Finally I have some time to sit down at ease and write an update here. Our trip to Holland was in one word GREAT! The trip down went very smooth and the weather gods were very friendly. All the time the temperature kept up to above 20 degrees C. Beautiful summer weather. It was great to see my parents again .

We had every day long walks, long talks and too short nights  My parents gave me a real nice surprise on my birthday: they decorated the whole house. Geir Olav and I went to visit the Anne Frank house, and when we returned they had hung up flags and decorations...

So sweet of them. You immediately feel much more like it really is your birthday  We had dinner at a Chinese restaurant that evening. Walking through the neighbourhood I saw more flags then I ever remember from seeing before (The 4th of May is Memorial Day in Holland). We watched the official ceremony at the TV that evening. I found it a bit emotional. Even though I burn here a small candle every year at home, it is different to see it and hear the immense silence at eight for real...

Friday Geir Olav and I went to Haarlem. It was a long time ago that I had been there. A friendly town with a very old station and city center. Geir Olav made a picture there from me. I look a bit frowning... Probably because he kept clicking with his camera hahaha

The time went incredibly fast, and before we knew it, it was time to go home again... I always hate those goodbye's My parents decided to take the same train and to go into town, while we got off before. It makes things a bit less intense... Mom, Dad thanks for a lovely time, and a beautiful birthday! You two have taking really good care of us, and we enjoyed every little second!

Still... there was one little friend that I said goodbye to in a deep way: my little 'half-brother' as we call him:

Bessie is by now 18 years old, and when I saw his this time again, it really scared me a bit... He had become so thin and fragile. Really a little old man. Some time ago he got kind of a stroke, but recovered quite good from it. But still... he is definitely not the same; quickly tired and you can really see that he is tired. The funny thing is that you still can see he has fun in life! As my mother said: 'he is hanging on life itself'. Don't try to open the water tap when he is in the neighbourhood: you have to 'fight' with him to use it. He is absolutely crazy with water! He also loves to be cuddled and all the attention he gets. Bessie is not ill, but the energy is slowly fading away... I have a feeling that I won't see him again, and that causes a pain in my heart... Just look at him, isn't he pretty?