The Tree

I have spent much of this vacation working on the bookshelf in the shape of a tree. More accurately, two branches that will be attached to a pre-existing concrete column. Progress is, as expected, much slower than expected. It has taken quite awhile to get the workshop in working order and figure out how to use the low-budget machines I have with the high-diameter Meranti I found. Already went through one band saw blade. Luckily it is the low-density variety, otherwise I would be in big trouble.

The deadline will be tight, but I should be able to finish things on time. Now that I know how to proceed (for the most part) the pace should quicken. In spite of the beautiful morning, I will need to get busy here. Luckily we got a free hour today!

The girls had a really nice holiday - they enjoyed having both parents around. They continue to change very quickly and have been working a lot on language lately, trying to say a lot of different words. They are also learning to communicate pretty effectively without words. It will be fun to see what Naomi's family notices today...

Vacation!

Finally. We get a break. Sort of. The list of things to do is longer than our vacation, but at least we get to be together and have a bit of rest. I have a project to work on. One of the teachers at school wants some bookshelves in the shape of a tree, so that is my priority for this week. Nice that the first commission I will make is from my soon to be former employer.

I found some wood for it yesterday - Meranti. It is a bit harder than I would have liked, but it will look really nice and the price was right. Always interesting to work with a new type of wood. Good thing I spent so much time getting the workshop in order. Definitely not ready yet though.

The housing situation is also taken care of. I was offered a room within walking distance of school, so that will make things more relaxing. I will miss being in the Hague, but I won't miss the commute. It is only for half of five weeks, so I am sure it will be fine...

First Steps

Yesterday I saw Amélie walking for the first time. Just the final step before she fell, but there must have been a few more before that one. Both girls are doing well and adjusting to daycare.

I have been given my final working day - the 27th of November. This comes as a big relief to both of us as our current situation is pretty draining. I have been working to find a new place to stay in Rotterdam after our fall vacation that is coming in one week. Should have that sorted out in the next few days.

In spite of the busyness, work on the workshop is coming along. There is still a lot of stuff to sort through and arrange, but I hope to start making some furniture during the fall vacation. Just finished redo-ing part of my 'job application portfolio' for my application for a Dutch passport, so hopefully this time they will accept it...

Another Full House

We are having a nice weekend with the Auntie's squared. Claire and Caryn have been helping out a lot and having fun. We had a bonfire last night - this was the best bit of 'cleaning out' I have done - using scrap wood from the shed. We also grilled out and had a nice dinner on the patio. In t-shirts. In October. What a surprise to have such nice weather!

I had an eventful week. Picked up my new residence permit. Quit my job. Started looking for a new place to stay as my time in The Hague is up in two weeks. Continued with a cold that is getting rather old after a month. Also made more progress on setting up the workshop.

The girls are doing well. They learned their first word awhile ago, 'bye', but in Dutch. Their second word they know pretty well now, 'uh-oh', whenever they drop something. Now Amélie will even say it before she is about to drop something. She still hasn't taken her first step yet, but Abigail is pretty much over crawling. Walking is the way forward for her.