Another Snowy Start To The Day.

 The snowflakes keep on falling.

The first chance I had to take some photos this morning. Walking was rather treacherous but invigorating. Nothing nicer than to feel the coolness of snowflakes melting on one's cheek not to mention the lovely solitude it evokes, being one with the elements and self.

Suddenly the effort of these orange wooden stakes make sense. They get put next to the main roads as winter starts and get removed after. It marks the edge of a road, and the end of a curve...

My way home fraught with potential hazards. Walking on newly fallen snow is fine unless there happens to be a frozen patch of moisture underneath. Walking morphs into skating.

The green information boards provide a nice touch of colour in an otherwise monotone morning.

My favourite bench at the pond seems a tad bit too cold today! 

The snow kept on falling for most of the morning and covered rooftops, meadows and roads reminding us that winter is winter after all.

Biggi

This Spurt Of Warm Weather Is Lulling Us Into A Modest Winter.

Could the coldest part of winter be over?

Granted, it is still a bit on the chilly side but once the sun gets high enough to work its magic while moving the barometer up to a lovely 15 degrees, one might be forgiven to think about spring.

Bob and I finished stringing the rest of the wires this morning and I couldn't help but notice the apricot tree's branches sporting buds. Buds that usually appear around spring time. When I mentioned rather euphorically that I believe the end of winter is nigh, Bob burst out laughing and counted out the rest of the three months of cold left over. Spoil sport although he could be right. Tomorrow a cold front seems to be on the radar.

I tend to count winter time by how many bags of pellets we use to keep our house nice and cozy during these colder months. On Friday we have to go to Lagerhaus to purchase our second pallet of pellets. Had to wait until almost the last packet is used because otherwise we don't have the space to store the bags. Finicky lot they are; can't let any moisture get to them and the contents because a swollen wood pellet would clog up the delicate firing device in our oven. Ah well, another three months and this winter is behind us.

Early on while we were in the vineyards we spotted or rather heard a couple of older men walking up the hill. I think they walk together a few times a week and it was great to hear them chatting the whole way. So, it isn't just us women who chat for the fun of it!  I have a notion that both these men grew up in the village and have been friends for ever thus having endless topics for conversations on hand. Everything from schooldays, via wives to grandchildren. Nice.

Our outside rascals, a.k.a. Parsley, Grey and Trouble are enjoying winter as well. Can't help but enjoy it when we feed them delightful morsels being well aware that catching mice is that much harder at the moment. It feels as though Parsley has put on a few pounds and has lost his sleek physique...

The life of a well fed cat! Isn't he gorgeous? Parsley follows me everywhere and even comes along when I walk Maxi. Who would have guessed that this feral who wouldn't let us touch him six months ago, is now glued to our side and house?

Biggi

 

The Snow Continues.

 Bob, surprisingly, isn't a fan of it!

Granted it didn't snow much overnight but at the same time the temperatures didn't improve thus almost cementing yesterday's snow onto our driveways, steps and lawns. As pretty as it looks, the slippery it is.

Early this morning I had to take the boy outside and, yikes, was it icy. He didn't seem to mind and after having eventually lifted his leg, decided he wanted to stay out a bit longer. The ice was so crunchy and talkative that it woke our feral cat. Minutes later he could be heard cracking along on the icy road to reach us.

Today was designated as our shopping day and honestly, the fridge and co were getting rather empty. Snow or not, we had to go out. Yesterday I cleared the driveway of its layer of snow but when I wanted to do our lawn ( the bit where we have to drive the chariot over ) as well, Bob said not to worry as he would do it in the morning. I can tell you now, that this morning, early morning when he headed outside to shovel, he was regretting this generous offer.

Driving when it is so treacherous isn't for the faint of heart and even worse for those driving with  a spousal passenger. Surely it was my spousal duty to mention the fact that he was firstly driving too fast ( although he was still in second gear ), braking too late and listening to music that should be heard with earphones. Well, I bet he says that about my taste in music!

Suffice to say that Bob stated categorically that winter is not to his liking and he couldn't wait for it to move along. Fair enough, the slippery snow and all it entails doesn't make me a huge fan of this part of winter either. 

Biggi

And Then Came The Snow.

 A winter wonder land ensues.

We woke up this morning to a landscape dressed in white. Everything from roofs to lawns was covered in a thick layer of snow. Too beautiful. Even the telephone wire had issues with balancing an inch of snow atop of it.

As romantic and scenic it is, the reality of it didn't take long to appear. How to take Maxi out for his ablutions? The moment I got up he was out of his little bed heading for the door. Just enough time to put on a pot of filter coffee before taking him outside.  He couldn't believe his little feet. As light as he is, he is still heavier than those oodles of snow. Gosh, he hopped about looking for the perfect spot whilst sinking into snow up to his little chest.

Contraire to my belief he actually seemed to enjoy this new seasonal development. Bob, when he noticed him disappearing underneath the cold snow instantly checked online and showed me a set of snow booties fit for a prince, a canine one. Sometimes we forget that dogs are quite tough and can deal with the inclement weather. In any case, the minute he  comes inside a vigorous bit of towel drying has to be endured.

Bob and I took turns clearing the driveway. Shoveling snow like crazy as we were expecting the chimney sweep after lunch. I had an inkling that he would re-schedule due to the roads being snowed over and right I was. Oh well, at least we had a bit of exercise. Nothing more invigorating than shoveling snow while making sure not to slip on the newly unearthed yet treacherous driveway.

According to the weather report, the snow will stay another day or so and even though we moan, it is nice and makes winter feel like winter...and in any case, this too shall pass!

Our road curving down a slight incline which, I have to say isn't fun to navigate when its icy and slippery. But, it is the only way out..

The birdhouse has a nice layer of snow on its little roof. Only a few hours earlier I cleared the first lot off and still it keeps on collecting. Hearing the birds chirp makes me think that they enjoy this winter wonder land...

Biggi

An Unexpected Touch Of Snow.

 Waking up to the last remnants of winter.

Due to the slippery road I chose my route along the forest's edge braving hunters and the odd boar. Stunning reward.

So many different paths leading into our forests...certainly won't take any on my own. After a while all paths look alike and forests resemble maizes.

The vineyards are clothed in a snowy blanket which is very much needed as we've had rather a dry spell recently.

Eisenberg Weinberg at its finest...

A tale of two countries....the vineyard at the front of this photo is in Austria and the one in the background is in Hungary. Living so close to another country is great and teaches us about different cultures, habits and history.

The sedate vines enjoying a bit of snow and savouring the nourishing water on the way...

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

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

Waking Up To A Blanket Of Snow.

A touch of magic, a touch of winter.

 A hidden lane into the heart of the forest complete with feeding station and magic.

Lately a whole lot of trees have been ruthlessly cut down and I felt that I should pay homage to those ancient and stunning witnesses of time that have evaded the chop!

Who wouldn't love to take a walk amid this snow covered bit of nature? The snow in front of me hadn't been touched by any feet apart from a few hoofs and it was fun to interpret the various indentations in the virgin snow.

At a local apple orchard birds were flocking together trying to pick the odd morsel off the ground. Be it worms or dried apples....

A real touch of winter magic about. Walking in snow is a sheer joy even if it coincides with icy feet! Only those bits of the road where the snow plow had done its deed ( he started at half past five this morning, shaking us all awake ) were slippery as ice and far from nice to walk on.

A sleepy hollow! Deutsch Schützen in the distance and Eisenberg in front. Well, only a few houses can be seen but they constitute the start of our village.

I hope that folks will stop cutting down trees because as you can see, trees and forests make the magic of Burgenland happen...

Biggi

The Calm After The Storm.

An interesting start to February.

Granted, February is already a week old but nonetheless, the last few days of weather are noteworthy. Only this last weekend we had glorious sunshine, warmth and scenery with temperatures climbing into the teens. Unheard of during winter, but have it we did. Monday was a bridge day and one sort of knew the writing on the wall.

Okay, it was more the writing of the text messages from our insurer that gave us an inkling of what was to come. Stormy weather leaning towards a touch of hurricane. Winds of change or winds of horror. Tuesday and Wednesday the winds were howling and the walls were shaking. Never mind the ' gnirshing ' of the various trees being banded about like twigs from the force of the winds. Rather frightening.

Today the cold and voracious winds have dyed down completely and have made room for a picture book sort of day. More of a ' May ' type of day with birds tweeting the joys of eh, spring, blue skies and sunshine. Absolutely gorgeous!

Folks were also in a better mood and one man even held open the door for me at the local bank. That was a nice start to my day and just goes to show how vital sunshine and warmth are for people's frame of mind. It is quite nice knowing that winter is on its way out the yearly revolving door and in a few weeks we can consider packing our winter clothes away for another year...

Biggi

A Blue Sky Gladdens The Soul.

Glimmers of summer on the horizon.

Honestly I don't mind winter and in fact at times I love and prefer it to summer. Those winter days where the sun is nigh and the snow is high are just too magical and reminiscent of fairy tales and movies. How could one not like it.

As hot has cold so this magical image of winter has its evil flip side. Dull grey, cold and miserable winter days complete with dirty snow turning to an annoying mush most of us have tested with our backsides. No, that sort of winter is to be endured but not really cheered.

Being the optimist I am, I already sense the end of winter ( April and May aren't that far off ) and try and imbibe that feeling into Bob who at this stage of winter has had enough of it. Don't blame him. Working outside on ' evil ' winter days takes courage and conviction.

But, today the tables have turned and a charming and magical winter's day is here. The sky is sporting a summer' blue complete with sunshine making everything it touches seem more cheerful and pretty. The grass looks greener, the trees more alive and of course best of all, the temperature has got a hold of itself and decided to repel those dreadful minus degrees.

So far we haven't had any noteworthy snow apart from a small dose before Christmas and I for one tend to believe that no more will be had while some - ' the cup is half empty ' - type of folks are predicting a snow filled March and April. Whatever does come our way will be okay because even if the weather tips towards a cold spell, we are geared with warm clothes, a warm house, plenty of books and delicious wine...

Biggi

A True Summer Kitchen.

Discovering more about old customs.

Bob and I have somehow always called it our Summer Kitchen and perhaps we heard it referred to as such or we got a sense that it was one. Look, there isn't any running water nor electricity but of course that was where our useful aga like stove came from. We rescued it from this tiny building albeit one with a seasoned chimney attached and transplanted it into our kitchen.

As much as we tend to grumble when we do use it ( the wood needs to be fed every twenty minutes or so ) we have gotten a lot of use out of it. Just today I was visiting a neighbour and as often happens, another neighbour came as well and we had a nice long conversation about this that and the old ways.

In winter talk usually skirts the topic of heating and that was when I told about our oven. Not our main source of heating but a nice backup. A backup that helped us dry out our house once we had plastered and laid new floors. So easy to forget what a marvelous work-horse it turned out to be.

Well, it so happens that back in the day the Summer Kitchen was exactly that. During the summer months, when everyone was busy toiling in vineyards, fields or stables they would come home for lunch, a lunch made and eaten in this Summer Kitchen. Usually small as can be but still big enough to somehow accommodate the whole family for lunch.

The reason being and which I find so amusing because similar has happened all over the world, was that one didn't want the house to get dirty from all the clumps of dirt stuck to shoes etc. And here comes the clincher and proof that we are all the same;

the house was kept clean and tidy just in case a visitor decided to drop by!

Ah, how many have a second lounge they never use except for when important family or friends come over for a cup of tea...and sadly, it is often the most amazing room of the house but hardly ever gets seen or used...

Drying out the walls and floors during our bitingly cold first December here. Our kitchen looking a bit different!

Our darling little stove in action. The more I think about it, the more I appreciate it. Perhaps it will stay after all...Gosh, memories!

Biggi

Oh What Delightful Light.

A surefire sign of good times ahead?

There are those special times when the light is just right. The sun provided a nice foil to a dark looking morning thus making it a sort of ' snap crackle & pop ' kind of morning.

Yesterday the light had its own agenda...it was dueling with a cloak of mist for visibility. Regardless, I enjoy those cloak & dagger starts to the day.

A wonderful curve leading the way elegantly to Deutsch Schützen. I find that looking at it is akin to a mini meditation...a pause in speed, a pause in journey and yet one still gets to one's destination.

The play of light really is a delight. I love the sharp contrasts evoked by it. I haven't walked Quergasse for a long time but thankfully I did this morning as it highlighted the sheer beauty of our village.

Whichever way one takes pulchritude awaits...in fact, straight ahead leads to a new ' suburb ' which already boasts one new build and a tar road!

Even the dryness of winter can't eclipse how wonderful it is to live in a wine growing area.

Biggi

And Suddenly It's Warm Again.

The winds of change?

Most of us have had the heavy weather gear ready and waiting by the door. It is winter after all and like it or not, here in the Northern Hemisphere one expects bitterly cold winters. Well, perhaps Bob is the exception as he hopes for warmer climes. Gloves, scarves, beanies and heavy coats have had to stay a bit longer in the wardrobe these last few weeks. Who would have thought that mere days before Christmas the temperature would reach about 17 degrees, plus that is...

Birds are confused, cats have the time of their lives being able to get hold of their prey more leisurely ( except ours who are so full from meals supplied by Bob & Biggi ) and some humans aren't quite into the swing of Glühwein. Not very attractive to sweat whilst drinking a hot toddy.

Earlier I was walking down the road to hand out two parcels of Christmas cookies to those alone over the season but somehow it felt all wrong. Easter eggs would have been more apt for these temperatures. Whatever happened to a nice white dusting of snow on the road, heaps on the verges and snowmen of all shapes and sizes reminding us of days gone by?

Don't get me wrong, I am well used to hot Christmases but then it was a warm enough to have it around the pool. These neither here nor there temperatures make it a tad difficult. One still has to anticipate a cold resurgence by lugging copious and bulky winter clothes about.

Deep down I fear that I might have spoken too soon as there could be an extremely cold spell ahead, but that is fine as the end of winter is so much nearer...and who knows, a few of us will be pleased as punch to prance gingerly in icy terrain. Let's just hope that this isn't a little taste of our future. Climate change, it's here, isn't it?

Biggi

And Then The Snow Came.

On Friday the thirteenth....

Fir cones dangling daringly with bits of white snow on their shoulders. Could anything be more indicative of the season?

Setting off this morning on my walk took a bit of convincing. It was dull, cold and slightly slippery. Nothing like the cozy warmth of our lounge.

The best prop to fairy tales. A gingerbread house of sorts hiding behind these snow covered bushes.

A quaint old trailer amid a pile of logs sitting ever so gently amid the splendour of our vineyards. A dash of colour...

A big pile of straw curiously enough sprouting fresh green blades of grass, covered with a gentle layer of our first snow of the season. Rather picturesque.

One blade of our lavender seems to defy logic and season. A bit of purple magic right outside our front door.

Biggi

A Bracingly Cold Winter's Day.

Chilling on a Saturday...

Chilling indeed. This time around the cold seems to seep through ones bones and make huddling under a blanket a must. Book in hand of course and cat on lap. Marvelous to read when it is cold as one doesn't want to stop and get up. Making a cup of hot tea or coffee involves hinting at one's spouse long enough for him to put the kettle on.

The temperature itself isn't that dramatic but the air has that distinct chill in it. Walking this morning turned out to be fabulous once I had gotten through the first ten minutes of temperature shock. Fingers encased in gloves still appear to go on strike with cold but I always think of the many people who have no choice but to be in the cold and therefore I can easily handle an hour and a half of it.

Nature, once the fine mist of smog clears ( unfortunately our area is chimney laden and white spirals of smoke are everywhere ) couldn't be any prettier. Yes, green is at a minimum, leaves almost none yet despite that, nature excels even if just as a reminder that Christmas is mere weeks away.

Making oodles of hot beverages, reading books, snacking on yummy foods and hanging out with one's special person makes it rather fun to field a true winter's day. In fact, my book is so gripping that I hope tomorrow will mirror itself on today...

Biggi

For The Love Of Colours.

My Eisenberg magic...

A few crisp mornings yet again but aren't they worth it? Wonderful colour schemes that make winter real.

A winter's morning that sort of reminds me of South African winter days. Early frost and then glorious days of sunshine and pleasant temperatures.

I've yet to see anyone in those hunter's lookouts...they blend rather well into the surroundings that it makes one forget their true purpose.

One of the steepest vineyards in Eisenberg encircling parts of our village.

Another gem of or in the vineyards. Imagine living in this romantic cottage, book and wine in hand? Magical Burgenland.

An empty cottage standing lonely among the splendour of the Eisenberg vines. If it were mine I would make the glass room my reading cave...Sad that such a divine place isn't used to replenish one's soul...

Biggi

And Yet Another Snow Day, Hurray!

Waking up to everything covered in a white blanket of snow.

We did manage to have a long walk this morning but as the snow kept falling, I couldn't use my camera. Later this afternoon I donned my boots and walked about outside.

Snow instantly manages to transform dried old pot plants into spots of glamour. Lavender and snow just so you know...

Like the hand of wisdom this branch seems to point towards a sturdy pine tree.

The pond has frozen over in strips and thus creating another glamorous nature shot.

Bits of summer discarded in the corner. Not so long now until this watering can is in full swing.

A splash of yellow breaking up the uniformity of snow. Despite the icy temperature it is a treat to hear snow crunching under one's feet while making lasting footprints in it. Winter despite its icy sidekick is a blast...

Biggi

Divine Snow Makes An Encore Appearance.

Snow on alternate days...

Let's start off properly with this morning's awesome sunrise. Worth while fighting the slippery slope of a snowed over forest lane...

As I turned the corner further on, I was met with this delightful image lit by the burgeoning sun. The air had that tantalizing crispness which kept the rosiness on my cheeks.

The road was as treacherous as it was beautiful. Each step was accompanied by the crackling sound of fresh snow being trod upon.

Winter makes everything more alive, even the simple display of shadow and sunlight.

Clearly one can see which way the wind was blowing...A set of bare trees cloaked in a silhouette of white.

A marvelous display of basic wintry conditions, those that lend themselves for exercising and absorbing the seasonal beauty.

Biggi