The Sols Hole, that would be the accurate translation of the Dutch name Het Solsche Gat.
It is near the place where my late grandmother lived, Garderen in the middle of the forests in Swampyland. Remember I told you about roasting Chestnuts at her place?
I was born within fifteen minutes after my twin brother. And I grew up like any normal child in those late sixties, early seventies.
At first nothing seemed wrong but soon problems started to appear, I couldn’t sit still (read my Blog ‘I CAN’T SIT STILL!‘). And if that wasn’t all, my behaviour as a child became worse over the years. Little was known about ADHD in those days and it didn’t even have a name (except ‘Disobedient’), let alone the abbreviation ADHD nor the description ‘Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder’ was invented. In those days I was just a ‘difficult child’ as opposed to my twin brother, who seemed to have it all.
WWI 1914 – 1918. 100 years ago.
265248 Private Robert John Smith of the 9th Battalion, Norfolk Regiment, died in Flanders fields, 21/03/1918, Born in Mattishall, Norfolk. Enlisted in Norwich, Norfolk. Gerry Francis’ Granddad. Great Granddad of Annette and Chris and Malcolm. He and so many others gave their lives for us. We will never forget.
100 Reasons
100 Years ago there was no reason
For killing 100 Soldiers on a day or more
100 Years today
There are 100 reasons
That we’ve learned from 100 Years before
To live another 100 years again
Without a war
I am not a Roman Catholic myself but I do respect their ways of experiencing their belief and this is why I wear this medal of Saint Francis. On the back it says “Pray for us”, Saint Francis is the Patron Saint for the poor.
This little medal reminds me to pray for them every now and then. I was poor once and living on the streets. That was a long time ago but I have not forgotten the kindness received from people, a meal, a sandwich and occasionally a drink. Very rarely I was offered a bed and shower and once a few quit to spend on clothing at the Salvation Army shop.
Do not forget the poor, do not forget them in your prayers, God bless you.
From the time when the heating went out in winter and we got snowed in and hills were hard to take with a pushbike.
When we had to choose between Home and Away and Coronation Street, and we were absolutely sure we had seen The Grey Lady and Castle Hill wasn’t hollowed out yet.
When we found time to go out together and drink a pint or two or more, when we lived high above the ground in a castle and had parties every weekend. And life was never dull.
We have something that others don’t have and it is friendship.
Today it is the 90th birthday of Queen Elizabeth. On this beautiful day I wish you a happy birthday, may God bless you for the coming years. As you can see we have put the flag out for you over here in Swampyland.
You see, I have a thing for England, I love your country for many reasons. First I have some very dear friends over there. And then there is the food, the landscape, beautiful steam trains, pubs, bitters and ales.
So this year I will drink to your health with that lovely pewter tankard I bought in Norwich a few years ago. I hope you have a very nice day with family and presents surrounding you. Dear Queen, you can be very proud of the country you reign over. I hope you love it as much as I do. Cheers!
I was very much into music when I was going to college, as all young people were in those days. There were these weekly leaflets in the record shop with the latest Top 40 and we bought our 45’s there using that list.
I can remember them oh so well, printed in black and red with an old-fashioned font they were also handed down during break time at school with the best hits encircled with a pencil or a felt pen.
Facebook wanted me to collect some pictures I posted there over the last year but I am much more a man of words really, although I do take a good picture every once in a while.
But the main event of 2015 was mostly my own little anniversary of writing down thoughts, stories, blogs and poems over the last 10 years.
I quite enjoy doing that although I know I can be a bore sometimes to you when I pester you lot with my poems. So if you want me to stop doing that you can tell me straight up but I must warn you that I most probably won’t listen, I will continue writing!
To the next 10 years. Cheers!
P.S. You may also want to read about when and why I started writing 10 years ago: The Typewriter
They say that traveling by Steam Train is one of the greatest experiences and that without it your life is just not complete. I am 47 now and I have never traveled in a real Steam Train. Until now. Last Saturday we went to a tiny little railway station in the south of Swampyland in a province called Limburg.
My two oldest children are having their exams this and next week. The stress is almost visible in the room as they review their next exam over and over again. I remember taking my exams, I remember the tension and stress, the irritation and excitement.
In a week it will all be over for them and then they will have to wait for the outcome, that one important phone call. And I know how they feel, I took my exams three times. Three most important phone calls. Three times? Yes, three times, I will explain it to you.
