Tuesday, April 28, 2020

Is your home your castle?

"Your home is your castle" is a common American phrase.  Making your house (or castle, or apartment) a comfortable home is more important when you spend more time there, as in the current Coronavirus pandemic. 

Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany
The socially isolated Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, View 1
I'm know I'm not the only person re-configuring parts of the house to accommodate newly present students, spouses, or family. It's interesting how the traffic patterns and "cozy spots" for each occupant are being created near the all important Ethernet and strong WiFi locations, TV's and PC'S (of course). I know where the students are - just follow the Ethernet cables tripping the dog.


Tegelbergbahn Cable Car in Germany
Cable car near Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany
Everyone's socially isolated coronavirus experience is different, so I'll give you a "view" of my life. Notably, so far nobody leaves the house for work or school. (Hopefully that will change soon?)


Mountain Top View at Top of Tegelbergbahn Cable Car in Germany
View at top of the Tegelbergbahn Cable Car in Germany
My days flow by without any of the structure that used to be built into a typical week.  Easter seems forever ago and yet it was only two Sundays ago.  Yet I can barely remember what I did during that time.  One exception: with 3 twenty-somethings in the house, a LOT of food has been made and eaten, at all different times, from 8am to midnight.  Frequently, I am the clean-up crew.  
(One day I ran the full dishwasher 3 times - 1st world problem, I know, but still...)

Takeaway - I want to eat out again!


Mountain Top restaurant in Germany
Mountain Top restaurant in Germany
Our family celebrated two of my 20-something's birthdays and Easter within one week.  A 21st birthday in the family house with a Zoom meeting of friends was not a college junior's fantasy birthday, but we tried to make it fun.  [I had a different tablescape for each special meal - I think I will try to show tablescapes someday, since I collect china].


Germany
Tegelbergbahn Cable Car - Germany
I run most trips for food, pharmacy, plumbing supplies, exercise and sanity, in my own little self contained bubble - my car.  My suburb in Wisconsin, USA, has no public transportation - everyone uses cars.  We don't have buses, trains, trams, subways (or cable cars) around here.


Map of Area near Neuschwanstein Castle and Tegelbergbahn Cable Car
Map of Area near Neuschwanstein Castle and Tegelbergbahn Cable Car
I read a lot, assemble puzzles, cook more creatively (because all these people want to eat all the time), and everyday I follow the news (something I never used to do). My attention span seems shorter. At night I have crazy dreams - definitely Coronavirus related. I'd like a map of the future, or failing that, I'd at least like to get out and explore. (Hopefully soon.)


Germany
Tegelbergbahn Cable Car in Germany

Our Coronavirus isolation feels both safe and precarious at the same time, and it appears we still have a long way to go.  We don't know what the  future will be like.  And yet I know neighbors are working in hospitals, grocery stores, and more, and each are facing individual struggles unique to their circumstances inside their isolated mini "castles". 

Mountain Top View from Top of Tegelbergbahn Cable Car in Germany
Another view from Top of Tegelbergbahn Cable Car
It's unlikely I'll be traveling this summer, but I have been reviewing photos from previous vacations I was able to take with two of my children in 2018 and 2019.  I'm grateful we took the opportunities when we had the chance. 



Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany View 2
With the current Coronavirus isolation, my hope is that your house feels like a castle (and NOT a dungeon!)

Once again, stay sane and healthy, 
and do what you can for others!  
Pray and support those 
affected by Coronavirus and in essential jobs.
Also, pray for the economy - 
we need to pay for our castles...

Hang in there
Hang in there!

Hang in there!



About the photos in this post: 

All the photos are ones I took during a 2018 trip to German's Neuschwanstein castle area.  

The Neuschwanstein Castle photos were taken from the Tegelbergbahn cable car.  There is a brief time when the castle is in view, and to photograph the castle I had my kids lift me up about 2 feet so my camera could shoot through a tiny window in the plastic. But the view was worth it. You will notice the two landscape shots are different - look at the lake area in relation to the castle. The cable car was moving and the view changed quickly. From the top you can't see the castle at all - it disappears behind the huge stone outcropping in the left of the castle pictures.  Harsh midday sun is rarely the best lighting for a photograph, but the mountain air delivered a nice results anyway, and I really liked the cables shining in the sun.  

On another note, talk about social isolation - Neuschwanstein Castle really has it!  We can be grateful that we know more about what causes and spreads the epidemics that have plagued Europe and the world throughout history, and we have much better medical care for those who get diseases.  Our ancestors didn't have such luxuries...


My daughter shared this inspirational music video reminding me why we need to stay isolated, so I am sharing it with you. 



------------------------------------------


If you enjoyed this post you might also like:

NY Christmas Part 4
NY Christmas Part 3
NY Christmas Part 2
NY Christmas Part 1
New York Egg Hunt
Winter Garden
Dogs of New York
Chicago Xmas

Nankoweap Granaries
Grand Canyon Ruins
GC Running Rapids
Spooky Paris Museum
Germany Castle









































I am linking up to these parties:

April Harris: Hearth and Soul Sun 10p (Entry 13 of 176.)             I was featured!

Loopyloulaura: Global-blogging (Entry 8 of 12.)
Mersad photography: Through my Lens (Entry 27 of 28.)
Our World Tues: Our World (Entry 57r of 67.)
Image-in-ing: Weekly link up (Entry 57 of 82.)

Sharon Wagner: Sharon's Souveniers (Entry 6 of 7.)
Nicholasjv: Travel Tuesday 233 (Entry 8 of 13.)

My world Thru Lens: My Corner Wed (Entry 22r of 67r.) 
Peabea: Pictorial Tuesday (Entry 6 of 10.)
Jesh studio: All Seasons Tues (Entry 31 of 31.)
Thistlekeylane: Tuesday Turn About 46 5p (s Entry 16 of 161.)
Also My Wee Abode: Tuesday Turn About (s Entry 16 of 161.)
My Random: Anything Goes 235 (s Entry 49 of 60.)

Poinsettiadr: Classy Flamingos 95 Tue (l Entry 8x of 36x.)
Lindas lunacy: Making-a-home Tue 162 (m Entry 27 of 48.)
LeCultivateur: Wonderful Wed (m Entry 26r of 199r.)
Stonecottageadventures: Tuesday with a twist 366 (l Entry 37 of 47.)
Lets Add Sprinkles: Keep in Touch Tue 4p (m Entry 18 of 58.)
Gingersnap crafts:Wow me Tue 452 7p (Entry 11x of 109x.)
Girlish Whims: Whims Tues 457 8:20p (Entry 4 of 98.)
Applestreetcottage: Party-in-your-pjs (Entry 5 of 126.)

Skyley: Skywatch Friday (Entry 4 of 71.)
Flusterbuster: Creative Muster 381 Tue (l Entry 51x of 137x.)
Chas creations: g-mas house 190 Wed 6a 4p (m Entry 69 of 99.)
French Ethereal: Share Your Style 254 Wed 6p (Entry 1 of 48.)
Imparting grace: Grace at home (Entry 20 of 111.)
Artsy mama: Artsy party 290 Th 7a (Entry 5 of 68.)

My Slices of Life: Hearts+Home Th 6a (Entry 58x of 111x.)
Pieced Pastimes.gr: Saturday Sparks 373 Th 8a (L Entry 68 of 106.)
Eclectic Red Barn: Thurs Favorite Things Th 7a (54 of 194.)
Also KatherinesCorner: Th 7a (54 of 194.)
Also Follow the yellow brick: Th 7a (Entry 54 of 194.)

Lindsays Sweetworld*: Welcome Wed (m Entry 29 of 29.)
Life beyond Kitchen: Creatively Crafty 221 Th 4p (Entry 40 of 104.)
Kathleen: Bloggers Pit Stop 219 Th 8p (L Entry 3 of 105.)
Coastal Bohemian: Funtastic Fri 278 Th 8p (i Entry 1 of 117.)
Mix and Match Mama: Whats-up Wed (Entry stories)
The Painted Hinge: Farmhouse Fri 152 (L Entry 1 of 25)
Petals pies+: Handmade Weekly 47 Fri (s Entry 45 of 85)
Firemanswife: Fri at the fire station 47 (m Entry 39 of 58)
Ohmyheartsiegirl: Friday Feature Party (s Entry 132)
Cottagemarket: A morning cup of joe (L Entry 64 of 83)
Shabby art boutique: Create-bake 417 (L Entry x)
Busy Being Jennifer: Fri Favorites 78 (m Entry 10 of 80.)
Our mini family: Our mini party 276 (s Entry x)
For the Love: A Little bit of everything Wed (h Entry x)
** Eye Love Knots: Snicker Doodle 333 Sat 5pm (m 102 of 136)
Pams Party: Dare to share (m Entry 35)
Lindsays Sweet World: Wonderful Wed (Entry 29)
Creative Mom: Craft Schooling Sunday (s Entry x?)
Finding Silver: Silver Pennies Sun 357 6a (m Entry 72)
Life+Linda: Dishing-Digging it 43 Sun 3p (l Entry 60 of 111)
3 little buttons: Dream Team Linky Sun 6am (Entry )
April Harris: Hearth and Soul Sun 10p (Entry 13 of 176.)             I was featured!

Faeries and Fauna: Waste not Wed 198 (l Entry x) 
Create with Joy: Inspire me Mon 433 (m Entry 134)
My Random: Anything Goes (Entry 36)
Good Random Fun: Good Random Mon 4a (m Entry 36 of 50.)
BNOTP: Metamorphis Monday 6a (s Entry 43x)
Uncommon Slice: Inspire Me Mon 2-4p (m Entry 76 of 90.)
* Stroll Life: Inspire Me Mon 3p (l Entry 91 of 120.)
Maria Elena: Tue at Our Home Mon 12p? (l Entry )
Loulougirls: Fabulous-party Mon 7p (l Entry )
Anitaojeda: Inspire Me Mon 4p (s Entry )
 
Magical mystical teacher: Blue Monday (Entry 11 of 11.)
Booksandmore: Picture Perfect Party Linky (Entry 18 of 21.)

384062

24 comments:

kwarkito said...

What a wonderful post with amazing pictures

Lydia C. Lee said...

Nice post (and lovely photos). It's funny about the not being able to rmember things. I've lost all track of time. I can't remember if something happened this morning or yesterday morning. I seem to 'run out' of time by the end of the day and always be rushing, but I seem to also have done very little. It's so weird....

junieper/Jesh said...

First I thought, is this Wisconsin? It looks like Switserland! Was not far off! (I am Dutch) Am glad you took that vacation with your two 20 something kids. Who would/could have predicted what would happen this spring? Do you know Jeanna (no. 15)? Also lives in Wisconsin - have a look:):)
I like when kids are in their 20ties - they still have that attachment with home. Am so thankful for moving 5 years ago from LA to the country side. I have a world of my own here, surrounded by forest trees, and in town they take whatever rules with a grain of salt.
Everyone seems to have similar problems, distracted, losing the sense of time. Happy you stopped by to talk at All Seasons about the experience of your castle! The coming months may not be so peaceful (especially not politically!), so enjoy this week! Jesh

Peabea Scribbles said...

Awesome photos. Before said where taken, I was thinking what awesome views you have during a stay at home. I'm alone since my husband died last May so it was lonely then and this made it more lonely without kid visits, but I manage. I was usually a stay at home person anyway. Stay well and have a great week. Enjoyed seeing your visit to Pictorial Tuesday.

LIfe Images by Jill said...

It certainly is a strange world we live in. I feel safe and anxious at the same time. It comes and goes. We have had beautiful weather here, it is autumn, but yet I can't enjoy it as I usually do. It is nice however to have this space to just be, no expectations. Stay safe and have a good week. And thank you for visiting my blog this week.

Veronica Lee said...

I enjoyed the beautiful photos! I miss traveling!

italiafinlandia said...

Fantastic views. I visited there many years ago, in winter.
My home is more a castle than a dungeon, for sure.
Thanks for visiting my blog!

Liz Needle said...

Thanks for sharing your wonderful photos. Our life is very quiet with few changes, but it will be good tosee my family again. Let's hope this madness is over soon.

Sallie (FullTime-Life) said...

I enjoyed this post. Interposting (is that a word?) your travel memories with today’s current life update is a great idea ... memories are one way I have to keep calm.... pictures help jog the memories and yours are beautiful. I feel for you doing all that cooking and your family is lucky! It’s been a long while since we had four twenty-somethings (although all four weren’t at home at once by that stage.). For that, I would have to go back to four active teens and holy heavens I’m glad we didn’t have a lockdown in place during those years! (Our four straddle 50s/early 60s now with their own 20s and 30s and grandchildren in some cases!.... it really *has* been a loooong time ago!). .... Stay well and do continue to be careful out there ... I don’t think this is really over yet. .

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

Such wonderful photos of the Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany--it is definitely on my bucket list to see someday in the future. The entire area looks spectacular. I've ridden many ski gondolas her in Colorado but they are not as steep as the one you traveled on there, and I do understand pointing a camera through the hole in the plastic ;)

This virus has us homebound, and even though Colorado is easing some restrictions we will continue to stay home as we are seniors and feel we are at risk. I have to admit some anxiety about how contagious this virus is and all its unknowns. I don't mind cooking and I live in a beautiful place with empty trails so staying home has been fine.



Mandy said...

Beautiful images of Neuschwanstein!

I know it can be hard staying in during the coronavirus but thank you for doing so and preventing others from getting sick. I also understand how days can meld together and become forgettable. At the same time, I know you are creating memories and connection with your children and that is beautiful. :)

With Love,
Mandy

betty-NZ said...

Being 'retired' and not really a 'people person' my life hasn't changed much at all in the lockdown but I feel sorry for those that are used to having people around.
Your lovely castle is one of my few bucket list entries.

Thanks for taking part at 'My Corner of the World' this week! It's good to see you.

Joanne said...

Very pretty pictures! Our dishwasher runs a minimum of 2 loads a day and if I'm baking then it's definitely 3. My husband is still heading off to work each day and since my boys have been home with me for years we don't feel much different in our routines that way but there is always those thoughts hanging around the back of our head about what is going on, how long this will last, and what the world will be like on the other side. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Encouraging Hearts and Home. Pinned

Lydia C. Lee said...

And again for #StayClassymama because those castle pics make me smile!

Linda S said...

These are unusual times, aren't they?
I love your illustration of our house/home/castle. I especially love the photos - I visited Neuschwanstein when I was in high school. It made quite an impression on me!
My family has been looking at old photographs as well, during these stay at home days.

Suchot - The Curious Frugal said...

Love this post, especially "it feels both safe and precarious at the same time" - YES! <3 Lovely photos.

aspiritofsimplicity said...

Beautiful pictures. Stay safe.

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

First your photos are Ah! Mazing!! and second ! I am totally with you - my college agers have come home and the food! and the dishes!!! I get you - and feel your pain! I sure hope you do get to travel again soon - what amazing places you go!!

Tea With Jennifer said...

Great post!I love the beautiful scenery! It's just hubby & I in our little castle but it's safe, warm & comfy in this crazy of times!

You're most welcome to join me in a cuppa at Tea With Jennifer,
Jennifer

loopyloulaura said...

Gorgeous photos! I completely agree that being in lockdown feels both safe and precarious, and we need to value the important things in life. Thanks for linking up with #stayclassymama

Amrita said...

You know what,that's the very reason I can stay calm,somewhat in this crazy.I read this book, Love the home you have and it was so inspiring that I had decided that I will try be happy wherever I live.Great post .#BloggersPitstop

karen reekie said...

I am a home body so like being at home, and this time has been mostly cathartic for me, but it does feel strange doesn't it, that we are "having to" and we don't know how long for.
Your photos are gorgeous! #stayclassymama

Sharon Wagner said...

OMG! I have to put that German castle on my bucket list.

April J Harris said...

I so appreciate you sharing this little glimpse into your life, Jeanne, as well as the wonderful photographs of your holiday. It's lovely to know how others are coping with these challenging times, I think it gives us all courage! Thank you for sharing this post with the Hearth and Soul Link Party. I'm featuring it at the party later today. Take care and stay well.