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.

Introducing- Bax!

Well, HE has arrived. My newest grandson. His name is Bax. I now have a Max and a Bax- how cool is that? Awesome. My grandson Archie is pleased too. He is surrounded by girls, two sisters and two girl cousins- and now finally a BOY cousin close at hand for him to play with.

It is a bonny lad. Won't say wee because he is fully grown and developed with robust chubby cheeks. A gorgeous bundle of joy. Ten fingers and toes. Dark hair and sparling eyes.

These are the harder moments in my life. The tender, loving sharing caring and emotional events when I struggle somewhat with the physical distance between us all as a family. That I cannot just ' pop in'  to have a cuddle, a cuppa, share the moment. Over the years I have learnt how to cope, how to enjoy what I have and not dwell on what I miss. In not too distant a future we will ALL be together as a family. My three children and their families. Awesome. Time to BE mum and oma. New moments to treasure and enjoy. We may live far apart however we are a close family who keep in touch, support one and other and care for each other. Distance hasn't affected how we love and care for each other- except that we intensely enjoy our times together knowing these moments are precious.

This knowledge of what is and is to come has sustained me these past few weeks. And that is just as well. My faith has once again been sorely tested due to events we have had to endure. Once again my faith in 'friendships and trust'  has suffered another disappointment. People we trusted and held dear have managed to prove that they were not of that pure and trustworthy character we thought them to be. I once again was challenged in my belief that I had placed in others. While I should have immediately entrusted this disappointment and pain in my God, I felt removed from His presence. Yet He was right there with me, in my misery.

Just like I can feel close to my children en be present at events via SKYPE- so too is God closer at hand that I give Him credit for. I thought I had to reach out and search for Him whilst all the time He was right there in my sadness and pain, wanting to comfort and sustain me.

My children and grandchildren may live far away, they are close in my heart and head. I can call upon them at all times. So too is help and support from my God at hand at ALL times. A lesson I hopefully have now finally learnt. About time one could say! I live and learn daily.

Well, I hadn't intended to have a summer stop with my writing. Wasn't planned but happened naturally which isn't a bad thing. It is Tuesday and daily routines are slowly being restored. It has been an amazing summer, with lots of sunshine, great and happy moments and certainly room for some much needed R & R. I am all set to pick up where I left off.

I feel that I lead a privileged and blessed life- despite the ups and downs! Onward and upward- there are, as always, happy events in the offing. I aim to enjoy.......!