Oh my.
What's that white stuff on the ground????
Ummmmm….any guesses????
We've had a lovely breakfast and now it's time to head over to Opa's house. Shall we go???
Opa spoke to his sister's family that in live in the Ennstal region (it's the valley that the river called the Enns runs through) and asked them when would be a good time for us to pop down for a visit. Well, as it turns out TODAY is a good day to visit them. They also suggested we stay for the night- otherwise the visit would be too short. Our visits there are always too short….I'd love to stay there for so much longer ….but I'm thankful and grateful for any amount of time I get to spend with Opa's wonderful family. I really do love them!
Well…so, what does that mean? It means we have to head back over the Pretal Saddle (over the hill) and pick up our overnight gear (i.e. toothbrushes and toothpaste!). Now we're all set!
First stop: Werner & Roswitha's! I do love their home. It's so easy to relax and enjoy yourself. Plus, Opa's friend was here for a visit. Extra bonus!!!! (he really cracks me up)
And I just *adore* Roswitha's stove. And kitchen. Actually, I love everything here. Some day…some day I'll have a stove like this!
Time to say good bye!!!! It's always hard to say good bye. It's so sad we can only come for a few hours but at least it's better than no hours.
Heading to Matzling to see Opa's sister (Tante Hedwig). Absolutely gorgeous!
So…here's an annoying & slightly frustrating bit: I did NOT take any photos of the family the evening we arrived. Grr!!! I have always hated being THAT person who is always on his/her iPhone but on the other hand…it would have been nice to have had photos of all the family. Especially Monica, Gerhardt, & Caroline…I'm so very sad I didn't get a photo of these lovely people. Waaah!!!!
We stayed the night in Monica and Gerhardt's new house. They were working on building it the last time we were here. It's finished…and oh, WOW, is it gorgeous!!!!!
View from their house:
Now…the following two photos are for folks that love schnapps. I mean REAL schnapps. Not that cheap crappy stuff available in most liquor stores in the USA. Mark, through Gerhardt's help, has started distilling and making schnapps and brandy at home. (it is a massive chemistry project – one that takes *very* careful planning and execution) Gerhardt has been making schnapps for many years and he's more than happy to share his knowledge with Mark. (it also helps that Gerhardt is fluent in English) So…behold a schnapps tasting session in one of their basement rooms:
Yes, I do love schnapps. I prefer the fruit ones (my favorite is Himbeer Schnapps…raspberry schnapps).
Ava woke up *the instant* I tried taking a photo of my sleeping beauties. What's she saying?? NO PHOTOS MOMMY!!!! (hilarious…and yet I took one anyone. Mommies are mean like that. ;-)
Good morning Opa! Guten Morgen Opa! We're all up and bustling around. Opa and I are getting look at the kitchen in this beautiful house. I. WANT. THAT. STOVE!!!!
Yes, please! Check out this beauty (stove that is):
Gerhardt & Monica's cheerful house:
Opa and the girls are heading down the drive way to Tante Hedwig's house:
Tante Elli, Opa, Ava, Annika and Mark seated around the corner bench that is located in the heart of the house: the kitchen. Life revolves around the kitchen (everywhere in the world!):
I *LOVE* coming here. I *heart* these people. They're funny, kind, generous and generally lots of fun to hang around. All of them! As it turns out, we're distantly (-not blood-) related to folks living in Australia…and Thailand. WOW! How cool is that???
Time to dig into our beautifully prepared breakfast. I don't know how Monica and Caroline can put out such a vast spread at every meal but somehow- like magic- they make it appear (it's not magic, they work hard!). Here Uncle Hermann is chatting with Opa as we tuck into breakfast.
Now…have I mentioned that we're on a farm? Yep. This is a farm! They used to have a dairy operation but I think they're not doing that any more but they have a few pigs and sheep…and horses…dogs … and cats. (I'm sure I missed something!). The girls are in absolute Heaven with the dog and cats. Thankfully the animals are all friendly too.
After such a big meal it's always nice to go for a walk. Interested in coming with us? The pup is!
Snowball fight!!!
and now a walk through the Deep Dark Woods:
Isn't it so peaceful looking?
We finished walking the full round (I think it was the Matzling Walk…or something like that. The route was fully marked with signs. The doggy also had a nice walk with us (on a leash).
Surprise! Annika found another kitty to admire:
Check out the stove in this kitchen.And check out the lovely yummies cooking on the stove:
A little great grandchild (who lives next door) coming to visit her Oma and great grandparents…such a sweet little girl! She also loves horses. This little girl was a tiny baby the last time we saw her! WOW! Time flies!!!
Sadly, it's time for us to leave this magical place. I think Mark and I could stay here forever but that won't pay our bills! (at least not yet) After a quick stop at Roswitha's to pick up a few goodies we forgot (oops!) we're heading back to Veitsch.
Beautiful clouds….just dreamy. Looks like an angel to me!!!
Thanks for joining us! Where will be off tomorrow????