Vienna in a snow globe 2011-12-17 The very first snow globe was created in Vienna by Erwin Perzy (who got sidetracked while trying to improve electric light bulbs). His grandson now runs the same snow globe company. Each globe is hand made. This one shows the Riesenrad - the ferris wheel built in 1897 - one of Vienna's attractions. Thanks for the comments yesterday.

Still decorating the tree 2011-12-19 Now frozen yet here in Vienna - but finally the Alps have snow and the ski season has started. Another hand-painted ornament. Thanks for the comments on yesterday's picture. Yes, I am a volunteer church organist. I haven't been paid for playing since perhaps 1964, and stopped playing for a long time. My goal is to play as well in 2014 as I did in 1964. The organ I play on Sundays can be seen here: http://www.jerrybarton.eu/Landscapes/Vienna/7986304_r9xtwT#782949872_GAuVp

Decorations 2011-12-18 What shall we hang on our tree today? How about some hand painted tin decorations? Have a blessed Sunday. P.S. For a church organist, this year's schedule is not optimal - I play today, Saturday night Christmas Eve, Sunday morning Christmas Day, and the following Sunday (New Year's day). Christmas dinner is likely to be on the 27th in our house - and New Year's Eve will be fairly quiet. Many thanks for the kind comments on my snow globe shot.