FRIDAY''s FAVE FIVE

Monday was the worst day of the entire week! From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., walls were being torn down and holes drilled right above, the noise was terrible. After lunch, I went down to the restaurant, where we found ourselves all alone, as Kim, who was supposed to make games with us, wasn't there! He had a good reason, though: his wife went into labor two weeks early, so naturally, he stayed home. In Belgium, fathers can take a month of paternity leave, the first two weeks at full pay, followed by 80% of their salary. 

When our son was born, Rick only got three days! Times have changed, dads today are much more involved with their children than they used to be. 

The next day, I fled to Ilona’s place; I couldn't stand the noise any longer, and my lungs were struggling with all the dust. I really wasn't feeling well.Things improved once I was with her; we talked about our past travels together and spent a very pleasant afternoon. When I headed home at 5 p.m., the noise, thank goodness, had finally stopped!

 Unfortunately it started again the next day ! And I was feeling unwell again. I crawled out of my bed and dragged myself to the bathroom, but I had to sit down quickly and take my medication first, I simply couldn’t stand. 

 

Rosie apparently had put on invisible headphones and slept peacefully despite the noise. 

Then the phone rang; the manager’s assistant told me she had some good news. I can move into my new room already on  November 16th instead of having to wait until February! The lady who had been staying in my new room temporarily, while waiting for her own unit to be renovated, was able to move into her place, freeing up the room for me !

If I would have been able, I would have jumped to the ceiling ! The renovations in the area where my new room is located were finished a long time ago; there’s no more noise, everything is nice and quiet! Now I’m busy planning how to arrange my furniture in the new room, and I already have a few ideas. Isabel and Ilona are going to help me pack up my personal belongings, and the staff will take care of the rest. So, I don’t need to worry about a thing, and I don’t need my son’s help either, since there’s no heavy furniture to move, and therefore  I don't  need a strong man!

In the afternoon we played an interesting Quiz about general knowledge, and most of the questions we could answer. 

 

HODGEPODGE NOVEMBER 4

 1. Our  November Hodgepodges always include a question related to gratitude. What is one small thing you're grateful for today? 

I just got up but I am sure that I won't be grateful for anything today ! They started to drill again ! At 7.30 am !! 

2. Chrysanthemums-pansies-burning bush-ornamental cabbage-camellias...your favorite in an autumn garden? Would we find any of these in your yard/garden this year? 

Chrysanthemums in Belgium are the graveyard flower ! When you see a graveyard on November 1st you only see this plant. In our park we have only shrubs and very old trees no flowers now. 

This is the Waterloo cemetery on November 1st. It looks very beautiful! But for the rest of the year, it looks rather bleak—no flowers, neglected graves. I’ve never really understood this custom.

3. If you could clear out or organize one physical space or mental habit before the year ends, what would it be?

I would immediately move into my new room and make it cozy just to feel at home ! 

4. Brussel sprouts...love 'em or no thank you? If you said love 'em how do you like them prepared? 

I like Brussels sprouts just cooked in water. I was very surprised that in the UK the traditional Christmas dinner was turkey with Brussels sprouts ! 

5. It's reassuring to know that I love my new room ! Can't wait to move ! 

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Our activity leader Kim became a Dad yesterday ! As he was adopted by a Belgian couple during the Vietnam war, I wonder how his little son will look like, as mixed couples often have the most beautiful children ! For the moment he is 2 days old and looks like a mini wrinkled grandpa ! Of course for the parents it is the most beautiful baby in the world. 

 

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

 

 

You can find all these lovely things at our flea market in Waterloo.

 

 

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