Terschelling, August '14

Looking back at our few days on the Isle Terschelling.

A lot of rain in the rest of Holland... wer were very lucky with the weather (and everything else really).

Ahhmmm a looonsome runner..

Buoys in perspective

A typical Wadden scene'

Fortunate Magpie

CLOSE UP.

Autumn at Castle St. Gerlach

A few days at St. Gerlach Castle, during a beautiful, sunny autumn.

THE SEASON'S ORGANIC VEG. PATCH.

This is where we were staying! I love the extra window, painted on the wall  (behind it was our (very spacious) bathroom)).

Sunny Setting.

Last week's view from my lovely home.
And as the sun sets (and smiles) over Amsterdam, so it sets over this blog.

Being busy with the business, a new website (which might include a 'professional' blog) and actually making/marketing jewellery, are the reasons for this "blog-slumber".
I'm hoping, the next phase will be a wonderful experience.

Thank you, to all who have, faithfully, followed this blog.
I'll give details of my website, as soon as it's ready and 'keep you posted' !

Royal Wup

I hadn't seen any green parakeets for a long time, but the bright orange 'wuppie' (which I had glued to my balcony, for the coming inauguration of crown prince Willem Alexander) attracted the attention of two of them.
"Off with his head" seems to be their motto (not mine!).

Saving Dapper Ducky

Having just written about 'ship wrecks' in the Amsterdam canals, I had another experience with one of them today. These, almost completely, but not quite, submerged boats are real death traps for young birds. Sometimes they'll manage to 'tumble' into one and go for a safe swim but then find it hard to get out of again, because of the raised edges along the side.
From my apartment I spotted a mother duck with her little ones, in trouble.  One of them was about to drown.

I ran towards them and met a young, brave Czech girl, who had also realised that the ducklings were in trouble. Time for action: The owner of a restaurant lent us his ladder and a helping hand. The Czech girl called her friend, who came running, passersby stopped and gave 'advice' (amazing how these little fluff balls, soften the heart of the people.)
All of this resulted in 'Czech girl' climbing/dropping down the 'very wonky' ladder and pushing 'the death trap' down just that little bit more, so that the ducklings and their mum could escape.....except for the one, which she managed to, gently, pick up and hand over to me.

My neighbour offered to call the animal ambulance, while I held little 'Ducky', wrapped in a cloth,  close to my heart, under my jumper. When they came to collect 'him', Ducky looked plucky and could hold his head up again.

saying goodbye

Bon Voyage!

Boring topic, but still?

Outside or in-, the first thing we talk about these days is....the weather. It may have become a boring topic, but I still find it remarkable that, this morning, on the 27th of march, the canal in front of my house was partly frozen over. Keeping in mind that this is the centre of Amsterdam. Thankfully, we have clear blue skies and therefore...Sunshine! I'm astounded to find that, all over Amsterdam, Dutchies are finding sheltered spots and are enjoying their lunch outside. I wonder...do I actually belong to the same race???

Only 2 weeks ago!

Confused Coot

AHHHHH...WATER!

(maybe not)

Hot 'n Cold

Grebes courting

It felt like spring, two days ago:

buds on trees

And then suddenly...

Swallow 'skimming' the water

Windy day!!!

Fishing for Birds

I don't know why Pigeons are such messy birds, BUT THEY ARE!  To be able to continue feeding the prrrrrretty Parakeets and avoid 'pigeon-mess' at the same time,  I decided to use some of my bamboo and make this fishing-rod-like construction. It works. Catch of the Day...!

'Stare-Dare' with Blue Heron, 'The Great'.

On Sundays, on my way to the Vondelpark, I walk past a particular house boat, which seems to have been picked by a Blue Heron as 'his' ideal 'Vista-Base'. As I cross the bridge, I can usually spot him, doing one of his 'living-statue' impressions. A while ago, The Heron and I came to some unspoken agreement....and we both prepare ourselves for what's coming next. I calm myself and whisper the words:...concentrate Son... ...cooooncentrate! On his part there's a definite ruffling of feathers, 'puffing up' and elongating of neck. Our eyes lock and the 'stare-dare-game' has started. Who wil avert his/her eyes first? So far, The Heron's won, every time.
Not, that I'm afraid of him.....but....well...you know...!

Best when enlarged!