Peace

I received the most WONDERFUL message today from darling Ros. 

She wanted me to know how much better she is feeling and learning to cope. 

Prayers are strong and are being answered. Amen... go for it Ros!! 

With love and respect..I love you xxxxx Mum

I think this blog is as big as it will get for today....! I can't think anything more beautiful to write than this!

Wardrobe and stuff like that

It is time. It is well overdue. It is shamefull that I waited so long. Today I just gotta, gotta,gotta get cracking.

I took the descision to "do" stuff. Not that I have been sitting round or anything but somehow I had let myself " be led" instead of being in charge.

Today the wardrobe is on the list at number one.....

Second chore: my "office"- my desk for a starter and my ceedees. Can't do the whole room at once - too much so I am breaking it up into small chunks.

Then I need to sort out my accounts: that is messy but also a priority. Doing well so far.

Today is Monday - a new week. Am going to make the most of it.

Memories and emotions

What a day, what a beautiful day. The weather was beautiful, got quite a tan. We spent the whole day home, in the deck at water's edge lazing, reading, fluffing sbout. It has been months simce we have been able to do that. What a treat.

It has been a week of emotions. So many different ones it has become a jumble inside. Needed today to untangle them I think. It hardly seems possible that Mitch died 2 years ago, yet a lifetime of events have happened since then. Summah and Indi have been born, mum died as did a number of others close to me. Job gone, health has been an issue but has improved no end now. What a see-saw of BIG things and emotions to work through.

What hit hardest about Mitchell apart from the fact that he isn't with us, and I truly and utterly deplore that. is that it shouldn't happen that a child leaves this world before it's parents. What weighed heavily on me is the pain in Ros and Reece's eyes. What still troubles me is Ros's pain and anguish. I wish I could help her be freed from the desperateness she is experiencing. She still experiences such accute lows.

True, to loose a child is devastating, to have lost him so tragically in such a horrific accident, has been harsh, cruel. Yet the inner peace she needs to carry on is still beyond her grasp.... Oh Ros you are so loved. Your two sons are so in need of you. Your husband so loves you. I wish you a year of rebuilding, of strength and hope. Ros, I love you like my own. I am here for you. Mitch has found his peace, nothing harmful will ever touch him again, he is free and in a good place where only peace and joy fill his days. He wants that for you too. I cry for you and about you.

These few days are in memory of Mitch and not a day goes by I don't think of him - teenager, searching where he fitted, rebelious, loving, cheeky, sparky, helpfull, beligerent, funny, serious, mixed up. Mitch you were all you were meant to be - an adolescent looking, searching for what life had to offer you. Looking for your own spot. Your 17 years with us was too short.... But long enough for us to know you, share with you and love you.

Rest in Peace Mitch and let that same peace descend upon your loving mum.

Melis van der Sluis

The photos haven't caught up with me yet! I am home and they are still up in the air somewhere.

What an eventful day it has been. I travelled to and from Leeuwarden today, about 220km's one way! Lousy driving weather but the warm welcome more than made up for it.

A visit with pastoor Jelmer, dad's cousin and time with tante Alie, dad's sister and her husband oom Siep, started the ball rolling. The weather wasn't that wonderful, but the day was one big sunny event.


Melis van der Sluis, frisian born and living in Hamilton, New Zealand - making headlines in his home country and even more important his home province. I received an invitation to attend the book presentation of his life and life's work. Eager to see Ruth his wife and Melis again I gratefully accepted this invitation with both hands.

A small contingent of other frisians also living in NZ who were here on holiday were also present. They had arranged as surprise a moment to sing the NZ national anthem in both Maori and English, as the frisians are true to their own language as the Maori are to theirs.What an ode, what an honour. What a moving moment. I found myself singing with the group in full gusto with goosebumps on my arms and tears welling up in my eyes. How thankful I am to have been part of this awesome day. What a mixture of emotions.

I left home here in Papendrecht exactly 12 hours ago. I am shattered - feel wonderful but am exhausted. Glad and proud to have been granted such a blessed day!!

Will add photos tomorrow. And yes, I have a signed copy of the book, printed in 3 languages - English, dutch and frisian. And the prints of his works are amazing.

The past couple of days have really impacted on me emotionally. Having just received the wonderful announcement of my granddaughter's birth and now meeting up with old friends... all quite intense. It occurred to me, Indi's birth was sandwiched in between two book presentations. Both to which I was invited, both writers are people I admire. I will relive her birthday ever year with warm memories, and on my dad's birthday after all!

Time to broadcast the good news

Good evening folks. About half an hour ago I thought, "after I finished washing the floors ( yes on a Friday night) I am going to write my BLOG". Trying to eliminate the gaps that threaten to reoccur. So I downed tools and thought - no I am going to write now!!

I was awake early. Real early. Round 5:30 I think. Yes, I just checked. Low and behold - I went online and SKYPED with Kylie, Steve and Indy from 5:41 till 6:05 local time. It was wonderful. Not only did I get to meet my granddaughter for the first time - Summah, Charlie, Danni and Archie accompanied Toni into the room as well. What fun! How cool. Did do a pang thought though " now Reece, Ros, Kirk and Max and then the family would be complete. I'm not greedy, not unsatisfied at all. Honestly, I couldn't have been happier with this gift. It was awesome - but surely it isn't strange to want to include everyone in such a "first time moment?"

I know the photo isn't very clear, but the moment in my mind is. I had to take this with my camera off the computer screen. Not bad all things considered. Four kiddies in a row on the window seat and Kylie accepting a snack from the bowl Toni is holding in front of her! Steve was left holding the baby. What a proud dad. His eyes just shone a thousand watt lights looking at Indi. I was euphoric being able to 'be' there on this special day- not in person but at least visiting by means that were available. A trip Down Under right now just ins't possible for a number of reasons.

After my "visit"  with the kids I had a Skype contact with an old friend - by old I mean 'from way back'. V, she is gorgeous. Am so proud of her, after 40 years she stopped smoking and is changing her whole life style. She is an inspiration that woman. Will share her story sometime. What a treasure and I am allowed to call her 'friend'. Anyway, I was on cloud 9, with my talk about Indi's arrival and sharing oma stories.

Downstairs I carried on my cloud 9 emotions after my two visits " Down under". It set the mood for the day that's for sure. I washed a couple of loads of washing, totally stripped our bedroom and managed to get into nooks and crannies that even they didn't realise existed. Took the electric blanket off the bed - maybe too soon but oh well, no going back now. Shopped, tidied, sent cards off in the post before 5pm ( or else they don't get lifted till Sunday evening). Cooked dinner, cleaned up, ironed and folded the washing, washed some more floors and am now sitting here thinking, who cares about what you did today?

More important is that I mailed friends and relatives with the glad tidings, that I received umpteen congrats messages that made me proud and happy as a sand boy/girl. That the txt messages kept peeping in... and that we had " beschuit met muisjes"  a dutch tradition when a baby is born. My treat naturally. First at our neighbour's home, Mrs van de Graaf. A regular group of people come over for coffee at 10am. There are a few regulars and all know at 10 am the coffee is ready. Pa ( or for the kids opaopa) and my brother in law Arie called in - coffee and more bischuit met muisjes. Pink ones, of course. What a great way to welcome Indo to the family.

I spent today " being oma". Humming, kept looking at her photo and just beaming. My life is good, my life is blessed, my life is living and loving.... I am a rich person with untold treasures. Mine to enjoy and share with others.

Another child is born

Here we go again, another gap and so soon.

Yesterday was a weird day. I was restless but from about 4pm on I was so restless and couldn't concentrate on anything. And would you believe it? Kylie, my daughter - in - law was in labour. Wow!! I wasn't aware she was, but since this morning I know that she started labour round the same time as I felt uncomfortable.

I had kidded Kylie about the birthday for the new born - to take the place on my dad's birthday, the 7th June. Well yesterday was the 7th June, here in Nederland and no phone call. I had worked out that by 2pm local time if I hadn't heard then the baby wouldn't make it on that date.

And sure enough no call came. The day rolled on while I cleaned the chook pen and rabbit cage, fluffed around with small stuff. Unsettled as I was it was hard to concentrate on anything in particular.

In the evening I attended a book presentation. A few weeks ago I received the invitation to be present at the presentation of the book Theba - Thera ( dutch version). I kept my phone on quiet but on my lap so I would notice if a message came in- and low and behold!! It did. " Mum would you ring Steve pls. He can't txt you". Toni x. ( Toni being my oldest child- a daughter so sweet). My son Steve obviously had something to tell!!!

I rushed out of the presentation hall and went to where the " drinkies"  were to be served, sat down, rang and spoke to Steve- obviously in English. " Mum" , he said, "mum we have a daughter. Just born 27 minutes ago..... Her name will be Indi Johanna Simmonds!" Oh me, oh my.  A healthy bubbling baby. Blessed are we all. Not only that. I have the privilege of sharing my name with Indi. My granddaughter. She and I now both carry my mother's name, Johanna. Oh wow! I was crying and laughing all at the same time. There were some ladies standing round who were there to hand out drinks and books - they were all looking and smiling and talking amongst themselves. It must have been quite a sight. I also came to realise- it was still the 7th of June in the Netherlands. Due to the time difference- I still received the news of Indi's birth on my dad's birthday! Quircky.

When the call ended someone pushed a glass of wine in my hands and congratulated me..then the other ladies joined me all curious as to what just happened. Very surreal. Here I was, only knowing the author and his wife at this presentation. The other 120 or so people were complete strangers. I gulped down my wine and sped home - oh no-one home! That's right, Leen is at a council meeting. Then knocked on the neighbours door, Geert-Jan took one look and asked " en oma wat is it geworden?"  He poured me a coffee and we chatted a while. I was so bubbly. Once home reality hit me and I had a " oma moment". No first born cuddles, no yummy baby smells, no mother and son hugs, no Kylie and mum hugs, no Summah bouncy bounce. Oh dear. I got quite morbid.

Leen arrived home just in time. We sat up for a wee while, Leen toasting Indi's arrival and me, just thinking. Time for bed. welcome Indi Johanna Simmonds.

Oma loves you!

Let your inner sun shine...

Upon awakening I started thinking about the day and how I was to fill it so it would be put to good use. Not wasted away into nothingness.

Yesterday a cousin rang, he wanted to know if I had heard anymore news regarding our uncle Wim. After a short update he proceeded to fill me in on his plans for his trip to NZ on the 24th of June.

Oh how my heart skipped a beat. I had had the chance to go as well. I didn't take it because I had commitments ( or so I thought) to a business contact and my business venture. A missed opportunity both business wise and to see my children once again.

The price tag on the ticket was 890 euro. No use crying over spilt milk - get on with the job of spending the day in a positive manor. My kids are as close as the phone, iPad with Skype or even closer, in my heart!!

On Facebook I read a message from someone who is cheesed off because it is raining ( again). She mentioned one could get pretty depressed due to the weather. I thought, that's sad. So I placed a positive message back saying " I planted some plants yesterday, they are being watered today!"

I had a nickname in the family - the eternal optimist - and they didn't mean to flatter me with this, they were actually quite narked I am "sunny side up". These days I don't get upset when I get " branded"  in this way. It makes me smile 'cos the sun shines more on me than on those with dismal dark thoughts.

I do believe that we are influenced by those around us. That also means we can influence others. A smile on a dull day, a compliment, a helping hand, a cup of coffee shared, a listening ear. A positive message on a message board. That is what makes the sun shine...............

Good news? Why not.....

As soon as I woke I realised I had not written my BLOG yesterday. That brassed me off no end. Still, it isn't the end of the world, life went on and another day started. I put it out of my mind...and tackled the day. The sun was out and I couldn't be happier. Garden time today.

Before I even had my first cuppa I spoke to Trees who was online. She told me that oom Wim's surgery had gone well, though it was an arduous 4 1/2 hours worth. There wasn't really any startling statements or predictions made. Too early for that. Slowly my tummy ache eased.... I knew I was concerned, but to the level that I now realised I was came as a surprise.

Next was my dearest friend Robyn ( Napier, NZ) on Skype. And while we were nattering and catching up... her daughter Jody and wee Benjamin came on screen. How cool was that? Benjamin burbeled away and was all smiles. I do so love starting my day with a Skype or two.

I spent a short time reading the paper, checked my email and stuff then went to have my legs massaged. A whole 45 minutes of being spoilt. Makes me feel soooo good.

The afternoon was spent in the garden...no first at my neighbour's place..we hadn't chinwagged for a while. And what do I hear, they might shift. I can honestly say that I have NEVER had such a wonderful couple next door. There is a possibility that they might add on, but their house is a monumental design and there are strict guidelines about what can and can't be done. Bother it all. That will be a dark sad day, should they decide to leave. I'm hoping for an extension.

The garden looks great. Need more seasonal plants now to fill the gaps where the bulbs were in the spring. Will make it bright and cheery this summer. The garden was renovated last year so it is still in a build up stage. What I have learnt is: don't hang bird seed feeders above your flower garden in winter. It turns it into a lawn in the spring.

After dinner I went to my "accross the way" neighbour, Dicky. We sorted heaps of photos so in a couple of weeks we will embark on another album making journey. Cool.

It is 23:45 and time to close. Will do my best to limit the gaps..... Nite nite!

My first ( missed) Monday

It happened. I did it! I missed a day. Well I didn't miss a day, I fell asleep on the couch and didn't get to write my blog before midnight. I won't let that get me down... Onward and upward. I'll try not to leave too many gaps this year.

Now I have two days to write about. Enough impressions to fill the pages. It were two of the most different days one could imagine.

Yesterday was wet, cold and dreary, inside as well as outside ( well that dreary bit anyway). I spent nearly all day in my wee office trying to get some of my admin done, paid a bill for repairs on my car and my road tax. Then I got stuck into my two websites.

Leen was busy with his work and the day passed without any great dramas, unexpected happenings or eventful anythings. After a sandwich Leen went and picked up pa-his dad. They had an appointment at the bank. Sorting out power of attorney and signing rights ( just in case). A very sensible thing to have in place. Pa is 84 and although still capable of lots of his own care.... One never knows what's round the corner.

After the banking business was settled they went to look at a replacement car for pa. At present pa's drivers licence is up for renewal and he needs to go for an eye test. Could be that in November pa no longer has his license. It may also be that he passes the tests and does still have his mobility. Pa wants another car and it was time to look for one. Should he not be allowed to drive after October the company have told him they will buy back the car. Pa is happy. Now the eye test.

Leen cooked dinner... It was lovely. I spent so much time working on my sites Leen felt the need to provide me with dinner. Can't be all bad. On my mind all day was the possibility that Kylie, my daughter- in- law, might start her labour and the closer to evening it got  the more I started also thinking about my oom Wim, my dad's youngest brother living in New Zealand. He was due to have bowel surgery. The later it got here, the earlier it got in New Zealand the closer the operation came. I fell asleep on the couch thinking about oom Wim, my dad and all those hit by this cruel " thing" we call cancer.

That was my Monday.

Sunday, a day of rest

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!!

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.

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!