sneak peak of Suisse

I'm back, but still organizing my pics n thoughts (n farm)!

Here's a sneak peak of our trip ~ 

I'd hoped to get shots of swiss farms but these were the only cows I saw!

There were electric fences n water tubs everywhere outside the cities though.

A friend said that much like Heidi, the animals are moved or kept inside in anticipation of the winter snows. I did see large clear bags of sheeps wool outside some barns.

And livestock n horse trailers parked along tiny roadsides.

Along the train route I saw one chicken in a cute coop, and two children riding a big shaggy horse, and lots n lots of small garden plots squeezed in everywhere.

I was really struck by a few things, like how much better the quality of their foods are, and the land use / planning to keep large tracts of green space and small farms in close proximity to condensed (but charming) housing. I must also admit how much I dislike so much of the new "modern" houses in Switzerland. They seemed like something I'd imagine in Stalinist Russia!?

But mostly we moved too fast for me to take "snapshots" with my cumbersome dslr.

I did a bit better with still shots, like these cow n goat bells decorating our chalet!

 I stopped n snapped this wee shack beside the mountain road as I drove to the ski area.

This is the telecabin that brought us to the top of the ski area.

I saw this on my FB feed and couldn't agree more

It was an eye opening trip with folks from all around the world.

I especially loved the cute toddlers skiing and how dogs are welcomed everywhere, including public transport and restaurants!

Here's an idea of what I saw as we left Geneva...

(not my own pics tho!)

Le Jet d'eau

From the train - terraced vineyards n orchards are seen all around the lake... 

with Alps on the opposite shore

 Montreux 

Similar ski viliage

Our view as we flew into GORGEOUS Vienna at dusk (we rode that ferris wheel)!

And all along the way new friendships flourished!

I'll be posting more detailed family activities very soon.

It's much colder back here in Maryland than it was in Europe so, between extra chores, I'm hunkering down (just short of hibernating with added jetlag)!

Switz or bust!

buy Katie Daisy's awesome art here

Tomorrow I'll leave for Switzerland with my mom and kids.

Due to 22"+ expected total snow, who knows if we'll make it out.

Although I hear that, much like Sochi,

it's warmer there with less snow!

I was born in Geneva, Switzerland.

My parents were there pursuing degrees, and working.

We moved to the States soon, but travelled frequently.

My Father was British so I spent considerable time in England as well.

He worked for World Health Organization and we visited many wonderful countries.

 "The World is a Book and those who do not travel read only one page".

~ St. Augustine

When I was a kid I did NOT appreciate it.
I wanted to be home for the holidays and build friendships.
We moved back to Switzerland when I was in 6th grade.
That's where I really became a rider as my folks allowed me free range 
riding a friends ponies through the Swiss countryside, bareback.
Then we moved back to a new part of Maryland .
I was bribed to agree with promises of my first horse...
That I had to work and save to buy and care for myself.
(but that's another story)

 `

I think that it's because of so much travelling at a young age, that I've become a real homebody.
My kids, they just love the farm.

Just over a year ago the kids drew our farmhouse with crooked chimney while travelling with Gramma JoJo in Williamsburg. I LOVE these pics!

I've been back to Europe since to visit old friends, but it's been too long.

And my generous mother felt it important that my kids see where I came from

(and have fun skiing real mountains AND MEET THEIR BABY COUSIN in Austria)

It's very hard to leave my farm.

Emotionally and practically.

The Farmer is staying behind to ease the latter.

but that just makes the former worse...

Please say a prayer for every.body~ staying n going!

(I'm quite worried about the 21bodies staying n coping with snowmageddon)

XO!

SICK of it

This is getting really, really old.

Please excuse me as I've gone snow crazy...

We got 2" snow yesterday and school was late again today.

Last week between snow and wicked ICE STORM, they hardly went at all.

In between we're all fighting cold n sinus issues.

Farm chores have been exhausting.

I'm thinking I should switch to breeding Icelandic ponies!

NOW a "nor'easter"?!?!

We're supposed to fly out Thurs for some snow "play!"

hurmph

Hope you are faring better friends!!!

Snow n Tell

So the polar vortex seems like it never left.

Well, maybe just enough to rain n create MORE MUD that did a fast freeze, becoming treacherous peaks n valleys that hobble the horses.

ugg.

Then we got crazy blowing snow that worked it's way through every barn door.

When I oped my tackroom, I found a DRIFT INSIDE against that door.

At least snow is prettier than frozen mud.

(She says trying not to let on what a whiner she's been.)

The Ford has been saying that it's -5 degrees as we drove kids to school.
All our diesels must stay plugged in so that they'll start, or they whine worse than me.

They have much work to do hauling hay for all our hayburners!
Now I get why cattlemen call horses that.
It takes A LOT OF HAY to keep the horses' furnaces at work to warm them.

 INDOORS the thermostat has read as low as 46 degrees when I first come down!
Ice and frost snowflakes are common on the inside of our 200 year old windows.
I think they match the valences that I made out of my Grandma's old coverlet!

At night we turn off everything (except our heated mattress pads til we're snuggled in) and cram the woodstove full before choking it down to a slow burn all night.

We use our dual zone heat n air very rarely.

We feel like pioneers.

or poor people.

But these days I do hit the furnace on and the oven and the kitchen space heater before I go stoke the woodstove and coffeemaker first thing!

64 is about the hottest we keep it in here unless we're not paying attention and allow 72 to spoil us! Truly as often as we n KIDS N CRITTERS go IN n OUT it's too hard on our systems to keep the heat cranked up. Also, I have Raynauds circulatory issues and my body doesn't adjust it's own temps well, so I usually wear a down coat inside anyway. It helps keep me at a more constant temp, plus it's not like I'm in for very long before heading back out anyway. 

I seem to be living in the barn making hot bran mashes w/molasses n oil added.

nonstop.

Schlepping hot water n emptying frozen water buckets.

I'm crazy paranoid about barn fires so refuse to use any of the plug in water heaters when I'm not right there. There have already been several barn fires locally this winter. 

I'd rather schlepp n whine.

Actually here's a secret.

The little girl who dreamed of owning her own horse is still inside me and I rather enjoy fussing n fluffing for all my furry n feathered friends.

Hearing them happily munching is music to my soul.

Maybe like some normal people are happy cooking n fluffing their family's nest?

I like that too and have tried a few new pinterest slow cooker recipes.

This was way too easy and yummy served over rice. A keeper!

I also finally got to watch "Julie n Julia"

I love Julia Child, but I'll stick w/my crockpot

The kids are loving this weather the most.

Olivia is a close second. She runs n leaps with joy while they play.

Lately Sarah n Jack have taken to climbing up on the spring house roof.

and sliding down.

Sarah stuck her landing like a gymnast but also shredded her snow pants.

 They only pause to run through the house, grab a cookie and head out back to beg The Farmer to tow them round the farm.

They're crazy.

(Don't know where they get it.)

Now how's THIS for CRAZY?!

Even my chickens have fun in the snow making

CHICKEN SNOW ANGELS!

Hope you all are finding ways to play too!