Rigi Hike

It’s Been Awhile

Today we hiked up the Rigi, for a memorial service for Opa, especially for the children who were not able to be present for his funeral. The day had perfect weather, the flowers were blooming, and the sun shone.

The Felsentor (Rock Gate)

Still snow at the top, in places. This is Rigi Kaltbad, where we stopped. 

The narrow entrance to the chapel courtyard with its healing springs.

In the small chapel where we had the memorial service. Two sons played the organ in the balcony. We sang, we heard a biography of Opa’s life and Bible readings, and each shared a special remembrance of Opa. 

Dinner at the Alpina, as we did for so many years with Opa and Oma. 

Mit Eis

Then hike down the other way. At this cross one son proposed to his now-wife. This cross was the rest point for the children, when they were little, and Opa would give them something from his magic pockets to keep them going up the last stretch.

And a mountain farm.

What we felt like doing afterward.

Twas a very fine day. 

Sweetness

A Little Sweetheart 

Turned one today, with a big party 

Set on UrOma’s tablecloth

And Jello from her Wisconsin grandma - a long tradition from that family - it’s not a party without it. This one, though, instead of being made with evaporated milk, which is not readily available here, was made with Möwenpick ice cream. Yum? Yup! 

And for dessert, the floofiest chocolate cream cake - this is also a family history staple on her mama’s side, passed down through the years in Wisconsin. It was the great-grandpa’s favorite. The younger generation, when asking for the recipe, were warned, it was an expensive cake to make: it required six candy bars. This was from the days that you could have butter OR jam on your toast, but not both- too luxurious. 

So this cake for today was modified for Swiss ingredients, too: no Graham crackers and Cool Whip and Hershey bars. This one had Petit Beurres (butter cookies), whole cream, and Swiss chocolate. Yum? Yup! 

So another generation is started in the footsteps of her predecessor’s traditions, a heritage passed down. This little girl hadn’t had sugar before this, so she was introduced to that, too, and after some hesitation, found it quite edible. Now no more until next year! 

Color Study, Watercolor 547

In Cool Tones

Ancient History

Cleaning out Rooms

And finding old art works from decades ago. These are miniatures, from the period when I was entering those kind of art shows, and when I didn’t have much art space.

A Hike in the Other Direction

Another Day

Each afternoon, after sundry tests and treatments, we went outside from sun and exercise therapy. This was a hike through the forest…..

……past remnants of former habitations……

….always on trails well-marked - because this is Switzerland….

…..and shortly back to inhabited habitations.

And on down to the town of Castaneda.

Behold, palm trees, in the high mountains. 

And irises in January on high mountains.

Stone, stone, stone, and stone. And it is not veneer. It is all hand quarried and hand laid. 

Part of the old fire brigade.




Looking up at Santa Maria. And looking down cobblestone roads. That aperture on the lower left is really a door - even small people would have to duck low to enter.

That was the walk down. Next, the hike back up. Nothing is flat! 

The Church Grounds

Back in Santa Maria

One of us went up in the tower to look down on the this steeple, and one of us stayed down to look up. 

This imposing tower was for watching and defense. It is five sided, an unusual shape. The lower part was a cistern, Two middle floors were for living, complete with exterior wall toilets, and the roof was a lookout station. The stairs are situated between the outer wall and an inner wall. 









Imagine a cozy fire, a bowl of stew and fifteen unwashed fighting fellows sharing this abode with you. 

The rooftop lookout of the tower 


The dizzying view from the tower roof



The private business spot - Instagram-worthy style and decor



Back on terra firma - this is at the foot of the tower


And for the one of us who did not climb the tower, a friendly fellow came to play fetch. He even brought the appropriate sticks. We have had dogs like that, so we didn’t need training (unlike some people who take forever to figure out the process

Human-  “Look, a dog.”

Dog - Good start. 

“ He has a stick.” 

This person is bright one. 

“He is bringing it to us. Isn’t he cute?” 

This might take some work.

 “Look, he laid it down at our feet, and backed off. Do you think he is afraid?” 

No, Human. Behold, you have hands to throw sticks, I have legs to run after sticks. It’s a game. Here, let me show you again. See, Stick. You are human. I am dog. PICK UP THE STICK!  

“ I think I will pick up the stick.” 

OK, this one is learning.Now throw it! 

“Hmm, what should I do? The dog is just looking at me. He’s staring so hard.” 

THROW the STICK!

“I will throw the stick a little and see what happens.”

Oh, dear. This one isn’t bright. Throwing three feet? I have to come toward you to get the stick. That’s not a throw. Here, let’s try again. You need practice. 

“Oh, look! Isn’t he clever. He brought the stick. Let me throw it a little farther and see if he brings it again……”

We didn’t have to go through all those steps. We had seen it so many times, we got right into the game.

But he was old, so we had to stop before he was ready to quit. 

Good bye, towers, for today.


Later, on our walk back to the clinic, we saw the friendly dog again, and he wanted to play fetch, but the trail was too narrow and dropped off. 

Blooms Outside!

Sunshine in the Soil

Blooms

Brought In

During some garden clean up, I cut a couple of forsythia branches. I brought them inside, where it is warmer than the freezing nights we have been having. 

They are blooming now!

The promise on the first day in.

A week or so later, partially open





Fully open. Springtime in the house, with freezing weather outside.