I thought since we have discussed the origins of the Scandanavian gnomes, it only fitting I retell a couple of old tales lest some of you missed them "way back when."
First, the little gnome book I told you I sent to our dear Elizabeth? Here are some photos of the "oldie but goodie":
The book is called "Totens Christmas Secret" circa 1951. The dutch colors illustrated inside are just luscious:
I found the little Christmas gnome at the same estate sale...don't you just love his sweet little face?
Also, since we're in the "bohemian" neighborhood, I thought I'd post some pics of a wonderful little place Hubby Dear and I found in beautiful Loveland, Colorado:
I give you, "The Bohemian Cottage" (Aren't the colors just yummy?):
In great European fashion, the food was served in several courses. Here, we have been brought a tureen full of Czech Potato soup with Bulgarian Dumplings...YUM!
The decor was out of this world...and it occurred to me WHY I like the "Bohemian style"...it's a little of everything...and VERY colorful! Lucy hand painted the entire cottage! Gorgeous! She decorates like I do!
The food was amazing...I had Wiener (VEENER) Shnitzel with potatoes (which is actually Austrian, not German) and my husband had Roast Schnitzel with mushrooms, gravy and potatoes. The portions were huge...and, unlike many restaurants, our waitress (who was the co-owner) and her husband (the cook and other co-owner) came to our table to chat and see how we liked the food. They were a delightful couple...very genuine and kind. They both had really, neat accents. (Czechoslovakian) They have been in the states for many years, but you'd never know it...they sounded like they just got off the boat! Here's a photo of Lucy, Henry, and hubby dearest:
Apparently Lucy is quite the gardener also...she was talking to another patron and invited she and her husband out to their garden to talk plants:
Thanks, Lucy and Henry! Eating at the Bohemian Cottage was a WONDERFUL experience!
So dear reader, if ever you are in the Loveland/Estes Park, Colorado area, you must stop in and say hello to this fun couple! Oh...and DO prepare to eat too much! Apparently it's the "Bohemian" way!
More soon!
Paula (the Bohemian) Clare
