NONNA's CASTLE (1)

14 Mar 2026

FRIDAY'S FAVE FIVE

This week I didn't do anything but suffering in silence, my Zona is still there. The swelling in my eye has gone a bit, but during the week I have developed pain I didn't have before. I'm at the end of my medication now, I just have to be patient while everything goes away. I'm so tired and have no energy due to the 5 pills I had to swallow per day !

Despite this, I participated in our activities all week. On Monday, we were supposed to incorporate verbs into sentences. Here are Mr. Wikipedia (André) and André, who read the verb with a magnifying glass because they both forgot their glasses. André on the left had spent a few weeks here and loved it so much that now that he is home again he often comes to play with us. Anyway he has already booked a room and will decide when he sells his house and moves in our castle. The two girls behind are 2 internships who stay with us for a month and really love to come here because we "oldies" are so funny !!

Each Tuesday instead of activities there is a Mass. Belgium is a Catholic country; they knew nothing else, especially the generations who live here in our castle. But there are also many who no longer go to Mass since the pedophilia scandals.

For those who don't go to Mass, there is, of course, a game. I am Protestant, or at least baptized as such, and I don't go to Mass. But this Tuesday it was special because it was held in honor of our 103-year-old Gilberte, who had died peacefully in her bed.

Gilberte 103 years old

I knew her quite well; we were both born in July, just one day apart—she in 1923 and I in 1943. We had a lot of fun together, talking about our school days or other stories. She must have been quite independent for this time, even as a child.

Apart from weddings and funerals, I had never been to a Mass, and those were special occasions. I couldn't and still can't remember when, or even if, I have ever been to a regular service. But I wanted to say goodbye to Gilberte one last time. The service was held in the small castle chapel on the third floor. It used to be much larger but was reduced in size to make room for other rooms.

We sat in a circle and everyone (except me) received a sheet of paper which they later read aloud. Suddenly, an African man appeared in a checkered shirt and jeans, shook hands with all of us, and his white teeth flashed in his very dark face. Then he put on a long, old white shirt (like a nightgown) and threw a purple scarf over his shoulder, made a serious face, and the service began. It didn't last long, then everyone joined hands, a prayer was said, and then it was over.

Of course, word got around that I, as a Protestant, had attended the service for Gilberte. But I thought that was only normal. I don't care about religions, they often have nothing to do with God anymore. Why are there still wars, and all religions pray to the poor God that they will win ?

Now that flowers came out at the end of the week it became cool ! And for the weekend even snow is announced, what a crazy weather.

Spring had started so well !

The staff enjoying the lunch break

more participants at Susanne at Living to tell the Story.

11 Mar 2026

HODGEPODGE MARCH 12

1. Are you a naturally trusting person? Is trust built on logic or 'gut instinct'? Does everyone deserve a second chance? Elaborate.

I'm very distrustful; it stems from my youth. I don't trust anyone, especially not men. The only man I trusted 100% was Rick. Of course, my distrust can turn into trust, but that takes time or will never happen.

I think everybody deserves a second chance, except the pedophiles. They will never change, since they were born that way. Prison won't help at all, the only thing that will help is to castrate them all.

2. 'Beware the Ides of March'...March 15th on the ancient Roman calendar, these words were made famous by William Shakespeare in his play Julius Caesar. Caesar was assassinated on March 15th 44 B.C. Have you read any Shakespeare? If so, do you have a favorite? Have you ever been to Rome?

Yes I have read Shakespeare but long time ago. I don't have a favorite play or maybe Romeo and Juliet, it's quite difficult to read, but I have been on Juliet's balcony ! We have been everywhere in Italy, but not in Rome, we thought we would need a few days and never made it and now it is too late. Well honestly I will survive. But I have visited Stratford on Avon where Shakespeare was born and have visited the house where he was born.

Romeo And Juliet Balcony Scene: What's ...

Juliet's balcony in Verona

3. Do you like a Caesar salad? If given the choice between a garden/house salad or Caesar which do you order? Anchovies or no? What's your favorite salad dressing?

I love all kind of salads, but without anchovies, I don't like the taste. I made my salad sauce myself and still do, it's only Balsamic vinegar with olive oil, very simple.

4. Where do you typically work (or blog if that's easier) at home? Do you have a dedicated home office space? Are you happy with that space?

I work sitting on my sofa with the computer on my lap. In my castle I have a very big room, almost a little flat, and it is a cozy place, with cat Rosie by my side. It's a very sunny room (of course when the sun is shining )

5. Snow drops, daffodils, lenten roses, crocus, hyacinth, or early tulips...what's your favorite early Spring flower?

I have no favorite flower, (except the sunflower, but that is not for spring) otherwise I take them all, especially when it is a colorful place. For the moment I saw only daisies and daffodils and a beautiful Japanese cherry tree ! Nothing else it's too early.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I'm still exhausted from my Zona. Plus, I read that it lasts at least four weeks! I'm often in pain especially at my right eye, and only a painkiller helps. I'm not allowed in the sun, and of course, it's shining now! So I'm feeling a bit depressed and don't feel like doing anything.