Snowy Range Pass

Snowy Range Pass

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

A passing and Christmas plans that look like scrambled eggs








Yesterday Anneke’s mother passed away peacefully in the Netherlands at the age of 88. She enjoyed a long life and passed with family at her side. Since we had extensive plans for the holiday with our daughter Katie and her husband coming for the holiday and long with Victoria’s first Christmas, it was a difficult situation. In the end, we are heading early tomorrow to the airport for the long trek to Amsterdam. I have spent much of my life traveling the world, often in commercial planes. For many years it did not bother me, now I dread it. At the Christmas rush, I am sure it will be a trip to remember.

Making plans for such a immediate departure are a lot simpler with the internet, but certainly not inexpensive when you want to leave –like now. Then there is the packing and making sure you have all the credentials necessary to travel, can actually get a rental car and hotels, as needed. Surprisingly one of the hardest is the packing. After all, we have no luggage or other items normally used in such endeavors. So we are borrowing what we can and then went shopping for some clothes appropriate for the occasion. I do not even own any regular shoes! The last time I wore a tie and dress jacket was several years ago and I had to buy them for the occasion. Living in an RV is definitely a casual affair.

So we are nearly ready for an early AM departure for a week in the cold and windy North Sea country of the Netherlands-oh, I do not own a real winter coat anymore either.

We will have a small early Christmas with Victoria tonight.

I am also taking the daring step of not taking a computer, so my usual lackadaisical updates may be even more so. If we do not post again before Christmas, we want to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

36 comments:

Nan said...

So sorry for your loss. It's hard to have a parent die. No matter their age or health.

where's weaver said...

Please accept our condolences. It is wonderful that she had such a long vibrate life. We pray for your safe travels back to Amsterdam.
We wish you two a Blessed Merry Christmas.

Myrddin said...

So sorry to hear about Anneke's mother passing.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.

Marry Christmas and have a safe trip.

Jim and Linda

Joe and Nancy Conrad said...

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mother, may The Lord be with you and your family, especially in the sudden travels. I just love the pictures you post of Victoria. With this blog it will be fun to look back at them years later.

Sherry said...

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I know you will be glad you are going but I certainly appreciate how difficult it is to be going to the Netherlands in the winter time just before Christmas and for such a sad occasion.

I would have suggested a second hand shop for warm winter apparel but there probably isn't time now. We keep one set of "dress" clothes including black in the far back of Winnona's closet "just in case".

Wishing you safe and warm travels.

Paul and Marti Dahl said...

Please extend our deepest condolences to Anneke. Her mom may have lived a happy and long life but it is hard to see them go.

Cherish the memories.

Corrie and Dan Ryan said...

our condolences! - corrie & dan ryan

Kenny And Angela's Adventure said...

We are so sorry to hear of your loss and our prayers are with you and have a safe trip.

Happytrails said...

So sorry to hear about Anneka's mother. We will be thinking about you both and keeping you in our prayers. Safe travels to you!!

Luci & Loree said...

So sorry for your loss. Hope everything goes well for you and you have a Blessed' Christmas.

Travels with Emma said...

My deepest condolences to Anneke and you. I made a similar journey almost two years ago. It is stressful and sad, but must be done. Safe travels to you...:_(

Jeff said...

We are so sorry to hear of Anneke's mother passing away. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the family. May you have a safe trip. We look forward to hear from you and the much more happy times ahead when you return.

Linda said...

So sorry for your loss. Glad you were to get your travel plans set for your trip to Amsterdam. Prayers for a safe trip and also at this difficult time.

Donna K said...

It's always hard to lose a parent but it must be doubly hard considering the season and the physical distance involved. So sorry for your loss Anneke. Enjoy your time with Victoria tonight and travel safe.

Alan and Marilyn McMillan said...

So sorry to hear of your loss. No matter the age, it's always hard to say goodbye to a love one, esp Mom. God bless you and keep you safe as you travel!

Elaine said...

So very sorry for your loss...its hard to lose a parent no matter what the age...safe travels to Amsterdam and back....hopefully it won't be too crazy travelling..but with the christmas rush on I'm sure it will be memorable...wishing you a blessed Christmas...

Erin said...

My deepest condolences ... no matter the age, the loss of a parent is difficult to bear. May memories console you during this difficult time.

Jim and Sandie said...

Sorry to hear about your loss. Our best wishes and prayers for you on your journey to Amsterdam. Be safe.

Karen and Al said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Safe travels.

ellen said...

Anneke, gecondoleerd, hoe verdrietig zal je je voelen. Heel veel sterkte van ons en succes met de trip naar Nederland.

Gypsy said...

Please accept my sympathies for your loss. I hope you have a decent trip to the Netherlands, at least as easy as possible at this time of year.

Jeannie and Eldy said...

We are so sorry to hear of your loss. May your trip there be uneventful in a good way. Take care and safe travels.

Ymkje said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences!

Gail Houle said...

So very sorry for your loss. It's always hard to deal with something like this, especially over the holidays.
Have a wonderful Christmas with Victoria tonight and travel safely.

We'll see you again in the New Year.

Carol K said...

I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Anneke's mother. It's always hard to lose someone, but even harder during the holidays. May your long trip to Europe go flawlessly well. My prayers are with you.

Sue and Doug said...

sending you and Anneke our deepest condolences..it is so difficult when a family member passes away..take care of each other and have a safe flight..
Happy Holidays doesn't seem very fitting at a time like this..
~~hugs to you both~~

Kevin Read said...

We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts go out to you both and to the rest of the family. We hope that you have an uneventful flight there and back and despite the cirumstances will enjoy time with your family in the Netherlands and well as your daughter, son-in-law and Victoria before you leave.

Kevin and Ruth
www.travelwithkevinandruth.com

meowmomma said...

Oh my... I am so very sorry for the loss of a loved one at the holiday season! I'm hoping the travel goes smoothly going and coming and that the time you'll be spending over there with family will be a blessing, filled with memories.

And as a Grame I can promise you that the Christmases to come with Victoria will be just as exciting, if not more so as she gets a bit older!!!

Rick said...

Very sorry to hear about the loss of Anneke's mother. It's especially difficult at this time of year too.

Safe travels to Amsterdam and back home.

Hope you all have the best Christmas you can.

Laura said...

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. It is not easy to lose a parent. The one last gift she has given you is the family get together when you celebrate her life and mourn her passing.

Diana said...

I'm so very sorry - both for your mother's passing and for missing Victoria's first Christmas.

BamaGurl said...

I am so sorry to hear of Anneke's Mother passing. My prayers are with you all for safe passage there and back. May God grant u peace.

BamaGurl said...

I am so sorry to hear of Anneke's Mother passing. My prayers are with you all for safe passage there and back. May God grant u peace.

Prettypics123 said...

We're very sorry for you loss and for your need to take the long flight at this time of year. Yes living in an RV is casual. I've been shopping a lot lately for clothes - things I haven't needed in the two years on the road. But now want to start working more with the public, so must look a bit more presentable. Take care and stay safe. Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

Bob said...

Sorry to read this. My condolences.
Not the best time to travel either. Hope the trip goes well.

Anonymous said...

Sad to hear of Anneke's loss, our hearts are with all of you.

Safe journey's..

Lathrop's