Rain not a problem for us!

 

We came prepared for the rain but it didn't stop our adventuring around Salzburg. Behind you can see the museum we enjoyed visiting for a short period of time until it was time for the bus to take us back to Munich.

Deluxe accomodations at Harburg Castle?

A great representation of the hospitality offered at Harburg Castle if you are found creeping up the fortifications with evil intent in mind!

More from Harburg Castle . . .

Another view of Harburg Castle. Please note that I doubt if the powerlines were part of the original real estate package!

Harburg Castle, Germany

 

This was a favorite castle in Germany. King Ludwig's castles were spectacular and probably more comfortable having been built with that in mind rather than for defense. Harburg Castle was a 'real' castle that survived a lot of attacks, housed a dungeon, and still had some nasty implements of torture hanging on the walls of the lower depth. There was a walkway around the entire castle and narrow windows for viewing any possible enemy attacks. It was cold and a bit dank, the stuff you expect in a serious castle!

Harburg Castle is one of the oldest and largest castle complexes in Southern Germany. Situated along the Romantik Road it formed a very important military stronghold already during the reign of the Staufer-Kings (1070-1272). Since 1731 Harburg Castle is in the possession of the Oettingen-Wallerstein family.

Deep thoughts on a Sunday afternoon . . .

An excerpt from a now-favorite book - Mr. Blue by Myles Connolly

The scene is set as the main character in the book stands beneath the night's starry sky.

"I think," he whispered half to himself, "my heart would break with all this immensity if I did not know that God Himself once stood beneath it, a young man, as small as I."

Easy Recipe . . .

The only thing easier than this recipe is being handed a menu and not having to cook at all! The recipe is very basic but I can see lots of potential for adding some personal touches.

Dirty Rice

1 cup long grain rice, uncooked
1/2 cup butter
1 can onion soup (10 3/4 ounces)
1 can beef broth (10 3/4 ounces)

Combine all ingredients in uncovered baking dish. Stir to combine and bake at 350 degrees for approximately one hour. You might want to check periodically to make sure there is enough liquid as you can add it as needed.

Seems to me that you could add a bit of brown sausage bits to the mixture, slivered ham, or cooked chicken. My family likes it spicy so I'm seeing myself tossing in a good pinch of chili flakes.

If you are blessed to have a rice cooker, you cook it that way, too. Just check your manufacturer's proportions on liquids.

What in the world?

 
My photo quiz offering for the day! Can you tell I've been having fun with a digital camera . . . again? What is this? I know! Do you?

Salzburg, Austria

One of my favorite cities in the world is Salzburg, Austria. Sadly, we only had time to spend one afternoon there but we did our best to enjoy it to the fullest. Naturally, it rained while we were there but it didn't dampen our spirits as we enjoyed a stroll through the town, indulged in both a typical meal, purchased a good assortment of local pastries, and even had time to check out the museum. It is one of those places where you'd like to spend an unhurried week . . and still, probably, want to come back again and again!

The 'silver Mozart' character was actually a person in costume. He was very amiable about posing and, even up close, his costume was perfect. Everyone who passed by got a postcard and treat.

Too much of the German 'culture'?

We thoroughly loved the beers offered in Germany this vacation. I don't drink beer at home and the only time you will find any in my refrigerator is for stewing beef. I kind of had to laugh when I came across this recipe as it is yet another undrinkable reason to have beer on hand!

Beer Bread
3 cups self-rising flour
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
12 ounce can beer

Preheat over to 350 degrees.

Mix the flour and sugar together. Add beer and stir gently. Mixture WILL be somewhat lumpy. Pour into greased loaf pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-60 minutes. Remove from pan immediately after baking and brush with butter.

Yield: One loaf.

Linderhof Castle in Germany

King Lugwig commissioned three castles for his personal use during his lifetime. If I'm remembering correctly, Linderhof was the only one completely finished before his untimely death. The castle is kept in beautiful condition and each room has so many paintings and treasures, you just can't absorb it all in a single visit. This was my second visit to the castle and I kept noticing aspects I didn't see the first time.

Right up to the front door or Neuschwanstein Castle!

Our mile climb to the foot of the castle was very worth the trip as we stood outside the castle door waiting for our tour to begin. The guide told us that on a cloudy day, you don't get the visual impact of the castle but are always surprised when your walk brings you up against the massive walls. Fortunately, we had a beautiful day for both the walk and seeing the castle from below and up close and in person.

Castle with a view . . .

In case having a castle of your own wasn't enough, this was the view from Neuschwanstein Castle on a neighboring mountain top. It also happened to be the childhood home of King Ludwig of Bavaria! Must be nice to get in on the bottom floor of the real estate market!

Just calling them as I see them!

I don't know why but this quote immediately brought our Senate and Congress to mind!

One man alone can be pretty dumb sometimes, but for real bona fide stupidity, there ain't nothin' can beat teamwork."
-- Edward Abbey

Makes sense . . .

A military friend once told me that a country that is strong in its defense is often left alone because it is obvious they are the stronger nation. Guess it isn't anything new on the concept horizon!

To be prepared for war is one of the most effective means of preserving peace.

George Washington

Male Logic?

A wife asks her husband, "Could you please go shopping for me and buy one carton of milk, and if they have eggs, get 6."

A short time later the husband comes back with 6 cartons of milk.

The wife asks him, "Why in the heck did you buy 6 cartons of milk?"

He replied, "They had eggs."