I grew up in western Michigan and moved back there in retirement, but for nearly 50 years I lived away. In what sense is western Michigan my home? Even now I can’t say.
That would have been a job offer I could not have turned down, but of course there are downsides to every adventure. Missing loved ones is among them. Glad you got to Vienna and enjoyed yourself. It's a beautiful city.
Switzerland is made for Christmas, isn't it? Have all good memories of the Christmas markets and such. But of course Thanksgiving is uniquely American, and I hope to celebrate the day there next year. Thanks for reading (and commenting), Tom.
I always enjoy your writings! Thanks again for opening up the Netherlands to me, having just been there this past April/May. I have to admit that my first reaction to your article was a guffaw when I saw the first pic. It reminded me of a few US politicians! Glad you're going home for Christmas. Have a great time with your family.
Doug, I presume Susan is with you.(?) Sometimes we can be lonely even with loved ones around! The word "desolation" conjures much deeper sadness than lonely---I hope that feeling has passed! Certainly my feelings about life, family, and simply living, has changed as I've grown older! I so enjoy your writings! Warmest wishes to you and your loved ones at this most special time of year. Georgia H
Thanks for your latest post about Thanksgiving. It's been 27 years since I spent 10 years in Switzerland, and honestly I don't remember how I spent my Thanksgiving days there, except for one special one. But, I do know that there were so many Swiss holidays and traditional events to attend that the balance shifted to the positive overall for me. Especially today, Saint Nicholas Day which started the holiday season. Our company made sure that each employee found a bag of roasted peanuts, with some chocolates and other treats inside, when we got to work on December 6. Leading up to Christmas, we had many small Apero's and a department Christmas party, followed later by a company Christmas party.
For me, Thanksgiving feels best in the US, where it belongs. It is our holiday, and we all grew up with the traditions, which are mainly giving thanks, enjoying food, home and family. Hope you can enjoy all that the Netherlands has to offer in their holiday traditions!
I can only imagine how challenging it would be to be away ar the holidays. It sounds like that gathering was significant and helpful. But home is always so sweet at this time of year. I was once offered a job teaching English to the children of Austrian military in Vienna. It came to me, I did not seek it out. As appealing as it sounded, I felt under qualified ...I was not fluent in German. And I was apprehensive about being "alone" over there in my 20s. I know I was not the right choice for them for this particular position. But it has often made me wonder what it would be like to live there for an extended period of time. I LOVED Hope's Vienna Summer School! I give you lots of kudos for your courage in taking on these assignments. And hearing about your experiences allows me (in a small way) to live vicariously thru reading your musings. Thank you. And blessings on you over there.
Thanks for being a reader, Paul. And thanks especially for appreciating my photography! I hope you have a good Christmas too.
Will be in Minneapolis for Christmas with Susan, children, and grandchildren! Greetings to you too, Georgia.
That would have been a job offer I could not have turned down, but of course there are downsides to every adventure. Missing loved ones is among them. Glad you got to Vienna and enjoyed yourself. It's a beautiful city.
Switzerland is made for Christmas, isn't it? Have all good memories of the Christmas markets and such. But of course Thanksgiving is uniquely American, and I hope to celebrate the day there next year. Thanks for reading (and commenting), Tom.
I'm so glad you're a reader, Leannah!
Thanks, Marion. Having the adventure of a lifetime.
Hi Doug,
I always enjoy your writings! Thanks again for opening up the Netherlands to me, having just been there this past April/May. I have to admit that my first reaction to your article was a guffaw when I saw the first pic. It reminded me of a few US politicians! Glad you're going home for Christmas. Have a great time with your family.
Paul
Doug, I presume Susan is with you.(?) Sometimes we can be lonely even with loved ones around! The word "desolation" conjures much deeper sadness than lonely---I hope that feeling has passed! Certainly my feelings about life, family, and simply living, has changed as I've grown older! I so enjoy your writings! Warmest wishes to you and your loved ones at this most special time of year. Georgia H
In the 1939 celluloid movie "The Wizard of Oz" even the fictitious Dorothy knew, "There's no place like home." Relish the memories!
Merry Christmas Doug. I always look forward to reading your Posts!
Thanks for your latest post about Thanksgiving. It's been 27 years since I spent 10 years in Switzerland, and honestly I don't remember how I spent my Thanksgiving days there, except for one special one. But, I do know that there were so many Swiss holidays and traditional events to attend that the balance shifted to the positive overall for me. Especially today, Saint Nicholas Day which started the holiday season. Our company made sure that each employee found a bag of roasted peanuts, with some chocolates and other treats inside, when we got to work on December 6. Leading up to Christmas, we had many small Apero's and a department Christmas party, followed later by a company Christmas party.
For me, Thanksgiving feels best in the US, where it belongs. It is our holiday, and we all grew up with the traditions, which are mainly giving thanks, enjoying food, home and family. Hope you can enjoy all that the Netherlands has to offer in their holiday traditions!
I can only imagine how challenging it would be to be away ar the holidays. It sounds like that gathering was significant and helpful. But home is always so sweet at this time of year. I was once offered a job teaching English to the children of Austrian military in Vienna. It came to me, I did not seek it out. As appealing as it sounded, I felt under qualified ...I was not fluent in German. And I was apprehensive about being "alone" over there in my 20s. I know I was not the right choice for them for this particular position. But it has often made me wonder what it would be like to live there for an extended period of time. I LOVED Hope's Vienna Summer School! I give you lots of kudos for your courage in taking on these assignments. And hearing about your experiences allows me (in a small way) to live vicariously thru reading your musings. Thank you. And blessings on you over there.