Some little houses secrets hold
As they in silence stand,
In summer's heat, or winter's cold
The charm of many a land

But some are wrapped in mystery,
Boast charm peculiar,
These houses have a legacy,
You can sense it from afar.

The little house of which I speak
I special so to me,
It's yellow and stands near a creek,
Close by an apple tree.

Frau Essigmann, - the landlady
Of ours for seven years,
Loved little cats with fervency.
But had of ghosts great fear.

Its haunted, so this lady said,-
Ghosts roam at times my house,
When with my bike I entered late,
So glad to greet my spouse.

Her house held fine antiquities,
From which some guests were barred,
Her needle pointed tapestries
Were done with skill and art.

The lady was selective she
Scanned carefully her guests,
If ignorant of artistry
That graced her walls and chests.

Ah!- needle point, with patterned seam,
Embroidered with yarns of gold,
That modern chaps fail to esteem,
Their mothers are at fault.

Across the meadow one could see
Distinctive an abode
Which housed a famous family
That sang for men and God.



They featured in a movie soon,
"The Sound of Music" called,
They practiced mornings until noon,
And hearers felt enthralled.

The movie became famous since
Von Trapps sang everywhere,
For paupers, big shots, and some prince,
Cantata, Song and Air.

But I digress,- Frau Essigmann
Loved cats above all else
And oft adorned them like the cows
With alpine little bells.

She knew all herbs, and wholesome teas,
And was the dowsers' friend,
Knew medicinal roots wherewith
Grave illnesses are banned.

And rows and rows of recipes,
Could on her shelves be found,
Of medicinal herbs and teas,
Fresh dug out from her ground

Of costly incense smelled our house,
Which Mrs. Essigmann spread well,
And wafts of it and of the cows,
Helped spooks and ghosts dispel.

Lo! with her censer to and fro
Went Mrs. Essigmann,
Who trusted Java incense so
The Poltergeists to ban.

And sprites and ghosts that roamed our house
And other spirits more,
That rivaling with lowing cows
Our crochet curtains tore.



The cows on grasses had their fill
And peacefully lowed Moo!
And then approached our window sill,
And stuck their heads right through.

Moo-moo! was heard in every room,
As they would stomping pass,
Through flower beds, in fullest bloom,
And luscious high grown grass.

Nearby the farm house carrefour,
Young tourists strolled at night
To pick up ghosts and cow manure
And free steaks large and wide.

This house does have a history,
Of which to tell I am loath,
And honoring - hush --secrecy,
I henceforth shut my mouth.



By:Elizabeth Dandy

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<********>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
"Climb every Mountain".
"Ford every Stream".
"Follow every Rainbow".
reach your glorious Dream"

Mrs. Essigmann was a savvy collector of items of art and besides a great herbalist, who knew every herb and plant and the medicinal benefits derived from each.
I myself profited greatly during our stay in this house. Learned the arts of wax mold (negative) carving, Batik (wax transparent painting) for religious banners, oh what wonders! and other arts.

God love Mrs. Essigmann!.

Photos aree lassoed together:
Top tableau right:
1.Aigen/Sazlzburg, with the property of the Trapp Singer family before their move to Vermont, USA.
2. Messrs. Essigmann's House
3. Mrs. Essigmann and her favorite cat

Top Tableau left
1. City of Salzburg
2.Garden Bower and friend

Center Tableau right
1 Johanna Herndl standing on meadow before house,
2.Spouses Herndl - summer guests from the Vienna State Opera
3. Stephen's empty Deckchair. Where is Stephen?
Center Tableau left
1. Elizabeth Dandy and her mother
2. Elizabeth Dandy with her motorbike
returning homeafter work


Bottom Tableau right
1.Interior of Aigen Church
2. Stephen & Elizabeth in Mondsee (Lake District)

Bottom Tableau left
1. Farmer's Daughter graduates
2. Friend Sissy
3. Afternoon Coffe in my brother's garden