Week 35
Hendrik and William have been with us since October, 2010.
We had their Last Day yesterday. Over the years they have become "part of us" and have always been simply "the Twins". When they were smaller I always had trouble telling them apart - I couldn't figure out how others could do it so easily.
They have developed different characteristics and capabilities over the years. Hendrik has been my main worker and helper and William has developed more with cooking, music, and computers. Somebody could probably do a study of how that has happened...the more important thing now is that this is another step in their lives as they move on to find a role in the community or the "system" as I call it.
With my broken Dutch, I was at least able to tell the parents that the boys will always be in our hearts - it is no small role that we have played in helping them cope with their situation. They have another child and all the "normal" responsibilities of work and life. The "system" really is amazing...
We had a bbq and I even made their favourite - Frank's Potato Cakes...
A couple of photos from 2012...
(front left and right)
(blue sweaters)
Janny and I went out for dinner - to celebrate the fact that we survived the last 6 weeks (School Holidays) and to note the moving on of Hendrik and William. (Yes, it is fairly emotional for us, too).
Coincidentally, I had just read an essay about "The purpose of life is not Happiness: It's Usefulness".
We both agreed that we really like what we are doing and that we do "add" to the lives of others...
A couple of quotes...
It comes down to this: What are you DOING that’s making a difference?
Did you do useful things in your lifetime? You don’t have to change the world or anything. Just make it a little bit better than before you were born.
Emerson (Ralph Waldo Emerson) says:
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.”
Paul always accuses me of having "child labour" with our kids, but in hindsight, I think I am always conscious of teaching them something when they are with us.
Just turned 8
2018 Officially hottest summer on record (300 years)
The temperature was above 20 degrees for 60 days in a row, ending last weekend. This summer was also typified by the ongoing drought. Just 105 millimetres of rain fell over the three month period, less than half the average rainfall. July was the driest month since records began, with just 11 centimetres of rain recorded at the De Bilt weather station, the KNMI said.
Rhine water level lowest ever at Lobith
On the border with Germany. 6.7 metres above NAP. Previous lowest was 6.89 in 2011.
There has been rain in Germany but it takes 3 or 4 days to make a difference. The level will then rise but authorities are concerned that further dry weather is expected in Germany and Switzerland, resulting in continuing low water levels.
This is of concern to inland shipping; they are already carrying less freight and have been scraping the bottom at Nijmegen...
Water authorities have introduced more frequent testing so that ships' captains can choose other routes if necessary.
Illegal drugs
Estimated at 19 Billion euros per annum! And that only for the production and distribution of synthetic drugs. (ie. not including marijuana).
There has been rain in Germany but it takes 3 or 4 days to make a difference. The level will then rise but authorities are concerned that further dry weather is expected in Germany and Switzerland, resulting in continuing low water levels.
This is of concern to inland shipping; they are already carrying less freight and have been scraping the bottom at Nijmegen...
Water authorities have introduced more frequent testing so that ships' captains can choose other routes if necessary.
Illegal drugs
Estimated at 19 Billion euros per annum! And that only for the production and distribution of synthetic drugs. (ie. not including marijuana).
Which has come as quite a shock to authorities. The Netherlands has become a desirable place to set up business, probably due to a reputation for tolerance and the fact that they were slow to introduce restrictions or laws, particularly in the 70's and 80's.
Penalties are also much lower than in other countries.
House for Sale (only €750,000)
Ben in Vietnam
Says he's really enjoying the Vietnamese people...and the prices (€2 per night at some hostels)
I think we're off to Sunday Shopping in Drachten today and tomorrow the Leaking Diesel Tank gets repaired!
The 2nd tank is also going to be opened up and cleaned - there are 2 tanks joined by a pipe so that the weight is always evenly distributed...(grey joining pipe under fuel and water filters)
Had to remove the water filter and scrape the insulation off the 2nd tank...(mucking around in boats, etc., etc. 😁😁)
Gee, I wish I had some 'useful' kids here!!
ReplyDeleteThat house looks great. Nice boat park.
Happy Father's Day again!!
HFD Ken
ReplyDelete