From sunshine to rain

We were fortunate to have a week of AMAZING weather last week--it was sunny and in the 60's all week long.  This allowed for many outdoor outings and the shedding of a few layers of clothing.  But, alas, the sun has disappeared, and I fear that we have now entered the rainy season of November.  We are well prepared and well seasoned for the rain being that we lived through 6 wonderful winters in Seattle.  The rumors of the approaching winter continue, with everyone warning us that it is going to be freezing.  I am prepared and vow to spend time outside each day regardless of the weather.

On Saturday we went back out to the vineyards, this time to Kahlenberg.  We took the bus all the way up the hill and then enjoyed a nice downhill hike.  The hike down was paved so it made for easy transit with Hersh.  The weather and the view were amazing.  In the middle of the hike, as we were walking through the vineyeards, we came upon a large barn.  They had wonderful outdoor seating, delicious artisan cheese, bread, homemade mustard, and we drank Gruner Veltliner--local white wine.  As we enjoyed, we basked in the late afternoon sun and were reminded of what a charmed time in our life this truly is. 

With each outing comes the question, "Where do we change Hersh's diaper?"  Although it would seem that this question has a simple answer--a changing table--there are not very many public changing tables in Austria.  Thus, we improvise.  We have come to prefer the grass (with our changing pad down) over a nasty bathroom floor.  So, when we got to the wine barn, after Jacob had purchased our wine and delicious cheese plate, we turned to each other and asked--"Where do we change Hersh?"  You will see below a picture of a Pipibox (which Jacob decided is the only name better than a Honeybucket), this is not where I changed Hersh.  Instead we found a nice, sunny piece of grass and I gave Hersh a "freshie."  As Hersh and I were enjoying the moment and the fresh air on his cute, little, tushie, I let him know, "Well, you got us, and this is the life you will have...." He gave me a smile and a laugh, letting me know that he doesn't mind our somewhat unconventional, yet resourceful style way of life.

Yesterday, we went to the Stephenplatz, which is in the center of the city and walked from the big cathedral to the Museum Quartier and through the Hofburg Palace, which was the winter home for the Hapsburg Dynasty.  The architecture was beautiful and the grounds quite grand.  I also enjoyed a history lesson from Jacob about Austria, the Hapsburg, and WWI as we strolled.

One final note:  we have cell phones now.  If you would like to reach me or Jacob and you are calling from the States, please let me know if you would like the phone numbers. 

Der Stephensdom built in 1365

The view from the top of Kahlenberg hill.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pipibox..hehehe

Warm, afternoon sun.

Delicious wine and cheese.

Hello!

The next series of photos is Jacob modeling the poses of the statues at the Hofburg Palace.  I hope you enjoy these photos, because we really enjoyed taking them!

What a weekend!