HODGEPODGE JULY 3

1. What does freedom mean to you?  

That I can live as I want, that I can say what I want, as long as I don’t disturb my fellow human beings.

2. How will you celebrate Independence Day this year? If you live outside the USA answer this question as it relates to your owncountry's patriotic holiday, wherever that may land on the calendar.

As I live in Belgium we celebrate the Belgian Independence Day  annually on July 21. It is one of Belgium’s 10 public holidays and commemorates the investiture of the country’s first monarch, King Leopold I, who took the constitutional oath in 1831. 

This day also celebrates the separation of Belgium from the Netherlands and the formal establishment of the Kingdom. It was decided that Belgium would become a constitutional and popular monarchy, reflecting the romantic nationalism that was popular at the time. The celebrations take place at the Place des Palais in Belgium.

3. This or that...red, white, or blue? Stars or stripes? Watermelon, home made ice cream, or blueberry pie? How do you feel about fireworks?  

I like to watch fireworks, but also think of the dogs and cats which are terrified (not all but a lot) I also love Watermelon very much and of course ice cream, homemade or not ! 

4. What have you purchased recently that made you excited? 

Nothing at all, for the moment I don't need anything. 

5. I'm thankful to live in America (or fill in whatever country you call home) because.

I am not thankful to live in Belgium, I was just exported by my parents and had no choice, my father started working in 1958 in the European Union (at that time called common Market) and as I was 14 I had to follow. Then I made friends here finished school, went out dancing a lot and then met my husband and we stayed here, because both of us had a nice work.  

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Today it was hot, so hot that the weatherman couldn't find a year where it had been so hot. In Brussels we had temperatures approaching 40°C. I had to live with 32 in "my castle" ! There is only air condition in the huge restaurant, and nowhere else. As it is seldom so hot that we would need airco, only the shops, banks and official places have it, private people not so much, it just starts with the new houses because of the climate change ! Today I felt it !

 

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY - BELGIAN MUSSELS

 

Mussels have been a staple of Belgian cuisine for centuries, with evidence of mussel consumption dating back to the Middle Ages. The North Sea coast of Belgium provided an abundance of mussels, which were harvested by local fishermen and sold at markets throughout the country. 

Over time, mussels became an integral part of Belgian cuisine, with various regions developing their own unique methods of preparation. 

Mussels are more than just a food source; they are an integral part of the country’s cultural heritage. Mussels are often served at social gatherings and celebrations, such as weddings and festivals, where they are typically cooked in large quantities and served with a variety of sauces and accompaniments. The tradition of eating mussels is deeply ingrained in Belgian culture, with many families passing down their own secret recipes and cooking methods from generation to generation.

I love mussels and the season has just started so you have a lot of choice of Restaurants who offer Mussels with Belgian Beer or white wine. The price range is enormous. 

 

 

more participants here,