Nana's Chores

Traveled back to the United States on September 15th to visit my new little grandson, Jack!  Will be in the USA until October 30th, and will love every day!

Today I was given a chore by my daughter Audrey, to hold baby Jack while she cleaned the kitchen.  

Wow, can I just say that it was the BEST chore ever!  Hope I get more chores like this!

Cemeteries, Churches and Catacombs

  One of the things I enjoy while traveling is taking pictures of cemeteries, grave markers and old churches.  I love to wander the grounds and listen for stories of the past.  I love to read the headstones or crypt markers, weird as it maybe but these people lived and have a story to tell and I just find that fascinating.  I always feel very peaceful while walking among the many names, my heart goes out to small infants that die so young, to the mothers whose arms ache for not being able to hold their child and especially to those markers that are nameless. 

While in Austria last week I was able to ramble through many old churches with cemeteries attached - one that even had catacombs.   I find beauty where others my not... I dare you not to find beauty is some of my photos...

Danka Austria...

Ten days ago I left on another one of my wonderful adventures...my first European visit to Austria.  As I set in the airport in Vienna I marvel at what I have been able to see and do in the past few days. 

Ron is a wonderful husband that works hard for family.  He was unable to take time off for my birthday but that doesn't stop him from spoiling me.  I had some airlines miles that needed to be used up, you acquire quite a few flying between the USA and Thailand, so I used them on a flight to Austria....and when in Austria one must dress like a "Native" !!


Here is just a brief montage of my activities...
England's King Richard was Held Prisoner here during the crusades and Sitting on the castle wall over looking the Danube River an hour outside Vienna, Austria.

Schönbrunn Palace is a World Cultural Heritage site and Austria's most-visited sight. The baroque total work of art consisting of palace and gardens was for centuries the property of the Habsburgs and is today largely in its original condition.

 

 This day was raining but that doesn't stop this Seattleite   I was able to see this beautiful Medieval Castle and all the chain male and armament that a Knight would want.

It was amazing to see building, homes, places and castles that were dating back to the 1150 through 1900's

I love HISTORY!

 After spending a few day with my wonderful friends, the Clevinger's, I was ready to get out on my own.  I rented a car and drove to Salzburg, Austria.  This is the home of many musicians and the film set for The Sound of Music.  Mozart home is here and some almost 50 churches that ring church bells at least three times a day!  Most of Salzburg was developed during the Barque Period and has some amazing architecture that I love.

 

My 54th Birthday was spent on a Sound of Music Bicyce tour of Salzburg and my touring group was nice enough to sing me Happy Birthday.  

Even traveling  alone you are never really alone!

It was A GREAT day! 

 I was able to rent a car in Vienna and the nicely upgraded me to a Mercedes Benz - WOW that was a sweet ride.  One of my talents is driving and boy was I showing all my skills on the Autobahn driving  from Vienna to Salzburg and then into Germany and back.

 One of the reason that I went into Germany was I wanted to visit Hitler's Eagle Nest.  His SS headquarters in lower Germany.  It was built high on a stone mountain and is a man made wonder. A mere 6050 feet above sea level!

I am grateful for a husband who so willing allowed me to take this trip for my Birthday.  The only thing that would have made it better is if he could have gone on this adventure with me, next time for sure!  Thanks, Ron ... I love you! 

Danka Austria