#MariaEmpfängnis

Monday 8th, Mariä Empfängnis, 4.45, +1.7dg forecasting for the mountains Hochjoch-Schruns: A dusting of new snow tonight. Freeze-thaw conditions max 1°C on Wed afternoon, min -7°C on Tues night. Wind will be generally light. Altitude of 1540m. Opening delayed again. Public holiday today to celebrate Immaculate Conception , a Catholic and Austrian national holiday, celebrated every year on December 8 the Conception of Mary by her mother Anna, that takes place nine months before the actual birth of Mary. Although I hear on the radio certain supermarkets are opening from 10am, so an interesting concept of National holiday as normally Religious observance is very strict here. Yesterday was the day I nominated to put the lights up in the big trees along the wall by the road... when I found one of my big metal Father Christmas statues had been stolen overnight from by the front door I just thought stuff it, consequently the lights have not been done, but the gates have been shut..... the old stable door theory!!  Today perhaps. Looking out the window early this morning I can finally see the top of the mountain at long last.. the horrid inversion layer we have had for so many weeks has lifted. It will be a slow and steady day for this Monday, my early morning walk with my buddy then home to start the Christmas baking and planning for the things I am doing here before Christmas as I do not have much free time between now and 22nd.  Busy is good.