AWWWW MONDAY - WEEKEND DECEMBER 21

 

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Linking to AWWW MONDAYS 

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WEEKEND

On Saturday I expected my family to celebrate Christmas together. When they arrived dog Leia went to Rosie's basket to sniff if she was still there, Rosie opened an eye and then went to back to sleep. Leia turned around and did the same. The problem of dog/cat was solved. 

Then we went to a very nice restaurant which is famous for its meat quality. My son and grandson wanted to eat a good steak, while my DIL doesn't eat any meat but had a very good salmon dish. The building dates from the 18th century and is a restaurant since 1976.!!!

It is very cozy inside, has an open fire and a big garden, where you can sit in summer. We had a great meal and far too much, I had difficulties to finish my plate. Leia was very brave and lay under the table and slept.

Then we returned home and celebrated our Christmas. I had no Christmas tree, but had made a nice Christmas decoration.

I have got a special USB key which allows me to use it for my computer, my mobile and my tablet.

There was a little Christmas market in our restaurant and we made a walk through, but didn't buy anything. Poor Toby had probably eaten too much and didn't feel well, so he lay down for a while on my bed. 

At 5 pm they returned to Amsterdam, unfortunately in an awful weather, rain and wind but arrived safely home. Although we had celebrated a bit in advance, it was a nice Christmas day, the first different one in my new life.

Sunday was terrible, it was snowing and hailing at the same time! We played a kind of bowling and Litchi, our therapist's dog, let the people pamper him but didn't chase a ball.

Kim who is our "entertainer" and my son.

 

V

A very happy Christmas and a healthy good year without any problems !

 

 

 

 

FRIDAY's FAVE FIVE

Unfortunately, I'm still suffering from this damp weather, I only feel good when I'm sitting  and not doing any physical moves.

Fortunately, we started the week with a very interesting quiz. It was about Christmas, how this holiday started, why and where, etc. It was very interesting and I was able to answer almost all questions, as I knew that celebrating Christmas originated in Germany and from there spread all over the world.

 The next day, cookies were baked and Christmas music played. That put me in the Christmas spirit, even though I only watched two people kneading the dough, no wonder they did it so well, both had a bakery!

Tomorrow I'll celebrate Christmas with my family, a bit early, but my DIL's family is spread out across Holland. I'll celebrate with my flatmates or alone. It depends on my mood.

I wish you 

 

 

                                      

 

 

 

 

 

 

HODGEPODGE DECEMBER 19

1. What's one thing you want to get done before the calendar flips to a new year?

Improve my health (but how ?) and finally start my new life as a widow and enjoy life again.

2. What's something that brought a smile to your face this year?

A lot, because the sadder I am, the more I seem happy and funny and laugh all the time

3. What do you like on a cracker? Do you have a favorite cracker variety?

It's fun  ! Especially the pieces of paper that lie inside and predict the future. 

4. Do you have plans for ringing in the new year in a fun or special way? Are you typically awake at midnight on the last day of the year? 

We, and now I try to wait until midnight, watch the fireworks if there are some.  We always used to celebrate with friends and it was always very funny. 

New Year, long ago, together with friends.

This year I don't know, probably I will buy some salmon or sushi and a bottle of champagne (without alcohol) and watch a movie. Maybe others will join me.

5. What are three words that describe your 2024? 

Ups, downs, lost 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

This year during the Christmas season. I think about all the Christmases I have celebrated during my life. I think the best were those in England. We celebrated the first years of our marriage with my parents, but I have very bad memories of that. When they had passed away,  we changed the way we celebrated and it became fun. And now ? I don't care, I just want this time to be over as quickly as possible. Despite that I decorated my room and it looks very cozy and even though I was sick,  I found all the presents and they arrived on time.

 Rosie is a bit surprised she had never seen a mouse like that !

 

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY - Brussels Royal Palace

Once a year since 1965 the Royal Palace in Brussels is open to the public after the National Holiday on 21 July until end September. There is no entrance fee, it's for everybody. 

The last time I had been there must have been in 1966 and I could hardly remember a thing. This year you were allowed to take pictures without flash. 

The Royal Palace of Brussels is the King’s administrative residence and main workplace. Here in his office the King receives the representatives of political institutions, foreign guests (heads of state, ambassadors) and other guests. In addition to the office of the King and of the Queen, the Royal Palace plays host to the services of the King’s Household: the King’s Cabinet, the General Secretariat, the Civil List, the Military Household, the Protocol and the Queen’s Secretariat. The other members of the Royal Family also have an office at the Brussels Palace, where their staff work. The Palace comprises also prestige reception rooms where various activities of the King and the Royal Family are organized (work meetings and, receptions, concerts, lunches, etc.).

Last week I showed you the outside, here is what I saw inside !

The ceiling is covered with scarab wing cases.

The palace  was tastefully renovated by the previous Queen Paola and is a unique work of art. Light and simply beautiful.

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