Simple Pleasures

 

Last week was very productive and - challenging weather apart - included the annual Salzburg Festival weekend with Mum, but also unexpectedly turbulent, with yet another death, very close by, this time only geographically, not closeness-of-relation-wise at least, but needless to say it brought back memories I had hoped to push a little farther back in my mind. So, for now, just sharing a little pleasure/obsession of Highflyer and mine: frozen (seedless) grapes. Best. Thing. Ever. It took being influenced by, well,...influencers to discover the most addictive healthy summer snack ever. If you haven't tried it: run!

Eulogy

 

Last Thursday was my Dad's funeral. Even though I had already delivered 3 eulogies before (more than a decade ago), this one was special, because even though I also had a special bond with the other people, in particular my two grandmothers at whose funeral I spoke, it's another level of closeness you feel with your parents, in particular as an only child.

knew that I wanted to do "my thing" again: a) speak without any notes and b) giving the sad occasion a positive spin and encouraging people to remember positive things about the deceased. I won't lie, it was one of the proudest moments of my life and all the positive feedback I got (from Highflyer telling me he was so proud of me and Mum confirming it was a beautiful speech that Dad would have loved, to one of Mum's friends telling me it brought tears to hear eyes and another one thanking me for allowing everyone to leave on such a positive note, to several people telling me they were in awe as they could never speak at their loved one's funeral themselves) was the most valuable and precious I ever received for any challenge I have mastered so far. Despite it being a sad occasion, it was a heart-warming farewell and I am very much at peace due to my part in it.

Grown Up

 

Last week I transferred the money for a piece of real estate (nope, not quite as grand as the one in the picture) that Highflyer and I decided to buy together more than half a year ago. It was an absolute bargain and great investment and we are planning to rent it out after renovations (it's in very good shape, though). While I had not planned to buy a house, it didn't take much convincing as it was clear that it would be stupid to pass on this opportunity if we can afford it without taking out a loan. Even though I own my flat in Vienna, I did not buy it myself, but - spoilt single child - my parents did, so at the tender age of 53 this is the first property I bought myself. Thanks to its comparatively fair and affordable housing market in the East of Austria at least there is no pressure to "get a step on the property ladder" and throw yourself into debt the minute you get your first pay-check, so it is not uncommon to just rent. In any case it felt wildly grown up to casually transfer a six-digit amount.

The (Un)Kindness of Strangers

 

In the days following my fathers death, my mother and I were overwhelmed by so many lovely words and gestures by friends and family alike. I was particularly impressed by my parents' neighbours, whom I barely know myself, who dropped by with cards and gifts. On the other end of the spectrum: a troll who replied to my ad on behalf of my mother (for fortifying drinks that had been delivered in large quantity for my dad, but were not needed/consumed any more) in a way that made me gasp. And block them immediately. I had googled the price of said drinks and made what I thought was a fair bundle price (that I would only be the basis for negotiation anyway as people there like to haggle), but instead of ignoring it because they considered it overpriced, that person wrote to ask me if I was out of my mind and (as I had mentioned that the drinks had just been delivered, but the recipient had died shortly thereafter) made a point of remarking that the deceased had probably received everything free of charge by his insurance so it was even more ridiculous on my behalf. It made me realise how public figures must feel every single day when people feel obliged to leave nasty comments on their posts rather than swiping/clicking on and not saying anything.