Monthly Archives: July 2019
Burgruine Neuenfels
After a couple of visits to this abandoned 13th century castle, I am left with a lot of questions. And that is without getting into the unsolved mass murder of the last people to live here in 1540. I wonder why someone decided to build on this hill as opposed to any of the others […]
Top Of The Hill
It is a couple kilometres hike to the top, depending on your starting point. The view from the ruined castle is worth it though. You get a great view of the valley below. From the remaining ramparts of Burgruine Neuenfels you can see the neighboring towns. Badenwieler and Britzingen are closest, but over there is […]
Cold Case
You would think an unsolved multiple homicide would be the subject of considerable police attention, but that’s not the case here. This one is for the historians. Eight people murdered in their home, and never a hint of who did the deed. No wonder no-one has lived here since 1540 – people probably thought it […]
Time To Party!
Who knew this day would come? It certainly wasn’t something I planned for. On Sunday July 8, 1979, my only thought for the future was next week. Forty years later I look back and realize that my life and that of many others changed that day. Which is a good reason to celebrate. Feel […]
Built To Last
Stein Am Rhein, Switzerland, is a tourist mecca – primarily I think because of its architecture. This house in particular caught my eye. Haus Vetter (Cousin’s House) dates back to 1473, though I suspect there may have been an upgrade or two since then. Canadian houses aren’t expected to last that long. I’m wondering why […]
Frustration Sets In
Allow me to vent for a minute. I was just in the kitchen, and killed at least a dozen flies. There were more when I finished than when I started. It is 31 degrees Celsius, so closing the windows isn’t really an option. I want to cook some food, but not myself. In Canada this […]
The Language We Use
When I am taking group pictures I usually ask people to say “Kase,” which is German for “cheese.” I know it doesn’t produce the desired effect, except it does. My understanding has always been that saying “cheese” moves your facial muscles into a smile – that’s why we say it when we are having our […]
Another Sunset
It was back to the Blauen Tuesday night. It is one of those places you take guests – not too far from home and the view is great, even if it was a little misty. I am a natural city dweller. I thrive in an urban environment. I will admit though that the beauty of […]
Hot Times
Europe has been sweltering in a heat wave. In southern France the temperature rose to 45.9 Celsius. That works out to about 115 Fahrenheit. It hasn’t been quite that hot in Sulzburg, but 38 (100 F) still feels pretty warm, especially when there is no air conditioning. I gather Europeans don’t believe in it. The […]
Happy Canada Day
It is July 1 already. Half the year is gone. Do you need any other reason for a party? Canadians celebrate their country today, which has me thinking about patriotism. We think we have the best country in the world, but citizens of other countries might disagree. I won’t list all the good things that […]
random thoughts from lorne 
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