Northern Ireland weather...

That’s what we had today. It rained most of the day. Kristian and I decided to go off exploring, even though the weather wasn´t that good. The kids didn´t want to go anywhere, they wanted a day at home to relax. So they got their wish.

Kristian and I were hoping that the weather would change as the day progressed and so we headed off to find the Alpine Road. The Alpine Road is a road that goes over one of the highest mountains in Austria. Even though it was raining, the clouds over the mountains were fantastic to see.

We found the Alpine Road but the weather didn´t seem to be letting up, so we decided not to drive on it. It costs about 20 pounds to drive through so we thought it would be wasted money – we wouldn’t get to see too much.

Instead we drove around different areas and found some beautiful places. The rain kept falling and in the end we gave in and went to the shopping centre. I had a ball!! I love shopping and I love visiting new shops.

It was then home to the kids. Leah and I decided to go down for a swim and a sauna. It was wonderful! It was then home to dinner and an evening of watching "Everybody loves Raymond." Leah and I watched a film on my computer and then cuddled up in bed with a book. The end to a perfect day!

Mountain climbing...

….that is what we decided to do today.

After breakfast and some food shopping (at last we have food in the fridge!) we headed out to explore some of the mountains that are close by.

It was a wonderful afternoon of walking in the mountains. It was a bit cooler here today. We awoke to rain but as the day progressed the rain disappeared. It was perfect weather for walking in the mountains as it wasn’t too warm.

After a good long walk we headed to a place called Zell am See. We had heard that there was a beautiful lake there, so off we went to explore again. It was beautiful and we sooo enjoyed being by the water. We relaxed a while there, each of us doing our own thing. Kristian spent the time taking pictures, while Leah and I read our books. Andrew played with his old game boy.

The weather started to change, so back to the car we headed and just in time. The heavens opened and it rained none stop the whole way home.

Now here I am again sitting at the bar drinking my ginger ale - not because I really want a ginger ale, but I need to buy something to be able to sit here with my computer! haha

A lazy day....

Or maybe not!!

After the long drive down here, we decided that today we would just stay at the apartment and relax. After a long lie in and some breakfast, Leah, Andrew and I were relaxed enough so decided to go exploring.

We read that there was a fitness room somewhere here in the complex, so we set out to find it….and we did, down in the parking cellar; it was in a rather spooky place!!

Anyway our day of relaxing soon turned into something else. It became our day to work out and get fit. We took turns on the bike, the row machine, running machine and with the different weights. It was soooo hot in the room and before long the sweat was pouring off us!!

We ended it all with a swim in the indoor pool. What a wonderful place to swim! The view from the pool is amazing, it looks right out unto the mountains!

Later in the day Kristian and I decided to go walk about. We had a lovely afternoon out and about, checking out the area. Then it was back to collect the kids and out to dinner. We still have no food!! The supermarkets first open in the morning…too bad we had to eat out tonight again!! haha

I´m addicted to the bar....

...and it´s not because of the drink! Here there is free internet connection!!!

We have arrived in Rauris, Austria. It is a beautiful place - the nature is amazing. We are in awe!

The journey went perfectly - for that we are sooo thankful. Kristian drove and we all slept - a perfect combination. Kristian loves driving, especially on the German motorways were there is no speed limit!!

Just around 6pm this evening we arrived at our apartments. They are lovely. You can see them in the picture below. Ours is the last building on the right.

All the supermarkets were closed by the time we arrived, so with no food left in our freezer bag, we just had to head out for dinner. (Not that I am complaining!!)

We had the most delicious food in one of the local restaurants.

Then it was off to explore the tiny village. It might be small but there was a lot of things happening. We got to hear some Austrian music playing up in the town, and to see some wild boys riding their bikes up the steep hills.

We are soooo looking forward to exploring this place!!

Cream cakes and sweat...

...it was sooo hot today!! It was up around 30 degrees....and we sure could feel it!!

It was my last day at work - before me is 4½ weeks of holiday!! Oh what bliss!!

My boss decided that we would all stop early today. If we worked hard we could be finished by 1pm and then the holiday fun could begin. So that is what we did - we worked sooooo hard and the sweat dripped of each and everyone of us!!

But we know how to have fun even when working, and so at break time we bought cream cakes. Fattening but delicious!!

Finally 1pm arrived and we were finished. Holidays were calling. We were all saying our goodbyes when my boss´s boss came in. He had brought us cream cake!!! haha So down went our bags, car keys and anything else we had in our hands. It was time to eat again!!! (It is impossible to be on a diet at that place!)

I arrived home to find Andrew and Kristian all ready for the long journey ahead. I just needed to pack a few bits and pieces and then we were off. Before us was about 1300km. We could hardly wait to get going. We picked Leah up from her cousins on the farm and then the journey headed south.

By midnight we arrived at our hotel in Kassels, Germany. We were tired but happy to be on our way!! Austria here we come.

A night with a difference...

Last night I, along with my colleagues, was invited to a night out at my boss´s house. It was a night with a difference. First, dinner was cooked over an open fire. (My boss is a real out door type and he loves to cook!) The food was delicious!

Then after dinner it was time for some fun. Since my boss is just a big kid at heart, (even though he is 54) out came his ATV . We all took turns to sit behind him while he drove like a mad man around his grounds. Those things go fast!! and my boss enjoyed driving wild and scaring the wits out of all us girls! It was hilarious!! Needless to say I didn´t scream!!! and if you believe that, you´d believe anything!! My boss was nearly deaf by the end of my turn!!

Then it was up on the trailer for a ride around his grounds. All of us sat huddled together while he drove us around. He has huge grounds (16 acres) full of Christmas trees. We were hoping to see some deer, but I think my screaming scared them away for the evening.

It was a really fun evening, with good food, great fellowship and lots of laughter. I am so blessed to work in the place that I do.

Even though I love my work and my colleagues, I love my holidays even more!! Tomorrow I stop work for 4½ weeks!!! We head off to Austria for a week and we can hardly wait. Sara is at home holding the fort. She is going on holiday later on. Her cousin is also coming to stay for a while, so there will be plenty of life about the place while we are gone!

I really shouldn´t be on this computer!! I have 101 things still to do, plus I have an early rise in the morning. Hopefully there is internet connection at the place we are staying so I can continue with my blog diary! If not, well, I will see you all in a week´s time!!