Highline 179 Bridge - The Longest Pedestrian Suspension Bridge in the World
A few days ago I shared our day at the sight of the Highline 179 Bridge and Ehrenberg Ruins. We spent so much time walking up the mountain's path enjoying nature and a story (or four) told by me to our boys about fairies and then at the actual sight of one of the ruins there; we didn't make it across the bridge.Our second day at the sight was no less exciting and terrifying - holy cow the bridge is high and long.We spent a lot less time walking up the path which is sprinkled with signs which tell of local folklore. As you can guess I totally enjoyed that aspect of our hike. However, on our second day we didn't stop to read each sign, or even muse at how green everything was, because we were a family on a mission.That mission - was to CROSS THAT BRIDGE!I can't say I was exactly thrilled with our mission - I wasn't even sure I was going to choose to accept it when I started out... but I was a willing participant none the less.
I mentioned the wood carvings on my last post... say hello to Gandalf.
Once up the path we decided to head straight to the other ruins located on the side of one of the entrances to the bridge.
We hung out there, and let the kids run around before we decided to make the crossing.
The bridge is the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records. I'm not a fan of being up so high, like above the trees, an over big highway high - with nothing but some metal and wires keeping me in air. Nope, not a fan, not one little bit.It was awfully pretty though.
One of my hands was on the banister at all times.... like that would've saved me in the event that sucker fell. I'm hilarious!
My youngest son Evan was nervous at first, but by the middle of our wobbly walk he was fine - as for the other two, they loved it... Adrenaline junkies the lot of them.
I made it. Fear conquered!
The bridge crosses between two mountains.
You can either cross the bridge and go back the way you came, or follow another longer route down. We opted for the longer - less traveled route, and it took us another couple of hours to get back to our car.Overall it was a great day filled with adventure.If you've not yet read about our first day, please check out this link:http://www.nicoleolea.com/highline-179-bridge-ehrenberg-day-1ruins-reutte-austria/
A "Happy What-Ever Comes Next", After the Holiday Greeting
For one reason or another (mostly my busy volunteer schedule) I didn't get around to sending out a holiday "photo" greeting card. I managed a traditional no photo kind, but my family and friends back home really enjoy seeing a card with our smiling shiny happy faces on it. I figured later was better than never, and came up with this after the holiday-holiday card late last night.
From our hearts to yours, we wish you a happy, what-ever comes next!
A Walk Through Conegliano, Italy
My husband and I often go exploring neighboring towns and villages. Any town, it doesn't matter, because it's all going to be new to us. A few weeks ago, days before Christmas, we took a drive with our boys and ended up in Conegliano.I love Italy at Christmas. There is no rush. There is no bustling from big box store to electronics store in search of that "perfect gift". Christmas in Italy is a time to rejoice, to spend time with family and friends. This time of "feste" is celebrated and exemplified in each city. Pretty much every commune has some sort of holiday decorations on display; usually in the form of lights. Depending on the size, some are more extravagant, and others quaint. Some cities will also host Christmas markets, where things like baked goods and sweets, mulled wine, artesian hand crafted products, and art are sold. The size of the market, is usually small unless you head closer to the mountain areas near Austria. Conegliano is such a town with a small area where local artisans and businesses gather under tents to sell their wares. Conegliano is a lovely place to go for a walk any time of year, but it is especially lovely at the holidays.
After our walk through Conegliano, we went for dinner.
It was a good day.
Christmas 2014
12:30 a.m: Family arrived home from lovely evening with friends.12:45 a.m: Evan half-asleep attempts to make it to the bathroom, but gets nowhere. Vomits all over his bedroom floor. His father and mother clean things up. Mother has concerns the dreaded 24-hour bug that has plagued so many friends has struck. But Evan gave her hope when he said, "I feel good." With a worrying heart, the parental units put him back to bed.1:30 a.m: Commence "Operation Santa". Wrapping of gifts and general Christmas things occur in a less than Christmasy spirit.3:00 a.m: The proverbial "Witching Hour". Mother posts a very Christmasy photo to social media of tree with all Santa work complete. Parental units expect to be dreaming of sugar plums within a short period.3:05 a.m: Hopes are dashed when mother hears what can only be described as a coughing-gurgle-gag, coming from the children's place of slumber.Mother dashes in, turns on the light, and discovers a horrible sight! Poor sweet Evan, in his brand new Batman pajamas is covered in puke from brow to belly, as are his bed coverings. It's a view that would make even the most harrowing of Santa's toss his cookies.She called to her husband who was not so quietly snoring on the couch to arise and come see what was the matter!3:10 a.m: Evan is bathed and fresh smelling once more. He's dressed in his pajamas from three-Christmases past and snuggled up between his parental units and a bucket.3:25: a.m. Vomiting child.3:30 am: Child sleeps.3:35 a.m: Parents pretend to sleep.3:45 a.m: Vomiting semi-conscious child.Parents all but conscious lost grip on bucket.Sheets removed from bed.3:48 a.m. Parents actually fall asleep. One still wearing her spectacles.4:20 a.m: Vomiting child.4:30 a.m: Vomiting child.Parents fall asleep.4:45 am: Vomiting child.4:50 am: Child sleeps5:00 am: Parents sleep (sort-of).8:09 am: Elder child awakes. "Merry Christmas!"Mother explained preceding events of the night. Elder child tears up and generally freaks out over baby brother. Mother says, "Go see the presents, then go back to bed."Falls asleep.10:45 a.m: Sleeping, previously puking child awakes, seemingly "normal", asks about, "Santa".11:00 a.m: Family opens gifts.11:45 a.m: Previously puking child is given broth and crackers.Noon: Previously pretending to sleep mother prepares "French toast casserole" from recipe she scored on Pinterest.1:30 p.m: Three family members eat.1:45 p.m: Previously puking child now has other excremental issues.2:00 p.m: Mother & father sipping mimosas. Children are happy.Life is messy, but good.Merry Christmas!
Is Santa Real? I Told The Truth About Santa
It happened.My son asked."Is Santa real?"
At ten years old, I had to look into his sweet big brown eyes and tell him the truth.Except I got all teary eyed, and the words I'd planned to say when this moment finally came floated from my mind on gossamer wings. Then his brother needed a moment, he somehow managed to get himself tangled up in his soccer socks... I told my son as he sat, expectant, we had to "pause our conversation." I rushed upstairs to untangle his brother and my mind. Once he and his socks were sorted-could they possibly be any longer? My mind was still a muddled emotional mess, so I did the only thing I can do in these situations... I wrote.
Dear Michael,When we spoke earlier, you wondered why I started to cry, and it’s because I knew this day would come one day… I knew there would come a time when you’d ask about Santa, and I knew I would have to be absolutely honest with you.I was pretty sure it would happen last Christmas, and somehow it didn’t. When you asked today, it took me off guard because Christmas is still a few months off and I thought I’d have some time to prepare the perfect answer. You see, that’s the thing with being a parent, your kids often surprise you, and sometimes we need a few moments to gather our wits in order to really explain things. I know we talked, but then Evan interrupted us, and I feel I didn’t really get to explain it to you, and since I can always express my thoughts better when I write them down, I thought I should write you and explain…
Deep breath.
Here is the absolute whole truth about Santa Claus...No, Santa isn’t real, like you and me are real, but that’s because Santa doesn’t need to be real because Santa is the symbol for something great. Santa is all that Christmas is made up of, Santa is the spirit of Christmas.Over all the Christmases you’ve had, there have been many Santas in your life. Your father and I have lovingly picked out your presents, wrapped them on Christmas Eve, and filled your stockings. We’ve rang bells outside your window and made loud sounding footsteps outside your door. We’ve munched on cookies, and carrots leaving bits and crumbs on Santa's plate; so that come Christmas morning, when you’d wake, we’d get to see the wonder and excitement in your eyes and our hearts would burst with joy.We weren’t the only keepers of Christmas magic in your life; we had elves helping us too. Your aunts and uncles, grandparents, and other people who love you have all helped create Christmas magic for you. We wanted you to understand the real gift of Christmas. The magic that is Christmas, which is love, and giving from the heart. Simple moments like decorating our Christmas tree or writing Christmas letters to Santa.Michael, Santa doesn’t need to be real. He doesn’t need to be something tangible you can see. I know you're inquisitive mind has probably wondered about some of the logistics with Santa, but your imaginative side, the side that can create these awesome stories will see the importance of this secret. More importantly, I know in your heart you’ll get this. It may be hard to accept, I know it was for me when I learned the truth, but don’t let go of your belief in Santa. Keep him alive in your heart.We, your father and I, and everyone who has ever given you a gift with “From Santa” written on it believes in Santa. We believe in the love and magic Santa is made up of and we want you to continue to believe. We want you to keep Christmas in your heart too. We gave you the gift of Santa, because we knew one day you’d also get the important job of keeping the spirit of Christmas and Santa alive in the hearts of younger kids (and even some bah-hum-bug grown ups) by helping create the magic of Christmas too.Now that you know the truth, it is your job to help us keep that magic alive for your little brother and every other kid out there who isn’t yet old enough to handle this important responsibility. One day, you’ll be doing it for your own kids, and have Elves too, like we did to help keep Christmas magic alive.You are now a keeper of Christmas magic.Though this Christmas will be a little bit different for you, because you’ll be an elf too, helping keep the magic of Christmas alive for your little brother, you'll see it won't be any less magical, so please don't stop believing in the magic of Christmas my darling sweet boy. Keep it alive in your heart, hold the true spirit and meaning of Christmas which above all else is love and giving alive in your heart for all the Christmases to come, and Santa will forever be real.All my love,MommyP.S. You're probably wondering about Peppermint our Elf too...It's been tough coming up with all those mischievous things for him to get into, this Christmas I'm putting you in charge of making Elf mischief!
He was totally cool. He did get teary eyed, he said it was because, I'd never spoken to him that way... As though he "were grown up". We spoke of Jesus and how God gave us the gift of his son on Christmas. We spoke of St. Nicholas, and how the spirit of Santa was born. He's an amazing kid, and though I am a bit sad to see this part of his childhood come to an end, I know there will be more childhood lasts, and many new firsts. What an honor it will be it share them with him.I'm off to cry a little.xo Edit:Follow this link to read my post the year before... On Last Firsts & Believing in Santa
On Last Firsts & Believing in Santa
December 1st has arrived. Our last, first of the year. I'm sitting at my desk in relative quite admiring the dappled sun filter through my curtains, the click-tick song of my son's typing on the computer next to me reminds me that he is growing up. It's his first school report he's actually doing (mostly) by himself. I'm guiding him, but he's got the task of putting it all together. It's going very slow as he's easily distracted, but for the moment he's on task and I'm enjoying watching him. The way his hair is sticking out every which way, his knee bouncing up and down, I imagine is what is helping keep him in his seat, and the soft way he whispers the words as he types reminds me of years gone by, of nap times hidden under covers, and stories told by flashlight.Most of the time we don't know when our last 'firsts' occur, or when the last of our 'lasts' happen, so when we do it's important to be cognizant of them. To take notice and appreciate these mundane simple times that will all too quickly be relegated to memory.I'm trying really hard to be cognizant.For instance, I think this may be Micheal's last Christmas where he believes in Santa. He questioned me earlier about Santa, saying that in his class some kids didn't believe. I knew this conversation was coming, at nine years old, I knew there were few Christmases-if any, left where he blindly believed. He didn't come outright and ask me weather or not Santa was real, so I didn't volunteer any information; I only asked if he believed.He said he did. I'm not sure if he was humoring me, or perhaps afraid, not quite ready for the truth,not quite ready for the magic to end.I know I'm not ready for it to be over for him just yet, so I told him Santa was real for him, as long as he believed. In my response, I know a hint of the truth can be gleamed and he's a smart boy. When the time finally comes for me to "come clean" on Santa, I'll be honest. I'll tell him that Santa lives in all of us, that each Christmas people who loved him, not just his Mommy and Daddy purchased gifts for him, and gave them to him in Santa's name because that's what Christmas is about. To share love and to give from your heart. I want the excitement for the magic of Christmas to remain, for the spirit of love and giving to fill his heart and not disappointment in learning the truth about St. Nick. I may go a bit overboard in the magic department this Christmas, my baby boy is nine years old and I suspect these memories will remain with him well into adult hood. If I have one Christmas wish (aside from having my husband home) it's for him to be able to look back at his childhood Christmases and remember them as being magical times filled with wonder and joy. If this is to be his last one where the magic was real, then you better believe it will be. No matter how many times I've got to wiggle my nose, or wave my proverbial magic wand, it will be!Abracadabra-bibity-bobity-boo!
Bring on the magic!Happy December!xo,nicōleEdit:It happened. He asked. The very next year. Another milestone in our children's lives. Not my favorite, but I manged to turn it into a positive. You can read that post here: Telling Kids the Truth about Santa
Home Tour: Living Room [Halloween Edition]
Allow me to preface this post by saying, I feel dumb even including "Halloween" in the title because I have, like...5 Halloween related decor pieces that make up the sum of my ghoulish decor. I know I had more, and I'm positive it got lost somewhere crossing the Atlantic. Sadly I believe this to be the case for my Autumn decor in general as well as some of my Christmas cheer!Getting on, I began taking photographs of my living room to share with a friend, when I thought "Oh blog post!"I think it's cool to see what other spaces look like, and homes in other countries. Here is a look into my Italian living room.
This is actually a garland I made from old sheets, and a dress from Old Navy that had a stain I couldn't get out. I'm using it as a radiator cover and a nesting place for some Fall-ish things. Above that sign used to hang my collection of vintage plates. However the walls hate me and they (mostly) fell down.
I purchased this Halloween themed pennant banner at Target a few years ago. [I miss Target.] The white round table in the corner I thrifted when we lived in Virginia and painted it white. The table and chairs (and pretty much everything else in this space is via Ikea). I'll show you the tiered tray I made and the cutting board I stained in a future post as I failed to snap those details.
This console table I scored at a bargain here in Italy from another Air Force family who was PCS'g. Those grey buckets were a thrift store find from Pottery Barn Kids, originally they were pink. The starfish dish is a gift for my Mom I've not yet sent. I really love the silver candelabras with the burlap shades that have script on them. I scooped those up when I had a coupon for Hobby Lobby online.
The walls in my home are concrete a.k.a. my Kryptonite. My husband spent all day drilling the holes. I only got one chance at this arrangement and so it had to be just right. I plan on sharing how I got it so in a future post. As for the pictures they are all pretty dated 2009, right before we sold our home in Virginia. I do have to admit that it's sort of sweet to have the reminder of when my boys were teeny-tiny. I'll update a few of them. The center "eye chart" I made in about ten minutes. I used one of my favorite E.E. Cummings poems.
I love these pillows. The green ones I scored on clearance at Target [have I mentioned that I miss Target?]. The chevron pillowcases I purchased at Hobby Lobby online. I found the pillows to go inside them at a local grocery store called Coop.I am very pleased with my Ikea Ektorp sofas. They are so easy to maintain, and really don't get all that dirty, even with my bouncy boys.
This is a very SPOOKY porcelain pumpkin set on some very good books. I love using books as decorating pieces. 
My haunted house. It's filled with things that go bump in the night. I brought down a few scary stories from my library to set the mood. I figured I couldn't go wrong with Anne Rice.
This lovely vintage dresser I purchased a few months ago for $25. I painted it a lovely shade of grey. I'm still debating on the knobs. Party of me likes them just the way they are because up close they have a nice patina to them, and part of me wants to spray paint them white. For now it serving it's intended purpose as linen storage quite well.That's it for my living room and dining area. Hope you enjoyed it!xo,nicole