The Magic Of Gardening.

 A  lawn affair...

Last week Bob and I went to town to get a new lawnmower. The old one had finally had enough and is now resting comfortably in the barn awaiting its fate. Shopping for anything new is not without dangers. Too often one gets roped into upgrading a bit here, a bit there and before you know it you have the Ferrari of lawnmowers. No, we resisted and got a nice and dependable work-horse. Not too fancy, just right.

So, this afternoon I gave it its maiden run. What a pleasure to mow the lawn with it. Easy to start and easy to push around our lawn. The last bit I do is usually the two pieces of lawn outside our house, on the verge.

Well, I had stopped to empty the basket when I noticed out of the corner of my eye two people walking toward me. Our neighbour's mum and child coming to see what I was up to. Of course it was more than obvious that I was cutting the lawn, but it provided a nice opportunity to have a chat and find out what's new. The little girl ( almost two ) had spotted me from the window and dragged her granny out to see first hand what I was doing.

A few minutes into our conversation ( ranging from corona via lawnmowers to the good old days ) the mum came out the house and joined us. In between watching the cute antics of the little girl we all had a nice chat again about this and that. Lo and behold, a minute later another neighbour comes walking up the road to join our little group. Actually a new neighbour to be as their house is in the process of being built. Those few minutes she came and chatted to us should have taken her mind of the irritation that goes along with building a house.

It really was nice to stand there and shoot the breeze with everyone. Through the years many of the older generation have told me how good it was when everyone met up in the evenings on benches outside the various houses. 

Sitting on those benches, talking to friends was their treat after a hard day's work and without fail, everyone I talked to never complained about the hard work they had to do ( remember, farmers had a tough life with the wife looking after children, the household and still helping work the fields, vineyards, livestock and cook. Often without fancy electronic equipment such as washing machines, fridges or electric stoves! ) but instead mentioned how they loved to meet up with friends and neighbours on the benches outside their houses once all the work was done. ..can understand that. Life, the simpler the better.

Biggi

Sunday, Where Have You Disappeared To?

 Speedy weekends seem to be the norm.

Oh yes, Sunday is almost over. Well the part of it where we are awake! The cats outside have been served their supper, the birds are diving onto our restaurant platform as we speak ( a miracle it doesn't break considering the amount they eat each and every day ) and Miss Mausi is slumbering in anticipation of running wild during the night.

There is a nice structure to each Sunday and I kind of like that. Just now as I was feeding the lot outside I went to our front gate and slung the chain across it. Not that it would keep out an intruder, but at least we hear when someone moves this chain. Loud enough to wake us from slumber. 

So, as I was standing at our gate looking across the road to our neighbours' new vegetable garden I couldn't help but wonder how brave they are to plant one so close to us, known vegans. This garden is accessible to all and sundry...cats, foxes, birds, people and vegans! Even this morning when I motored past I couldn't help but notice how delicious some of their vegetables look. And almost fully grown! 

Perhaps I should  send Bob out for a dawn raid of carrots, cabbage and cauliflower! In any case, our neighbours aren't that enthusiastic about adding vegetables to their meals which makes both of us wonder why they have such a nice and abundant vegetable patch. Could there be secret vegans in our midst? Only the other day we went to a discounter in Grosspetersdorf and lo and behold, they carried a range of vegan cheeses. Just like the two other supermarkets across the road from it. Honestly, there have to be a lot of vegans in our midst because the steady increase of special vegan products in the local supermarkets wouldn't otherwise be on offer....Yeah for the animals, yeah for the planet.

Biggi

Drops Of Rain And More.

 Quenching nature's thirst.

A beautiful yet sad reminder of how a massive old tree got felled...I wish they wouldn't be felled so prolifically as they are the ones that help clear our air and give us life.

A field of daisies desperately seeking a glimmer of sunshine while still creating a stunning canvas in the falling rain.

The drops of rain mirroring light and thus brightening a posy of yellow wildflowers in a field down the road.

Daisy's yellow cousin standing strong on her own...

The rainy weather does give off a lovely romantic feeling.

            Biggi                                                                                      

The Dreaded Helicopter Hovering Over Eisenberg.

 Counting my blessings.

One hears it first. That loud sound often emitted by old tractors. A heavy, hovering loud engine noise emitted by an approaching helicopter. The yellow angel for some and the yellow messenger of bad tidings for other.

The medivac helicopter with its yellow colour is at times rarely seen but others much too often. It only gets called out in emergencies and everyone knows that seeing it land close by means bad tidings.

Close to lunchtime another sighting of it. I heard it first and sadly, with a practiced ear, knew where to search for it in the sky. Yes, there is was circling for its final descent before landing. Over the top of Eisenberg. Strange how straightaway my mind went through the various options of who it could be. Not too many folks live up there permanently and thus the list of names dwindled. Let's hope that the person who got picked up is going to be okay.

Live has so many outcomes. When we are young it seems endless and our plans of how to spend it too. As we get older a hint of its finality starts flashing on our mind's periphery yet, often we take no notice and carry on as if we had an eternity before us. Many times we do, but for a few fate isn't that generous.

Lately, many of these messages from fate are being felt by people I know. That changes one's thoughts instantly. Once we realize that a person we know well, perhaps a loved one, is ringing with fate over the length of their life, we start to realize how precious life really is and often how fragile. I find that at times like these I feel incredibly grateful to not have to stand in the ring with fate.

 Grateful for everything around me. The people I love-my family, the flowers, our home and of course for my health. Why does it take another one's illness to start to appreciate life and living? A paradox which needs to change. Gratitude, or the lesson on how to apply it, should be taught to us from early on. Gratitude is so powerful an emotion after all that I can't help but wonder if all of us wouldn't lead more fulfilled and happier lives being grateful for what we have already...

Biggi

Half The Year Almost Behind Us.

The last few rainy days of May...

Bob mentioned yesterday that he couldn't believe that it was less than seven months until Christmas. Yes, unbelievable indeed considering it felt like just yesterday that we were first confronted with the corona news. In a way, life is measured in increments of before and after corona reared its ugly head...for better or for worse.

Thankfully most of us didn't have any idea how long it would linger in our midst because that might have caused many an anxiety attack and depression. I do hope though that we are in the last inning of the pandemic and can re-settle to our former life. But, it did speed up our perception of time or at least make time appear to go by faster despite being on and off in lockdowns.

Anyway, there Bob's already thinking of Christmas. Only the other day he was musing on how long the two of us have been together and just for good measure, projected these many years forward and calculated how old both of us would be then. Oh yes, a bit of a downer indeed. Took me a few days to digest that bit especially knowing how quickly time is lived!

The month of May has had better offerings in the past and I suppose we will get through the last few days of it too. Go on, rain a bit more but then be done with it. Apart from the normal rainfall that is. 

Regardless though, weather is the way it is and we should be grateful for it. Even rainy days have good points and I can state with certainty that there will be many an extremely hot day this summer when all of us will wish for rain to fall...

Biggi

 

 

A Hare, Poppies & A Green House.

 On a sunny day of course...

The last of the pretty ones still blooming. Always a treat to be greeted by such lovely poppies.

I came across this seemingly docile or rather distracted hare whilst walking this morning. It let me come quite close before hopping off into the distance.

The moment before it took note of me and escaped. Isn't it a great animal? It was so cute watching it try to eat a few tall blades of grass. A great encounter for this morning and the reason I always am equipped with my camera.

I did promise you a green house! Imagine the other tenants in there...bugs, bugs and a few spiders for sure.

That vibrancy of red is so magnetic, cheerful and uplifting. 

Closing off with this purple stunner. The various gardens around the vineyards that have been shaped by keen gardeners are certainly a joy to see being shaped and grown...

Biggi

Some Historical Quotes.

 Interesting tidbits of and about history.

" The soul becomes dyed with the colour of its thoughts. "

Marcus Aurelius, Meditations

" Those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it. "

Edmund Burke

" If history were taught in the form of stories, it would never be forgotten. "

Rudyard Kipling

" The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see. "

Winston Churchill

" History is a guide to navigation in perilous times.

 History is who we are and why we are the way we are. "

David McCullough

" Memory is a tough place. You were there. "

Claudia Rankine

" History is a vast early warning system. "

Norman Cousins

"  Those who can win a war well can rarely make a good peace

 and those who could make a good peace would never have won the war. "

Winston Churchill

" The past could be jettisoned...but seeds got carried. "

Joan Didion

" Think of tomorrow, the past can't be mended. "

Confucius

Biggi

The Etiquette Of Business, Dogs' Business!

 It pays not to walk with your head in the clouds.

This morning as I was making my way to fetch the two dogs for their early morning round, I couldn't help but notice a road strewn with business. One likes to think that the roads are paved with gold but not this morning...doggy landmines galore.

We live in the depth of countryside yet that shouldn't equate to dogs doing their business sans rules. So far I have gone above and beyond, even going so far as lifting little Maxi from the street onto the outer verge mid-business. Didn't he get a fright and eh, stage fright. Had to wait another fifty meters before he assumed his position...in the grass this time.

The other day I asked a couple who walk their dog along the same trek daily what the etiquette of business was. My main concern was if I should scoop up stuff that is in the grass next to the road and I was empathically told that the farther grass is fine, but not on the road. Well, pretty much as I had thought and surely common sense.

One would think so but no, judging by this morning's landmine affair, there are two dog owners who buck the system. Of course after a few rounds on the same ground one gets a feel for which dog went where. Size mainly and seeing a dog being walked in the distance and stumbling upon a fresh steaming heap. Doesn't take much to know who's been naughty.

Luckily for me these offending clues are much to big to even be associated with my two delicate little canines. So far I have not needed to use the doggy-bag but I have it on me all the time. Of course there is one problem with these warm plastic parcels...our village doesn't have any rubbish bins close to the usual walking route, which a lot of tourist who have dogs have complained about in the past...where to put  their dogs' business. Ah well, may that be the worst of our problems.

Bigg

Dog Walking...

 Keeping track of more than one dog.

As small as my two charges are ( an aging Maltese & a youthful French bulldog ) they do have their spurts of power and there are times when the two leashes clash and tangle. 

How do the professional dog walkers, those with a minimum of five dogs, manage a walk? Dogs do have their different needs and interests, sniffing and leaving individual scents, never mind the all important taking care of business so it boggles my mind how on earth one can manage five dogs on a leash at a time. But obviously one can. 

It rained this morning and I wondered whether their would be joyous participation or mutinous stop and go action. Yes, the older one has moments where he literally lies down with a grin, daring me to carry on. Cute indeed but short of me picking him up to carry him the rest of the way, only encouraging words do the trick. It was hot though when he did it, so I do understand and perhaps should invest in a dog carry pouch!

Anyway, today they both were good as gold and trotted happily alongside me most of the time. The other times one would stop and smell his roses while the other would pull ahead to find her places to leave her mark. Didn't bode well for me and my handling of both leashes. I can't tell you how often my arms were crossed over and if I hadn't skipped ropes, would have tripped over them. There surely must be a trick to handling them concurrently but it still hasn't revealed itself to me.

We encountered one other dog walker and luckily he is most of the time equipped with dog treats. Well known in the Deutsch Schützen canine community, he was a sight for my two dogs' sore eyes...Gosh, they ran like crazy toward him and almost knocked him over with enthusiastic attempts at jumping for their treats. He didn't disappoint and gave them each two. Amazing what power a treat can have...for a moment they doffed the mantle of their age and raced ahead like two young pups. Cute and sweet and surely the reason why dogs brighten one's day.

Biggi 

The Tourists Are Back.

 Mixed feelings.

Finally the tourist season has begun in Austria, and of course here in our part of Burgenland. The weather put a bit of a damper on it but after so many months without excursions, the people came. Well, to me at least it seems as though they came in droves.

All over our vineyards and villages the cyclists prevail. Not just any cyclists, but the modern rather lazy ones...e-bikers. Only yesterday afternoon whilst out perambulating with the two dogs ( no fast moves there ) I had to reign them in due to a host of fast moving cycles. Silent except for that little whirr of their engines. Oh and the nattering between the cyclists. 

There must have been ten of them and they all were dressed to the cycling nines. No casual wear to be seen, oh no, fancy expensive outdoor gear with the odd rucksack or fanny pack. At least they were friendly and smiled at us. 

The various holiday cottages are let which I could tell by the cars parked outside. Number plates tell the story. Always interesting to see who takes the time to visit our area. 

The Buschenschanks have also opened up again, albeit with wearing masks and keeping social distances between tables. Can't be easy for the hosts, so I do hope they make a bit of hay while the sun shines. Of course  almost all Buschenschanks have decided to open this weekend which might dilute business for them, but I am sure they know what's best.

After the many months of hibernation we are allowed out again and as strange as it sounds, we will have to get used to a social life again. Eating out instead of cozily cooking at home, weekends away instead of a nice one at home and brick & mortar shops instead of online. Soon the memory of the last year and a half will fade from many of our minds and life as we knew it will be back.

Biggi

Friday Is Nature Day.

 Shrubs, weeds and wild daisies.

A beautiful bunch of weeds enjoying the early morning sunshine...A breakfast table for bugs and more...

The delicate petals have arranged themselves into a stunning whole blossom. The recent bout of rain we've had seems to have turbo charged their growth.

Ah, the daisies are back in town! An instant feeling of joy and contentfulness.

 A mingling of colour among the grass and weeds. Absolutely fabulous.

These clusters of weeds are amazing. Walking past them, they seemed to wave a cheery hello.

Some more white shrubs. A gentle reminder for us that summer is here and that nature is amazing and beautiful.

Biggi

A Bit Of Kindness And More.

 Golden Oldies.

 " We never obtain peace in our outer world until we make peace with ourselves. "

Dalai Lama

" It is very important to generate a good attitude, a good heart, as much as possible. From this, happiness in both the short term and the long term for both yourself and others will come. "

Dalai Lama

" The highest and most beautiful things in life are not to be heard about, nor read about, nor seen but, if one will, are to be lived. "

Soren Kierkegaard

" Let us not pray to be sheltered from dangers but to be fearless when facing them. "

Rabindranath Tagore

" Age considers; youth ventures. "

Rabindranath Tagore

" What is now proved was once only imagined. "

William Blake

" The greatest wealth is to live content with little. "

Plato

" Be content with what you have; rejoice in the way things are. When you realize there is nothing lacking, the whole world belongs to you. "

Lao Tzu

 " When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you. "

Lao Tzu

" There is nothing in the world, I venture to say, that would so effectively help one to survive even the worst conditions as the knowledge that there is a meaning to one's life. "

Viktor E. Frankl

" Beware the barrenness of a busy life. "

Socrates

" God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well. "

Voltaire

" Better is the enemy of good. "

Voltaire

Biggi

Organizing The Life Of Dogs.

 Creatures of habit.

Just like I have a set routine, so do dogs. Even more so I think. They know when to eat, or rather when to expect to eat and when to step outside for a round of walkies. Well, one dog at least.

The older of the two darlings I am looking after has his own schedule and it doesn't lend itself to going happily for walks. Actually, the start is more the problem as he likes to hide under the table when I dangle his leash. Or perhaps he likes playing hide and seek with me. Regardless, trying to leash him is not as easy as I thought. Once he is on the walk, he is as good as gold and does what needs to be done. So far, discreetly out of sight!

Both of the little darlings are a tad bit on the bonny side and could do with dropping a pound or two. Let's see if my care helps. Don't worry, I feed them as told and even slip them a few treats.

Watching various dog whisperer shows hasn't helped at all. All those lessons in how to establish boundries with your dogs seemed far easier when he did it than when I am trying to apply them. Only day two, let's give it time.

So far they have been great and have handled being left without their mum quite well. Often we think that animals don't have feelings like we do but that is wrong. They are just as part of the family dynamic with all its feelings as humans. If only they could talk...

It is still raining and somehow I know that my afternoon walk is going to be cut short. They are not too fond of being rained upon, never mind having muddy paws. This morning I noticed how they side-stepped and hopped over puddles. Slowly I am learning their traits and habits and hopefully they mine.

Biggi

My Stint As A Dog Sitter.

A two week adventure...

I began yesterday afternoon. A walk with two little darlings which is not as easy as it sounds. Two long leashes mingling among themselves and around my legs. It was a case of all of us being new to the idea of going for walks but we all need to start sometime.

Their owner has to spend some time in hospital and we decided it would be much kinder to the animals that they stay in their own environment ( they sleep most of the day in anyway! ) as opposed to being stuck in a small box-like space at the S.P.C.A. where they wouldn't have any idea what was happening to their world and life. 

So this morning I made a plan and got going early because I have decided to walk to them instead of driving  ( about 4 km each way ), take them for their morning constitutional, give them breakfast and tlc before heading back home again. About a two hour affair.

This morning they were pleased to see and walk with me and couldn't help but bark happily as we set off. Yikes, woke up the neighbours for sure and none of my commands to be quiet seemed to work. Dogs have their own way of doing things and in any case, the one dog is blind in one eye so could also be deaf in one ear.

The two of them are well known in the local dog community. Everyone hailed them a hearty hello and of course asked why I was walking them instead of their owner. A few dog owners had dog treats with them which was of course known to my lot. They spearheaded to get their little treat. Could hardly keep up with them despite them being small enough to grace a big sized handbag. There is going to be ample opportunity for me to learn their ways and for my two little rascals to teach them to me. 

Life with animals really is the best and there is nothing nicer than to give some happiness to a little soul....

Biggi

Monday Again.

 The weeks are galloping ahead...

We are heading into the summer holidays at great speed. The schools, which coincidentally have gone back to in-class lessons today, are mere weeks away from year end exams. Honestly, where has the time gone?

The weather is still rainy and slightly miserable yet it doesn't discourage people from booking holidays away and returning to the madness of yesteryear. There are only a few countries so far in Europe that have dropped the need to quarantine upon arrival ( and I suppose also for the return trip home ) which of course makes them targets for over booking. They might be happy about that but still, a bit dicy considering the lingering bugs around.

Why are so few families interested in holidaying inland? In their own country? At least for this year all European governments should pull on one string and forbid travelling outside of their own countries. Isn't it a bit of musical chairs...if all of us holidayed at home wouldn't that suffice to support each local tourist industry while at the same time keeping the risk of feeding into a fourth lock-down low? None of us want to have another shutdown which makes me wonder why there is already such a run on holidays abroad?

New Zealand did the right thing by banning all incoming tourists ( yes, it was easier for them due to being an island ) and those Kiwis abroad who had to return home where heralded straight from the airport to a hotel for 14 days. Not so in many an European country. I hope that the next time flights are banned from a high risk country, they are banned from word go and not a week after the announcement. Gosh, always a run on airports getting home from these high risk countries...

The vaccinations are gaining speed yet Bob and I are still waiting for our call up. Rather irritating to read about many local youngens who already have been vaccinated despite being half our age. Makes one wonder how they managed that. Oh well, shouldn't be that much longer for us.

This week should be interesting, at least for us. Yesterday we planted a whole lot of little vegetable plants. Tomatoes, aubergines and chili are our vegetables of choice. Can't wait to see them grow and bear fruit as there is nothing better than to harvest in one's own garden.

Biggi

A Few Bright Spots.

Much needed after the days of rain.

For some reason I always think of ice cream cones when I walk past these stunning yet strange looking blossoms.

New pot plants have almost appeared overnight all over the neighbourhoods. A lovely nice bright and strong red.

...like tiny eyelashes....

Snow balls dangling off the branches. Amazing to walk past these perfectly shaped orbs, one almost identical to the next. Nature never ceases to amaze me.

A bit of a green screen saver that could almost be used to make a broom of sorts...

A beautiful bit of shadow work. Just love our white washed walls ( limestone & water ) and how they turn into perfect canvases for anything from blades of grass, bugs or wild flowers. Hopefully our wild flowers are going to appear soon...

Biggi

A Weekend Of Rain It Seems.

So much for mowing the lawn!

Never mind, the bugs, beetles and bees will love it. Long tall delicious grass to get lost in and quench their thirst for anything they desire. Go for it little ones, it won't be for ever...

This morning the skies looked slightly dodge but not really rainy. Brave that I am I threw in a load of washing and hung it out before heading out for my walk. Yes, overly enthusiastic indeed as both the laundry and I got drenched very nicely. 

We had to head into town for petrol and a new mouse. A computer mouse that is. The sun came out and made it seem almost tropical as it evaporated the moisture of the roads and grass. Kind of muggy but nice. Not great for curly hair though.

We got home ( yikes, driving with a big can of petrol in the back is far from nice ) and had a bite to eat before the heavens opened up again. A dash here and there until about three this afternoon. Goodness me, a deluge of rain, one bout after the other. Lawns are water logged, roads strewn with puddles and both of us keep an ear out for the fire siren. Not for fire but for flooding. 

At the moment the rain has ceased but looking out all of our windows makes it pretty clear that more rain is on the way. The clouds have that ominous dark grey hue and refuse to budge. Oh, go on and christen someone else...

Rain, that is just how it is. Nature knowing what is best and honestly, there are worse things in life than a day of heavy rains. At least both of us are equipped with a few good books, vittles and wine. What more could one ask for..?

Biggi 

A Few Funnies To Start The Weekend.

A few quotes to hopefully bring a smile to your face.

" I hate housework! You make the beds, you do the dishes

 and six months later you have to start all over again. "

Joan Rivers

" I don't exercise. If God had wanted me to bend over, 

he would have put diamonds on the floor. "

Joan Rivers

" She got her looks from her father. He's a plastic surgeon. "

Groucho Marx

" Alimony is like buying hay for a dead horse. "

Groucho Marx

" When God sneezed, I didn't know what to say. "

Henny Youngman

" My grandmother is over eighty and still doesn't need glasses. Drinks right out of the bottle. "

Henny Youngman

" I've always wanted to go to Switzerland to see what the army does with those wee red knives."

Billy Connolly

" Have you ever noticed that anybodt driving slower than you is an idiot,

 and anyone going faster than you is a maniac ? "

George Carlin

" I never drink water; that's the stuff that rusts pipes. "

W.C.Fields

Biggi

What's Nicer Than A Rain Filled Public Holiday?

 Doesn't sound right, but maybe it is...

We all want sunshine and warm weather. Almost a sort of postcard affair with blue sky, green grass and hot sunshine. But is that really so suitable for a public holiday?

Take today for example, Ascension Day, a nice day off midweek. A great opportunity to sleep in. A great opportunity to relax despite or because of the rain. Yes, it has rained just enough to strike any plans of catching up on yard work or fixing this that or the other out there. 

It sounds silly, but at times we need a reminder to rest. To take it easy and to recharge the batteries. Today qualifies and I love nothing more than to hear Bob say during the day;

 

                 " Gosh, this has been such a great and relaxing day. Nothing better... "

We have a house, so we should use it. We didn't sleep in because our body clocks have permanently set for early starts to each day, but is there anything nicer than being up before the sun, knowing the whole day is a stay-at-home one? A day where one can do everything or nothing? 

 We made nice cups of coffee with frothy milk. We listened to the birds outside discussing the well stocked buffet whilst taking turns for a fly by and pick up. We had a leisurely breakfast and ditto for our lunch. Just brilliant. Books have also been devoured and the couch used for the obligatory forty winks after lunch. 

Imagine if it hadn't rained? The feeling of perhaps having a go at the lawn, or sorting out the flower bed would have been hovering in our minds perhaps not being acted on but still, hauling a feeling of we should do it around all day and thus really spoiling it. Much better for the rain to have blessed us today.,.

Biggi

A Few Quotes To Hopefully Inspire.

A bit of inspiration always helps.

" It has been my philosophy of life that difficulties vanish when faced boldly. "

Issac Asimov

" I am the Master of my fate and the Captain of my destiny. "

Nelson Mandela

" What fire does not destroy, it hardens. "

Oscar Wilde

" Tough times don't last, tough people do, remember? "

Gregory Peck

" Fear defeats more people than any other one thing in the world. "

Ralph Waldo Emerson

" You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore. "

Andre Gide

" Today is the oldest you've ever been, and the youngest you'll ever be again. "

Eleanor Roosevelt

" Happiness comes when your work and words are of benefit to others. "

Buddha

" There is force in the universe, which, if we permit it, will flow through us

 and produce miraculous results. "

Mahatma Gandhi

" It is one of the beautiful compensations of life that no man can sincerely try

 to help another without helping himself. "

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Biggi

A Hot Day In Oberwart.

The temperature getting close to 30 degrees.

And just like that summer showed up today. It is and was hot, almost uncomfortably though. Driving meant having both windows open in order to cool off those moments of having had the car parked in the sunshine. Yes, sunshine everywhere with nary a tree seen on any of the parking lots. Supermarkets and shopping centers didn't think that one through.

Again I chose Tuesday instead of Wednesday ( pensioner's day and market day ) to avoid the crowds yet, there they were. People everywhere on foot or by car. What on earth? Officially we are still in a lockdown and only on Monday the 19th will that be over. Gosh, what will town be like then?

The ice-cream shops are in business again and even here in Oberwart they had a long queue along the pavement outside their take-a-way window. Nearby benches morphed into advertising boards what with folks devouring cones of ice cream. I was quite tempted but didn't have the time to stand and wait my turn.

Today was the first time I ventured forth without a jacket, only a t-shirt. That's how warm it was but as nice as today's hint of summer was, the thought of what lies ahead of us from June to September seems a bit daunting. Every year since we've been here the summers have progressively felt hotter. They said the other day that last summer Austria had the most  days ever of where the temperature rose above 30 degrees. Remember, a Northern Hemisphere summer shouldn't be as hot as a Southern one, but there isn't much difference anymore.

Yes it is hot, but there is nothing better than getting that first feel of a summer's day.  The air smells and feels different almost as if the stuffy winter's air had been filtered out. Here's to a good summer ahead.

Biggi

Nature, Again.

 Feral cat, green door & more...

One of the feral boys sitting pretty in the first row. Yes, their buffet table is straight in front of this planter box and thus he won't miss it when I fill their bowls with delightful feral vittles...

The trees and grass have changed to a solid green signaling the start of summer. A beautiful lane loved by walkers and cyclists alike. Oh and the odd pheasant, rabbit and bird.

The rows between the vines have taken on a life of their own and are bursting with dandelions. Once the wind sweeps through it looks as though a light snowfall is in the air.

This morning a field was sparkling with yellow as the sun's rays woke them up. A huge buzz was in the air as all and sundry came to feast on the plentiful nectar.

A quaint green window and door, a quintessential bit of Kellerstock architecture.

One of the few still left untouched by the need to modernize and a marvelous reminder why this part of Burgenland makes such an impact on over stimulated tourists...no need to record everything for social media, just a feeling of sitting down to watch nature unfold with a glass of wine at hand.

A field of dandelions, a field of wishes...

Biggi

The Poppies Of Upper Eisenberg!

A bevy of beauties...

There happens to be a patch of grass that is filled with a stunning collection of red beauties also known as poppies...

A happy bit of co-mingling rejoices anyone down in the dumps. How many generations of passers by have been enchanted by these poppies?

The wall of this little Kellerstock may crumble with age but this poppy plot firmly encases youthfulness and vigor despite its age...

The aging wall makes a perfect backdrop to a bouquet of bright poppies.

Despite coming across as being rather delicate and elegant, these poppies are more than able to withstand  the strong morning wind by swaying and bending along with it...Nature, continually amazing and awesome. 

Biggi

The Drama Of Two Rodent Intruders.

 Sleep, what's that?

Both of us are intune with the sounds our little princess makes as she gets ready for bed...or not. Usually as soon as we go through to the bedroom she hops onto Bob's side of the bed and settles with him until he's asleep before hopping onto my side and whiling the night away, snoring in between making sure she doesn't get squashed when I turn over. Ah yes, a cat's life is far from easy.

Then there are those sounds Mausi makes where we just know that trouble is on the way. Once the shoe rack moves, the writing is on the wall. For some reason she heralds or leads any stray rodent or insect intruder into the vestibule and gives them a sporting chance to hide among the sea of shoes. More fun for her it seems as she loves nothing better than to pounce on the various pairs of shoes not caring a fig if they fall down noisily.

That's when we know that sleep is out of the question because she can go on all night and for all we know, eventually place an exhausted little rodent on our pillow...just for the fun of watching us wake up! Last night it was my turn to see to the commotion. Yes, it turns out that she had chased a little baby mouse through the house and it had taken refuge inside my new shoe. I only found out when I tipped it over and saw it crawling away.

By that stage, Bob gave his input on how to dispose of it. As if it were so easy. As soon as I got my wits about me, it ran merrily under our bed with an excited cat on her tail. The only thing I could think of to catch it was a newspaper which of course didn't work. Naturally Bob told me to get an old tupperware but chose to stay put in the safety of the bed! He even had the audacity to tell me to move faster!!! Luckily for me, Mausi was kind enough to pick the rodent up in her mouth and wait patiently for me to fetch a suitable container. Yes, honestly. When I hastened back with a container she dropped the almost dead mouse on the floor. 

One mouse taken outside, one cat praised and fed with feline treats ( ironic seeing that I just disposed of one ) hands washed and back to bed. For a couple of hours until I heard a repetition of Mausi flitting all over the place. Our wooden floor are perfect sound conductors!!! Nothing for it, I had to get up and migrate to the lounge as sleep was out of the question.

Didn't need to wait long. About five minutes after I settled down, in she struts with a tiny tail hanging out the side of her mouth. Yes, she had caught another intruder. Gosh, is there a mouse family below who sends the little ones up one at a time? Anyway, off the couch I jumped, fetched the infamous tupperware and set about collecting this mouse. Couldn't have been easier as Mausi made sure to drop it perfectly in front of me with nary a growl. 

The minute she saw me dispose of it out of the one window without a fly screen ( didn't wan't to wake up Bob by opening the front door ) she took up station on her feeding box, waiting for her next treat. Very proud of her catching these intruders and let's hope for a break tonight...

Biggi

A Rainy Friday In May.

 Normal, who knows?

Waking up to rain makes a bit of a difference. Knowing it is going to rain most of the day makes the choice of clothes much easier. Layers, jackets and sturdy shoes. Forget about being fashionable, comfort and staying dry are of the order of the day. Anyway, when it rains hardly anyone takes the time to look up and really see you.

Rainy days bring forth visions of Agatha Christie with the inevitable murders in the village. Often I catch myself wondering who would be a perfect match for characters in her books. Village life a hundred years on surely isn't that much different? There will always be the gossip, the know-it-all, the grumpy one and the belle of them all...ah, the plot thickens as to who would be first in Ms Christie's bloodthirsty stroke of the pen...

Thank goodness it is raining today as our fields, lawns and vineyards have been dusty and dry. If the rain proves to be too much, only time will tell but according to our weather gal ( she who has been wrong before ) only today is going to be rainy and the weekend will be full of sunshine and magical May weather. Great, I'll wait to do a load of laundry until then.

Taking Mausi outside for her morning constitutional is actually a breeze and a scream when it rains. As much as she meouws to go outside, the minute her paws hit the wet grass and or a drop of rain has the audacity to land on her fur, she bolts back inside. Oh, what an character.

Both of us have plenty of books still to read and that should make the start of the weekend nice and interesting. Although, both of us do tend to get sidetracked by the darn computer and its temptations. Here is to a nice and magical weekend ahead...

Biggi

A Few More Quotes ...

 ... to do with life!

" He who has a why to live can bear almost any how. "

Friedrich Nieztsche

" We do not remember days, we remember moments. "

Cesare Pavese

" We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned,

 so as to have the life that is waiting for us. "

E. M. Forster

" Life is 10 percent what you make it, 90 percent how you take it. "

Irving Berlin

" The only disability in life is a bad attitude. "

Scott Hamilton

" Life is a lot like jazz...it's best when you improvise. "

George Gershwin

" You have enemies? Good.

 That means you've stood up for something, sometime in your life. "

Winston Churchill

" Into each life some rain must fall. "

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

" A true secret of happiness lies in taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life. "

William Morris

" Life is half spent before we know what it is. "

George Herbert

"  If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is Thank You, it will be enough. "

Meister Eckhart

Biggi

Lilacs Adding A Touch Of Grace, Beauty & Perfume.

 Purples and pink everywhere.

Well, this one's white and I am not quite sure if it belongs to the lilac family but regardless, enough to bring forth a smile.

Ah, here we go. Doesn't the one on the right remind you of a heart? This particular shrub of lilacs is on the upper Eisenberg and as I was busy snapping away the owner came out and we had a long chat. Flowers do have a tendency to bring forth cheerfulness and happiness.

A big bee or perhaps bug is busy gorging itself on the sweet tasting nectar of this lilac flower. Intricate and interesting.

The three buddies hanging out together sunning themselves in the early morning sunshine and enjoying their break from hibernation.

If only you could see these magical shrubs. One can't help but stop to take note of them or in my case, take a photo of them. These shrubs are all on the upper Weinberg road and it makes me wonder if the clearer and cleaner air helps to make them grow so prolifically and beautifully.

As I said to someone who I met on my walk this morning; I look forward to each and every day and am jolly grateful to be able to live it...

Biggi

A Rabbit At The Side Of The Road.

The end of an era or the beginning of the next?

You know, I almost took it for granted. A rabbit on the side of the road waiting for something, but not me. It sat there obviously still making up its mind as to whether to hop across when it heard my car. Hop he did, but in the other direction into a field with his bunny ears flopping like mad.

Same sort of parable with a male pheasant  ( typical that they are the more striking and beautifully coloured ) who keeps watch not that much further up the same road also at the side of it. Waiting for his wife perhaps or trying to lure a new one. As I am very aware of these little rascals and their hang-outs, I drive more sedately in order not to frighten them or god forbid, maim them.

Eisenberg and Deutsch Schuetzen have seen an upswing in building. Everything from homes via a new doctor's wellness emporium to a hotel. Yes, fair enough our neck of the woods is stunning and almost like the last place on earth untouched by human hand and greed...well, possibly no more.

Of course we are happy to get tourists to stay in the local holiday cottages and the odd house while they sample our wines and simple yet tasty Buschenschank fare.  It helps the village economy enormously but the secret that has attracted tourists in the past is a secret no longer and in fact, what with the influx of investment, has changed it. What I mean by secret are the parameters of life in our village. Quietude, rural bliss, less is more, nature to be enjoyed, dearth of traffic and with that, few late night rowdies revving their cars at top speed among the by-lanes of our vineyards. 

Well, life is changing and the attraction of peacefulness is dwindling to be replaced by a mini-luxury-holiday affair interchangeable with any major holiday destination in the world. Ah, I wonder how long it will take before the guest realize that the quietude of yore is no more...

Let's hope the rabbit and pheasant won't be relegated to folklore with all the new attractions in store..

Biggi

Loving My Minimalist Shoes.

 For the love of walking.

They arrived last week and I felt like a kid at Christmas when the postman knocked on the door. That's the thing about ordering online ( by the way, nobody in Oberwart or Guessing stocks minimalist/barefoot shoes ), you have time to get excited about the purchase and in the case of minimalist shoes, look up what people are saying about them.

Only good reviews and with that in mind I put them on and honestly, if I could I would never take them off. Going for my long morning walk ( fast, hilly, dirt road and long grass ) is a breeze. It took some getting used to the first time I put them on and for about twenty minutes I alternated between taking ballerina steps and high-stepping. Jeez, I thought, not for me. Too awkward...until I got into my stride.

Walking barefoot, which is what these shoes encompass, feels great. My knee doesn't hurt and neither does my back or hip. Imagine if the culprit for  all those years was a modern, comfortable padded shoe! Thank goodness I found out about these shoes and it makes sense when one thinks about it. The more we molly coddle our feet, the less they have to do apart from shrinking various muscles, tendons and perhaps nerves. Well, dear feet, your holiday is over...

Today I decided to wear them all day. Walking, shopping and mowing lawns. All a breeze and no problem for my feet, knees or hips. Normally I would put on my oldest worn-down shoes to mow lawns, trendy-ish shoes for shopping and of course the new lot for my walk. Seeing that they weren't expensive, I decided to use them most of the time and hope they don't wear out too quickly. All in all a good day.

Biggi

Some More Impressions Of Eisenberg.

 Bits and pieces to hopefully brighten your day.

It rained the other morning yet it made this white stunner even more so...

A feather found outside our gate..could it have been dropped by an angel?

An early morning being enchanted by the Hungarian side of the Eisenberg. Too beautiful, romantic and perfect.

Almost overnight our forest turned emerald green emitting enthusiasm, energy and permanence.

The lilacs have made their appearance and given everything another level of pulchritude.

Yes, yes, I know yet more tulips! But aren't these enchanting? As I turned the corner into Eisenberg Weinberg I saw them or rather they blinked at me with their vibrant colour and perfect placing...

There are so many pixels of nature that we often ignore let alone show attention and showing them attention gives us the strength to understand what is and isn't important in life...

Biggi

First Of May, A New Chapter.

 Another time marker of the year.

Thankfully the weather is playing along despite the grim predictions of the weather gal on television yesterday. In fact she made it sound so cold, rainy and dreary that I rushed out to buy some more bags of pellets to feed our stove. Wasted trip actually because the sky couldn't have been more in tune with May-Day...so much for the Eisheiligen!

Normally at this point in the day we would have finished a round of wine tastings in Rechnitz. Yes, the second Weinfruehling that has been cancelled due to the pandemic but hopefully third time will be the lucky one. 

The May-tree is up in Eisenberg as I noticed when I went out for my walk. Couldn't actually miss it as it is at the edge of the Dorfstrasse, next to the main road. Huge, tall and topped with a scattering of fir leaves. Both of us are wondering when and who put it up as with the corona regulations, public gatherings are still a no-no. Ah, the mysterious appearance of a tree!

The village was cloaked in that magical aura of a public holiday. Hardly anyone was astir and those that were did take it easy. Well, yard work was still done by some but without the loud rash noise of the usual lawn mowing utensils. 

The unwritten rule states that any sort of work around the house or garden is a matter for raised eyebrows and snickering side comments later on but, one man circumvented this little rule by doing yard work sans noise. Quite nice to see him chop his lawn with a hoe and a rake. No wonder he is fit and trim despite heading into his seventies. It was a perfect postcard scene...he was hoeing, two of his cats were sitting watching him and his dog was reclining lazily in the shade under a tree. But truth be told, I think he uses a hoe to garner the long grass for his rabbits. Nice and juicy fodder.

Another couple further down the road were buy shoveling a mount of sand from the front of their house into their backyard. Industrious couple who are only here at weekends and can't really afford to sit back and relax. Shooting the breeze with them they did make sure to tell me that they chose to have sand instead of gravel delivered to mute the noise. Oh, they will fit in nicely.

April has gone on hiatus for another year and hopefully with it the last of winter's imprint  thus making way for the delightful month of May. Let's hope it is going to be a spectacular yet normal one.

Biggi