A new Year.

A NEW YEAR is standing on our doorsteps.We all wonder what it is going to bring,Peace, Health and Happiness is what we are looking for. But we have to wait and do the best we know how. New Years day brings a lot of memories for me. We could not wait to get up in the morning and wish our parents Happy New Year, or Gelukkig Nieuw Yaar. If we got the first they had to pay us. This went on the whole day if we saw a friend or relations we try ed to get some money out of them.It was really for us a money making day, because you would have company all day. Uncles and Aunts would go from one to the other wishing and drinking. By the end of the day they all had a good time. Then the Mothers would have a nice meal what was called Stampot met snijbonen en worst.What was potatos, french cut beans and sausages.I bet that would taste good after the drinks.Here things are different, if you see some one you would say Happy New Year, but no traditions.I wish you all a Happy New Year. Peace on Earth and mostly Love.

A Special date for me.

My baby Louise is 57 years old today. I can not believe it that my children are Seniors.Happy Birthday Louise. I still see you as the little girl in your white high shoes walking around the table on your first Birthday.You where so cute.Hope you have a other good year coming.And my memories are getting more and more.

Christmas 2011.

Our Christmas was with mixed emotions this year. Half the family could not get together because of illness. But the rest we had a great time. At least this year all the little one where fine.Memories are made again.It also brought some of my memories back. I remember going to candle light service with my Grandma,last night Kim went with me to candle light service and that was the greatest feeling. It was a beautiful service.

Traditions.

Last night we had a nice party at Dave's new home. A tradition to get the family together and enjoy the days before Christmas. The only problem was my car was inside and outside full of mud. But that can be washed away , memories stay.

Little House Party

Visit from Santa

I had a visit from Santa today. He came to our Senior Christmas party. It was a real nice party. Tonight I am going to a Christmas Concert.All the churches in our town are giving a Concert together.Nice way of getting in the mood for the Holiday's.

Dave's House.

Every so often I stop at Dave and Anna's house. Wonder when my neighbors are moving in.It is coming along great and I love the house. It looks and overlooks the area so nice.His closest neighbor is on the picture.

A nice tradition.

Yesterday was our get together with my Daughters. We do it often, but December is our Dutch Holiday. Sinterklaas, or the Dutch Santa.We bring up lots of memories, with out taking one picture.But again with every thing we are doing we are making memories. I had a great day. Love you girls. Mom.

Visit from Grandchildren.

It is always fun to be with your grandchildren. Tonight was real special.A great visit and good talks. Those young people are so full of life, it makes me feel younger again.Thanks also for getting me fixed up with the computer Jeff.

Sinterklaas.

Today is Sinterklaas in the Netherlands.This has nothing to do with Christmas. This goes back I think to the 1500 or 1600. There was a great Bishop from Spain and he traveled North to be good to all the children.Also in the early years in Germany to express the Birth of Jesus they decorated the fur trees in Honor of the Birth. Then later in the U.S.A they combined the two. That has to do a lot with different people from different Country's. I do remember , when I was a child we set out on Dec. 5 or shoes for Sinterklaas to put in the gifts. A wooden shoe does not have a lot of room,so the gifts where small.Mostly candy. Then on Christmas we had a tree with real candles and only had them on at twilight. Then Christmas Eve you went to church. My founded memories are when I was with my Grandma in a small town. The church was small but cozy. A lighted tree, hot chocolate and we got a orange. Afterwards walking back to Grandma's home. Then I went up the ladder to sleep under the roof.What a peacefull time.That all happend when I was about 10 years old in 1937.

Concert

I went to a great Concert this afternoon in one of the schools in our neighborhood.The Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra played a Holiday program. It was exelent. They played 12 pieces. Greensleeve, Holiday Overture, Russian Cristmas Music,Carol of the Bells, and more. It brings back the times I went with my husband to the Concerts. He was there with me and it gave a great feeling.Memories is what it's all about.

A Other day in my life.

The day started great and early. I took a shower and then went down stairs to do the wash. Put the wash in the machine and started the water,a few minutes later it stopped.No water, also upstairs no water. Call was made to people who are working hard on their new house.I felt awfull, but who do I call, and I tought it is just turning a knob or what. Well Jim came over and looked at it and said you need a new tank. What do I know. He explained the water is pushed up by air and there is no more air, all water. So we went shopping for a new tank. 3 stores, but Loews had one.Then Jim went back to work with the two Daves. In the afternoon Jim and Uncle Dave came to put the tank in. When we came in the basement the whole floor was flooded. Well I cleaned the floor and the men put in the tank, and now thanks to two great men I have water. And there was my day that I did not planned.

Kristy and Nick are back.

Getting ready for dinner and the phone rang.Kim said I am outside your door. I said o.k. I open the garage.There she was, and her Dad and then the shock Kris came around the corner. So good to see her. The Christmas lights came on, the candles, and Kris put on my first Christmas music.Kim on my computer order stuff and then we had tea and crumpes. Poor Joe he had to listen to the woman talk. He finaly went in a other room by him self.But I had a great time, and the girls are so much fun.