Queen's day in Holland

What a "Queen's day Celebration in Holland. See the shock on the faces of the Queen's family in the open bus. This was an intentional attack. (Try full screen).

What you miss when you're NOT in church!!

Click on arrow between pictures

Painting by Ted 1996

This is too funny, click

Being angry.

“In your anger do not sin.” Ephesians 4:26

From our text anger in itself is not a sin. Anger alerts us that something has gone wrong. It’s a sign that we have suffered an injustice, or treated unfairly. You can’t keep anger from happening but you can make sure that it doesn’t do collateral damage. If we are not careful, anger easily ignites other destructive sins.

So how do we keep the energy of our anger from bringing sin into our lives? One of the keys is to be slow to anger. The Bible says: “The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. (Psalm 103:8)

Being slow to anger will give us time to evaluate our emotion. We might ask the Lord to show us if our emotion is really justified, have we done anything to contribute to the situation that has caused the anger in the first place. Slowing down gives us time to ask ourselves: “Do I have all the facts, is this situation even worth my anger? What could I do to be a part of the solution by showing God’s patience, love, and compassion?”

It’s all about counting to 10—in a spiritual sort of way!

How about my eye?

Ha, ha this is just for fun, this is some of Ron's childhood paraphernalia.

I only wear an eye patch at night (specially provided by Hospital).

The eye is doing very well, I can see a lot better but my eyeglasses give me a bit of an headache. The prescription will have to be changed after the other eye has been done.

Four times a day I need eye drops, three different kinds. I let Ted administer that and he has become quite experienced. I already suggested he become a volunteer in an old folks home, the "eye drop specialist".

 For the rest there are some things I should not be doing, which I tend to forget. For sure Ted has to make the bed, yoohoo! 

I miss doing my exercises, for the rest no problems. It is great to be able to see the small print on the TV and the computer. What an invention that operation is.

Don't rush the elderly!

This is Aila and I miss her!

In the plane

Us (Day after eye operation)

Yesterday I had my eye surgery, yes I am very determined to post even though it is difficult to type.

Ted had another funny expression.

For him it was a very busy day yesterday. We left the house at 10:30 so that he could drop me off for my scheduled time at the Misrecordia Hospital. Then he went on to have his weekly lunch with Ron (our son) something he would not miss for anything in the world, I was quite okay by walking in alone. They did the necessary pre-op things. They asked my name birth date several times. They have  to make sure I know who I am.Hahaha! Then she asked which eye would be done. Another trick question!!

I got many different drops in my eye. I found the staff absolutely wonderful and the surgeon very gentle. Actually there is nothing to be scared of. After more goo on my eye I got a patch taped on and wheeled back into the recovery room where they gave me a snack and Ted was called to let him know I was ready to be picked up. We had to get three kinds of eye drops about $90.00 all together. Ted had gone into the drugstore and it seem to take for ever. I was hoping it would not be too tiring for him. I kep falling a sleep in the car.

When we came home he made tea and we both had a nap. For Ted this had been a very busy day. But I needed to have those eye drops put in, 

"Okay", he said: "Let's do this so that I can have some time off!"

I thought THAT was funny!!!! Hahaha!

I'll have the patch taken off pretty soon as I see the Specialist at 8:30.

Oh boy this is very blurry.

Just makes me think how fortunate we are when we can see.

Us!

This afternoon we saw a short clip on the Dr. Phil show, who was counseling a couple. The man complained that his wife tells him what to do, what to wear etc. Dr. Phil commented: "So, who would be the smartest of you two?" Without skipping a beat the wife said: "Well, I am!"

"Yes, of course", Dr Phil replied. (Then he makes that funny face!)

I thought this would be my golden opportunity, so... I asked Ted: "Who is the smartest in our house?" Ted looked me straight in the eyes and said: "Me of course!"

After a few seconds of silence, he followed with: "I married you, didn't I?" 

Poll

What do you do for your mom on Mother's day?

Call her		Call her
Send a card		Send a card
Take her to lunch		Take her to lunch
Give her flowers		Give her flowers
Make her dinner		Make her dinner
Nothing		Nothing

Results to date

Springtime

Today I cleaned and raked some more for about three hours. Oh my goodness, I am so glad it's done (till bedding planting time).

As I was raking and cleaning the back lane, which borders the lawn on the side of the house, this little old Filipino man walked by and in broken English complimented me on a nice job. Then he pointed to the winter grid in the gutter (around the corner) on the street side. I think he said: "What about over there?" Or something like it. I answered him that I would leave that for the city crew.

When I rake I don't leave it on the street, I bag it. I saw my neighbours across the street piling it all on the street. Actually what I do, I load most of the sand on the snow pusher and use it around the outside of the house. The leaves and other rubbish go in a bag.

This same cute little man also walked by a few summers ago, when I was attacking a pile of soil delivered a few hours earlier. He smiled at me and then asked: "You no 'usband?" I said: "Well sure, but he is watching television. I don't need him, I am strong look at my muscles!" (while showing him my skinny arms)!" He shook his head and walked on, hahaha!

Now I am waiting for the city to clean the street. Like my son in law Jason said before: "You can take a "Dutch" girl out of Holland, but you can't take the "Dutch" out of the girl." Well he's got that right. In Holland you keep that portion of side walk in front of your house clean. Actually my mother used the soap suds that the clothes were washed in. But I am sure things  have changed there as well. I have been in Canada for 49 years. As a matter of fact I arrived here on April 20th, 1960. 

Springtime

We are very happy the snow is gone but we also find the rubbish once covered by the snow.

Last week I spent two hours raking and picking up garbage and this morning I cleaned some more. I was outside for an other three hours raking and cleaning the flower beds. Finally after six bags  filled to the top I was done. I already saw some tulips trying to find their way through the soil.

Yes I am early with the spring cleaning that is because this Thursday I have a cataract removed from my right eye and then I won't be able to do that type of work for a while. The other eye will be done not too much later, I expect three to four weeks.

I am also not allowed to use eye makeup for about six weeks  after each operation.

For the rest I have not much to tell. I am a bit sad because our company left. So the best thing to do is keep busy. That is exactly what I have been doing. I can't believe though that I worked for three hours this morning. Mind you, days beforehand I do prepare my body for the raking. Except for being tired and stiff tomorrow I have no muscle  or back pain. With other words, you might say, I am in great shape!

Are you Happy?

1. You Live Your Life With Integrity

Living a life that’s in line with your own values and belief is important for happiness.  “That means that the things you say you believe in are the things you do,” says “Happy Guy” David Leonhardt, the author of Climb Your Stairway to Heaven: the Nine Habits of Maximum Happiness.  For example, if you value the environment, do you mind your carbon footprint? Or if family is important, do you make time for them? Figure out what’s important and live your life accordingly.

2. You’ve Embraced Living In The Moment

You’re fully awake and aware, and concentrate your energies on enjoying the present, rather than worrying about the past or the future. “All we have is right now,” says Michelle Keeley, an executive leadership coach with Fruition Strategies, “and life is just made up of a series of moments.”  Enjoy them.

3. You Express Gratitude Regularly

Being grateful for the things you have—and sharing that gratitude—will lead to feelings of satisfaction and happiness.  “When you’re performing an act of kindness or giving someone a compliment, you can actually feel an energy shift in your body,” says Todd Keeley, Michelle’s brother and business partner. Seek that feeling out more often.

4. Your Work Satisfies You

If you find satisfaction in the things you do, then you’re well on your way to living a happy life. “The more meaningfully we’re engaged and the more we believe that what we’re doing is meaningful, the more happy we are,” says David Mensink, a psychologist with the student counseling centre at Dalhousie University.  And it doesn’t necessarily have to be linked to a career.  “For example,” says Mensink, “you can be meaningfully engaged in caring for children,”

5. You Enjoy Harmonious Relationships

Whether it’s at work or at play, being at peace with yourself and the world around is a surefire way to find happiness. Practice respect and patience as you go about your day, whether you’re interacting with family, co-workers or with your partner.

6. You Keep Your Inner Critic On ‘Mute’

If you’ve got a little voice in your head telling you you’re never good enough and you’re never satisfied, then odds are good you won’t find happiness either. “Choose to let go of negative feelings and thoughts,” says Todd Keeley, “You won’t find happiness until you do.”

7. You Aren’t Afraid Of Change

Recognize that change is constant and you’ll be more ready to embrace happiness. “Then choose to respond to life, rather than react to it,” says Michelle Keeley.  You’ll feel more in control and will be better able to adapt.  Stay open to the opportunities change can bring.

8. You Enjoy The Simple Things

Taking pleasure in small things will help you build a big picture of happiness. Take time to enjoy a well-cooked meal, a beautiful painting or a spring bulb poking up through the earth.

9. You Give Back

Happiness is contagious, so make sure you spread it around. “Giving back to others and sharing is the ultimate way to inspire happiness in your life,” says Michelle Keeley.  “Because what you give out will come back to you ten-fold.”  Whether you volunteer in your community or share your smiles—it all counts.

10. You Don’t Take Life Too Seriously

Having a sense of humour can help you keep things in perspective. Make sure your life is filled with plenty of laughter!

 

 

Easter weekend

Please, may I have some more? Oma's Cinnamon buns, that is !

Sugar, sugar, sugar, hmmmmm!

and.....more sugar!

Some Opa time!

I cannot believe that all the snow is gone, just amazing. A lot of cleaning needs to be done. The weather was just beautiful today, yes, it is definitely spring here.

I do feel for the people in the flooded area's around the city. I could not even begin to imagine what that would be like to have your house flooded. The rain over the weekend did not help.

We had a very nice Easter. The Grandchildren got their treats and did the "Hunt for eggs" game. Little Alyssa did not quite understand what all the running around was about, but soon got the hang of it. When it was time for them to go home the sugar began to take effect. That is the nice part of being Grandparents, there are no consequences for our actions, hahaha!

My diary cont...5

This is a continuation of my previous posts

Tuesday October 22, 1957

6:15pm

It has been awhile since I wrote. I have a lot of news but not much time. I have to go to school in a few minutes. I have a problem and a biggie; my Father found out that Tom is Catholic. Tom was over for Sunday dinner, and when Father prayed for the meal, Tom made a cross. Now my Father wants me to break  up with Tom. Father said: “If he comes in the house again I will tell him to get out!” Oops, that is pretty unfair. The rest of the family do NOT agree with Father.

I asked Tom: “So, why did you do that, if you are not a practicing Catholic? You sure got me in trouble big time, not that it matters to me!” “Well”, he answered, “I wanted to impress your family.”( HE SURE DID!) Tom had told me before that whenhe was young he went to the RC church. But as an adult he has some different views. I can see that, else he would not have gone to church with me (twice).

This really has become a problem because if I am not allowed to bring him home, what can we do, we can't walk the streets all evening? We do like each other, he is such a kind guy and honest (so far anyways). I don't quite understand what all the excitement is about. We've know each other for a little over a week. (I have not even set the wedding date! Hahaha). I should be able to take him home, which I think is the best place to be!

Of course I think about the faith issue, how can that work? Will he forfeit his Catholic upbringing? I would never want to force him, that is his choice. There has to be a commitment from the heart. When you are in love it is so easy to make promises. Then later on in life those promises might be forgotten. So I do think about these things. I can understand why my Father was shocked, since he has experienced first hand how difficult this can become, knowing that Mother was brought up in the Catholic faith. So he has his reasons, except when he forces me to act a certain way, it is like saying to me, you don’t think, you are impulsive, or worst yet, mine or Tom’s convictions have no value.

Okay this is just a small portion out my diary when I was 17. Regarding DATING!

Well of course this relationship did not last much longer. It seems I knew what I wanted and that was often a problem when I dated. I had certain expectations and a belief in God was the most important. So I'd ask about it on the first date! (It must have scared the heck out of them!) Though I always had an "Interdenominational" view, and I still do!

My date in church! (Chapter 4)

Monday October 14, 1957<<<<<<<<

10:30pm Well here I am let me fill you in!!

 I was home at 10:00. Nico bought a tape recorder today. He is happy like a pig in a mud hole. (Remember this is in the fifties! Owning a tape recorder was rather elite.) He asked me to play something for him on the organ, so that he could hear the sound quality. I played: “Search me oh God and know my heart today.” That is exactly what I am thinking right now.

 This guy, his name is Tom, came to pick me up right on time and we saw that movie, which was very nice but still I was worried he might be bored. I asked: So, are you sorry you came?"  “No”, he answered, “I am having a good time.” He even brought some licorice his mother had given him. Afterwards at his request we walked around for half an hour. May be I should have gone home immediately, but I wanted to know a little bit more about him. 

He asked if I had to go to school tomorrow evening. I said: “Absolutely no way could I get out of that, you may pick me up though!” I explained where the school is. I think he is more interested in me than just one evening. His name is Tom van Bergenhenegouwe, with a name like that, I would become Mrs. Bergenhenegouwe-Brussee. (In Holland your maiden name is at the end). That almost sounds like royalty, do not take me too serious, I always think ahead, that’s just me! 

Bertha (my five year older sister) also saw me in church with him and again when Tom and I were walking. To my embarrassment she said: “Truus be careful”, I made an excuse for her  remark but inside I was so mad, how dare she say that in front of him! I may be only 17, but I have a good head on my shoulder!

 When I came home at 10:00, (which is a decent time I may add!) she asked: “ So... who is that guy, is he from church?” “No”, I said, I picked him of the street last week.” Hahaha! She gave me this puzzled look.. I asked Lijdia, “What do you think of my new friend?” She said: “Well I like him better than that Sjaak.” “What do you mean?” I wanted to know. “Because  Tom has a very nice honest smile”, she replied. Very observant even though she is a few years younger than me. But she added: “I felt sorry for Tom as you ate all his licorice!” "Let me remind you",I said, "I did not asked for them, he gave them to me. Besides, I felt sick and the licorice helped me from throwing up in his lap! His mother had bought them for him. a good thing she (his mother) did not know a strange girl would be eating her candies in church of all places!" Too funny!

I feel a bit euphoric and I hope I can sleep after all this excitement, yuk, I still don't feel good. So good night.

To be cont.....

Continuing A day out of my diary (3)

You will have to read the previous posts

Monday October 14, 1957 

Sick!

It is 8:00 am; I feel as bad as yesterday, may be a little less feverish. I just took another ASA. I don't want to walk all the way to the market, I am so afraid I might faint again (like I did yesterday). I’ll just go to the vegetable store across the street, always more expensive but that can’t be helped today. Nobody else is going to do this for me, sniff, sniff!

 I also question this evening, I just wonder whether I am doing the right thing. It seemed okay at the time. I figured I get the guys into church. Who knows, they might come Sunday mornings as well. I can just imagine the looks I’ll be getting. Never mind that, what about all the comments here at home. I think I am going too fast in my mind. The guys may not even show up.

I need a bit of excitement in my life; it has been rather uninteresting and boring lately. I sure hope I feel better this evening, for Pete’s sake why do these things always happen to me? If I am still sick and he rings the bell, I’ll throw a note out of my window. (Being three stories high, he may have to run to catch it, hahaha! Can you see him go after it?)) “ Sorry I have the flu I am unable to go out. Go around the corner on your left and left again.” What else can I do. I am sick and I could not sit for a few hours. Of course he'll think I made it up!

Right now I am very hot and have a bad headache. May be if I take a cold shower I might feel a lot better. After all, most people die in bed! Hahaha!

I will see how it goes. I had these strange dreams; every person I know appeared in it. I must be a bit delirious from the fever. I'll have to stop writing I just feel so lousy.

7:15 pm Okay, I am dressed and feel somewhat better, except when I bend over I get really, really  dizzy, so I guess I won’t bend over!! Now I do hope that that guy shows up. (I expect only one, I was unable to drum up a friend, actually I did not even try!)). Another half hour, I am so nervous. Nico (my older brother) told me that he had seen Sjaak,(my former boyfriend) which sort of unnerves me, I cannot forget about him. The mere mention of his name freaks me out. It'll be a while before I allow myself to trust another guy again! Therefore, I am going to be very careful this evening.

How is this going to end, cont......

Cont.....

They laughed and proceeded to walk behind me. Just talking away, hoping of course I'd listen!! I heard them mention, they had been stationed in Haarlem just recently, and how bored and lonesome they were not knowing anybody. I turned around and told them next Monday there would be a “free” movie in the Begijnehofkapel (our church building). They wanted to know where that was. I gave them directions, which they understood because it's very close to the Army Barracks. They wanted to know the name of the movie and.... would I be going etc.

 I told them the title of the movie is “Behind the Horizon”. I'd like to go but I really couldn't afford missing (evening) college. Rather persistently they asked could I make an exception so that they could pick me up and.... did I have a girlfriend to share to go as a foursome! Sjees, I did not figure on that! The one mostly interested in me was really good looking, hmmmm, dark hair and brown eyes. I figured if they are bored the best place to be is in church. Hahaha! But to pick me up that is a different story all together. But since they were interested in going to church I arranged that they could pick me up since I live just around the corner from the church.

Sjees, what did I get myself into........Cont.....

A day out of my diary

**In our town the sight of (male) soldiers was very common. In Holland it is mandory to be enlisted for two years.

October 1957

I am 17 years old.

11:30 I just got home. I had another experience just to give my life a little spice! On my way to the Stukkers (who just had a baby), I was coming out of my street turning into the “Grote Markt”(Town Square) walking along minding my own business when a group of **soldiers whistled at me.

 I ignored them of course. But then two of them started walking behind me. I pretended not to notice, after a while though they tried a conversation with me, that went something like: “You have such a nice smile etc.” I was going to ignore them but then I changed my mind.

 I answered very nonchalantly: “Hey you want me to cry instead?” Very happy with at least somewhat of a response they asked, “where are you going?” I said:“That is for me to know and for you to find out. With other words you might guess that I mean, it's none of your business!” “My oh my, aren’t we sassy,” they replied and continued: “Are you going to bring those flowers somewhere?” “No,” I said, “ I am planning to put them down on the street up yonder and then return where I came from!”

 More daring after my second response they asked: “May we walk along with you?” “Of course not,” I said, “But I am sure you will anyways, the fearless and daring people own half of the world, including part of the moon, so they say!” cont............

This is just us!

The other day when Ted and I were shopping at WalMart,

I asked him: “ Hey schat do you smell anything?” (Schat means dear)

Ted: “Nope, can't say I do!”

Me: “Well I do!”

Ted: “ May be there are terrorists in the store, better get out!”

I have a keen sense of smell, I am able to pick up odours where no one has tread before.

If my brain were as alert as my sense of smell, I'd be a genius!

This morning again I asked him, do you smell anything?

I have to mention because of the Parkinson's Ted lost some sense of smell.

Nevertheless, not wanting to give in to this particular shortcoming of his,

his answer was, “I am capable of separating the oxygen molecules.

Huh? Never heard that before!

Joe's Porn cont.

Well I guess I was not the only person. The ads have been pulled.

I read the following in

  The Vancouver Sun and

 the Ottawa Citizen

Joe's Porn cont.

Okay I have been on the war path.

Regarding my previous post, first of all Yvonne posted about it as well.

We both e-mailed a letter to the VP of Marketing and I also forwarded that letter to CTV and Global news. I would appreciate your help by protesting.

Elizabeth.Margles@Loblaws.ca

news@ctv.ca

viewercontact.wpg@globaltv.com

globalnews.reg@globaltv.com

Oh, my, goodness!

Okay I am really, really upset.

Why you may ask?

Just yesterday on the news a mother found out her young son had been texting pictures to his class mates. Apparently this is a real problem among teenagers. No they are not the regular pictures, I am going to leave that to your imagination! The problem is how can they stop this?

Than also yesterday we got our junk mail. You may not believe this but junk mail (flyer's) are being thoroughly enjoyed by these two retired people, hahaha!

But....what I got miffed about, was a flyer in side the Supervalue flyer. An advertisement with Joe's very sexy young girls in underthings. I could not believe it. Yes they have beautiful bodies, but would you like your daughter to pose like that?  It is not the undies, but the suggestive looks etc.

I would like to protests but where do I start? 

What do you think?

Just us!

We both have a good sense of humor.

Yesterday we went to WalMart. We are very thankful for our friend Bill who borrowed us a walker, which we keep in the trunk of the car. We also have a "Handicap" parking registration card. very handy when it is cold! Actually I miss that when I go out alone.

Anyways, Ted started walking when I said to him (in Dutch though, sounds way funnier). "People must think sweetheart, is that guy lucky to have such a beautiful daughter!" Yes we both laugh at that.

Then we go inside all prepared with a list, which he usually takes. Mostly items from the grocery section. He loads up the small basket attached to his walker, when that is full he somehow finds me. What happens though, I go from memory and we end up with the same stuff!!

Retirement is such bliss!!