The blogger meet-up in Vancouver was terrific because of all these fabulous women I met. As a bonus I got to take home many treasures. Like the art T-shirt Melanie (Bag and a Beret) made for me. Melanie is a gifted artist. She made the fun drawing on the front of the shirt (representing her alter ego Miz Bagg) and the quote “I surrender to chaos”. So sweet. I love the way Melanie looks at the world.
A brooch (you can’t see it) is holding the T-shirt up at one side. Very fashionable. It actually looks good this way so I don’t mind following the “fashion rules”.
The weather on the Sunday when I wore the T-shirt was glorious. Ron (husband) drove down to fetch my mother (an hour’s drive to and an hour’s drive fro) to spend the day at Ron’s “veggie patch” (300 square meters). It is his sanctuary. You can find him there most of the times when the weather is good. In his sanctuary he thinks up problems, difficulties. Only to have something to solve. I know, it takes all kinds.
Another nice aspect of his garden is the fact I am not there. Nobody nagging, nobody telling him to clean after him, wipe his feet etc. It is ever so quiet and nothing is a must. Needless to say I don’t visit much LOL.
Below: a closer look at the shirt. Miz Baggs on her side and the text balloon saying “I surrender to chaos”. Below: daft look on my face but pretty earrings (gift from my friend Marianne).Below: Ron is telling my mom about his experiment with floating endive in the pond…. (for the Dutch: he calls this “andrijvie”).Below: view from his little cabin into the garden. See the four little pots on the plank in the pond? That is the floating endive experiment.Below: three more pictures of the garden, going further to the back.
Below: on the right side of the garden, this “horse” is disappearing in the hedge….Below: this is the other side of the hedge. You would expect to see the head sticking through. Alas the green horse has no head. There is only me looking quite ridiculous. Never take my picture when I am not prepared, eating or talking…. And no, I did not need the bathroom.Below: the table in front of his little cabin. The nextdoor neighbour had picked flowers to make it look nice for my mother.Below: now for the inside…. Ron protects his cabin from burglars by hanging a skeleton (plastic) from a noose in front of the doors.Below: he is really a friendly chap. Very polite. Introduced himself as Peter.Below: as you can see, Ron manages to have heating, a cooker and a fridge without any electricity. Powered by sunshine or gas. The sink is not up to my standard of tidiness, but that is why he loves this place so much.Below: he also has a little corner in front of the window overlooking the garden. Compleet with easy chair (leather) and male art objects.Below: he was playing old records (as in 1948) for my mom on a very old record player. It is battery driven.Below: my dear mom, becoming 87 this month. Sound of body and mind.Below: Ron played the squeeze box for her. Two years ago he suddenly took up learning to play this instrument… I know, not very rock & roll. Strange man but I love him.I love the T-shirt and like wearing it in my free time. But I am also going to give it a try with a jacket and a pencil skirt.
OK, that was it for this week. Next week: the fair.
Greetje
The garden has Ron’s signature all over. Even the garden and cabin are filled with humor. Now I know were you got your legs from. Your mother has slim legs too, and she looks great, must be genes. I like your T shirt , I like the shape and the slogan and the color orange suits you very well. I would stand that way at the other side of the hedge, you stole my pose. Next time when it is your turn I would like to see Ron’s garden, I think the others are interested too. By the way is Peter single perhaps a blind date with me, just a thought.
Hahaha, I would like your lover to be more alive than Peter.
Seeing Ron’s garden when it is my turn depends on the time of year and the weather. (Is that path where I do my “bathroom pose” wide enough?)
And yes, I have the shape of my legs from my mother and the length from my father. If it had been the other way around…..
So glad you showed Melanie’s T. You look smashing in it! And that garden, what a delight. It looks like a magical place. So nice to see your husband and mom too, just hanging out, relaxing.
We are good at those things… just hanging out, relaxing. LOL
Greetje,
Truly enjoyed seeing Ron’s lovely garden. Loved the green horse too.
What is the multiered object with the glass bottles upside down on it?
That is a sign from a fair (or something like that) from decades ago. With light bulbs saying “Cassa” (pay desk in Dutch).
Good Morning Greetje! What a lovely and newsy post today! A big thank you to both you and Ron for allowing us a peak into his private Eden. Peter is hilarious…I can imagine Ron has a sense of humour.
And how nice to see your Mom…me waving madly!
The tee from Melanie is great fun, and you’ve styled it just right! Have a good week!
My way of styling Melanie’s T-shirt is so totally different from f.i. Anne’s style. We are true to our own way with nearly the same item. I love that. Never try to be somebody else.
And yes Ron does have a great sense of humour. Glad you liked the post. I will tell mom you waved. (Ron thought it was rather a boring post, but I said “we’ve got Peter, we’ve got half a horse… that should provide for some grinning, surely?!”)
LOL, ’tis true!
What a lovely story about your new Tshirt and your husband’s ‘andrijvie’. Very funny it is too and nice photos. And your mother look great as well!
Compliments about my photography… wow. Much appreciated. But the fact you think the post is funny is even more important to me.
Hahaha! The chaos T. Oh, I know Miz Bagg LOOOOVES it in the garden. I thought she might be good relax-time shirt and I love how you pulled up the corner. Your generous thoughts are heartwarming, Greetje.
I suspect if I had a garden like Ron’s I would try to move in but I think you mentioned before it is not allowed. Ron is such a cool dude! It’s clear why you get on well. Man art objects, heh. I love how he took up accordion. And hi to your mother from me as well. She’s a beauty and her colourful top is perfect for an afternoon in the garden.
My mom did think that through haha. Garden, butterfly shirt. It is in the genes. I already said hi from Sue to her. I will do the same from you. She’ll like that.
As it is a communal garden, a garden society, you are not allowed to sleep there at night. So I am afraid you could not move in anyway.
You are such a comedian…I truly laughed at the “no and I don’t have to go to the bathroom” comment!! What a great idea to use your brooch with your t-shirt (you really have some wonderful ideas Greetje–both my husband & I wear our “half” socks with much success!!!) jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I work with a lot of safety pins to keep everything in place as well. I am teying to replace that with fashion tape. But that is more expensive and I am not very good in applying it.
Glad you like the post Jodie. My quest (making you laugh) is fulfilled.
A lovely tee shirt and a nice look with capri. Your mother seems an interesting woman. The corner of Ron is the dream of many men. L O L
Oh yes, this garden is his “man cave”. He always wanted a little house in France, but this is so much better. He can enjoy it far more as it is 5 minutes up the road (by car).
Greetje,
I was just informed today on how your name was pronounced!
Where to start! Love this tee. love the artistic sketch, and the pithy advice about it. Chaos it is all around us. I am glad Ron has his sanctuary, we all need one!
I love this outfit on you, you look real, an pretty, and like someone who has a secret ( to life?) Yes, I think so. Just don’t get too close to that skeleton! And always wear skinnies.
Hugs from NY (Sylvia seems to think might enjoy to do some shopping with Elle….)
XX, Elle
http://mydailycostume.com
Oh how I would love to go thrift shopping wih you. Presumably only to find out that the real treasures are for your size zero and not for me haha. Pronouncing my name is like a throat disease, as you have found out. I take it you met up with Sylvia?
My secret to life is laughing. I do it often and loud.
I am lucky enough to have a Melanie-embellished shirt as well – they are definitely conversation pieces. Yours looks wonderfully cheerful and summery with the white capris.
Your husband’s garden oasis is very impressive – he has created the perfect little hideaway for himself. It’s like the outdoor version of a “man cave”. He seems like a pretty cool guy, wearing his converse and playing the accordion. Glad to hear your mom is going strong at 87.
We celebrated mom’s birthday last Saturday and today (Monday) is her real birthday. Fortunately she is doing fine.
My dear Ron is one of a kind. He is very funny, I can laugh so much with him. And he is very good to me. Of course he has his bad sides too. Like I also have. Who doesn’t? I call his garden his man cave as well.
And let’s be very careful with Melanie’s shirt…. Some day when she is famous we can claim we have a real Melanie.
The garden is a delightful place where to spend quiet hours gardening and the cabin is lovely! I can understand why Ron likes it… a little corner of the world where you can feel the peace around… Peter seems to be a good guardian! What a funny idea!!
p.s.
It’s nice to meet your mother…
For Ron it is indeed adelightful place. For me it is too quiet. And I am a terrible gardner.
Your Mom is so lucky and hopefully you will be as well with aging so gracefully and without health issues.
Love looking at Ron’s garden. I think it is just brilliant he chose to learn to play the accordion.
You’ve done a great job styling the tee. I can’t wait to see you’re up styled version.
bisous
Suzanne
No idea whether an unstyled version will work, but who knows? And my mom does have some health issues, but they can all be controlled with medication and they don’t really bother her day to day life. Indeed I hope to be so lucky too. She still lives in her own house, surrounded by caring neighbours.
Lovely to get a peak in Ron’s garden and the cottage. It looks lovely. I’m very impressed. You look great in that fabulous t-shirt from Melanie too!
It is a fun T-shirt and it is ever so comfy of course. Great for free time, but I wonder whether I can also make it work with a jacket.
And yes Ron is really giving his garden a go. With lots of silly experiments. Don’t you love his “andrijvie”? haha.
What a wonderful tee shirt! I adore Melanie’s artwork, so witty. Your mother is quite lovely, and I’m envious of Ron’s garden. I’d want to hang out there too….
To tell you the truth Susan, I prefer our own little back garden. But that is fine by Ron LOL.
Wow, I had no idea how talented Melanie was. She chose the perfect lady to gift this tee shirt to, just look how perfectly well you model it and just in the right place with the right parings (the white jeans). I really do love Ron’s little (Ok, big hobby), in fact I would definitely ask him to take me for a visit as well. What an adorable mom you have.
If you come over in summer, we can have a look in Ron’s garden as well as a boat cruise through the canals of Amsterdam. That is… if the weather cooperates and isn’t a spoil sport like when Susan of Une Femme d’un certain âge came over.
Now that would be my kind of day.
Loved seeing your family and such a beautiful place!
Thanks Mel, hope you smiled as well.
This sounds like such a wonderful day spend with loved ones! A fun top and love that you wore it with skinny jeans to balance out the loose top.
Alice
http://www.happpinessatmidlife.com
Would love to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
Because it is so loose I am doubting whether that T-shirt would work with a pencil skirt, but I’ll try.
Love the tee from Melanie! A gift to remind you of the wonderful times that you experienced at the blogger meet-up. I have been admiring the gathering and its aftermath from afar.
Ron’s “world” is very creative! And your mom is an inspiration to me!
I met Sylvia last week, and had a fantastic time. She is a very generous, beautiful and accomplished woman. I look forward to meeting you sometime in the future!
Likewise Judith. Did Sylvia say hi for me?
Ha ha, what a fun post. Wow, your mom looks great for an almost 87 year old! I can see why Ron loves his garden, he clearly is a good gardener, it is beautiful and fun and so is his & Peter’s cabin. What happened to the boot, traded in for the garden?
No, the boat is still there. We went cruising through Amsterdam with friends two weeks aho.
What a lovely post, dear. A reportage of a relaxed day with sweet people and quirky objects. Nice!
Especially the quirky objects eh?
What a lovely post, dear. A reportage of a relaxed day with sweet people and quirky objects. Nice!
Especially the quirky objects eh?
I am lucky enough to have a Melanie-embellished shirt as well – they are definitely conversation pieces. Yours looks wonderfully cheerful and summery with the white capris.
Your husband’s garden oasis is very impressive – he has created the perfect little hideaway for himself. It’s like the outdoor version of a “man cave”. He seems like a pretty cool guy, wearing his converse and playing the accordion. Glad to hear your mom is going strong at 87.
We celebrated mom’s birthday last Saturday and today (Monday) is her real birthday. Fortunately she is doing fine.
My dear Ron is one of a kind. He is very funny, I can laugh so much with him. And he is very good to me. Of course he has his bad sides too. Like I also have. Who doesn’t? I call his garden his man cave as well.
And let’s be very careful with Melanie’s shirt…. Some day when she is famous we can claim we have a real Melanie.
Greetje,
I was just informed today on how your name was pronounced!
Where to start! Love this tee. love the artistic sketch, and the pithy advice about it. Chaos it is all around us. I am glad Ron has his sanctuary, we all need one!
I love this outfit on you, you look real, an pretty, and like someone who has a secret ( to life?) Yes, I think so. Just don’t get too close to that skeleton! And always wear skinnies.
Hugs from NY (Sylvia seems to think might enjoy to do some shopping with Elle….)
XX, Elle
http://mydailycostume.com
Oh how I would love to go thrift shopping wih you. Presumably only to find out that the real treasures are for your size zero and not for me haha. Pronouncing my name is like a throat disease, as you have found out. I take it you met up with Sylvia?
My secret to life is laughing. I do it often and loud.
What a wonderful tee shirt! I adore Melanie’s artwork, so witty. Your mother is quite lovely, and I’m envious of Ron’s garden. I’d want to hang out there too….
To tell you the truth Susan, I prefer our own little back garden. But that is fine by Ron LOL.
This sounds like such a wonderful day spend with loved ones! A fun top and love that you wore it with skinny jeans to balance out the loose top.
Alice
http://www.happpinessatmidlife.com
Would love to see you Thursday for TBT Fashion link up.
Because it is so loose I am doubting whether that T-shirt would work with a pencil skirt, but I’ll try.
Loved seeing your family and such a beautiful place!
Thanks Mel, hope you smiled as well.
Love the tee from Melanie! A gift to remind you of the wonderful times that you experienced at the blogger meet-up. I have been admiring the gathering and its aftermath from afar.
Ron’s “world” is very creative! And your mom is an inspiration to me!
I met Sylvia last week, and had a fantastic time. She is a very generous, beautiful and accomplished woman. I look forward to meeting you sometime in the future!
Likewise Judith. Did Sylvia say hi for me?
Your Mom is so lucky and hopefully you will be as well with aging so gracefully and without health issues.
Love looking at Ron’s garden. I think it is just brilliant he chose to learn to play the accordion.
You’ve done a great job styling the tee. I can’t wait to see you’re up styled version.
bisous
Suzanne
No idea whether an unstyled version will work, but who knows? And my mom does have some health issues, but they can all be controlled with medication and they don’t really bother her day to day life. Indeed I hope to be so lucky too. She still lives in her own house, surrounded by caring neighbours.
The garden is a delightful place where to spend quiet hours gardening and the cabin is lovely! I can understand why Ron likes it… a little corner of the world where you can feel the peace around… Peter seems to be a good guardian! What a funny idea!!
p.s.
It’s nice to meet your mother…
For Ron it is indeed adelightful place. For me it is too quiet. And I am a terrible gardner.
Wow, I had no idea how talented Melanie was. She chose the perfect lady to gift this tee shirt to, just look how perfectly well you model it and just in the right place with the right parings (the white jeans). I really do love Ron’s little (Ok, big hobby), in fact I would definitely ask him to take me for a visit as well. What an adorable mom you have.
If you come over in summer, we can have a look in Ron’s garden as well as a boat cruise through the canals of Amsterdam. That is… if the weather cooperates and isn’t a spoil sport like when Susan of Une Femme d’un certain âge came over.
Now that would be my kind of day.
Lovely to get a peak in Ron’s garden and the cottage. It looks lovely. I’m very impressed. You look great in that fabulous t-shirt from Melanie too!
It is a fun T-shirt and it is ever so comfy of course. Great for free time, but I wonder whether I can also make it work with a jacket.
And yes Ron is really giving his garden a go. With lots of silly experiments. Don’t you love his “andrijvie”? haha.
A lovely tee shirt and a nice look with capri. Your mother seems an interesting woman. The corner of Ron is the dream of many men. L O L
Oh yes, this garden is his “man cave”. He always wanted a little house in France, but this is so much better. He can enjoy it far more as it is 5 minutes up the road (by car).
So glad you showed Melanie’s T. You look smashing in it! And that garden, what a delight. It looks like a magical place. So nice to see your husband and mom too, just hanging out, relaxing.
We are good at those things… just hanging out, relaxing. LOL
The garden has Ron’s signature all over. Even the garden and cabin are filled with humor. Now I know were you got your legs from. Your mother has slim legs too, and she looks great, must be genes. I like your T shirt , I like the shape and the slogan and the color orange suits you very well. I would stand that way at the other side of the hedge, you stole my pose. Next time when it is your turn I would like to see Ron’s garden, I think the others are interested too. By the way is Peter single perhaps a blind date with me, just a thought.
Hahaha, I would like your lover to be more alive than Peter.
Seeing Ron’s garden when it is my turn depends on the time of year and the weather. (Is that path where I do my “bathroom pose” wide enough?)
And yes, I have the shape of my legs from my mother and the length from my father. If it had been the other way around…..
What a lovely story about your new Tshirt and your husband’s ‘andrijvie’. Very funny it is too and nice photos. And your mother look great as well!
Compliments about my photography… wow. Much appreciated. But the fact you think the post is funny is even more important to me.
You are such a comedian…I truly laughed at the “no and I don’t have to go to the bathroom” comment!! What a great idea to use your brooch with your t-shirt (you really have some wonderful ideas Greetje–both my husband & I wear our “half” socks with much success!!!) jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
I work with a lot of safety pins to keep everything in place as well. I am teying to replace that with fashion tape. But that is more expensive and I am not very good in applying it.
Glad you like the post Jodie. My quest (making you laugh) is fulfilled.
Ha ha, what a fun post. Wow, your mom looks great for an almost 87 year old! I can see why Ron loves his garden, he clearly is a good gardener, it is beautiful and fun and so is his & Peter’s cabin. What happened to the boot, traded in for the garden?
No, the boat is still there. We went cruising through Amsterdam with friends two weeks aho.
Greetje,
Truly enjoyed seeing Ron’s lovely garden. Loved the green horse too.
What is the multiered object with the glass bottles upside down on it?
That is a sign from a fair (or something like that) from decades ago. With light bulbs saying “Cassa” (pay desk in Dutch).
Hahaha! The chaos T. Oh, I know Miz Bagg LOOOOVES it in the garden. I thought she might be good relax-time shirt and I love how you pulled up the corner. Your generous thoughts are heartwarming, Greetje.
I suspect if I had a garden like Ron’s I would try to move in but I think you mentioned before it is not allowed. Ron is such a cool dude! It’s clear why you get on well. Man art objects, heh. I love how he took up accordion. And hi to your mother from me as well. She’s a beauty and her colourful top is perfect for an afternoon in the garden.
My mom did think that through haha. Garden, butterfly shirt. It is in the genes. I already said hi from Sue to her. I will do the same from you. She’ll like that.
As it is a communal garden, a garden society, you are not allowed to sleep there at night. So I am afraid you could not move in anyway.
Good Morning Greetje! What a lovely and newsy post today! A big thank you to both you and Ron for allowing us a peak into his private Eden. Peter is hilarious…I can imagine Ron has a sense of humour.
And how nice to see your Mom…me waving madly!
The tee from Melanie is great fun, and you’ve styled it just right! Have a good week!
My way of styling Melanie’s T-shirt is so totally different from f.i. Anne’s style. We are true to our own way with nearly the same item. I love that. Never try to be somebody else.
And yes Ron does have a great sense of humour. Glad you liked the post. I will tell mom you waved. (Ron thought it was rather a boring post, but I said “we’ve got Peter, we’ve got half a horse… that should provide for some grinning, surely?!”)
LOL, ’tis true!