Happy Birthday, Eastenders--Who Killed Lucy Beale?

30 years on British television! 

Happy Birthday,  Eastenders!

Amazing performances!

Who would have even imagined who killed Lucy Beale?

If you haven't watched this episode, do it!

(It was FULLY LIVE!!)

Home Alone ( Not Really)

Flip is living a "dog's life" with our son while we have a cultural vacation in north Africa. Then we will try again to get the water heater replaced in the Beltway apartment.

If there are Wifi possibilities in Morocco, then I will try to share with you our experiences.

In the meantime, Flip is trying to figure out where we are and where he is supposed to sleep. 

And we are getting over jet lag after one of the bumpiest flights we have ever had over the Atlantic. Not only was the atmosphere rough, but the two little Dutch boys sitting behind us in the plane were finger and foot happy. From punching the video monitor while playing games and watching movies to jamming their feet through our plane seats and punching our backsides, they never slept a wink! Nor did we!!!

I am looking forward to warm weather, spicy and warm cuisine, and warm colors and a beautiful Unesco culture tour.

Right now it is water cold here in this small "kikkerland." Brrrr!

Tot Ziens!

Flip is On Vacation

10:00 pm ( "Is there nothing to do around here?")

10:39 pm ("Now where did that possum go? It is freezing out here. Thank goodness there is one dry spot under the window!")

Oh, Yay!!!

Just this morning a blog friend Mrs. Micawber at Mr. Micawber's Recipe for Happiness (http://mrsmicawber.blogspot.com) asked if any numbers were important to her followers. Well, take a look at these:

I have walked roughly 170 kilometers ( over 100 miles) in six weeks of daily walking. That is the distance from one tip of the Bahamas to the other tip.

And just now I completed a daily total of 105% of my 10,000 steps goal!

I have even impressed myself. (Happy Face)

Love these cool temps!!

"Hello" and Just Say "Cheese"

No, we aren't in The Netherlands. 

Not yet, anyway.

Old telephones, cameras, and recorders on display in our hallway etagere:

And to think that my little iPhone does what these did (and more)! 

Mind boggling!

Some Southern Sunshine in Mid-February

Enjoy the warm sunshine! 

Temps are still quite cool here. 

And March winds are already blowing. 

Winter is still ruling!

The grass is greening up slowly.

Lots of sun on the porch, but the wind is way too chilly for me.

Dafs from a couple of seasons ago are showing their springy yellow color.

A shadow shot to show how sunny it really is!!

My "outdoorsy" brother calls these bluets( Houstonia caerulea). Lovely name for Spring's early message.

And this butter bloom was opened wide yesterday. Today it feels the cold wind, I guess.

Oh, Lordy, how did this dandelion find my front steps?

 Snowflakes (with na'ar a drop of snow!) show their beauties.

Love the tiny green spots on each petal! Snowflakes (Leucojum aestivum) are native to the Mediterranean and North Africa. Glad my mom and SIL found them here on the homeplace site and saved them for me to plant in our garden.

Oops! Forgot to water these pansies! 

Sad, but they will bounce back. Promise!

Hugging the warm door on the front porch. This three foil oxalis (wood sorrel) is ready to flower along with the purple heart (related to the wandering jew plant).

Spring is on its way!!

Letters From Home

While straightening out my closet last week, I ran across a plastic bag filled with letters from HOME. The bag included the correspondence I received from my friends and family after I moved to The Netherlands in the summer of 1979. 

As I have been sharing my Love Letters to my dear parents from 35 years ago, I thought some of my followers ( like family??) would enjoy seeing what friends and family were sending to me --so far away.

My two oldest nieces were already in school, so here are some sweet notes from Stephanie and Wendy.

Wendy's letter was written in 1979 before her sister Claire was born. 

Stephie's letter was written in 1981, but right at Mardi Gras time. So that seemed appropriate, plus Steph has a 7 year old son who will probably enjoy reading this sweet letter.

Oh, by the way, never bind up old paper envelopes with rubber bands. They MELT!!!! From now on I am using beautiful ribbons and lace. :)))