FRIDAY's FAVE FIVE

We had surprisingly sunny weather despite the weatherman's announcement of rain ! 

Of course we all were eager to enjoy the sunshine ! We left the terrace which is in the shade the afternoon, which is nice in hot summer temperatures, but now the ideal spot for our games was another place which was just in the sunshine. We had never used this space, I don't know why. I thought I will sit there and wait until 3 pm, to join the others. But suddenly first one joined me on the bench and then slowly the others and then we decided to stay. 

The castle cat joined in, and it was so nice that we just sat there and chatted and didn't play at all ! Elinor served the coffee, and our cook Amadeo had baked little cakes for us to eat with the coffee.

The next day it was the same again, only this time we played a "Spider Mikado" ! That was really hilarious ! Elinor put a (plastic) spider on the Mikado sticks and we had to pull out each stick without touching the spider, if the spider fall in the bucket you had lost. The sticks could move. It was the opposite of the right Mikado, but this one didn't have a spider either.

Isn't it beautiful ??? 

Here the first one started and we all watched with suspense if the spider would fall in the bucket .... and it did ! The next resident was better, and I the tree times I played managed that this beast stayed on the sticks.

One day we had to stay inside because it rained from time to time, and did a cross word all together.  But the next day it was nice and warm together and we gathered on our sunny spot.

Kim did a Quiz with us, about nature, science, animals and geography ! Not so easy but we managed. He had a nice working place ! We felt like on holidays

 

 

 

and this was my view sitting on the bench ! The trees are getting green and some flowers start to bloom.  

and then it was coffee time. I wish that the weather continues like that but it could get a bit warmer !

more participants at Susanne at Living to tell the Story.

 

 

 

 

 

 

HODGEPODGE APRIL 16

1. Big week in the US of A...do you do your own taxes? What's something you've found 'taxing' lately? 

No, since I am living in my castle, it's done automatically by computer. I get a copy, but as a widow there is no surprise. 

 

2. When it comes to travel are you a last minute packer or a lay it all out a week in advance type? Do you struggle to pack light? Share a packing tip that has worked for you.  

Since I traveled a lot, I was well organized. I had a list with everything I needed, and packed my suitcase one day before, let it open in case I wanted to add something and that was it. 

3. April is National Grilled Cheese Month. Hmmm...who knew it got its own month? Do you like a grilled cheese sandwich? What ingredient do you add to take yours to the next level?  I did not know that April is the national grilled cheese month. Anyway for me it could be a cheese year, I love cheese, grilled or not, on a sandwich, with fruits, in a salad on a plate, as a fondue, as a raclette, every cheese is welcome !

 

4. There's a well known quote that says-

'A ship in the harbor is safe, but that's not what ships are built for." John A. Shedd  

Is constant growth necessary or do you think it's more important to prioritize stability and peace in your life? 

Now that I belong to the antiques, I suppose I must prioritize stability and peace in my life, but I have always been quite adventurous and would jump into the water even when I didn't know if I could swim. For me, it was always action first and thinking later. Luckily, nothing ever happened to me, quite the opposite

My best way to travel!

 

I and Charlie Chaplin in Ireland
 

5. Let's wrap this up with a fun spring this or that-

daffodils or tulips  tulips

lemonade or iced tea iced tea

gardening or hiking hate both

ladybugs or butterflies like both

umbrella or raincoat   raincoat

floral patterns or polka dots polka dots 

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

It's sunshine outside so I will spent the whole afternoon in our park I have nothing special to think about only that for the moment I feel well.  

 

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

The idea of a tunnel under the Channel was first proposed in 1802 but construction wasn't started until 1988. It was completed in 1993, and Eurostar services started in November 1994.

Before the tunnel, it took around six or seven hours by rail and ferry from London to Brussels. Trains can now do the same journey in 2.5 hours.

It's also possible to cross the Chunnel by car, using the Le Shuttle service.

 

 

 

 

 

The Eurostar service between Brussels and London was officially inaugurated on November 14, 1994 marking the start of high-speed passenger rail services connecting the UK with mainland Europe via the Channel Tunnel. The inaugural services originally operated from Waterloo International station in London to Brussels-South London Waterloo was suddenly a mere three-and-a-quarter hours from Brussels Midi. Only the French part of the journey used a high-speed line at the time (Belgium followed in 1997, the UK in 2007) Today it goes to St. Pancras Station. For me this train was a relief ! It was just wonderful, my son had moved to London and I visited him for the first time using the Eurostar ! It was just 2 weeks after it's inauguration ! It took me 3 h at that time, because in the UK the rails had to be adjusted, but that was still better then taking the ferry ! The last time I went to London it took me 2 h and something. That's faster then going in Brussels from one end to the other

 

more participants here