Continuing the Europe Spring Trip to celebrate our 50th birthdays, we left beautiful Vienna and rented a car to drive to Basel. While planning the trip, we asked good 'ole ChatGPT for the best way to get from Vienna to Basel in a few days and it suggest a route with a few stops. So we picked to stop in historic Salzburg, Austria. We had no idea what to expect. Salzburg After finding parking, we only stayed for a very short hour. We stopped at The White Horse for a late lunch and coffee and it was very good. Then, we just walked around. If I was thinking more than a tight hour visit, I might have though "hey, this is where they filmed the Sound of Music" duh we should find some of the building and even the church Maria got married in, which is a scene that is burned in my brain from childhood. But I didn't think that far ahead and I just wanted to get the lay of the land, since it was a quick trip. I can see why people take a few days exploring this mountain town. ...
One of the unintended consequences of removing that tree in our backyard is the streams of light the back part of the house is getting in the afternoons and evenings. The western-facing part of the house has been shaded for years and now it's seeing direct sun. Here's the back hallway, with the light hitting it from the laundry and bathroom windows. Amazing! And here's the kitchen dining area near the sliding doors. You can peek at the stump that will be grinded (ground?) in a few days. And maybe be the start of my fire pit! But I may have to move that plant on the table, since it's not a fan of bright, direct light its all of a sudden getting. Also, if you're ever feeling like your house isn't as pretty as the ones you see on Pinterest or Instagram, take some photos of the clean parts during good light and WOW you'll change your mind quick. My house is a disaster most of the time, but these two photos make it look like a magazine-ready space. Gorgeous! ...