Wine Together

Nothing says, „I love you“ much better than being present. In this episode we continue the theme of Charles Dickens‘ A Christmas Carol and talk about our own present day thoughts/plans for Christmas 2025. We are a quarter of the way through this century… we are living through parts of history which may not be remembered fondly, but we can do our part to make our own lives and the lives of those we...

Brooke and Deb are excited to share some of their favorite memories of their Christmas‘ past. We love this time of year and since moving abroad have learned so many different traditions which we will likely incorporate in the future. Some favorite movies mentioned: The Nutcracker The Wizard of Oz (Christmas Eve Eve) A Christmas Story TV Shows mentioned: The animated Christmas classics Ted Lasso Ch...

It’s time for Christmas Markets! The website where we found the dates: www.myswitzerland.com This is the Swiss tourism site. Our most important markets: Solothurn Zurich Basel Bern Biel Olten Of course our favorite is in Italy! 🇮🇹 Milan! Wonderful memories. 🤶🏻🎄

How do we know we are mature? A few notes: Taking responsibility for our actions Demonstrating emotional stability Demonstrating self-control Showing empathy Showing respect for others Possessing patience Being flexible Self-awareness Ability to maintain healthy boundaries Improving communication skills Being open-minded Being willing to admit mistakes Showing resilience in the face of adversity

The list Deb referenced is as follows: Be specific in your „thank you‘s“ Handwritten notes/letters Give compliments Acknowledge actions Help others Be kind Give a small gift Be a good listener Celebrate time together Celebrate them Show your support Be respectful Smile often We know it often is not intentional to not acknowledge your appreciation for others. However, if you recognize that you may...

Brooke and Deb chat today about Art. All forms of art are creative expressions from one’s passion (and perspective). Our family is loaded with Artists… Todd- creative in word expression and with drawing, painting… Justin- writer of poetry and lyrics Mason-writer of stories a d poetry Emilia- drawing, painting, pottery, photography and written expression Rinn- drawing, painting, photography and wri...

In this episode, Brooke and Deb share some of their favorite stuffed animals. 🧸 Brooke has too many to count and has no plans stop collecting any time soon!😁 What often begins as „one“ favorite over decades becomes „too hard to depart with.“ Deb has many „Teddy Bears“ that she cannot imagine living without. We are funny creatures, huh?🤔 We hope that you have something that brings you joy. We ap...

Brooke and Deb are joined by Rinn (Brooke’s brother/ Deb‘s son) to talk about and read ghost stories from their current local areas.

Today Brooke and Deb talk about mistakes… we all make them, but do we fix them in a way to keep our reputations a d relationships strong?  That is the key… Brooke stated that she hopes she is mature enough to reflect on whatever someone feels safe enough to share with her that could be seen as „a mistake.“ I think she is correct about that. We all need to continue to grow… continue to care… contin...

In this episode, Brooke and Todd discuss the beginning of the European 2025-26 football season!

Brooke and Deb do not dispute that facts are facts and do not change without proof. However, perspective is different and honesty with others often is clouded by that perspective. One thing we decided in the end is… if your honest observation differs from another’s… choose to leave it rather than try to win an unwinnable argument.  Mentions: Ted Lasso Caddyshack 30 Rock

Brooke and Deb share their own definitions and experiences of „the supernatural“ in this episode. Neither have experiences or fears around the subject, but both have a respect for anything that may or may not be possible. As mentioned in the show… we hope to at we can all learn to listen to the better angels which lie/live within us… because violence, hurtful words… these things never settle diffe...

Our guest for September is Julia Dietmar - CEO of Open Wardrobe. Open wardrobe is an app designed to help one fully organize and plan to utilize their personal wardrobe. From creating new outfits with what currently exists in one‘s closet to help with packing for travel, this app as well as the web version and its extension provides tools and tutorials for helping you digitize your current selecti...

In this episode, Brooke and Deb talk about HESO… the Solothurn Herbstmesse (much like a county fair in the US).  This year’s HESO runs September 19-29. We look forward to freshly made Berliners … much like a jelly-filled donut. 🍩  We promise to add photos from HESO to our Instagram page.  Documentaries mentioned: Sunderland ‘Til I Die Welcome to Wrexham YouTube Channels mentioned: Dr. Mike Legal...

Today Brooke and Deb talk about journaling. Both Brooke and Deb journal for personal reasons. Deb recently learned that one style of journaling that she does is called « junk journaling » … she is not crazy about the term, but loves to fill her books with momentos such as stickers, brochures, and pictures and that is exactly how she understands junk journaling looks. Also, Brooke has committed to...

In this episode, Brooke and Deb reflect on the month of September. For both Brooke and Deb, the start of school is one of their fondest thoughts when reflecting on past Septembers. 📚📙 The two also have a few songs that keep the month of September close to their hearts. Wake Me Up When September Ends by Green Day September by Earth, Wind , & Fire The many festivals in this part of Switzerland...

In this episode, Brooke and Dr. Deb spoke about the end of summer. What does the end of summer bring? - change out your clothes/closet - change out your shoes - change your exercise schedule - change your attitude We all get into a flow when the weather changes and become comfortable with our schedule, but it is important that we remain aware of how to care for ourselves so that we can care for ot...

Airlines… the good, the bad, and the ugly! Well… our conversation was all the bad and the ugly with a sprinkle of good. We agree that airlines do not do enough to make the customer experience worth the hassle and the price. Brooke mentioned that she watched a clip from John Oliver regarding airlines and the safety issue is something that needs to be taken more seriously as it supposedly was in ear...

Although Brooke had the Faustino Crianza in Switzerland (which is posted on the Wine Together Instagram page), Dr. Deb and Hubby Todd drank a Chianti while recording this episode. Dr. Deb and Hubby Todd talk about their latest adventures on their trip to the US. They have camped, used Air B&B, stayed with family and are currently at a resort in Virginia Beach, VA. This trip has included hiking...

Brooke and Dr. Deb had the trip of a lifetime to London in a continued celebration of their birthdays in 2025! A friend invited Dr. Deb to London in April to see the Alice Cooper-Judas Priest concert in July. Brooke tagged along and the celebration doubled. The stay at Hotel 41 on Buckingham Palace Road was more than anyone could hope for to celebrate the emergence of their 60th year on earth, but...

In this episode of Football Friday, Brooke and Todd discuss their favourite moments of this year's Women's Euros!

Today Brooke and Deb talk about one of their favorite things… castles. The magic and mystery of a castle intrigues both hosts for different reasons. Deb says silly things like “house hunting” when speaking of the beautiful buildings and Brooke just thinks of the fantasy of living like a princess (or maybe the keeper of the Torture Room - who knows!)🤣 Fresh off a tour of one of Switzerland’s +500...

Today Brooke and Deb are joined by most of Brooke’s siblings to chat about anything and everything to make Mama’s birthday unforgettable. Joining are: Rinn, Emilia, and Justin. Mason was unavailable and has promised to join again in another episode.

On this episode, Brooke and Deb talk about rock music…. It’s origins, some favorite sub-genres, favorite bands, favorite songs… as stated in previous episodes, music works as a magic healer to Deb and this topic will always be one she enjoys. Brooke likes many types of music for a variety of reasons, but she has fond memories of living in a home where rock music (and other music) has been celebrat...

In this week’s episode, Brooke and Deb talk about fashion. Brooke admits she does not follow „old rules“ regarding her fashion choices and she feels confident in her choices. Brooke also recognizes that she only began seriously focusing on her fashion in the last few years. From hair to make-up to clothing, Brooke is „all in“ on being a fashionista. Deb… not so much, never has been, likely never w...