Reflections

Time to empty my cache of thoughts that surfaced today. Love the opportunity this blog gives me to clear my head.

Good morning.

I've just finished my breakfast and have also read the paper. These past days the papers have been full of  'warnings' from coaches and psychology experts about how to 'cope with Christmas arguments' at dinner tables and the 'mean mother in law' scary stories. So depressing really. Warnings about which topics to avoid at all cost. Thoughts on how to handle the 'politically incorrect' uncles ( and aunts) who drag nieces and nephews onto their laps etc etc.

Then on the other side of the coin. The 'things' that will make you super happy. What you needed to purchase for gifts, food items etc. Not to mention the advertisements for a 'Seasonal' holiday away'. This morning an article caught my eye. The internet sales site ( Marktplaats) is now reportedly crammed full of those 'much needed for you to be happy' Christmas gifts.

Now the Christmas part of this festive season has passed, the pages are now filled and focussed on 'Flash backs'. How well or how large the succeses and failures were these past 12 months. The people who achieved greatness but with extra verver on those who fell from grace.

It is round this time of year I feel like cancelling the newspaper. Don't get me wrong, the subjects I mentioned don't get a lot of my time, in fact more at a glance, but I cannot imagine why reporters want to infuse the readers with all this drab and negative stuff in a season when we as humans try to re-focus on the goodwill in people, of life in general, in gratitude and love for one and other. Or else why celebrate Christmas at all?

It appears that there was a newspaper, some time back, which would only print and proclaim good news. Positive articles about progress, new initiatives and succes stories. The idea behind it was to bring a balance to the negativity in the Daily paper 'we' the people devoured before or with our breakfast allowing it to influence our day. Generally with negative results. I believe it had to stop due to low distribution numbers and high costs. How come we shun Good News?

So that's my paper reflection this morning. Now I'll do a bout of 'reporting' myself.

Pre-Christmas time. Having invited our single neighbour to join my husband, my brother in law and me at the dinner table. Devouring recipe books and YouTube videos for that which may end up on our table. Managing in the nick of time to get some Christmas cards in the postbox. The tree decorated. I struggled this year more than most years. I miss my children with much more intensity at these special times. It took a dosis of down to earth thinking and encouragement to shed those sad thoughts. I decided too that I didn't NEED that new dress or sparkly top for that one special day. Went grocery shopping during the quieter hours. This didn't go quite as planned as we had a 'car breakdown' situation and it took 7 days to get a lease car, according to the garage proprietor  due to the 'Mad Season'.

Now this isn't a recipe for everyone's Christmas routine. I am just reflecting on how I managed to 'cope' with all this Christmas stress which the 'experts' tell us we are going to experience. Such a pity. I am not blind to the darker side of humanity. I DO know that there are tensions, disasters, great sadness and tragedies and they seem to escalate at certain times of the year. A wee tiny voice in my head does say however, that there maybe is a connection between all that negative reporting almost giving off a signal saying, " if you are going to be unhappy, derail or cause mayhem, now is the time because we expect you to not cope." People with the depth of problems need help ALL YEAR round, not just at the end of a, for them possibly, hardest year ever.

So, that's my bit for today. We need not stress anymore till next Christmas Season. Well that's a relief. I'm looking forward to the newness of each day whether it is 29 December or 4th January or even 19 April. For me, each day is the first day of a New Year. I'll no doubt toast right on 00:01 2019, as that moment too is worth highlighting. Bring it on.

HAPPY 2019 EVERYONE. 

YOU ALL DESERVE IT!

New challenges - another adventurous year about to start.

Well, for one thing, my blog writing will take an upward trend. I've promised myself more private time. Time to do 'my own' stuff. One of my challenges this coming year is to learn to keep my 'to do' list manageable. I'm quite flexible which also means impulsive at times. When I hear of a task or know someone is in need- and I have a free calendar, I offer my time. Gladly and willingly- for sure, but it definitely encroaches on 'my' time. BALANCE - my favourite word for 2019.

The first step was to become a member of the AMAC ( Apple) club. A computer component offered through the AMAC store. Every week this year I have the opportunity to have 30 minutes one on one training. There is so much I don't know. So many shortcuts, privileges and innovative assets to the computer system I am not familiar with. My first appointment is on the 3rd of January. Good start.

In February 2018 I started my YouTube channel. Now, don't get all excited, it doesn't have a HUGE following/subscribers, but fun all the same. I did manage to reach 49 subscribers when YouTube analytics decided two of the subscribers were 'fake'. So my goal ( if I ever had one) to reach 50 before the end of the year hasn't been achieved.

So far I've managed to post 61 posts to date. It has been one heck of a learning curve, daring to watch myself on screen and look into the lens. Quite scary. Even at 65 one has to overcome the stage- fright/nerves to cross that threshold. I'm no expert, but aim to improve my skills as time goes on. The reason initially was, to share my Australian grandson's activities while he was here with me in Nederland. A nice way to share the moments in motion. I carried on to capture the essence of my holiday in Wales with my girlfriend Annette from New Zealand. It occurred to me, my grandchildren are getting older, as am I, and as they live half a world away, maybe it was a good medium to use to allow them to get an insight into my life. So, this 'OmaFarAway' is taking up the continuing challenge- to improve on her videoing skills.

As I wrote previously, this has been a funny year. The first half with amazingly wonderful stuff, and the second half not to be repeated please. I'm still having therapy for my hand. I've been 'hit' by Post Operative Dystrophy ( it has a new name apparently)   and my left hand is not what it should be. Onward I say, onward and upward to better things in 2019. I won't let it get me down ( it did for a while I must say) and will conquer this beastie thing.

My biggest event in my diary for 2019 is my trip Down Under to visit my children, grandchildren, family and friends. I've allowed myself 2 months for this, hoping I'll not shortchange anyone. It's always a gamble trying to get the planning and timing right.

So, 2018 will go down in my history as having posted the least amount of blogs this year. It won't get worse than this. Time to reset my planner and claim what I need. In writing and cooking ( my next biggest hobby) I find rest and peace within myself Not to mention gratification.

Wishing everyone Peace and Joy both now and in the future.

~ Live ~

 ~~ Love ~~

~~~ Laugh ~~~

~~~~ L O T S ! ! ~~~~

Life's ups and downs

As exciting and uplifting as the first part of 2018 has been- so eventful and worrying it continues.

I do however have good news about my hand - I can drive the car again. I'm not out the woods yet, but at a snail's pace, I have had some improvements happen.

For others near and dear to me, there were however some more unfortunate occurrences which have also impacted on me and my activities.

My adopted mother in law had a nasty fall. At 88 any fall is nasty and this one was no exception. The bone high up just below the hip joint broke in a most nasty fashion. All jagged and deep. Ambulance, hospital and surgery was necessary for her to be able to now work on rehabilitation and hopefully a return to the independent lifestyle she is accustomed to living. Thankfully my left hand is not a deterrent to being helpful in her time of need. Lovingly I take care of some of the needs she has, along with her son. He lives quite a distance away- so the on the spot stuff I take care of as soon as the needs arise.

Meanwhile I am also working hard on the rehab of my hand. Slowly but surely things are looking more positive. I'm wearing a pressure 'sleeve' and that has helped enormously to reduce the 'burning stinging nettle' feeling I was experiencing. I can bend my fingers a wee bit more- making an arch. All looking promising I have to say.

Last Wednesday was another shocker. My brother in law had a heart attack at work. I'm still trying to get my head round it. Due to the immediate and most effective actions of one of his colleagues, he received the right treatment and was whisked of to hospital with flashing lights and screaming sirens. Straight to surgery and an immediate placing of a shunt saved his life. Such a dramatic event cause lots of emotional backlash...! We are ever sooooooo thankful at the outcome. He is now home and recuperating. It'll be months before he can return to work- but thankfully he lived to tell the tale.

It has been a rollercoaster year all in all. Hoping our last few months of 2018 are a wee bit more relaxing and stress free.

Each and every day is a gift- the unexpected is always around the corner. I'm thankful for every sunrise - and try to live life to the full. The experiences shape me and always will. The thing is to learn from everything that comes on my path. And as long as I keep my experiences in perspective - and know when to laugh and when to cry- I'll be just fine.

Signing off now as I am due at the physiotherapist shortly.

If you want to know how I got on at physiotherapy- Click on this link

Friendships and an energy boost

I am going to boast, again, about our weather. It's October, in the northern hemisphere that means Autumn. Our temperatures range from 16 to 25 degrees and loads of sunshine with little wind. Some of my friends had already banned their summery cloths to the back of the wardrobe, with the idee that they wouldn't be needed again for 6 months.


Last Friday we, a group of 8 friends, embarked on our annual weekend away. We have been doing this for 12 years now, with a turn about couple arranging the place and activities to keep us occupied from Friday afternoon to Sunday evening. This year we strayed from our usual timeframe of early July to early October. Keeping our fingers crossed for good weather. Well, mother nature obliged. We had sun all weekend and temperatures of 24 and 22 respectively with Sunday being slightly cooler at 18. No complaints here I can tell you.


We travel in pairs. As friends Harry and Hinriette wanted to take their bikes, we traveled with them. All 4 of us had no work commitments for the Friday so off we went after coffee and a relaxed start to the day. Our destination was Nunspeet in the province Gelderland. Very green, slightly undulating due to the ever present sandy underground, which for century has altered it's shape after heavy storms and windy weather patterns. You can read more about it on Chris Booth's Website. Chris, a New Zealand sculptor is responsible for a beautiful creation depicting the area's identity.

On our way we stopped off at a lovely wee 'Inn' called 't Hilletje in Kootwijk, where we enjoyed lunch while sitting outside reveling in the sunshine. As we went on our merry way we also took in the sights at a Sculpture Park. Items of wood, stone, bronze and sand in numerous shapes and forms greeted us there. We were most impressed and pleasantly surprised. Had no idea such a beautiful park was relatively close to home ( about an hour's drive).

Towards the end of the afternoon we arrived at the hotel. We walked, biked ( well I stayed back at the hotel as I still can't use my hand so couldn't steer the bike), ate, drank, laughed, chatted, discussed, agreed and disagreed, slept, and enjoyed just being together. On the Sunday we left the hotel and spent a short time in Apeldoorn, this to kill some time before our organised tasting and tour of the local beer brewery, De Schavuit.

We love playing tourist in our own country. One doesn't have to go far to have a great break away and learn more about one's homeland. And how wonderful to do that with friends.

After the recent 10 weeks of laying low and being hampered after my hand surgery, this boost to my morale and the effects of the laughter was an energising tonic much needed and gratefully received.

Click here for the link to my videos

I'm going to work on the video of this great weekend adventure. This is a very appropriate activity as I recall and relive some of these precious moments. By committing this weekend to video I am also able to share my fun time with family and friends highlighting Nederland and it's scenery to boot. The next couple of days wil see me splicing, editing and adding sound to my still somewhat amateur skills as a movie maker. Never too old to learn.

My Autumn leaves

Officially, it's autumn. And if I look at the barometer, it confirms this seasonal turnaround. The sun is out, quite bright too, though the temperature won't reach more than 15 today. I'm protected from any chills by the double glazing. Not venturing outside today, except for Wednesday this of week. The furtherest I stepped outside was our balcony. I have a heavy cold. Most unusual and unexpected. Wednesday was a 'had to' step out as I had a physio appointment followed by a new coating on my nails. They have also taken on a more autumn look.

Funny really, I don't get colds much at all. I recall having one when I was in New Zealand last in april/may 2017 - again in an autumn season. Messed up my intended Easter activities there. Was more a bronchial attack. My daughter looked after me extremely well and pampered me which made my recovery all the more pleasant. This episode totally took me by surprise. Never mind, it's only temporary so no big deal. Just limiting in what I can and want do. Like today. It is 13:23 on a Saturday afternoon and I am still as snug as a bug in a rug wearing my warm comfy dressing gown. When I've posted this I'll jump under the shower and wrap myself up warm in comfy 'indoor' regalia. I would have preferred to have gone to the local market for some fresh fish and the enjoyable hustle and bustle.

We have a most enthralling view from our apartment. Looking down a river on which pleasure craft glide past, the local rowing club practice their skills and the bridge in a distance which allows the traffic to cross the watery divide. On both sides plenty of trees which house numerous birdlife, a path for pedestrians to enjoy the ambiance of the river and a setting sun presenting us with breathtaking view most evenings. A delight to live on this lovely spot.

With the falling temperatures, and the results of a long hot summer, most trees are in the process of shedding their leaves. The deep colour green has now faded to a paler version. There isn't much orange or yellow yet but that won't be long in coming. Each morning a new palet of colour greets me as I step outside for my early morning breath of fresh air. Invigorating!

Sometimes I too feel like those leaves. I try to make the most of what the day brings. As a person I am very optimistic with the added dosage of realism. Lately though, I have let my negativeness get the better of me. The struggle to regain the use of my hand after surgery got me down. My body didn't change to autumn but dropped into the unfathomable darkness of winter.

Now that I have reset my button, re-gained my composure and will to improve... I've arrived back into colourful and vibrant Autumn where the leaves ( = my disappointments),  which have had their moment of sadness, are being shed, falling off me in a breeze of renewal. I have literally turned over a new leaf.

When I look out my windows during the winter months, I visualise the leaves back on the trees in all their glory. I imagine the sun's rays on the raindrops and the return of the birdlife in spring. My turn around has me imagining the re-use of my hand, the new strength I'm given after the surgery and am making plans for the stacked up chores I've been 'saving' till I am 100% fit again.

Seasons are wonderful for giving new perspectives on life, bringing other experiences, challenges and possibilities. And in my lifetime I've experienced many seasons and gained lots of experiences and triumphs. I'm up for the challenges, looking forward to new experiences and will revel in my triumph.

Carpe Diem! Not just today but every day!

Life's timeline.

It is September. Time for me to hand in the articles for our quarterly newsletter for our Nature Guide Organisation. My husband and I are members of the VvHB ( Vereniging Vrijwiligers Hollands Biesbosch). A volunteer organisation which supplies the wo/man power to accompany school groups or other interested people who come visit our National Park. Every 3 months we publish a newsletter for members to keep them updated with happenings and events. I have been a contributor for about 15 years now taking responsibility for 'our' wee groep of fanatics in a special part of the park. This issue was a bit harder to write as I had to add an extra item, that of a memoriam of one of our members.

I have just sent the mailings to the editors. Feel a bit drained - but also quite honoured that this task was mine to fulfill. It was also my privilege to speak at his farewell. We lost a friend and the loss is still raw.

While writing this I received a phone call from another member of the club. He was due to attend a small gathering here at our home to evaluate an outing we went on to celebrate 25 years of our organisation. He apologised he can't make it. His 50 year old son has been diagnosed terminally ill. Appears the illness has been present long before it was discovered. TRAGIC!

The past hour or so has made me aware once again of the preciousness of time. Time we cannot fathom or measure.

R I P Frans

If I look back on the past 18 months, the time when our friend informed us of his ill health, I can but only be in awe of his endeavour to enjoy every last breath he had left to take. The practical as well as the emotional issues he addressed. The intense enjoyment of the daily chores, visits of friends, the attention he gave to those near and dear. Impressive. Not mushy and over the top, but with love, respect and sincerity.

Do I make the most of my moments in time? There is no guarantee I'll have another 25 years of good health. I don't think I am being maudlin or depressive. Just REAL. The reality is, none of us have an exact timeline. None of us have a set number of years in which we can 'do' all that we wish or need to do.

Friday just past saw a tragic accident happen here in the Netherlands. Four children between the ages of 4 and 11 were killed in a most tragic accident involving a train and a transport vehicle carrying these children to their school. The person in control of the vehicle and another child are in hospital fighting for their lives. Now there are many tragic things happening in the world I know. This one, so close to home, just highlights again, how many people are plummeted into grief, pain and despair when they loose someone they love. Such short lived lives. So 'unfinished' one thinks.

Autumn has hit the country. It is wet, dreary and bit chilly. Our summer clothes can be tucked far away deep into the closet. We are entering another change in seasons. Today my husband, his brother and two friends have 'escaped' from home and are on their way to Newcastle for a short stopover. Two dear Scottish sisters spent a week here in Nederland and are winging their way back to Edinburgh as I type. We had such a lovely time together. My grand/ children are asleep Down Under. All is well in my world right now. I'm grateful for this like you wouldn't believe.

Today I just want to revel in the thankfulness of my blessings. Having completed my obligations I am now going to reflect on my next adventure in life- and enjoy it with all my being. My new commitment to making short videos to leave to my grand/children and others on YouTube need updating.  I'm going to celebrate life to the fullest- even when the going gets tough. I won't get to do a re-run! This is my only chance and I'm giving it my best shot.

Live, love laugh!

I see this saying, or collection of words on many coasters, wall plaques and even on bed linnen. Many many year sago I had it on my mirror in the bathroom. In the period I was a single woman, starting my new life alone, back in the country of my birth after a 30 year absence.

I had been advised to surround myself with positive messages, images and people to help me pick up my life and feel good about myself. Something I had a lot of trouble with. After 28 years of marriage and raising 3 children, in my mind, I had failed. Failed at motherhood, at marriage at being a daughter. It took some doing to pick myself up and be active in creating a new life, finding my feet and enjoying all life has to offer. The road bent to the left and right, had highs and lows, challenges and successes. The journey isn't over yet, but my word have I come along way. I have to pay tribute to those who stood by me, held my hand, cuddled, advised and comforted me. I certainly didn't do this on my own. And yes, it may sound blasé, but my stronghold was and is my faith.

Why write about this today? Well, maybe as I look out my window, as I read the paper, message with friends and see photos of my lovely grandchildren, I realise once again how lucky, blessed, fortunate and extremely loved I actually am. Everyday there is more than just 'something' to be grateful for.

My life now is such a contrast to 18 years ago when I returned 'home' to Nederland. I spent 11 years teaching, I've met wonderful people, made life long friends, found a new love, am comforted to know my children and grandchildren are doing well, am on good terms with their father, can smile, laugh and enjoy the challenges and blessings which litter my path. And sometimes, it is just important to stop and realise that.

I have  habit of writing down my thoughts to clear my mind, get a better picture maybe of things I ponder on or just generally 'get the off my chest'. Today I felt the need to be thankful - verbally. To publicly say, I do LIVE LOVE AND LAUGH - lots and when ever I can!

Just like in other people' lives, I have highs and lows, gratitude and disappointments. Sadness and joys. All the more reason to embrace life and not waste the time I'm given and make the most of it.

The sun is shining, the sky a pale 'approaching autumn' blue, the trees are sighing a sigh of relief after a blistering dry summer. The grass is slowly turning green again having felt the restoring splashes of raindrops. Schools have resumed after the summer break and we are gearing up to the busy season of autumn and the festivities that lay ahead. It is halfway through September and 2018 has trundled as a high speed train bringing great adventures and memorable moments. I believe there are many people are already planning Christmas dinners, holidays and looking forward to the parcels under the tree. There is nothing wrong with looking ahead - as long a one keeps an eye on the path there, so as not to trip over or miss out on what's happening right now.

Enjoy each and every challenge, be proud, be hopeful and have faith, If not in a God, then definitely in one's self. Life is worth living.

Time flies.....

Oh My Goodness, Really, MARCH?? I had no idea it was that long ago that I made a contribution to this blog. Admittedly, I have been pre-occupied. I also spent a lot of time and energy gaining new skills. I've started a YouTube channel , and am pretty proud how that's going.

Here a timeline of months gone past.

April: Grandson Max arrived from Australia to stay for 2 months.
- we visited my dad's place of birth Leeuwarden, Went to Edinburgh for a week and did lots of in betweens.
Mei: On 30th May I waved Max out on his way home after our city trips including Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam, Rotterdam and much more
June: After catching up with friends, taking a short 'break' I welcomed my dear friend Annette from New Zealand. We spent a fun and touristy 8 days in Nederland.
July: Arrived in Dover on the 30th June to spend the next 12 days in Wales. After arriving back home- a surprise early call up for hand surgery.
August: All in the throws of re-couperating and also two mini trips away. One to France ( Givet) and a 4-dayer to Sauerland, Germany.

It is now 2nd September. My hand hasn't yet healed ( sigh sob sigh sob) and Autumn is slowly creeping closer. I cannot believe I've neglected this spot but seeing what I have been up to...well, not surprising I have been 'away'. Check out the YouTube channel though if you want to catch a glimpse of all those wonderful experiences I was privileged to share with my grandson and my dear friend Annette. What a beautiful world we live in. Must admit to have fallen in love with Wales. Can't wait to get another opportunity to visit there.

My hubby and his brother are away at the moment. An annual thing. I'm enjoying just being home. As I mentioned, my hand is causing some concern. The swelling after the operation just won't leave the building. My (left)  hand is virtually not participating in my daily activities- including now while I try to type. Thankfully I am right handed. Ever tried decapitating an egg with one hand? Believe me, not a pretty sight. It would make a tough grown man cry!

Yesterday I took to the footpath- and tread my way into town. Saturday market was my goal. On my way home ( I decided if I could walk into town I could also walk home) I met a lovely kiwi traveling couple Sara and Jason. I recognised the accent as I passed their camper and Jason spoke to his traveling and life's companion Sarah. Well, that's like red rag to a bull. I was drawn, like a moth to a lamp, to connect. Such a warm bath feeling speaking to others 'from home Down Under'.

My day was absolutely one to list in the top 10. What a lovely people one meets on the most unexpected moments in life. Travel safe you two. I'll be following your travels from now.

Anyway, as I said, if you want to do a catch up- lots to see: OmaFarAway. I'll be posting more videos there as we do tend to travel around  a fair bit playing tourist in own country. My new home town: Dordrecht also features. I started it as I thought it would be a gem for my grandchildren later- to have instead of the black and white photos I have of my grandparents. Precious as they are mind you. My memory of them is definitely in colour!

I did blog but on my other blog which is bi-lingual ( Dutch/English) Also called OmaFarAway. Mainly bi-lingual because the children and grandchildren don't read or speak Dutch.

Well, that's me for now. Time to rest my overworked right hand. Coffee calling!! Enjoy your day.

The challenges today

At the start of this year I selected a word- I try to actively 'better' myself or focus on something I find important to me. This year my theme is - Persevere. To keep focussed. To not digress.

My life's motto ( amongst a few others) is, Carpe Diem. Seize the day. Make the  most of life and what it offers. Live, love and laugh A LOT!

Somehow some of life's to-do's are deferred to - Tomorrow. I have tried to grasp the concept of tomorrow and found- it never comes. Like the new zip needed in the pants, the recipe still not tried out, the phone call to that friend still not made, the photo album still half finished, the film not yet seen, the drawer still cluttered, the painting still not on the wall, the letter left unanswered. Stuff like that. It is so easy to say- I'll do that tomorrow, till I got to thinking, "heck tomorrow is already fully booked". And which tomorrow did I want to do all this stuff in?

Today I have managed to write up 3 blogs, chat with my grandson, send him an email with a list of stuff he needs to pack before he boards a plane to visit me. Read the morning paper, we just had local body elections and the outcome was interesting. I've recovered all the info I need for a dinner for 15 people I am helping a friend prepare. All this before coffee. I'm trying to not become distracted by other stuff that is also fun, enjoyable and worth spending time on. Like the WhatsApp chats I need to answer- but will have to wait till this blog is done. I am PERSEVERING and it feels so good achieving stuff. Actually being able to tick stuff off and not add to my 'to do later list'.

What is also very rewarding is the jobs left 'to do' list is shrinking. I am not that naive to think I will never have a 'to do' list. I am however pretty positive about how short a list it will be. I want my in tray as minimalistic as possible and my out tray full of ticked off chores. DONE and DUSTED today!

Have you ever wondered in which  tomorrow you'll do all those pushed to the background and out of sight chores you've saved up or avoided?

Last night I closed the (to)day on a positive note. It was reasonably warmish, was pleased I finally got my hair cut which was a week or more overdue, had a positive result after the tax man filled out out tax form and actually got the ironing done within 24 hours of the pile being made. Then I slept fitfully and woke up to 'TODAY'. Not tomorrow. So you see, had I planned stuff for tomorrow- I'd have to wait and wait some more 😉! Because it isn't tomorrow- but today!! Confused? Don't be. I'm keeping on keeping on. Persevering. Doing today all I can achieve and working on my staying power, my tendency to divert my attention to 'other stuff'. And you know what- I'm enjoying my efforts to date. It is almost the end of March and my year is shaping up to be a great one. How is yours coming along?


It is 10:50 am. I'm happy as I can be. Time for coffee!!

New Season, new month, new tricks

Well hello there it's March 2018. Are we ready for spring? Heck yes we are. Well, actually we thought spring had sprung a few weeks ago but that was a farce. Mother Nature threw a spanner in the works and called Winter to come back and hit us hard. And Winter obeyed. It was fierce, cold and uncensured. Still, we survived to live to tell the tale and re-welcome the sunshine into our lives. Yippee for that!!

I have been busy at my desk- seeing I had more inside time due to the weather. My desk is right by my window and the sun shone on it- thankfully. So it was lovely to see the snow and ice on the other side of the glass while I attempted to acquire new skills. Still working on them - the skills as I have committed to something new.

My year of birth was 1953. Here in Nederland a year to remember. Devastation floods killing many and destroying the south western part ( Zeeland) of our country, changing it's structure forever. Change. Lots of it.

Change is a key word too in our society I would say. Even though we want to hold onto what we know, the comfort of familiarity, we are sometimes forced to change with what development offers us. Sometimes forced upon us. One change I felt was not a sound move was when governments around the world decided to sell off their money making, or sometimes not, assets. Like the postal system or the public transport to name a couple. Sure, the sale brought money into the coffers, but that was soon spent. Once all the pots of gold were empty there were no sources of income anymore to pluck from- so they started plucking the people. We are faced with the changes that came with this huge blunder.

Then there is the topic: communication. We are a species that want to communicate. Yes, some more reclusive than others, but communication is what binds us. We all belong to the animal kingdom. Those four footers, those with wings, those that crawl close to the ground, and we two footers, we communicate. We send messages to each other, our own kind, and let be known how we feel, what we need, what we know.

Talk about change. Smoke signals, Morse code, pigeons, sign language, languages. The way humans have communicate over the centuries has changed dramatically. The options now are amazing, some easily mastered, others a mystery to many.

My first two children came into the world before microwave ovens and home computers were a common item. My third child had both those at his disposal. Huge difference.

I live in Nederland, my children and grandchildren in Australia and New Zealand. We communicate. Through every which way possible and available. Not daily, though we could. At the drop of a hat I can send a message and it arrives at it's destination almost faster than I can send it.

I've learnt how to use Facebook, SnapChat, WhatsApp and FaceTime to name a few. I Blog and have just started my Instagram account. I've had a Twitter account but cancelled that a while back. Recently I've added another communication means to my repertoire. I have a YouTube channel. Why? Because it is there. Because I can. And more importantly, I want to be part of the world my children and grandchildren are growing up in. I want to know what things they experience, learn about, avoid, master, utelise. I want to understand about their experiences, their language. And to do that, I need to embrace the changes and find out how I can use them to make them fit. To fit into my life for the benefits that they offer.

OmaFarAway

I have no idea whether I will keep it up for years and years but while I can and while I'm learning, I'll try to leave behind videos for my children and grandchildren, family and friends to have as keepsakes for later. A verbal photo album you could say.

Now, I'm not one of those young razzemataz youngster that posts fast fleeting videos of fashion, music or daily doings, but an OmaFarAway that will share some of my 'stuff'. Should you find it interesting feel free to subscribe or visit when I post a new video. Share with other OmaFarAway's in your surroundings. I know I am not alone in that! It may bring comfort or some form of community spirit.

Anyway, that's my communication for now. Have a great day- enjoy what comes on your path and make the most of life's opportunities.

That's what you get for being distracted

Well I never. Almost two thirds of the way through February and this is my first post in 2018. Oh me oh my. So I suppose I could say, " happy New Year dear readers". How is your year going by the way? Full, rewarding and interesting?

Mine certainly is. It isn't as though I've left the planet for a while either. My dutch blog, Ik zie dat zo was updated 4 days ago and has 4 posts to date into 2018. My oma blog, Oma ver weg ( far away) has had 5 posts and was updated today. This is my bi-lingual blog about being a grandmother  at long distance. Then last but not least is my cooking blog, In mijn keuken ( in my kitchen) also updated today and counts 4 posts this year as well. So you see, I have been active, only not HERE!

Why so many different blogs.?Well, think of it as a bookshelf. I'm keeping the topics separate. Makes more sense reading I think. Otherwise you'd be going from oma stories, to baking to thoughts on life and a variation on that mixture of topics. Should you want piece of all the action, feel free to use google translate.

Anyway, I procrastinate. My English blog is there because all my children and grandchildren and many friends don't speak or read Dutch. And I am Dutch by birth and by nature. However, I am also a Dutch -Kiwi and proud of it. So therefor I honour both languages and thinking. There are issues I feel need venting here in Nederland as I do keep up to date with 'things' Down Under or stuff I can translate and makes sense in both worlds. Do you follow? 😊

My goal is to add something worth reading once a week. In all blogs. Some may occasionally get more attention than others. Like my Oma blog. Lots happening there shortly. My then 18 year old Australian grandson is coming to visit me for 8 weeks. Obviously I'll want to empty my thoughts on this matter more regularly. Not only to clear my head but to relate our adventures for others to follow.

Why blog? I have an overactive 'thinking' process. This is quite wearying if one can't offload what one is thinking. As a child I kept exercise books and note books with my thoughts. They've long been discarded due to the many shifts I've had in my life. And, they were seen to be more of a personal possession. Diary like. As these are, but not that personal that others in my family or amongst friends, can't be shared. Having two 'homelands' is this medium ideal to be used to share experiences, happenings and life's insights.

The year is shaping up to be full of exciting happenings. In April, like I mentioned, my grandson is visiting me for the first time. Lots to look forward to and plan. Then in May I turn 65. A milestone. No pension yet as the Dutch Government has seen fit to delay the receiving of that till my 66th and 4 months age. Bother it all. I'll survive but half the fun of becoming 65 is gone. Then there is the summer. My friend Annette is due here from New Zealand. She and I are going to play tourist in my homeland and after that we are off to Wales via Dunkirk. I'll need a holiday after that I am sure!!

Earlier this month my hubby and I had a week in Portugal. Just to get re-acquainted with the sun. Wonderful. Calm before the storm you might say. Now it's time to put the finishing touches to my wish list for my 8 weeks visit from my grandson. Book a few events and get the diary sorted so we don't double up. And as I said, I'll be 65 in May so some days at home wouldn't be a bad thing 😋.
I'm also going to see if I can pass on some favourite recipes while I'm at it. Be fun to be in the kitchen together.

As far as the other preparations for June/July are concerned. Just need to book the ferry for the cross over between Dunkirk and Dover! We've planned the route already. I've bought the map, the selfie stick and tripod. We'll be digital oma's having a ball. Must get rid of heaps of photos off my phone and get more practice making short videos. Never a dull day- that's us!

I'm going to sign off now. Been online most of this afternoon and early evening. Time to rest my eyes and hands. Ttfn ( tatafornow) and keep smiling.