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.

A money box, plenty of wishes, hopes and dreams

" Oma, how much is a plane ticket?"

Tickets to and from Europe to Down Under. A variation of prices and opportunities. I receive emails from a site offering flights from NL to Australia and New Zealand.  I have programmed my request to be notified for trips under €1.000,00 so as to only get these special offers.

I have a money box- yes a separate money box into which I deposit any 'left overs' and 'extras' I have at any given time. Some weeks it grows steadily and other weeks it stagnates. But grow it does. And once in a while, when I am dreaming or get a good offer, I get my wee key out of hiding, open my money box and act like a scrooge and count my money!

I dream, I plan, I plot, I figure. When is the best time? How long shall I stay? Shall I stop in Australia first, or on the way home? Will we manage to get the Australians to come to NZ so we can all be together? That way the cousins get to mix and mingle - doesn't happen a lot. The son in Australia loves to have time with his siblings in NZ. Do all the school holidays match up? Shall I take the wee grandies on a trip to Napier again like last time?
And I need time to organise another granddad /oma day.
My former husband and I like to have a special grandparent day with the children- and we always manage to have lots of fun. We even have family meals and I get to cook.

I need time to sort out about my pension this time round. The date is nearing and I need to know what steps to take to set this process in motion. NO IDEA what is necessary to get this off the ground.

So many things to take into account. It isn't just a 'hop on the plane' and get there. It takes thorough planning and organising.

But hey, it is also exciting and adds to the fun. My trip always begins when I start to acknowledge that 'time has come' to 'GET ORGANISED!' It will take a while and I haven't got a date sorted yet - but oh what a lovely event to look forward to.

Sometimes it is harder than I am prepared to admit

Sometimes, like right now, it is harder to admit how much I miss the children both big and small.

I have been blessed with many wonderful people in my life- both here and "Down Under ' my second home.

There have been privileges of sharing in the joys when my friends tell me their sons or daughters are expecting a child, when there is a wedding or special birthday.

When the moment calls for it, I visit, receive visits and get invited to visit friends and their (grand)children.

I buy the odd presents, flowers and other gifts - for whose ever birthday or anniversary I am helping to celebrate. And I love it - feel privileged as I said and more importantly - feel included.

BUT: There are moments when I let my guard down. When it saddens me not being at the granddaughter's horse riding lesson, the soccer games, the kindy trips, bed tucking in times, pancake day.... to name a few special ones. I won't even begin on the 'not so special' moments and many may call them ordinary- I call them precious.

Anyway, some days- It is just harder than I would LIKE..!

Then as I wallow in self pity, I hear a buzz and I grab my phone.

" Oma would you send me a photo of you please, for my messaging?" BUT of course darling I will look one up right now. ( NZ)

And yesterday- while just stepping out of the shower: Phone call ( FaceTime) "Oma I have reached the finals of the speech competition. I just wanted you to know that. And mum promised to send my horse riding photos." - yes I took that call while wrapped in my robe and dripping water all over the floor. (NZ)

Saturday when Daughter in law chatted to me before she embarked on her trip to Melbourne to 'show' her birds. She loves those wee feathered friends to bits. Grandson has a friend over for the weekend- he is doing fine. Son has decided to not shave for a while- warmer that way he says. I am up to date again. ( AUS)

On messages- photos of my granddaughter's 4th birthday- yes we talked on the birthday itself. Now I also have the photos. (NZ)

Then I reprimand myself- see how much 'they' too think about including me in their lives and in all they do.

Well, it just sometimes is 

HARDER THAN I WOULD CARE TO ADMIT!

Auw, that hurts

 ( Snapchat messsage) "Oma, oma Archie crushed his finger in the car door"!

"Oh dear. That must REALLY hurt."

"How bad is it?"

"Well, they took x-rays and it isn't broken.

It is very badly crushed though and needs to go in a split and taped up!"

"Gosh, how is he? Is he very upset and in a lot of pain?"

"He is being a real hero oma."

"Good man."

- "Hi mum, yes his thumb actually not finger. It is really bruised and looks painful. Gave him painkillers. Hope he manages to sleep through. Just got him settled for the night - I hope!"

It are moments like these I just want to hop in the car  and go give my children both big and small a hug and comfort.

I know distance is all relevant. It could be Napier - Auckland, or Amsterdam - Limburg! All difficult in their own way.

Distance- how near or how far.

I have to say I am also not a 'please live around the corner' person. Think that as children grow up they can flap their wings and soar to their own great heights - only our wings have spread and the distance is difficult to overcome on a regular and short term basis.

My grandson is nursing his hand- cared for by his siblings and parents- and that's fine- I will send a card. As he is a Mr Bean fan- I have posted a Mr Bean get well on his mum's phone. I just know that will have brought a smile to his lips.

Hope the thumb doesn't take too long to heal Archie. Airy Fairy Butterfly get well kisses from oma.

Time out- busy busy busy!

Omaverweg hasn't been very active in writing in her (this) blog.

It isn't because she has run out of things to write about- but 'life' got really hectic these past weeks.
And isn't that the nature of things- in the real world.

Even when living close, oma visits and 'together stuff' doesn't happen every day. Except maybe for those oma's who live next door- down the street or have 'look after' days all sorted.

What I do get and send are the Snapchats to my (old enough to send to and get from) grandchildren.

While out on a drive through the countryside I send pictures and even short video clips of the meadows, the windmills and farm buildings. That way I feel they are along for the ride and seeing the sights I am seeing too.

I was chatting with a friend yesterday- 5 grandchildren live close- and 4 at a distance. They come and go and visit often. She also looks after them when necessary. The stories and experiences she shares with me - do tug at my heart strings - on the other hand - I feel grateful she DOES share and I get a 'look in' on her time with the kiddies. When a grandchild is on the way I am kept in the loop with developments and receive the happy news as soon as the happy event has happened. That way I too share in her joy as she does in mine.

Others have the urge to 'protect' me from feeling sad. So they avoid these wee stories to try not to make me feel bad about being so far away. I then miss out on their growth and development- by not hearing about the adventures. It is like a sword- cuts both ways.

I thank my lucky stars I have WhatsApp, FaceTime, Skype, E-mail, Messenger and Snapchat to mention a few option, available to me to keep my communication channels open and am able to stay 'close-by'.

What once was a life long separation has now become a way of life for millions of people who travel the world, resettle elsewhere and start their lives anew. Whether of their choosing or a decision based on survival.

Oma's ver weg - we ROCK! We aren't a rare species but a common factor in todays world.