy Cane Oreo Blizzard is most delicious.

But, being the city girl that she is, there's only so much peace and quiet she can take, so by Sunday afternoon she was more than ready to get back to the hustle and bustle of New York City (despite the gloomy weather it's been having recently).

Anyway, Katja would go into further detail about her exploits over the past few weeks, but she worries she's beginning to sound a bit like a broken record. Plus she needs to figure out which one of her new legwarmers to wear to ballet class.

Decisions, decisions... It's hard work being a fashionista.

Squeak

Squeak may reside in DC, but he’s not one to sit still and can often be found on the road or in the open skies. This past Monday he caught “the not too glamorous but less crowded than Bolt” DC2NY bus to New York City, in order to help out a friend working on a Robert Indiana catalogue raisonné. The trip was relatively quick, and before he knew it he was at the office in Grand Central Station. He loves the project and working with his friend…not only does he enjoy catching up with her, but she is also a great source of treats (she knows where to find the best ones in the city). In fact, Squeak arrived to find some delicious apricot and coconut bread pudding from her favorite lunch place, Dishes, and when he came into work the following day a peanut butter sandwich cookie from Bouchon Bakery (his favorite treat to date) was waiting for him.


Although Squeak spent most of his time in New York working, he was still able to schedule a few gossip dates with different friends. One evening he caught up with a former DC friend at The Barrel, where he enjoyed a few glasses of red wine and some rather tasty patatas bravas. The following night it was a quiet coffee date with another friend, followed by an evening in with his lovely hostess.


It was back to DC late Thursday afternoon for one night in town before heading off again the following evening. Luckily he was able to find the time Friday afternoon to make it to Bloomingdale’s in Chevy Chase in order to do some shopping. A portion of the sales went to The Washington Ballet as part of the Women’s Committee fashion show, which he unfortunately had to miss this year (he had strut his stuff the past two years and was just beginning to perfect his modelesque waddle).


After picking up a few things Squeak made his way to Fawn Lake for a 70th birthday celebration; there was plenty of merriment and too much food and wine (as usual). Of course a weekend in Spotsylvania County would not be complete without running errands (Walmart and Wegmans) and enjoying a peanut butter sundae at Dairy Queen.


He also stopped by the local mall, which had already been transformed into a Christmas wonderland. Squeak does think it’s a bit too early for the full on holiday extravaganza, however he likes his presents, so figured he might as well have a talk with Santa.


The holiday season does have a tendency to creep up on one, and he figured better safe than sorry!

Bella

Although Bella is a city girl at heart, after a busy week that, with the exception of the Textile Museum’s Mod Madness party, was all work and no play, she was in the mood to escape the hustle and bustle of DC. She thus decided to head to Fawn Lake to visit family and enjoy some peace, quiet and fresh air. Unfortunately the heavy traffic meant the drive there was far from stress free, but a glass of wine and yummy food was waiting for her upon arrival, and the trip down was soon forgotten.


Bella loves to go shopping, so Saturday she headed into Fredericksburg to hit the antique shops. Before starting the search for furniture for her new home she fueled up with a very tasty iced coffee from Hyperion Espresso (always important to caffeinate). Bella saw lots of things she liked (including some fabulous vintage clothing and jewelry) but managed to stick to what she needed and not go overboard with her purchases; she picked up two lyre side tables and a bench for her penguin friends. After shopping she grabbed a bite at Sammy T’s. While far from the best restaurant she’s ever been to, Bella was impressed that a substantial number of its offerings are vegetarian or vegan, meaning that she actually had more than a bad salad and/or pasta dish to choose from. Of course she didn’t eat too much because she had to save room for a peanut butter sundae from Dairy Queen. The weekend would not be complete without one…



Bella enjoyed a relaxing evening of cocktails and treats on the deck, and a lazy Sunday morning. Sadly, before she knew it, it was time to head back to DC. She did of course have to stop and run some errands, as she likes to take advantage of the Fredericksburg Costco, which is much less crazy than the one in Pentagon City (naturally she also had a frozen treat).


And no trip to the area would be complete without stopping at Wegmans to pick up numerous goodies. The weekend may be over, but Bella can take comfort in the fact that she is well stocked with treats to get her through the week!

Spuds

Spuds hopes that everybody (who celebrates) the Fourth of July had a fun-filled long weekend. While it is not particularly a favorite holiday of his (nothing comes close to Christmas), Spuds is happy to embrace any excuse to be festive and indulge in unhealthy food and cocktails.


Having no desire to fight the crowds that descend upon DC for the fireworks, Spuds headed to Fawn Lake for the weekend to celebrate with his family. As usual he took advantage of strip mall filled Spotsylvania County and ran errands (Walmart, Aldi, Wegmans and Costco). He also made the requisite Dairy Queen stop for a peanut butter sundae (and a bite or two of his dining companion’s banana split Blizzard).


Much of the rest of the weekend was spent lazing, baking (chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies) and indulging. The local fireworks took place on the 3rd, and the views from the dock were magnificent (as was the sunset). He ate lots of 4th of July appropriate foods like corn and watermelon, which he washed down with bubbly, his beverage of choice.


By Sunday the temperatures were soaring, making a day spent lazing outdoors infinitely less appealing. Spuds thus decided to visit the Potomac Point Winery – what better way to celebrate the 4th than with a tasting of some American wines (seven to be precise).


He can’t say he was won over by the Virginia wines, but he did enjoy Potomac Point’s port, as well as the winery’s beautiful setting.

Scotchy

Scotchy is always up for a good party, and most certainly was not disappointed by the Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams White Hot Party last Thursday. The store was filled with people clad in white (thankfully not too many sartorial disasters as ill fitting white ensembles can be a rather unpleasant thing), all enjoying bubbly, piña coladas and other adult beverages, and listening to music by DJ Lady Bunny. Scotchy was a great fan of the large white chocolate fountain (numerous pretzels found their way into it in his hands) and assorted tiny white sweets; he especially loved the mini vanilla milkshakes. He gossiped away and stayed until the very end, only then noticing the white carpet and couches welcoming party goers into the store (guess Scotchy was in too much of a hurry to get inside to notice them earlier). He very much appreciated the bottles of water available upon leaving, which helped him rehydrate somewhat…of course a more responsible penguin would have switched from bubbly to water a drink or two earlier (but what’s the fun in that?).


Scotchy was dragging Friday morning, and very happy that his weekend plans consisted of spending a few lazy days with family in Fawn Lake. He headed down that evening, and was welcomed with treats, including homemade grape leaves and baba ghanoush that a neighbor had brought over (if only he had such neighbors) and homemade key lime pie (his favorite). Naturally by then, despite the slightly excess consumption of the prior evening, he was ready for a glass of wine.


The rest of the weekend was spent lazing around and running various errands, which of course always means stopping at Dairy Queen for a frozen treat. It was a particularly decadent visit, as Scotchy took advantage of his birthday buy one get one free Blizzard coupon (he got Oreo with chocolate ice cream and Butterfinger in case you were wondering), and of course it would not be a trip to DQ without a peanut butter sundae. Scotchy hit all of his usual haunts over the weekend – Walmart, Target and the Spotsylvania Towne Center, where he was rather disturbed by the hurricane simulator machine, and even more disturbed by the fact that people were willing to step foot into it (credit cards accepted if you are so inclined).


He also went to Wegmans to stock up on goodies, including penguin-friendly frozen treats for home consumption. He had trouble deciding, but figured he’d go for the tropical to help beat the heat and save the patriot pops for the Fourth of July.

Rudolph

Rudolph is a social butterfly who greatly enjoys getting out and about. He does, however, also know the value of a good restful weekend, and after looking at his May schedule, packed with galas, weddings and openings, decided that it would be nice to escape to Fawn Lake for a quiet pre-craziness weekend.


Rudolph spent much of the weekend lounging on the back deck, staring out at the lake. He enjoyed the peace and quiet and warm weather, as well as various cocktails and snacks (he said relaxing, not alcohol free or healthy). He happily tested the margaritas, which were being perfected for a Cinco de Mayo party, and noshed on a family favorite, panela cheese marinated overnight with oregano and olive and corn oils (mozzarella works too), and baked until nice and gooey (so good with crusty bread).


The warm weather also provided the perfect excuse (not that he needs one) for indulging in frozen treats. Saturday he stopped by his favorite Dairy Queen where he had his usual peanut butter sundae, and stared longingly at the DQ cakes. His birthday is only a month away, after all, so he thought he’d drop a not so subtle hint. On Sunday he made the requisite Costco stop; he had numerous things to pick up, but of course it’s really all about the samples (lots of veggie ones this time!) and rather generous servings of frozen yogurt.

Eppy

Most of the penguins count the days until Christmas, but Eppy counts the days until Easter. He thinks the Easter Bunny is much more festive than Santa, and what’s not to love about getting a basket filled with chocolate and other goodies? Reese’s pieces eggs are his favorite treat, in case you were wondering.


This year Eppy spent Easter weekend in Fawn Lake with family and friends. The weather was gorgeous, which of course meant a frozen treat was an utmost necessity. Eppy likes to hit as many different Dairy Queens as possible, so this trip he tried the one on Courthouse Road. It is a fabulous lost in time restaurant with numerous comfy booths, and they bring your treats to you at your table! Eppy stuck with his favorite, the peanut butter sundae, but had a taste (or two or three) of the Blizzard of the Month, the Ooey Gooey Caramel Brownie (what’s not to love about vanilla soft serve, caramel sauce, chocolate chunks and brownie bits?). He wasn’t certain, however, that having brochures with the calorie content on the tables was a necessary touch.


After indulging Eppy did a little shopping (Walmart and Aldi), and then headed home to properly enjoy the gorgeous weather. When he got back company had already arrived; the rest of the day was spent partaking in gossip, croquet, bubbly, wine and yummy food. He particularly enjoyed the artichoke lasagna (his favorite) and the rhubarb pie. Eppy went to bed a happy and (slightly too) full penguin, dreaming of what treats from the Easter Bunny he would discover.

Snowy

Snowy may be a winter baby, but he has his limits. Even he is tired of the cold and snowy weather after the last storm. Like most area residents he is ready to welcome spring with open arms. He relished the weekend’s sunshine and warmer weather, and decided to make the most of it by escaping the city and visiting family in Fawn Lake.


Besides running errands (he never misses the chance to go to Walmart and Wegmans) he spent much of the weekend lazing about, enjoying the quiet and space (just what the doctor ordered). He also enjoyed numerous home cooked meals and decadent treats (not what the doctor ordered), and, because he doesn’t really have anything exciting to report, thought he would share a tasty family recipe with you instead.


Poppy Seed Chiffon Cake with Cream Cheese Icing

½ cup poppy seeds soaked in one cup water for about two hours
2 cups flour
1 ½ cups sugar
½ tsp salt
3 tsps baking powder
7 egg yolks
½ cup oil
1 tsp. vanilla

Heat oven to 325 F. Stir together flour, sugar, salt and baking powder. Make a well and add, in order, oil, egg yolks, vanilla and poppy mixture. Stir until smooth.

In another bowl, beat

7 egg whites
½ tsp cream tartar
½ tsp salt
½ tsp baking soda

When mixture has formed stiff peaks gradually pour egg yolk mixture over whites, folding until just blended. Pour into an ungreased 10 inch tube pan.
Bake about 75 minutes or until top springs back when touched lightly with finger. Invert tube pan on funnel; let hang until cake is completely cool. Frost with Cream Cheese Icing.

Cream Cheese Icing

Cream one package of cream cheese with half a stick unsalted butter. Add one teaspoon vanilla and 3 to 4 cups icing sugar (to taste) and mix.

Magic

Magic likes to escape the city on long weekends, so he decided to head to Fawn Lake for the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. His main plans for the weekend were rest and relaxation, but of course he couldn’t go all that way without hitting Old Town Fredericksburg and Central Park for some shopping (and treats). He first went to Fredericksburg, where he poked around the antiques shops, purchased a fun bag at Legacy Distinctive Home Accents (he recommends the store for gifts), and admired the Valentine’s tree in The Griffin Bookshop and Coffee Shop (no reason to throw out the tree just because Christmas is over).


All the shopping made him hungry, so he stopped for lunch at Las Palmas Café, a Puerto Rican restaurant. He enjoyed his meal, but sadly they were out of tres leches, his favorite cake.


After supporting the town’s local businesses Magic decided it was time to hit the big chains (what can he say, he likes his big-box stores). His first stop was Walmart, where he stocked up on household essentials, followed by a trip to the Spotsylvania Towne Center. He wasn’t really in the mood to deal with the crowd at the mall, but was happy to hit Costco, where he satisfied his sweet tooth with frozen yogurt (of utmost importance as he had been denied his cake).


Otherwise, Magic spent the majority of the weekend enjoying elegant home cooked meals and lazing in front of the fireplace, cognac in hand. Good thing it’s only four weeks until the next long weekend!