It's all the fault of that itching!

I have the Itchy arm syndrome!

Yes, that itchy feeling, that sensation one experiences when you think about the children and grandchildren when you haven't seen them a while. What I then get - is itchy arms. They just want to cuddle and squeeze. Well not in a awfully smothering sort of way - but comforting and warm.

And I have had this creep up on me, this itchy feeling - and it just won't go away. So it has been decided unanimously, by both my husband and me, that I start planning a trip - somewhere at the end of first half of 2017.

First step: Decide to go! - check!

Second step: check with the kids - check

Third step: Search online for affordable flights - being worked on.

Fourth step: Do flight plans coincide with kids timing - working on it

Fifth step: Decide on dates - got diary at hand

FINAL CALL: When steps 1-5 have been completed - book flight!

Well, that all sounds easy peasy. One step not mentioned is - Make sure kitty has enough money to pay for flight, prezzies, holiday fund and for the unexpected surprises.

I have to say - this is being worked on as we speak. I am counting pennies, being sensible and trying not to be a scrooge. Because the need, the want and the urge to visit is pretty high and whatever I might WANT to spend my money on - it better be NEED TO HAVE compared to WANT TO HAVE.
The want to's can wait till I get back!

NO, it isn't all pathetic. Part of the challenge and value of the saving is that I really want to have 'done it on my own'. That I manage to be the saver, the planner, the traveller. If I had the means to go annually I would still be somewhat 'scrooge like' as it makes the importance of the journey even more meaningful.

Beam me up Scotty!
( wouldn't that be handy for us Oma's ver weg?)

Before I decide the when and how I need to fulfill my commitments here so as not to leave unfinished things loafing. I also wrote in my other blog about taking control of my unhealthy body- yes well, I want to trim down a wee bit. Helps to be fit so I can keep up with my grand children.

I have made a list of to do's and have been ticking them off recently. What a back log! Still every step is one and every day a conquest.

The sun is out, the washing is dry and the ironing draped over the chair. I am off to do some more chores. It has been nice to get this 'out of my head' and decided upon. Been 'spooking' around for  a wee while now.

OK, will keep you posted on the adventures of Omaverweg as they happen.

Spending time with the grandchildren

It is summer holiday time here in Nederland. Even the politicians have called a summer halt to their activities - and rightly so. Everyone deserves a break to recharge their batteries.

It is also noticable that newspapers are thinner as newsy articles are not as prevalent as in 'working' hours so to speak! On tv there are re-runs of 'old masters' and lots of entertainment for the younger generation in the form of films and such.

This morning at breakfast I quickly snatched a brief look in the morning paper when I stumbled on a 'summer filler'. An article on grandparents who have availed themselves to have the grandchildren stay over while the mums and dads are at work.

Yes, I get a tug at my heartstrings - but this is only short lived as the reality check kicks in.

Anyway, it wasn't so much the 'staying over' but the comment at the end that was comforting to read. At the close of each interview the grandparents commented on their 'fatigue' at the end of each day having spent amusing and entertaining their grandchild/children.

When I visit my 'grandies' Down Under, I spend lots of time with them. I try to make each day count. Time spent with them is short but valuable and intense. Yes, they have their school, sports and friends activities- but there is time to just 'be' with me. Whether I drop them off, accompany them to their other activities or spend time at home with them - we can be together.

It is a super luxurious privilege that I have my own apartment where I can stay- so I too can 'invite' the children to breakfast or dinner. Another possibility is that i cook at their granddad's home- and the children all come for tea there. So much fun and gives me such a warm feeling and joy.

At the end of the day I am generally 'whacked'. Yes, I dare to admit my weakness- I am drained and weary. This bothered me for ages - but now, I am liberated. Other grandparents are tired too. Here I was thinking it was because I am 'out of practice' but it is NORMAL.

So to all you wonderful, super nans and grans, omas and opas. Enjoy, and know - you are AMAZING! And to all those grandies everywhere- enjoy the time your grandparents spend with you - they are true heros.

I am recharging my batteries - will need to be totally perked up for when my next opportunity arrises.

Sharing the joys and experiences and cuddles

A very dear friend of mine - well actually dear friends of ours - plural is better in this case! have been treated to the best news of the year. Their daughter is pregnant and having her first baby.

The joy isn't only because of her pregnancy, her brother has already blessed them with 2 grandsons, but this time- the baby/grandchild will be closer to home. My friend is also an 'Omaverweg' and sees her grandsons 2 sometimes 3 times a year, when they ( oma and opa) pop over to or the family comes over from, Norway to Nederland.

We share stories, photos, the odd tear and laughter when newsy bits arrive in mailboxes, messages or wee film clips over the phone. When the going gets tough - when we want to 'touch, cuddle and kiss' we console each other and reminisce about the times we were in their presence and did have cuddles, cold wee feet on our legs in bed or snotty noses in our hair.

And now, the prospect of a grandchild at 2 hours distance is cause for celebration and joy. My husband and I have been dubbed ' oom en tante'/uncle and aunt and get to see the echos and updates on the progress. And when I pass a children's wear shop I get the itching to purchase something. I am then also acutely aware of how far away my 'littlies' are - and how they grown and change in the spaces when I am not around.

My dear friends in NZ whom I love dearly, also shared those joys when I lived Down Under. And now with grandchildren arriving both here and there - it is lovely to see these 'kids' growing up to be adults and parents full of enthusiasm as we once were. It is wonderful to be part of this extended family when one's own family is spread world wide. I am truly blessed to have a 'home' both here and Down Under - though here are my roots and this is the place I feel most at home.

Pitter patter of little feet. How lovely and joyful. Never too old to enjoy that sound.