Hundred Days of Happiness – Week TwentyFive
The end of spring vacation and we enjoyed gorgeous spring days in London with the grandparents and time with Argentine friends at home.
Wondering if I should have a new title as I’m getting close to 200 hundred days… “Maintaining Normalcy” maybe? I would absolutely love suggestions. Something seems to have shifted and I feel less anxious even though things are still going crazy in the world. I was heartened to see the results from both the Canadian and the Australian elections. Democracy is holding strong in some places and that is good to see.
Apr 28 – Day 170
David and I took a walk through northwest London from Primrose Hill to Hampstead Heath to meet with a friend to have ice cream and go book shopping. Both activities seem to be a trend when visiting England. It was a glorious spring day and we were lucky to be shaded by the beautiful trees in the park and along the sidewalks.
That afternoon, I took the Northern line Underground from Chalk Farm to Embankment to get to know a work colleague in person over afternoon drinks at the BFI cafe. It was a glorious afternoon, perfect for more walking through the city and nice to get to know each other over a couple of Shandies. Then I went through to the BFI lobby to see if there was any information into the upcoming events. I picked up the program guide to bring back to my father and shared information online.
London peeps! Dad is giving two Q&As at the BFI • May 3 Return to Oz @ 12:00 NFT1 • May 7 book signing of "Suddenly Something Clicked" at the BFI Shop and then a showing of Apocalypse Now @ 19:00 NFT1 • Search for "Walter Murch" on the BFI website and those events pop up. whatson.bfi.org.uk
— Beatrice Murch (@murchstudio.com) 2025-04-29T20:10:07.677Z
Apr 29 – Day 171
On our last day in London we spent some time walking around the neighborhood while Grandpa had an interview about the launch of his new book with the BBC at the cottage. We delivered a handwritten thank you card to our friend for ALL the books he generously bought for David’s enjoyment and education on Monday. Once again, our bags were weighed down with books, thank goodness we were taking the train home - it went much smoother this time.
Apr 30 – Day 172
Back at home and greeted by the beautiful wisteria hanging over the archway. I was surprised to have any blooms at all this year, and I am looking forward to seeing how they mature over the years and fill out.
May 1 – Day 173
It was a holiday in much of the world, but not here in the Netherlands. Unfortunately I was coming down with a cold, so worked from bed and didn’t take any photos. I am grateful I am able to work remotely and take time when needed to rest and recuperate.
May 2 – Day 174
Friends from Argentina were traveling through Europe and came for the weekend to stay with us and visit Utrecht. They made a lot of beautiful healthy Argentine vegetarian meals and Friday night was Polenta with vegetarian tuco sauce and grilled veggies. It was delicious, the weather was fantastic so we could sit outside and I didn’t have to cook. Basically, pure bliss.
May 3 – Day 175
I still was not feeling great (thankfully tested neg for Covid), but the sun was out and it was lovely to sit outside in the spring sunlight and soak up some healing Vitamin D and drink Yerba Mate together. We weren’t the only ones with that idea, as Pica laid down in the garden under a huge purple bush for some shade.
“Happy Caturday!” Doesn’t get much better than this.
May 4 – Day 176
Ari and Seba stayed through Sunday lunch before they took off to the airport back to Argentina. Ari taught Santi how to make her perfect tortilla de papa. It was lovely to spend so much relaxed time together throughout the weekend.
All in all, a pretty good last week of vacation and an ease back into life here in Holland, with a good dollop of Argentine friends, customs, yerba mate, and food in the mix.
Saturday night I heard them all listening to Soda Stereo while playing truco downstairs while I was resting my sick self upstairs. If you don’t know them, they are a classic Argentine band from the 80s/90s. Buenos Aires is known as “la ciudad de la furia”. Life is mostly calm here in the Netherlands and I don’t miss the stress of Buenos Aires, but the city and all its ups and downs has never left my heart. Enjoy this song.
How about "The Year of Living a Good Life" for your title.<br /> I appreciated the pic of David delivering the thank you note. Youth needs to be aware that they aren't always entitled and saying thank you acknowledges kindness and gratefulness. Your post covers life as we get through the trials, tribulations and celebrations we enjoy or suffer moving through living our time alive. The pics of nature and food always brings joy in your posts. Details of mishaps while traveling or the simple journeys going from place to place in our crowded world. are reminders of how complex living can be. The music you provide also reminds us how useful and wonderful art can be in our lives and its necessity in coping with difficult times. All the elements of living a life of joy are evident in your posts. Mahalo.