When I left you last, I believe we'd been discussing my award-winning ("Debbie-Downer-Most-Depressing-Post-of-the-Year, 2009") tale of innocent duck death, entitled..."And He Shall Quack No More."
It was a blow, I won't lie. That mallard's death resulted in the loss of exactly 1/3 of my closest village friends. Recovery takes time. One doesn't suddenly strike up a new friendship with a local stork, for example. It's not a matter of replacing one fowl with another. There is a period of mourning one must work through.
Over the last few days, with Frau Müller's help, I've felt stronger, (heavier?) and ready to move on (lumber on?). Thank you for your kind words of comfort. I read them and felt heartened, as I stuffed my face with flaky pastries and crumbly streusels...eating away my pain, bite by bite.
Today I'm hoping to make up for my sombre tale of fowl death, by sharing a very happy experience from last evening, when Mr. Lush and I celebrated our 15 year wedding anniversary at a nearby Gasthaus.
This Gasthaus is located in the apse of an old church, set up on the top of a very high hill, in a village about 10 minutes drive away.
When we arrived, we made our way over to a small wooden table by ourselves.
Sitting under the shady trees sipping our drinks, we could look out and see the most lovely of views. The tiny villages below seemed to nestle comfortably into the hills. The late evening sun blanketed the land with a gorgeous orangey-pink light. It was Germany for lovers. (Insert Nat King Cole's "Unforgettable," followed closely by Salt-n-Peppa's always- appropriate-for-every-occasion: "Push It."*)
Next to the church, on a rocky outcropping, were the ruins of an old castle. Naturally. It's Germany, for gods-sake--everywhere you turn are the ruins of old castles. This one reminded me of a Renaissance painting I've seen somewhere before.
After our meal, we walked up to the castle, and found we were the only ones there to watch the sunset.
A stone marker, set among the ruins, explained the castle's significance and probably a lot of other interesting stuff--none of which we could understand. (I've decided from my deciphering that this was the castle of the mighty Queen Chlodwig, supreme ruler of pastries and beer--royal friend and protector to all water fowl. This may or may not be right.)
The views from the castle were stunning.
As I looked out at all the beauty surrounding us, I imagined for a moment that I was a ruling despot, with an iron fist--an evil tyrant of sorts--wielding an oppressive power over my kingdom and all its inhabitants--in a heartless, cruel fashion--spreading terrible suffering and abuse across the land. Feeling slightly giddy, I smiled. What fun it would've been to be alive back in "ye olden days."
I think I would've made a good ruler.
Eurolush the Terrible.
*I know I need to come up with a new go-to song, but damn--it's not easy finding something better than old-school Salt-n-Peppa, y'all.
It is OBSCENE just how gorgeous the environment you live in is. OBSCENE.
Posted by: kim at allconsuming | June 12, 2009 at 04:30 PM
You live in such a gorgeous part of Germany. I grew up not far from there and still love visiting every time I come back to Germany. It's just so dang picturesque...and romantic! Love all your photos and was sorry to hear about your mallard friend. Glad that Germany's legendary pastries are able to help! :) Silke
P.S. Queen Chlodwig is actually King Chlodwig, but I am sure everything else is just as you said...;)
Posted by: Silke | June 12, 2009 at 04:52 PM
Oh! Yay! Happy anniversary to you and Mr. Lush!
I am singing Prince's "Darling Nikki" while wearing a pleather corset and holding a whip. I don't think I have to tell you why.
Posted by: Badger | June 12, 2009 at 05:16 PM
Happy anniversary! Given where you live, if you were not a photographer when you arrived, you had to become one posthaste. It is frickin' beautiful.
Posted by: kmkat | June 12, 2009 at 06:45 PM
Happy Anniversary to you & Mr. Lush.
My go-to, always appropriate song? Baby Got Back.
Posted by: Tuli | June 12, 2009 at 08:45 PM
I just noticed the summer clothing you're styling in the last photo, don't you love wearing scarves in June? I'm back in the flannel pjs here in Prague.
Posted by: julia@kolo | June 12, 2009 at 10:48 PM
Lovely pictures!!
(^v^)
Posted by: Zime | June 13, 2009 at 12:28 AM
Happy Anniversary! Now if only Teddington were so beautiful... K x
Posted by: kristina | June 13, 2009 at 01:58 AM
I want to be your court jester, entertaining you after you return from your cruel and violent battles. I want a patchwork cap, with a bell, and a raggedy old horse.
Happy anniversary!!!!!
Posted by: Eleanor | June 13, 2009 at 02:29 AM
I visit your blog. I laugh, I cry. Okay, I don't actually cry, but I did feel bad about the duck.
So far, the pastries don't seem to have done you any harm. Unless that coat is hiding some serious pudge.
Happy anniversary, you sweet young thing. 15 years! You newly-weds are so cute.
Posted by: Miz S | June 13, 2009 at 12:00 PM
Mr Coffee and I are in awe of your going for a meal and then WALKING UP A HILL.
Posted by: The Coffee Lady | June 13, 2009 at 10:33 PM
'fess up...the meal and the view from the top of the hill were on separate occasions...am I right or am I right?
Posted by: Alice C | June 15, 2009 at 11:06 PM
This is outrageously late but Happy Anniversary Mr and Mrs Lush.
And I agree. Keep up the pastry eating. It seems to keep you slim.
Posted by: mary | June 16, 2009 at 02:06 PM
Happy Anniverasry, Queen Chlodwig, long may you rule.
Posted by: fifi | June 16, 2009 at 09:24 PM
Howdy. Hope your summer is going well and that you and Beth are up to tons of sisterly no-good.
Posted by: Tuli | August 10, 2009 at 06:47 PM
Oh, Tuli, if you only knew...
Posted by: Beth | August 14, 2009 at 03:57 AM
Hi Eurolush! And chance of a post entitled Happiness in Atlanta?
Posted by: Amelia | August 20, 2009 at 06:05 AM