Burg Hohen Neuffen

Forest enroute to Burg Hohen Neuffen

The Hike...

As many of you know, my husband and I are fortunate to have a wonderful view from our living room and dining room window(s). In the winter months our view consists of snow covered fields and several villages with snow covered rooftops. Off in the distance, the Swabian Alps loom in the background. Atop one of these alps is the shadow of the ruins of a castle burg called Hohen Neuffen.

It is now spring and the fields we see are textured with many shades of green and in some areas, fields of bright yellow flowers! The backdrop to these fields in the far distance are the remains that magnificent castle burg! Oftentimes my husband and I stare at the castle burg and wonder at the sight! It is so far and yet so close to us that it appears to have a magical quality. During the daylight hours when it is a sunny day, we see the different textures and colors of the castle and wonder what part of the castle we are actually viewing. On overcast days, early morning hours, and early evening hours we see it as a silhouette atop the alp and on some evenings the castle is actually lit up! We imagine ourselves, atop the alp, viewing the valleys and the villages from the castle itself. “What view would the inhabitants of the castle have had? What was their purpose? What did they think? ...and so on ...and so on... and so on.

Briefly (based on information from a German website and a very “loose” translation process!), I discovered Hohen Neuffen is one the largest castle ruins located in Southern Germany and considered one of the most beautiful. It is approximately 743 meters (2,437 feet) above sea level and is situated in the Swabian Alps overlooking the “Staedchen Neuffen) or the town center of the village of Neuffen. The name Neuffen is Celtic in origin and was later overtaken by the Alemannen. Different pieces of archaeological finds are proposed from the settlement starting from 2200 BC in the area of Hohen Neuffen. The most magnificent find originates from the year 1000 BC. It is a bronze chest pendant, which is attributed to Illyrischen Urn Field people, which came 1200 BC of the Danube into the Alband. First probable owner of the castle was Count Manegold von Sulmetingen around 1100. The first documented mention originates from the year 1198, in which the noble-free are mentioned of Neuffen as owners.

This past Saturday, we decided it was time to pay a visit to the castle! Not knowing what to expect (other than we must park and “hike” up to the burg), we set off full of anticipation in what we might see and experience. We drove thru the villages we viewed from our home. We parked at the base of the alp, and set off on the trail marked for the burg. (Now I have to say before I go further in describing our hike, that I am NOT an IN SHAPE person (physically)! I am adventurous and so wanted to desperately start the “getting into shape” process that I was resolved to make this journey--difficult or not!) We set off with the thought that we would take our time and enjoy the sights and sounds of the trek.

This hike is definitely not for the novice! Some stretches of the trail were almost at 45-degree angles! We took our time (baby steps in some instances!) and did not rush. We stopped to rest whenever the need arose and we made up stories of the past and included the who(s), the what(s), and the why(s) of our version of what may have happened centuries ago. We marveled at the thick green forest. We heard many different types of birds “singing” to us on the way up. Through the trees in some places, we could look down on vineyards, the village of Neuffen, and small farmhouses. We also, at intervals, heard the church bells ringing off in the distance. And all through this trek, we still could not see the castle for the forest being so thick. We often wondered if we were headed in the right direction. All was still unknown to us! We continued on and in some instances were passed by an occasional hiker, a jogger, and a bicyclist. We were not daunted by being passed up rather we were quite happy to be traveling at our own pace.

An hour and about forty minutes later, we rounded a bend and there looming before us were the walls and cobblestone roadway that led to the castle! The castle was refurbished in some areas and in others the original walls stood. We climbed original rock stairs and entered dark areas and tunnels. We could see and smell the dampness of water seeping through the stones. We were rewarded with views into the valleys below! Though we could not see our home so far off in the distance, we knew the general direction and envisioned ourselves standing at one of the windows in our home, staring out at the castle burg itself!

Unknown to us was within the castle walls was a small restaurant and bier garten! Visitors could purchase a bite to eat and a bier and set out on a portion of the castle that overlooks the village of Neuffen and the valleys below! Of course, we purchased some refreshment and sat and talked and marveled at our good fortune to have been blessed with the opportunity (and good health), to be able to sit and enjoy the sights afforded to us!

We are back home now, and still, we have our view of the fields, of the villages, of the alps, of the castle. Only now, we can say, “We were there...we climbed that alp, and sat on the castle grounds. We enjoyed a moment in time here in the present day.”

Who will come after us and wonder at the view, and query the who(s), the what(s), and the why(s)?

First image of Bo

April 23, 2005

A Mother's Love...A Wife's Devotion...

I have been away from the “Blog-World”, living in the “Real-World” in a manner of speaking. On March 30th, my husband and I received a telephone call from our daughter and our cousin back in the United States. A call which all parents dread receiving. Our son...our only son...was in a terrible motorcycle accident! No detail regarding condition other than he was believed to have numerous broken bones, possibly spinal injury, lung damage, bladder damage, and God knows what else! We were also told that he would be facing major surgery in excess of six hours! As always, I imagined the worse possible scenario!

Mon Dieu! We frantically searched the internet for flights that could get me to my son’s bedside as quickly as possible! What did the cost matter! This is our only son! “Mom” had to be at his side! My husband, it was decided, since he had just started his current job, would stay behind and (God forbid) should the need arise, he would follow at a later date.... A flight was found which allowed me an arrival time in California at 1150 pm... An arrival time later than I would have liked, BUT under the circumstances and the great distance to be traveled...it was acceptable.

I arrived on March 31st about 2400 hrs...WAY later than I had hoped, but when you are at the mercy of the airlines, late flights, etc...there is nothing one can do!

My daughter and my cousin met me at the airport. I was told (on the drive to the hospital) that our son had been in surgery for over eight hours! My mind raced! What could be wrong? Was surgery successful? I did not know what to expect or think!!! A moment of joy was felt in my heart as I entered the room, “I saw his toes wiggle!” What a silly thought you might be thinking...but that thought told me immediately (in my heart that is), that I knew my son would walk again! In that instant, my faith in God told me my son would recover! Praise be to God!!! Is all that I can say!!!!! Throughout the night, he was in and out of consciousness—but—I did not worry (at least worry as much as I had previously!)

My son, as I was to find out later had broken his pelvic bone (a textbook break the doctors said...because it was broken in the middle), broken ribs (left and right sides), a broken right clavicle (collar bone), a hairline fracture at the top of his spine/neck, a right collapsed lung, a ruptured bladder (right side)...I’m sure I am leaving something out...but hey..I think you get the picture of his condition!

My friends, miracles to happen! Within 15 days, they (the hospital staff) had my son up and out of bed walking...albeit with a walker and I.V.s everywhere...Yes, there was and still is a lot of pain BUT he will and is walking! He will have to go through a lot (and I mean a LOT) of physical therapy, but he is young and strong and will at some point in the future be back to his ‘ol self!!!
I was gone almost a month...an eternity it seems! My place was at my son’s side during his time of need...but I have to say this...my husband and I have been married 36 years and still to this day, every moment apart seems like an eternity! While I love my children dearly and would travel to the “ends of the earth” to be at their side(s) in their times of need... I have to say, I could not wait to return home to be with my husband! Is that selfish? I think not...I have lived my life loving my children and will continue to love my children...but in my heart...I will always be at my husband’s side.

"Ah! Venice..."

"Ah! Venice..."

My husband and I were fortunate enough to be able to visit a destination we have always dreamed of...Venice—or Venezia as it is properly called.

We were certainly not disappointed! The city certainly lived up to our expectations! The only downside (if you want to call it a downside) was that it could have been a longer trip, but that is okay...we will return another day soon to explore in more detail.

We started out as any good tourist would do, we caught a water taxi from the parking lot to the city itself. What a view! Era assolutamente breathtaking! We have never ridden in a taxi that afforded us such sights! After leaving the water taxi, we started off on foot from the where the water taxis drop everyone off...near the Hotel Danieli I think... We decided (as any good tourist would do...) to try and squeeze as much into the day as possible! We immediately set off to tour the Doge’s Palace. I know I have said it before when visiting other sites here in Europe, but I must say it again...”Wow! At every turn was pure “history”!!! The Doge’s palace was incredible! We went from the courtyard to Doge’s apartments decorated with phenominal artwork, to the Sala del Senato—a lavish hall where noblemen met with the Doge, to the armoury where incredible weapons and suits of armour are displayed, across the Bridge of Sighs, to the prisons which appeared to be a maze of cells and stairsteps, to the Basilica!!! Whew! I know I may have left something out...BUT...I am a small-time tourist and I am allowed!!!

Next we went on to Piazza San Marco and St. Mark’s Basilica. We waited in a long line but we did not mind. The church was magnificent ! We, again, were in awe (mouths hanging open and everything!) The architecture, the views, the history, the altar columns which supports the canopy over the altar which in turn covers (and this was the high point for me folks!) the tomb of Saint Mark...Saint Mark! An Apostle!!! Mind you this is the first time we have ever visited a Basilica let alone one where one of the apostles is entombed!!!!!!! Before departing, we took time to light a candle and say our prayers...I am Catholic and never have I felt so humbled...the first words that came to mind was, “...Lord, I am not worthy....” The enormity of the visit to this Holy place (I believe) has still not taken hold of me.

After the Basilica, it was on to the Rialto Bridge. Walking along the way was an enjoyment in itself! We ventured down narrow streets with shops that I would love to have stopped and looked at everything they had to offer...but no! We were on a mission! We arrived at the Rialto Bridge and as any good tourist would do...we each took each pictures of one another complete with a view of the waterway in the background. You know...complete with gondolas, water taxis, merchants delivering their goods, Venetian homes, etc.

By this time we were getting hungry...so it was off to find a restaurant that my husband had dined at on his previous trip. We walked thru what I equated to narrow alleyways and always we seemed to come upon a church square, an outdoor cafe, or a bridge! We saw locals sitting out, enjoying the sun, having their favorite coffee and/or snack, we saw and heard street musicians...Such a treat to my senses!! The sights, the sounds, the smells... We did eventually find the restaurant, but much to my husband's disappointment...they were closed until the dinner hour (the time we would be well on our way back to Germany.) So we set off in search of another restaurant. Located nearby (on the canal of course!), we came upon a small restaurant. All I can say is...YUMMMMM!!!!

We ordered an antipasti of cozze (mussels). The cozze were steamed and served in this wonderful wine sauce that you had to “sop” up with your bread... Erano squisiti! I could have easily ordered another plate of cozze and along with our bread and wine--but the main course was still to be had!!! Squisito! While we were sitting and enjoying our meal, I started to think about those expensive gondola rides...you know the ones you see in the movies and/or tour books....I had always said that if we were to take a gondola ride, I would want someone to sing to me a wonderful Italian song as we would meander along the canals... Yeah, I know...dreaming! Wouldn’t you know it though...as we are sitting there...savoring our delicious meal and sipping our wine...and the next best thing (to the gondola ride) happens along! Here comes this gondola! Complete with Italian tenor and accompanying musical instruments!!! The gentleman is serenading Stile Italiano!!!! (Italian style) My husband and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!!! We had the best of both--touring and food. We were at a wonderful restaurant located along the canal; we were eating; we were sipping wine; watching the gondola(s) float by and listening to (ok...dare I say it...”tourist-type” music!) BUT, WE LOVED IT!!!! Hell...(scuse my language)... We could have sat there all afternoon and into the evening just, sipping...eating...listening...you get the picture!!!!!!

Well as we all know, all good things must come to an end...but “Oh! The memories!” And isn’t that what our journey(s) are all about...the memories? At least for me and my husband it is... There will come a day and time when he and I will no longer be able to get out and about as much as we would like, but

“Oh! The memories!”