This week, our hello hails from Germany. Hello in the German language can be an informal Hallo or Guten Tag- a formal hello. I learnt German in high school and actually (somewhat) enjoyed the language; it made sense to me and I did pick up the vocal sounds quite quickly. I guess, having my Dutch background with both my dad and fix-it dad growing up in Holland as well, along with reciting the sweet Dutch songs my sister and I would sing as children; both languages are quite similar with similar guttural sounds too (don’t ask me to recite any Dutch or German children’s songs today- a little bit embarrassing!).
Apologies for no blog last week (I was most sad), life has a way of getting in the way (quite often), where my attention had to be focussed on Husband recovering from his knee surgery, helping the kids; while I did all of the driving (shopping and cooking too) for nearly two weeks, while also manage all of the ongoing renovations that were underway at our house as well (too much really). Anyway, I can gladly report Husband saw his Ortho specialist (thank-you very much) and is now able to partially weight bear and drive carefully around town this week too (phew to that!). I have to write; I did feel quite out of sorts not writing the blog and having the usual time to reflect on life and family over this blogging time too. I really enjoy writing (as you all know), but when you’re so very tired, sometimes the words only come out jumbled, making no sense at all (we have all been there right?). So, I thought it best to leave it for another week; I know you all understand and I will make it up to you soon (how ’bout a sneak peek at our fourth book cover idea illustration?! See below…).
With the ongoing Covid ‘lockdowns’ in various communities around our country (and the world too) at present, Mister C wanted to send a big shout out to everyone who is having to continue in their ‘lockdowns’ (my family too- lots of love your way). We say a BIG thankyou for staying home; we know you are missing your family and friends, just like we are at present. Hopefully when the vaccination percentage levels rise shortly (the jab’s not that bad!); we can get back to a sense of normality, while have a bit more freedom to get about. Stay strong and safe; we are getting through it all as best we can (baking-lots of baking seems to help some folks?!).
For us, donuts (lots of yum donuts) always get us through a tough time (and lots of walks with Flossy and ‘Duggie’ our wonder dog around our peaceful area too), particularly with Husband recovering from his recent knee surgery and our disruptive house renos. With me sleeping on the sofa bed for more weeks than I wished (my back was not happy) and poor Mister C having to sleep upstairs in my studio room (his old room), on our other small sofa bed- well done, my son (thanks family for putting up with it all!). I finally had my first sleep back in our comfy bed, in our almost completed bedroom a few nights ago- I have to say, it was the best night’s sleep I’ve had in SO many weeks (I think I have been somewhat sleep deprived), sorry for my up and down moods lately everyone… Karate has been my ‘saving grace’, I have been able to let my hair down a little and exert some energy, while try to remain somewhat fit through our cold Winter months too- thanks Sensei (and all our Dojo group) for putting up with me…
Okay, let’s get through some more stories from 2019 and move forward into 2020 (oh, no?) … I recall we were heading out of a chilly Winter into August- Widy’s birthday month. Nearly two years in unison with our present time (2021), we were (and uncannily are for a seventeenth one) preparing for Widy’s upcoming fifteenth birthday celebrations. It was a special week, because not only did it snow just before the milestone day, but it was so wonderful to see Widy almost back to her old self, smiling and interacting with everyone again. We enjoyed having one of her close friends over for Widy’s actual birthday (hiya J.T), and was lovely to see Widy happy and relaxed, while enjoying the evening out to her favourite Chinese restaurant. I can report, Widy had a lovely birthday and we all enjoyed our dinner outing.
As I have previously written in blogs, it is always a happy/sad day for me; a bit like the ‘Yin-Yang’ Chinese philosophy, representing dark and light as it balances itself out in life. Having sweet Widy who survived the twin’s very early arrival, and then losing Liam the same fateful night; on one hand I will always have that sense of loss; but on the other, immense happiness that Widy survived and is growing up to be an independent and mature young lady. The sadness I express and share, is knowing that I was never able to see my son grow up (and interact with Widy), speak his first words or take his first step. Naturally, over time the sadness has faded; my heart is forever full with the joy all our children bring me; the butterflies I sometimes have in my stomach and the glistening drops of rain on my garden plants will always remind me that my little angel man is never far away…
The kids (and I) were so excited to see the thick sprinkling of snow early in the morning; Husband was away for this snow play, but we did send him some fun pics. We all quickly dressed up in some snow gear, gloves, gum boots, beanies and scarfs and ran outside to play in the soft cold stuff. I recall Mister C was super thrilled to see the snow, he proudly said, “I found the snow, Mummy. I was the first one up and I showed you all it was snowing. I love snow, it tastes just like an ice-block, but even better!” Husband commented, “It snowed on Saturday and our back yard area had a lovely covering of snow, the kids played in it. Widy’s birthday was on the weekend, her close friend stayed over and we went for Chinese and a sit-down dinner, was very nice. How different things were ten years ago, Widy so small and in Kindergarten; Flossy taking her first steps, Mister C but part of our future imaginations. Wife and I have had many ups and downs like any married couple. I have moved jobs three times, moved house four times and now have a wonderful house in town. Thanks to my Wife, the love of my life, who puts up with me and remains so amazingly motivated every-day. Here’s to life!”
A Word from Mister C…
Dad was sitting in the lounge room with Mister C; Dad was using the foot massager; Mister C’s feet were sitting on top of Dad’. “Dad,” Mister C said, “Why do you sweat so much?” … “Oh, I don’t know, my son,” Dad replied; ‘it must be in my genes? When you grow up, you’ll probably be just like me?” Mister C shook his head, “When I grow up, I’m not going to be sweaty and tubby like you, Dad! Mister C jumped up and then said, “If you don’t do your sit-ups and get a six-pack back again in thirty days, I’ll never hug you again!… “Oh, my son,” Dad said meekly, “Can I have sixty days to do it with my bung knee, please? I do love lots of Mister C hugs, you know.” Both then laughed… 😀
Stay tuned…
Heading out of 2019, and into a somewhat more stressful and busy year in 2020… Thanks for your continued support during this difficult Covid time. Me and Mister C hope you can read our blog, enjoy a cuppa and a bikkie or two, and let the current climate fade away for just a little short while… Goodnight from Mister C 🙃
The cover is quite good. Glad his knee op is healing.
Thanks for your comments, we appreciate them very much…. keep in reading Me and Mister C… 🙃