I'm spending it with my grandparents and this guy: André Rieu. Currently he's playing Plaisir d'amour ("the joys of love") and charming tv and live audience viewers alike. My grandparents like him a lot; perhaps because he is Dutch but also because he's a genuine and passionate violinist. Although there are those who think his concerts are too "over the top" and sappy, I think they are fun.Brace yourself: we're gearing up for a wild New Year's Eve celebration of eating Frito's, sipping peppermint tea & sparkling grape juice, and snacking on emmental cheese. It's sure to be a raving event. Already Grandma is singing on the top of her adorable lungs -- good gracious! After dinner (trout baked with white grapes and dill, potatoes and beans, and the best white wine I've ever had -- of Germany, "Blue Nun"), Grandpa read out of Grandma's old diary. While translating the Dutch, he burst with laughter!
It's a beautiful thing to watch an 87-year-old man melt in giggles. I think it's good for the heart and spirit :)
Enjoy ringing in the new year! May it be happy, healthy, and the very best one yet.
Bonne année and Gelukkig nieuwjaar.
gros bisous.
