Weekend!!

Just three to go . . . and something great to do during each one!

But today is about haircuts and the usual Saturday chores, and hopefully this time some gardening 'cos the sun is up and the sky is blue and the doves are cooing and the birds are singing, and Tim is home from work and fast asleep just as I am getting up! Our time schedules are practically opposite on some days. School is out, the summer has finally begun for him and he has a holiday job in the bakery. In September he starts again with the next level of his training, so two more years to go. We are delighted he has opted to continue and gain more diplomas as you never know what the future holds and being prepared and educated to the best of ones ability is usually helpful.
At least I have always believed this to be true. On a more cynical note this works as well:
'it's not what you know; it's who you know'!!!!
I need to think about this one right now, and see what I come up with.

Enjoy the moment, enjoy the sun.
Sue xx

soon . . .

I'm counting seconds even until I get to see these three very old - in terms of years we have known each other! - dear friends.
How much will we all have changed I wonder?
How many treasured grey hairs will we have between us?
It'll be in the pub.
Where else for goodness sake?!!
And we have other pub reunions in our planning.
Around the country.
More friends to meet, greet and eat!!!
Across the depth and breadth of the land.
Joyous thoughts.
Something to keep me going and make the waiting bearable.
I miss my little girl and everybody else.
Sue xx

Siamese Symbiosis!!!!

Such is their day to day existence, well, pretty much so most days!!! Where one goes, the other is sure to follow!!!
Sue xx

Shame....

a valiant effort by England but when it comes to a deciding penalty shootout, we are rarely likely to win, as was the case last night. We are out but not disgraced, and our young team can look back with some pride at their first big competition and feel some sense of satisfaction - can't they? I think so anyway. Better luck next time chaps!!!

The storms continue unabated and the washout is making everyone feel that this summer might as well be over and done with, the autumn can't be much worse!! But I am hopeful for July and August, as only an optimist can be. It's almost there . . . Sunday brings the start of the 7th month of this year - where did the last six go?
Sue xx

England Expects

Another famous line from history but appropriate this evening when we line up against Italy.
C'mon England!!!!
Sue xx

Weekend!

We are facing another wet and windy one, what else?! Today ought to be fine enough for some garden work but not for getting out the weedkiller stuff sadly. There needs to be a few dry days in a row for that to work and we are not expecting that are we now? A friend told me about another solution to the Round-Up one - thinking of giving it a go; anyone else used Schoonmaak Azijn for the garden weeds?!!
My Chilli plants are growing flower buds so I am hopeful of some Chillies before too much longer. They are perilously perched on top of my printer at the moment to keep them out of tiny teeth's way .. our cat loves chomping on the plants especially red ones. Where have I heard that before, mmmmmn, Xander also had a penchant for red tulips, and Finka for red roses . .must be a Siamese colour attraction thing I guess.
Trying to be quiet right now and not start up the washing machine as Tim worked through the night and is now sleeping. We are like passing ships at the moment in this household! School comes to an end  in another week or so and then he will begin with the next level in September  for another two years. We are so happy that he has decided to continue his learning; means more cakes and chocolate for us!! I am having three weeks of abstinence before going to visit my daughter because I KNOW we will eat too many delicious meals out and drink too many cocktails from her famous cabinet,  as we visit family and friends during the week. So best to abstain now really...............hard going.
Sue xx

Summer Solstice

"A solstice is an astronomical event that happens twice each year as the Sun reaches its highest or lowest excursion relative to the celestial equator on the celestial sphere. As a result, on the solstice the Sun appears to have reached its highest or lowest annual altitude in the sky above the horizon at local solar noon. The word solstice is derived from the Latin sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still), because at the solstices, the Sun stands still in declination; that is, the seasonal movement of the Sun's path (as seen from Earth) comes to a stop before reversing direction. The solstices, together with the equinoxes, are connected with the seasons. In many cultures the solstices mark either the beginning or the midpoint of winter and summer".

Here it brought the rain with it. Storms and gales. Lovely.

Sue xx

Good game, good game

in the immortal words of Mr. Forsyth!!
England played a blinder and it was relief all round when time was blown. We were lucky with that goal attempt from the opposition though, and Terry was there perfectly placed to help us out, no denying that. Was it in? Maybe, we couldn't tell at the time from the angle of the camera so don't know.
But lady luck was on England's side  last night. Makes a nice change doesn't it?
Sun out today, better get on my bike soon and enjoy it!
Sue xx

A small oasis

We umm'ed and we arr'ed yesterday watching the wind blow gusts over our heads, and eventually decided that it was safe enough to venture out on our bikes through the lanes towards the dijk; Andijk to be precise! It's just a straight route from here, with our destination being a small tea garden there.
It's called De Libel. It's very pleasant sitting there listening to the froggies singing and watching the dragonflies  whisking past with regular frequency. We had coffee and something with cream and jam called an Andoijker Scone. It was different, but oh how we yearned for warm English Scones with Clotted Cream instead!!!!! It gave me ideas of how to progress with our garden . . maybe just pipe dreams but hey, a girl can dream, can't she? I loved how peaceful it was there. Ann, time we made a plan to go there together soon!! Ineke, you'd love it here too! Next time you are up this way.
And of course we have got thunderstorms today. It's really raining cats and dogs right now, so I am glad to be indoors all day. Not good news for my Hayfever, but then the rain never is.
Better stay focused and carry on then, hadn't I?
Sue xx

more sun?!

We braved it anyway yesterday and it was pleasant cycling through the Streek and keeping houses on either side to banish any wind!
We walked the market.
I bought lemons and limes for the freezer.
We had coffee and Apple Tart (of course).
We cycled home again.

All this rain is giving me terrible Hay Fever. I slept poorly again as a result so am not a happy bunny this morning. My head feels muzzy. My eyes are swollen and my throat tickles like crazy. A day for staying indoors then, sadly.

Shame about the football last night too . . . . here's hoping we do better then.
Sue xx

brief glimpse . . .

If you were awake at 6.30 this morning like me you would have seen the sun. It lasted one hour. Now there are black clouds gathering and the early decision to cycle to Enkhuizen is hastily being re-thought!! So frustrating. But only if you caught that glimpse first thing. Otherwise you would now be waking up and thinking ' same old, same old' and carrying on without realizing you had missed  something of summer!! Perhaps I'll take the car instead . . . .
Sue xx

Typically British

I love PIMMS. It says SUMMER even though it is pouring down with rain and everywhere is waterlogged! I had my first glass or two yesterday, oh yes! I've even found a shop that sells it here . . .just need to grow some mint in the garden and voila . . we are on our way!! Thanks Gloria for having got some in!!!
It is such a quinntissential English drink - second only in popularity to Tea apparently. Coffee comes in third, no panic please Mr. Mainwaring!!! I think I will drink it some more . . . .given half a chance. 




Enough of this day dreaming lassie! In a totally obscure moment this morning I happened upon a gentleman wearing a Scottish Kilt. He was charming. He is going to the Edinburgh Tattoo. He told me his history. I do so love a chance encounter such as this one!


I'm having some down times right now so finding something cheery to talk about or someone cheery to talk to is a bonus.  Sometimes it just feels as though I take one step forward and ten million back again, and I don't know how to cope as well as I do usually. I need to take my grumpiness out on a definite task, so I have earmarked tomorrow for one I really do need to return to. Unless the sun shines. Unless I can sit outside or ride my bike. Unless my book arrives. Unless. . . . . guess not having a crystal ball to gaze into at this point we will just have to wait and see!
Sue xx

recent photos

Wind damaged Clematis.

So needs that new support!!!

Our toast to HER MAJESTY during the Jubilee Celebrations!

Not quite the right order but you get the picture!!!
Sue xx

Stormy week

in more ways that one!! The weather has done its damage in the garden and our poor beautiful Clematis which is crying out for more support took the worst of the battering. I've been outside this morning cutting off the broken branches and tying in the rest . . . we need to get more support for her soon!
Yesterday it was incredibly windy but my day in Delft was actually quite dry and sunny most of the time.
It was not as nice a day out as I had hoped but then, it was what it was. Say no more.
I am just about all set for my week away next month, just sorting out the planning and making the last few arrangements with friends etc. I am worried however, that if we start enjoying the contents of Becci and Ric's new vintage Cocktail Cabinet that I might not see anyone at all - or everybody double!!!! Like your style you two!!

Well, the Football has started. Yesterday it was like a ghost town here with no sight nor sound of anyone from about 5.30pm. And when it was over the silence continued. What a shame for Holland! They played well but that net was just too small for that ball to fly in over the line. I was disappointed as it ought to have been  draw or even more for Holland; 28 attempts at goal is a lot to miss out on. We still have England to open their three matches on Monday against France. See whether we are any luckier or not, eh?

My crotchet blanket is growing steadily I'm delighted to say. I noticed that there is a sort of 'bring your knitting/crocheting along"happening here in a local store and I am tempted to go to it. Might learn more styles and techniques I'm thinking, which could prove useful when I try something else. I'll probably forget about it but at least my intention is good right now! I need more colors and more wool before I can go any further so that is the following step. I'm hoping to take half of it over next month Becs!

What else is new? Nothing much folks! Life trundles on a-pace and until next month without anything special happening at all. But in July . . . well, there are things percolating people!!!

Sue xx

God Save the Queen. 60 Glorious Years.

Long may she reign over us.
Amazing lady in my humble opinion.
We'll be flying the flag this weekend!!!
Sue xx