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WWI remembrance day 2018

By Leendert van Gemeren 11 november 2018 10 november 2018 Leave a Comment

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

Poor

By Leendert van Gemeren 3 augustus 2018 Leave a Comment

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.

Love over Gold

By Leendert van Gemeren 19 februari 2018 27 november 2017 Leave a Comment

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.

The Sols Hole

By Leendert van Gemeren 22 oktober 2018 16 oktober 2017 Leave a Comment

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 The Netherlands. Remember I told you about roasting Chestnuts at her place?

A Ghost!

By Leendert van Gemeren 25 januari 2019 5 augustus 2017 Leave a Comment

A Ghost! A Ghost!
I think I saw one in that window of the Hall!
A Ghost! A Ghost!
But you know what is most curious of it all?
A Ghost! a Ghost!
She will jump out of it but she’ll never fall!

Happy birthday Queen Elizabeth!

By Leendert van Gemeren 19 februari 2018 21 april 2016 Leave a Comment

Today it is the 90^th 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 The Netherlands.

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!

Tube, Wireless, Turntable

By Leendert van Gemeren 19 februari 2018 20 april 2016 1 reactie

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 biro or a felt pen.

2015 in Review

By Leendert van Gemeren 19 februari 2018 17 december 2015 Leave a Comment

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.

The Romance of Steam Trains

By Leendert van Gemeren 19 februari 2018 16 juli 2015 Leave a Comment

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 The Netherlands in a province called Limburg.

Exams

By Leendert van Gemeren 1 mei 2018 20 mei 2015 Leave a Comment

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.