HODGEPODGE

What does patriotism mean to you? 

 

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. 

 

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.