As some of you have already heard, my dad has passed away on 2nnd August. He had been ill for a long time and I could spend a few weeks with him in May. Thanks to my mom, my elder brother and sister-in-law he could be at home and passed away surrounded by most of the family. Now we are collecting ourselves and treasuring memories. I think of him together with friends and family that have gone before - having a great time catching up on everything and reminiscing. That makes me smile.
Last week I took a day off to go back to my hometown and visit places from my childhood, and visit a few relatives and friends. Tomorrow my cousin (who spent all her holidays with us as we were growing up and is more like my big sister) is coming to spend a few days and we’ll do another visit of places that are important for both of us.
My dad, me and three of my nieces
My mom and dad last winter
The big house on the right is where we lived when I was small (this house is more than 1000 years old and is right on the Rhine River)
The villa on the left was one of the villas owned by the Bosch family - yes the Bosch electronics company - the caretaker’s daughter was my best friend growing up. While the rest of the family was generally only there for a few weeks in summer and for weekend parties, Grandma Bosch used to spend part of the year here. When we were small the two of us used to be allowed to visit her and watch special movies with her on her TV - two I will never forget are “Hawkeye and the last of the Mohicans” and “The King and I”. Yes she had the first color tv in our area! (The villa has since been sold and now houses a specialty library). The old house where we had lived is still in use, the grandson of the owner when we were there and his family live there now and work the farm.
In the next “city” Stein am Rhein
And from the vineyard overlooking part of my hometown and the valley above Unterstammheim, Switzerland.
A couple of weeks ago was my godmum’s 65th wedding anniversary. I made them each a quilt - they love to sit out on the balcony enjoying the sun. On cooler days it’s good to bundle up
Look after yourselves and know there is always something good to treasure
Hugs, Lotti