Where have all the mountains gone?: December to February

The first couple of pictures are from a reunion of three of my friends from school and me. We used to see each other regularly but we hadn't been able to get together all four of us for quite a while, so this was very special. Our little gathering took place in an old house pretty much in the middle of nowhere (somewhere in Southern Styria).

Here is my friend welcoming us.

This is me rushing to him.

Two of my friends' welcome hug.

The guys.

It was so great because the first snow of the year fell that night. We had a lot of fun!

My friend was hit by a snowball, which happened to all of us during that night. We can be a pretty childish bunch but we like it this way.

More proof of our childishness. This is a hot water bag zebra. I guess it was thirsty. At least my friend thought so.

Eventually we had to say good-bye again. By the way, I chose these pictures because a lot of people don't appreciate it when their pictures are all over the web and I forget who minds and who doesn't, so I played it safe.

May I introduce my niece! Well, she is a little shy but she already kicks a lot and I am really fascinated by what is going on inside my sister-in-law's belly. I couldn't stop communicating with her by touching the big belly. Sometimes there was an immediate response to my touch - I swear! She is due on April 1st - no kidding. I can't wait and there'll definitely be pictures for you guys.

I guess the grandmother-to-be enjoyed the action as well.

For my mother's birthday we went to a restaurant close to this castle (Schloss Seggau, close to Leibnitz).

My mom, sister-in-law, brother (the parents-to-be) and parts of their dog. Bad picture, I'll admit that.

Early signs of spring

I was at a rally against a right-wing party. It was great because so many people showed up to voice their resentments.

A little trip to Ruine Goesting very close to the town of Graz. It's the ruins of a castle.