Vaclav Havel, leader of "Velvet Revolution," dies

PRAGUE (Reuters) - Vaclav Havel, a dissident playwright who was jailed by Communists and then went on to lead the bloodless "Velvet Revolution" and become Czech president, died at 75 on Sunday.

I am extremely moved," an emotional Prime Minister Petr Necas told Czech Television when told of Havel's death.

"He was a symbol and the face of our republic, and he is one of the most prominent figures of the politics of the last and the start of this century. His departure is a huge loss. He still had a lot to say in political and social life."

Havel became a guarantee of peaceful transition to democracy and allowed the small country of 10 million to punch well above its weight in international politics.

"Truth and love will overcome lies and hatred," was Havel's slogan that Czechs remember from the Velvet Revolution days.

My condolences to my Friends living in the Czech Republic.

enjoyed some Svařák...

...yesterday while writing Christmas cards.

A friend in the Corporation GTS Czech gave me her recipe and it was..IS excellent.

It is essentially what we call Mulled Wine over here, but I like it the Czech way ( were you surprized?). I made some for Thanksgiving, then had some left so I just kept it in the refrigerator...and heated it up yesterday afternoon... Mnam !!

It was actually better than on Thanksgiving... since it is Now much closer to Christmas.... Na zdravi. pa pa

Dekuju moc Eva.

The Mug: from Dresden; last year.

Busy Day on this Sunday

Started out by making the dough to make Gingerbread men. The dough has to refrigerate for a few hours, so during the waiting time, I got to work on my Christmas cards...

The recipe only made enough dough for Eight of so it said. I stretched it to Ten.

Happy Holidays.

3rd Sunday of Advent

This Advent wreath is something that one can find almost everywhere in Prague at this time of year. Friends who live in Žižkov sent me this photo of theirs. I grew to like these and while I lived there, would purchase one and light it each weekend of Advent.

This another example of differences of here vs there. One rarely finds Advent wreaths over here unless one is a church goer.

Thanks Alex and Ada for sending me such a nice remembrance. Cheers...

Fulll Moon Today

St. Nicholas Day ( Mikulas)

Although here in the US, we do not celebrate 'Mikulas', It is a day I remember fondly from my time in Prague. A special day for families and their children and a special commemoration in Old Town Square; music, singing and children in Awe of the bright lights and Trio's of Angels, devils and Mikulas's walking all about.

To my friends in the Czech Republic: Happy St. Mikulas Day.

Year ago today, I was there

This weekend is the 2nd weekend in Advent already, and ONE year ago today, I was in Dresden, on a icy crisp, frigid day, enjoying the Christmas Markets which spread out from the Dresden Train station to the Elbe.

It was close to ZERO F that day.

Today, here it is 50 F ( 9 C ).

I fond memories of a year ago today. It was a good time. The Glůhwein was excellent as was the company I shared the day with. Amazing Day. Amazing Christmas Markets.