mcharlottesmith

I went shopping today to get the laat few things on my list to bring to South Africa. I didn’t realize it would be so busy in town but I got my stuff done. I took my machines in for a service while we’re on holiday and get my goodies and I made my way back home.

I realised later that I should have checked the news, since there was another hard lockdown planned. I wonder if my machines will get serviced during this time? Only time will tell.

A year ago I was also stumped by a december lockdown a few days after moving into my new house. I didn’t think we’d still be having hard lockdown a year later. My only consolation is that we plan to be gone for most of it. I just hope there isn’t another knee jerk reaction that affects our return journey, but that is a problem for future me to worry about.

Be kind. Stay safe.

Another Corona year is nearly done. As a society we were thinking it’s about time to end when a new variant was discovered in South Africa around the end of November.

The moment it was announced the world went into a flat panic and blocked flights from South Africa with immediate effect. Some poor people have been en route during this announcement and they were even kept at the airport until who knows when.

I had a sense of humor failure when it looked like my holiday to South Africa would be canceled, and along with many others I checked the website of every government agency to understand rules and exemptions and requirements etc.

With a bit of luck and a lot of prayers it seems like our holiday could go ahead and we were getting ready to be off in a few days.

Be kind. Stay safe

I didn’t think it would last this long, but here we are.

In the Netherlands we’re back in a so-called soft lockdown. Shops and restaurants close at 8pm, and we’re back to wearing masks all the time, like we’re batman or something. At least it keeps my nose warm on the cooler days.

On the news they talk about another wave, the possibility of code black and how this will affect the Healthcare system (I think in the context it means that the hospitals are at capacity, but please feel free to tell me in the comments). They talk about violent riots in Rotterdam too, booster shots and all sorts of scary things.

On the bright side of things, today I met with some friends in Scheveningen for a lunch and a walk on the promenade. It was really pleasant, although I think I need to knit one of those ear warmer things, because it’s really quite chilly these days.

Nevertheless it is good to get out, and it is good to come home to a cosy evening with Marinus.

Be kind. Stay safe

Today on my walk with Rufus we came across the most interesting looking dog: something that’s clearly part terrier and part husky and a whole lot of soft! Just look at the blue eyes!

It’s definitely summer season! All the geese have offspring they are aggressively protecting (Rufus keeps a wide berth) and the flowers are just magnificent!

Be kind. Stay safe

Rufus at the Joris

I had a Dutch lesson today and Marinus had a work thing in the evening, so after my lesson I went for a walk with Rufus.

Usually in the afternoon around 5, 6ish, he comes to my desk looking for attention and getting really playful.

When we got to Meer & Bos, the nearby park, I realised that I want to continue walking and Rufus is always up for a longer walk.

So we walked on to the beach.

Getting there I asked a guy with a dog for directions to the dog beach and he helpfully explained that it is at the end, past all the beach restaurants, and that it is allowed to walk dogs on the path next to said restaurants. So on we walked down the ramp, past the restaurants and on some more.

By the time we got to the dog beach, Rufus was a bit tired of the walk and when I took him off the leash he just had a lay down on the sand. I had to give him a little chance to rest, so I sat at the closest restaurant and got a drink.

Be kind. Stay safe.

After a long day at work, I talked Marinus into going out for a meal at an actual restaurant in Den Haag. He suggested a lonely Iranian restaurant, Setare, on Bierkade and I now know why. Not only was the food amazing, but it was served by the owner with pride and a happy smile.

Be kind. Stay safe.

We decided to break away for the long weekend and head up north to Julianadorp and Den Helder.

On our way we had the customary stop at KuierKos for coffee, cake and a taste of home. Filled up on biltong and other goodies, and made our way up north.

On arrival we took Rufus for a long beach walk, and we were blown away by the wind. Luckily it was a weekend affair, so we could go back the next day

The We even giggled at the sign and wondered if that means horses without riders are allowed or if no horsing around is allowed whatsoever.

The beaches really go on forever and on the beach the next day it was, as always, a pleasure to see Rufus playing with the other dogs and running for the pure joy.

After the long walk it was around lunch anyway, and what better way to enjoy it than with a coffee and appelgebak?

After recovering our strength, we ventured to nearby Den Helder and had a walk around the old harbour. The area feels like a working living museum where the old buildings are still in use and some beautiful ships are visible up close.

One of the old buildings is now an ice cream shop, and although Marinus ordered a coffee, he got a mini ice-cream too!

Be kind. Stay safe.

With spring in full swing there really is new life everywhere I look. See for example this little family of geese that I saw on my dog walk today.

Fortunately the dog in question is really scared of geese, so when he sees them he gives it a wide berth.

Be kind. Stay safe

Everywhere I look there’s beautiful new life. The park near my house, Meer and Bos, is an absolute beauty and it’s gorgeous seeing nature come to life

Be kind. Stay safe.