Kellerstocks And More.

 Blue sky,  sun shining and quiet all around.

Granted, not a blue sky but an extremely old and fascinating Kellerstock. Spooky and fodder for many a crime novel...Beautiful though!

An almost modern Kellerstock in comparison, yet it too has history and many years to its name. Stunning amid a local vineyard.

The main road into Eisenberg Weinberg lit up by a wonderful blue sky. Several Kellerstocks yet again...

The typical style of some local Kellerstocks. This one is obviously in the process of being renovated...let's just hope in not too modern a style.

A row of Kellerstocks that don't look lived in yet they hold a certain charm and I could easily see myself spending some time in them, enjoying the simpler life.

Eisenberg looking mighty pretty! A lovely stretch of my walk this morning.

Last but not least...an impressive rooster guarding his ladies in a local backyard.

He is so much more than a meal.

Biggi

Some Veganism Quotes.

Changing the world one meal at a time.

" Veganism is not about giving up or losing anything; it is about gaining the peace within yourself that comes from embracing nonviolence and refusing to participate in the exploitation of the vulnerable. "

Gary L. Francione

" Becoming vegan is the most important and direct change we can immediately make to save the planet and its species. "

Chris Hedges

" The sixteen hundred dairies in California's Central Valley alone produce more waste than a city of twenty-one million people; that's more than the populations of London, New York and Chicago combined. "

Gene Baur, Farm Sanctuary

" There is something about veganism that is not easy, but the difficulty is not inherent in veganism, but in our culture. "

Will Tuttle, The World Peace Diet: Eating for Spiritual Health and Social Harmony

" I am not a vegan and have no intention of ever becoming one, but I still feel like it's something that should be encouraged. I read that if mankind doesn't stop eating meat, there will be mass starvation by 2050. With respect, I am nearing eighty, and so it won't be my problem, but I do hope they sort it out. "

Richard Osman, The Thursday Murder Club

" Diet- a choice we make every day, several times a day- determines the size of our environmental footprint "

Lisa Kemmerer, Eating Earth: Environment Ethics and Dietary Choice

Biggi

For The Love Of Plant-Based Nutrition.

A whole new world out there...

Since changing to a vegan lifestyle I have been devouring the portals of online and offline in order to learn more and more about a healthy plant based diet. There is a wealth of information out there and each more fascinating and interesting. Once my mind was made aware of how healing and healthy plant food is, there was no going back.

With each new book that I've ordered, my darling husband has been the recipient of new nutrition tidbits gleaned ( he often has to listen to me reading him something aloud ) and of course also the person to test it out. He knows that each time I add another nutritional book on the bookshelf, an adjustment to our diet ensues. At times not to his liking but most of the time he loves the new additions.

Secretly he must be pleased with eating in this healthy way because he often makes me aware of a new book being launched. Of course since I love my husband, he wouldn't stand a chance to eat the old way especially now that I know how detrimental it is to his diabetes and health.

Most of the time people try and find fault with our diet and nothing makes me madder than those who tend to say: 

             "  Moderation is the key. A balance of meat and vegetables is fine. "

Funny how the moderation'ers are often the ones taking oodles of tablets and are far from healthy.

There is this expectation that it is normal for our bodies to age badly as we get older. Aches and pains are expected and accepted and sadly never queried. If only people knew how a few weeks on a healthy whole food plant based diet could heal many an ailment and more importantly, make them feel so much better.

Oh well, I have learnt that most people don't want to make the initial effort to change their eating habits and would rather live on pharmaceuticals and eat the standard diet of factory raised animals etc. One day when this information about the healing power of plant based food gets more mainstream, many will kick themselves for having been so unwilling to try it.  

But enough of my mumblings...I went to a local supermarket today and was pleased to see that a lot of fruit and vegetables were marked down in price. Enough to entice many to buy. One way to strengthen our collective immune system. Subsidize the healing & healthy foods...

Biggi

Thursday's Quotes.

 A mixed bag that interests me.

" The motto of chivalry is also the motto of wisdom; to serve all, but love only one. "

Honore de Balzac ( 1799-1850 )

" We exaggerate misfortune and happiness alike.

 We are never as bad off or happy as we say we are. "

Honore de Balzac ( 1799-1850 )

" Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet. "

Jean-Jacques Rousseau ( 1712-1778 )

" What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness? '

Jean-Jacques Rousseau ( 1712-1778 )

" Laugh and the whole world laughs with you, snore and you sleep alone. "

Anthony Burgess ( 1917-1993 )

" Women thrive on novelty and are easy meat for the commerce of fashion.

Men prefer old pipes and torn jackets. "

Anthony Burgess ( 1917-1993 )

" As a child my family's menu consisted of two choices; take it or leave it. "

Buddy Hackett ( 1924-2003 )

" The best cure for insomnia is to get a lot of sleep. "

W.C. Fields ( 1880-1946 )

" I haven't spoken to my wive in years. I didn't want to interrupt her. "

Rodney Dangerfield ( 1921-2004 )

Biggi

Another Wednesday...

Bits and pieces.

Midweek already and end of February near. Gosh, life keeps on whistling by. Today is yet another magically sunny and rather warm day with the temperature climbing to an un-seasonally warm 20 degrees. As long as the weather pendulum doesn't hover over some more cold spells, all is well. 

Most of the local vines have been cut and most of the gardens are being tended to. Driving around the village one can spot various hobby gardeners wielding their tools...shears and wheelbarrows. Halfway down our street yet another new house is being built and the noise of building starts at seven and carries on until the sun is down. I suppose it has to be done and after a while one should blend out the noise. Let's hope.

Of course any new venture in our village is cause for inspection. Luckily I walk past it every single day so I don't have to have that nonchalant look of a nosy parker of which there are plenty. In a way the building of a new house is a cinematic experience and locals flock to it en masse. Well, not that many but enough to possibly irritate the building manager. Let's see how this house develops. Big, I am sure judging from the foundations being laid. Makes me wonder if the young lass who's going to move in with her young family knows the many hours of daily cleaning ahead for her, day in, day out, year in year out? 

A moment ago I watched a news segment about the school lunches in France. Due to corona the schools have decided to not serve meat as it takes to long to eat. Lunches are greens, beans and starch making them almost vegan. More than adequate, more than filling but still parents and politicians are complaining. Whatever happened to being grateful for getting a free lunch? When I was at school we had to bring our own lunch...Time to practice the lost art of gratitude.

Biggi

Tuesday's Musings...

A half hour waiting outside an Orthopedic surgeon.

Bob had his last appointment this morning and as per usual I whiled the time away in our car, right outside. So far we have been incredibly lucky with finding parking right outside the rooms. Makes a difference and also helps in making time go faster.

Sitting and observing. A great way to learn about people and coincidentally see oneself from a different angle. Yes, there have been many an occasion these last two weeks ( or four times we have been at the specialist ) where I at first thought; yikes lady, should you be wearing that / gosh, how old but suddenly, took pause and wondered whether I wasn't picking up in others what I had and am myself. A sort of subconscious way of telling me to perhaps face reality???

But, some where really a touch too much. At what age should you stop wearing tight leggings in public? Unless you are a supermodel, you shouldn't at any age unless they are worn underneath a long tunic. Honestly, some women this morning were dressed more appropriate for a day lazying on the couch at home, away from prying eyes and what gets me is that all of them were dropped off and picked up by their husbands. Henpecked I suppose...Bob had better tell me if my musings turned to tight leggings!

The other interesting insight I gleaned was the fact that my darling husband was by far the youngest man to enter the rooms. The receptionists must have been giddy with delight at seeing such a young buck. Oh yes, I did casually ask him if they were nice and friendly to him. Turns out they were...can't fault them because my husband is cool.

Biggi

A Sunny Afternoon In The Vineyards.

 Spring announces its return.

A beautiful blue sky over Eisenberg. This afternoon I was in the vineyard with my parents and had a chance to record some wonderful bits of countryside.

Our recent cold spell seems to have gone for good. The birds were larking about, the odd car could be heard and the sunshine bathed everything in its comforting light.

A picture perfect sky indeed. Nary a vapour trail in sight and air a pleasure to breathe in.

The vineyards are slowly awakening from their winter hibernation and before we know it, everything will be lushiously green with vast bunches of dark blue grapes in between.

The magical bend in the road...such a clean and meditative bit of road which can only really be appreciated from afar. Rural pastures, rural life, what more could one want?

Biggi

Sunday Almost Done.

 A nice slow day in a small village.

Only in Eisenberg can one go for a walk and pass three donkeys on a leash. They didn't even raise an eyebrow but merely sauntered next to their owners. Walking dogs...so yesterday!

On Friday I found out, of course while standing in line at our local shop, that the first few over 80's of our village are being vaccinated. Brilliant and rather unexpected seeing that there is this whole debacle over not ordering enough of the stuff. Personally, I wouldn't mind either the Russian Sputnik or the Chinese version. What could go wrong after all that is so much worse than coming down with a bad case of corona?

So, our village is gearing up to hopefully normal times ahead. Imagine knowing that everyone that can is immunized and doesn't have to hide away anymore? Honestly, after a year of what is really a fundamental change of our behaviour, this change has become norm and it might take a while to revert to life as it was before.

The alpine ski world cup has run its course with a last race today. Two weeks of exciting skiing and quite a lot of medals for our Austrian team. Today's race was a bit out of kilter as they adjusted the rules to circumvent the warm temperatures. The end to this race and world cup wasn't fun to watch but, I suppose the advent of climate change isn't going to stop for an alpine event. Yip, skiing might not be a sport for the future.

Again, this Sunday has done its job and eased us gently into the start of another week...reading, eating and just being.

Biggi

A New Bird-Watch?

 Bob and I move onto the bird-watching phase.

As you know we have bought a few hanging bird feeding danglers and they have been a smashing success. Word has spread, one could almost say the tweet has gone viral, and all and sundry of the as yet only Eurasion blue tits have come and feasted at our hanging buffet.

The other day we were in town again and couldn't resist going to Action ( a cheap shop that holds some surprisingly good vegan and other offerings ) and stocking up on more bird danglers. Well, while perusing said aisle, Bob found a small bird house which he had to get and I surreptitiously put several enticing looking bird danglers as well as dried worms into our basket.

I know, the worm bit sounds harsh but it seems that our avian friends love and need them although I still need to follow it from a vegan and climate change angle to make sure it's okay. As well as dried worms there also landed a bird ice cream tub in our basket. Well, lard and seed made to look like ice cream and why shouldn't birds be as weak around ice cream as we are...

As for this bird house, which was extremely cheap and had to be assembled at home which should give you a hint, a lot of noise ensued.

Once we got home Bob hauled out various tools and sat down to assemble this tiny house with the aid of a flimsy looking instruction leaflet. It didn't take long before our lounge was filled with choice words and threats of bird house demolition. Mausi alternated between sniffing the various pieces lying about and running to hide in the bathroom. I wisely pretended to not hear nor agreed that we would never buy anything ever again at Action. This self assembly stuff is bad wherever you buy them. Nails too small, screw drivers too big and patience too thin...

After many many years of marriage I am onto my husband. Usually after vocal complaints about companies selling shoddy stuff or the deterioration of quality, he most of the time gets things done. Granted, the aforementioned bird establishment is a tad bit low off the ground ( sadly the stilts didn't survive the building process ) but it works.

Birds are flocking to this new feeding station which Bob lovingly filled with a selection of avian vittles and are slowly getting used to the fact that breakfast, lunch and dinner are here to stay every day.

Both of us love standing at the window watching our diners feast and happily chirp away. There is a sense of tranquility when watching birds which is just what the doctor ordered. Love it. So far the worms have been left untouched but as Bob tells me, they get eaten by a different variety of birds...hope we won't get vultures visiting our avian bistro.

Quite nice, isn't it? How about this delightful spread... 

Oh, I almost forgot....Bob organized a pool alongside the house. Now we just need them to discover the joys of swimming...

Biggi

A Few More Quotes.

 A bit about happiness...

" No medicine cures what happiness cannot. "

Gabriel Garcia Marquez

" Success is getting what you want, happiness is wanting what you get. "

W. P. Kinsella

" Learn to value yourself, which means: fight for your happiness. "

Ayn Rand

" The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts. "

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

" The advantage of a bad memory is that one enjoys several times

 the same good things for the first time. "

Friedrich Nietzsche

" True happiness is to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future, not to amuse ourselves with either hopes or fears but to rest satisfied with what we have, which is sufficient, for he that is so wants nothing. The greatest blessings of mankind are within us and within our reach. A wise man is content with his lot, whatever it may be, without wishing for what he has not. "

Seneca

" Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of life, the whole aim and end of human existence. "

Aristotle

" It is the very mark of the spirit of rebellion to crave for happiness in this life. "

Henrik Ibsen, Ghosts

" The power of finding beauty in the humblest things makes home happy and life lovely. "

Louisa May Alcott

Biggi

Nostalgia For An Avocado Tree In Our Old Garden.

If only I had known...

Many years ago, back in a time I still donned my school uniform to attend school, we had a big rambling old garden with an old and therefore huge avocado tree in it. The sort of tree that has avocados the size of paw-paws which we used to call butter avocados but which are also known as hall avocados.

They were creamy, buttery and oh so yummy. The first time we had a harvest it became an avo feast. It wasn't long after we had emigrated from Germany to South Africa and the memory of how expensive avocados were was ever present. Back in Germany they were a luxury. As they should be unless you have a big tree in your garden which literally littered the floor with an abundance of them.

After a while we couldn't eat anymore of them. We gave them away to those who didn't have their own tree, but even then, not all could be eaten. Kind of like our own apple trees in the back!

Avocados are expensive here in Austria and so they should be as they tend  to be flown in from all over the world and often from places that don't care about the environmental damage the growing of huge avo plantations inflicts. Those plantations need so much water and paradoxically as they need a hot climate to grow, those countries tend to have enormous water issues. ie, not enough of it for normal everyday life of its citizens, let alone for avocado plantations. 

Sadly from the environmental aspect the avocado has been made a super food along with a trendy food thus creating a massive demand for them. Sushi sans avo? Mum made me aware recently about this issue and I have started to wane myself off the odd avocado. Or at least those from bad environmental backgrounds. 

Another trend lately has been Crowd Farming, an online green grocers of sorts. Just a few minutes ago I saw an add for supporting  avocado farmers through this crowd farming. Apparently one can order 4 kg of avocado and have it shipped to one's home. These farms are in Europe and specifically in Spain....which goes to prove my point; Spain is also plagued by droughts more often than not so there is no way I would contribute to it by buying more avos. Maybe the occasional one now and again or when we are out eating vegan sushi. Living up to your convictions isn't always easy!

Biggi

Winter And Corona.

The stumbling block of warmth.

Yesterday morning I had to go and fetch a form at our local doctor's office and as is usual, a smallish wait ensued. Not as long as pre-corona but still a longish one when one wants to evade a lengthy exposure to others.

Actually, there weren't many others but as we all know, it only takes the one!. Only two in front of me and despite all of us keeping our two meter distance we managed to exchange pleasantries. One woman had been to China for a stint ( remember hearing someone tell me about that ) and I asked her whether she cooked a lot of stir-fries. Gosh, she was so surprised and pleased at being asked about China and her cooking habits that it reminded me how uninterested most are to the nuances and more interesting aspects of others.

Finding out about the life path of people is just so fascinating that it baffles me when I notice a lack of interest. To this day, almost ten years of having lived here, nobody has asked Bob or me how our lives in South Africa unfolded. You know, our likes, dislikes, career paths, living spaces and so forth...

But I digress. As I was unearthing the cooking habits of a fellow villager, I purposely left the door open behind me. Gosh, the waiting room is small and heated, perfect for corona to linger. Not saying that it was, but it could have been. Two minutes after taking up my place inside the front door awaiting my turn, a loud voice boomed across at me;

                        " Close the door. It's cold out there! "

Our little microcosm of a waiting room more than likely mirrored a gazillion lounges, waiting rooms and train compartments the world over. Winter, most definitely  corona's best friend. 

As for me, despite voicing my opinion of it being healthier to have the door open, I gave in to the lady in question. Better to avoid arguments in a small village and luckily I was seen to by the receptionist.

It just goes to show that the best way to keep out of  corona's path is to mingle as little as possible and of course to wear masks and keep a long distance...

Biggi 

Lent Is Starting Soon.

 A time of reflection ahead for many.

Gosh, that time of the year again. Who would have believed it? The year we have had and that we are trying to remand to history has had a tenuous grip on all of us. Corona, American elections and lockdowns.

Normally the ' lent'ers ' make a big effort to deprive themselves of a favourite food, drink or habit hoping that it will wipe away numerous sins. Perhaps it does, perhaps it doesn't. This past year has seen many of us deprived of favourite things and surely it won't be looked upon strangely from those lofty pearly heights if we, for a change, use lent to indulge in something that gives us happiness.

We all need cheering up and a push out of our collective doldrums. A way to distract ourselves from the reality ( although one of the best things about this world wide slow-down is the fact that we have had more time to just be ) of dealing with another invisible being. A foe this time but still, hard to fight something we can't see.

Leaving that ever present feeling of guilt behind could be a good start. How many times during the lockdown have I caught myself worrying about not doing more. Crazy because we weren't allowed to do more yet, instead of enjoying the precious down time, I worried about what I should have been doing. Now that is a waste of time and therefore I think a forty day stint of dropping guilt in all its guises might be a better way to wipe our celestial slate clean.

There will come a time when we will fondly recall the year 2020 and reminisce fondly about those magical weeks that allowed us the luxury of stepping off our individual hamster wheel. So, let's savour this last stretch of lockdown instead of climbing the walls hankering after a normality that is a re-run of the endless loops on hamster wheels...

Biggi

Making Flaxseed Crackers.

 A nice afternoon for baking.

It is still bitterly cold outside despite a sunny appearance so that a spot of baking was in order. What to bake? Well, I wanted something savoury and quick with as little effort as possible. Just being honest!

A while ago I had read Dr Micheal Greger's book " How Not To Die "  and remembered that he loves flaxseed crackers. Even bakes them himself...according to his book that is.

Off I went to our bookshelf, took his book down and checked the index for flaxseed ideas. Sure enough, I found the place I remembered reading about and it was as easy as I thought.

                   200 g crushed flaxseeds

                   250 ml of water

                   spices of your choice (  I used caraway seed & salt )

                   spread mixture thinly on a baking tray and pre-cut pieces

                   Bake for 20 min on 200 C

My measurements were made by rule of thumb ( didn't have a scale to the ready ) and thus the mixture was a tad bit too watery but after I put it into the oven about ten minutes more, it was fine.

Bob tried a piece and liked it. Nice. I tried three pieces and liked them too although I might add more spices next time. Again it was as easy as can be to make these cracker and when I think of how expensive healthy snacks ( chips make from vegetables etc ) are,  it makes it even more fun creating our own snacks. Let's see how long they last and how many times I will make them again...

Here is a link to health benefits of flaxseed.

Biggi

A Nice And Gentle Sunday At Home.

 Much to do about nothing...

Sundays are really meant to be enjoyed. To recharge and to reconnect. It is the one day of the week where we can spend a whole day with our loved ones. No shopping, no distraction just being.

Our Sunday hasn't been affected by the current national affliction....Valentine's Day. Already the halls of social media are inundated with professions of undying love. Pictures of chocolates and perfumes received, and flowers in vases. 

All well and good, but what about posting a declaration of love with a photo of a husband cleaning the kitchen, or just for today putting dirty laundry in not next or on top of laundry baskets. Why not a photo of a meal ( nothing fancy just something normal ) being cooked while the lady in question has her feet up on the sofa and a glass of wine in hand? Perhaps a tad too sexist...

Anyway, everyday should be Valentine's Day. Isn't it the little quirks that are accepted, the bags that are carried in from the car or the loving smile gotten upon returning home that make a relationship special?

Sundays as fabulous as they are tend to melt through the sands of time with such ease that often on Mondays we look at each other and ponder where time went. Making the most of a Sunday or rather making nothing at all on a Sunday is how we spend it. Reading books, watching the odd tv program and eating nice food makes it time well spent.

Biggi

Putting On A Dangling Spread For Our Avian Friends.

 Feeding neighbourhood birds during an icy cold winter.

While others went crazy on clothes when our lock-down ended, we stocked up on these dangling buffets for our avian friends. First time we tried these and they are proving to be a hit.

A pair of Eurasian blue tits are eating to their heart's content it seems. There is such an air of excitement about and with each successive minute more and more tits appeared.

The tit on the left could pass as an avian don guarding the buffet....

Quite a nice balancing act on the wire. Amazing to see them approach at lightening speed and with accuracy land perfectly atop this wire. Birds are clever and full of character.

Hanging on to supper! These Eurasian blue tits are so full of spunk and surprising individuality. Makes me wonder what they tweet about all day and whether they keep tab on us....

It wouldn't surprise me at all because within half an hour of hanging these buffet stations, at least twenty birds were hovering.

Okay, I think this one has had enough...look at the size of him!

Anyway, it makes us both so happy to see the fun these birds are having and also knowing that at least some birds won't go hungry tonight or anytime soon.

Biggi

An Extremely Cold Start To Our Weekend.

Burgenland has morphed into a mini Siberia.

For once the weather vanes were right. Yes, the bitter cold only recently depicted on nightly weather maps has reached our neck of the woods. Who would have believed that at the end of winter ( I still believe it is ) such a bitterly and icy cold spell would arrive?

Minus 20 in some parts of Austria and about minus 10 in ours. It is so cold that going outside to fetch more firewood can be painful without gloves. Within minutes my hands were so cold that they started to hurt. Only minutes mind you.

Yesterday in a moment of idiocy I went for a walk early in the morning. When the treacherous gusts of wind decided to join my walk I realized my stupidity. Too late of course because either way-forward or return- were more or less the same distance. I put my neck warmer over most of my face and only had my eyes exposed. Must have looked like a bank robber! Oh well, done and dusted with a few lessons learned.

What I keep on reminding myself about is that fact that throughout history cold weather has been part and parcel of life yet people didn't have the comfort of central heating and wardrobes full of warm winter clothing. Often only a little stove in the kitchen would have to do and heat the whole house and its inhabitants. Seems to me that our generation has gone a bit soft, constantly living such a cushy and easy life. 

Paradoxically the sun is shining magically outside despite it being so bitterly cold thus making it quite refreshing to glance out the window. Remember, we've just survived weeks of dull grey skies day in and day out...

One great feat that this cold weather has made me achieve is the fact that I can rustle up a fire in our old aga with ease and speed. Small achievements actually aren't that small...

Biggi

Insights.

 A few more quotes.

" To know yourself as the Being underneath the thinker, the stillness underneath the mental noise, the love and joy underneath the pain, is freedom, salvation, enlightenment. "

Eckhart Tolle

" Even the most seemingly unpleasant situations - 

if you become aligned with it, something good will emerge from it. "

Eckhart Tolle

" If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavor. "

Eleanor Roosevelt

" You have to accept whatever comes and the only important thing is 

that you meet it with courage and the best that you have to give. "

Eleanor Roosevelt

" A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows. "

Francis of Assisi

" Better keep yourself clean and bright;

 you are the window through which you must see the world. "

George Bernard Shaw

" Let everyone sweep in front of his own door, and the world will be clean. "

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

" He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home. "

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

" The things that we love tell us what we are. "

Thomas Aquinas

" Sorrow can be alleviated by good sleep, a bath and a glass of wine. "

Thomas Aquinas

Biggi

A Little Bit Of Good.

Finding and treasuring it.

" If you don't think everyday is a good day, just try missing one. "

Cavett Robert 

 " When I'm good, I'm very good. But when I'm bad I'm better. "

Mae West

" No one can be good for long if goodness is not in demand. '

Bertold Brecht

" Every man is guilty of all the good he did not do. '

Voltaire

" Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart. "

Anne Frank

" It's good to shut up sometimes. "

Marcel Marceau

" The good and the wise lead quiet lives. "

Euripides

" A man has to live with himself, 

and he should see to it that he always has good company. "

Charles Evans Hughes

" That which is striking and beautiful is not always good,

 but that which is good is always beautiful. "

Ninon de L'Enclos

" Goodness is the only investment that never fails. "

Henry David Thoreau

" The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness. "

Dalai Lama

Biggi

If I Hadn't Seen It With My Own Eyes...

Real life detecting.

Bob and I were in Güssing today as Bob had to see a specialist for his shoulder. I came along for moral support, hand-holder and as a possible alternate driver ( although lately Mr Bob has developed some impatient tendencies when I am at the wheel ) just in case. 

This week most of the shops have opened again so you can imagine how busy Güssing was. One would think that folks have run out of clothing and household items the way the shops were filled with eager people. We couldn't help going there today as that was our designated appointment.

Due to corona I didn't go with to the doctor's rooms but chose to wait in the car. And what an informative wait it turned out to be. People, are honestly too much! As it happened our parking spot was the last one leading up to the two handicapped parking spaces. Neatly and adequately labelled so that everyone and anyone can see. Or not?

While I was there I watched three different cars cruise into that handicap parking next to me and to my surprise not one of them had a handicap. One walked a bit bow-legged and one looked a bit old but regardless, they still walked away pretty fast. I couldn't believe  my eyes.

One man just wanted to get his paper, another went across the road to buy his cigarettes and another went off somewhere, but all of them without a care in the world for others. Honestly, I should have phoned the traffic cops. As you can imagine parking was at a premium which caused the handicap parking bays to be so seductive. But what about those who really need them?

One often seems to blame the young folks for being irresponsible and not having a care in the world  for anyone but themselves...well, this morning I noticed that all of the parking offenders were over the age of fifty. Shame on them and shame on me for assuming that usually the younger generations is to blame.

Biggi

A Flurry Start To The Week.

 A deluge of snow.

Who would have thought that with one afternoon all our hopes of an early end to winter would be dashed? Last week we had temperatures in the upper teens prompting some to parade around in t-shirts and shorts juxtaposed to today, when all that I can see from our kitchen window has been brushed white by flurries of snow and people dressed in many layers.

Not just any snow but proper resistant snow. Sticking snow, snow that needs to be shoveled away. Snow that has its treacherous moments and snow that is wonderfully romantic, scenic and magical.

As much as we moan about the onset of snow, it is still a special moment of a winter's season. What with climate change and so forth, the appearance of snow has been rather sporadic if at all.

Earlier on, Bob had just come home from work early due to this snow, both of us got a fright when we heard heavy pounding atop our ceiling. It sounded as if someone was rolling a bowling ball up there and it took us a moment to decode it. The second of our resident tomcats had taken it upon himself to copy his nemesis and also make a warm and cozy home in our roof. 

It is a delightfully warm place for cats and he must have thought to himself that if his foe could be up there, he could too. Not easy to get in there. An old wooden ladder needs to be ascended first and obviously once he excited into the roof, all hell broke loose. Apparently they aren't into sharing. Gosh, the two of them fought tooth and nail up there and so far we've not heard a peep from atop. Hope they are both still among the living. We'll see when it comes to feeding time.

There is something so wonderful, calming and special about looking out the window onto a snow covered scene while being able to read a nice book, sip a cup of tea and wallow in a warm heated home. Living the good life.

Biggi

Sporadic Emerald Moss To Remind Us Of Seasons Ahead.

A forest comes alive.

Even or despite being stricken down this tree provides a perfect home for a gathering of moss...

 

However this moss comes about, it is stunning to come across especially on a dull and grey day like today. The forest is alive and well...

The many shapes and sizes of moss. Tree stumps, trees or hollowed out logs make such a scenic and comfortable home for assemblies of moss.

To put it all into perspective.....

Amazing nature. Moss shows that the forest is living and that the smaller denizens of nature have a home and food.

Biggi

 

Saturday Complete With Mashed Potatoes And Red Light!

 Infra red that is...

What would we do without our mothers? My mum is a treasure and treasure trove of help and information for Bob's painful shoulder. This morning when she phoned to ask how he was doing, I told her that he was in rather a lot of pain and that's when she told me about potatoes.

Boiled potatoes wrapped or should I say slapped onto his sore shoulder. Men are notorious for not wanting to try good old fashioned household remedies but I took to the stove and boiled up a pot of potatoes. Nothing but the best...we only had organic. At first when I told Bob about this parental advice he was let's just say, rather skeptic leaning towards not having it.

Well, I boiled the spuds, smashed them open on a plate to cool them down. Couldn't risk it being to hot and then found an old dishcloth to wrap them in. Off I went to Bob who was luckily resting in bed and persuaded him ( men know that it's best to listen to us ) to have it on his shoulder. He fell asleep and I secretly worried that I hadn't cooled them down enough!!! But all was well and he came through at lunchtime with the cooled off potato wrap, asking what was for lunch. 

Well, I told him that lunch was in his hands....

In the afternoon mum phoned to ask if it had helped and suggested that we borrow her infra red lamp. Within half an hour she dropped the lamp off outside ( darned corona means everything is done outside ) and only a few minutes ago we had the first session. I say we because I had to set it up, angle it right and time it. No idea how close we should have put it so just in case I kept an eye on any smoke signals coming from his back!

Bob of course had the last word and laugh;

 

   " You know, people walking past outside will see a red light in our window! "  

   " Well Schatzi, let's hope they don't ring the bell to ask for a price! "

Holding thumbs that the light and potato wrap will help to heal Bob's tendons.

Biggi

Looking For Whiskey.

 Again about a cat.

It was yesterday that I saw the notice that a cat has eloped from home. In Badersdorf and missing for a day. A boy who strangely reminded me of our Maus. Those notices are the worst. A domestic cat gone missing in the midst of winter alone in a huge forest dodging cold, foxes and boars makes any cat owner swallow hard and imagine the worst.

Most of the night I tossed and turned imagining that young cat roaming about in fear and looking for home and his parents. The village it got lost from is almost next to ours and we are only really separated by a huge forest. A plan was hatched. A walk was changed and hope was fanned.

This morning I equipped myself with a cat treat ( in case I had to create a lure ) and set off along the forest's edge. The weather was cold but sunny and the view good. From the word go I walked and talked. Yes, every few steps I would shout out loud;

                                       " Whiskey, Whiskey..."

A crazy cat lady, that's me. Honestly, what chance was there to find this kitty and no, I didn't find it, but I looked and when I did meet up with other walkers I made sure to tell them about this missing Whiskey. On one level I knew that there wasn't a chance to find him but then on another level I couldn't not look for him. What if it would have been our little cat? Gosh, I would hope that others would also go out of their way to look for her.

It is early days yet regarding Whiskey. There should be lots of warm hiding places in and among the stacks of wooden logs and tasty mice are most prolific in forests after all. More than likely my new route in the foreseeable future will be this forest one and I will keep shouting for Whiskey. Hope springs eternal.

Biggi

A Picturesque Thursday.

 Another magical morning.

The infamous road to Deutsch Schützen couldn't have been nicer lit by the awakening sun. ( taken last week )

One can tell that it was a cold night due to the smog hovering over the village. Stunning though to see the sun paint the sky.

The sun always seems to egg me along in the mornings. The first little hill on my walk.

Another hunter's seat. A view of Hungary in the background.

The grader, which seems to have been parked there permanently, sort of reminds me of a mining scene. Coupled with the many hues of a sunrise, it makes for yet another peaceful image.

Biggi

Wednesday, Midweek's Signpost.

 A most opportune day.

Isn't it a given that as soon Wednesday is here so is the weekend? Somehow all those days after Wednesday leading up to Friday ( actually only a Thursday! ) dissipate into everyday humdrum. Nice.

What might today bring? Wednesdays are reserved for pensioners in town offering discounts for just about everything but with corona that has kind of fallen away. Although they still have nice specials on in most supermarkets. Wednesday was also market day in Oberwart but honestly, I am rather glad that has fallen away. The things they sold there were really the dregs of fast fashion. Some stalls had good local stuff - food and drink - but everything else just clogged up the center of town.

This afternoon another funeral is being held in Eisenberg. Sad how life takes its course, at times painful and often slowly. When you get to be a bystander as a life dissipates, it makes you take stock of your own and feel gratitude. Strange how it often takes death to shake us out of our negative groove to remind us of all the greatness in our lives.

I heard a podcast yesterday that took ahold in my mind. The topic was minimalism! The freedom it can bring to life and the many shapes and forms it has. Not just about the actual stuff in cupboards and wardrobes ( although god knows when we can wear and use it all ) but also minimalism as it comes to finances. 

The tried and tested ways of our grandparents, living within our means foremost. Especially in these uncertain times. There is real freedom in living debt free.

Minimalism also means guarding one's time and whittling down silly sideshows like social media. Getting rid of devices luring us onto hourly perusal and use of social media helps on many fronts. Saves time, saves money, saves self-esteem and contentment.

Well, here's to Wednesday and being allowed to live it...

Biggi

A Bit About Tuesday.

The self-elected Dorf Sheriff's out and about.

Living in such a small place one can't help but know people's cars from a mile away. The colour, shape, number plate and of course way of driving gives most of them away. The gentle drivers, the always-in-a-hurry drivers and the quizzies.

I was just getting back into my car after dropping off a food delivery when I noticed a delivery van ( a real one with logo and all ) driving past me up the road towards our house. Seeing that I have been waiting for a deliver for over a week I couldn't help but hasten to follow...just in case.

Well, normally there are perhaps one or two other cars on the road but today for some reason the road was teeming with activity. What on earth? The first car that  cut in front of me ( well he could have waited for me to pass ) thereby dashing my hopes of catching the delivery van was that quizzy Dorf Sheriff. He who wants to know everything and isn't above following people in their cars if he doesn't recognize them.

Darn it, and he was driving slowly also following the delivery van.  The van stopped at another neighbour and our Dorf Sheriff thought nothing of it when he suddenly stopped his car in the middle of the road in order to ask the delivery guy something. Never mind that I was right behind him! That really takes the cake and when he dared put his car into reverse, wanting me to back up, I ignored him and idled away. Eventually he drove on having to circle the block to get back to his home! Ah well, the price of information...

Look, having someone be alert isn't always a bad thing but at time it does get a bit too much. Not everyone who has taken to driving about in our village has nefarious ambitions and not everyone is happy to have their every move spied upon...

Biggi

A Monday Complete With Lumberjacks, Power-cuts & Sunshine.

 A busy Monday.

They came last week to ask whether they could go ahead and trim those trees in our back garden which are within touching distance of the electricity cables. You know, I almost hugged them because getting these tall trees trimmed is far from easy nor cheap. Thankfully our electricity provider has a revolving team of lumberjacks who travel the villages looking for stroppy and out of control trees.

As we had two power-cuts scheduled for today they chose it to have less danger from being electrified by the wires. Yikes, won't look until they are finished!

Power-cuts are becoming a habit lately. Here in Eisenberg as well as in Deutsch Schützen. A proverbial building boom has descended onto our area. Two major holiday establishments and at least three new houses for the returning youngens. A real bonus for our villages if the younger generation comes back home to settle down after a whirlwind time in Vienna, Graz or Oberwart.

Mostly the gals are pregnant and that is a good reason to settle back home where raising a child is much easier, cheaper and has a better support structure. Don't know how happy the prospective grandparents will be about their permanent baby sitting duties! No riding off into the retirement sunset on a Harley for them!

As the younger generation all know each other it comes as no surprise that they follow each other's lead. Be it about settling back home or about building big mansions. I suppose at that age one wants to impress and build big and wouldn't ever want to move back into a section of their parents' huge houses. Yes, they too built big back when they were young in the hope that when their kids were grown up they would stay and make their lives out of the collective home. 

Sadly not so. There are oodles of huge houses ( often multi-storied in the hope of the various generations living together ) in our villages in which  middle aged couples bemoan their folly. A big house that they only use a tenth of, a big house that constantly needs cleaning and a big house that needs a lot of heating. What I find the saddest part is that this pattern is repeating itself. The house being built at the moment are much too big for even a small family of four. Oh well, each to their own in that regard.

Sunshine has blessed us today despite a more than freezing morning and it does wonders for the soul. Personally I think that winter is almost done but Bob isn't so sure. Let's see what the next few months will bring. Regardless of the weather though, life is a privilege and fabulous.

Biggi