A Thought for a Snowy Day

Over the last few months I have been reading a series of books, The Last Lion: The Life and Times of Winston Spencer Churchill. It chronicles his life and the history from 1874 through 1965 and was written by historian and biographer William Manchester and Paul Reid. I am appreciating all that I have  learned from reading this historical account which stems from the end of the Victorian Era through World Wars I and II. I have had several occasions to think about this history as we meander through the French, German, and Swiss countryside on our travels.

We had the opportunity while we driving near Strasbourg, France to view the remnants of the Maginot Line. Had I not just read about it I would have passed by it without thought. The Maginot Line was a line of concrete fortifications, obstacles, and weapon installations built by France in the 1930s after WWW I to deter an invasion by Germany. It was constructed on the French side and it bordered Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and Luxembourg. The Maginot Line was to be impervious to most forms of attack and had underground railways, state of the art living areas for garrisoned troops and even had an air conditioning system to keep the troops comfortable for long periods of time. Post-war assessments of whether this fortification served its purpose is mixed but in its time it was quite impressive.

I am looking forward to catching up on my reading and just enjoying this snowy day. If it lets up a bit we may venture to Triberg which is known for its cuckoo clocks. If not, we are good here where it is warm and we are in good company.

Thinking of you…