HODGEPODGE DECEMBER 18

 

1. What's one thing on your to-do list that you want to get done, need to get done, or that must get done before the year ends? 

Youpee, my "To do list" as empty as my wallet ! 

2.  December 17th is National Maple Syrup Day...are you a fan? Do you like maple flavor in other food items such as candy, cookies, donuts, oatmeal, hot toddies, coffee? 

I love Maple Syrup ! I didn't know that at all and ate it for the first time in 1971 when we visited my aunt in Madison/Wisconsin. From that day on I had every morning a "stack" of pancakes with maple syrup ! After our return I tried to find a pot of maple syrup here, but couldn't find it. When my aunts neighbors visited us in 1980, they brought me a huge pot of maple syrup, it lasted nearly a year ! The only problem was, the "holiday" feeling was missing ! 

3. Time magazine names a person of the year every year.  The tradition started back in 1927 with a 'man of the year' but has since changed to recognize not only an individual, but also to consider the impact of a group, movement, or idea that most influenced the year. The selection is not always someone or something good (think Hitler in 1938 and Stalin twice). 

 

I never followed the "Man of the year" ! Unbelievable that these two mass murderer became "man of the year "! Then even Mr. Trump would be better ! I thought the man of the year must at least be handsome, which I can't say from these three ! I prefer George Clooney !

This year they've named The AI Architects as their 'person of the year'. What say you? Is this a good choice, an obvious choice, a logical choice? Who do you think should have been named person of the year? 

I don't know well AI architects, or even use AI. I saw how you can use it to write a Christmas greeting to your grandma, maybe I could do it, if she was not dead, 

4. What's a city, state, or country you've visited that you never care to visit again? Tell us why. 

5. Next Sunday (December 21st) marks the first day of winter (or the opposite if you're living down under). What's one thing you love about this new season? 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

END OF WRITER's CRAMPS. BEGINNING OF "NONNA's CASTLE"

 

 

I decided to create a new blog after my life has changed so much.

Please click here to Nonna's Castle (Nonna means grandmother in Italian).

 

 

 

 

 

 

HODGEPODGE JUNE 12

 

1. June 10th is National Herbs and Spices Day. Besides salt and pepper what herb or spice container do you reach for most often? Is there a spice you truly dislike? What's a recent dish you made that called for more than salt and pepper? 

I don't cook anymore I have my own cook in my castle (lol) But when I cooked it was mostly Italian and I used a lot of spices like, Basil, garlic, curcuma, oregano, parsley etc. If mint is a spice I hate it.

 

Gnocchi with Bolognese sauce 

2. It's been said 'variety is the spice of life'...in what way is this true for you? Elaborate. 

 

3. What's something in your life that adds 'spice' (excitement, intensity) even if also comes with challenge or unpredictability? 

Most of my life I have lived,  now I'm in the final chapter. Even though I still have the craziest ideas in my head, my body wouldn't cooperate while time flies by. I have enjoyed living an adventurous life and didn't need anything that added 'spice'. Rick always said that with me there is never a dull moment. I was just born like that. Of course I also had dark times when I saw everything in black.

4. If you could instantly master one skill or hobby, what would it be and why? 

That is and would be photography. I love to play around with photos I have made, I change them or I leave them as they are.  Since I gave up painting I am now into photography. 

 

oil in a pan 

carved melons

Raindrops on my windowshield

5. We're halfway through the year...what's one book, movie, or activity you've loved this year that you'd recommend to others? 

I enjoyed very much the games we played during our afternoon activities, but it is difficult to recommend, I personally like to play scrabble or Bingo.  

I have read so many books in my life that now I read interesting blogs, but can't recommend one, depends on the Blogger's taste.  I like real life stories, and not copied history lessons. 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

 

I had the visit of my my son and grandson. Now I wonder how long he will grow ? Toby is 14 years old and measures nearly 2 m, just as my son. I am not a little girl either I measure 1.71; but between them I look like a dwarf ! But they are both healthy, have no bone or other problems, so I think it is better being tall then little, although they have to pay attention when they go through a door !

 

 

 

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

 

 I visited the exhibition of Princess Diana's clothes a few years ago and had the opportunity to have also a glance inside the Kensington Palace. 

 

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AWWW MONDAY - WEEKEND JUNE 7

 

 

 

Linking to AWWW MONDAYS

 

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WEELKEND 

Saturday it was still cold and wet, even though it wasn't raining. I quickly bought some grapes and kiwis and returned immediately. I arrived just in time to play cards with the others. At least that was a bit of fun in the afternoon.

 

Sunday was not better, and that terrible wind was still there, causing some damage; a tree even fell on a car on the highway.

Since our two entertainers had the day off, I sat in the restaurant for a while, thinking a few others would come too, but they were probably busy with their families. The only one there, was the good Italian mother, who was babbling nonsense, complaining that no one was picking her up and asking if I could drive her to her children. I answered as best I could, but then it got too much for me, and I went to Jeanine, who was happy, because  she'd been doing crossword all day and thought she was now cross-eyed.

Finally we chatted the whole afternoon, she was a farmer's daughter and had 4 brothers and 2 sisters. One brother took over the farm. She just had her 90th birthday but is very fit and needs no nurse at all. She stays here because she came with her very sick husband who died last year and she decided not to return and live alone in their house. Now she is happy because she likes it here as much as I do.  

 

FRIDAY's FAVE FIVE

Now it's already June, which means half of 2025 is gone and besides in March where it should be still cold we had the weather of June. At first, when people talked about climate change, I always thought it was a joke, but unfortunately, it seems to be true.

We couldn't play outside all week because it was far too cold, or warm, and far too windy. Nevertheless, we had a great week.On Monday, I had to move my car to another spot because there were so many trucks in our parking lot with new beds and furniture. We all had to zigzag, and the wheelchairs had a hard time getting through. During the morning I found three residents who were lost and didn't know in which floor or room they had to go. Since I didn't understand a word they were trying to tell me as they have their own language and some get very angry when you don't understand them, I took them all when I found them  to the nurse's office. 

Because I'd lost so much weight, my watch kept slipping up and down my arm. So I drove to the Swatch store and asked them to shorten the strap. I had to wait half an hour, which I used to walk around and see how many boutiques have closed and are replaced by others. 

 

Then sat in a little café and had a nice ice cream, called Straciatella which I love. And for the first time in a very long time, I thought I'd found my old life again.

On Thursday we had a nice surprise, we had the visit of teenagers from 13 to 17 years, who all live together in a house, because the child protection service took them away from their parents because they severely neglected their children. These parents were criminals and had ended up in prison, alcoholics, or abused their children. These children were so polite and friendly and felt so comfortable with us grandmas that they didn't want to leave. 

We played games together, old against young, and then we ate cake and had a coffee or a drink. They helped set the table, pushed the wheelchairs around and laughed their heads off when oldies counted pranks from their childhood. Even our 102-year-old Gilberte came and was admired by the youngsters. It was a very nice afternoon. Later I thought what a life these pour children had in the past, and how nice they were now. They even told us about their plans for the future and what they want to be when adult. 

And I mostly know rather spoiled brats.

Here we are young and old all together playing and having fun. I think this was a very good idea for both parties.

We have 3 newcomers, one couple she has started Alzheimer and was crying while she had to leave her two cats at home. I tried to comfort her, but without success. It takes time, but she can't take care of her cats here, and her husband sits in a wheelchair. The 3rd one is a lady younger then I and we liked each other immediately. She seems to be very cheerful and told me that she preferred to live here with us, be because she is loosing her short-term memory and she thought it's better to move into our castle and enjoy it now, as sooner or later she will end here. 

Anyway Rosie and I are happy here, it was a good choice
 

 

 

more participants at Susanne at Living to tell the Story.

 

 

 

 

 

 

HODGEPODGE JUNE 4

 1. What do birthdays look like in your house? How are they celebrated? Any special traditions? What about birthdays growing up? 

In the past, we always celebrated birthdays with cake, candles and gifts. But getting older we celebrated less and less, still with a cake and a gift, then we went in a nice restaurant as celebration and only celebrated the birthday of my grandson. But now he doesn't want a gift anymore, but money to buy something which he loves. Anyway in all these new computer games I am lost.

2. Someone is sending you a dozen roses...what color are you hoping for? Are you someone who gets accused of seeing the world through rose colored glasses? Is your accuser correct? Elaborate. 

Of course I love red roses, but I am the opposite of somebody who is seeing the world through colored glasses, 

I am definitely not someone who sees the world through rose-colored glasses. I see the world and people as they are, either black, gray, or pink. Rose-colored glasses are only for romantic moments.

3. June 4th is National Cheese Day...will you celebrate? What's something (besides a burger) you make in the summer months that calls for cheese

We don't have a Cheese day, but I personally love cheese more then meat. The whole year I eat cheese of  all kinds, from Swiss fondue in winter and Mozarella cheese together with Proscuitto crudo. 

 

4. 'tis the season...any weddings on your June calendar? What's the first word that comes to mind when I say marriage? 

There are no weddings in view for me at least, but a lot of funerals. No, nothing comes into my mind when I hear the word "wedding". I just think, living together or being married is the same today, at least here, the partner has the same rights then a spouse. But when I was 22 I thought it's maybe time to decide if I will marry or not. The answer came from alone one year later, one evening when I met Rick. I think we didn't say a special word. But the same evening we moved in together in my apartment, and one year later we married, and we stayed together 54 years until he died. 

 

In 1971 in front of the Gran Canyon
 

5. What are you most looking forward to this June? 

 

A beautiful weather with blue sky, warm temperatures, and if it has to rain, only during the night ! 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

We have 3 new comers, a man in a wheelchair, whom we all first took for a woman. He had very thick grey hair, I thought it is impossible for a over 80 year old to have so many and thick hairs, that it could only be a wig ! But no, the hairs were real and he could give me half of them and still would have enough. The two others were a couple, he had "written" on his face "Don't you dare to talk to me" which of course inspired me to ask him when they arrived and suddenly we knew from where he came, what he had done professionally etc. etc. while his little wife cried. I tried to comfort her, but it didn't really work. She had to give away her two cats and missed them terribly. I felt terribly sorry for her, but unfortunately, she was in the early stages of one of the most serious diseases, Alzheimer's, and wouldn't have been able to care for the cats. Her husband was in a wheelchair and wasn't much help. It kind of ruined my day.

 

 

 

 

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

 

When we visited the Doudaine Park, our animator was followed by these two geese (or ducks) we were not sure if it was love or the icecream he held in his hand. It looked so funny when they walked behind him !

 

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AWWWW MONDAY - WEEKEND MAY 31

 

These are Pookie and Kim, my Londoner cats, I inherited from my son. I don't know if they meow in French now !

 

 

Linking to AWWW MONDAYS

 

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WEEKEND

Ever since the renovations started in our castle, we have some very funny incidents which,  honestly are not funny at all. While we were having our coffee, suddenly a man appeared dressed like Adam but without the leaf appeared in all his glory !

Nobody was especially surprised, except perhaps me, because it had never happened since I am here. A nurse scolded him gently and led him back. The man said friendly good bye and disappeared with the nurse.  Hopefully in two weeks the section for the severely brain damaged residents will be finished and closed with a code. Meanwhile we can just help. But there are some people who are afraid of them and are not happy at all. I was "used", I had seen the same in the home where Rick was.

This night I heard someone screaming, but that happens, people dream. I didn't move,  because Rick did it when he was ill. The screams didn't stop but I could suddenly hear "help ....". So I jumped out of my bed, followed the cries for help and heard that they were coming from the opposite room . It was a woman who had fallen in the restroom and the bell didn't seem to be working. I promised to get her help and found a night nurse. I didn't feel like going back into the room and certainly not into the toilet it didn't smell like roses, the poor nurses see a lot of human misery! I went back to bed and fell asleep straight away, even though Rosie thought it was time to play with her mice. 

 

On Sunday we had cloudy, but warm weather and could sit outside. Our Italian Mamma had her birthday and her eldest son had invited the whole family which was composed of around 60 people. Although most of them didn't speak Italian anymore because it was the 4th generation, and they were Belgians now, but the blood remained Italian they made a lot of noise. I felt like I was on vacation when we visited Ricks family in Italy, everyone was talking loudly and no one was listening, and the talking hands were moving at full speed. I could speak Italian to some and was happy that I hadn't forgotten, it all came back. Rina was so happy to have her whole family around her and I spent an excellent afternoon.

 

Rina with two of her granddaughters. Fortunately our restaurant (ex ball room) was big enough for the residents and all the guests

 

FRIDAY's FAVE FIVE

 

I was locked up all week because we had terrible weather. It rained, which made the farmers happy, but not me!

Luckily, we had our games in the afternoon, at least that was fun. The renovations on our floor were finally finished, and the people could move into their new rooms. We have three new residents.

Because I had lost 11 kg, my jeans were way too large around the waist, and I almost lost them! My new girlfriend had to learn to sew, even though she wanted to be an accountant. But her father, a farmer, thought girls should get married and therefore should learn to sew. Behind his back, she managed to go to evening school and got a job in accounting department for pensions of the government. She skillfully made my jeans tighter and was even happy that I asked her! And I was happy that I didn't swim in my Jeans anymore. 

We finished the week outside on the terrace in a warm sunshine and played a question and answer game which was very funny. The two newcomers were very shy at the beginning and observed us with big eyes because they probably thought that they were in a Kindergarten ! At the end they opened up and were happy that we have such a familiar atmosphere.

 

HODGEPODGE MAY 29

 

Three years ago on May 29, 2022 was the worst day of my life. Rick, my husband left me forever.

 

You were my rock, my confidant, and my best friend. Your memory will always be a source of strength and comfort for me.  Loving you was easy, forgetting you will be impossible. 

 

HODGEPODGE

1. What's your favorite room in your house and why? 

When you live in a castle with I don't know how many rooms all decorated differently, with the furniture of the residents, I prefer mine, I don't have the old furniture from my wedding ! I changed several times the only thing which remained were the dining room furniture, but when we sold the house it disappeared too

 

2. What's something that will instantly annoy you? 

 

When somebody opens my door without knocking before !

3. May 28th is National Hamburger Day...will you celebrate? How do you like yours? If you're not cooking at home is there a favorite place you like to go for a burger? Did you ever work in a fast food  restaurant? 

I only ate a Hamburger or rather a cheeseburger when my son was a child. He and his little friends loved to go to McDonald, I was only with them as piggy bank. Later they went there with their friends or girlfriends. Making a Hamburger at home ? I haven't met one single person in my life who does that. When somebody doesn't like to cook a day, a family member will be sent to buy Hamburgers or Pizzas.  

I never worked in a fast food restaurant or in any other, My father would have gotten a heart attack.

4. What are three scents you like? 

 I love the smell of freshly cut grass, the scent of a forest in spring, and the smell of the sea. I don't like any perfume.

5. What do you miss most about being a kid?

I don't know. Everything I wanted I got. If I think it over,  I don't want to be a child again.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Since I am here living in "my" castle, I had never seen the poor people on our 4th floor, who are completely helpless and have lost their minds. They had d to be moved from the 4th floor which will be renovated, to the 3rd. That caused a lot of troubles, because they didn't understand what happened to them. Again one woman managed to escape in the middle of the night and completely naked opened the door of somebody living on my floor ! Fortunately I always lock my door, I think I would have got hysterical !

I only hope that I won't end like that. The worst thing is that only the others notice that you are no longer the same.

You think you are completely normal that at 95, you want to visit your grandmother, who, of course, died ages ago.

And don't say the opposite, then arguments start and ends in tears

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

 

 A special Mikado game, you have to avoid that the fat spider falls in the bucket.

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