HODGEPODGE DECEMBER 11

 1. Do you struggle with the commercialization of the holiday season? What helps you keep your focus when the season’s busyness and commercialism start to take over? 

Honestly, I don't care. There are so many made-up holidays, like Grandmother's Day! It's all just business, but people forget that and start hearing Christmas carols in November, so by Christmas they're completely overdosed! 

2. What's one small thing you want to savor before the year ends? 

 

No idea, I savor  during the whole year ! Why wait until the year's end ?

3. December 9th is National Christmas Card Day. Do you still send Christmas cards? If so does yours include a photo or is it a more traditional card, or maybe homemade? How do you feel about the tradition of exchanging cards at the holidays? If Hanukkah is the holiday you celebrate in December do you send cards to mark the occasion? 

I send self created Christmas cards but I do everything by computer. Of course I include pictures and send them into the whole world by WhatsApp or email. I don't know anybody who doesn't own a tablet or a smartphone or even a computer.

These are from previous years, 

4. What's your least favorite holiday related task? What's your favorite? 

All the preparations. But I don't need them anymore. Apart from packing parcels, I don't really have any specific tasks. Once that's done, that's my favorite task.

Christmas in the past with a lot of parcels

5. Let's do a little holiday this or that? 

• shopping or wrapping
• baking or decorating
• eggnog or wassail
• real tree or artificial
• turkey or ham
• white lights or colored lights 
• ugly sweaters or matching pjs
• peppermint or cinnamon 
• presents Christmas Eve or presents Christmas Day
•  
• The only "this or that" would be to give the presents on Christmas Eve, which is tradition in my family and in Germany, we are no morning people. And the kids sleep better when they get the gifts in the evening and not having to wait until the morning    

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I feel a bit like living in two worlds. The past and the present especially now during Christmas time. I help decorating the castle's Christmas trees, but in my room I haven't done anything yet.

I just let it go. Now my mini family will come on the 20th and we will celebrate Christmas a bit earlier, because then they have to go to my SIL's mother and father who are divorced since ages, one lives far away from Amsterdam at the German border and the other only 60 km far, but still the poor once have to drive from one to the other. 

Tomorrow I intend to go Christmas shopping, just little things not like when we were a young couple and then grandparents.  

 

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY - CANDLES

candels

 

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AWWWW MONDAY - WEEKEND DECEMBER 6

 

This is Cookie, I know him for 16 years since he became the star of my Animal Food and accessories shop. Unfortunately he doesn't speak, but .... he whistles behind each woman !

 

Linking to AWWW MONDAYS 

 

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WEEKEND 

Saturday was a a rainy day, but it was rather warm for the season we had 10°C ! The weatherman even announced up to 16°C, which is very unusual for the season. I wanted to decorate my room, but then I was too lazy and thought, I will do so if I suddenly get a burst of energy. Hopefully not after Christmas !

To get everybody a bit in Christmas mood, Rahnuka proposed to make a Christmas decoration for each table. I was a bit reluctant because I had a lack of inspiration and most of the others too, but afterwards we all were surprised when we saw the result ! It looked quite pretty. 

 

 my creation is the one with the father Christmas in the first range just in front of my hand. 

 

The others watched us, or they couldn't because of trembling hands or they had no idea what to do. So we had a funny afternoon and the rain didn't disturb us. The new woman said, am I happy to be here, otherwise I would be bored to death, staying at home alone. 

On Sunday it was still grey, and I thought I will do some Christmas cards with Rosie, but she was not cooperative at all. I wanted her to sit besides Father Christmas, but she refused to leave her basket. So I got this result !  

First she was surprised, then she sniffed at that strange thing, in her opinion not interesting at all, so she returned in her basket and started her afternoon activity. 

In the afternoon St. Nick came for a visit ! He went in all rooms to say hello to the residents and asked them if they had been good. Of course everybody was good ! 

Then we all gathered in our restaurant and he came too with 25 kids from a youth group, who had made Christmas cards for us. Then they sang St. Nick's songs and it was very cute. The grandmas and pas were happy and sang too. I don't know these songs or only a bit because my son had learned them at school, because I can't remember if we had songs for St. Nick in Germany, I only remember Christmas songs

FRIDAY's FAVE FIVE

This week it was rather cold and grey, nothing special happened, we have two new residents, fortunately very nice who fit in our group. 

We had our activities every day and the new animation girl with the nice name (I can't keep in mind) is RANUKA, she is from  Romania and speaks excellent French. On the third day, she wanted to play a game with us that required very good hearing. I told her that 80% of our residents wear hearing aids or have hearing difficulties in general, and that's why it wasn't a good idea. She laughed, she hadn't even thought of that.

My son has sent me a picture of their Christmas tree, just to show much Toby has grown ! In the past we had to lift him up to put the little ornament on the top of the tree, now he is taller then the tree ! I suggested to put something underneath.  

 

I haven't done anything yet, to decorate my room, maybe I will do it tomorrow, I have decided that I will decorate my room for me, even if I am alone with Rosie.  Anyway I always have celebrated on the 24th evening, as all Germans do, and Christmas day I have my friends here around. 

The 4th floor is finished and now they have started to empty the rooms of the 3rd floor, what a work, I have the container just under my window, where I can see what is all thrown away, it's unbelievable !  

In front of the "white house" stands the container in which they throw the furniture. Our parking is full of cars from the workers who renovate the 3rd floor. Fortunately I have my disabled place (and card) so I don't have difficulties to find a place. 

Yesterday it was sunny and I went with Jeanine for shopping, and then we didn't want to return immediately and we had a glass in a nearby Pub. It was nice to change routine from time to time. Jeanine is a young girl of 93 and was a farmer's only daughter with 5 brothers !

 

more participants at Susanne at Living to tell the Story.

 

 

 

 

 

 

HODGEPODGE DECEMBER 4

 1. What does it mean to have the 'holiday spirit'? On a scale of 1-10 how is yours this year? (10=off the charts, 1=still looking for it)

I would say 1. maybe it will come later. 

2. What's your favorite character from a (December) holiday-themed movie, book, or TV special? Tell us why. 

The only thing which comes into my mind, is the song "Rock around the Christmas tree", and the French movie, which has become a classical "Le père Noël est une ordure" (Santa Claus is a stinker). It's a hilarious comedy, a bit dark humor, but we watched it each year, it became a family tradition.

3. Do you like gingerbread? Are gingerbread houses part of your holiday tradition? 

Yes, it is a tradition in Germany, less in Belgium, I am not a fan of ginger bread. 

In some German regions a ginger bread house is a must. Cookies anyway.

4. Much of our vocabulary is determined by where we live or where we grew up. What say you-

sprinkles or jimmies? lightning bugs or fireflies? soda or pop? sneakers, trainers, or tennis shoes? sub, hoagie, grinder, or hero? freeway, highway, or motorway? frosting or icing? sauce or gravy?

This is a rather difficult task for me. I only know the words I learned at school or with English speaking friends. So I would say sprinkles, lightning bugs, soda, sneakers (or tennis shoes) hero, highway and motorway, frosting, and sauce. (or gravy)

5. Share a favorite holiday memory from your childhood.

In Germany when I was little, it was not Father Christmas who brought gifts, but the baby Jesus, and not on the 25th morning but the 24th evening. 

Do you need help little Jesus ?  

 

I was not allowed in the room, until around 6 pm when a little bell was ringing which meant that now I could enter (storm into) the room ! The first thing I did was running to the open window to see baby Jesus flying away, but unfortunately I always missed him ! A tragedy of my Christmas.  

6.  Insert your own random thought here. 

I'm completely lost, unsure where and how I should celebrate Christmas, or even if I should celebrate at all.  I can't go to Amsterdam because my son is renovating his house and doesn't know if it will be finished. Besides, I don't know if I'll be able to go because of my illness. So I avoid thinking about it. I wish I could work magic and suddenly be in warm springtime and all this Christmas nonsense would be over. But everywhere you look there are Santa Clauses and angels, stars and garlands, and I have given my heart at Christmas, or at least that's what I keep hearing, because my heart is gone with Rick.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nativity Scene Grand'Place in Brussels, Belgium
 

Little Jesus

and the one from last year

The new nativity scene has made a big scandal in Belgium, even Baby Jesus' head was stolen, but there are also many people who like it. 
 

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AWWWW - WEEKEND NOVEMBER 29

When I saw this dog, it made me laugh and my mood improved a lot!

 

 

Linking to AWWW MONDAYS

  

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WEEKEND 

In the morning News there was a heated debate about the nativity scene that adorns the Grand Place in Brussels every year. Until now, it had been a traditional nativity scene, once even featuring real people and sheep, but since then always with life-size statues.

The classical nativity scene, each year a bit different

This is the controversial nativity scene, made by an artist entirely from pieces of fabric. The figures don't even have faces. Personally, I like the nativity scene; after all, nobody really knows what Jesus, Mary, and Joseph looked like. The baby Jesus's head was stolen the very next day! Another scandal. Even the politicians got involved and talked a lot of rubbish. The head will, of course, be replaced. Now the nativity scene is under guard ! While we still not have a government, now they fight over little Jesus' head !

On Friday I had invited Jacky (Rosie's pedicure) for a cake and coffee at Paul's.  We had never been there and were pleasantly surprised. It's very cozy and they have excellent cakes, cookies, muffins etc, but also salty take aways. It is a bakery and everything was fresh. To our surprise the place was full and we just caught the last two places at the window, I couldn't take a photo, there were too many people. We had a very nice afternoon together. I had met her in our castle, her husband also had Parkinson's and died a year ago.  

When I got home, there was a lot of commotion, and the staff was running around looking for a Marianne. They even came into my room, but I was alone with Rosie. I don't know this woman, she's on the fourth floor, which is usually a closed-off floor. She must have seen a hole and run away. That's terrible, of course, because it's cold and raining. I certainly know tomorrow when they have found her. 

 This is a screenshot of the Grand'Place this evening, 

and the Christmas tree

Brussels Christmas market

FRIDAY's FAVE FIVE

On Monday, I received a reply from the laundry service, who had charged me for two duvets and a coat. Of course, I didn't pay. I don't own any duvets, and I have never even worn my coat here. Luckily, we'll be switching laundry service next month. They probably thought the old lady would not notice. 

It's gotten quite cold, and rather damp too. Luckily, I don't have to go out since we are having a three-day general strike—no buses, trains, or trams, the shops are closed, and there is no mail. Thankfully, it's supposed to be over tomorrow. Am I happy that have my pension each month and nothing can be changed anymore. 

The next day I was invited by my friend Laure whom I hadn't seen at least since a month. She wasn't feeling well, just like me, we were both feeling down. We also lost our husbands around the same time. She was worrying about her almost-grown grandchildren instead of leaving that to their parents. Somehow, I get the feeling she's letting herself be taken advantage of. But it's hard to say that to someone without risking the friendship. She'll figure it out herself.

On Wednesday the residents of Nivelles returned home, now the 3rd floor will be repaired and get new furniture. We also will not see anymore the very mental ill people, because they will be locked in, as some of them try to escape. It happened already twice since I am here.

 

In our activity group we lost two people, they both suddenly died. One just fell asleep after having watched TV and never woke up. How lucky she was ! We all were sad because it was such a nice person. The other one I didn't know well, but he was in a bad shape so it was certainly better for him.  

 

I'm increasingly noticing that the brain ages in a rather strange way. Younger people are already showing signs of dementia, while our 100-year-old still speaks and thinks perfectly normally. Unfortunately, her body hasn't followed she can no longer stand and her hands tremble terribly. She is completely dependent on a care taker. Gilberte, on the other hand, who is 103, has the brain of someone 30. She walks and sees, and her body is also normal. Of course, she tires more easily. Then we have a 90-year-old who was once a history and French teacher; she has a very good general knowledge and hasn't forgotten a thing. She walks without help and is completely normal, but one of us always has to take her back to her room because she has lost her sense of orientation. Even when she's standing in front of her door, she tells me she doesn't know where she is. She has a beautiful, authentic Buddha from Thailand, so I open her door and point to the Buddha, saying, "See, this is your room." Then she immediately knows where she is and is so grateful that it makes me feel a bit awkward.  

 

I find it really interesting how differently people age. The worst part is you don't notice it yourself when your brain starts to fail, it's always other people who notice. I hope I'm still "normal"—at least my car seems to agree.

 

Different ways of aging

 

 

more participants at Susanne at Living to tell the Story.

 

 

 

 

 

 

HODGEPODGE NOVEMBER 27

1. Do you feel like you have a 'full plate' at the moment? In what way? 

Not at all, my "full plate" is rather empty ! I don't even know where and how we celebrate Christmas. I would like to go to Amsterdam, but I don't know if my health allows it. My son has to go to the inlaws and as they are divorced the poor couple has to split Christmas into 3, FIL, MIL and myself. Anyway Christmas without Rick doesn't mean anything to me anymore. I let them decide I am here anyway and I am sure we will celebrate as we did last year. And for my old Rosie it's perhaps her last Christmas.  

2. How did you learn to cook? If you have children did you teach or encourage them to cook? Do you like to follow a recipe or is your cooking style more 'let's wing it'. 

My mother wouldn't let me in her kitchen and learn cooking ! 

I learned to took with Rick, he loved cooking and taught me a lot of very good Italian recipes. I started to like to cook and it became a hobby to me. I read or tasted a dish and then I would try to recreate it. That mostly worked out fine.

Rick suddenly became "unemployed." Then we both started cooking. Whoever got home first cooked. That worked really well. Since our son saw his father cooking, he thought it was perfectly normal, and when he lived alone, he was always the one who cooked. He said that cooking relaxes him after work!

He even took cooking classes, and I have to say he's a really good cook.

3. Last time you bit off more than you could chew? Elaborate. 

That's ages ago, now I started my third year here in "my" castle, and have nothing to chew anymore, not even a chewing gum, as I don't like them.  

4. When did you last say 'the more the merrier' and mean it? 

Probably about sunshine, my mood depends on the weather 

5. Write an acrostic using the word T-H-A-N-K-S. 

T  The gratitude I feel

H   has no limits

A and makes me feel comfortable and happy

N Nothing but pure chance has brought me here. 

K Kindness of the people and the beautiful park convinced me   

S So I will stay here forever

6. Insert your own random thought here.  

I have the new Theater program for winter and summer and am looking which piece interests me. The last one was really good, and I hope this season will also have some good pieces.

 

 

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

 

Shopping mall in Brussels

 

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