New Year and the first January storm

In the Netherlands, it's acceptable to say 'Beste Wensen' (Best Wishes) to greet someone you haven't seen since December up until January the 6th, but many people I encounter continue doing so when they see you for the first time in the new year. So, as I haven't been here since the end of last year, I feel entitled to say Beste Wensen to everyone reading this blog. Two days late, I know, but I hope you'll forgive me.

It's been a very busy first week of the year, I must admit. The first day of January was pretty miserable so we stayed put at home, but we always like to go to the coast as soon as possible. It's become something of a tradition and even though the 2nd was very cold, it was bright enough to warrant getting in the car and heading for the estuary.

We didn't spend all too long marching along the sea dyke; it really was bitter with a northerly wind blowing, but the sky was lovely. I particularly like this photo I took of the land from the dyke. The trees always remind me of guards, standing to attention. 

Out to sea, the sky was quite dramatic with the clouds racing over. We somehow ended up in the wrong place and not the beach where the dogs like to run, but I like what they call 'verdronken land' (literally, drowned land) too. During high tide, much of the growth is covered or infiltrated by the the seawater. We were there when the tide was out, and the verdronken parts looks quite densely covered and firm. However, I wouldn't risk walking on it. At best it would be very squishy and I don't even like to think of what the worst case might be.

That small golden blob in the photo below is Zoe, who thoroughly enjoyed scampering along the dyke. There are often sheep  there, so the smells were heaven to a small dog of extremely olfactory tendencies.

The following days were spent catching up with chores and taking down all the decorations. We'd had a lovely Christmas and a quiet New Year, but since we were doing some sorting out and de-cluttering, we thought we'd declutter the tree and the lights as well and put them away for next year. The only reminder left is the lovely collection of cards, which I'll keep for a while.

By this last weekend, the wind was picking up in preparation for our first 'hoolie' of the year. I don't know if it warranted a name but by Monday, it was gusting very hard and my poor daughter lost the cladding off the side of her vestibule. It was just ripped off by the wind, so yesterday, we tacked some tarpaulin over the gaping hole to protect it from rain until she can get some wooden planking to replace the plastic 'tongue and groove' that had come off.

That said, we had another lovely walk with a spectacular sky.

And our canal was pretty impressive as well. In the photo below, you can see the waves and whitecaps on the water, just as if it was a fast-running river. I don't think I've ever seen it so rough. Luckily, my Vereeniging and the Hennie H weren't affected. It's such a relief to have them close by, even when we're not on board. Unfortunately, Vereeniging's mooring situation makes it too difficult and too dangerous to get on board, when there's a big storm so we have to be sensible and not take risks. At least we can check on both boats easily, though.

Lastly, I'm not one for making NY resolutions. That's asking for trouble as I can rarely keep them, but I have resumed writing the sequel to my novel, The Skipper's Child, and I hope I can manage to finish it before the summer. I've also decided to do some drawing and aim to do just a small sketch every day, if I can. How long I can keep it up I don't know, because next week I start giving an eight-week course for twenty students, which will involve a lot of feedback and marking, but I'll do my best. There's also my daily Duo Lingo to do, as well as the inevitable list of DIY projects I need and want to complete. I must write a list, though, as otherwise I'll forget the lot and end up doing other things entirely!

One thing I definitely resolve to do, though, is keep up with my blog!

So, at the very least 2025 isn't going to be boring, is it? What are you all planning? I'd love to hear your aims or dreams for the year, allemaal. 

Here's a photo of Zoe just to finish off with, for Rebecca of course!