Simple pleasures of autumn

The country roads in Friesland and Drenthe are beautiful any time of year but autumn has something very special. With my trying to simplify and slow down, I have really enjoyed the season even more than normal (if that is even possible since autumn is my favorite season).


Now as we notice all the foodie things associated with autumn and winter in Holland, it makes even having a lunch out in a cafe very special. I had my first bowl of 'snert' as they call it in Friesland which is the famous Dutch split pea soup. Now forgive me a moment while I wave the Dutch flag but no one does pea soup like than the Dutch. It is pure enjoyment to eating this soul warming soup. I love making it once a year for us too. It takes just about the entire day and I make a huge pot which I freeze in portions for us to enjoy on cold winter days. It is enjoyed with a slice of 'roggebrood' which is dark rye bread and a slice of 'kattenspek', a smoked and spiced type of bacon.


But amidst all this talk of seasonal things, what is this? I noticed something lilac colored in living fence between our neighbors and us at the cottage. Lo and behold, a single Rhododendron is in bloom as though to say goodbye just one last time before winter sets in.


I went to a great little shop in Exloo last week and admired all the wonderful brocante.


There were so many beautiful things to admire and gathered some inspiration. I love looking for ideas on how to simplify decorating while still having a great look.


This is the reason I wanted to stop in at this shop. I had these in my hand during my last visit and got sidetracked and forgot to go back and pick some up to buy for my laundry room. Do you know what they are?


Old Dutch clothes pegs. Unlike the American type which is rounded, these are so primitive looking. I can just imagine a woman in her 'klompen' (wooden shoes) out hanging her clothes on the line in the garden with these. They now sit in a wire soap dish on my rack in the laundry room.