HODGEPODGE 19

1. The Hodgepodge lands on Ash Wednesday, which is the first day of Lent. Do you mark this season in some way? Will you be giving something up or adding something to your life in this Lenten season? 

When I lived in Bonn in Germany, Ash Wednesday was the end of the Carnival, very important in this region. The Catholics ran to church and got a cross on their front with ash. I am protestant and didn't have a cross. Here in Belgium some cities start Carnival others ends. Each region does things differently. Belgium is Catholic, everything else is either nonexistent or barely present

There is no other mark for a Lenten season. 

2. Pancakes...are you a fan? Syrup or no syrup? Plain, blueberries, chocolate chips, bananas, or some other add in? Are pancakes on your menu this week?  

Non, because of the Marble Syrup, I can't find it anymore Maybe it's due to the fact that a lot of Americans left Belgium because their companies returned to the States. . When I was in the USA for the first time in 1971 my aunt made us pancakes with marble syrup. I liked them so much that I ate nothing else but pancakes for breakfast for two weeks during our road trip! Rick gained 10 kg, (which suited him very well) and not just because of the pancakes!!

3. Tell us about a time recently when you felt 'spread too thin'.

I tend to do everything at once anyway, or at least try to. The last time was when Rick died and I had to juggle tons of paperwork, and the funerals. Normally I'm a well-organized woman, but there I probably did what had to be done, but I have a complete blackout when I try to remember.

4. What's your favorite jewel or gemstone? In terms of your wardrobe would we find more gem tones, pastels, black and white, or primary colors?  

 

I have been so often in Egypt where they have wonderful jewelry made from semi-precious stones, which I brought back each time I was there because they were so cheap. Especially turquoise, but also all other semi-precious stones. I don't have much of what is called "real jewelry." I prefer the semi-precious stones because I can find the perfect stones to match every outfit.

5. What responsibility do you think is hardest about being in charge? 

From experience, I believe that the most important thing in a leadership position is that the staff is satisfied and gets along well. A company with good teamwork can only benefit.

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

Every time I turn on the TV, it's the Winter Olympics!! I can watch them in every country, it's all the same, so I watch what I like on YouTube. I actually enjoyed the Olympics once. I wanted to go to London with the Eurostar train, which is so convenient; I'm there in just over two hours. When I arrived at St. Pancras station, it was beautifully decorated with flags from European countries, and an orchestra was playing—I don't remember what. 

I was surprised that I received such a welcome when a lady next to me said, "Isn't it wonderful? We traveled on the same train as all the athletes who participate in the Games!" I hadn't even noticed, but now that she'd mentioned it... A young girl wanted to show me the bus that was supposed to take us to the Olympic Village and was surprised by my horrified expression. I told her, "No, I want to go to Victoria Station, I want to visit a friend!" 

2012

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

Le Cercueil, (the Coffin) is a legendary bar 15 meters from Brussels' Grand-Place, it has celebrated its 50th anniversary. I think I was 20 when I went there with friends for the first time. It is very special and has a mysterious atmosphere. Coffin tables, skeletons, framed photos and skull-shaped mugs create a unique, macabre and cosy atmosphere. 

 

 The entrance

The drinks also have special names like "Demon's sperm, supreme of the corpse, Elixir of the Virgin, velvet of the Devil etc"

 The jugs are skulls.

a table

 

The cozy corners where you sit and enjoy your Belgian beer in a skull.

 

more participants here and Image-in-ing here

AWWWW MONDAY - WEEKEND FEBRUARY 14

 

 

Linking to AWWW MONDAYS 

 

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WEEKEND 

On Monday I did my shopping and when I came back a parcel waited for me. I had ordered table sets and a pullover, unfortunately I hadn't paid attention so the sets were in fabric and not in plastic as I had wanted. But I found another use for them and it looks very nice. 

I placed them on the sofa armrests so that Rosie couldn't scratch them.

On Sunday afternoon it suddenly started to snow ! It was the second time that a few flakes fell from the sky. I quickly made a few pictures, because it is possible that this will be the last snow ! 

Probably tomorrow morning it will be gone, that's at least what the weatherman said. 

We were without our entertainers but that didn't bother us, meanwhile Jeanine and I take the animation over and we played what everybody loves Bingo !