It’s Friday evening, and I’ve taken a quiet moment to look back.
Not to analyse or to fix—just to notice.
To trace the little things that brought light into the ordinary days.
1. Coffee time at 10:30.
Every morning around 10:30—it’s our routine. My husband and I share a latte in the office that’s attached to our house. He pauses his work, I pause mine. We talk, sometimes laugh about nothing in particular, and I feel so deeply blessed to share that moment each day.
👇Dutch: And this is coffee ☺
2. Swallows overhead.
I was sitting in a garden chair with a bowl of oats when I heard them. Swifts, I think. Back from Africa. An Instagram friend from Israel once showed me photos of swallows resting there on their journey. I remember saying, “Just a little longer, and they’ll be in the Netherlands.”
And yes, here they are again.
The photo of the swallow is a bit blurry—but it gives you the idea.
3. My amaryllis bloomed.
A birthday gift from November—now finally in bloom. And what a bloom it is. It felt like a small miracle. Sometimes things take time, but they still come.
I took this photo today.
Can you see the raindrops on the window?
Finally—rain.
4. Photos from the windmill.
On his way home from the village, my husband always takes a little detour down the windmill path just to see how things are progressing. They’re fitting new sails on the mill, and he often sends me a photo of the latest changes.
Two photos—
The one with the blue sky is from earlier.
You can see the year of construction engraved in the brickwork: 1911
5. A walk, and young birds.
Going for a walk was a small victory. Because of my symptoms (like a racing heart when I stop or bend down), walking can feel uncertain. But I did it. And it went well. A victory. And a blessing.
And there they were: young godwits! And baby redshanks—like little puffballs on stilts.
I’m attaching a little video… Click to enlarge
Mom and dad godwit with their chick.
Look closely—you’ll spot the little one!
😐 Oh, now I see it—what a pity, the quality is quite poor.
Loved seeing the baby bird with its parents! What a joy!! And the windmill is so magnificent! I'm glad you are able to get out and walk as much as possible. I am sorry you are having such issues, and I pray the doctors will get to the bottom of it and find something that helps you to get stronger. I love that you and hubby have a special coffee time mid morning. That is really sweet. Oh, your Amaryllis is beautiful! I know, they sometimes have a schedule all their own. Mine were a bit late blooming this year too, but they finally did and now they are gone until next year. Mine are planted in the ground. I didn't get any new bulbs this past year, but I usually do get one at Christmas. I must remember to get one this next Christmas. How wonderful to see the swallows returning from their journey. We don't see swallows here where I live, but I can imagine they would be wonderful to see coming "home". I enjoyed your post so much. My blessings were listed on my last post...my son not having heart problems after spending the night in the hospital, and they think it's only from heat exhaustion. My hubby is doing okay even though he has some possible serious issues, and we are waiting for further tests. I've been enjoying the roses blooming this week, and our sweet kitties who have brightened our days. We are praying for rain, as it is very hot and dry, and that is a danger for forest fires. It looks like we might get rain next week. I sure pray so. Just very thankful for how God takes good care of us. And thankful for friends like you. Have a blessed weekend.
ReplyDeleteOh, Aritha, that video and the photos are absolutely gorgeous! I love that your husband and you share that special coffee break together in the morning, too. I'm so sorry that you're experiencing some health issues and will add you to my prayer list. God is the ultimate healer!
ReplyDeleteBlessings, my friend!
I'm sorry to hear you are having health issues.
ReplyDeleteThe video is so cute!
Love the flower pics and the fact you bring you hubby a coffee every morning for his break. But that looks like cocoa!!
I'm thankful this weekend that we had a safe flight to and from New Mexico/Albuquerque this past week.
I always love seeing the swallows return in the Spring. My husband and I share mid-morning coffee, too. It's one of my favorite things about retirement. Enjoy your weekend!
ReplyDeleteHow fun to share a morning coffee break. I have never seen a windmill up close. How interesting. How nice the swallows are coming back. Do you know why your heart races? I remember you mentioned wearing a heart monitor in a previous post. I have atrial fibrillation, but it's more like my heart beats regularly most of the time, but every now and then gets fast and erratic for several hours. Yours sounds like something different.
ReplyDeleteHi Aritha, I enjoyed reading your post. I enjoyed the video too. I like the picture showing the date on the windmill. That is nice how you have a coffee break together. I hope you feel better soon!
ReplyDeleteHaving mid morning coffee with your husband is a wonderful tradition.
ReplyDeleteI love those photos of the windmills. They are such an iconic part of the Netherlands.
The bird! I love to watch the birds here at Willow's Cottage. I'm still hoping for some hummingbirds to show up
Have a good weekend!
Great photos of the windmill and I spotted the little bird in your video. Sorry you are struggling with your health but glad you managed to get out for a walk.
ReplyDeleteI love all your photos. What a blessing to have that coffee time set aside with your hubby. Nice that your office is attached to the house to make that possible. Love listening to those birds in your video. Interesting the upkeep on windmills. I'm glad you were able to enjoy your walk!
ReplyDelete