Yea the PJs arrived & learn fun

 Was lovely to be woken this morning with a call from Leen & Celine and seeing they had slept last night in their "Wake me up to Dance" pjs.  Especially after all the carry on with new customs rules read more on my page EU brexit Parcels problems

We had some fun to on the call. Leen is trying to master cartwheels from  her acrobatic lessons. Plus we found new effects on the messenger call so had giggles trying them out. Leen using English to talk with me today.

We also had some fun learning from the country  flag cards & map that Europe House staff had given me.. see below as you share with our fun.

Homework Learn Share

 

New school year and my Princess Prof of Linguistics well charged up to learn ..Leen called me to show me her homework... This is word building in Nederlandse. Just wish we could sit side by side and learn share together. She is also enjoying her swimming lessons and gymnastics. So full of excitement telling me!

I have more to catch up on... been in shock and upset that parcels to EU from UK incurring customs charge to recipient.  So I am in campaign mode as hearing so many having this issue. I managed to intercept a recent parcel and paid the customs so Bushra not stressed with this.. So that now released for delivery. More on this after my day down in Parliament to challenge this..  before Brexit my parcels got through no probs and within impressively a week.  If you remember as a follower of my blog that even in the Eleonas Camp Athens my parcels would be delivered to the family. The kindness of Greek army & NGOs ensured my love would be delivered ..and Leen would excitedly receive it.

I know customs are unhappy with new situation as parcels are piling up where they used to be turned around quickly out for delivery.  Christmas is going to be problematic for all in UK sending gifts to family & friends in EU.. so my campaign mode on full drive. There is something special in our parcels that can never be measured in £€ nor taxed...that is our Love or Love hugs to our family & friends.

Was it Cleopatra or a Snow Queen that visited today

Leen been having her face painted in Summer School. Bushra her mother has been helping .. her artistic flare perfect.  I said " you look like Cleopatra from Eyptian times" but she replied, "or a Snow Queen! " yes could be a snow Queen.. Celine rang me today too .. she is building on her English speaking ..she learns from big sister Prof of Linguistics Leen hhhhhh 

Was good to see this top still fits and looked lovely with her comfy trousers. I am trying to think where I bought it.. whether in Uxbridge or Oxford Street ..but I got one each as loved how the print suggested Belgium buildings and of course a fiets.. bicycle.. I love keeping them smart and trendy.  Bushra has a good eye for clothes too.. I miss visiting her with some funds for us to have a girlie shop in Belgium.. quite emotional typing this... its been awful for us all unable to travel to see loved ones over the pandemic challenge.  We must keep strong thank goodness for internet to keep linked up.. and parcel post to send love on treats and goodies to live life.. and learn and share... When she called me today had been 8n 2 hours of Dutch learning with Futurelearn  and Quizlet ..which Leen would love ..matching words and seeing how quick you can be with other users..

Knitted a pinafore

I have knitted this from some yarn given to me by my daughter..and interweaved glitter colours from leftover yarns. I just think I may need sherring elastic in side waistband to fit snug... its difficult judging when not with girls to try on. But I will put this in the post tracked and follow new customs procedure.. 

 

Parcel issue explained

 I saw these fun ice lolly moulds on the This Morning programme in July and ordered from Lakeland  received them in quick delivery to then post on to the girls in Belgium on 23rd July.  I tracked the parcel and saw it were stuck in customs... i provided the invoice proof of purchase and as my gift... but new procedures are in place as UK now outside the EU... today spoke with Belgium post customer service and it is cleared but in a 2 weeks holding it will be sent to address next Wednesday. This new lengthen timeline is frustrating..as usually post goes through within a week.. I have spoken with one of our local councillors who has family in EU ..we are thinking we need to get parcels in the system soon to be received for Christmas! We need to plan timeline for birthday gifts too.. so difficult when voted to remain. 

Art Space

 

I love the way Bushra creates a studio space to work.. her artwork helps her connect with her true creative self. It continues to be a way of healing and rebuilding her life.  If you wish to commission her or purchase her work ..prints or canvas let me know marjoriebahhaj@gmail.com see more of her work on Bushra's Art Gallery

We still need funds for more art materials with thanks for your support in these difficult pandemic times 

Art Materials Fund Raising

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Olympic Mode

 

 

Leen is visiting her Auntie in Germany ..they have been catching up on the Olympics.. Leen was showing me this acrobatic pose..  hhhh I loved the question to me "can you do this?" Hhhh "not now that is a Once Upon a Time story for me!!" Though I was telling her there is an 80yrs old lady that can still do beam exercises.. below some more catch up calls. 

Checking on my Fairy Garden