November Tales: Progress, Fairs and Fabulous Music

I’m only just finding the time to write about November, yet Christmas is knocking on the door like an overexcited caroler. Where did the time go? Well, I’ve been busy, but this is about November. If you’re itching for December, you’ll just have to come back later. Suspense builds character, you know! Looking back atContinue reading “November Tales: Progress, Fairs and Fabulous Music”

Sick Days, Snack Swaps, and Self-Care Wins: My October Roundup

Two days after coming back from a warm, sunny, and downright spectacular vacation in Greece at the end of September, Jessica and I found ourselves oddly toasty—even though Dutch weather was chilly. A quick test with the COVID kits we had lying around revealed we’d brought home an unexpected souvenir we hadn’t paid for: Corona!Continue reading “Sick Days, Snack Swaps, and Self-Care Wins: My October Roundup”

Listening Differently: Embracing the Power of Sign Language

As we strolled through the village, passing the hearing aid shop, Jessica suddenly asked, “Are you even wearing your hearing aid?” I smiled and said, “Nope, haven’t worn it in four months.” She knew I’d had this particular hearing aid for five years, so it was definitely due for an upgrade. She wanted to makeContinue reading “Listening Differently: Embracing the Power of Sign Language”

Destination Reached

When I boarded the care-train a little over three years ago, I had no idea what to expect. What would it be like to get help from fellow passengers? Would I learn to trust them and build a good bond with them? And most importantly: where was this train even going? Did I have aContinue reading “Destination Reached”

To Lesbos and Back: An Epic Journey of Waffles, Castles, and Toilet Paper Lessons. 

Ah, vacation time! The epic part of adulting. We had been counting down the days since we booked in January, working hard on our physical health and preparing for what promised to be a memorable escape. After many years of staycations and daydreams, I was finally off on a real vacation! Destination: Lesbos! Yes, theContinue reading “To Lesbos and Back: An Epic Journey of Waffles, Castles, and Toilet Paper Lessons. “

Chapter 5: Wellington House

I marveled at the intricate patterns on the gates as we approached Wellington House. The sun had began to sink into the clouds and its orange glow made the gates twinkle. Alan stepped out of the car to ring a bell located to the right of the gates. Another man who looked similar to Alan,Continue reading “Chapter 5: Wellington House”

Chapter 4: The Adventurer’s First Quest

We moved out of the gates onto a winding road with trees either side. This soon made way for a plethora of buildings, all different shapes and sizes. Many had a similar style to that of Waywood house. Though at some point they became smaller, closer together and looked newer. I became increasingly more uncomfortableContinue reading “Chapter 4: The Adventurer’s First Quest”

Chapter 3: No goodbyes

If Mrs Matthews had instructed me to untangle the pile of unfinished sewing projects laying in my drawer before packing them neatly, I may have required more than two hours to pack. Fortunately, propping them into a paper bag was completely acceptable. In fact, neither Mrs Matthews or Mrs Platt were there to give instruction.Continue reading “Chapter 3: No goodbyes”

Chapter 2: The Second Chance

The war ended 9 years ago today and tomorrow, September 3rd, I’ll be turning 14. It doesn’t feel at all like a special day. So much has changed since the war ended. Except for Mrs Platt. I mean… I suppose she has changed a little. Not for the better though. She is getting older andContinue reading “Chapter 2: The Second Chance”

Chapter 1: Plain Jane

If there’s one thing I’ve learned after my 82 years on this earth so far, it’s that you can’t take everything at face value. Not everything is as black and white as our brains try to make it. Our eyes have a color filter for a reason. It’s important we train our brains to useContinue reading “Chapter 1: Plain Jane”