Yesterday was cold, snowy and absolutely GORGEOUS as we tramped through Amsterdam, clinging to each other to keep from falling on our backsides.

We decided that such a heavy snowfall required a walk in Vondel Park, a beautiful expanse of water, trees, and bench-dotted lawns in Amsterdam.

We loved it! We trudged through fluffy white snowdrifts and sand-laden patches that we decided looked and felt just like when you beat together butter and brown sugar for cookie dough, before you add the eggs. Talking about it made me crave chocolate chip cookies!

In spite of the bitterly cold temperatures, all sorts of people were in the park: lovers smooching, cute elderly couples walking hand in hand, little kids sliding down every teensy bit of hill they could find.

The ponds were frozen over, every leaf and tree branch rimmed in white.

Mid-way through our adventure in the park, my brother led us up a metal staircase to a toasty warm cafe overlooking the nearby lake, and treated us to hot chocolate spiked with rum and topped with whipped cream. They even included tiny cookies! It was the perfect warming treat after our stroll.

Before long we were heated through and ready to brave the elements again. All too soon it grew dark and we were heading home, our way lit by snow-topped street lamps and glittering Christmas lights.