What a couple of weeks it has been… so many emotions. Well, we will come to that at the end of this post. First my yellow jumper by American Vintage. Bought when I was shopping with my friend Peggy in the 9 Streets of Amsterdam. I already have an orange jumper and a long green jumper of this brand and I love them. They are partly wool but they don’t itch, which is something you usually only find with expensive cashmere. When I spotted this yellow one, I decided you cannot have too much of a good thing. And it isn’t spring yet although the colour is very spring-like.
I had arranged to meet Nicoline, a friend of mine since I moved to Amsterdam in 1981 (you do the maths). I was a witness at her wedding but when we grew older we didn’t see much of each other. A shame really. As you know, I am very fond of friends and friendships. As we hadn’t seen each other for about 2 years, this date was long overdue. Trying to decide where to meet, I asked her whether she would mind taking blog photos of me. “Don’t mind at all” she replied and “Let’s go to the old part of Amstelveen for nice backgrounds”. Amstelveen is a suburb of Amsterdam and mainly newly built with some old parts: two streets, a square, a church and a station. The two latter being used for other purposes than their original one.
Below: This is Nicoline. Blue is her favourite colour and she had just acquired a pretty little bag which I admired. My kind of bag.
Below: We started near the church on the square (there is a dentist practice in the church these days).
Below: Of course that piece of art needed further investigation. What an eye catcher. The white blob on a chain is of course a dog.
Below: “Help! I cannot reach the table.”
Below: Church doors are always favourite with me. Nicoline made me “eat” the leaves. She was really enjoying photographing and damned good at it as well. We used to be colleagues at an advertising agency where she dealt with clients. And after that she went into PR. So she does know a thing or two about styling, lay-out etc.
Below: Yep.. really good photo, although the sun came out and shone right on my chest. My hair is really long here but behaving rather well. Been to the hair dresser since and she cut it a lot shorter again. It is difficult to maintain its shape when it is longer (my preference).
Below: Close-up of the necklace. I bought this at Geneva airport after the cremation of Pat, my dearest departed friend. I liked it a lot and every time I look at it, I think of her. It jangles when you walk (annoying but you don’t notice such things when you are standing still in front of a mirror trying it on, do you?). Pat would have called this my cowbell, I am sure. The brand is Weekend Max Mara.
Below: One last shot in front of the side entrance of the church, where the top photo was taken as well. Frayed straight jeans by Denham, black ankle boots by Kendall & Kylie and black Marcie mini crossbody bag by Chloé.
Below: We passed a shop, by the look of it an art shop. I liked all those primary colours.
Below: In front of restaurant ‘t Hert (now closed).
Below: Forgot my sunglasses and the sun had come out, so I walked back to the car to fetch them. Wearing contact lenses means your eyes cannot handle sharp light and sunshine.
Below: Passing the window of a hairdresser (De Kapper). They had an eye catching display in the window.
Below: We had to go inside and investigate. The ladies at the hairdresser were ever so kind and let us take pictures.
Below: How about this one? Nicoline came up with this very interesting angle. Via the mirror, me and the man mannequin reflected in another mirror, in one line, plus the chandelier in the picture. Well done Nicoline.
Below: Another fun feature: a ceiling decoration with a bite out of it.
Below: The old station of Amstelveen is not in use as a station anymore. It has been converted into a bed and breakfast. I had a look around their website and found the rooms charming. Not very big, but full of atmosphere. From Thursday to Sunday they operate a small café and sell Green & Gifts. Unfortunately we were there on a Wednesday and they were closed.
Below: It looked very cosy. The man inside is probably the owner.
Below: As we wanted our coffee, we went into another lovely place called La Gare (French for “station”, which figures), situated at Stationsstraat 1. They had perfect cappuccino and delicious cakes. Very friendly service too. Here we are in anticipation of the coffee.
Below: When I saw this, I had to take a picture: at the WC there was light in the shape of a coffee cup…
Below: … and the washing basin was in bright mosaic. Love it.
Below: Had to show you Nicoline’s shoes, which I only spotted when we said goodbye. Aren’t they cute?
All in all a perfect day. When friendship dates back such a long time, it is so easy to just pick up where you have left off, no matter how much time has passed.
What happened in my life this week
Not just what happened this week but the week before as well as I posted the “bathing suit search” post only because so much was happening that I didn’t have time to do a proper post. Nor did I feel like it.
Of course at the beginning of February, our dog Charlie died and we cried a lot. Then on the 4th of March the news reached me, right in the middle of a big meeting, that my best friend Pat had died. Of course I knew she was very ill, having cancer through her whole body, but the news of her death really threw me. Another week of crying followed. As she wasn’t part of my every day life, living in Geneva, I thought I might not be so affected, but the opposite was true. Her husband asked me to speak at her service and I did. My brief was: wear colourful clothes and make a speech about funny events during our friendship; Pat had requested to keep it light and to celebrate her life. Of course she knew tears would fall as well. There were more than enough funny stories to choose from as she had an awesome sense of humour. I had already written a blog post which I was never going to publish as she wasn’t very keen on “being plastered all over the internet” as she would say. I used my post to write the speech and rehearsed a lot so I could do it by heart. I have to say, it went very well. There were laughs (loud ones) when there were supposed to be laughs. It was a great way to send Pat off. I hope she listened on a cloud.
Fortunately another friend of Pat, who also made a speech, travelled with me, which made the trip so much more bearable.
Two days later Watson arrived, our new puppy. Joy and happiness (oh what a roller coaster of emotions). Only Watson turned out to be 180 degree different from Charlie when she was a puppy. Charlie was quiet, playful and easy going. We thought it was the breed. NOPE, it was the dog. Watson was like a gremlin with water poured over him. A piranha on legs. Biting everything in a mad way. The couch, the chairs, us, our clothes, everything. See this short video as illustration.
And of course Watson wasn’t housebroken yet, so Ron had to get up twice during the night to let him pee. Ron needs about 10 hours sleep every night. This, combined with Watson’s behaviour, got Ron very stressed, which in turn, got the dog stressed and that led to even more biting. It nearly got out of hand. Then we found out the dog was very intelligent and bored. He needed to be challenged more with search games. That channeled his energy. And after two weeks Watson slept for 9 hours a night without having to go for a wee-wee. Thank God. He is still a handful but it is getting better and better. With spring slowly arriving and more sunshine, Ron takes him to his allotment where he can only damage plants, trains him and familiarizes him with things like escalators, lifts (elevators), markets etc etc. The marina is a special place to get to know, as in three weeks time the boat will be in the water and Ron always dreamed of boating together with his dog. Charlie hated the boat. We keep our fingers crossed that Watson will like it.
One last funny bit. Ron ordered a sign and put it up next to our front door. The sign says: “Dr. Watson. Consult only by appointment”, hahaha.
Greetje
It was my intention to buy skinnies that were a little bit more loose. Couldn’t find them and ended up with these straight ones. They are great with shoes and boots with the jeans over them. When I want the jeans to be in an ankle boot, I still need skinnies.
Greetje
It was my intention to buy skinnies that were a little bit more loose. Couldn’t find them and ended up with these straight ones. They are great with shoes and boots with the jeans over them. When I want the jeans to be in an ankle boot, I still need skinnies.
Greetje
I think that necklace and the cow bell sounds it makes is a perfect way to remember Pat and the wonderful love and laughs she brought to your life. I’m impressed with how hard you prepared for giving a meaningful and memorable eulogy.
Watson is a delightful rascal. I love the way he peered suspiciously from the bag after he finished his romp inside of it. Puppies are exhausting. I’m glad you and Ron have found the key to using up some of his energy! Goodness but he’s so darling!!!
Your new yellow jumper is very flattering and perfect for Spring!! Nicoline did some great photos and she’s clearly artistic and has a creative eye for framing a photo.
You’re looking “model thin” Greetje! Have you lost some weight during your very stressful recent months?
Thanks for all the compliments. Yes I have lost weight about 7 to 8 lb (3,5 kilos). Because of my braces. I can only take them out for 2 hours a day: half an hour breakfast, half an hour lunch and an hour dinner. Eating as much as possible in that time, which is of course limited. When you have had enough, that is it. And I don’t really think I am eating any differently or less, just these three moments. Could that be the key to losing weight? Joan Collins used to swear by it.
Greetje
I think that necklace and the cow bell sounds it makes is a perfect way to remember Pat and the wonderful love and laughs she brought to your life. I’m impressed with how hard you prepared for giving a meaningful and memorable eulogy.
Watson is a delightful rascal. I love the way he peered suspiciously from the bag after he finished his romp inside of it. Puppies are exhausting. I’m glad you and Ron have found the key to using up some of his energy! Goodness but he’s so darling!!!
Your new yellow jumper is very flattering and perfect for Spring!! Nicoline did some great photos and she’s clearly artistic and has a creative eye for framing a photo.
You’re looking “model thin” Greetje! Have you lost some weight during your very stressful recent months?
Well, despite the roller coaster of emotions you’re experiencing, you do look fabulous in this sunny yellow sweater. I love the pendant and I wouldn’t even mind if it made noise!
I love the photo in the mirror and I think Nicoline did a wonderful job with photographs.
And how I admire her furry shoes !
Yes.. training a puppy is quite challenging! Almost as demanding as a newborn !
I certainly feel for you at this time. But I am so pleased that you opted for this happy color and vibrant post.
❤️❤️❤️
Elle
https://theellediaries.com/
Fortunately Ron does most of the training and socializing. Yesterday he had his “transport day”. Went together with Watson on a train, a tram, the ferry and the subway. They were both exhausted haha.
Greetje
The Greetje Yellow looks perfect on you, of course! I like the necklace too. AND the jeans, those are superb on you.
I’m sure Pat would have laughed a lot at your speech. She picked the right people to remember her exactly as she wanted to be remembered.
Watson reminds me of my Jack Russell when he was a puppy. He was a handful, but he eventually settled into such a great dog. You do have to find a good channel for their energy and intelligence though. You will. Ron will.
That mosaic rainbow bathroom sink is a dream. My husband would hate it, but I adore it. xxx
Yes you would adore the mosaic rainbow bathroom sink. It is colourful. What’s not to love? I was quite pleased when I “created” this outfit. Although just jumper and jeans, I think I made it stand out. The necklace was a good find. I almost didn’t buy it because I already have so many.
Greetje
That sign just cracks me up. The irony of it…dogs really are the best doctors; they’re good listeners, they commiserate, they make you feel better.
Watson definitely is living his best puppy life. The paper bag video says it all!
If there is one thing predictable about grief is that it is unpredictable. I know it’s a really hard loss for you losing your best friend. That you were able to speak at her service speaks volumes.
Loving the yellow and the outdoor pics as always!
Thank you lovely Sue. It was very comforting for me to be able to give Pat this send-off. She used to be the one making speeches at funerals too.
I miss her and think about her a lot. But as you say, Watson keeps us busy.
Greetje
Beautiful outfit and loved that statement necklace – most certainly a winning outfit. Oh that video of your puppy – it reminded me a little of our mad rescue cat ! He has a crazy streak to him at times and acts like a kitten even though he is 4/5 years old.I cannot remember my first cat being like that at that age. We have had him just over a year now and there is no sign of him calming down, but I love him to bits and he gives us some laughs. I would love a dog but very nervous about having two mad animals galloping about the house !! I am sure you are right about getting Watson used to the boat early on in his life, have my fingers crossed that it all works out and Ron has a new crew member on his boat soon.
Halfway April the boat will be in the water. Very curious to see what happens.
We have a cat as well. We first had our dog Charlie and kitten Sophie joined. They did not become friends. More of a “cease fire” arrangement. Now the cat was already there and the puppy joined. No friends yet. Watson already got a wack from Sophie. Which is not going to stop him. Very tiring, having to act like a traffic policeman.
Greetje
I can picture you making that eulogy Greetje, I bet you were brilliant. I’m sure Pat would’ve been proud.
That’s interesting about Watson and the case of the night wees. I occasionally have this issue with our Boston Blue. Now that you mention it, I suspect your reasoning will work for me too. Good work young lady 😉
I might become a stand-up comedian when I am retired Michelle haha. Yes I think I did a good job.
Cannot say that the wees will stop with Boston Blue. No more water after 9 o’clock is another tip.
Greetje
I ADORE YOU!I think I have told YOU that MANY TIMES!
YOU are looking even thinner………….KEEP SOME FAT PLEASE as these skinny LADIES Tend to LOOK OLDER!!!!
I HOPE WATSON will be THE BEST CO-PILOT!
XX
I have to eat cakes and whipped cream as yes I have lost weight. About 7 to 8 lb (3,5 kilos). Because of my braces. I can only take them out for 2 hours a day: half an hour breakfast, half an hour lunch and an hour dinner. Eating as much as possible in that time, which is of course limited. When you have had enough, that is it. And I don’t really think I am eating any differently or less, just these three moments. Could that be the key to losing weight? Joan Collins used to swear by it.
Mind you, it feels very good, everything fits so much better. But I will not lose any more weight. I will be careful.
Greetje
THANK YOU!
I forgot about THE BRACES!
Fringe benefits of the braces haha
I really love the idea to keep the funeral full of funny stories and colour.
So much loss in the span of less than a month is very hard. I’m glad that Watson has added some joy back into your lives.
Puppies are always a handful but I’m glad Watson is calming down a bit now. Already sleeping through the night is huge.
The video is just adorable.
Your friend did a brilliant job with the photos. There is so much interesting architecture and design to see in The Netherlands.
Your outfit is classic “Greetje” and suits you perfectly.
Suzanne
http://www.suzannecarillo.com
My funeral can be the same: light, bright and lots of laughs.
Watson had added some joy but also quite a lot of stress haha. We were spoiled with Charlie as a puppy. Never saw this whirlwind coming.
Thank you for the many compliments.
Greetje
You’ve been riding the full rollercoaster of emotions. High, low, round-and-round. Such sadness to say goodbye to your dear friend but how wonderful that you were able to say your farewell with the light touch she would have loved. And Charlie moved on as well, also a big loss. I’ll miss him bombing your photos. I had to laugh at the video of Watson, though. Always adorable when it’s not your own dog. Hahaha! I hope that Ron and Watson can crew together!!
And life goes on, and looks good in yellow. Nicoline got some fantastic shots. You two look like a fun pair! I’d instantly be drawn to your colour. Spring weather is such a pick-me-up. Miss you!
Miss you too. Friends far apart… why don’t they invent tele-transporting? Like “beam me up Scotty”.
Life is slowly becoming more normal. Well as far as you can say that with a puppy.
Only this morning I had to clean up twice after him (Ron’s fault, he didn’t let him in the garden long enough) and I dropped the bench from the top of the stairs, smashing the iron gate at the bottom to prevent Watson from going upstairs. On the bright side: we got an idea for a better place to put the gate. Always look on the bright side of life.
Greetje
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend, Pat. How lovely that you were able to speak at her funeral, and be joined by another of her friends.
Watson looks adorable! Thanks for shraing. And, by the way, you look gorgeous in that shade of yellow!
Thank you Cynthia. It surprised me that when I went from brown hair to blond the colour yellow still suited me.
Greetje
You look SO good in this color!! And that necklace is a stunner. I’m sorry for the loss of your friend, and I’m sure she was listening somewhere and smiling. Puppies, yikes! They can be a handful. I’m glad you’ve found ways to channel Watson’s energy. He sounds like a very smart dog. I hope he takes to the boat. (I once lived on a boat with my cat; she LOVED it.)
The dog liking the boat is the reason why Ron wanted a puppy in spring and not in autumn or winter when the boat is out of the water. Charlie was born in November and never experienced the boat in her first 16 weeks when you are supposed to get them acquinted with all the important things.
Greetje
Oh, what an emotional time you’ve had! So sorry about the loss of Charlie xoxo and your dear friend, Pat. Hopefully young Watson will continue to be a happy distraction.
How nicely you and Nicoline complement one another in your bright yellow and her royal blue! Very colorful for these last (hopefully!) days of winter.
Bettye
https://fashionschlub.com
As usual April will have some cold days for us as well, I am sure. But the worst is over and sunny days are ahead. I hope that this is not only literally and these sad days will slowly become less painful.
Greetje