Today, Sunday, a day of rest. And rest I did. Sure I pottered around a wee bit. I also visited ma. Ma Netten, a special relationship.
My husband's first wife died at the age of 45 as a result of her battle with cancer. Her mum and I enjoy a good and respectful relationship together. She is now my mother -in-law.
Ma was a professional sewer. She worked for a local fashion house. Any clothing alteration necessary is therefor in good hands, should you call in her expertise. And I has cause to aske her for help with my full length cape. She had inserted, and very professionally too I might add, arm openings in my cape. I found it really irritating when I wore my cloak and I wanted to have a coffee or hold onto something that I had to "part" the cloak and subsequently would get cold. Now I have " sleeve holes" and can stay warm.
We chatted about all sorts of topics and drank two cups of coffee. A Sunday can be a long lonely day for her at times as she has been widowed for quite some years now. A visit is always appreciated and looked forward to.
Leen went to Dordrecht. Every two years there is a " steam weekend". The focus on all steam driven machinery. Boats, trains, cars, tractors - you name it. Appears to be the most intense and broad event of it's type in all northern hemisphere. It attracts people from all over Europe and wider. Why I didn't go...the weather killed it for me. I go for the fun of it and couldn't see the fun of getting rained on, blown about and chilled to the bone ( only 9 degrees today) so I elected to stay home.
http://www.dordtinstoom.nl/home_english.html
Around 4pm I decided I wanted to wallow in a warm bath, taking a glass of port and small bowl of nuts with me.... needless to say my drowsy state ensured I dozed off waking only when Leen came home. Seeing we had invited a friend ( Merie) to tea I shot out of the bath and proceeded to cook dinner,
We had a lovely mellow sort of evening. Merie bringing with her a birthday gift for me - so sweet and thoughtful. It is still pretty chilly out. I have had the central heating on all day and now also switched the electric blanket on. I am quite a positive thinker really - though the thought of this being a foreboding of what is to come....Bbbrrr!
Anyway, I hate to sound boring: but once again, I am pleased with today and all it brought me. I'm off to bed feeling very pleasantly satisfied with today!!
With this BLOG I would like to share some of life's moments. Laugh with me, cry with me, share with me, but most of all ENJOY! .
Sunday, 3 June 2012
Saturday, 2 June 2012
Saturday- Biesbosch day
Another Saturday...sunshine and a good mood!
Saturday morning.
07:00 Leen was up early as he had to be at the Visitor's Centre Hollandse Biesbosch, Dordrecht to greet the guests who had booked a kayaking trip. He and another guide were to accompany them through the Hollands Biesbosch, trying to spot birds and beavers.
10:30 off to buy a gift for our hosts where we are going for dinner tonight. Then on to the Biesbosch where I am to join Leen.
11:00 onboard the "Otter" and off to the keet! There to share info to those walking the interesting walkway " Griend Museum Pad".
The weather was GREAT. We (Leen and I ) were accompanied by Rien and Frans - also keen guides and hard workers on our project.
We have a " group of 5" who are responsible for the tourists who venture into the park and walk in the area where we keep ourselves busy with the historical aspect of the Griend. We tell people how it was here in years gone by.
A "griend" is a willow tree orchard/area which is controlled by the tide. Willows like wet feet. Many moons ago the willow branches were used for spade and other tool handles because of it's flexible and long lasting properties. It had many other uses too, including being used to make the
" mats" on which our dikes are built. Enough history. Saturday, A sunny and most enjoyable day! May there be many more of the same.
16:30 Back in the boat and off home. Shower and get dressed for dinner out. The mayor and his wife have invited us for dinner. We get along extremely well on a personal level and they decided it was time we had a cosy evening together at home instead of always at formal occasions. It was a hugely successful evening with delicious food and great conversation.
Saturday morning.
07:00 Leen was up early as he had to be at the Visitor's Centre Hollandse Biesbosch, Dordrecht to greet the guests who had booked a kayaking trip. He and another guide were to accompany them through the Hollands Biesbosch, trying to spot birds and beavers.
11:00 onboard the "Otter" and off to the keet! There to share info to those walking the interesting walkway " Griend Museum Pad".
We have a " group of 5" who are responsible for the tourists who venture into the park and walk in the area where we keep ourselves busy with the historical aspect of the Griend. We tell people how it was here in years gone by.
A "griend" is a willow tree orchard/area which is controlled by the tide. Willows like wet feet. Many moons ago the willow branches were used for spade and other tool handles because of it's flexible and long lasting properties. It had many other uses too, including being used to make the
" mats" on which our dikes are built. Enough history. Saturday, A sunny and most enjoyable day! May there be many more of the same.
16:30 Back in the boat and off home. Shower and get dressed for dinner out. The mayor and his wife have invited us for dinner. We get along extremely well on a personal level and they decided it was time we had a cosy evening together at home instead of always at formal occasions. It was a hugely successful evening with delicious food and great conversation.
Friday, 1 June 2012
A visit to Zeist
Just made it. After a most enjoyable day out..... We have just arrived home having been to Zeist. Leen is city councillor. Each year all the councillors and supporting staff have a training day in another city or council. The partners are treated to a cultural afternoon be it a guided tour of the city, a museum or like today a manor, or almost castle built in 1686.
Awesome. The weather played it's part so we ( partners) were able to have our coffee outside and after the tour our afternoon wine on the same terrace whilst our dedicated councillors were being kept busy inside listening, sharing and discussing issues related to governing their township in the most efficient manor.
At 5 pm the two parties met and we boarded a bus which would take us to a restaurant where we were to enjoy an evening feast together. I was going to write...meal. But in all honesty I would be selling the chefs and staff short. We were treated to some culinary delights, accompanied by likewise quality wine.
Table talk was enlightening as it was enjoyable. The seating arrangement once again ( this annual event has become one of the year's political highlights in our diaries the past years) well mixed and ought out. Inthink the organisors keep the seating placings recorded so as to make a new planning each year differing each time.
So today was another full and enjoyable day. Starting with my skype with Kylie and Summah, coffee next door but one, child minding next door then off on " our" sojourn to Zeist.
It has occurred to me that since I started writing in my blog each day, I am more concious of the daily happenings and don't have that " gosh the day has flown" feeling. And I don't mean to say that the day drags on and on either. I think this feeling is generated because I am more aware of what I am doing, not in - auto mode - doing things without thinking. Time will tell whether I have this experience all year.. Or whether it is a phase!
Never the less, I am committed to writing daily ( so before midnight) which will on occasion be a challenge to achieve. This is what it is to write in ones diary daily... Only now electronically registered so I cannot cheat with the dates.
With that footnote, I wish everyone a goodnight!
Awesome. The weather played it's part so we ( partners) were able to have our coffee outside and after the tour our afternoon wine on the same terrace whilst our dedicated councillors were being kept busy inside listening, sharing and discussing issues related to governing their township in the most efficient manor.
At 5 pm the two parties met and we boarded a bus which would take us to a restaurant where we were to enjoy an evening feast together. I was going to write...meal. But in all honesty I would be selling the chefs and staff short. We were treated to some culinary delights, accompanied by likewise quality wine.
Table talk was enlightening as it was enjoyable. The seating arrangement once again ( this annual event has become one of the year's political highlights in our diaries the past years) well mixed and ought out. Inthink the organisors keep the seating placings recorded so as to make a new planning each year differing each time.
So today was another full and enjoyable day. Starting with my skype with Kylie and Summah, coffee next door but one, child minding next door then off on " our" sojourn to Zeist.
It has occurred to me that since I started writing in my blog each day, I am more concious of the daily happenings and don't have that " gosh the day has flown" feeling. And I don't mean to say that the day drags on and on either. I think this feeling is generated because I am more aware of what I am doing, not in - auto mode - doing things without thinking. Time will tell whether I have this experience all year.. Or whether it is a phase!
Never the less, I am committed to writing daily ( so before midnight) which will on occasion be a challenge to achieve. This is what it is to write in ones diary daily... Only now electronically registered so I cannot cheat with the dates.
With that footnote, I wish everyone a goodnight!
Keywords:
child minding,
city councillors,
dinner,
good company,
manor,
Zeist
Thursday, 31 May 2012
Photo albums
I DID IT!! Completed another, " yes, I will do that for you, no problem" promises I made a while back. Oh, what a good feeling that is!
My neighbours " across the waters" Dicky and Kees have frequently holidayed on the island Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. They had a large number of (digital) photos stored on the computer. Seeing Dicky knew I made albums she asked me one day if I would help her make a Tenerife book. Together we sorted the photos and made a selection. Tonight I finished the 30cmx30cm book ( 28 pages). It looked awesome on screen so here is hoping that the finished product is just as impressive.
After my mammoth task on the grassed paddock yesterday my wrists and hands were still somewhat tender. Still, keeping them flexible by having to move the mouse helped so that they ( the fingers) didn't cease up all together. Tomorrow is a rest day. Hands can be resting up and recover in peace.
My husband is a city councillor. Annually they visit a neighbouring city for a working-sharing-learning exercise. Partners are also welcome. Tomorrow I am off with the other partners of the city of Zeist. We are being treated to a guided tour of a centuries old manor/ castle. Looking forward to that. It isn't something we would normally do 'at home' although we both visit these sorts of sights say, in France or Germany.
At day's end the councillors, our partners, will be joining us and we will all dine ( in style) before returning to Papendrecht. Should be fun. Usually is - this being an annual event I have had the privilege of attending quite a number of times now. All due to Leen's commitment to being a city councillor for the past 10 years or so. One of the perks.
So it is an early night for me... and tomorrow morning I will wash my hair about four times while trying to get the rest of the grass stains of my fingers and finger nails..... Got to play ladies in style!!
My neighbours " across the waters" Dicky and Kees have frequently holidayed on the island Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain. They had a large number of (digital) photos stored on the computer. Seeing Dicky knew I made albums she asked me one day if I would help her make a Tenerife book. Together we sorted the photos and made a selection. Tonight I finished the 30cmx30cm book ( 28 pages). It looked awesome on screen so here is hoping that the finished product is just as impressive.
After my mammoth task on the grassed paddock yesterday my wrists and hands were still somewhat tender. Still, keeping them flexible by having to move the mouse helped so that they ( the fingers) didn't cease up all together. Tomorrow is a rest day. Hands can be resting up and recover in peace.
My husband is a city councillor. Annually they visit a neighbouring city for a working-sharing-learning exercise. Partners are also welcome. Tomorrow I am off with the other partners of the city of Zeist. We are being treated to a guided tour of a centuries old manor/ castle. Looking forward to that. It isn't something we would normally do 'at home' although we both visit these sorts of sights say, in France or Germany.
At day's end the councillors, our partners, will be joining us and we will all dine ( in style) before returning to Papendrecht. Should be fun. Usually is - this being an annual event I have had the privilege of attending quite a number of times now. All due to Leen's commitment to being a city councillor for the past 10 years or so. One of the perks.
So it is an early night for me... and tomorrow morning I will wash my hair about four times while trying to get the rest of the grass stains of my fingers and finger nails..... Got to play ladies in style!!
Keywords:
digital photoalbum,
promise made,
Tenerife,
Zeist
Wednesday, 30 May 2012
Lawns and long grass
Before we went on our wee holiday, I tried to get to the section where pa used to go every week. It is in a holiday park where families have permanent holiday homes. Modern beautifully designed home away from home buildings.
Pa has a long, caravan type home - a style that isn't with us anymore I may add - which is on a rather large piece of real estate which he no longer wants to use. The land belongs to Leen and me. We are in the process of selling it. Not a really good market at present with the recession, but non-the-less we are to sell. No use keeping something you don't want or need.
As I said, before we went away, I tried to get there to mow the lawns - but it rained, rained and rained some more. The dry spells weren't long enough to do all there was to do. Seeing we have had so many dry days in a row I braved the sun and trotted off after I had tidied the house, mowed our own lawn and weeded for about an hour or so.
Well, the next 4 hours were a sheer battle of the wills - Will I or Won't I tackle this wilderness. I was up to my waist in grass. Seriously. I was so shocked at what I saw I tossed up to turn and run, sit down and cry or not look too deeply and just " get on with it".

I first used the edge trimmer to cut the grass down to size, then proceded with a flymo mower. It was the only way I could get through. The section is 520 sq meters, and the wee home only tiny so my golly goodness - this was a chore worthy of a farmer wanting to make hay!
One of the neighbours across a brook was outside with her 2 children and made chit chat while I puffed and wiped my forehead... I told her I was embarrassed. And I was. Every time I looked around at what I still had to do I felt weak in the knees. So then I would look at what I had already done and I felt proud and soldiered on.
I knew I didn't have to cook so I needn't hurry home, that helped. I can see now I have a lot of work to do here before I can market the place. It is no where near attractive in it's present state. And to think it can look like this.
Never fear - it will again only not tomorrow!
Pa has a long, caravan type home - a style that isn't with us anymore I may add - which is on a rather large piece of real estate which he no longer wants to use. The land belongs to Leen and me. We are in the process of selling it. Not a really good market at present with the recession, but non-the-less we are to sell. No use keeping something you don't want or need.
As I said, before we went away, I tried to get there to mow the lawns - but it rained, rained and rained some more. The dry spells weren't long enough to do all there was to do. Seeing we have had so many dry days in a row I braved the sun and trotted off after I had tidied the house, mowed our own lawn and weeded for about an hour or so.

I first used the edge trimmer to cut the grass down to size, then proceded with a flymo mower. It was the only way I could get through. The section is 520 sq meters, and the wee home only tiny so my golly goodness - this was a chore worthy of a farmer wanting to make hay!
One of the neighbours across a brook was outside with her 2 children and made chit chat while I puffed and wiped my forehead... I told her I was embarrassed. And I was. Every time I looked around at what I still had to do I felt weak in the knees. So then I would look at what I had already done and I felt proud and soldiered on.
I knew I didn't have to cook so I needn't hurry home, that helped. I can see now I have a lot of work to do here before I can market the place. It is no where near attractive in it's present state. And to think it can look like this.
Never fear - it will again only not tomorrow!
Keywords:
caravan,
holiday home,
mowing lawns,
wilderness
Tuesday, 29 May 2012
Home James
One of the last memories at the camping ground was of last night- I was just going to work on my BLOG when Skype called. Toni and Archie were cheerfully enjoying a morning coffee at Vitro. Unfortunately the sound wasn't up to the challenge but oh what fun we had....even Kermit enjoyed himself. It is amazing to think that I was at the camping ground in Zeeland, the Netherlands and I was connected to and could see others including Archie and Toni in Hamilton New Zealand as clear as day!
To top it off a quick phone call to Steve who had just come down off the roof he was working on. I had read a message on FB that Kylie placed...causing a slight flutter. Steve clarified it for me... and my heart rate returned to normal. Kylie wasn't in labour, just counting down! Her due date has been reached so the birth will be any day now......
Don't we live in a wonderful age of communication possibilities and isn't it weird that there are so many broken relationships due to poor communication....makes one think! Many years ago one could use the excuse that distance was a contributing factor in the poor relations situation. That is no longer a valid argument. There is also a trend to " be honest and open". Meaning " you can say anything". Although I am a supporter of being truthful I also think one has to use discretion and tact not to mention FEELING when talking to anyone at all. Place yourself in the position of the other party and be totally HONEST with yourself, how would this strike you? if this was hurled at you.
Like cooking a meal, if done with love it tastes MUCH BETTER!! and leaves a pleasant after taste.
Keywords:
caravan,
communication,
honesty,
relationship,
roof,
shed,
skype,
weekend
Monday, 28 May 2012
Time to pack
It is time to get my head around packing up. It has been awesome. I feel totally privileged to have been here for almost 2 weeks enjoying all life has to offer. I have had the freedom to just "be" without ties, responsibilities or a commited diary.
I have met and spoken to strangers, I have had days I spoke to no-one. I have skyped, emailed, FB-ed en worked on my Websites and Blog. I have written cards, notes and in my book. I have read chapters and noted comments. I have cooked one portion meals, enjoyed freshly baked buns and cold cups of tea.
Tomorrow we will head home where I will be ever so pleased to pick up the threads of my life there. I will check out the chook run and stroke the rabbit. I will spend hours in the garden getting it tidied. Washing will soon be flapping in the breeze and the caravan will be emptied, tidied and stored back in the shed in no time.
I have had the opportunity to catch up with myself. To reset the button and feel really relaxed and raring to go. It was great to finally have more than one day of sunshine.
Summer is slowly settling in and it makes me feel good.
I have met and spoken to strangers, I have had days I spoke to no-one. I have skyped, emailed, FB-ed en worked on my Websites and Blog. I have written cards, notes and in my book. I have read chapters and noted comments. I have cooked one portion meals, enjoyed freshly baked buns and cold cups of tea.
Tomorrow we will head home where I will be ever so pleased to pick up the threads of my life there. I will check out the chook run and stroke the rabbit. I will spend hours in the garden getting it tidied. Washing will soon be flapping in the breeze and the caravan will be emptied, tidied and stored back in the shed in no time.
I have had the opportunity to catch up with myself. To reset the button and feel really relaxed and raring to go. It was great to finally have more than one day of sunshine.
Summer is slowly settling in and it makes me feel good.
Sunday, 27 May 2012
Sunday morning
It is 6:10 on Sunday morning 27th may 2012. A slight breeze, a clear blue sky and sunshine....plenty of sunshine. do I get up? No try to get some more sleep. It is 6:45 and I head for the shower. Why wait? It is a beautiful day and if I want to start it early I will.
Next to me on a small stoel is a gas cooker. A one element job, big enough to put a kettle on and boil up for a cuppa. On the table in front of me are two books and my iPad. It is so lovely and clear, there are a few people about taking their dog for a morning stroll. A few early birds have already taken to the water, easing their boats out on the water in a light breeze. Wise people. It is going to be a very sunny, warm day and there will be many who flok to the water... Best to get in first.
It is 9:30 am. The breakfast table is set. We are soon satisfied, tidy things away and put our sneakers on. Time for a walk. At 11:00 we join our friends for coffee and plan the day. Harry and son Joey are going sailing, Hinriette is having a " day off" and we are off to a vintage car rally, just looking.
Around 14:00 we arrive in Veerle. The vintage car rally was quite fun. Now we are playing tourist in own country. I really like Veerle. Is is picturesque, very touristy and historical and great to walk around. An icecream and some small purchases later we walk back to the car, using a scenic route through the harbour. The place is a hustle and bustle with people who can't believe their luck that summer has arrived.
Coffee/ tea shops and ice cream parlours are doing a roaring trade. Something they counted on would have started about a month ago. Souvenirs stores are busily re-organising their wares, trinkets selling like fresh hot buns. The bay is dotted with too many white dots to count. This is boat country. Zodiacs buzz to and fro manned by the youth of today.... It appears everyone is happy.
A short " potty stop" and we continue to the car. Everywhere we pass smiling faces.. On the way back to the caravan we see people activley seeking some form of recreation near or on the water. Flags flutter in the breeze. Thankfull there is one. It would have been a scorcher otherwise.
We are back, back at the caravan, back on the camping, back with our friends. It is time to prepare the BBQ. What a cr
I did get all out of the day that was on offer........!
Next to me on a small stoel is a gas cooker. A one element job, big enough to put a kettle on and boil up for a cuppa. On the table in front of me are two books and my iPad. It is so lovely and clear, there are a few people about taking their dog for a morning stroll. A few early birds have already taken to the water, easing their boats out on the water in a light breeze. Wise people. It is going to be a very sunny, warm day and there will be many who flok to the water... Best to get in first.
It is 9:30 am. The breakfast table is set. We are soon satisfied, tidy things away and put our sneakers on. Time for a walk. At 11:00 we join our friends for coffee and plan the day. Harry and son Joey are going sailing, Hinriette is having a " day off" and we are off to a vintage car rally, just looking.
Around 14:00 we arrive in Veerle. The vintage car rally was quite fun. Now we are playing tourist in own country. I really like Veerle. Is is picturesque, very touristy and historical and great to walk around. An icecream and some small purchases later we walk back to the car, using a scenic route through the harbour. The place is a hustle and bustle with people who can't believe their luck that summer has arrived.
Coffee/ tea shops and ice cream parlours are doing a roaring trade. Something they counted on would have started about a month ago. Souvenirs stores are busily re-organising their wares, trinkets selling like fresh hot buns. The bay is dotted with too many white dots to count. This is boat country. Zodiacs buzz to and fro manned by the youth of today.... It appears everyone is happy.
A short " potty stop" and we continue to the car. Everywhere we pass smiling faces.. On the way back to the caravan we see people activley seeking some form of recreation near or on the water. Flags flutter in the breeze. Thankfull there is one. It would have been a scorcher otherwise.
We are back, back at the caravan, back on the camping, back with our friends. It is time to prepare the BBQ. What a cr
I did get all out of the day that was on offer........!
Keywords:
boats,
carrally,
early morning,
gas cooker,
icecream,
Veerle,
walk
Saturday, 26 May 2012
Another day dawns
It is just before midnight. Again the end of a full and enjoyable day. Great to spend time with friends and enjoy all the activities that add to the pleasure of the day.
It started with my early as usual start to the day. Promplty at 6:20 I awoke to a sunny morning. No fog to be seen. Thought, "what the heck, I am going to try and get some more shuteye". I did for, about 20 minutes, then got up, showered went for a wee walk, came back to the caravan had a wee read, check FB and skype for the kids. Decided to go for a bit of a decent walk to the village and back. It was just past 8am by this stage and there were more people about.
Posted a few post cards. Looked in the Real Estate office window and was surprised at the reasonable prices for houses here in this gorgeous spot and returned to the caravan.
Leen had decided to slowly surface from his sleep - I went to get some fresh bread buns from the camping store and we had a lovely leisurely breakfast. Devouring some of our own chool eggs - fresher than fresh.
A short while later we joined Harry, Hinriette and Joey for coffee and a slice of the cheesecake which I had made the day before. YUM!!
Joey and Harry were going to go sailing. Leen, Hinriette and I went to late spring / early summer fair. Purchased some baby clothes and odds and sods. Was fun. The sun shone perfectly...not too bright, not too hot. And the breeze was "just right". A perfect day. After a tourist like ride and a visit to the supermarket, we arrived back at the caravan only to decide it was time for a snack and drink - well, these old foggies, excluding me ( who happens to be the eldest of the 4) decided they needed a five o'clock nap. Yes, they did! Leaving me wondering why I was sitting there....so off I wondered and wnet for another walk.
When they resurfaced they denied being asleep, just dozing lightly.Ha, I caught them out with a photo I had taken. There was no faking it there.
A lovely BBQ tea, I had salmon and a white fish fillet, we eased into coffee ( tea) after having spent almost 30 minutes washing up - all four of us that is. It is now almost midnight - time to close the day and get some engery up for tomorrow. Night night all!
It started with my early as usual start to the day. Promplty at 6:20 I awoke to a sunny morning. No fog to be seen. Thought, "what the heck, I am going to try and get some more shuteye". I did for, about 20 minutes, then got up, showered went for a wee walk, came back to the caravan had a wee read, check FB and skype for the kids. Decided to go for a bit of a decent walk to the village and back. It was just past 8am by this stage and there were more people about.
Posted a few post cards. Looked in the Real Estate office window and was surprised at the reasonable prices for houses here in this gorgeous spot and returned to the caravan.
Leen had decided to slowly surface from his sleep - I went to get some fresh bread buns from the camping store and we had a lovely leisurely breakfast. Devouring some of our own chool eggs - fresher than fresh.
A short while later we joined Harry, Hinriette and Joey for coffee and a slice of the cheesecake which I had made the day before. YUM!!
Joey and Harry were going to go sailing. Leen, Hinriette and I went to late spring / early summer fair. Purchased some baby clothes and odds and sods. Was fun. The sun shone perfectly...not too bright, not too hot. And the breeze was "just right". A perfect day. After a tourist like ride and a visit to the supermarket, we arrived back at the caravan only to decide it was time for a snack and drink - well, these old foggies, excluding me ( who happens to be the eldest of the 4) decided they needed a five o'clock nap. Yes, they did! Leaving me wondering why I was sitting there....so off I wondered and wnet for another walk.
When they resurfaced they denied being asleep, just dozing lightly.Ha, I caught them out with a photo I had taken. There was no faking it there.
A lovely BBQ tea, I had salmon and a white fish fillet, we eased into coffee ( tea) after having spent almost 30 minutes washing up - all four of us that is. It is now almost midnight - time to close the day and get some engery up for tomorrow. Night night all!
End to a great week
Oh deary me. It is past midnight so this Blog is a couple of hours late.
Needless to say I was busy with other things. Leen arrived back ( with Kermit in the bag) at the camping with Harry and Hinriette. We had been invited to have pre dinner drinks with the happy campers Wim and Doris who are also season campers here each year. Those pre- dinner drinks ended up being during dinner drinks ( with pizza) and after dinners till now.
The day dissolved like sugar in a cuppa leaving a sweet taste. Despite the wind it was sunny and warm.
Due to the balmy evening we were able to sit outside till now.... And could still be out there only I am so sleepy I almost fell off my perch. A great night closing off a most enjoyable week.
Time to rejoin the world and all it entails.
Needless to say I was busy with other things. Leen arrived back ( with Kermit in the bag) at the camping with Harry and Hinriette. We had been invited to have pre dinner drinks with the happy campers Wim and Doris who are also season campers here each year. Those pre- dinner drinks ended up being during dinner drinks ( with pizza) and after dinners till now.
The day dissolved like sugar in a cuppa leaving a sweet taste. Despite the wind it was sunny and warm.
Due to the balmy evening we were able to sit outside till now.... And could still be out there only I am so sleepy I almost fell off my perch. A great night closing off a most enjoyable week.
Time to rejoin the world and all it entails.
Thursday, 24 May 2012
A foggy start
I don't know how it is with you, but occasionally when I am confronted with something, a song comes to mind. Like this morning. I opened the curtain of the caravan - it was 6:40am and the first thought I had was Mull of Kintyre. Immediately followed by the title of the movie, Play Misty for me.
Now it doesn't take a Rocket Scientist to work out what the weather pattern was for this morning. Awesome. It took about two hours before the faintest rays of sun started peaking through.
This was probably a bit like my day. I am slowly re-organising my mind and getting used to the idea I have to re-group. The fog is slowly lifting and I feel brighter by the minute. There is something out there for me to do and make myself useful while I learn a thing or two doing it.
Not any less impressive is the fact that while here in the caravan on the camping, I am able to communicate freely ( with a few shortcomings we won't mention) with the children and grandchildren. I am so thrilled to have contact with Max every day. He is a delight to "speak" to. Funny, serious, interested. And Archie the monkey. The first thing he said when he saw me was "happy birthday oma." How lovely was that?!
With the added communication of Facebook I have seen Toni put the finishing touches on the family room. Being able to place photos, many have been able to follow my daily doings. Being here, on my own, has also given me the freedom to work on my Website and Blogs. Trying to give them shape and contents that is worthwhile.
A walk to the village for postcards and the tipple to the ablutions block for the occasional mee mee keep me agile!!
The days are full and filled with good things. Another night here alone and Leen will join me again. How the passage of time keeps amazing me.
I have to conclude once again - life is good to me.
Now it doesn't take a Rocket Scientist to work out what the weather pattern was for this morning. Awesome. It took about two hours before the faintest rays of sun started peaking through.
This was probably a bit like my day. I am slowly re-organising my mind and getting used to the idea I have to re-group. The fog is slowly lifting and I feel brighter by the minute. There is something out there for me to do and make myself useful while I learn a thing or two doing it.
Not any less impressive is the fact that while here in the caravan on the camping, I am able to communicate freely ( with a few shortcomings we won't mention) with the children and grandchildren. I am so thrilled to have contact with Max every day. He is a delight to "speak" to. Funny, serious, interested. And Archie the monkey. The first thing he said when he saw me was "happy birthday oma." How lovely was that?!
With the added communication of Facebook I have seen Toni put the finishing touches on the family room. Being able to place photos, many have been able to follow my daily doings. Being here, on my own, has also given me the freedom to work on my Website and Blogs. Trying to give them shape and contents that is worthwhile.
A walk to the village for postcards and the tipple to the ablutions block for the occasional mee mee keep me agile!!
The days are full and filled with good things. Another night here alone and Leen will join me again. How the passage of time keeps amazing me.
I have to conclude once again - life is good to me.
Wednesday, 23 May 2012
Friendship and happy faces
It is Wednesday. Fish lunch day with father in law. I thought I was going to miss it today as I am having a week off staying in the caravan at Camping ground de Paardekreek, in Kortgene, Zeeland.
Today friends of ours left for a 3 month holiday with their boat. I was a bit peeved to think I wouldn't be there to wave them off. Anita ( yes her name is Anita too) and her husband Daan are good friends. People you feel " at ease" with. No aires and graces...WYSIWYG people. I am going to miss them, especially Anita.
Then it was morning! The wind, which had been plagueing the warm sunshine, had finally eased. I received an early txt message from Ingrid, a mutual friend. Was I planning to come wave Daan and Anita off? Why not, I was a free agent and had total control on how to fill my day.
Today was the day of friendship, of being with and for the people who care about me and I care about. Unannounced I arrived home... Knocked on the neighbour's door, where Leen was for coffee! Surprise dear. Then off to the jetty. Surprise friends. Awesome. Then home again for the lunch. A surprised father- in- law.
All I saw today were happy faces.
Today was the day of friendship. What an awesome day. Content and happy I returned to the quiet surroundings of the camping ground.
My day was one in a million.
Today friends of ours left for a 3 month holiday with their boat. I was a bit peeved to think I wouldn't be there to wave them off. Anita ( yes her name is Anita too) and her husband Daan are good friends. People you feel " at ease" with. No aires and graces...WYSIWYG people. I am going to miss them, especially Anita.
Then it was morning! The wind, which had been plagueing the warm sunshine, had finally eased. I received an early txt message from Ingrid, a mutual friend. Was I planning to come wave Daan and Anita off? Why not, I was a free agent and had total control on how to fill my day.
Today was the day of friendship, of being with and for the people who care about me and I care about. Unannounced I arrived home... Knocked on the neighbour's door, where Leen was for coffee! Surprise dear. Then off to the jetty. Surprise friends. Awesome. Then home again for the lunch. A surprised father- in- law.
All I saw today were happy faces.
Today was the day of friendship. What an awesome day. Content and happy I returned to the quiet surroundings of the camping ground.
My day was one in a million.
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