When you have a town full of trades men, you have beauty.

The Brussel’s town square is one of the most beautiful in the world. It was built by trades people who were associated to various types of Guilds that represented their specialties. The Guilds had a competition to see who can build the most beautiful and most elaborate building to represent their guild in this amazing square. Every time I have come to Brussels and my breath is taken away. Pictures never do it justice.

Their work isn’t limited to the square alone, it is throughout Brussels. Everywhere you see their amazing work creating this beautiful place.

Will the buildings we built today have as much magistracy as these?

Parks are one of the great equalizers in our communities. They connect all aspects of our society and are an anchor to creating the best world possible.

Sunday, after we arrived we headed to Parc du Cinquantenaire. This park was the pet project of King Leopoldo II in the 1880’s to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Belgium Revolution.

It is beautiful and a perfect place to spend a Sunday afternoon.

I know. Airports. I quite love airports. I think I love more about what they symbolize. Travelling, moving, experiencing life, going on adventures. Joy and sadness of family visiting. Anticipation.

We are all here just waiting for life to happen.

Our Angelfish last week laid eggs on the bubbler in our aquarium. The other Anglefish, a small silver one, fertilized the eggs. All afternoon they watched over them, attacking any of the smaller fish that would come near. The lights went out, which is the cue for the giant pleco to come out. In a flash, he sucked up all the eggs.

The next day, our large black Angelfish didn’t really eat, kept to herself, mostly in the corner of the tank. no more racing and chasing.

I can only think she felt sad, disappointed in her fish mates.

I was thinking, what did we do in 2022 that I didn’t even write one post.

Oh yes, we renovated our house. We moved out for about 7 months while they renovated our tiny home. The results are magnificent. My goal was to set us up well for our retirement, having a good place that we don’t have to spend too much to maintain and to have a fun workshop. We did all of that and I got a nice office to boot and a lovely bathroom with a heated floor.. Great considering we spend so much time at home.

So that was our year, renovating.

Our parents are also getting older. So we worry and try and enjoy them as much as we can. They are fun and I cherish every minute I get to spend with my mom. John’s folks have went through a tumultuous year of adjusting to more restrictions due to health constraints. They are doing okay though., and we enjoy their company lots as well.

Now 2023.

What will the year bring? More upheaval or stability. I guess we can not say either way, only ride the wave.

Is COVID behind us? I am guessing it is more of a flu now. I am diligent in keeping current with my vaccinations, I just don’t feel I have the right to put more of a burden on a cracking healthcare system. I still wear a mask in indoor crowded spaces, ‘cus why not? I don’t want others germs regardless of the name of the virus. All good.

What ever happens in 2023, I know I can manage. Life is good.

Our garden is starting. Only signs at the moment and seeds in the ground.

I was looking back at earlier posts and saw one about mom making 100 masks. This past weekend she made her 1000th mask…WOW

Such joy to see the flowers come alive.

So crazy the vibe with COVID. The feeling of constant anxiety. The drive to be fixated on the news…how bad is it today, and then falling into the anxiety spin. I have received the first shot, mom and Heidi have the vaccine. We are waiting for news for John. We are thinking it will be awhile.

We are in the waiting zone. Waiting for mom to get an appointment for the vaccine. We are seeing everyone around us making appointments, but somehow we are not able to get someone to call us back.

Patience. This is what I learn.

I have persistence nailed down.

I am bitter about them saying how everyone will be vaccinated by the end of June, and yet the one’s first in line can’t seem to get the vaccine.

I wish they would just put the vaccine in arms at a rapid and controlled pace. Get on with it already.

They have made such a disorganized mess.

Wait, wait, wait. We are all waiting.