Language Course 2 – Week 2

Posted on by ghotiindustries

I can happily report for this week that no information has oozed out of my brain yet for two distinct reasons; First, because we’re still focusing on revision from course one. Second, because it was a short week and therefore we only had one lesson.

I’m really enjoying the longer lesson time with this second course! I feel like I’m getting so much more out of every lesson! I guess too though, it’s because we’re able to go at a faster speed through topics we’ve already covered and therefore just have to dredge the grey matter to retrieve the basics before adding new information to it.

Would you like to know more?

Tuincentrum, Spring, Easter

Posted on by ghotiindustries

Since moving to the Netherlands I have wanted to buy some plants. First we were renting and had nowhere to put plants, then by the time we moved into a more stable living environment we were spending our money on setting up our new home. Then it was the depths of Winter and I didn’t think any plants I wanted on the balcony would survive the snow and frost, so I continued to wait. Biding my time until I could … spring … into action.

Well it’s Spring now, and the call of blooms was just getting too much to cope with! The trees are just waiting to explode with leaves! I think they are just waiting for the snow to finally give up and stop falling!

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I had been told about a garden centre in a nearby suburb, and when on the tram the other day had even spied it out of the window. So off we went to explore! Would you like to know more?

‘Twas the night before Giftmas

Posted on by ghotiindustries

‘Twas the night before Giftmas and all through the house, not a creature was stiring

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not even the flamingo who was standing in for the mouse.

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The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in the hopes that Saint Nicholas (who is _not_ Sinterklaas) soon would be there.

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All the little windows on the Advent Calendar have been opened (lewd scenes removed before photography), so it must be that time of year!

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We have been shopping and have a ridiculous amount of food for the next three days. The duck is in the fridge, waiting to be slow cooked in the oven on the morrow, there is a paella planned for guests on Boxing Day, and enough cheese and cured meats to clog all the arteries!

As people have been asking, I will also tell you now that the forecast is for rain. Not Snow. It hasn’t been cold enough. I think we’d need to be further North for the white Christmas.

To all our friends and family who were kind enough to send us things, they are under the tree waiting for tomorrow morning. I want to thank you so much, from the bottom of our hearts. It is wonderful that even though we are so far away, we aren’t forgotten. It means a lot that you went to the effort.

I haven’t heard from all of you yet, but I hope all our return packages arrived safely. Know that we love you all, miss you terribly, and you’ll be in our hearts and minds as you always are. I’ll also keep Skype open for all those wishing to indulge!

Have a merry and safe Christmas everyone! See you on the other side!
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George & Himself.

Care Package

Posted on by ghotiindustries

Sometimes all you need is a Sister-In-Law who understands.

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The red frogs were the first to go. They didn’t even make it to the photos shoot!

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Now if only I could figure out how to mail raw herring as easily as vegemite …

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Thank you C. It came at just the right time! *hugs you tight*

Movements

Posted on by ghotiindustries

For the past few months we have been living in the centre of it all.

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Very near here in fact.

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And on the other side …

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For the hell of it, this is a photo of garbage night in Amsterdam. This takes place twice a week, and the piles of rubbish along the tiny narrow streets average 5’ high, 3’ deep, and 20’ long. It’s an experience! Especially when you’re surrounded by pubs, cafes, and restaurants!

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In one hectic weekend, we went out of town to a wedding. This involved driving for the first time in Continental Europe. It was an experience! Sorry for the blur, but my eyes were having trouble focusing on the drive back at 1am!

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We caught up with some more tourists who I took for a brief tour around Amsterdam. (though this wasn’t technically on the weekend, but a few days later. They were at the same wedding on the weekend… does that count?)

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We also moved all our stuff to a new, and yet still temporary, abode. This is now what’s down the road from us. Still a canal, but just a touch greener!

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I can’t wait to discover what’s at the end of this path!

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I’ve also been getting lots of fabulous old fashioned post! So now I just have to write back to you all! Thank you so much! I’ve missed having pen pals! 😀