This past Sunday was one of those typical Dutch ones. I remember being amazed when I first came here from South Africa that we could have four seasons in one day, just like the Crowded House song. What surprised me even more was that it happened quite regularly, meaning we could have brilliant sunshine, torrential rain, a gale and snow within the space of 24 hours.
In South Africa, the weather tended to be much more stable and predictable. Here in the Netherlands, you never know what you’re going to get next, especially at this time of year.
Yesterday was like that. We had a lovely morning walking in beautiful sunshine, but by 3 p.m. it had started snowing and it came down heavily. Daughter 2, Mo, had been to visit and headed back home just in time. This was what it looked like at 3.30 p.m.
Then, this morning it was raining, blowing a hoolie and miserable; we even had some hail, so dog walking seemed destined to be a quick dash between the showers. Surprisingly, the weather improved, so we managed not only a decent walk, but also a trip to the harbour to check on the boats. That was just as well, because our Hennie Ha had slipped her mooring in the gale and was floating across her berth ready to take off. Fortunately, the sun was shining again by this time and fixing her back in place was done without complaint or cold. It was a lesson learned, though. Our new mooring will need some rethinking.
Ten minutes later, we were checking on Vereeniging and the rain started again, without any warning. Well at least the wet stuff helped to clean the tarpaulin, but we naturally kept it as brief as possible. As I said, the Dutch weather is unpredictable, even fickle! Zoe loves cold, dry weather, but she’s not a fan of having wet paws…just like her mum. Here she is looking relieved after having her fluff dried.
Of course, I know why the weather’s not great. It’s Carnival time here in our area, and it’s guaranteed that there will be rain, cold, and anything else the sky can throw at us during these festivities. I never quite understand why anyone wants to participate, but there you go. It’s very popular and the costumes people put together are amazing! Wonderful colours and zany outfits. I saw a man today dressed up as a pony and rider. I still can’t quite figure out how that worked.
Enjoy the rest of you week, allemaal, and I hope your weather’s not too bad. It seems to have been extreme for so many people, and there’s been so much damage. Take care until next time.
Oh my goodness, Val, your life is certainly not predictable or boring in any shape or form. I adore your photos and the snow scenes are so pretty even if it’s cold. We have had so much rain here, I think we might have had to consider getting a boat but we live on the side of a mountain, so most of the water flows away, thank goodness.
ReplyDeleteAh, thank you for the lovely comment. I'm now trying to figure out who you are but it's escaping me. Living on the side of a mountain should be a clue, but ..... Anyway, it was lovely to hear from you and I hope the rain stops soon!
DeleteOh dear. I really sympathize with you, Val. We have roller-coaster weather in North Texas, too. But our crazy temperatures went from 80°F to -7°F in a couple of days. Sunshine to freezing rain. And snow on top of the ice. Chloe like Zoe, was not impressed at all. But how lovely to visit HH and Vereenigen! I'm crossing fingers, praying and anything else that you can properly go faring this summer. 💚
ReplyDeleteThank you, Chris. It’s definitely not my favourite season either, as you know. 🤣 but I’m glad we haven’t had your extremes. You never get a chance to adjust with swings like that! Stay warm, my friend! 🌺
DeleteOh, Val - you will be so blessed when spring, summer, and decent boating weather arrives! What a mix all in one day. Scotland is somewhat like that...but perhaps not quite as bad. Everything just turns to rain! (Steph)
ReplyDeleteOh Steph, yes, it’s the price you pay for living in one of the most beautiful countries. That’s why it’s beautiful! It rains so much! I’m so sorry, my friend. Let’s pray for a warm, dry spring! 🥰
DeleteIt's a bit like that here these days, though less dramatic!
ReplyDelete'Blowing a hoolie' - that sounds like an Australian phrase, even though it's probably Dutch or SA or somewhere in England I've never lived!
On the positive side, you never appreciate the dry sunny weather like you do after two weeks of rain... Lovely post and pics! xx
Thanks, TT! I was sure I’d answered your comment but it seems to have disappeared. Perhaps I forgot to publish it. I think I got ‘blowing a hoolie’ from SA, but even there it could have come from somewhere else. I have a feeling it’s originally Scottish. That’s definitely true about appreciating the sunshine after the rain. Xx
DeleteOur weather is often similar to yours here on the Lincolnshire coast, but we get very low amounts of snow. It seems to have been raining all winter but we are having a milder spell just now, even the odd day of sunshine. Popcorn and I have been able to walk along the Fitties, I hope our milder temperatures and brief sunshine reaches you soon.
ReplyDeleteZoe looks as though she just sits back and relaxes. Take care, David and Popcorn
I think your weather is very similar to ours here in Scotland as we have 'all seasons in a day too; Hail, rain shine and it often blows a hoolie too. I think blowing a hoolie originated in Orkney as an old Scots word for a gale is a 'hoolan' How fortuitous that you visited the Hennie Ha if she was floating adrift. I sympathise with Zoe about having wet paws. Rory does not like going out in the rain. I hope all this rain stops and that Spring will spring soon x
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