FRIDAY's FAVE FIVE

Unfortunately it rained again on Monday so we had to play our memory game inside. What was amazing that people who still have all their head or "brain" were loosing, while those a bit handicapped won ! They had a better memory ! I always forgot where I had seen the apple to find the second one, I never found it, my neighbor, a little crazy and always smelling alcohol did ! Interesting experience. 

The next day I went to my dermatologist because I had troubles with my skin. I know him well he was very good, but now he had become an old bachelor boy, who criticized women because they have children and therefore could not work. I had to bite my tongue not to say what I thought of such old bachelors! He's crazy !

We had nice weather again, not too hot and not too cold and we all sat  on the terrace ! 

 

Each time there are more moles crawling out of their holes. When I arrived here, I was surprised that everyone stayed in their rooms and only saw each other in the restaurant. And then they were surprised that they were bored! 

Although it was not Friday 13, the whole day we had misfortunes. It started when I wanted to ask the internet about the weather and I didn't have internet. Then I saw that the TV was off. I tried the light, no light! I opened my door and asked what was wrong. 

A general glitch in our Waterloo neighborhood. This meant staff couldn't get in, as the doors all open electrically. Finally, some employees came into the castle through the window of our Gilberte (101 years old), who lives on the ground floor. 

Of course that was also a problem for the kitchen and the poor nurses and cleaners had to go up and down the four floors. A few nurses had to stay on the 4th floor for the very serious cases, who are completely helpless. Two hours later the light came back  and I was finally able to answer my emails. But the luck didn't last long and then the two elevators failed. Walking up and down again! Somehow we all got out of our routine. Luckily everything was working again in the afternoon and we were able to play our game. 

On top of all that I stated that my phone bill was wrong, too much had been charged and it was impossible to call my provider! A parcel that I had ordered was delivered to my old address and it was impossible to get anyone on the phone at the post office ! Some days it's better to stay in bed! Anyway, I've had enough for today and will do it all on Monday.

Rosie washes her ears, that means rain !!

Me at the end of the day !
 

 

more participants at Susanne at Living to tell the Story.

 

 

 

 

 

 

HODGEPODGE JULY 25

1. The Olympics kick off this coming weekend. Will you be watching? If you could watch just one event in person, which one would you choose?

Certainly not, I am not at all interested in sports, never had. The only sport which I would have liked is riding a horse. Unfortunately horses scared me and I never dared to climb on one ! Now in my third youth I am not afraid of horses anymore, I pet them and I love them now without fear ! Maybe I am not to old for a little ride. Instead I climbed on a camel and admired its long eye lashes. Each time I had the occasion I was riding a camel !

2. Have you ever been to Paris? Is this a city you'd like to visit? What's your favorite 'French thing'? 

I have been to Paris several times.  I have seen it all what a tourist should see, the rusty Eiffel tower included (maybe they painted it now for the Olympics). Since I lived 10 days in Paris to help a dear friend (now passed away) to move into her new apartment and, above all, to choose furniture! Her father, a well-known French politician, had managed to find her a small apartment in the posh district of Paris.

I've never seen such aggressive people in my life, everyone shouted at each other. All the buildings were neglected and the subway very dirty. That was a while ago but nothing has changed from what my French friends told me. They don't like Paris either, only for culture and expositions ! I haven't been to Paris since then and have no desire to go back.

3. Macaron, creme brulee, chocolate soufle, mille feuille, or an eclair...your favorite French patisserie from the ones listed? 

I like mille feuille and chocolate souflé (mousse au chocolat),

4. July 24th is National Cousins Day...do you have many cousins? Are you close to them? Will you see any of your cousins on July 24th? 

I have 2 cousins, but I haven't seen them in ages. They are my father's sisters daughters, and there was a fight between brother and sister, which limited a bit the contact to my cousins. One married the inventor of the "Brita filter" and made a fortune with it.

5. Last time you went somewhere that felt like 'everyone and his cousin' was there? 

Since the passing of Rick I am unable to be in a large crowd of people, no matter who or where. I'd rather be alone then.

 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I start to compare me with the weather, up and down ! Today it's rather down, I think of the stupid dermatologist who instead of helping me just prescribed a cream.

I think that the spots and other strange things I discovered on my skin are from the cortisone that I have to inhale.

Instead of giving me an explanation, he told me that he was retired I wanted to tell him ("that I can see") but held back, and that now there are almost only women who become dermatologists, and who are constantly pregnant and then can't work , and later they have to look after their children. I had to bite my tongue not to tell him what I thought, after all it's not forbidden for men to help out too. 

But he's an old bachelor and doesn't even have a computer. He scribbles everything on small pieces of paper! I hadn't noticed that before because I've only been to him twice and I really liked him and he was very good ! He has changed a lot now and seems to be of the opinion that a vintage woman shouldn't worry about her skin anymore !  I mean, even if yo are vintage, you should try to look pretty and well-groomed. After all, I'm doing it for myself and not for others ! Now am looking for a young dermatologists, who has done modern studies, and will never return to this old bachelor boy !

dermatologist who instead of helping me just prescribed a cream. I think that the spots and other strange things I discovered on my skin are from the cortisone that I have to inhale. Instead of giving me a lecture, he told me that he was retired (I wanted to tell him ("you can tell") but held back and that now it's almost only women who become dermatologists, are constantly pregnant and then can't work , and later they have to look after their children. I have to bite my tongue not to tell him what I think, after all it's not forbidden for men to help out too. But he's an old bachelor and doesn't even have a computer. He scribbles everything on small pieces of paper! I hadn't noticed that before because I've only been to him twice and I really liked him. He's changed a lot now and is of the opinion that an old woman shouldn't worry about her skin anymore Even if you're vintage, you should try to look pretty and well-groomed. After all, I'm doing it for myself and not for others!

 

= I think of the stupid dermatologist who instead of helping me just prescribed a cream. I think that the spots and other strange things I discovered on my skin are from the cortisone that I have to inhale. Instead of giving me a lecture, he told me that he was retired (I wanted to tell him ("you can tell") but held back and that now it's almost only women who become dermatologists, are constantly pregnant and then can't work , and later they have to look after their children. I have to bite my tongue not to tell him what I think, after all it's not forbidden for men to help out too. But he's an old bachelor and doesn't even have a computer. He scribbles everything on small pieces of paper! I hadn't noticed that before because I've only been to him twice and I really liked him. He's changed a lot now and is of the opinion that an old woman shouldn't worry about her skin anymore Even if you're vintage, you should try to look pretty and well-groomed. After all, I'm doing it for myself and not for others! the stupid dermatologist who instead of helping me just prescribed a cream. I think that the spots and other strange things I discovered on my skin are from the cortisone that I have to inhale. Instead of giving me a lecture, he told me that he was retired (I wanted to tell him ("you can tell") but held back and that now it's almost only women who become dermatologists, are constantly pregnant and then can't work , and later they have to look after their children. I have to bite my tongue not to tell him what I think, after all it's not forbidden for men to help out too. But he's an old bachelor and doesn't even have a computer. He scribbles everything on small pieces of paper! I hadn't noticed that before because I've only been to him twice and I really liked him. He's changed a lot now and is of the opinion that an old woman shouldn't worry about her skin anymore Even if you're vintage, you should try to look pretty and well-groomed. After all, I'm doing it for myself and not for others!

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

 

Belgian_National_Day  A day which commemorates the oath taken by the first king of the Belgians, Léopold de Saxe-Cobourg-Ghota, on July 21, 1831. An important oath because it marks the creation of a new Kingdom Belgium.

The Royal Family, Queen Mathilde, King Philip and their 4 children, the eldest in purple is Crown Princess Elisabeth.
 

Crown Princess Elisabeth in uniform

 

Crown Princess Elisabeth, prince Emmanuel, princes Eléonore and prince Gabriel

 

more participants here, and Image-in-ing

AWWW MONDAY - WEEKEND JULY 20

 

Linking to AWWW MONDAYS 

 

 

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On Saturday I had the visit of my friend and ex neighbor, who had helped me to move into my "castle" ! We know each other since 23 years ! We lived for at least 10 years side by side and we could look into each others kitchen. Rick helped her with her computer and walked her dog and as she lived alone she came often to us to watch a film together. We also traveled a lot together and she came with me to my yearly holidays in Egypt. Unfortunately the poor girl has got Parkinson but a different type of Parkinson's.

She had the typical symptom, her hands were shaking, but Rick had it all in his head. I had only seen her on the phone since the beginning of the year but not in person. So I was pretty horrified when I saw her. Her hands were no longer shaking but her entire upper body was shaking. 

I had ordered a menu for her in our restaurant and we were very spoiled. Since there are so many people here with shaking hands, because they are old, she wasn't noticed at all. She had difficulties with eating, but luckily she enjoyed it. Afterwards we sat on the terrace and looked at the albums from our travels together. 

Suddenly several  residents  came who wanted to see it too and  we spent a very nice afternoon all together. We told everyone what had happened to us and there was a lot of laughter. 

Time went by so quickly and she had to drive home, it takes an hour. She still drives without problem and called me that she had arrived safely home.

Dominique and I having lunch together in our restaurant. We had stuffed red peppers with rice and for dessert a "white lady" (Dame blanche) a vanilla ice cream with whipped cream and chocolate sauce.

On Sunday we celebrated our National Day, but I stayed with the others and we played a very interesting game about Belgium. All questions concerning the country, languages, the Royals etc. I was surprised that most of them only knew a few things, and finally I won ! No wonder I had written enough about Belgium !

And this was my breakfast ! I thought maybe they think that Domi stayed over night and I hid her behind the sofa, because I got 5 croissants and one "couque au chocolat". That's the same dough just a different shape and filled with chocolate. I couldn't eat it all, and kept the left overs for the evening. 

The Royal Family, King Philip, Queen Mathilde, Crown Princess Elisabeth (in red) and one brother. Another brother and the youngest Princess Eleonor are not on the picture but were standing besides her siblings. Tonight there will be a drone show with 300 drones and a firework, while I while I will be in my bed and probably hear the noise of the festivities and firework in Waterloo.

 

FRIDAY's FAVE FIVE

As always, the week started with rain and we had to play cards indoors. Nothing special happened except that I was in a bad mood and preferred to keep my mouth shut. In the evening I took half a sleeping pill that my doctor had prescribed for me because I could never fall asleep, with the result that I slept for 12 hours and only woke up at 10 because Rosie had probably waited long enough for her breakfast and was walking around on me. I probably needed that because I felt much better.

I had been to the City Hall for my new identity card and now I have to wait that I get an email to pick it up myself. Fortunately with me there is no problem, because I still drive but for those in a wheelchair  it becomes a problem, but the lady there told me that in this case an employee comes to them ! That will be the last identity card I will get, because there is no expiring date on it anymore ! The funniest thing was that my picture looked exactly like 10 years ago ! The lady at the counter was surprised, she thought I had brought an old photo. But it's true that you don't see the wrinkles on a photo !

Then the weather changed and it became like it should be in summer ! We could play cards outside and I stayed longer on the terrace.  

I did my little shopping, I needed shampoo and several other little things it was quite hot and I hurried home to play Bingo with the others. That's always funny !

I have tried if my tablet works on the terrace, and it did, but very slow and only when I sat near the entrance ! 

Little Rosie now knows when lunch is served, long before I hear the trolley, she suddenly lifts her head, makes big eyes and licks her mouth. So I know exactly that minutes later, my lunch is served. But she never asks for food, she only likes her cat food, which I don't like ! I could leave a chicken wing and she won't touch it.

3 window cleaners came and poor Rosie was shocked ! Three men in my room ! Like a flash she disappeared under my bed ! They need so many because the castle is big and there are many windows which are large and high ! It took them half a day to clean at least the main part. 

In the afternoon we had a funny card game, where we didn't have to move too much, as the temperature reached now 30° ! And then I talked to a lady who is here because she broke her hip and stays here until she is healed. She likes it very much and we chatted together. The others went inside and waited for their supper. 

Since I had said once that Rosie likes feathers, I found this for her on the table ! Isn't that kind ?

more participants at Susanne at Living to tell the Story.

 

 

 

 

 

 

HODGEPODGE JULY 18

1. What is an adult problem nobody prepared you for?

I rake my brain, but nothing comes into my mind.  I was used to solve my problems alone and even those of my mother so I took the things I didn't know or was not prepared just as they came and tried to solve them.

2. Without mentioning any tech, what's your most prized possession?

Most prized possession ? I really don't know, it probably depends on the estimation of a specialist. I sold my mother's jewelry for a good price, but kept everything Rick has offered me. That's precious to me and has no prize. 

3. It's National Peach Ice Cream Day (July 17th). Will you be celebrating? Do you like peaches? Given a choice would you prefer peach ice cream, peach pie, peach cobbler, or just hand me a peach? Do you own anything that is peach in color?

I love peaches very much, especially as fruit, just bite in it and enjoy the taste. I would also eat a peach pie or an ice cream with peach taste. I have nothing in peach color, my colors are more vivid, peach is too soft for me.

4. What makes a friendship successful?

My "friend" and I during a tour around the UK, here we are in Edinburgh

There is no recipe. My best friend, I had known for over 20 years, and we were very close, we shared all our worries and problems went out and traveled together. She was already great grandma, but hadn't seen her 5 grandchildren for 7 years because she had a fight with her daughter. 

That should have made me suspicious , because she never really told me why. Her sister and I insisted that she should make peace with her daughter, and finally it happened. I stood at her side and comforted her in her regrets that she didn't recognize her grandchildren anymore ! 2 years later she dropped me like a hot potato because I was no longer as funny and available due to Rick's illness. She wrote to me that I was getting on her nerves and that she didn't want to see me anymore. I was blown away, I wasn't prepared for that at all. That hurt me a lot, especially because it was during the time when I needed comfort the most. She also knew Rick very well, but didn't come to his funeral ceremony. 

Ever since  I have become very suspicious of "best" friends or friendship.  However, I still have a good friend in Germany whom I have known since we were at school; we were both 10 years old. We see each other regularly and talk on the phone often. She has now even become a great-grandmother!

 

As kids and as grandmas !

5. Let's give our brains a rest and do a little summertime this or that...beach or pool? ice cream or snowcone? amusement park or camping? burger or hot dog? watermelon or strawberries? get up early or sleep in late? sunrise or sunset? 

I am already on holidays since mid November ! Our park is so beautiful, that the only thing I miss would be a swimming pool. I get up when I want, my breakfast is always on my table. Most of the time I don't hear when the girl comes in. I could go on holidays, but this year with this strange Jo-Jo weather, I prefer to stay here and take the sun (if it's warm an sunny) ! 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I don't have any thoughts for the moment, except always the same, I miss my man so much and this

 

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

 

 

The Berlaymont towers over the entire district

 

an old catholic church is squeezed between old and new buildings

Bruxelles was full of these old mansions, unfortunately an entire district was demolished to build the Berlaymont, and create the European quarter.

 

 

 

more participants here, and Image-in-ing

AWWW MONDAY - WEEKEND JULY 13

 

Arthur and Charlie, both gone over the rainbow bridge

Linking to AWWW MONDAYS

 

 

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WEEKEND

 

My son  and grandson came for the weekend, combining visiting his friend and friend's son, they know each other since their first month of life !

As he arrived around 7 pm. on Friday evening, the three of us had a very nice real pizza in a real Italian restaurant, where nothing had changed in the Italian kitchen, which is usually the case, that they adapt to the food of the country they work. It had been excellent. 

On Saturday afternoon Dario came visiting me and we spent the afternoon together, and had a coffee with the other residents. He changed the place of my fridge which had been just underneath my TV and that disturbed me. Now it looks nice, it's out of my view besides the entrance. Then we were looking for a bank card reader, which of course we didn't find. I have to look another time or ask for a new one.  I have everything in my phone, I don't know for what the reader is good now, everything has changed. Toby stayed with his friend, they hadn't seen each other "life" since a few month, and the last time both had the same size and now Toby is taller !

Benji is 5 month older then Toby and is also tall. Toby measures now 1.87 m, and I became the little one !

At 5pm Dario returned and I was a bit tired. I had my supper, watched a little movie and then went to bed. Suddenly at 11pm somebody made a firework and I could see it from my bed ! It was very beautiful and lasted quite long ! As it is not allowed to do fireworks in the middle of the year without official reason like New Year or National Day, they certainly got a fine. 

On Sunday they both came early afternoon,  after having played Golf both with their sons. We made a a walk around the park and then saw the others coming on the terrace to play a game. Toby asked me if he could join and I told him of course you can and finally all three of us took a seat. One of them looked up at Dario and shouted, “you are so tall, you scare me ! ” we laughed !

They both had a lot of fun.  The game was simple: someone drew a card with a word on it, e.g. "Superman." Of course, not everyone knew the good Superman, so we helped a little and Kim pointed to his socks with the Superman pictured on them. To which the good lady's answer was "aww, that's Tino Rossi." We had to laugh so much that some of them actually cried. I don't know if he was known outside France, but here he was very famous singer to those who were in their 90. My grandson also had a lot of fun, especially when the answers weren't correct at all. 

I was happy that both weren't bored, it seemed that they appreciated to play with us oldies ! and we appreciated too, to have  younger generations amongst us !

Then it was time to drive home to Amsterdam and after having waved good bye I returned to the others and had my coffee.

We chatted together the main subject was the size of my two men ! It's impossible to loose them !