Autumn
I came to Belgium last autumn. A lot of things seem as if it was only yesterday - the fresh air, misty winds, chill in the air, grey skies, a mild mild sun, orange-rust leaves, doggie pooh on the roads, hungry ducks and swans at the lake, trips to the Hospital for a gynae appointment, exploring the small commune we stay in, shopping trips to Aldi, GB, Blokkers, IKEA, discovering the gementee library stocks some English books (glee!), watching ancient National Geographic stuff (only programme in English), trip to Indian grocery store (far away), poring over baby catalogues of Premaman, Baby 2000 and wanting to buy almost everything, setting up a temporary home, waiting for Baby to be born......my mother to come and be with me..............
Well, into November and I remember we were still not prepared for baby. No crib, pram for baby, not enough clothes, my big stomach making me very very limited in my efforts, and adding to my discomfort. Then things happened too quickly, my mother arrived barely two days before baby was born, and thereafter with a brand new baby on my hands (no instruction manual), I was too preoccupied to even look out and despair the dark gloomy winter days.
I look back at the entire winter stretch as a permanent dark-grey sky with shrill winds and some snowy relief when everything would be shrouded in white. The winter, we survived! But come March, we were anticipating summer. My mil had consented to spend some time with us, and we were looking at a spot of good weather to take her sight-seeing. Summer has been elusive this 2007.
One thing I do notice is that in Belgium you can experience all weather types in a day. Even if you look at the weather forecast, it is advisable you put on two layers of clothes, and carry at least a decent jacket and umbrella with you. A day out in Brussels and everyone has his own interpretation of the weather, i think it is a lot to do with personality types. The really cautious ones still move about in a heavy sweater in the sweltering heat (20 degree celsius). Yes, and then there are those sun-lovers who do a bare-all you can, apply sun-tan and bask away in the sun, with beer and mussels. A bit of sun, and all the outdoor seating in cafes is taken!!
This time, autumn's come in a bit late. We've had free for all weather for a few months, sunny, rainy, chilly in turns. Like all others, I look out for weather forecasts too. Mondays, there is a local market at the Church square, I like to go there for fresh vegetables and watch people. Other days, it is taking G out to the pond, where we see ducks, swans, pigeons and get excited about them. I also see children playing at the swings, and slides, and it is good to have nodding acquaintances in other parents.
Since a couple of weeks now, a slight breeze sets the orange and rust leaves to go down in a riot of little swirls. The trees are looking more and more threadbare with a few stubborn leaves clinging to them. It marks the slow setting in of winter. All clocks have moved an hour behind on 28th October. For people like me, who come from tropical climates, onset of this is sometimes a bit depressing. Imagine, schools start here in September, grey and misty... but I guess the warm smiles of friends, companions, and sips of warm tea warm up your heart and make up for the chill outside.
Just wanted to share a couple of quotes on Autumn, which go with me..
"Autumn...makes a double demand. It asks that we prepare for the future – that we be wise in the ways of garnering and keeping. But it also asks that we learn to let go – to acknowledge the beauty of sparseness.– Bonaro W. Overstreet"
If winter is slumber and spring is birth, and summer is life, then autumn rounds out to be reflection. It's a time of year when the leaves are down and the harvest is in and the perennials are gone. Mother Earth just closed up the drapes on another year and it's time to reflect on what's come before.– Mitchell Burgess
Well, into November and I remember we were still not prepared for baby. No crib, pram for baby, not enough clothes, my big stomach making me very very limited in my efforts, and adding to my discomfort. Then things happened too quickly, my mother arrived barely two days before baby was born, and thereafter with a brand new baby on my hands (no instruction manual), I was too preoccupied to even look out and despair the dark gloomy winter days.
I look back at the entire winter stretch as a permanent dark-grey sky with shrill winds and some snowy relief when everything would be shrouded in white. The winter, we survived! But come March, we were anticipating summer. My mil had consented to spend some time with us, and we were looking at a spot of good weather to take her sight-seeing. Summer has been elusive this 2007.
One thing I do notice is that in Belgium you can experience all weather types in a day. Even if you look at the weather forecast, it is advisable you put on two layers of clothes, and carry at least a decent jacket and umbrella with you. A day out in Brussels and everyone has his own interpretation of the weather, i think it is a lot to do with personality types. The really cautious ones still move about in a heavy sweater in the sweltering heat (20 degree celsius). Yes, and then there are those sun-lovers who do a bare-all you can, apply sun-tan and bask away in the sun, with beer and mussels. A bit of sun, and all the outdoor seating in cafes is taken!!
This time, autumn's come in a bit late. We've had free for all weather for a few months, sunny, rainy, chilly in turns. Like all others, I look out for weather forecasts too. Mondays, there is a local market at the Church square, I like to go there for fresh vegetables and watch people. Other days, it is taking G out to the pond, where we see ducks, swans, pigeons and get excited about them. I also see children playing at the swings, and slides, and it is good to have nodding acquaintances in other parents.
Since a couple of weeks now, a slight breeze sets the orange and rust leaves to go down in a riot of little swirls. The trees are looking more and more threadbare with a few stubborn leaves clinging to them. It marks the slow setting in of winter. All clocks have moved an hour behind on 28th October. For people like me, who come from tropical climates, onset of this is sometimes a bit depressing. Imagine, schools start here in September, grey and misty... but I guess the warm smiles of friends, companions, and sips of warm tea warm up your heart and make up for the chill outside.
Just wanted to share a couple of quotes on Autumn, which go with me..
"Autumn...makes a double demand. It asks that we prepare for the future – that we be wise in the ways of garnering and keeping. But it also asks that we learn to let go – to acknowledge the beauty of sparseness.– Bonaro W. Overstreet"
If winter is slumber and spring is birth, and summer is life, then autumn rounds out to be reflection. It's a time of year when the leaves are down and the harvest is in and the perennials are gone. Mother Earth just closed up the drapes on another year and it's time to reflect on what's come before.– Mitchell Burgess
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