WRITER CRAMPS

HODGEPODGE DECEMBER 18

2025-12-25T14:22:00.000+01:00

1. What's one thing on your to-do list that you want to get done, need to get done, or that must get done before the year ends?

Youpee, my "To do list" as empty as my wallet !

2. December 17th is National Maple Syrup Day...are you a fan? Do you like maple flavor in other food items such as candy, cookies, donuts, oatmeal, hot toddies, coffee?

I love Maple Syrup ! I didn't know that at all and ate it for the first time in 1971 when we visited my aunt in Madison/Wisconsin. From that day on I had every morning a "stack" of pancakes with maple syrup ! After our return I tried to find a pot of maple syrup here, but couldn't find it. When my aunts neighbors visited us in 1980, they brought me a huge pot of maple syrup, it lasted nearly a year ! The only problem was, the "holiday" feeling was missing !

3. Time magazine names a person of the year every year. The tradition started back in 1927 with a 'man of the year' but has since changed to recognize not only an individual, but also to consider the impact of a group, movement, or idea that most influenced the year. The selection is not always someone or something good (think Hitler in 1938 and Stalin twice).

I never followed the "Man of the year" ! Unbelievable that these two mass murderer became "man of the year "! Then even Mr. Trump would be better ! I thought the man of the year must at least be handsome, which I can't say from these three ! I prefer George Clooney !

This year they've named The AI Architects as their 'person of the year'. What say you? Is this a good choice, an obvious choice, a logical choice? Who do you think should have been named person of the year?

I don't know well AI architects, or even use AI. I saw how you can use it to write a Christmas greeting to your grandma, maybe I could do it, if she was not dead,

4. What's a city, state, or country you've visited that you never care to visit again? Tell us why.

5. Next Sunday (December 21st) marks the first day of winter (or the opposite if you're living down under). What's one thing you love about this new season?

6. Insert your own random thought here.

END OF WRITER's CRAMPS. BEGINNING OF "NONNA's CASTLE"

2025-06-14T10:40:00.005+02:00

I decided to create a new blog after my life has changed so much.

Please click here to Nonna's Castle (Nonna means grandmother in Italian).

HODGEPODGE JUNE 12

2025-06-11T20:10:00.000+02:00

1. June 10th is National Herbs and Spices Day. Besides salt and pepper what herb or spice container do you reach for most often? Is there a spice you truly dislike? What's a recent dish you made that called for more than salt and pepper?

I don't cook anymore I have my own cook in my castle (lol) But when I cooked it was mostly Italian and I used a lot of spices like, Basil, garlic, curcuma, oregano, parsley etc. If mint is a spice I hate it.

Gnocchi with Bolognese sauce

2. It's been said 'variety is the spice of life'...in what way is this true for you? Elaborate.

3. What's something in your life that adds 'spice' (excitement, intensity) even if also comes with challenge or unpredictability?

Most of my life I have lived, now I'm in the final chapter. Even though I still have the craziest ideas in my head, my body wouldn't cooperate while time flies by. I have enjoyed living an adventurous life and didn't need anything that added 'spice'. Rick always said that with me there is never a dull moment. I was just born like that. Of course I also had dark times when I saw everything in black.

4. If you could instantly master one skill or hobby, what would it be and why?

That is and would be photography. I love to play around with photos I have made, I change them or I leave them as they are. Since I gave up painting I am now into photography.

oil in a pan

carved melons

Raindrops on my windowshield

5. We're halfway through the year...what's one book, movie, or activity you've loved this year that you'd recommend to others?

I enjoyed very much the games we played during our afternoon activities, but it is difficult to recommend, I personally like to play scrabble or Bingo.

I have read so many books in my life that now I read interesting blogs, but can't recommend one, depends on the Blogger's taste. I like real life stories, and not copied history lessons.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I had the visit of my my son and grandson. Now I wonder how long he will grow ? Toby is 14 years old and measures nearly 2 m, just as my son. I am not a little girl either I measure 1.71; but between them I look like a dwarf ! But they are both healthy, have no bone or other problems, so I think it is better being tall then little, although they have to pay attention when they go through a door !

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2025-06-10T19:04:00.000+02:00

I visited the exhibition of Princess Diana's clothes a few years ago and had the opportunity to have also a glance inside the Kensington Palace.

more participants here, and Image-in-ing

AWWW MONDAY - WEEKEND JUNE 7

2025-06-08T20:58:00.000+02:00

Linking to AWWW MONDAYS

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WEELKEND

Saturday it was still cold and wet, even though it wasn't raining. I quickly bought some grapes and kiwis and returned immediately. I arrived just in time to play cards with the others. At least that was a bit of fun in the afternoon.

Sunday was not better, and that terrible wind was still there, causing some damage; a tree even fell on a car on the highway.

Since our two entertainers had the day off, I sat in the restaurant for a while, thinking a few others would come too, but they were probably busy with their families. The only one there, was the good Italian mother, who was babbling nonsense, complaining that no one was picking her up and asking if I could drive her to her children. I answered as best I could, but then it got too much for me, and I went to Jeanine, who was happy, because she'd been doing crossword all day and thought she was now cross-eyed.

Finally we chatted the whole afternoon, she was a farmer's daughter and had 4 brothers and 2 sisters. One brother took over the farm. She just had her 90th birthday but is very fit and needs no nurse at all. She stays here because she came with her very sick husband who died last year and she decided not to return and live alone in their house. Now she is happy because she likes it here as much as I do.

FRIDAY's FAVE FIVE

2025-06-07T11:56:00.003+02:00

Now it's already June, which means half of 2025 is gone and besides in March where it should be still cold we had the weather of June. At first, when people talked about climate change, I always thought it was a joke, but unfortunately, it seems to be true.

We couldn't play outside all week because it was far too cold, or warm, and far too windy. Nevertheless, we had a great week.On Monday, I had to move my car to another spot because there were so many trucks in our parking lot with new beds and furniture. We all had to zigzag, and the wheelchairs had a hard time getting through. During the morning I found three residents who were lost and didn't know in which floor or room they had to go. Since I didn't understand a word they were trying to tell me as they have their own language and some get very angry when you don't understand them, I took them all when I found them to the nurse's office.

Because I'd lost so much weight, my watch kept slipping up and down my arm. So I drove to the Swatch store and asked them to shorten the strap. I had to wait half an hour, which I used to walk around and see how many boutiques have closed and are replaced by others.

Then sat in a little café and had a nice ice cream, called Straciatella which I love. And for the first time in a very long time, I thought I'd found my old life again.

On Thursday we had a nice surprise, we had the visit of teenagers from 13 to 17 years, who all live together in a house, because the child protection service took them away from their parents because they severely neglected their children. These parents were criminals and had ended up in prison, alcoholics, or abused their children. These children were so polite and friendly and felt so comfortable with us grandmas that they didn't want to leave.

We played games together, old against young, and then we ate cake and had a coffee or a drink. They helped set the table, pushed the wheelchairs around and laughed their heads off when oldies counted pranks from their childhood. Even our 102-year-old Gilberte came and was admired by the youngsters. It was a very nice afternoon. Later I thought what a life these pour children had in the past, and how nice they were now. They even told us about their plans for the future and what they want to be when adult.

And I mostly know rather spoiled brats.

Here we are young and old all together playing and having fun. I think this was a very good idea for both parties.

We have 3 newcomers, one couple she has started Alzheimer and was crying while she had to leave her two cats at home. I tried to comfort her, but without success. It takes time, but she can't take care of her cats here, and her husband sits in a wheelchair. The 3rd one is a lady younger then I and we liked each other immediately. She seems to be very cheerful and told me that she preferred to live here with us, be because she is loosing her short-term memory and she thought it's better to move into our castle and enjoy it now, as sooner or later she will end here.

Anyway Rosie and I are happy here, it was a good choice

more participants at Susanne at Living to tell the Story.

HODGEPODGE JUNE 4

2025-06-05T02:13:00.000+02:00

1. What do birthdays look like in your house? How are they celebrated? Any special traditions? What about birthdays growing up?

In the past, we always celebrated birthdays with cake, candles and gifts. But getting older we celebrated less and less, still with a cake and a gift, then we went in a nice restaurant as celebration and only celebrated the birthday of my grandson. But now he doesn't want a gift anymore, but money to buy something which he loves. Anyway in all these new computer games I am lost.

2. Someone is sending you a dozen roses...what color are you hoping for? Are you someone who gets accused of seeing the world through rose colored glasses? Is your accuser correct? Elaborate.

Of course I love red roses, but I am the opposite of somebody who is seeing the world through colored glasses,

I am definitely not someone who sees the world through rose-colored glasses. I see the world and people as they are, either black, gray, or pink. Rose-colored glasses are only for romantic moments.

3. June 4th is National Cheese Day...will you celebrate? What's something (besides a burger) you make in the summer months that calls for cheese

We don't have a Cheese day, but I personally love cheese more then meat. The whole year I eat cheese of all kinds, from Swiss fondue in winter and Mozarella cheese together with Proscuitto crudo.

4. 'tis the season...any weddings on your June calendar? What's the first word that comes to mind when I say marriage?

There are no weddings in view for me at least, but a lot of funerals. No, nothing comes into my mind when I hear the word "wedding". I just think, living together or being married is the same today, at least here, the partner has the same rights then a spouse. But when I was 22 I thought it's maybe time to decide if I will marry or not. The answer came from alone one year later, one evening when I met Rick. I think we didn't say a special word. But the same evening we moved in together in my apartment, and one year later we married, and we stayed together 54 years until he died.

In 1971 in front of the Gran Canyon

5. What are you most looking forward to this June?

A beautiful weather with blue sky, warm temperatures, and if it has to rain, only during the night !

6. Insert your own random thought here.

We have 3 new comers, a man in a wheelchair, whom we all first took for a woman. He had very thick grey hair, I thought it is impossible for a over 80 year old to have so many and thick hairs, that it could only be a wig ! But no, the hairs were real and he could give me half of them and still would have enough. The two others were a couple, he had "written" on his face "Don't you dare to talk to me" which of course inspired me to ask him when they arrived and suddenly we knew from where he came, what he had done professionally etc. etc. while his little wife cried. I tried to comfort her, but it didn't really work. She had to give away her two cats and missed them terribly. I felt terribly sorry for her, but unfortunately, she was in the early stages of one of the most serious diseases, Alzheimer's, and wouldn't have been able to care for the cats. Her husband was in a wheelchair and wasn't much help. It kind of ruined my day.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2025-06-04T04:32:00.001+02:00

When we visited the Doudaine Park, our animator was followed by these two geese (or ducks) we were not sure if it was love or the icecream he held in his hand. It looked so funny when they walked behind him !

more participants here, and Image-in-ing

AWWWW MONDAY - WEEKEND MAY 31

2025-06-02T06:31:00.002+02:00

These are Pookie and Kim, my Londoner cats, I inherited from my son. I don't know if they meow in French now !

Linking to AWWW MONDAYS

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WEEKEND

Ever since the renovations started in our castle, we have some very funny incidents which, honestly are not funny at all. While we were having our coffee, suddenly a man appeared dressed like Adam but without the leaf appeared in all his glory !

Nobody was especially surprised, except perhaps me, because it had never happened since I am here. A nurse scolded him gently and led him back. The man said friendly good bye and disappeared with the nurse. Hopefully in two weeks the section for the severely brain damaged residents will be finished and closed with a code. Meanwhile we can just help. But there are some people who are afraid of them and are not happy at all. I was "used", I had seen the same in the home where Rick was.

This night I heard someone screaming, but that happens, people dream. I didn't move, because Rick did it when he was ill. The screams didn't stop but I could suddenly hear "help ....". So I jumped out of my bed, followed the cries for help and heard that they were coming from the opposite room . It was a woman who had fallen in the restroom and the bell didn't seem to be working. I promised to get her help and found a night nurse. I didn't feel like going back into the room and certainly not into the toilet it didn't smell like roses, the poor nurses see a lot of human misery! I went back to bed and fell asleep straight away, even though Rosie thought it was time to play with her mice.

On Sunday we had cloudy, but warm weather and could sit outside. Our Italian Mamma had her birthday and her eldest son had invited the whole family which was composed of around 60 people. Although most of them didn't speak Italian anymore because it was the 4th generation, and they were Belgians now, but the blood remained Italian they made a lot of noise. I felt like I was on vacation when we visited Ricks family in Italy, everyone was talking loudly and no one was listening, and the talking hands were moving at full speed. I could speak Italian to some and was happy that I hadn't forgotten, it all came back. Rina was so happy to have her whole family around her and I spent an excellent afternoon.

Rina with two of her granddaughters. Fortunately our restaurant (ex ball room) was big enough for the residents and all the guests

FRIDAY's FAVE FIVE

2025-05-31T02:07:00.000+02:00

I was locked up all week because we had terrible weather. It rained, which made the farmers happy, but not me!

Luckily, we had our games in the afternoon, at least that was fun. The renovations on our floor were finally finished, and the people could move into their new rooms. We have three new residents.

Because I had lost 11 kg, my jeans were way too large around the waist, and I almost lost them! My new girlfriend had to learn to sew, even though she wanted to be an accountant. But her father, a farmer, thought girls should get married and therefore should learn to sew. Behind his back, she managed to go to evening school and got a job in accounting department for pensions of the government. She skillfully made my jeans tighter and was even happy that I asked her! And I was happy that I didn't swim in my Jeans anymore.

We finished the week outside on the terrace in a warm sunshine and played a question and answer game which was very funny. The two newcomers were very shy at the beginning and observed us with big eyes because they probably thought that they were in a Kindergarten ! At the end they opened up and were happy that we have such a familiar atmosphere.

HODGEPODGE MAY 29

2025-05-29T17:44:00.001+02:00

Three years ago on May 29, 2022 was the worst day of my life. Rick, my husband left me forever.

You were my rock, my confidant, and my best friend. Your memory will always be a source of strength and comfort for me. Loving you was easy, forgetting you will be impossible.

HODGEPODGE

1. What's your favorite room in your house and why?

When you live in a castle with I don't know how many rooms all decorated differently, with the furniture of the residents, I prefer mine, I don't have the old furniture from my wedding ! I changed several times the only thing which remained were the dining room furniture, but when we sold the house it disappeared too

2. What's something that will instantly annoy you?

When somebody opens my door without knocking before !

3. May 28th is National Hamburger Day...will you celebrate? How do you like yours? If you're not cooking at home is there a favorite place you like to go for a burger? Did you ever work in a fast food restaurant?

I only ate a Hamburger or rather a cheeseburger when my son was a child. He and his little friends loved to go to McDonald, I was only with them as piggy bank. Later they went there with their friends or girlfriends. Making a Hamburger at home ? I haven't met one single person in my life who does that. When somebody doesn't like to cook a day, a family member will be sent to buy Hamburgers or Pizzas.

I never worked in a fast food restaurant or in any other, My father would have gotten a heart attack.

4. What are three scents you like?

I love the smell of freshly cut grass, the scent of a forest in spring, and the smell of the sea. I don't like any perfume.

5. What do you miss most about being a kid?

I don't know. Everything I wanted I got. If I think it over, I don't want to be a child again.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

Since I am here living in "my" castle, I had never seen the poor people on our 4th floor, who are completely helpless and have lost their minds. They had d to be moved from the 4th floor which will be renovated, to the 3rd. That caused a lot of troubles, because they didn't understand what happened to them. Again one woman managed to escape in the middle of the night and completely naked opened the door of somebody living on my floor ! Fortunately I always lock my door, I think I would have got hysterical !

I only hope that I won't end like that. The worst thing is that only the others notice that you are no longer the same.

You think you are completely normal that at 95, you want to visit your grandmother, who, of course, died ages ago.

And don't say the opposite, then arguments start and ends in tears

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2025-05-28T02:23:00.000+02:00

A special Mikado game, you have to avoid that the fat spider falls in the bucket.

more participants here, and Image-in-ing

AWWWW MONDAY - WEEKEND MAY 29

2025-05-26T04:06:00.000+02:00

I visited my friend Solange, her cat had become a mum since 4 weeks, they are so cute !

Linking to AWWW MONDAYS

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WEEKEND

Saturday we were very creative while outside it was a horrible weather. We created flower bouquets, and had a lot of fun. My creation is in the middle, and is still fresh today. We were all very satisfied and had spent a real nice afternoon.

On Sunday, finally after 3 years I did my filing ! Isabel came and did it with me for what I was really thankful. The papers were stacked almost to the ceiling, but it went quite well because I had unconsciously grouped the papers together, so we only had to put them in the different drawers. I don't like files, I have a small cabinet with eight narrow drawers, which I find more practical.

Afterwards, we played a mimik game with the others, and it was a lot of fun.

FRIDAYS FAVE FIVE

2025-05-24T12:41:00.002+02:00

The week began with a trip to the nearby town Nivelles. Luckily, we had nice weather. On the program was a visit of the Park Dudaine, well known for it's beauty. I don't know why, but in the nearly 60 years I live in Waterloo, I have been a thousand times in Nivelles, but it never came into my mind to visit the park, I went to the mall and visited a friend who lived there, but never put a foot in the park.

It is quite huge and listed offers two types of gardens, French and English, to admire. A fountain and a pond spanning several hectares, where fishing is permitted from April to December, add to its charm, as do numerous statues. It boasts a beautiful rectangular water feature as well as a pond spanning several hectares.The park is the access route to the "Reine Astrid" Sports Ground. The park includes basketball, volleyball, and soccer fields, a multi-sports hall, an indoor swimming pool, a sports field, and an aquapark.We slowly walked around fed the ducks bought a yummy ice cream and sat on the benches and watched the ducks and other poultry. We teased Kim our animator, who walked around and was followed by two ducks, that was so funny to see.

Then we had a drink in the swimming pool bar and observed the swimmers. At 5 pm we were home again and very satisfied with our day.

On Tuesday I went to a friend I had known when we had our Facebook supper evenings. She had called me to tell me that her cat had 3 kittens. I wanted to see them immediately, but I was so occupied that I didn't have time. But finally there was an afternoon where nothing special was foreseen, so I preferred to visit the baby cats.

They are now one month old and so cute and real beautiful. The mother was a ginger cat a very light color and without stripes. One kitten looked like her, one like a classical ginger at and a grey one ! Or there are two dads or it is a quirk of nature. Two are females and one male.

The transformation and work of the convent which is attached to the castle is finished and the severely sick were moved in a very modern and beautiful section which is closed. They moved from the 3rd floor to the first. Unfortunately they don't realize anymore that they are in such a nice place. For the nurses it's also more easy, here nobody can escape. During the works, one person has managed to escape and had opened the room doors on the second floor at 3 a.m., turned on the light, and even tried to get into bed with one. Naturally, this was the talk of the day, the poor victims were terribly frightened. I always lock my door. The night nurses have a key anyway.

On Thursday we celebrated the birthdays of all residents born in May. I didn't want to stay because I didn't like the music although the female singer did her best. I happened to be sitting next to Gilberte who is 102 years old and just as much of a chatterbox as I am, so we chatted and discovered that we were born in the same month - she was born two days later than me in July, in 1923 and I in 1943. In theory, she could have been my mother. We liked each other so much and got on so well that I had to promise to visit her to get to know her better. To be honest, I never would have thought that I would be speaking to a 102-year-old lady and not notice any age difference at all. We also laughed a lot. Luckily we were sitting right at the back!

Gilberte 102 years old

The week ended with bad weather and I did my shopping. Normally my son and grandson should come on Saturday, but I told them not to come as it was raining non stop the whole day and a strong wind was blowing. Driving 250 km would not be a pleasure. So they will come the next weekend or the week after. We still can see each other through the phone !

more participants at Susanne at Living to tell the Story.

HODGEPODGE MAY 22

2025-05-22T01:46:00.002+02:00

1. May 20th is World Bee Day...what's something that's kept you 'busy as a bee' lately?

I am busy but not like a bee ! After all I live in a retirement home, where you have to rest !

2. Do you like honey? What's something you make or enjoy that calls for honey?

Yes, I love honey, on a slice of bread and butter, and instead of sugar in my coffee, that's more healthy

3. "Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body." Proverbs 16:24

What's a proverb you love, or one that speaks to you or has helped you in some way?

Once I read "your love was a gift that continues to shape who I am" and I thought this is absolutely right, and this one stands on my desk :

The Bible is full of Proverbs, a whole book in fact, if that helps with your answer. The word proverb is defined as 'a short pithy saying in general use, stating a general truth or piece of advice'.

Long ago I read the bible like a book. Especially the first part and after JC's birth, I found it like a fairy tale. Having worked as a translator my whole life, I thought the bible was translated into more then 2000 languages and each translator could translate something he was asked for and not the original text. At that time people couldn't read or write the only one who could inform the population was the priest, and he did what he was asked for. Why should we eat fish on Fridays ? that was ordered by a King because he thought that people ate too much meat. It is very interesting to read about the bible and its creation.

And then the second part, which Jesus' disciples wrote. It's full of contradictions. St. Paul wrote that a priest shouldn't marry, because he should devote himself only to Jesus.The other, St. Matthew, disagreed and wrote that a pastor should start a family and raise his children as Christians. That's why we have the Catholic Church and the Protestants today. It's all not very logical.

4. Tell us about a 'sweet' moment in your life recently that filled you with joy, gratitude, or peace.

In my case it's a bit difficult to find joy, gratitude or peace, but I found it yesterday, I went to a friend, her cat had 4 months old kittens. They were so cute, two ginger and one grey, so we spent the whole afternoon playing with these little darlings, while mother cat was happy to have two "baby"sitters.

5. When you were a child, what did you want to 'be' when you grew up? How close did you come to that?

Not close at all ! Because I really wanted to be a stage makeup artist. Invent monsters, make blood flow (ketchup), or make princesses look beautiful. But my father didn't like that at all, he wanted me to study medicine! I definitely didn't want that, so I went to business school first. My father picked the most upscale one so I could meet a rich young man there. They went to that school because they were supposed to take over their dad's business and were too stupid to go to university. I really liked it there, and then I ended up working as a translator, for German, English, French and Italian.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

I believe that everyone has two persons inside them. At least that's how it is with me. I've been thinking the whole time about whether I should go on holiday. And where? To the seaside in any case. I would love to see the sea again. So why am I hesitating? The constant airline or train strikes. I can't see myself waiting hours for a plane or train. Then I think of Rosie, I'm afraid something will happen to her.

My other person says, you're crazy, you never thought of things like that before, check out the hotels with SPAs and fly to Tunisia, or to the English coast to Eastbourne which I love so much. Everything will be fine. I have good travel insurance for vintage ladies. And so the two of us argue happily with each other, although I or I 2 will have to make a decision soon.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2025-05-20T20:41:00.000+02:00

Life in Morocco

more participants here, and Image-in-ing

AWWWW MONDAY

2025-05-18T20:08:00.001+02:00

Little dolls in Brussels' laces

Linking to AWWW MONDAYS

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WEEKEND

It was a quiet weekend, unfortunately the temperature has dropped and I changed again from T-shirt to pullover ! Fortunately I have given up to separate winter and summer clothes, because the whole year we have the same temperature. It's not freezing cold and not excessively hot !

In the afternoon we played an interesting game, it was finding different words for the same object or subject. Again I was amazed that the two who get always lost and wander along the long corridors looking for their rooms, play so well ! I also had one who came into my room, looked around and then told me that this is not her room, there are too many cats and she is allergic. I brought her back to the reception, as she didn't know which floor and which room number she had. But otherwise her brain still works very well.

On Sunday it was cold and grey and we also had no activities in the afternoon. As I had got my card reader to create a new online banking on my computer and on my phone, I had lost both when they had done an update ! It went quite good until some point and then I got stuck !

I tried again and again, checked the numbers everything was OK but at a certain point it stopped and didn't go further. Finally I put the whole thing aside it was just lunch time and I decided to make a break. The break finally lasted until nearly 5 pm, when Isabel appeared to help me. It was done in not even 5 min, I hadn't put the new password in because I hadn't seen where to put it. We had to laugh, because I already thought that my brain would slowly disappear ! Now it's done and I am really relieved.

The weekend went by so quick !

FRIDAY's FAVE FIVE

2025-05-17T19:40:00.003+02:00

Half of the week we had wonderful weather and of course played our games on the terrace. It was warm and the sun shining. We played Bingo (with buttons) and had lot of fun ! Another day we played archery. No one got killed because the arrows had those sucking things in yellow, instead of points.

At least one of us got a yellow thing right in the middle of his forehead, and we applauded the guy who had shot so well. Not at the target, but at the forehead. I was just able to turn my head to the side, otherwise my glasses would have been hit.

The third game was very interesting. Two people sat opposite each other, and colorful cups were placed in the middle. Then Kim shouted "red" (for example) and both had to grab the red cup, the one who took it first was the winner. Amazing that these grandmas still had so quick reactions ! Even our 100 year old managed to be quicker then her 20 years younger friend !

Chantal from our group, was here as resident, not because of her age, she was only 70, but she had a very bad car accident in which she almost died. She was nearly a year in hospital, to sew her together, but she couldn't live alone. She often tried to find her car and disappeared, twice somebody living in the street brought her back, the people are used to lost residents.

Otherwise Chantal was completely normal you could have nice conversations with her and she also had a cheerful character. Then she fell a second time in the park. We saw the nurses running to pick her up and then she spent a week in hospital. When she came back, her daughter had bought her a plush dog, which she carried around, but her brain was still OK. But then she fell again and this time it was real bad. Now she has lost all sense of orientation, doesn't know where she is, and as she still has her old room she can go out in the middle of the night and walks around gets lost and then walks into other rooms. That happened with our 100 year old, who got a terrible shock at 3 am, reached for her cane to throw out the intruder. Then she rang for help. Poor Chantal was topless and continued her way. But then the night nurse found her and brought back into her room. Of course we teased our 100 year old and told her she would have preferred a man, but she answered that she had had enough men in her life. Of cause we all wanted to know more !

The section where the seriously ill live is undergoing renovations for a few weeks, so it's possible that someone might get lost or somehow sneaked out of the otherwise closed floor. They are suffering from Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, or senile dementia. We don't know them because they live on the fourth floor.On Monday they all will be moved into the renovated rooms.

The flowers we planted 3 weeks ago, have grown and look very beautiful

I wanted to make a selfie of the both of us, but my arm is not long enough ! Rosie seems to be happy, she sleeps a lot, but she will be 19, she has a very good appetite, and still plays a bit. But her back has become very skinny. As long as she doesn't show any disease, I don't go to the vet. At her age she would get too stressed. For me the most important is, that her fur is still shining, which is a good sign, and she has all her teeth !

more participants at Susanne at Living to tell the Story.

HODGEPODGE MAY 15

2025-05-15T05:16:00.000+02:00

1. What's something you're curious about right now ?

Nothing special, I am just curious if our summer weather, which is far too early will last ?

2. If you could plan the perfect girl's weekend getaway, where would you go and what would be on the agenda? Do you have anything like this on your calendar in the next few months ?

No I have not yet plans for a girl's weekend getaway, but if I could go I would go to the sea, which is not far away from Brussels and it would be perfect for a weekend. I would even ignore the hideous coastline, but will just sit at the beach and observe the waves.

The water is far too cold for swimming. It is the North Sea, after all.

3. What's the most unique item in your refrigerator right now?

Nothing unusual, but when we were newly married, I couldn't find my slippers. After searching the entire house without success, Rick found them in our refrigerator in the evening!

4. In this season of your life, what do you find most challenging?

Since I had decided to live in a retirement home, it was difficult for me to deal with the severely brain-damaged people. We don't see them very often, but it takes a lot of strength to get used to see and hear them. After all, those of us who are still well also could become like that one day.

5. Do you collect anything? If so why that?

This question would make laugh all people who know me. I collect cats in all sizes and all materials because I am a cat lover ! For me they are the most intelligent animals. You never own a cat, the cat owns you ! I think that's why I love them, they are independent, never do what you want from them. My grandson once counted all together with his friend and they told me with proud that I had 497 cats spread throughout the apartment. I had even more when we lived in our house !

Now here in my room I still have a shelf with a part of my collection, I like it, I think it makes my room cozy.

6. Insert your own random thought here.

With this still nice summer weather I always sit outside, I wonder why I don't like to go out, travel or visit friends. I think I have changed a lot since Rick's death. I feel home here and like to help with those who have lost a bit their mind. It's strange, one part of the day they are completely normal but then suddenly a 94 old lady tells me that she will visit her grandparents this afternoon. I have learned never to contradict her, and would reply, "How nice of you! They'll definitely be pleased". And then everything's fine again. If I would said the opposite, she'd start arguing which always ends in tears. One man in our group just doesn't understand that and even finds it funny when she gets upset.

Without any hesitation when we were sitting together, I first tried to explain him what is going on in Rina's mind, but that was completely useless, so I sternly forbade him to make her cry on purpose. He looked a bit stupid, and then he quickly disappeared. So far, he behaved good now. It always makes me angry when someone attacks a weaker person or animal, then I show my claws.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2025-05-14T09:36:00.000+02:00

These are photos from our park, which you can see from all the windows of the castle.

I love to see the deep green grass, and the shrubs and trees when I open the curtains in the morning.

The little flowers who came out is an invitation for bees ! And when the lawn is mowed, the air smells so good, better than the most expensive perfume.

more participants here, and Image-in-ing

AWWWW - WEEKEND MAY 10

2025-05-11T19:28:00.002+02:00

Linking to AWWW MONDAYS

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WEEKEND

Fortunately on Saturday the weather had changed and my room was full of sunshine.

First thing in the morning is to feed a half starved Rosie who sits in the middle of the room and meows full power ! Fortunately the rooms are very well isolated ! Then as each morning, I did my reduced Yoga exercises, inhaled my medication, then got dressed and started writing my blog posts.

After lunch, I watched a short film, and then I was ready for our afternoon of games.This time it was really fun. We played Mikado with these giant sticks, but instead of moving anything, we were allowed to move and touch the sticks, except the fat spider sitting on the sticks in the middle, which wasn't allowed to fall into the bucket!

We sounded like a football (soccer) match when the spider fell in the bucket ! I was lucky, the spider stayed put and did not fall down. The afternoon went by very quickly.

On Sunday was Motherday and we had some visitors, but most of the residents were taken home by their children. Those who stayed sat on the Terrace protected by 3 enormous umbrellas, as it was quite warm and too hot to sit in the sun. As usual coffee and and cakes were served and we spent a nice afternoon enjoying the view of the beautiful park.

FRIDAY's FAVE FIVE

2025-05-10T11:48:00.002+02:00

On Monday it rained cats and dogs but I wanted to buy a crutch, which I did and as I had forgotten my umbrella and had no anorak, I was wet like a cat after hunting mice ! But now, I thought if I have to go out I'll take it with me. Our streets have not 4 stars, they rather look like a Golf course.

When I came back we had to find the capitals of country's in the whole world. Was very interesting, I was surprised that I knew more then I thought ! Thanks to blogging.

The next day the sun was shining but it was a bit cool, our "entertainers" had bought a lot of flowers to plant in the wooden flower boxes. We all enjoyed it very much, three were working and all the others watched ! I took the pictures, I have no green thumb !

I had an appointment with my pulmonologist, and he noted that my results have improved significantly. Life here without worries and work has been good for me. At my last visit six months ago, I was 35 (?), and this time I was 55! 80 is very good. Considering my antic age, that's not bad at all. In any case, he was very pleased, but he didn't understand why I fall over so often and put on a circus act.

When I came back my housemates were busy playing Volleyball !

The ball flew over the net, but then in all directions. Since we had to aim at someone while sitting, the ball hit us on the head, or it landed on a teammate's already black eye. We had a lot of fun, as it reminded us of our youth.

Sometimes I think people are crazy. The management decided to move all the offices to the ground floor. So they tore down walls, installed cables, and put in new furniture. Then they brought the files, etc. downstairs. After everyone had settled in and we knew that the nurses and staff, as well as the management, were opposite the restaurant downstairs, I went down yesterday morning to borrow a card reader. I almost dropped my mouth open and asked where the offices were; everything had disappeared and the rooms were empty. I was told that all the junk had been moved back to the old rooms, as the reception and entrance are on the first floor. Nobody understands this logic, not even the 100 years old, they could have thought it over before.

To demolish walls and install cables, paint etc for what ? Now I am really curious. As long as it does not concern my monthly invoice, they can continue moving up and down offices, rooms etc. It rather makes us laugh.

I almost forgot ! Congratulation to the first Pope for American Catholics !

Which is logical, the first pope was elected in 1059 and America discovered 1492. I hope that Mr. Trump will not change the history.


more participants at Susanne at Living to tell the Story.

HODGEPODGE MAY 8, 2025

2025-05-07T19:22:00.003+02:00

1. Let's compare this May to last May. What's changed? What remains very much the same?

It was pretty much the same, cold, rainy and I had the visit of son and grandson. The weather remains the same, it's still cold, rainy, humid and grey !

2. What's something you may do this month?

I have two plans for this month. If the sun is shining I will take my tablet and choose a quiet spot in the shade, or I start to paint again, I am already looking to buy what I need. I hope I keep my projects !

This kind of painting is called "Pouring"

3. Mother's Day is approaching (in the US of A)...in what way(s) are you like your mother?

I am not at all like my mother, she was short, a bit round, had brown hairs and brown eyes. I am tall, blond, slim and have green eyes. I don't look like my father neither, he was not tall, and also had brown hair. People who know us always say that I am a cuckoo's egg !

4. Did you have a favorite book as a child? What was it and why was it a favorite.

As a child and even longer I have been a real bookworm. I think I have read all books which were here in our public library plus those from friends and those I owned. I remember that I liked the "Famous Five" as a child, of course it was written in German.

5. Are you more of a tortoise or a hare? Explain.

I don't know the story and as usual googled for the meaning it says : acting quickly, rashly, and carelessly can cause you to fail, whereas thinking things through first can lead to success".

I am not really a tortoise neither a hare, I think I am a mixture of both, I act often quickly, without thinking, but I think later and am mostly successful ! In short, I spring in the water and then I ask myself if I can swim !

6. Insert your own random thought here.

To be honest, I don't have any thoughts. My days are almost always the same, and I have nothing else to do but have fun. The good life, at least for the moment, I have nothing !

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY

2025-05-06T17:53:00.000+02:00

HALWOOD (Bois de Hal, Belgium)

This wood in Hal, near Brussels, is particularly known for its vast expanses of wild bluebells which usually flower around the end of April or beginning of May, earning the nickname 'the blue forest'.

It is really beautiful to walk around and see this blue carpet.

more participants here, and Image-in-ing

AWWWW MONDAY - WEEKEND MAY 3

2025-05-05T10:38:00.000+02:00

This was Pookie she was "imported" from London by my son who had to work in Amsterdam for 3 months and had asked me if I could keep his two cats because he had no garden. I said yes and 19 years later she was still with us and died here peacefully. She was an adorable cat, very clever !

Linking to AWWW MONDAYS

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On Saturday I wanted to go out a bit, but then it started to rain in buckets, so I quickly jumped (which is exaggerated) in my car and went to the shop where I could buy a crutch. The shop closed already at 3 pm so I had to hurry, but I found one nice and now when I go on cobbled streets (we have a lot of them here) I walk with my crutch. My son, charming as ever told me that now I really look old, but I answered him when next time he does a sport and breaks his leg, we would both look old. We always tease each other !

I was on time for the coffee and we were quite a lot, because there were visitors, so we had nice discussions and laughs and the afternoon went by very quickly.

Sunday it still rained and my mood was rather black. My sister in law dead, my poor niece all alone, and I am far away. The funeral is on Tuesday.

I spent the whole morning to inform other family members, it's quiet difficult becdause I have to do everything in Italian, fortunately Google became a quite good translator, not like a few years ago.

We played a nice game finding words, and the afternoon was quickly over.