How did I get here…

Exploring the Discovery Trail, Long Beach, Washington.

Exploring the Discovery Trail, Long Beach, Washington.

While growing up in Germany, right on the Swiss border, near the Black Forest, my summers were filled with swimming in the Rhine river, riding my blue bicycle and rollerskating. Favorite subjects in school were English and geography. To this day, I love maps and riding a bicycle.

My love of travel and foreign languages developed during my teenage years. Foreign-born friends sharing stories of their countries, invitations to dinner introducing me to the vibrant flavors of their cuisines, and foreign movies giving me my first glimpses of a seemingly fascinating world; a world I wanted to travel.

During my travels, my husband and I met at a German club in Westwood many years ago.  Having a family put our travels on hold. Instead, we spent those years homeschooling our kids, exploring the Golden State, reading, gardening, creating tasty vegetarian meals and nurturing friendships. Some early mornings we joined Audubon birdwatchers for walks at the coast, along the Russian River and in local parks and forests.

Now our kids are grown and immersed in their own lives. We get together often and enjoy their company. We do, however, also enjoy the freedom this has given us, to recharge our batteries, and discover new adventures near and far. We still share our love of languages, seeing the world and sitting on our swing outside on warm summer nights.

Growing some of our own fruits and vegetables, along with many flowers is something I enjoy very much. It creates a strong connection with the earth, boosting my spirits when tending plants and pulling weeds. Kitchen creations include South Indian feasts, pickling all sorts of foods, making limoncello and peach liqueur, canning delicious jams and freezing homemade salsa and roasted tomatoes. Good books are always piled high on my nightstand, keeping me up late on many nights. The beautiful scenery of the Pacific Northwest invites us to enjoy various outdoor activities, like hiking in the woods and exploration of the coast.

Welcome to my adventures of life, travel, cooking and the garden.

Happy Trails, Sabine

Traveling the world
Thai Butternut Squash Soup
My flower garden
Mural, Tarragona, Spain
Oregon Coast
Exploring the Discovery Trail.
Balinese Breakfast
Limoncello in the making
Hummingbird Nest
Point Reyes National Seashore, California
Galungan Holiday, Bali
Asian-style Kale Salad
The Road less traveled
So many places… Not enough time…
Hiking
California Redwoods

 

 

28 thoughts on “How did I get here…”

  3. K'lee L. says:

    Wonderful site, wonderful outlook on life, and most of all, wonderful photographs you share with us… thank you on all accounts, Sabine!

    Like

  6. susieshy45 says:

    Interesting blog ! Why the interest in South Indian cuisine and any particular type of South Indian cuisine, if I may ask ?
    Susie

    Like

    • incahootswithmuddyboots says:

      Thanks for stopping by! I love South Indian food because it is spicy-hot. The dishes generally are not as “heavy” as their northern counterparts. I even make my own South Indian lemon pickle. Very yummy! I like sambar, rasam, idli, masala dosa, lemon rice, and a fresh vegetable salad made with popped mustard seeds and curry leaves. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it. I have a good number of Indian cookbooks as well, my favorite one is “Dakshin”, Vegetarian Cuisine from South India by Chandra Padmanabhan. I have had it for over twenty years.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Nancy says:

    I am very pleased to meet you. I come by way of “Spence’s Girl” and am looking forward to reading all about your travels. Your photos are beautiful and I must say that the name of your blog is my all time favorite!! I am wondering if there is a story behind it?

    Liked by 1 person

  8. Hemangini says:

    Wow that sounds like such a wonderful life or maybe it’s just the way you have written it that makes it feel like a fairy tale… Wonderful about me dear. I loved the pictures, specially the first one with bicycles and the ones with lots of vegetables… There’s plethora of nature in your life, so beautiful! I love that about your site, everything is so simple and elegant that I simply feel cozy.

    Keep writing 🙂 Warm regards…
    Hema

    Liked by 1 person

    • incahootswithmuddyboots says:

      Thanks for your kind words Hema! My life is very good, but I had to work hard for it. I love nature, and spend a lot of time outdoors, growing flowers and veggies. Glad you like the blog! I will swing by yours as well and check it out! 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      • Hemangini says:

        I am also working hard to make somethings in my life that I could be as happy as I get when I see nature 🙂 I am in love with your life style…. You just inspired me with this comment of yours… I am really happy to have followed you.

        Thanks a lot 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

  9. bellamonte says:

    Hello from a fellow German, currently living in California. My kids are still here with us but I discovered my passion for blogging. I love your pictures and I’m looking forward to read more of your posts. Happy Monday!

    Liked by 1 person

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