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Switzerland; Roads Less Traveled

By
Real Estate Agent with DFW FINE PROPERTIES 0506509

May 6, 2011

Switzerland is a setting where fairytales and romance can surely happen. As I traveled down the streets and roads less traveled, I could smell the winter barns, the ancient forest and spring flowers in full bloom. Mount Pilatus rises abruptly behind my daughter's house and nonchalantly beckons you to come walk the trails, see the countryside, breathe the fresh air and make new discoveries.  I wandered the streets and country roads, mountain passes too, listening to unfamiliar sounds and seeing sights of wonder, things of beauty that were unimaginable. Things I saw made me smile and feel warm inside even when the air was a bit chilly.

Yesterday Was But a Dream; Today I Was Awakened 

I was fascinated with the decorative woodwork and gable roofs. I imagined what it was like for someone to spend their entire summer or winter cutting wood and fitting the pieces into patterns for a house.

Inside homes like this, families raised children from generations ago. I was amazed at how well the homes were maintained and preserved.

 

This little black cat has a beautiful home and doesn't wander far away. I saw him every day. I think he enjoyed the flowers as much as I did!

 

In the meadows, I could see the fields offered sweet, little, yellow buttercups. It reminded me of my very first piano recital when I was a small child about Buttercups. The wild buttercups cast a radiant glow from my head to toes. I could dance in these fields!

This tree weathered the storms... I love how the tree trunk did not give up and now look how ornamental it grows. I think nature makes beautiful art, don't you? The Red Maple tree is simply gorgeous!

 

I sucked in as much fresh air as I could. The countryside took my breath away! Here is where I wanted to stay...

The goats, sheep and cows all have cowbells around their necks. You hear them everywhere! I loved how the hills came alive, with the sound of music!

This is the view from my daughter's balcony. From here you can see Mount Pilatus where she goes skiing and snowboarding.

This is a neighborhood I could never get tired of. There's so much to see. Magpies and barn swallows were diving but I couldn't capture a photo of them...shucks!

Flowers, flowers, everywhere there were flowers!

 

Homemade bread is sold in the square within walking distance, but a longer hike to get bread than I'm used to in Flower Mound, Texas! But it's definitely worth it!

I loved how the streets meandered. I walked for miles! Up hill; down hill... rarely a flat road. It was an incredible workout! And the panoramic views were unbelievable. I was awake!

I imagined this house had rocking chairs and many a baby was rocked to sleep. Again, I was impressed with how well people took care of their homes. I didn't see any chipped paint or homes that were in need of repair. It would be fun to sit on the porch awhile, don't you think?

Sheep and lamb were frolicking in the grass! I stayed awhile and just watched. There were new babies too!

A newborn!!!! :)

This was not an ordinary road - it was extraordinary! As my favorite poet, Henry David Thoreau would say, "It's not what you look at that matters, it's what you see."

I was fortunate to dream BIG dreams and even more thankful because I got to see my beautiful daughter and her husband and stay with them. These two weeks made up for three years, but oh, how I yearn for more. I must make memories last a lifetime. Accepting what is, is hard but to dream the impossible and live it is an opportunity to awaken, to learn, to look inside, and dream some more. Learning to make each day count and do something with passion is not easy, but Switzerland sure made it easier! For me, there was true fire in my belly every morning and I couldn't wait to spend the day wisely - these days were for me and my family. I was so lucky to be in the right place at the right time with the right people. I love my daughter and son-in-law with my whole heart and my whole soul.

All photos and written content were produced by Patricia Feager. Copyright 2011 - All Rights Reserved. This content may not be reproduced or reprinted, except for Active Rain Re-blogging, without express written permission of Patricia Feager, REALTOR®, Flower Mound, TX.

 

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dfw fine properties

PATRICIA FEAGER, REALTOR®
DFW FINE PROPERTIES
3575 LONE STAR CIRCLE SUITE 315
FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76177

Email Me
                                  

                                     

MBA (University of Dallas)
BA
(Bachelors of Arts & Science)
Paralegal (Southeastern Career Institute)
Associates (3) (College of Lake County)
KU (University of Kansas)

CERTIFICATIONS

CRS (Certified Residential Specialist)
SRES (Certified Senior Residential Specialist)
PSA (Certified Pricing Strategies; Mastering the CMA)
CRS (Certified Military Relocation Specialist)
RENE (Real Estte Negotitions Expert)

"With self-discipline most anything is possible." --- Theodore Roosevelt 

 

 

 

  

Comments(14)

Kristine Ginsberg
Elite Staging and Redesign, LLC - Short Hills, NJ
NJ Home Stager

Beautiful pictures Patricia - I wish I was there, it looks so peaceful and tranquil! A little trivia - did you know that Ralph Waldo Emerson was Henry David Thoreau's mentor, hence Waldon Pond - both literary geniuses! You shoud enter one of these amazing photos in the photo blogging contest!

May 06, 2011 06:31 PM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Kristine,

Thanks! It really was peaceful and tranquil. I wish I was back there. I know you'd enjoy it too.

I had no idea that Ralph Waldo Emerson was Henry David Thoreau's mentor. I love both of them and I read Waldon Pond frequently because it's so refreshing! Thank you for that trivia question, because I just learned something new!

Coincidentally, the post I just replied to was Williams' about the photo contest. I didn't know about it either! I have so many pictures, it will be hard to choose from, but I'll plan to submit something. However, we have so many excellent photographers on AR, such as yourself, that I don't expect to win. I will definitely enjoy seeing the professional work that will be submitted. I would hate to be the judge and/or the judges!

Thanks again Kristine, it's always a joy to hear from you.

Patricia

May 06, 2011 06:37 PM
Joshua Zargari
MJ Decorators Workshop LI staging and home decorating - Lynbrook, NY
MJ Decorators Workshop

Good morning Patricia.

I love this post...Very moving...I was there with my son...Loved every moment...

Great photos.

May 06, 2011 10:27 PM
Fernando Herboso - Associate Broker MD, & VA
Maxus Realty Group of Samson Properties - Clarksburg, MD
301-246-0001 Serving Maryland, DC and Northern VA

Wow. .

When I was in my honeymoon in Lake Luzerne . I commented to my beautiful bride. .

"Wow, . . in Switzerland. .even the trash is clean!"

May 07, 2011 12:51 AM
Rob Thomas
Prestige Homes of The Tri Cities, Inc. CALL....423-341-6954 - Bristol, TN
Bristol TN-VA & Tri Cities Agent, ABR, GRI, e-Pro

Patricia....I could look at these for hours....You must have had a great time....Thanks!
Hope you have a great day!!---Rob

May 07, 2011 02:10 AM
Tony & Darcy Cannon
Aubrey and Associates Realty - Layton, UT
The C Team

Patricia, Beautiful pictures!  My Sister went to Switzerland when my Brother in law was in the Air Force, she loved it!  I can see why with photos like these!

May 07, 2011 02:43 AM
Toni Weidman
Sailwinds Realty - Trinity, FL
20+ Years Selling Homes in New Port Richey, FL

These are beautiful, Patricia. That little black cat looks just like one I had. I love the baby sheep too; but, oh those houses. Aren't they gorgeous and don't they look like you could just break off a piece and taste them.

What a fantastic trip and I'm so happy you got to enjoy spending time with your daughter. Memories to last a lifetime.

Happy Mother's Day, my friend.

May 07, 2011 06:38 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Joshua,

I hope you get to visit it again with your son very soon. There's a certain kind of bond that forms between parent and child. Watching them grow up has it's rewards. Sharing quality time together is a necessity and a mandatory requirement - parents know this more than their kids do. Sometimes, you just have to dream BIG dreams for the both of you!

Patricia

May 07, 2011 07:44 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Fernando,

I'll be posting photos of Lake Luzerne soon. This is my 4th post. My daughter started out living in Luzerne and now lives in the canton Kriens which is a short distance and can be reached there by bicycle or hiking.

I do hope you get to go there for a second honeymoon or at least a vacation soon. You're absolutely right, it's very, very clean and I can really appreciate that too!

Patricia

May 07, 2011 07:48 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Rob,

Yes! I could look at them for hours. I find them to be very inspirational. My daughter is also a painter - talk about being in a place where inspiration never ends! Plus she's musically inclined. I'll post the Alpine Horns next.

Patricia

May 07, 2011 07:50 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Tony and Darcy,

It's a magnificent slice of Heaven on earth! There are no bad views - it simply takes your breath away in a GOOD way!

I feel confident that the two of you would love it and if it is your dream, I'll be dreaming with you.

Patricia

May 07, 2011 07:53 AM
Patricia Feager, MBA, CRS, GRI,MRP
DFW FINE PROPERTIES - Flower Mound, TX
Selling Homes Changing Lives

Toni,

Happy Mother's Day to you too, my friend! I hope it will be joyful!

Toni, this place is like a storybook that opens up before your very eyes. It's an incredible feeling to roam the land and see and hear all the beautiful things this country offers. For the first time in a very, very long time, I felt no stress. I felt tranquility, happiness, and inner peace. The animals were so loving. I'll be posting some of the best animals I encountered shortly.

That little black cat was a cutie pie! And the baby sheep - I fell in love with them! There was such a bond between me and nature. I think it's easy for anyone to feel that way.

As far as the houses go, I was really, really tempted to contact a Realtor to see if I could go inside some of those Chalets; however, the truth is, I didn't see a single For Sale or For Lease sign. Life over there is very different than here in America. Their economy seems stable and people are working, shopping and surviving. The cost of food, gas, clothing and accommodations is not cheap but there is quality everywhere. I found that the people plan their lives differently over there than here in the USA and all the products were made in Switzerland, Italy, France, Germany, Belgium, etc. I didn't see anything made in the USA or Japan, China, etc. It was an experience I'll never, ever forget.

Again, happy Mother's day and dream BIG dreams!

Patricia

May 07, 2011 08:04 AM
Gary Woltal
Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX
Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Patricia, your trip looks amazing, and not to knock our fair berg where we both are from but I always joke with people you are not in Flower Mound anymore with other parts of the world's spectacular scenery. Kind of like not in Kansas anymore Dorothy. Switzerland just looks awesome.

May 07, 2011 11:18 AM
Judith Parker
ProStead Realty - Charlotte, NC
CRS, GRI, CMRS, Charlotte, NC

Hi Patricia, your story and experience are absolutely beautiful.  Your words really hit home with me...I was awakened and you spent your time wisely.  How easy it is to just exist.  We need to live our lives.  Happy mother's day week-end.  You make your daughter proud!

May 07, 2011 01:14 PM