15 Nov 2025

FRIDAY's FAVE FIVE

On Monday I quickly did some shopping, because on Tuesday was a day off and all shops closed because of November 11, the end of the FIRST world war. Personally I don't understand why in a few countries they celebrate the armistice of the first WW, there is no one who survived. Anyway in the residence only a few knew why on TV there were only armistice celebrations, and were not happy about it because they couldn't watch their beloved TV shows, but they did get to see the King laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 

We only have a few men here; most of the residents are women, and they're not interested in that sort of thing. The nice thing was, lots of visitors came. At least there was something positive. I had to take my car for its annual inspection, and to avoid unnecessary stress which easyly happens since Rick died, I dropped my car off at the garage and asked them to take care of everything for me. All I have to do is pick it up.

My friend Jacqueline drove me to the garage where I left my car and took me home. The next day the son of our 100 year old drove me then to the garage to pick up my car. I was very happy, nothing had to be repaired and it passed without any problem through the control. Now I am in peace for a year. I have to go there each year now because my car is more then 5 years old.

 

Each day there are less and less leaves soon all trees will be naked. I had to park my car at the entrance, because with all the workers we have here to refresh the rooms on the third and forth floor, it's difficult to find a place on the official parking. 

 

more participants at Susanne at Living to tell the Story.
 
 
 
 
 
 

13 Nov 2025

HODGEPODGE

What does patriotism mean to you? 

Berlaymont building, Brussels, Belgium ... 

Nothing ! How can I be a patriot when in my passport I am German, but never lived in Germany as an adult ? I am also Italian by marriage but know this country only as a tourist. My son was born in Belgium but is not a Belgian, but German and Italian. My Grandson is Dutch and German because his mother is Dutch. Therefore patriotism doesn't mean anything to me. I could be a patriot for the European Union, (photo : building located in Brussels/Belgium.) 

2. September-October-November...your favorite fall month? Tell us why. If you live in the southern hemisphere use these months but sub spring for the word fall. 

 
It depends with this roller coaster climate we don't have real seasons anymore. September was OK, October lousy and now November too warm according to the statistics. Anyway I don't like these 3 months, unless the sun is shining and the trees are colorful, but still we are all fall tired !  

3. A song you love with the word thanks (or some form of that word)  in the title or lyrics?

The only song which comes to my mind immediately is "Thank you for the music" from ABBA. 

 ABBA - Thank You For The Music ...

4. November is National Peanut Butter Month. Are you a fan? What's the last peanut butter bite you had? Fill in the blank: peanut butter and

nothing. I really don't like Peanut Butter, even the smell disturbs me. I don't know anybody here who eats Peanut Butter unless he is English or American.  

Oh, and you can't say jelly. No problem, it's not part of my eating habits. 

5. This week's gratitude question-What event from this past year are you most grateful for? 

Nothing special happened, since Rick's passing, my days are all the same. I write my blog in the morning, and have the activities in the afternoon, or we do an excursion. From time to time my son and grandson come from Amsterdam. I have a nice life as a widow without surprises and I don't look for them either.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

The whole week I thought there is something strange in the air. 

I always felt tired and had to make a big effort to appear cheerful. But I'm not the only one, which is a little comforting. 

Today I saw something that has never happened here before: I saw the Northern Lights in the Belgian sky at night. I've always wanted to see them, but I would have to go to Norway or Finland. Now, maybe because of the climate change, the Northern Lights have come to me ! This event was even shown in the news this morning. I wasn't able to take a photo, but others did, and here's one that I think is particularly beautiful.   

 Des aurores borĂ©ales attendues dans le ciel belge ce vendredi - La DH/Les  Sports+



11 Nov 2025

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

 






Marseilles (France)

 

 

more participants here and Image-in-ing here