Today is the kickoff for the Avondvierdaagse, or evenings' four day march (click here for pictures). This will be Max's third year of participation, and we're very proud of him. The kids, age 4 to 12, march an average of 5 km per evening for four evenings - a different route through & around the city each evening - and on the final evening there is an awards ceremony with lots of candy, flowers, and gifts. Max's best friend, Niek, will take part for the first time this year, so Max is especially excited. Unfortunately, our glorious weather has turned off cold, windy, and wet. The kids will march no matter the weather, so Max asked me to make sure his raincoat was handy. Next year, to my amazement, Nicky will be old enough to join in - and knowing our Nicky, I'm sure he'll want to try!



I've been slowly stitching away at this flowers & bee design for Quilts4Kids. I don't know why my stitching is going so slowly, but I can't seem to pick up the pace. Fortunately the square isn't due for ages yet; I just wanted to get it done ahead of time. I somehow managed to sign up for three quilt squares with the same deadline. Oops.
*Edited: The design is a freebie that you can download here.

Yesterday I went back to work for the first time and it was more difficult than I thought it had would be. I don't know what's more difficult - reacting to the people who don't know why I've been out of circulation for a couple of weeks (and assume I've just been enjoying the good weather) or accepting the condolences from the people who do know (which usually has me in tears or running out of the room). Last week I started taking anti-depressants; I'd reached a point where I just wasn't able to function very effectively and that wasn't any good for anyone. They help, though I'm ever of a mixed mind when it comes to medications.


Niek did take care that we had a very nice Mother's Day. He took over breakfast duties so I could sleep in - a very, very rare treat! - and even baked two beautiful homemade breads. I snapped a picture of one, but the kids had already broken into the other one (topped with melted brown sugar) before I could get the camera out.

Spin and I wish you and yours a beautiful day!