between the eucalyptus & ginkgo

Summer in May, at least that's how it feels in the garden lately.

We have a new evergreen in the backyard; an Eucalyptus Gunnii tree.

The small eucalyptus stands beside the ginkgo tree on the terrace. The new tree is an evergreen tree. The small round gray-green leaves give off a delicious eucalyptus smell. Especially when the leaf is bruised, a strong eucalyptus smell is released. Good thing is, mosquitoes hate this smell, so perfect for long summer evenings in the garden.

This afternoon we planted the new evergreen, a remembrance tree for Henk's mother, who passed away yesterday.

After gardening (we also repotted some plants and sowed flowers seeds) we had a tea between the trees and it felt special...

oued ourika

It has become a tradition to make a stop at the Ourika river when we are on our way to the Atlas Mountains.

To take a foot bath in the icy meltwater from the mountains for enthusiasts. Our brave friend Jeroen even walked to the middle of the river.
Also a visit to the dear old merchant, where I once bought my first moroccan tajine and some plastic laundry baskets, for the large terracotta pots in our garden. This time I found a beautiful brightly colored flat berber basket.
There's always a lot of activity in the town along the Ourika river. It is the last place to buy 'whatever' before you go into the mountains.

After a short stop (for a foot bath, some shopping and a mother-son portrait), we all got back in the minibus for a bumpy ride to our final destination Kasbah Bab Ourika, in the mountains.

hurray

Happy birthday Pippa!

Today my little girl turns 18! (...how did that happen?)

It's wonderful to see how my dear little daughter changed into a beautiful young woman...

I have to admit, I miss the little Pippa now and than.
It's very special to share all the tiny daily things in life and taking care of everything seems so obvious.

This morning I was browsing through our holiday pictures of 2009, when we went on a roadtrip with an old campervan and I remember every single moment.

The first 'selfie' we made at the Notre Dame in Paris, walking in the rain in Paris, running down the Dune de Pyla, shopping in Lisbon.

I cherish all the beautiful memories with our children! It was a great pleasure to show them places around the world. It's priceless!

My beloved Pip, you're a young woman now. I love you and wish you a very happy birthday and a bright future ahead!

sweet memories

sweet memories, a photo by wood & wool stool on Flickr.

we will miss our dad and grandpa

[1939 - 2012]

my dear dad

my dear dad, a photo by wood & wool stool on Flickr.

(1930 - 2000)
Today is his birthday.
He was the sweetest dad you can imagine.

My finest memory:

Early Sunday mornings,
cycling together in the woods
and enjoy a breakfast picnic.

♥

costa de la luz - ixxi - collage

costa de la luz - ixxi - collage, a photo by wood & wool stool on Flickr.

It's feels so good to keep the sweet holiday memories alive.

Yay for the costa de la luz - ixxi - collage!