On this fourth Sunday of Advent, I can still see the sun shining on the very top of the mountain. The shade is coming quickly in these dark days before Christmas. At the beginning of the afternoon the sun slides behind the mountains and only gives its warm light to the highest peaks around us. I write the 'Fourth Sunday of Advent' because in Austria it has a strong meaning. The Advent period starts four weeks before Christmas, which means that the Christians look forward to Christmas (Heiligenabend December 24) during this period. We wish each other a happy first, second, third and fourth Sunday of Advent. A candle is often lit on each Advent Sunday as a symbol of this approach to Christmas, the festival of lights. And we certainly have light! With the lights along the house, little deer on the balcony and stars along the windows, we illuminate almost the entire neighborhood. It looks wonderfully atmospheric around us. The light in the darkness gives hope for a more positive time and confidence in a happy future. The renovation is nearing completion for the first phase, the photos of the rooms will be taken next week and placed on the website. We will have to work hard to make our dream come true in this time, but we feel strengthened by the many reactions, not only from family and friends, but also from the inhabitants of our beautiful village of Obervellach and the small network that we now have built here. People are happy that there will soon be some commotion in the village and that there will be another place where a coffee or wine can be drunk. This week we open the Stube to gain fame and of course income. After all, the chimney must smoke. The past few months have been intensive with our search through Austrian regulations, customs and habits. And we are not there yet because many matters still have to be settled. But we adapt to the natural relaxation and tranquility in this country. Life is beautiful and there is always a new day. After these two very busy months, we are now more than ready! We wish all our loved ones a homely Christmas and a healthy and hopeful 2022!
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