Whistle While You Work

It's been a long week since we arrived in Holland. Here we are, still sitting by the side of a canal in Middelharnis.  As long a week as it's been for us, it has been much more difficult for all our hard working crew.  They put in extremely long hours from 8 am until sometimes 11 pm.  When we arrived they were singing and whistling while they worked.  As the hours and days stretched out the chatting, singing and whistling practically disappeared.  Mothers Day most of the men stayed home.  Dave said he slept the whole day (his girlfriend wasn't too happy about that).  It has rained every day which meant some of the outside work wasn't done.  It's difficult painting in the rain.

In spite of all the obstacles, including no steering, it looks like we might leave sometime tomorrow (Friday) with two men continuing their work while we travel.  We're keeping our fingers crossed.  It's 8:30 pm and Wilco is installing the final extra strength windows so we can safely sail on the rivers.

Meanwhile, we have searched every market for miles for ham hocks!  It appears they aren't used in Holland, so if anyone knows what I can use in its place to flavor my soups, please let me know.  We were fortunate enough to find an outdoor market with beautiful produce, a fish market, cheese, and chicken and turkey products.  We've been to the local markets every day outfitting the kitchen.

So what's it like here (besides wet, windy and cold)?  The Dutch people are determined that it is spring.  The flower shops are overflowing with magnificent flowers.  Tulip fields (which bloomed late this year) have produced striped carpets stretching for miles.  The ladies are wearing their white jeans and white skirts with their winter parkas and boots.  Some wear sandals with socks.  We saw a parade of postmen starting their route riding bicycles with saddle bags filled with mail.

We went to a framing store and left two art pieces to be framed.

Tulip fields.  The green area is where they are deadheaded.  We don't know why.

We started hanging art that we brought from home.  The wall hanging was done by Loris Bogue and hangs in the entrance to a guest bedroom.

The Magic Lute made by Fran Elson is by our new  wine refrigerator/cabinet.

We look forward to hearing from you.  If you respond by email please do NOT hit reply but rather start with a new letter.  Once we are on our way it is difficult to download pictures and I really don't need my pictures sent back to me.