The Gassefäscht was on today, and this contraption was one of several fire fighting equipment on display. Possibly the oldest there, this Villigen 1879 (devices from communities around the area were also exhibited) device must have been hand-pumped, judging by the overall look and the large crank in front. I didn't realize it, but there was a hand-pumping contest later in the day. I'm sorry to have missed it.
20080531
Yesterday's example was a glass-and-concrete one, built to the current trends in housing. These blue cubes, made of wood wall elements, were built in 1994. They're actually separate buildings, and were one of the first high-density (my definition) projects on Bruggerberg. For a few more pictures, visit the architects' website: Architheke. It's the same firm that renovated the old gypsum mill I showed some months ago.
20070513
Not row houses as would be understood in British English, more like column houses. Terrassenhäuser are rather popular in these parts, as one might imagine, given the terrain. These are in Brugg, on the slope of the Bruggerberg. The place is packed with such construction. The residents do have an enviable, unblocked view.
20070513
Nigella damascena. Jungfer im Grünen. I've featured this last year, but it's such an extraordinary flower (to me) that I thought it deserved an encore.
20080525 Nikon Coolpix 950
I actually don't know the state of occupancy of this birdhouse, but it looks like it could provide good shelter.
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Yesterday's sign points along the path which is just visible beyond the overgrown meadow.
20080525
Back in the old days, the Villigen Badi was on the banks of the river Aare itself. However, in 1948 a proper (outdoor) swimming facility was built along with an area for grilling and picnicking. I shall have to go by there one day to take a photo for the blog.
20080525
The little stream that runs behind our building flows through a gully-like region that I pass over on my way to the bus or to the center of the village. I like to stand on the bridge and look at the water through the greenery.
20080524
As far as I understand, there isn't an equivalent word for kitten in German. Das Kätzchen exists, but that is literally 'small cat' and could also be used for an adult cat that's small in size. Anyway, in German-speaking Switzerland, the word Büsi is used to denote cat, rather than the high-German Katz. What we have here is an ad from the local paper which states that there are young cats from a farm to give away to good homes at the end of June. Note: I've removed the phone number for privacy reasons.
20080523 Nikon Coolpix 950
Cereal -- noun. A grain used for food, such as wheat, oats or corn. Origin early 19th century (as an adjective): from Latin cerealis, from Ceres, the name of the Roman goddess of agriculture. (Source: OED)
20080522
Some of you might remember this abode I wrote about last year (A house like this and More of a house like this). I just recently found out who the architect is, hence this follow-up post. Link:
Peter Vetsch's earth sheltered houses (in English, with some photos that might be of interest). There are even multistoried (maybe upto 3 floors) versions. I was rather disappointed to learn that instead of living in such a home himself, Vetsch built a castle.
Here's a link to coverage of one of his projects at Green Roofs: Nine Houses, Dietikon.
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The identification plate looks as though it was attached on the fly rather than as it was intended to be attached, but what do I know?
20050412 Canon PowerShot S410
Hedge bedstraw. Gallium mollugo. Wiesen-Labkraut. The roots are a source of red dye that was used to color wool and even Easter eggs.
20080517 Nikon Coolpix 950
Treasured landscapes.
Business-as-usual is no longer a viable option. Food security will deteriorate further unless leading countries can collectively mobilize to stabilize population, restrict the use of grain to produce automotive fuel, stabilize climate, stabilize water tables and aquifers, protect cropland, and conserve soils.From an article by Lester R. Brown of the Earth Policy Institute: World facing huge new challenge on food front published on April 16, 2008
Surrounded by EU countries, Switzerland isn't a member though it shares numerous bilateral treaties with the EU. There are border control posts on some highways and this is the one between Austria (Bregenz) and Switzerland (St. Margrethen).
(Zoll is toll or customs, and refers to taxes that have to paid on certain purchases made in EU countries).
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Silene dioica. Rote Lichtnelke. Associated with snakes, goblins and death.
20080512
Upstream from Villigen (in Auenstein), a family enjoying a lovely afternoon out on the river.
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'Tis the season and they're baaack! Previous post here. I think these old-timers (as the Swiss call them) will feature at the Gassefäscht I wrote about in March. I'm planning to attend and find out more about them.
20080511
Actually, the photo was taken in Romanshorn in Kanton Thurgau in eastern Switzerland (Wiki entry here), but the view is of the Bodensee (known as Lake Constance in English) with the Austrian Vorarlberg Alps in the background. The car ferry seen here connects Romanshorn to Friedrichshafen in Germany.
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Remigen is one of the neighboring villages, actually the closest to Villigen.
20080504
Not actually the same area as pictured yesterday, but this is what happens to the grass and plants when they're sufficiently grown.
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Purple deadnettle. Lamium purpureum. Purpurrote Taubnessel.
Very useful to bees.
20080504 Nikon Coolpix 950
Ribwort (Plantago something). I had posted a fall photo of this plant (I think) last year.
20080504 Nikon Coolpix 950
I apologize for the lack of originality. I'll try to do better tomorrow.
20080502
Remember the green bench from February? Here it is again, in the company of cows.
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