Our Magnificent Sleeping Quarters
Before our 2-day trip to Zeeland we were sleeping on blow up mattresses in Jos’s stunning gallery, but Han was having quite a difficult time bending his meniscus torn knee, getting up off the floor. So when we arrived back from visiting Carly in Middleburg on Wednesday afternoon, Ria had a wonderful surprise for Han in that an actual single bed had been set up in place of the blow up mattress.
We settled in and began to relax a little and just enjoy the days with Jos and Ria, me getting to know them better, Han and Jos playing guitar and singing, me getting to watch some English speaking TV, eating delicious meals together prepared by Jos and a little wine. I always thought Han was an excellent cook, but even Han had to admit that Jos has him beat. We surely did not go hungry.
Ria and I went into the town of Sittard on the 29th to do a little shopping. We found one my favorite stores, a second hand shop for clothes and of course had to go check it out. I purchased a sundress, windbreaker jacket, cute little vest and a shirt for just 16 euro. I love the jacket the best. I am sure you will be seeing it in some upcoming pictures.
We ate lunch at a cute little café. I treated her to lunch, as they have been doing so much for us and welcomed us into their home with open arms.
We visited one of the most interesting churches to date. St. Peters’ ceiling was a marvel to behold and quite detailed. I think I will miss the majestic, ornate, gothic churches of Europe the most .
We shopped a little more then headed back home. Of course I call everything and everywhere home now. It is just easier and basically wherever we are is now considered “home.”
Han and I went back into the same town the next day on the 30th, as he was in extreme need of some shorts. There was a market on the square and we purchased some homemade breads and croissants for the next mornings breakfast.
He bought a few shorts and was supposed to purchase a belt but forgot. We will get to that later. After we ate a small snack from one of the market vendors Dutch herring was Han’s choice as it would probably be the last for a while) and then we went back to get ready for a dinner out together in the neighboring town of Brunssum. Ria had made reservations at an Lastoria Italian restaurant in that town and I had to try the carbonara. Our friend Ric has often prepared this for us while he and his wife Kay lived on Amelia Island. I throughly enjoyed this delectable dish of yumminess, but I still think I prefer Ric’s version. Besides his food is made with love.
So Sunday the 31st was a busy hyper day of preparing for a party that had been in the works for a few weeks.
Jos and Han used to be in a band together, many years ago when they were teenagers, along with quite a few others fellows and they were having a reunion of sorts along with inviting some friends and relatives too.
Ria and Jos created such a beautiful party with food and atmosphere.
So back to the belt problem…or lack there of. When four of the guest arrived, Han walked out to greet them and his shorts practically fell to his knees. I was behind him and saw his shining butt. Holy freaking cow! Way to make an entrance and greet folks you have not seen in over 40 years. To say there were some laughs is putting it mildly. He has got to buy a belt dang it and I may have to lay the law down. LOL.
When everyone had arrived we moved to the party room; yes Jos and Ria have a real party room, overlooking the sculpture garden in the back of the farm. The guys sat outside to catch up and the women inside. Why is that? I felt I was missing out on some interesting conversations. We ate, we drank, we partied then the “boys” did a little jam session together. I am hard pressed to say who enjoyed it the most. The looks on their faces were “back in the day” and they were all having a grand time. Some of us even got up to dance.
Monday the 1st we all slowly got up and around. Han brought me coffee and wished me happy birthday because it was my baby girls 26th birthday. I was chomping at the bit to call her, as I call all the children on their birthdays to sing them “Happy Birthday” and I always add a little extra to the words for each of them. They love it and they now do the same for me and each other. Jeabet (birthday girl) and I are nine hours apart, so I could not call until quite a bit later my time.
Han and I stayed busy most the day with washing clothes and packing and repacking, figuring out what to leave behind with his brother Eef and wife Marlies to store for us and what to ship back to the States. Then running some errands for some needed toiletry items.
In the end we decided to purchase a suitcase and pay for extra luggage on the plane, as it turned out to be less expensive. Yikes!
I finally got to call my girl. Spoke for a little bit, then sadly had to hangup. I miss all the kids so very much. We have a few more adventures before heading back to the states.
Tuesday August 2nd: Paris, here we come!
Antidote of miscommunication: One afternoon Han, Jos, Ria and I were sitting together and I mentioned that my feet were killing me and Ria took me literally. She jumped up and set me an appointment with a friend of hers, who I thought did pedicures but was actually a podiatrist. So when Han and I arrive for my “pedicure” she began to inspect my feet quite closely and I am wondering what is going on because she tells me nothing is wrong with my feet. LOL
After she and Han spoke in Dutch, we all figured out the mix-up, that my feet were not actually “killing” me, but I just needed a pedicure. She obliged me for a quickie pedi, although slightly put out, but she ended up finding humor in the situation. Obviously my toe nails are naked because she pointedly said she did not paint on polish.
Moral of the story: pack your own mani/pedi instruments, because nail shops are hard to find in Europe.
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