I’m Still Here

1 August, 2021 By in General, Green Zone, Snapshot Tags: , , , , , , , 122 Comments

Missing us? I just noticed I didn’t post something on the blog in July. Shame on me! So here’s a quick update…

Well, there was a lot happening, I had good days, I had bad days. There were some unexpected issues concerning the inheritance from my father and the real estate sales. And summer doesn’t seem to start overhere.

Two weeks ago we were all shocked by the disaster floods. It was one of the greatest natural disasters Belgium has ever known. It cost the lives of many people. I’m lucky to live in an area that was spared.

Last week I invited a few friends to celebrate a special day. All of my friends and family are vaccinated but we still follow the Covid-19 rules, just to be safe and sure. We had delicious desserts, wine and coffee outside in the garden. Jimi seemed to enjoy the people hanging around and had some treats too.

Jimi loves my garden and is always trying to catch some butterflies in the large bushes of lavender. He also tries to catch mice in the stone walls and waits patiently for hours…

Enjoy this beautiful day, my friends, wherever you are. Peace, love and understanding. 

122 responses

  1. I’m so glad to hear that you are safe and well. I thought of you often when hearing about all the flooding, and I am glad you were spared!

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  2. I hear of those with so much rain and others that desperately need rain to extinguish fires. It’s al so sad. But we each must take the time to enjoy our lives, as you recently did. Take care my friends!

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    • Hi Jen. Thank you so much for your kind comment. I’m always trying to see things in perspective, no matter how hard it can be sometimes. We’re living in strange times…

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  4. Yes, the floods in Europe and your country have been tragic. I’m glad you were spared the floods, but pray for the recovery of those parts of Belgium and Europe that suffered the floods.

    I know how those details that slow completion of clearing the estate of a loved one can wear one down, having gone through it with my parents. Best wishes for the day you can tell yourself, “I am done!”

    I enjoyed the update on Jimi’s appreciation of your garden! Every garden needs a good cat, and Jimi takes over from another good cat, the dear late Mr. Bowie. No mousies to bother your garden if Jimi has his way!

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    • Hi Doug. I’m still waiting for some letters to arrive concerning my Dad. When I’m having a bad day I will drink an extra strong espresso and have some good chocolade treats…

      Much to my surprise Jimi seems to like my garden a lot. Last year he was always very scared to go outside and he preferred to stay indoors. But now I have to catch him every evening to come back inside. Guess Mr. Bowie is very proud up there…

      Hope you’re having a wonderful Sunday, my friend!

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    • Thank you so much for your kind comment, my dear friend! I was so shocked to see the images of the floods.
      Hope you’re having a great Sunday!

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  6. I’m glad you stayed safe from the floods, but so sad for everyone who was affected by them. I’m also glad you are being careful and using the safety guidelines for Covid, we are having a resurgence here where I am located. Those are beautiful photos of Jimi in the garden!

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    • Hi Leah. Thank you so much for your kind comment and concern. We were all in shock to see what was happening. It was the greatest disaster in our history.
      A lot of people are still getting infected in this part of the world. Very scary…

      Glad you liked the photographs! Jimi sends his regards!

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    • I think we will have to be patient and careful for a very long time. Last week a friend got infected, after she was vaccinated. But she was ok after a few days.
      We always combine naps with ice cream…

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  9. All the bureaucracy surrounding death gets very complicated. I’m not surprised you missed posting in July. Nice you got together with friends. Jimi is looking happy and healthy. The ICCG is happening in Antwerp August 18-20, and we are presenting papers, but we are presenting via Zoom. The Belgium government is restricting the number of in-person attendance at the conference, and travel restrictions are still an issue as well. We are vaxed, but traveling internationally is a major deal. Therefore, we are missing out on going to Belgium.

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    • I know your Laurie is the linguist specialist. What is your specialty, if I may ask. Regarding travel, better to stay home. We traveled by air cargo, so the experience was different, and, well, we were the only passengers. The horses were the other passengers..

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      • For the ICCG, I am a linguist as well. I fall under the category of an independent scholar. We decided it is not yet a good time to travel, especially internationally. One of my clients traveled to Kenya to see his family last month. He said all the medical requirements by both countries were pretty overwhelming.

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        • Linguist too, okay. International travel is a nightmare, especially if it is not considered as essential. Or, you draw a customs/border control agent who thinks your travel is non-essential. I think most places would consider conferences and sports to be non-essential. Strings were pulled to have Olympics as a go, but I digress.

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    • Hi Tim. So sorry to hear about the Antwerp ICCG happening is presented via Zoom. It would have been fun to meet you guys in real life. I was hoping the Covid-19 situation would be better by now…
      But I’m sure we will meet one day and have coffee together!

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  10. I am glad to hear you were spared the floods, and thoughts and prayers are with everyone over there who experienced the disaster. I am sorry to hear about all the troubles with your father’s estate, but as many have indicated, it is a common problem, including over here.

    Jimi looks beautiful, Herman, and I too am glad to hear you were able to get together with friends and enjoy the time. I remember dear Bowie, and yes, he would be proud of Jimi. ❤

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    • Hi Lavinia. Glad you liked this post and thank you so much for your heartwarming comment.
      I was happy to meet a few close friends on my birthday last week. It was the first time I got some friends over this year. Unfortunately, we still have a long way to go to solve this Covid-19 situation…

      Hope you’re ok, my dear friend! Stay safe and healthy!

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  11. That’s a very nice patch of lavender. I’ve read it grows well in poor soil. Colorado has plenty of poor soil. 🙂

    On estate matters, it can become rather complicated awfully fast. I’m still working through probate issues with my dad’s estate. Really don’t know when it will be resolved. I guess it’ll be settled when it settles.

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    • Hi David. Thank goodness I have a good friend who’s specialised in that kind of paperwork. She helped me a lot the last months. But I do wonder why all this stuff has to be so complicated and hard to understand…

      The lavender is a big succes this year. Last year we didn’t have so many flowers. The smell and the looks make me think I’m in the South of France, in the Provence. But I prefer espresso above wine… 😉

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  12. Great to hear from you we miss our friends. Glad you are vaccinated but sorry to hear about floods. There has been crazy weather this year. Jimi you look great and what a nice garden to play in

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    • Glad you liked this post! Thank you so much for your kind comment, my friend!
      The weather is acting so weird, all over the world. It really looks like there is something wrong…
      Hope you’re having a great Sunday! Jimi sends his regards!

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    • Hi Micheline. Glad you liked this post, my friend!
      I’m so happy Jimi enjoys his time outside in the garden. And it’s so funny to see he loves my company when I’m having coffee outside…

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  15. So good to see you again on the blog Herman and we’re glad you stayed safe and dry during the heavy rains and floods. The lavender in your garden looks beautiful and we wish you and Jimi peaceful times ahead 💜🐈

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    • Glad you liked this post! And thank you so much for your kind words and concern!
      We have so many more flowers in the lavender this year. I love the smell and it makes me feel like I’m in the South of France.

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  16. Ah yes! We were missing you two indeed! Happily you are celebrating and sharing time with us now. I am sorry to read you must wrestle with estate issues and hope you are able to sort those out. Seeing Jimi is a lovely day brightener. 💕🌞🥳💕

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    • Hi Christine. Thank you so much for your heartwarming comment, my dear friend! I’m glad you liked this post.
      Thank goodness I have a good friend who’s a specialist in taking care of the difficult paperwork. And what would I do without Jimi? He always helps me to get through the day when I’m having a hard time…

      Hope you’re having a wonderful Sunday! Jimi sends his regards!

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  17. Hello Herman,
    We were worried for you and Jimi, especially as we read the news of the floods in your country. We are relieved to see you are safe, and doing well. I continue to send my best wishes to you and Jimi – and all your dear ones. May the real estate issues be resolved (they seem to be quite a hassle in any country) and please stay safe!
    All best from Japan,
    Takami

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    • Hi Takami. Thank you so much for your kind comment and concern! Hope you and your loved ones are safe and healthy.
      Are you enjoying the Olympic Games? It’s weird to see all the sport events in empty buildings…

      Wishing you all the best, my friend!

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      • Hello Mr. Herman,
        Thank you for your kind concern. And again we are glad that you and your dear ones are doing well. And of course Jimi.

        Unfortunately we have not been able to enjoy the Olympic Games in “real time” but the news channels have kept up updated on the progress. You are right, it is strange for the athletes to compete under these circumstances…

        I hope you continue to take good care and stay well, my friend.

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        • Hi Takami. Thank you so much for your reply. I feel a little bit sad that the Games are almost over. I always enjoyed the live reports and the views of your beautiful country.

          Hope you’re having a wonderful Sunday evening, my friend!

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  18. How absolutely wonderful to hear from you and Jimi! Glad things are OK for you both – it’s good to hear you have been safe from the floods. The weather worldwide is strange this year….global warming is doing a good job of catching all of us off balance. Your lavender is beautiful and I can see why Jimi enjoys it too since butterflies are attracted to it! Please take care of yourselves – you are one of my favorite people and Jimi is one of our favorite cat friends………….

    Hugs Pam (and Teddy too)

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    • Hi Pam. Thank you so much for your heartwarming comment and concern. This means a lot to me, having such good friends on the other side of the world.
      The weather is acting so weird, all over the planet. We’re still having cold and rainy days and we are very happy to catch a few hours of sunlight.
      Jimi doesn’t like it when he has to stay indoors while it’s raining. He loves to be outside, just like me.

      Wishing you a wonderful week, my dear friend! Jimi sends his regards!

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    • Thank you so much for your kind comment and concern, my dear friend! Now we’re only waiting for the summer to arrive… 😉

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  23. Hi Herman, I’m glad to see your post here, I was getting a bit worried not seeing anything from you for a while, but glad that you were not affected from those horrible floods. I see so much beautiful lavender plants in your garden and at first glance Jimi in the garden looked like Bowie. All this troubles with the paperwork shall pass soon and your mind will eventually be free for all the things you love to do. Many greetings from the coast here from Moshu and me to you and Jimi.

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    • Hi Cornelia. Thank you so much for your kind and heartwarming comment! Guess you were also worried about the situation in Germany. I was so happy we were spared from the devastating floods but seeing so many victims made me cry.
      Meanwhile we’re waiting for the summer to arrive. Jimi doesn’t like it to spend so many hours indoors. And I would love to drink my espressos outside too… 😉

      Wishing you a great week ahead, my friend! Jimi sends his regards to Moshu!

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  24. Yes! You have been sorely missed! I have checked your Blog many times to see if all was well. 🙂
    Sorry to hear about the Admin issues – and those awful floods. So glad you were in a safe place.
    Love your garden and it’s great you could sit out with friends to enjoy it. Jimi is looking fantastic! 🙂

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  25. Its so good to hear from you, and know that your area was spared in the horrible floods. And that Jimi now really loves the garden. There is fun stuff for him to do out there, yea. I hope the issues with your father’s settlement will get done and easily. Keep enjoying as much summer as comes you way. And be well.

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    • Glad you liked this post! And thank you so much for your kind comment and concern, my dear friend! I know things will finally get better in the end, even the Cover-19 situation. I just need to be patient, and have some extra ice cream probably… 😉
      I’m very happy Jimi loves to be outside. But lately we’re having so many rainy days and he needs to stay indoors, and he doesn’t like that…

      Thanks for the tweet, much appreciated! Wishing you a great week ahead!

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  26. Lovely photos and post, Herman. I’m glad you were okay in those terrible floods. I hope everything works out soon with the estate. I went through the same thing last year and I know it’s painful because the grief is tied up with it, but once it is resolved I hope a weight lifts off your shoulders. Your party sounds delightful.

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    • So true. I’m still having a hard time with the loss of my father and it’s so hard to get all the paperwork done… But I got some friends helping me out.

      Thank you so much for your kind comment and concern! I was also very happy to invite some close friends for a small celebration (birthday). It was the first time we met since a very long time. And we’re all chocolate and coffee addicts… 😉

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  27. We were missing you! I was just thinking over the weekend, that it seemed like a while since one of your wonderful posts have come across the computer. So sorry about that awful flood disaster; so happy you and Jimi and your community were spared, and congrats on the vaccines!

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    • Hi Pamela. Thank you so much for your kind comment and concern! I felt it was time to get some new posts on the blog. I took a lot of photographs of Jimi hanging around in the garden lately. He loves to be outside.

      We were very lucky during the floods but also very shocked seeing the victims around us.
      Hope you’re okay and wishing you all the best, my friend!

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  28. It’s great to see a post from you Herman; I’m happy you were spared from the terrible flooding, and I pray everyone can stay safe from another such flood happening again. I understand all too well about estate issues; been there, done that, NOT FUN ~~~~~~

    jimi….dood…..yur gardin iz AWESUM !!!! pleez N joy sum out side time for uz with thanx; we never get past de garage !!! and we due hope a mouz happenz yur way ~~~ 😉 🙂 ♥♥

    bee safe and healthy ♥♥☺☺

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    • Hi there, my friends! Glad to read your comment. Thank you so much for the kind words and concern! I know I have to be patient, in the end everything will be alright…

      Jimi’s still in his waiting position to catch a mouse. I prefer to have some ice cream… 😉

      Have a great week, my friends! Jimi sends his regards!

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  30. I was horrified and saddened by the news of floods throughout Europe and tried to find your FB page to DM you (no luck). I’m relieved that you were safe and your town spared. Sadly, it seems to be either draught and fire or rain and floods. We happen to be experiencing the former. When we we learn to take care of this planet?

    August already, I did miss you guys in July and knew you were having a Birthday. I used to have it on my calendar, but that phone got broke in my garden and I didn’t have it backed up. I still haven’t backed up my new phone either 😬. More importantly, belated Birthday Wishes for a peaceful and healthy year my friend.

    As other have said, death of a loved one can be a big headache. A Will is essential. But I know it’s a cost some can’t afford or procrastinate about for a reason I completely understand. Good luck sorting it out Herman. Wishing you and Jimi time in the garden together, enjoying some much deserved sunshine (I hope) 💛 xK ps, apologies for this chatting message, I’m only partially at fault, you missed a month ! 🤣

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    • Hi Kelly. Thank you so much for your heartwarming comment and concern. It makes me feel good to get such sweet support from the other side of the world.

      Thanks for the birthday wishes. I bought myself a special gift and will write a post when it arrives. It’s really something very special… 😉

      Meanwhile we’re still waiting for the summer to arrive. It keeps on raining almost every day of the week. If there’s a dry periode, Jimi and I rush outside to enjoy the garden with espresso and cat treats. The weather is acting so strange, all over the world. Like you said, we need to take better care of our precious planet.

      Wishing you a great week, my dear Canadian friend! Jimi sends his regards!

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    • Thank you so much for your kind comment and concern. Sorry I missed your comment; WP placed it in the Spam folder.
      We’re having a strange summer this year, temperatures are too low and we’re getting too much rain…

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  33. What a beautiful place for a get together. The lavender is gorgeous. Cats can be very patient when it suits them. XOCK, angel Lily Olivia, angel Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy, Sawyer & Kizmet

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    • I’m very happy with my beautiful garden. It’s fun to go outside with Jimi by my side.
      Wishing you a wonderful weekend, my friend!

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    • Hi Julie. Thank you so much for your kind comment and concern!
      Jimi loves to be outside in the garden. He doesn’t care if it’s raining but I prefer to keep him indoors on rainy days…

      Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend, Julie! Jimi sends his regards!

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    • Hi Susan. Thank you so much for your kind comment and checking out my posts. Hope you’re okay too. We’re having a weird summer this year with lots of rain fall. But thank goodness there are also some sunny days once in a while so we can go outside and enjoy the garden…

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  36. Herman, I haven’t been keeping up with you (been busy too) and sorry I missed this post. I’m glad you were safe from the floods, but I hope your country can recover, rebuild and find some peace from the loss of life.

    I am envious of your lavender garden. It’s beautiful and I can see why it would attract butterflies and keep Jimi busy chasing them. I hope your weather has settled and you can actually find summer before it ends. Love and peace from across the big pond.

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    • Hi Mary. No problemo! Thank you so much for your kind comment and concern. The whole country was in shock after the floods. We have never seen something devastating like this.

      I love the lavender in the garden. I wish they could bloom for a longer period. Summer seems to be here right now; we’re having warm days without rain, finally. Jimi is outside the whole day and I love to join him for coffee.

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    • Thank you so much for your kind comment and concern! Glad you liked this post.
      Hope you’re having a wonderful weekend, my friend!

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