Touring Holland

 We've just returned from our week away, visiting some of Holland's most beautiful spots.

We spent our first two nights in the harbor town of Harlingen. We stayed in the brick house with yellow trim (with the unique roof) in the middle of this photo. It has been made into a boutique hotel and we loved that we could park our car and never need it again, as everything was within walking distance.

This was definitely a boating town. Canals everywhere and boats galore.

The town itself was founded in 1234(!).

Pretty difficult for me, as an American, to put my mind around!

We had fun taking short cuts with ever smaller and smaller alleys.

We were minutes away from the Wadden Sea and its ever changing view.

While we were here we took a day trip to the Dutch island of Terschelling, 

a 90 minute ferry ride away.

The ferries here feel more like cruise ships!

The Brandaris lighthouse is the oldest in the Netherlands, first built in 1323 before it was "eaten" by the  sea. It was rebuilt in 1594 and is still fully functioning-and also works as the harbor control center.

 

Han took full advantage of mussel season during this trip!

We fit in a round of miniature golf--or "midget golf" as they call it.

We spent the full day here. 

This was a beautiful spot to wait for our ferry.

Like many restaurants they'd set up partitions to protect from Covid.

❤️

After three beautiful days in this northern region, we headed south towards the town of IJlst.

The road trip was a big part of the fun. 

We came across stunning scenes like this one-in a little town in the middle of the countryside.

I had surprised Han by booking this sailing ship, grounded due to Covid.

(Amazing what you can find on Airbnb!)

The Selene had so many loving touches. It usually holds a crowd.

We were so lucky to have it to ourselves.

Amazing!

The town of IJlst turned out to be one of the most idyllic towns ever. 

Loved coming across this self driving little ferry to cross the small canal.

Typical Dutch!

And then we came across a truly Dutch scene: teens practicing "Fierljeppen", 

the sport of pole jumping over the canals. 

My kids would LOVE this!!!

A spot we will never forget!

We spent the last three nights of our trip in the unbelieveably beautiful town of Giethoorn-

founded in 1230 (!).

Every house here looked like it could belong to Snow White.

No cars are allowed, so the only way to get around is by foot, bike or boat.

We stayed in a gezellig B&B right in the heart of things.

These friendly Dutch Quacker Ducks (“Quackerjes”) made for a warm welcome.

Our place came with its own electric boat, which we loved.

All boats here have to be electric, so it is very quiet on the canals.

There are 150 bridges in Giethoorn!

So cozy.

The local history museum was top notch.

And we got so lucky with the weather.

Such a beautiful stork pole!

You can see the house we’re in at the end of this canal.

The canals lead out to a little lake.

Swans are as typical as ducks.

Chocomel is also typical Dutch.

So much beauty.

After seven beautiful nights, we headed home--less than a two hour drive.

We stopped at Hans & Grietjes for a pancake on the way home.

Although this place is clearly aimed at kids. It definitely brought out the kid in both of us

We stopped for another round of mini golf after that and arrived home to a wonderful home cooked dinner from Han's niece, Marly, who did a great job "mill sitting" while we were away. 

What a wonderful week!

~~~

And on the health front:

I'm doing well.

I arrived here with a low white blood cell count, so was conscious to be extra careful.

I did get some kind of topical infection, which was frustrating.

I was able to see Han's doctor before our trip and he prescribed an antibiotic and it is all cleared up now.

Other than that, I've been doing as well as can be.

I'm working at staying in the present moment...although, knowing I'll find out the results of my chemo when I get home is never far from my mind.

Thankfully, the present moment is wonderfully distracting.

I'm counting on this.

❤️

Quiet Days at the Mill

 As I knew it would, the time has flown by since I arrived.

We've mostly stayed close to home these last couple weeks. 

Enjoying all the hard work Han has done since I've been gone

 (like putting in this greenhouse/kas).

-Martin & Annet-

(Annet is also a Miller and we've been supporting one another on our cancer journeys.)

I've also cheered Han on (and helped a little bit) with new projects like this dock/pathway he built over the canal (!) for the houseboat that will be moved over here soon.

Moments when I really know I'm not in Renton anymore: painting the stork pole!

Or when we park next to a giant cabbage field. Typical Dutch!

We've gone on a couple nice, easy going outings.

One to a nearby garden. 

Our favorite thing was this fishtank in the pond that the fish can swim in and out of as they wish. 

And we also visited "Vlindertuin"-the local butterfly garden.

So beautiful and amazing to watch butterflies being born.

 

Somehow I can relate to this turtle/schildpad. The last couple weeks I've been peeking my head out of my shell way more than I had in months. It has been an organic way to get back into action. And tomorrow we leave for our week long trip to the Friesland region of Holland. It will be a treat to be in our own little bubble and to see new sights together.

 

Till next week: tot ziens!

❤️

Reunited at Last!

I'm so happy to be posting from the Mill. It feels like somewhat of a miracle to be here after all the hurdles we had to jump over. But, now that I am here, we will enjoy every minute. Time that had been going by so slow is bound to go by in a flash over these next four weeks. Funny how that works.

It was a real calculated risk to fly right now but thankfully, Delta did a great job with the flight I was on. I had the whole row to myself and was in the very front, behind first class....so felt like I had a whole corner of the plane to myself. The flight was 1/2 full, everyone wore masks, and things went smoothly every step of way. I had been worried about customs but they gave me no problem at all.

Now we will enjoy this time with an appreciation that has been hard won. We're sticking close to the Mill for the first couple weeks and then have a week long trip planned a little north of here. I'll post pictures here from time to time. It's so much more fun to share this kind of update than health ones!

We so appreciate the joyful support of you, our family and friends, for this reunion.

We can really feel it and it means so much!

The most beautiful view, is the one I share with you.

We didn't realize we were being photobombed!

Liefs en knuffels uit Holland!

💘

Yet Another Change of Plans

Just a quick update to share that I'm doing well after my last chemo. I'm so relieved to have that behind me and very happy to look forward rather than back.

I'm aware that it's crazy to even attempt to make plans during this groundless time. 

Luckily, I enjoy trip planning and know exactly where we'll go when we can go to Iceland...and Aruba. Yes, a few days ago, Aruba upped it's travel advisory to a "level orange", tipping the scales for us and causing us to postpone this highly anticipated trip.

On the bright side, The Netherlands is offering a "Sweetheart Visa" exception now, which is great development! And since the most important thing of all is being reunited no matter where we are, the plan is for me to fly over this Saturday (the 15th) and spend a month with Han in one of my favorite places in the whole world: his world.

Zack (who is still off of work!) is flying back up from California tomorrow, so I'll be able to spend a few days with him before I go, and he'll be here with my mom while I'm away.

I won't really believe it's true till I get there. 

But, that's the plan for now. We're calling it "Plan H" and that seems about right.

❤️

"Water does not resist. Water flows.

When you plunge your hand into it, 

all you can feel is a caress.

Water is not a solid wall,

it will not stop you.

But water goes where it wants to go,

and nothing in the end can stand against it.

Water is patient.

Dripping water wears away a stone.

Remember that, my child.

Remember you are half water.

If you can't go through an obstacle, go around it.

Water does."

~Margaret Atwood, "The Penelopiad"