The meltdown of the Antwerp ice-skating rink tends to induce some post New Year blues over here. In spite of
large numbers of shoppers looking for January sales, this town feels wet and deserted. I hope your world feels better
January 9, 2008
Post New Year’s blues: the meltdown
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Peter,
We hit 64 degrees here the past couple of days. I was wearing shorts yesterday, in January. That’s unheard of. The last time it was this warm here was 80 years ago. It’s wonderful and scary as shit all in the same breath.
But the melting of an ice rink? That would be kinda sad.
How fares the clean-up by the way? Everything back to normal? And when do we get shots of what your medieval apartment LOOKS like (from the outside, of course!)
KUS!
Comment by Claudia — January 9, 2008 @ 10:08 pm
Well, it’s about 10°C/50°F in Antwerp, Belgium Claudia. 64F in Jan is stunning, but we all knew All Gore was right: we’re up for a freaky weather roller coaster ride.
The house is ‘kind of clean’ again, I’m waiting for another large appliance. I can get you a Google Earth shot of the Antwerp riverbanks, but this one is better:
http://maps.live.com
[Image: Antwerp, Belgium riverbanks, birth's eye view, movable]
Comment by Peter — January 9, 2008 @ 10:18 pm
As I slowly dismantle my home here, I have that meltdown feeling too. When all our stuff is moved and we’re living out of suitcases in the house with a bare bones setup of borrowed furniture, it’s going to be hard to take the gray, cold view out the window.
Several people I love are in truly tough situations, and I’m shouldering a bit of the grief and uncertainty with them.
But the days ARE getting longer, and new life of all kinds is around the corner…this is my mantra.
Comment by V-Grrrl — January 10, 2008 @ 8:44 am
It was in the 60’s (F) here the past couple of days, but a new cold snap just walked into town this morning. I still want some lake skating days, my hockey skates are crying.
Comment by furiousball — January 10, 2008 @ 3:41 pm
V, I can perfectly imagine that living out of suitcases while waiting to return to the US is not exactly a “let’s have fun” set-up. But yes, the days are getting longer and with some luck your last months in Belgium will provide you with a time to remember. I’ll meet you at Di’s soon (she sent me a text message today, inviting me to come over as she was working nearby, but my new cooler finally arrived [it was worth a movie, they had to get it through a rooftop window - fun!] and I’m busy cleaning up the mess).
60°F in NJ in January Furiousball… I’d love it myself (saves on the inflated heating prices) but I can perfectly envisage how much you would like to go skating.
Comment by Peter — January 10, 2008 @ 6:13 pm
Just a hi, from a passing by Di
Hope things are all set for the weekend and home is home again.
Comment by Di — January 12, 2008 @ 12:21 am
Home is home again Di, but now I’m battling with a brand new, 100% energy saving, very “green” but oh so noisy cooler in my open kitchen
Imagine almost finding that perfect line, when a loud hissing sound from an ‘environmentally friendly coolant’ blows me off my chair. I need to pop a Valium and get counseling
Comment by Peter — January 12, 2008 @ 12:52 am
I replied to your comment on my blog, but here I will let you know I have a new nickname for you.
‘Twerp. Heh. Sometimes I crack myself up. 
Comment by Claudia — January 12, 2008 @ 12:58 am
LOL Claudia - finally someone managed to put a smile on my face
Comment by Peter — January 12, 2008 @ 1:48 pm
How is Herr ‘Twerp today???!
Comment by Claudia — January 13, 2008 @ 5:47 pm
I’m just fine Claudia. Trying to choose pictures for my next post.
Love it when you talk German - you’ve become quite a polyglot
Comment by Peter — January 13, 2008 @ 5:57 pm