I'm so sorry for your loss

I'm so sorry to hear you had to let go of your mother.. You and her were very close. In only one year, you lost both your father and your mother and I don't know what to say to you. It's okay.. your mom was ready to go. She must have known your father would be waiting for her. He'll take over now, my friend. She won't be by herself. She'll be taken care off.

Things will change for you and your family. Your children lost the grandparents they loved very deeply. They were old enough to hop on their bikes and pay them a visit. They will no longer be able to do that. All of you will grieve. I hope you and your sister will find a way to cope and hold on to each other.

Remember the good times. Think about the holidays at your parents' place. How you had fun and how you enjoyed each others company.

Photo by Lana Joos

Some hectic days are coming up, arranging everything for your moms last wishes. If there's anything I can do to make things easier, give me a buzz, okay? I'll light a candle for your mom. She's in peace now..

Well, duh!

This man goes to the doctor and he says: Doc, my hearing is no longer what it used to be. Please help me..
The doctor asks him what the exact problem is and the patient tells him: Well Doc, the thing is, my wife says I hear only half of what she's telling me..
The doctor scratches his head, thinks some more and suggests to test out the problem. So he sits in front of his patient and says: I'll tell you something. Then you let me know what I said, okay? The patient agrees and gets ready to hear what the doctor has to say.
The doctor says: 16!
His patient looks at him and replies: 8??

Jättegott!

Delicious! I believe that is the exact word to describe my lunch at Litus in Dendermonde. What a fine place to have lunch or dinner. I'm always looking for good places to eat out. Places where the cook is not dead yet, but vibrant and energetic and daring. A cook who is creative and not afraid to make some adjustments to the menu if that's what the customer wants.

I still don't eat that many carbohydrates, because for me, that's the best way to control my blood glucose, so I asked for a veggie stir-fry dish without noodles or rice. The dish I got was filled with crunchy goodies in a yummy sauce. It was an exciting meal and very fulfilling. Too bad the restaurant is an hour drive from our place, because I would most certainly frequent the place on a weekly basis.

The menu is inviting to say the least. There's a lot of creativity and healthy dishes are not an exception. Fresh fruitsalad for dessert? I'll sign up!

The C-word..

I was shocked when I heard your ringtone at 7:30 PM. This is not your hour to call me and I immediately knew something had happened. You confirmed that thought... Your mom is in the hospital. The doctor called you with bad news.. Indeed.. the C-word. I find it too heard to pronounce the complete word in your presence. Because the news is devastating. This ugly disease has spread its tentacles inside your mother's body. This is so unexpected. Okay, she wasn't feeling well and the grief over the death of your father has left its traces for sure. Your mom is so strong and realistic and a proud woman. She's been through quite a lot in the last decade, but she kept going and didn't complain.

I don't know what to say to you.. It's too much. I would want to comfort you and tell you everything's going to be okay. But it's not.. How could it be okay? You may be losing your mom in the near future. That is not okay at all. It's too soon after losing your dad. I wish it were different, but there's not much we can do, is there?

Let's hope your mom will find peace and pain relief. She knows you love her to pieces. She knows what you have done for her over the years. Hold her.. she'll need you..

Simplifying life

My friends ask me when I cook all the meals I talk about. There's some planning involved and good kitchen appliances are beneficial too. My latest catch is a slow cooker. Back in 1992 I was introduced to this kitchen tool in a shop in Portland, Oregon. There was a demonstration on the slow cooker and I thought it was a great invention. I wanted to take one home, but those machines are heavy and I never got to take one to Belgium.

The slow cooker had slipped my mind, until this January I saw several cook books with slow cooker recipes in Florida. I scrolled through the recipes and again, it drew my attention. But there were still the same objections: how would I take one home??

In Belgium, people are not familiar with slow cookers. They prefer pressure cookers. I own a pressure cooker too and I do use it on a regular basis. But can you believe the joy I felt, when I saw the slow cooker in a local supermarket??? I didn't hesitate this time and I got one for me and one for my friend. I was anxious to try it out and discover new recipes. It does what it's supposed to do: you add the ingredients to the pan in the morning and you leave for work. When you get home, dinner is ready and you can serve yourself. How about that? Is that a time saver or what?

Man, how I love this appliance! In only 7 days it has prepared as many dishes. This is the perfect kitchen tool for all those who have no time to cook. By the time you come home from work, your house smells wonderful of that delicious home cooked stew. How about that? Does that sound like a plan? It sure did to me! Think of making your own chicken stock in the slow cooker. Chili con carne, coq-au-vin, hotchpotch, a good old fashioned pea-soup, sticky chicken thighs and thick chowders. Or barbecued shredded pork to fill those soft buns with?

So next August, when we go back to Florida, I'll get myself some cookbooks on slow cookers. Looking forward to that! And in the meantime, I'll cook some more chilis, stews and soups and pot roasts. Long live kitchen appliances that simplify our life!

Until the day I die

We just started to get to know one another and we already have to say goodbye. I'm ready to come over to your place, before you head off to your last destination. You're not getting any better, that is impossible because C took over and made you very sick. You know what everybody else is talking about. They try to whisper, but their words are harsh and too loud. They frighten you and the words make you anxious and uncomfortable. You don't really know what to think of it. In the beginning of the week, you asked your nurse to help you fill out the euthanasia forms. You have always been a proud man who took real good care of himself. That's one of the reasons why it's so important for you to have closure worthy of a human being. There's no need to suffer, you had your share in life. I hope it will be a comfort to you, to know that you will see your partner again, in the next life. He'll be waiting for you, you know. He may not recognize you right away, since C made you loose a lot of weight. But he will find you in the end, for the two of you were so close nothing can come between that kind of love.

Photo by Lana Joos

I'll give you a warm hug later this morning. I hope you will find peace. Take care, Mr R. It was an honor to get to know you. You will be missed. We share the same nurse and you made her proud. You took your disease like a man and you lived your life the best way possible. Whenever I will listen to my favorite musical songs, I'll keep you in mind. You will not be forgotten..

A happy camper

You kept saying: I can't believe I'm about to turn 14!!! Guess what? Today is your day! Happy birthday sweetheart.. Years go by in a fast mode and you change even faster. You're no longer  my little girl since you grew up to become a beautiful young lady. Last week, you had your first valentine party at boarding school. I tried to imagine the excitement and joy of the ladies' boarding school on their way to throw a party at the boys' boarding school. It's so movie like! You probably had a cheeky blush on your cheeks and sweaty hands. These are moments to cherish sweetie pie..

photo taken by Lana Joos

You were very specific about your birthday present this year. Tonight, I'm coming over to your boarding school and that's when you'll get your present. You'll be excited! The relatives can't wait to have your birthday party. As usual we're celebrating at grandma's. The whole family will be there to sing for you and your little cousin, who's about to have his birthday too. I wonder what cake you will pick this year. Maybe your sister will make you her famous Nigella Lawson pavlova?

Say shava shava

For those who are Indian movie lovers like myself: does Kabhi khushi kabhi gham ring a bell? Just the sound of the words are plenty to make me smile. Indian music is so vibrant and catching, it always makes you want to get up and dance.

This evening we came home from spending 3 days in The Hague, Holland. The purpose of our trip was the Bollywood Dance Show in the World Forum Theater annex Novotel Hotel. We had a blast! Let's say 90% of the audience was Indian and they came in their colorful outfits, what made the night even more special. We had great seats and didn't have to miss anything happening on stage. Say shava shava was our most favorite song. Let me warn you: the music is really contagious! That is, if you are willing to open up to Indian music. Bathe yourself in the culture and the atmosphere of Bollywood!

It's always total excitement to spend a couple of days abroad accompanied by our friends. We share the same interests for music, theater, shopping, dining out,.. meaning we do not get bored.. ever! Too bad it was so cold outside. The wind was too much. We were all longing for the Indian sun!

Some years ago, my sister-in-law and I took Indian cooking classes and that was so interesting! I love Indian cuisine! Too bad the hotel restaurant didn't serve an Indian meal beforehand. Their menu was definitely fine and delicious, but we like to do things a little different. I would not have minded chapati, aloo paratha, Bombay potatoes, a spicy curry and a cooling raita for dinner. Maybe we should've bought a couple of shalwar kameez to dress up and enter the theater in style?

We enjoyed the show and there is the need for more hangers to put away the new clothes. The Hague is a wonderful town if you like to shop. Check out The Sting! for your newest outfit or visit the shops in Hasselt or Antwerp on your next bargain hunting.

There's one anecdote from the show I would like to share with you. Young couples get engaged and that's where the engagement ring comes in. The next one in line is the wedding ring. A few years later, you get the "suffering"..

Thank you my friends and hubby, for giving us the opportunity to hang out together and enjoying a great time! It was awesome!

I know what you mean

I get tired and upset. And I'm trying to care a little less. When I google I only get depressed. I was taught to dodge those issues I was told. Don't worry, there's no doubt. There's always something to cry about. When you're stuck in an angry crowd. They don't think what they say before they open their mouths.

Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag and bury them beneath the sea. I don't care what the people may say, what the people may say about me.
Pack up your troubles, get your old grin back. Don't worry 'bout the cavalry. I don't care what the whisperers say, cause they whisper too loud for me...

Intimate stories

Three ladies on a couch, holding their glasses of wine and sipping in between conversations. Intimate stories are being told and olives are gobbled up, leaving oil and herbs on their fingers. The clattering of their laughter, the softness of their words, the warm feeling of their friendship. Tears may be rolling down their cheeks and breaths may be held for seconds, listening to lifetime experiences..

The age doesn't matter. They all have their own stories to tell, their own experiences in life. One happened to have suffered from a major life threatening operation: she survived.. It has made her a different person. A person we get to know better little by little. A person worthwhile. Nourished and loved by the beloved ones in her life.
A white pigeon keeps her safe when she's going through rough times. She's being looked after and that is comforting.

She welcomed the other two into her house, making them feel at home. She has been in the life of one of the others for 17 years. She's grown to become a woman and a dedicated mother. She's doing well in life, despite some down episodes on her way. She's a fighter and a struggler but still she can hold her back straight. The care over her son softens her personality. He and she are a good team.

The third lady in the house is the oldest one. Nearly forty, but feeling a whole lot younger. Her children are a bit older and so are the issues. She's enjoying the company of the other two, soaking up their feelings and emotions and wiping away a tear in the corner of her eye. Grateful for this friendship and bond. Grateful for life. Grateful for being..

photo by Lana Joos

Snowdrops, crocuses and daffs

Spring must be announcing its presence. Walking around town, I saw bunches of snowdrops, purple crocuses and little daffodils peeping out of the soil. It always warms my heart to see the first signs of spring. Time for new life, time for new adventures. It does not yet smell like spring outside. There's too much rain and the clouds spoil it all. But thinking of spring makes me happy nevertheless.

I can't wait for Lana to go outside and take the first spring pictures. The other night she got up at 5 AM to take pictures of the sunrise.. and with a very good result. I would like to have some of her pictures enlarged to expose them in our hallway. I'm not sure yet, whether I should have them printed in color, sepia or black and white. Or maybe I should keep them in a file until there are enough pictures to have them printed in a book.. We'll see.

Grand Opening!

This evening, Diabetescafé Aalst is opening its doors for the very first time. From then on, all people with diabetes (and their friends/relatives) are more than welcome to join in and come over for a drink and a chat. Every 3rd Thursday, the Diabetescafé will be happy to receive you in Bed & Breakfast  Royal Astrid, located on Keizersplein 27 in Aalst. At 7:00 PM, the doors open and about half an hour later there will be a lecture on diabetes. You will get the opportunity to ask your questions and discuss the subject with colleague diabetics. Get your agenda and schedule these Thursdays, so you don't miss out next time!

If you'd like more information on the Diabetescafé, you can call or email 09 333 57 40 or gvo.bmovl@socmut.be

Hello darling - hello goodlooking!

Why is it that children want to turn 18 overnight and grown ups do not wish to grow any older? At what age did you tell yourself: this is the age I would like to keep forever?

Happy birthday, my friend! If I could come over now and give you your birthday kisses, I would. Just a couple of more days, before we head off to Holland. Three wonderful days are laying ahead of us. I like to go away for the weekend if a birthday is to be celebrated. Just friends among friends, what more can we wish for?

Now what do I wish for you this coming year? I have thought about it. The best I could wish you, is a good health I guess, since it's priceless and life is better if ones health is promising. I hope we'll see a whole lot more of each other too and I'm pretty sure that will happen. I'm still working on a special gift for you, and I hope I will have enough time to finish it. I'll do the best I can, sweetie xx

I would also like to give away some more birthday wishes to my D-friend from Lier and my father-in-law xxx

Passionate

I'm passionate about cooking. The kitchen is my domain and I spend a lot of time trying out new recipes. Reading is another passion of mine, but lately I have read more cook books than other stories. People ask me: how much time do you spend in the kitchen? after they read my menus. To be truthful: not that much.. It's mostly about planning and mise-en-place and having the right ingredients in your fridge and pantry. The actual cooking is not that intense. I love to stir-fry and that comes in real handy. It's fast, healthy and you end up eating loads of vegetables you would not eat otherwise.

Since I skip bread, I have to replace those meals by something else. That's when I choose to have leafy greens or a plate of veggies. How can you ever run out of ideas? There are so many vegetables to taste and prepare. I never get bored, reading recipes and running errands. World cuisine is more than exciting and you get to taste new flavors. Why not? I'm not the boiled potato-sausage-applesauce kind of person. I like excitement and that's what I want on my plate as well. Dishes that burst with flavor. A plate that is exciting to look at, because we do eat with our eyes, don't we?

When is the last time you had bean sprouts, pea pods, romain lettuce, salsifies or horseradish? Do you always pick peas and carrots out of a tin or a plain tomato? Vegetables are so much more. Surprise yourself. Treat your body well and give it the vitamins it deserves. You will benefit from it..

Valentine

Unforgettable, that's what you are

Unforgettable, though near or far

Like a song of love that clings to me

How the thought of you does things to me

Never before has someone been more

Unforgettable in every way

And forever more, that's how you'll stay

That's why, darling, it's incredible

That someone so unforgettable

Thinks that I am unforgettable too

Just the way you are

We all come in different sizes, shapes and personalities. That's what makes the world interesting to say the least. Imagine a world where we would all look alike and share the same opinion. It might be fun for some time, but I would definitely miss the diversity of the people around us. Meeting with and talking to people from different cultures, religions, disabilities or orientation enriches our life. It doesn't mean I would want to live exactly like them or that I need to agree with everything they stand for, but it gives us the opportunity to reflect and think about who we are.

In each person I meet, I find attractive and interesting features that I like to indulge. I'm like a sponge, soaking up as much information I can hold. The world is immensely big. We will never have the chance to visit every country and meet up with locals. That's why I embrace other cultures in my neighborhood. It's different than learning in school or out of a book. It's real life. It's sad that some are too blindsighted to open their heart and let other people get to know them. Maybe they miss out on a unique chance. It doesn't mean you have to become best friends, but at least it will be a new experience. Isn't that the reason why we like to go abroad and travel around? Then why is it so hard to appreciate different people for who they are in our own surroundings..

Negative Nelly

Life isn't always what we want it to be. I do believe that life is what you make it. There are many factors we can't control, but still, there's a lot we can do to make life worthwhile. Being a Negative Nelly is not part of it.. Some people have the tendency to remain negative, no matter what life brings them. Instead of seeing the positive things in life, they keep focussing on what goes wrong. That is so sad and it ruins their opportunities to make the most of it.

I try to keep away from negative people. We all have days we would like to forget about as soon as possible - I won't deny that. But is it really necessary to keep whining about whatever went wrong in life? What's the use? I don't get it. Try to have fun. Be happy. Keep busy and change whatever you're not happy with. Did your boyfriend break up with you? Fine! Too bad, but hey, would you rather have stayed with him, knowing he didn't love you any more? Don't think so. Cry, stand up and move on. It's not the end of the world, really.. You'll be much happier as Chipper Charlotte, than you were as Negative Nelly..

A knight in shining armor

We talked quite a bit on the Internet, before we finally met. Yesterday, I came to Antwerp to visit you in the hospital. After being diagnosed diabetic type 1 a year and a half ago, you decided you wanted to swap your syringes for an insulin pump. They promised you 4 days in the hospital, to get used to the pump.
My astonishment was huge! Your knowledge on the pump is immense. You must have read that manual back and forth and inside out, I assume? It didn't look like you had not been pumping beforehand. It looked pretty professional to me!

You're a very sweet young man. I would say: the perfect son(-in-law). Seriously! So honest, open minded, friendly and considerate. Your parents raised you well JW. They couldn't have done better. They must be very proud of you. I know I would!

It was worth the ride to come visit you. I have met a wonderful knight in shining armor. I hope to get the chance to get to know you better. You have a fresh attitude and you are very charming. Kill those D-numbers, JW. Be proud of your pump and be proud of you. Your sweetie is a lucky person!

Plunged in thought

Lana made this picture and it made me very proud of her. She has such a good eye for photography. The subjects she picks are very personal. Sometimes I can't even guess what item she took a picture off but it is nevertheless a wonderful shot.
I really love the portraits she makes. They are special and they each have their own story. There are many titles to describe her pictures and some just don't need a description.

Just the other day, a friend told me about the exposition of the Belgian top photographer Lieve Blancquaert. What a great idea! Yesterday, I decided to take Lana to the exposition and make it a day out. She's absolutely passionate about her hobby. That's why we bought her some extra lenses for the Canon. She takes real good care of the camera and uses the lenses (macro, close-up,..) the best way possible.

Having had the opportunity to admire the work of Lieve Blancquaert will give her so many ideas for future pictures. She will without any doubt study Lieve's book on the exposition and while wandering around the exposition, I could tell Lana was plunged in thought.. I'm sure she loved the portraits. I'm longing to see more of her.. Her as in Lieve and her as in Lana..

Photo by Lana Joos

Croquette

Not too long ago, my diabetes nurse invited me to join her at the theatre. We were going to attend a monologue on diabetes. Since my nurse and I get along real well and an evening out together is always a good plan, I didn't hesitate and hopped into the car.

She forgot to tell me she had also invited another friend of hers. He's been a T1 diabetic for 4 years and she wanted to introduce me to him or the other way around. He doesn't know that many other sweetbees and maybe it was time for him to find a mate. Now that was a great idea! What a wonderful personality! The three of us had a good time together and the diabetes monologue was interesting too.

I guess I have found another D-friend. If only I could convince him to join us at a diabetes meeting one day, it would open his eyes. It would teach him that life with D isn't that bad. That many of us need to inject insulin. Nothing wrong with that. I do like his way of eating: low carb and healthy.

I went to see him this week. He gave me a trendy haircut and we talked some more. He's a good guy and very thoughtful. I think we'll see more of each other..