The end of the year is almost here and I can hardly believe how fast it's whipped by. I think I'm like many in not being able to grasp the speed at which this year has disappeared, but, in truth, it started like any other in so far as we began with winter, which then morphed into a beautiful spring. After that, though, the weather was anything but normal for our part of the world. We had a beautiful, dry spring and a wonderful hot, dry summer. The only downside was the lack of water in the canals, which limited our faring, as it has done on numerous occasions in the past years. However, what the water shortages resulted in was a particularly lovely slow cruise in September, which Koos and I enjoyed immensely.
Autumn was also gorgeous with colours the like of which I haven't seen in a long time. We spent some of both October and November in France and were amazed at the beauty of the hues the trees offered us. Since then, though, the world has reverted to its usual seasonal grey murk and both the latter part of November and early December have put us firmly back in our northern European place. Luckily, I've been immersed in work, which has kept me distracted from the gloom. I've also been busy (as you might remember) cramming for my VHF radio exam, which I'm thrilled to say I passed last Thursday.
So now we've begun the last two weeks of 2025 and before we know it, 2026 will be upon us. Tomorrow, I am going to London to see my family and at the weekend, we'll be heading down to the Crumbly Cottage Mk II to spend the Christmas holiday there.
I'm hoping I might get to write another blog before the end of the year, but for now, I'll finish this one with a few of the photos I've enjoyed most from this year's highlights.
I'm not giving them captions, but they are in chronological order and reflect how blessed we are to spend time in such beautiful environs in the Netherlands, Belgium and France.
Have a good week allemaal, and I hope I can close the year off with another post before the holiday begins.
Oh Val!! Congratulations on acing the VHS test!! Your life is full of variety, eye candy, and beauty. Have a safe & lovely Christmas & New Year. Xxxoo
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear Patti. I know I’m blessed. Wishing you a lovely, happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year too, my friend! 🎄
DeleteMarvelous photos! And what an incredible year! May you be blessed to overflowing in 2026. (Steph)
ReplyDeleteOh likewise, Steph. i think of you every day. I do hope you are surrounded with support and kindness in the coming period. 🙏🏻🎄😘
DeleteEnjoyed your year in photos Val.Congratulations with passing the VHF test.Enjoy Christmas in England.
ReplyDeleteJan Olivier
DeleteThank you so much, Jan! I’ve enjoyed following your travels and photos this year too. I can be in my beloved SA vicariously thanks to you. Happy Christmas!
DeleteWe feel time speeds up when we're focused on activities. You've had such an eventful year, Val. So, I'm not surprised that you felt that 2025 went by in a flash. I've felt that, too! Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2026.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pradeep! I’m looking forward to reading more posts from your fascinating part of the world next year! Happy festive season to you and yours!
DeleteCongratulations on passing the VHF test Val... and thank you for sharing the lovely images of your travels. Wishing you a wonderful Christmas and New Year..♥
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Sally! The same to you, yours, and your furry family too! 🤗
DeleteWell done on passing your VHF test and all the best to you and Koos for the festive season and 2026, Margaret Crompton
ReplyDeleteThank you, Margaret! That's kind of you. Wishing you two all the best as well. I read your blogs when you publish them and really enjoy them, but I can't seem to comment as there is no field for doing so. I hope you'll continue writing them in the coming year! xx
DeleteI enjoyed seeing these photo's from your year. Lots of blue sky plus boats & water, a great combination. Take care Val, David and Popcorn
ReplyDeleteThank you, David. We could do with some of that blue sky now, couldn’t we?
DeleteDear Val, what gorgeous photos of your European waterways and faring. All the very best to you and Koos for Christmas, and many more adventures in 2026. xx
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Trish! I hope we'll see more of you next year too, and all the very best to you for Christmas and the New Year as well! xx
DeleteVal, it sounds like you have had an awesome year. Lovely pictures. Happy holidays!
ReplyDelete