FIVE ON FRIDAY - FRIDAY's FAVE FIVE

Chantal my friend who lives in the next big town Nivelles had invited me for a coffee and cake



It had been a long time I haven't been in her home some things have changed but it was good to see that the garden started blooming and her two dogs are now quiet old gentlemen in their 11th.

We have new neighbors since last October but haven't seen them only a few times. Fortunately they are a very nice and friendly, a couple with 3 children  but already grown up, 18, 16 and 12. First I thought they would be noisy but not at all not even music. It almost looks like an empty house.

Probably that will change now when they can sit outside.




I found a football in our garden and saw the whole family eating outside. I said hello and gave back the ball.  He asked me to wait a minute and came back with this delicious plate, specialities from Lebanon. They live since years in Belgium. Mr. G. was pleased and found it very good.

From one day to the other we went from winter to summer with temperatures around 25°C (77F). Mr. G. uncovered the garden furniture and our cleaning lady cleaned them. I also "planted" a few fake flowers in the pots nobody ever realizes that they are not real and admire that they always bloom so nicely and I am happy not to water them !

Now we have to do the front garden.

I went again to our Asiatic Restaurant where I had been last week, but we were both disappointed, the food was too spicy and I had the impression that I would spit fire if somebody lightened my breath. Couldn't even eat it all ! The new cook is too Asiatic he should spice the food a little less and those who like it spicy could add the sauce ! But the sun was shining and we could eat outside in the garden.It had been one of our favourite restaurant but if they don't change we won't return there.



Now the furniture is clean and we are ready to sit outside. Even cat Kim enjoys the warm sunshine.



We also had our Scrabble afternoon this time I lost again and dog Tosca supervised the game ! And of course wanted a piece of our strawberry cake ! It became so hot on the balcony that we had to go inside. It's never right or it is too cold or too hot !





We also had our feet nails done by a pedicure because it is too difficult for us too reach our feet. Cat Arthur watched and checked our feet afterwards.

Tomorrow I am off to my friend Claudie in the South of France as I do each year, except last year where it wasn't possible. Now that the weather is nice in the north it's cooler in the south and there is the big question : I don't know what to take along !

more participants at Susanne at Living to tell the Story.

Fast Blog

Shadow shots & Black and white Weekend are here

WORDLESS WEDNESDY - WEDNESDAY HODGEPODGE

morning



evening



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Hodgepodge

1. Three things on your spring bucket list? If you don't have an actual list that's fine, pretend you do.
First holidays in South France, then the garden. Other plans can't be done due to the moody weather.

2. Where do you find rest? What restores your soul? When was the last time you did whatever it was you answered here?
Sitting in the sunshine on a terrace, watching people and having a drink. The last time was last weekend.

3. April is National Celery Month. Who knew? Do you like celery? What's your favorite dish made with celery? On a veggie and dip platter which would you reach for first-carrot sticks, celery sticks, cucumbers or cherry tomatoes?

Definitively not celery. I don't like it. I would take cucumbers and cherry tomatoes ! 

4. I read here eight things to do before 8 am to make your day less hectic-Start one load of laundry, drink water, empty the dishwasher, read your Bible, know what you're having for dinner, get dressed, brain dump (two lists-one what you're thankful for and one what's weighing on your mind), and after the brain dump make your to-list for the day

Nothing of the listed things. except that I get dressed. Before 8 am I still sleeping. I start my day with blogging and prepare a post for the next day. In the afternoon I usually go out with friends or do some shopping. It all depends on the weather.

How many of these are you currently doing? Which one do you think would help the most if you added it to your early morning routine?

I don't like routine, I do what I think is absolutely necessary, 

5. Describe the view from your window.



I see my neighbor's house and the street where from time to time a car appears. Otherwise there are joggers or people walking their dogs. There is no traffic at all, only the people who live here in our street. 

6. Insert your own random thought here.
What do I have to buy before going on holidays to my friend in France ? 

From this side of the pond

LA HULPE PARK

The first time we really had a spring weather day, Bunny and I made a walk through this beautiful La Hulpe park (also called Solvay park)



From far we could see the castle but we went to the other end of the park



This part of an old farm had been transformed into a restaurant. Lots of people come here to have a drink outside with a beautiful view on the park



and the other part of the farm is now a museum where lots of exhibitions take place



The first spring signs








The lake with happy ducks






The view from the restaurant




On our way back we saw the blooming Japanese cherry trees

More about the history of this park you find here La Hulpe park

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WEEKEND APRIL 14

The gardener came with 10 packages of bark to cover the piece of garden on the side of the house. He first he cleaned the ground and made it even, then he covered it with a tarpaulin, so that no weeds could grow. And then he put the bark.



Now I just have to put my cat statues and a flower pot and it will look great. At least something done. The do it yourself time is unfortunately over. For me all this would have been too heavy and Mr. G. with his arthritis is handicapped too. Fortunately the guy was very honest in his price and I am sure it will not be the last time I have to call him. I found him through Facebook ! Sometimes Facebook is good !

Mr. G. had his 77 birthday and we celebrated with a chocolate mousse cake.



Of course Bunny celebrated with us as they are born on the same day and the same year ! We had a very nice afternoon and the cake was delicious.



While we were watching the News, suddenly a thunderstorm arrived and it hailed terribly. Our terrace and the garden looked as if it had snowed. We had no damages but in Waterloo there was also flooding, restaurants and streets and the fire service had a lot to do.



My hibiscus plant honnored us with another flower, it's always one at the time looks beautiful, but only lasts one day.



My cleaning lady had crocheted a bed cover for me some time ago, and now for Mr. G's birthday she
had crocheted this one. Of course cat Arthur had to inaugurate the cover. Isn't it pretty. 



My seven year old grandson Toby had made a painting in the style of the painter Keith Haring  at school. It had such a success that it is used in merchandising and printed on mugs, table sets, etc.

You can imagine that we are very proud. My DIL helped of course, she also has an artistic talent.