Week of the 'friet'

You all know French fries - actually, it should be Belgian fries. The first mention of something resembling fries is in documents from the region between the rivers Meuse and Sambre. There people ate fried fish and a kind of potato with it. 

Here in Belgium the fries - or 'friet' as we call them - are very popular. Especially in the weekend, nearly every Belgian goes to the 'frietkot' (a place where fries are sold) to fetch his/her portion of fries, accompanied by a sauce - the most popular being mayonaise - and some meat. Popular here are the 'curry sausages' or 'fricandels'. 

Unfortunately, it's not for me anymore. I do like friet from the frietkot (they taste a lot better than those you make at home) but my system doesn't cope with them anymore. Real friet is baked twice in fat, and my bowels go crazy with too much fat. 

So this week of the friet is not celebrated here at home. My sister also sticks to home-made fries, which are less greasy because we bake them in the oven with almost no fat. 

Go back to Start

 As the number of covid infections is exploding, our government is deciding right now on new - and more severe - measures. It's like a yo-yo movement: first a lockdown, then freedom, then once more lockdown, again more freedom... When will it ever stop???

Probably cafés and restaurants will have to close at 11 pm, starting tomorrow. All inside events are cancelled, except those where you sit down in your chair (with facemask), like the cinema or the opera/theater. Working at home is obligatory for those who can (my sister will be glad, as she doesn't like going to the office anymore, she prefers to work from home in all quiet). Schools won't be closed, but are closing nevertheless as lots of pupils and teachers have to stay in quarantine or have covid. Chris sees these results coming in daily, and she says it's never been as severe as right now.

Everyone will get a booster shot before April next year. I already got my appointment for December 23rd. Chris will probably get hers somewhere in January or early February. 

Some other European countries are already imposing new rules for travellers. Austria demands you are vaccinated twice and forbids entrance to those who are vaccinated with Johnson&Johnson. France decrees that Covid Free Passes are only valid with 3 vaccinations, as of January 15th. And here in Flanders they are already thinking of a 4th shot next year in autumn. 

Who could ever think that such a pandemic would hit the world?

Polish Dragon P.I.

 Today we welcome Steve Zimcosky. Steve is doing a Virtual Book Blast Tour for Polish Dragon P. I. (The Good Book), a Mystery available now. The Book Blast Tour will take place November 22 - 26, 2021. 

 Steve Zimcosky will be awarding a $25 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Please use the following link to place your comment:

Blurb

A bible mysteriously disappears from a Russian businessman’s home and it is said to have a secret hidden inside that would cause embarrassment to the Russian Orthodox Church. The Polish Dragon P. I. is called in, along with his new partner, to help find the bible. The problem is the bible is not supposed to exist and there is a secret organization, sworn to protect the church, also looking for the bible. They will stop at nothing to locate it and destroy it.

Excerpt

"I found out that before Father Zelenko was in charge of the church, there was another priest there who was excommunicated from the church."

"Really? How did you find that out?"

"I managed to talk to some of the older parishioners, who told me they were surprised when he was given the boot, so to speak."

"Did you find out why he was excommunicated?"

"Yes, it appears he began to question some of the things going on with the church and some outside group called…"

"The International Bureau of Archangels." Tom blurted into the phone.

"How did you know that?"

"I have had two calls from some mystery person who wanted me to check out Father Zelenko and who just last night left me a message to check out this group."

"Well, I'm not having much luck finding anything about the Bureau, but most of the local churches and any others I've contacted claim to not know anything about this group. They say they never heard of them."

Author bio and links

Steve Zimcosky is a multi-award winning and international selling author. He is the creator of the Polish Dragon P. I. series and was born in the Slavic Village area of Cleveland, Ohio where many of his stories take place. He has wanted to be an author since elementary school while reading books like White Fang and Call of the Wild by Jack London. He spends his retirement time writing short stories on a variety of subjects he hopes his readers will enjoy. Some of his favorite authors include Stephen King, James Clavell, Thomas B. Dewey  and Vivien Chien.

 

Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Steve-Zimcosky/e/B00DZ0CW58%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theoldmanfromthehill/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/stevezimcosky

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7219444.Steve_Zimcosky

Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Polish-Dragon-P-Good-Book-ebook/dp/B09DN3QPG5

 

Cruise away...

We have finally reached a decision and plan to sell one of our properties in the near future. We realize that we are getting older and that the maintenance of two properties becomes more difficult by the years - especially with the new eco-measures the government is imposing. 

Also, my sister will finally take her pension in the course of 2023. Then will start our true freedom. We both have a civil cervant pension (which means the best kind in Belgium) so we're well off already. And when we sell a property, we'll have even more. 

So, what can you do? We don't have children or grandchildren, nor any close relatives who look after us and deserve to get something. There's just the two of us. This way, we decided to treat ourselves to a nice cruise as soon as Chris stops working, in September 2023. We found one on the Mediterranean, leaving from Venice and doing the round of the Greek islands, Montenegro and Croatia, returning at last to Venice. We always wanted to visit Venice once more. It's so lovely there, the hotel is next to the canal and you can hear the water from your bedroom. Dining outside, overlooking the canal. So probably we'll leave for Venice a couple of days before the cruise starts and enjoy the atmosphere there. And then comes the cruise, in a suite on a high aft deck, with our own butler. It'll be nice to allow yourself to be pampered for one time in your life. 

And hopefully in the future, we'll be able to do more cruising. There are still a couple of them we'd like to explore: from Dubai to Italy, and one from Iceland to the UK. Because of my condition, we can't go to far away from our country and also not for a too long time. I need new pills every 30 days and the oncologist is not allowed to hand out two bottles at a time. Probably because these pills are very expensive (and luckily I don't have to pay for them, that's one of the advantages of living in Belgium: you pay half of your income to taxes, but you get excellent health care for nearly free in return).

New measures

The corona figures are going ape here in Belgium and therefore the government decided to order severe measures. Not yet a lockdown, but close.

Facemasks are obliged for everybody over 10 years old. Inside and outside, everywhere you can't have a safe distance between people.

Contacts between people should be reduced.

Everyone will get a booster shot by April next year.

Work at home.

Nevertheless, I don't think this will do a lot. Belgian people are not the best in following orders. Like having contacts - even in the severest lockdown last year, we noticed that our neighbors received guests at a regular basis. Not everyone lives like my sister and I, who keep distance even in our own home.

Chris is glad that homework is an obligation now. She has been working from home for over 1,5 year now and her boss had just announced they should return to the office. Chris likes working at home. You are less disturbed by colleagues and you can better manage phone calls. I can bring her a cup of tea or coffee whenever she wants and we can lunch and dine on time. So Chris hopes this situation will last for a while (she still needs to work 1,5 year before retiring)...

Long weekend in Heist

Because November 11th was on a Thursday, my sister's employer also gave the Friday and so we could have a long weekend. We decided to head to the coast on Wednesday afternoon. It doesn't take very long by train (30 minutes + 40 minutes). In fact, by car you'd be on it longer when the traffic is busy. And by train you have the luxury of reading a book, or surfing the web while on route. And now that we have switched to 1st class we travel even more relaxed.

November is turning out a rather cold month. But it has been mostly dry, and that's the most important. On Thursday we made a long walk along the promenade, enjoying the fresh sea air. On Friday it was time for some shopping. My weight loss is ok for my health and figure (seize 38!) but it's a disaster for my clothing. I need everything new. So every month I buy a couple of new pieces. This time it were pullovers in a light woollen material. 

Yesterday we went for a walk once more, this time into the dunes and then to the DIY shop to fetch some light bulbs because we've blown one at the house.

Later on this morning, we'll go for Sunday lunch at @Sea, our favorite restaurant here in Heist. And then most likely for another walk to digest the delicious food.

Tomorrow morning back home. Chris is again working from home now, because of the corona situation. We have lots of infections here. And the government does't do anything special, not like in Holland or France. Well, you just have to be careful and not come into close contact with people, that's the trick. Neither my sister or I have had Covid19 since it came into our parts. 

Enough to Make the Angels Weep

 Let's welcome Ernesto Patino today. Ernesto is doing Virtual Book Blast Tour for Enough to Make the Angels Weep, a Mystery available now from Black Opal Books. The Book Blast Tour will take place November 8 - 12, 2021. 

 

Ernesto Patino will be awarding a $30 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Please use the following link to place your comment:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f3941/

Blurb

Hired to investigate the murder of an 84-year-old widow, P.I. Joe Coopersmith hits one dead end after another in his search for leads. With few clues and no suspects, he nearly gives up, until he uncovers a connection to a bizarre plot to kill the descendants of Irish soldiers who fought for Mexico during the Mexican-American War. Known as San Patricios, they belonged to the St. Patrick's Battalion, an elite Mexican unit composed mostly of Irish immigrants. When a well-preserved diary of an Irish soldier turns up, Coopersmith knows he's on the right track. He digs deeper into the plot, soon learning the identity of the man behind it and his warped motive for the cold-blooded murder of the elderly widow.

Excerpt

The killer sat in his car near a desert road that led toward the mountains. He lit a cigarette and glanced at his watch. The man was late. He’d give him five more minutes and then…he spotted a white SUV speeding toward him. It slowed and pulled up alongside him. The driver, a slender man wearing jeans and a tan sport coat, got out. The killer did the same and they stepped away from their vehicles.

The slender man spoke first, as though to break the ice. “They thought you might need some help. That’s why I’m here. All they want you to do is take a break, lay low for a while.”

“I still got a few things to check out, but if that’s what they want…” He shrugged. “I’ll bring you up to date on everything and then—”

“That won’t be necessary. I think I know what I need to do.”

The killer nodded. “Okay, I know the rules. I’ll step aside and you can take it from here.” He studied him for a second. The man’s expressionless face made it difficult to read.

“They want me to give you this.” The man reached into the pocket of his coat, pulled out a thick envelope and handed it to him. “A bonus, just so there’s no hard feelings.” He forced a quick smile.

The killer took the envelope and shoved it into his back pants pocket. “Well, I guess that’s it, then.” He didn’t want to hang around any longer than he had to. “If they need me, they know where to find me.” He turned to walk to his car but didn’t get far. A bullet from the man’s gun knocked him to the ground. Instinctively, he reached for his own gun and returned fire, striking the man in the chest. He fired two more times. The man dropped to his knees.

Bleeding and barely conscious, the killer got up and staggered over to where the man lay dying. He shot him in the head, then collapsed near his body.

Author bio and links

Ernesto Patino has been a musician, soldier, schoolteacher, FBI agent and private investigator. He is a multi-genre author whose books range from Mysteries and Thrillers to Romance and Children’s books. His published works include In the Shadow of a Stranger, Web of Secrets, The Last of the Good Guys and One Last Dance. He lives in Southern Arizona with his wife Pamela with whom he shares a passion for ethnic cuisines, classical music and foreign films.

For more information about Ernesto, please visit his website at www.ernestopatino.com

Amazon Buy link: http://amazon.com/dp/B09FJ4Q136                                                                               

Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/ernestopatino

Promising Love

 Let's say hello to Sara Olin today! Sara's doing a virtual blurb blitz tour for Promising Love, a contemporary romance availavle November 9th from Totally Bound. The tour will run November 8 - December 3.

Sara Ohlin will be awarding a $30 Amazon/BN GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour. Please use the following link to place your comment:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/28e4345f3947/

Blurb

When a glamorous spa owner seduces the grumpy neighborhood bartender, passion smolders…

Ruby Naylor, confident, successful proprietor of Spa La La, has been crushing on Lachlan MacGregory for ages and finally throws herself at the grumpy bartender as he’s helping her tipsy butt home to her apartment above his pub.

 

Ruby is the only woman Lachlan has ever loved—from afar. When she makes a pass, he finally admits he’s wanted her for a long time. He leaves her that night with three promises—a kiss, a special connection between them and an epic tomorrow.

 

Unfortunately, when tomorrow arrives and Lachlan is smacked with the knowledge that she’s already in a relationship with two men, he feels he has nothing to offer her.

 

His day gets worse when his addict father is on his doorstep again, demanding money. The thought that he could end up sick and miserable like his father eats at Lachlan, making him focus on what has never let him down, his successful pub in the burgeoning Corvallis neighborhood.

 

Learning that Ruby is not taken, Lachlan finally goes all out to win her back. With his heartfelt apology, it’s easy for Ruby to forgive him—she believes in joy, in romance, in happy ever after. What she never expected was how vulnerable Lachlan could make her feel.

 

Can their love withstand life-shattering events to lead them into a beautiful future?

Excerpt

“Beautiful, I want that.” His voice was rough with need and it gave her a shiver to know she did that to him. “But not on Detective Naylor’s couch.”

Stunned for only a second at the last words she expected to come out of his mouth, Ruby burst out laughing. She couldn’t help it. Lachlan rocked them togethe

“Love that sound.”

“Oh my goodness, are we sixteen just waiting to get caught?”

“You think this is funny?”

“Uhm, hilarious. I’ve been waiting a lifetime for you to kiss me and do all the other amazing things. And we’re adults, but we’re getting blocked by my dad who isn’t even here.” The laughter poured out of her. Her energy needed an outlet and apparently it wasn’t going to happen how she imagined it right this minute.

“A lifetime, huh?” Lachlan’s deep, soft voice was a stroke against her skin.

“Yeah,” she whispered.

“I’ve been waiting too.” He brushed his fingers through her hair, following their path with his eyes. Pensive eyes. Tired eyes. Ruby noticed the little details. “I can keep waiting.”

“Me too,” she said, resigned but still in a happy place, lost in him.

“Waiting sucks,” he said. And his pout was so darn cut

“Yeah.” Ruby chuckled again. “But this sure is nice.”

“Mmm. Maybe you could do that thing to my head again with your hands. Felt damn good.”

Her smile was automatic. It felt amazing taking care of this man. Ruby ran her hands through his hair and kneaded his scalp with her fingers, stroking once in a while with her nails. Soothing, deepening, then soothing again. It was only a few minutes before his breathing changed and his weight settled. Her hottie was asleep. Oh, you precious man.

“Best kiss ever,” she whispered as he slept beside her.

Author bio and links

Puget Sound based writer, Sara Ohlin is a mom, wannabe photographer, obsessive reader, ridiculous foodie, and the author of the contemporary romance novels, Handling the Rancher, Salvaging Love, Seducing the Dragonfly, Igniting Love, Flirting with Forever and Promising Love.

She has over sixteen years of creative non-fiction and memoir writing experience, and you can find her essays at Anderbo.com, Feminine Collective, Mothers Always Write, Her View from Home, Under the Gum Tree, and in anthologies such as Are We Feeling Better Yet? Women Speak about Healthcare in America, Take Care: Tales, Tips, & Love from Women Caregivers, and Chicken Soup for the Soul.

Although she’s the author of many essays about life, grief, motherhood and the connections we make through delicious food and shared meals, Sara loves creating imaginary worlds with tight-knit communities in her romance novels. She credits her mother, Mary, Nora Roberts and Rosamunde Pilcher for her love of romance.

If she’s not reading or writing, you will most likely find her in the kitchen creating scrumptious meals with her two kids and amazing husband, or perhaps cooking up her next love story. She once met a person who both “didn’t read books” and wasn’t “that into food” and it nearly broke her heart.

 

Website: https://saraohlin.com 

Facebook = https://www.facebook.com/saraohlinwriter

Twitter https://twitter.com/SaraOhlin222

Instagram = http://www.instagram.com/saraohlinauthor 

Pinterest = http://www.pinterest.com/saraohlin

BookBub = https://www.bookbub.com/profile/sara-ohlin

Goodreads = https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19491440.Sara_Ohlin 

Promising Love Buy Links

Amazon:         https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09G3G4GRT/

B&N   https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/promising-love-sara-ohlin/1140164912

Totally Bound https://www.totallybound.com/book/promising-love

Kobo   https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/promising-love-2

GooglePlay     https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Sara_Ohlin_Promising_Love?id=GBFDEAAAQBAJ

 

Back from our trip

 Last Saturday we took the train (TGV) to Strasbourg for a second visit to France this year. We had originally planned to make this trip early in August, but due to a problem with our electrical system we could not leave the house until it wasgha repaired and it was safe to leave the house. 

Well, a trip in autumn has charm too. The trees all colored yellow, red and brown, which made some nice pictures. Also, we were lucky that it didn't rain overmuch. Sometimes a bit of drizzle, that's all. With a good coat and hood you don't feel anything. 

As always, being away from Belgium for a while was relaxing. We had often passed by train through this region, but never stopped to make a visit. 

Our hotel was in a quiet area, not far from the European Parliament buildings. Going to the city center was made easy by the easy tram links. It was not expensive either, as you coult take a pass for a couple of days. 

The Alsace region has switched between French and German, so the two languages are spoken there. The food goes more to the German side, with big portions one can hardly manage. 

I'll tell more about Strasbourg in my travel blog - post will come as soon as we downloaded all our pictures. One of the coming days, probably.