It was such a bright and sunny day that I wore my lemon yellow trousers because they are thin. My long silk blouse in blue, yellow and white is just as breezy; it’s an oldie but a goodie. Choosing the shoes was a bit of a conundrum. Flat shoes made the cropped trousers look silly, trainers are good with these trousers but far too warm for that day. These shoes are comfortable, the height of the heel doesn’t bother me and they don’t give me blisters. Terrific you would say. Well, I do have a complaint; they are so pointy that my toes start screaming after a couple of hours. But they don’t blister because I wear a cut-off sock over the toes.
Anyway, Marjolein, my photographer again, suggested the marina of Scheveningen, which is the beach area adjacent to The Hague. Great background, only we needed shade for decent photos and there was very little of that.
Below: This is what happens when there is too much sunshine on your face. You get a dark face, full of shadows. To avoid that you have to use a camera flash. Which I left at home. Last time I took it with me, we found out the batteries were dead. I did replace them but I hardly know how to use that thing.
The bag is by Demellier London and the colour is called pale slate (link to original post introducing this bag).
Below: We stayed close to the restaurants to be in the shade. I am not too keen on the shape of these trousers. I think they make my legs look short. My original styling was better.
Below: This is a good shot of the bag.
Below (and above): New pose…chin resting on hand.
Below: Two photos of the marina. Marinas always look so crisp and bright. Is that because of the sunshine reflecting off the mostly white boats?
Below: Marjolein was also dressed for hot weather, with the blouse picking up the salmon colour in the trousers.
Below: We headed to the bridge of a lock (part of the lock is on the right). That meant you looked into the deep when you leaned over the rail. I have a fear of heights, so I only dared to go on the bridge a few metres and I would have preferred to walk in the middle but the grate stopped me from doing that.
Below: Marjolein is less afraid and she was already on the other side of the bridge.
Below and above: She photographed the top of the lock.
Below: Another sitting down photo, just for the hell of it.
Below: As we arrived back at Marjolein’s place she took the best photo of the lot. Funny.
I am wearing a black pearl necklace with matching earrings and I am also wearing a black pearl ring on my left hand which actually looks lilac.
Below: As the jewellery isn’t very visible, I photographed it separately.
What happened in my life this week
Saturday I met Marita in town for a coffee and a quick photo shoot. Very handy when a friend lives so close by and is often in town on a Saturday. And…willing to take blog photos. You will see them next week.
The visit to my mum last Sunday was a difficult one. She did talk but it didn’t make any sense. Sometimes there was a flickering of reality but that only resulted in “I want to go home or I want to die”.
I got a call on Monday that the nursing home could not give her the extensive care that she needed and could I try and find a home for her near where I live (my wish if she had to move). So I have been phoning several homes to ask whether they could take her and to ask how long the waiting list was. Selected two homes where I was to get a guided tour to see whether I liked the place.
Because I was in a bit of a state, Ron took me to the beach one morning to relax. As you have seen a photo of that beach before, I didn’t bother to take another one.
Bonus daughter and her husband came to our town for an errand and they had something to celebrate, so we had breakfast, cake and coffee in the morning on a terrace in the sunshine. Life can throw you curveballs. Forgot to take a photo. My mind wasn’t working properly.
Then, all of a sudden on Tuesday afternoon my mum’s doctor called me. She agreed that my mum was suffering and had consulted a specialist doctor. They both came to the conclusion that palliative sedation would be the kindest option. I was so pleased.
Of course you never want to lose your mother, but seeing her suffer so badly is far worse. She most definitely would not have wanted this. And there was no chance of any improvement.
She looked very peaceful during the process as she was sound asleep. Her snoring endeared me and made me smile.
R.I.P.
On Thursday at midday mum passed away, 15 minutes before I arrived. Rest in peace dear mother.
My brother and I are totally on the same page and we said to each other that she has had a good life with lots of love; everything is said and done and she knew we loved her so much.
Greetje
Your dear mother is finally beyond her pain. Perhaps our mothers will meet each other in heaven as my own mother recently died. Sending hugs!
My condolences. Who knows, they might meet. Perhaps my mum meets her husband too. We don’t know what happens after death.
Gecondoleerd met het overlijden van je moeder. Het was altijd zo fijn haar te zien in je blog. Prachtige foto van haar. Veel sterkte!
How sad, and yet how good to know that your mother could be helped out of her suffering as she wished. In England we don’t always have that option, but perhaps we will soon. I always loved hearing about your mum – she was special and we can all see how much you absolutely loved her.
This month our women’s group in London discussed Motherhood. Many of us have not had children, so we all also brought photos of our own mothers to share. Going through those pictures made me realise what a truly remarkable woman my mother was at every stage of her long eventful life.
We’ve been so lucky to be daughters of such women. Meanwhile I wish you quiet and beautiful times to remember and celebrate your mother’s life. Thank you for your bravery in keeping this blog going for us all to enjoy!
Thank you Amanda. I do not reply to all the sweet condolences comments as I would be repeating myself all the time. But you struck a cord. Yes, you are right, my mother in all her simplicity was remarkable, and funny. She and my dad gave me the best upbringing a child could wish for. They guided me with so much wisdom. We are indeed lucky to be daughters of such women (and dads, I have to add as he was awesome too).
Sincere sympathy on the loss of your dear mother. It is never easy losing a parent.
I am so sorry about the loss of your mother. He photos in your blog always brought a smile. You have given us all happy memories of her; she will not be forgotten.
I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Sending hugs and love to you and your family.
So sorry for your loss of your dear mother. Sending deepest sympathy to you and your family. Hugs
My deepest condolences for the loss of your lovely mum. My heart goes out to you, but hope you can take comfort in the peaceful nature of her passing. I lost my mum 23 years ago but she is often in my thoughts and I’m sure you will find the same. It takes a good while to remember only the happy times, but it comes, and you will smile as you think of her. Lots of love, Kathy x
I am so sorry for the loss you are suffering. My mom had cancer and the suffering was unconscionable. We did palliative sedative for her. Even so, it took 4 days. Such a blessing for her to rest . Whenever I hear of rubikub, I will think of your mum and you playing.
So sorry to hear that your mom passed away. My condolences. I loved reading about your week and your visit with your mom.
I miss my mom dearly and she passed away 23 years ago. 💐💐❤️
I am so very sorry to learn of your Mother’s passing. May she rest in peace…..❤️
My condolences on the loss of your mother. Such a sweet smile in the photo. The yellow pants are lovely, the flair at the bottom lengthens the leg line.
My condolences on your mother’s passing. Thank you for sharing her with us. She had a life well lived and well loved. When featured here on the blog, you could see her mischief and delight in life and, the love and bond you shared.
My sincere sympathy to you on the loss of your Mother. I lost my Mother over 3 years ago and it is has been such a hard, sad loss. I know you will miss your Mom. Does anyone ever love you as much? I am thinking of you and admire your positive attitude. Your Mother was such a fun feature of your blog.
Sending my warmest thoughts to you as I remember your dear mother, and with what pleasure I anticipated your blog post about her. You cherished her in life and now your memories will refresh you and cheer you on. What a blessing she was. Condolences to you, Ron and your brother at this time of sadness.
Hi Greetje
Sending lots of love to you and your family on the loss of your mum, I loved seeing her lovely face. Still hard losing a parent even when you know you did your best and she was very loved.
So sorry for your loss. Your posts with your sweet mom always made me smile. May you find comfort in knowing that she was loved, and around the world, too.
Hello, Greetje
I am so sorry about your Mama but grateful for a peaceful leaving for her, something not everyone gets. You were the best daughter she could have asked for so please take comfort from that. Condolences too, to your brother and to Ron. Your friends and neighbours will care for you while you mourn, I know, but know also, that your internet friends are sending virtual love and hugs too, to help sustain you at this sad time.
We never really say Goodbye to loved ones. They stay tucked into a pocket of our lives, an integral part of who we are and what we do; they never leave us. Greetje, you will smile again, you will laugh again – and your darling Mum will join in.
With love
Gee x
May your mother rest peacefully and you remember her forever as a woman who had a life well lived. I am sorry that I have no more than words that sound trite to offer you comfort at this time.
Reading about your mother over many weeks, months and years has enriched my life. Thank you for sharing her with us. Sending loving thoughts to you all.
Condolences on the passing of your mom, whom we have all come to care for. Take good care of yourself, Greetje, during this time of change and loss.
My sincere sympathy on the loss of your mum. When a life is well lived and someone is so loved, the loss is very hard.
I think the yellow trousers look great – your legs go on forever!
Condolences on the loss of your lovely Mum xx
I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing your mum is something you never forget. She was quite a part of your blog and so will be missed by your readers too. ❣️
Sending so much love and support from Cape Town, South Africa xx
My most sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. It is never easy to watch a parent leave us forever.
Thank you for sharing your mother with us. I loved reading what happened in my life this week. Sorry for your loss.
I liked the outfit this week. I am not a fan of bright colours but I am starting to change my mind.
I did want to add , after thinking of you all day, Greetje, that I think the outfit you chose was one of my favourites on you. A beautiful and interesting setting as well with lovely photos taken by Marjolein.
Take good care of yourself, as you accept the loss of your lovely Mum ❤️. C
Thank you, Greetje, for sharing the beautiful picture of your mom with her adorable little smile and twinkle in her eye—looks like she was anticipating beating you at whatever card game you were ready to play. Your mom was such a treasure, and you were so wise to pick a photo to share with her dressed in a lovely jewel color blouse with matching jewelry. There is absolutely no doubt from whom you inherited your fashionista genes and attention to detail. Love from southern California.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and your family.
I am so sorry to hear that your mother has passed. May you continue to feel her love daily though she is gone, and may happy memories give you some comfort.
Hello Greetje, I’m sad to hear of your mum’s passing, I always looked forward to reading about her on your blog, but I’m glad that she passed in peace and with dignity. Like some have commented, this also took me back to my own mum’s passing. I wish you and your brother all the best as you come to terms with it in your own ways.
I’m sorry for the loss of your Mum, but yes, palliative sedation is a godsend. Saves so much suffering.
I do like the yellow trousers outfit, and don’t think they make your legs look shorter. I’ve noticed the same thing about light in marinas.
Thank you for sharing your mom’s life through your blog. Your sharing stirred many memories of my mom. I send many warm thoughts to you and your family.
As always your styling brings a smile and motivation to keep dressing and looking forward through the door.
Very sorry for your loss, but a well-lived life with a very caring daughter, which showed in your weekly updates. Her peaceful passing with dignity was the best possible outcome. Very hard to find nursing homes (at least in the US) that can give enough and proper care when the end of life is near. I have had to hire home care through an agency for my husband to help me meet his growing needs. On a cheerful note, love your yellow pants with the soft blouse. Great colors together.
Thank you for sharing your lovely Mum with us over the years. She will be fondly remembered. All my love and comfort to you and your family. ❤️💐
Your last gift to your mum was to give her what she wanted. My heart goes out to you (hug), Greetje.
The yellow pants look awesome on you, and they do not make your legs look short.
Much love to you, my friend 💕.
I am so sorry to read of your dear Mom’s passing and I send you my sincere condolences. I am sure you and your brother have been left with beautiful memories of your Mom and will be able to find some comfort from them in the days to come. As difficult as your decision must have been it sounds like it was your Mom’s last wish..thus her decision and you just followed her wishes. Take care…
My thoughts and condolences are with you and yours during this difficult time. Memories are forever!
I am so sorry for your loss. May her memory be a blessing.
Condolences on the loss of your lovely Mum xx
What a perfect ending to your beautiful mother’s life — no pain, a deep sleep, a family in accord, no moving to a new place, everything said and done, love expressed. I know you will all miss her very much.
I always enjoyed reading about your mother. She seemed a very sweet and loving person. I know how you feel with the relief that she is not longer suffering. My own mother had Multiple Sclerosis for over 40 years and it was a relief when she died at age 68. I had lost her many years before the day she actually died. My heart goes out to you.
So sorry for your loss, but I certainly understand your relief that now your mom is not suffering. I went through the same issue with my mother. I hated every single moment she was in a nursing home. You never stopped treating her with loving kindness, so she knew she was loved. At the end that is sometimes all we can do.
Mo mother and I were on a tour many years ago and got to spend the night in Scheveningen. I remember how strong the wind was coming off the sea, but how beautiful it was. Good memories….always hang onto those.
Ugh! Autocorrect messed up my French phrase in my post! At least, that’s what I’m blaming it on!
I absolutely love this outfit! I like these shoes with it; I think they lengthen your legs rather than shorten them. I’m with Ron on the trainers in the original post – vice la différence! I love the asymmetrical sweater, but this shirt looks great with the slim yellow trousers.
I’m always inspired by your choices. I was 38 when I lost my mother – that first year after death is very hard (holidays, etc.). My thoughts and prayers to you and yours.
I’m thinking of you in the passing of your Mom. Mothers are such an important part of our family life and roots , and reflect ,in part who we are.
In her resting place you will undoubtedly be grateful for your years together . May these be happy memories.
Life ends but love doesn’t
In caring ,Jeannie
Gecondoleerd Greetje en heel veel sterkte in deze verdrietige tijd. Wat een prachtige foto van je moeder <3
Greetje, my warmest gentle hugs to you.❤️ Your brother and you have lost a very special Mother, and she died knowing that she was so very loved by you both, and all of the family. Her passing was compassionate and timely, as she clearly was suffering, and you did not wish her that. You will all enjoy fond memories of your Mum , and smile at the funny things. She clearly had a sense of humour. Thank you for your strength in sharing this sad event, my friend. It was such a privilege to be included in your loving relationship with your Mum.
Another beautiful post Greetje. Your outfit is lovely and fresh. I have a pearl necklace exactly like yours that I wear often, I call it blue!
Your are so right that no one ever wants to lose their Mom but I am glad for you that she is at peace.
So very sorry for your loss! It’s always hard to lose those we love. Sending love and hugs your way. 🙏🏻❤️
I am glad you were able to give your Mom a dignified and peaceful passing. That must have brought some relief, especially after what she expressed to you at your last visit. I’m holding you and Ron in my thoughts.
Big hugs,
Suzanne
I am glad your mum died as she had wanted, peacefully and painlessly. Also, much love to you and your family.
So sorry for your loss. Many blessings & best wishes.
You and your family are in my thoughts. It’s a terrible time but a blessing your mum is no longer suffering and had a long and happy life.
What a lovely and dignified last photo of your mother to share with us. I think I spy a twinkle in her eye as she is preparing to beat someone at a card game. May she rest in peace.
Je vous envoie toute mon amitié et mes condoléances.
Ce sont des moments difficiles.
Ainsi va la vie ….
You and your family are in my thoughts. Your love and care for your Mother have always been so present in your updates and photos of her. A life lived and ended in dignity.
A dignified end to a life well lived. I’m sure all your readers will have you, and your family, in our thoughts.
You were the best daughter! And thank you. For sharing your lovely mother with us all. My sympathies to you and your family. RIP
So very sorry to hear of the loss of your lovely Mum. Sending hugs and deepest sympathy to you and Ron, your family, and your brother and family. Having lost my mum recently I am thinking of you Greetje.
Oh, I am so sorry for the loss of your dear mum. I lost my mother in Dec 2023, so newish grief for me. I enjoyed your posts of visits to her, and hope you can continue to feel the peace her passing brings to all your family. Your mother must have really been wonderful to have created a daughter such as you.
Condolences on the passing of your Mother Greetje, you were fortunate to have her so long and will remember all the good things.. She knew you loved her.
So sad. My condolences.
So lucky to have had such a lovely mother and her for having a lovely daughter xxxx
It’s heartening to know that you are at peace with her passing. I hope that the memories you shared bring you comfort and that you continue to find strength in knowing she lived a full life. Lots of love to you.
So sorry for the loss of your dear mother, but I am glad her suffering is over. She seemed a sweet lady, and I always enjoyed your updates about her.