Special overseas
BLOG edition/collectors item nr. 4/05
2005 A YEAR OF “DOWNS AND UPS”
A new home
Although we bought the house in October 2004, we only moved in on 15 April 2005. With the old home then as yet unsold, the only pressure to move was the wish to live in the new house and Timothy starting school in that village. After some time of inactivity, the beginning of 2005 saw the start of months of wallpapering, painting and all kinds of DIY. When it finally came to moving, family and friends all helped so everything was moved within a day.
As soon as we settled in the new house, building activities started. An extra playroom / bedroom and a bathroom, were added to the new house. (Giving us plenty of space for guests).After several months of living at / in a building site, the extension was finally finished in July. It didn’t take long for our new house to become our new home.
Old house becomes a cause for concernIn July 2004, the old house of the family Richardson was put up for sale. Although there was reasonable interest, no buyer appeared. On top of that, the Dutch economy went into recession. The market situation was rapidly changing; more and more houses were up for sale in Bunnik, meaning healthy (and sometimes frustrating) competition. Bad news for the family Richardson; lots of worries and a financial burden. Fortunately, in July, after many near-misses, we found a buyer willing to buy the house, although only per 1 December. So now, after one and a half years, the house has finally been sold. Hurrah (and pfew).
Sophy has a gluten allergy, but becomes a healthy little madam
As was in 2004, Sophy starts 2005 badly. Her health remains a concern. After too many doctor visits and anti-biotics, a friend advises us to try alternative medicine. In April, we have our first visit to a homeopathic doctor and from then onwards, Sophy hasn’t looked back. Immediately we were advised to change Sophy’s diet as she has a gluten allergy (up till then, we knew she had an allergy but were unable to determine the cause of this). With further homeopathic medicines, Sophy made a turn-around and is now the picture of health and happy, cheeky and bossy with it.
Holiday 2005
As you must have heard, Nana Richardson turned 60 this year. The surprise dance party was a big hit. To surprise her again and to fulfil one of her wishes the family Richardson booked a week’s holiday on the same camping site as where Nana and Googoo Richardson spend their yearly holiday. Unfortunately, when moving from house, the ever inquisitive Nana Richardson found out about the surprise. But nevertheless they all enjoyed our week’s stay. Going to the beach with the grandparents, swimming in the pool on the camping site and visiting the local zoo made it all a relaxing and sunny holiday.
Timothy’s first (real) birthday party
With age comes responsibility (…). Timothy was allowed to decide (within reason and with a little help) what he wanted to do for a birthday party this year. So, on a warm Saturday morning in June, six little boys and one little girl pay a visit to the nearby Railway museum. It takes Timothy’s parents, his nephew Joep and three grandparents to look after the children as they go hyper. Timothy loves trains and loves this destination. A grand morning is had by all and it leaves everyone exhausted by midday.
Timothy starts school
With some trepidation, Timothy starts school on 15 August. Fortunately, it goes very well and not a tear is shed. In fact he enjoys it very much but does find it rather tiring initially. A little boy is growing up fast …
And finally.
The family Richardson would like to wish everybody a merry Christmas and happy 2006. May all your wishes come true.
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