Mittersill, Austria

Just before the Easter weekend, we took a (long) drive over to Austria for a meeting of Germanic-speaking folks (at least, those with our company). A group from Texas came to help out with our kids, while the parents all met during the day. Here are some pics from the week ...

Wilkommen in Schloss Mittersill


The alps above Pinzgau


view from the Schloss


V and freund with their bridge


Easter egg hunt

More will come - we're thinking ...

They have cameras everywhere ...

... this is our cat (at least one of them - if not a composite of both!):



... at least the dog comes in when you open the door.

Dat Wrasseklie Wabbit

Adding a little to your knowledge base of nature and Kulture.... and it is German in origin...who would have thought:

Spring has sprung, which means it's time once again for that usually shy and secretive mammal the rabbit to endure a brief, yet intense period in the spotlight. Rabbits have since ancient times been considered symbols of hope, life, and renewal, particularly during springtime when fertility levels are highest. Then along came Easter and with it a whole new level of responsibility for the rabbit.

It was actually a European hare, or brown hare, that held the impressive credentials of being the original Easter Bunny, according to a Germanic legend dating back to the 1500s. The ritual of children preparing nests and eagerly anticipating the arrival of Oster Haas (Easter hare), who delivers brightly colored eggs on Easter morning, has taken place in German-speaking countries for centuries. In the United States the cottontail rabbit has been designated as the official deliverer of Easter treats. This is easily evidenced by the lyrics in popular holiday tunes such as "Peter Cottontail," and the presence of that signature fluffy white behind in every commercial rendition of the Easter Rabbit imaginable.

For the whole article and pictures click on:
enature.com/articles/detail.asp?storyID=563

Paul and I saw a Hare in the woods several weeks ago...so that makes 10 sitings of "wild things". And it is HUGE...I believe that it really could hold a basket . When it sat up straight, its ears were well to mid thigh. Then it hopped off...or rather a loping hop.

The kids get out of school today for TWO whole weeks...and we are dyeing and painting eggs today!