Wednesday 15 July 2020

The joys of July

Oh devious July, why do you keep playing these games with us? Worse than April you are, with your fickleness and stale April showers. Are those the only tricks you have up your sleeve, I wonder. I am  craving a string of balmy Summer days, a gentle breeze carrying the scents of gardens in full bloom, and only the lightest of showers, preferably overnight.


But no, as if we haven't been taunted enough by that horrible pandemic, you are adding insult to injury with your out-of-sync Autumnal weather. Enough is enough!

A sunny morning it was on Tuesday before last, but with enough of a chill to wear a cardi over my short-sleeved dress. Vertically striped in navy on white, the dress has the added bonus of a generous sprinkling of red and pink flowers. These seem to be drifting down towards the hem, where they are joined by navy ones and a layer of green leaves.


While Jos was doing the twice-weekly food shop, I walked into the village to pick up our ration of free face mask filters at the village hall. At this time of year, the village would normally be a hive of frenetic activity as a result of a fair, but as this was cancelled due to obvious reasons, all was quiet. It was quiet at the village hall too, as it turned out they were closed due to the ... non-existing fair! I wasn't the only one fuming inwardly at finding the doors firmly locked.

But I did get to admire the fabulous front garden of the vicarage. Well, we do not actually have vicars or vicarages here in Belgium, but this is its equivalent, I presume. Whatever the case, that front garden is glorious and whoever designed and planted it definitely earns my approval.



Bees were a-buzzing, both here and in our own little patch where, in spite of being spoiled for choice, they are often making a literal bee-line for one and the same flower, sometimes buzzing angrily at each other. There's more than enough for all of you, so no need to fight, you guys. Easy does it!


The Echinacea seems to be a magnet for all kinds of butterflies, and there must be quite a few chocoholics among the bevy of bees, as they appear to have taken a particular liking to our Chocolate Cosmos (Cosmos atrosanguineus). Monarda or Bergamot is another firm favourite with the buzzy creatures.

After lunch, I pottered around the garden while Jos was going on his second mission of the day: picking up our new car from the garage. As already hinted a week or two ago, we'd been thinking of buying a new car. Taking advantage of the huge discount offered by the car dealership on their current stock, we took the plunge and traded our faithful Ford Fiesta for a newer model.


As it looked set to remain dry, we took her for a little drive to the Art Deco water tower in a neighbouring village, the perfect decor for her first state portraits.

Built in 1938, the water tower was bought by the council in 2008 and turned into a viewpoint in 2012.

There was nobody else around, so we climbed the scary steps inside the steel structure tacked onto the tower, towards the viewing platform on the top.


The low, squat building, which is merely ten meters in height, might seem remarkably low for a water tower. However, it was built on the highest point of the area's clay formation, forty meters above sea level, which allowed it to fully function as a water tower.


The view is breathtaking, and on a clear day, the top of the Atomium in Brussels, about 30 kilometers away, can be spotted. This day, however, wasn't one of them so, instead, we took in the surrounding landscape. Originally scarred by centuries of clay extraction, it is now slowly but surely being reclaimed by nature.

The still working clay pit immediately below is a lone survivor of the once flourishing brick making industry.


It was a blustery day, the wind chasing away the lurking rain clouds as well as attempting to make off with my lightweight floral scarf.

A vintage pink floral Trevira jacket - a gift from Vix - was added on top of the cardigan, and was accessorized with a white vinyl belt and a dusky pink flower corsage.



There's a small picnic garden with some benches next to the tower, with steps climbing up to a semi-circular walkway offering a view of the landscape for vertigo sufferers and those not nimble enough to climb all the way up to platform. The garden is flanked by a bank of ornamental grasses which acts as a windbreak, making it perfect for picnics and outfit photos alike.



Wednesday was another office day on which heavy showers were rife. These briefly diminished to a drizzle during lunch break, which I took advantage of by paying a short visit to one of Antwerp's hidden architectural gems, which happens to be just a stone's throw from my office.

The building is question is the Handelsbeurs or former Stock Exchange building, which first opened in 1531 and was the first Stock Exchange in Europe. 

Having stood empty for 22 years, it has recently reopened after long and intensive renovations.

The main hall of the building has been turned into a covered courtyard where people can enjoy a bite to eat or stop by for a drink. The area can also be used for events. On the first floor the former trading rooms have been converted into facilities for meetings and exhibitions.




As this was a spur of the moment visit, I was unprepared and only had my phone's camera at my disposal which, frankly speaking, was inadequate to capture the grandeur of the place.

My visit brought back some happy memories, though, as I've been to more than a few gigs and parties here back in the late 70's and early '80s.

I'm planning on paying a return visit with my proper camera. Perhaps by then the first floor galleries, which were now closed to the general public for an exhibition, can be accessed.


Thursday was another grey and dismal day but thankfully the rain, which had been persistent overnight, had virtually stopped by morning.

The dullness of the day needed to be lifted by a bright frock, my choice of the day being this textured polyester one which has an orange abstract print on a pale peachy background. It is further enhanced by orange buttons as well as a massive collar and fake pocket tabs. 



I think it came with a matching belt, but I preferred using a navy leather one from my stash. Further accessories featured navy as well: a necklace of sculpted plastic discs, spotty and stripy bangles and a floral brooch, which has navy, yellow and red flowers on a purple background.


The overnight showers had studded our garden with sparkling raindrops. These were neatly caught by the saucer-like Nasturtium leaves, which have finally decided to do what I sowed them for in the first place, which is climbing the wood pile and wall next to our bench.

A baby Aquilegia had nestled itself in a marble-filled pot. Time to harvest the rest of the seed pods, which I sprinkled around liberally. As if they aren't self-seeding like mad anyway.

After lunch, we pointed our car into the direction of a local open-air plant nursery, in the hope of finding some Kniphofias a.k.a. red hot pokers, as these weren't available at our usual garden centre.

There weren't any here either, and the nursery, which we used to visit on a regular basis many years ago, was an overall disappointment. Still we took pity on a handful of sorry looking perennials which were going cheap.



On our way back, we passed a small, out of the way charity shop, which was one of our regular haunts before lockdown. We've never known it to be busy, and this time was no exception, so we stopped for a browse.

I found an unworn vintage Trevira skirt, which will make an appearance in my next post. There was a box full of deadstock opaques in various colours, from which I made a selection. Who knows I might need them sooner than expected if Summer continues to have its wicked ways.




Our final purchase was this cheerfully striped Thermos flask for our collection, which I was able to photograph during a rare sunny moment in the garden.

So, that was it for now. I'll be back with the next episode in a couple of days. In the meantime, I am counting on you all to stay safe, sane and as positive as possible. I'll keep my side of the bargain, and do the same.


46 comments:

  1. I feel like I’ve just read a lovely picture book Ann. It was a joy. I felt I was listening to an English country lady.
    And what a find those tights were. I’ve been wearing mine all week it’s so cold and wet.
    Looking forward to the next episode.
    Stay safe dear friend and enjoy the new car. I think it’s the same model my sister has. Very roomy inside
    Lynn xxx

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    1. Thank you Lynn! I'm glad you enjoyed it, and what a lovely compliment that you felt like you were listing to an English country lady. Perhaps I am one, just born in the wrong country! xxx

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  2. Sweet Ann, I'm sorry that the weather in your area is rather topsy-turvy at the moment. I madly adore fall time and the cooler days it ushers in, but it would be thoroughly strange to bypass summer's heat entirely. Hopefully this summer's slow start will soon morph into a gorgeous, sunshine filled remainder of the season for you. Fingers and beach towel ends firmly crossed!

    Autumn Zenith 🧡 Witchcrafted Life

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    1. Thank you Autumn! I do prefer having proper seasons - each of them having its own charm - so yes, it would be a shame to bypass Summer entirely. We've just had a couple of lovely days, but it's set to change again tomorrow :-( xxx

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  3. If it is rainy and grey, colours are a must! I'm wearing RED today. I love the flask. What a great find! It reminds me of my mother's tin for ground coffee.

    Have a nice day. Sunsine in your heart!

    Regula

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    1. Thank you Regula! Wearing colour is a must on a dull grey day indeed, and does help with bringing sunshine in one's heart! xxx

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  4. Nice wheels, Jos! I'm loving the colour of your new chariot and look forward to meeting her in due course.
    I've only got to look back at almost every Indietracks I've ever done to know that July is usually awful, I wish the seasons would do what they do in books!
    I love that colourful frock, it looks so good with the blazer, even if it doesn't feel like high summer you look like it should be.
    The vicarage garden is a delight, almost as lovely as yours.
    The tights were a real find and Jon, having a flask fetish, would have come home with that one.
    Those sneaky shots of the stock exchange are stunning, I'm looking forward to seeing more of it! xxx

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    1. Fingers crossed you'll get to meet her soon! I thought I'd give that lovely jacket another outing. It is so me! I love that vicarage garden. I used to pass it every day on my way to the bus stop, but even if it's just around the corner, I hadn't been there in months. How strange! xxx

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  5. You look fabulous in your striped&floral dress, whatever the weather. Lovely dress, lovely print and lovely accessorizing too. The cute red cardi looks fab and the pink floral jacket is such a perfect match!.
    Love to see all these flowers being visited by bees, they are such a joy for my eyes!
    And also love that you've shared your photos of this building, totally in love with its gothic magnificence!.
    Congrats on your new car, glad that you made the most of recent offers and discounts (which have been tempting us too, as our car is fifteen years old!).
    Lovely last dress, totally agree that a bright dress can cheer up your day!. Its collar and pocket tabs are so cute!, lovely colors and lovely blue accessories too.
    Glad that you've visited a charity and found such cute things!.
    besos

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    1. Thank you Monica! I love sitting in the garden and just watching and listening to the bees being busy/buzzy. We'd been thinking of buying a new car in the near future, so it would have been downright silly not to take advantage of the huge discount we were offered! xxx

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  6. Sorry to hear about the bad weather. Here weather has been a bit unpredictable as well, we had a few summer storms and showers, but on general it hasn't been that bad. This whole year is a bit odd with the weather. Even we had some surprises and island Hvar is known for absolutely predictable weather. There exists a historical weather calendar of island Hvar that predicts weather for every day of the year and typically it is quite correct but I guess with global weather changes nothing is sure anymore.

    That nearby village looks charming. The water tower offers quite a view. Interesting that the area used to be used to harvest clay. It looks very green and peaceful. Rural environments can be so relaxing.
    The building you visited looks majestic, 'the Handelsbeurs or former Stock Exchange building, which first opened in 1531 and was the first Stock Exchange in Europe.' Such a grand structure, I'd love to see it myself now that it is open after long renovations. They seem to have done a great job with the renovations if I can notice.
    You look as lovely as ever in your vintage dresses! I don't think I saw the one with the big red collar before- what a beautiful dress. I love the blazer you wore with your red and blue printed dress, fab styling. Congrats on a new car btw, it looks great.

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    1. Thank you Ivana! That historical weather calendar for Island Hvar sounds intriguing. Isn't it fantastic that nature is reclaiming the area? xxx

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  7. Wow this building is stunning. Good you had your phone for pictures. I love your flower outfit so much.
    These steps are realy scary. You have courage. 😱
    with a very huge hug Tina

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    1. Thank you Tina! The trick is not to look down too much when you're climbing those stairs. Still a little bit outside my comfort zone, as I suffer from vertigo! xxx

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  8. You always find the best prints in dresses! I would love to have had that first one to wear for our July 4th holiday. Your flower pix are beautiful and colorful. And that old stock exchange building is magnificent. You are brave. Not sure I could have climbed that art deco tower though. The weather here has been crazy too, really hot one day, really chilly the next. Mother nature is having a tantrum I think.

    xo
    Theresa

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    1. Thank you Theresa! That dress would have been perfect to celebrate July 4th indeed. I do agree about Mother Nature having a tantrum, with everything that's been going on! xxx

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  9. i want to be a bee in your garden!!
    but your dresses are bright and pretty too! the tights are a great find - but i´m sure you will not need them in the next few months :-D
    40m over sealevel - ui ;-D from our 900m high ski mountain we can see the schneekoppe of the riesengebirge on clear winter days.....
    the old stock exchange is fabulous - please do more pics there!
    i´m quite happy with the weather - i can wear actual clothes in comparison to the "beachwear" of the last 2 summers.
    hugsies! xxxxx

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    1. You're welcome anytime, Bee-ate :-) Yes, yes, I know you would laugh at those 40 meters :-)) You have to remember that Flanders is as flat as a pancake, so 40 meters is quite something here! xxx

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  10. Great color chosen for the new car. You're living quite a life!

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  11. The weather may be dismal but your outfits are cheering! Congratulations on the new car-pretty colour too. Have you named it, or am I the only fool that does that?

    Excellent score on the tights!

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    1. Thanks Goody! We haven't got a name for her yet, I think she'll eventually grow into one. And you're definitely not the only one :-) xxx

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  12. Love the new car colour. Happy driving!

    Your outfits are fabulous as always and such wonderful accessories to accompany them. Hope you have some good weather coming your way; July has been a bit of a washout in the main.

    I loved the water tower and as for the Old Stock Exchange what a marvellous building. I'm so glad it's been repurposed and not knocked down and turned into apartments like most city buildings.

    We have sewn some Red Hot Pokers but see no signs of life as yet...

    What fab opaques you got at the charity shop; brilliant colours - they seem to match the flask!

    Stay safe
    xxx

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    1. Thank you Vronni! We often stop at the water tower for a picnic. We actually did that today. The Stock Exchange had been closed since 1997, and there was some outrage about it being left empty. So glad they decided to spruce it up and make it a public building once again. It has two entrances, and people often used to walk through it as a shortcut to Antwerp's main shopping street. I did that when I worked in an office at the other end! xxx

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  13. I like the pink and red in both of your outfits, but that pretty stripe and floral dress is definitely my favourite! Congrats on the new car! It's nice you've been able to get out and explore a bit even if the weather hasn't been the most summery! :)

    Hope that you are having a nice week :)

    Away From Blue

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    1. Thank you Mica! We've taken the car on a couple of short outings in the meantime! xxx

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  14. I'm still impatiently waiting for summer to arrive too! We get one nice day here or there, and then it's back to wind, clouds, rain in infinite variations, all of which do not include sun. I feel for you!

    I enjoyed your outing to the water tower. That dress is all kinds of fabulous, but I am in love with the jacket! So cute! I saw many buzzy bees today on my Mental Health Walk, mostly poking around in the lavender bushes.

    Congrats on the new car! L is chaffing to get one, as he has a new job that is a long-ish bus ride/long-ish walk home, and he sometimes has to work on the weekends or late, but we're holding off for a few months until we both feel a bit more stable in our work.

    That Stock Exchange space is breathtaking, Ann. WOW. I would eat my lunch there every day.

    Excellent purchase on the tights - I've found many good ones in the thrifts over the years, including some where the elastic had complete gone, unfortunately.

    Have a good rest of your week, my dear friend.

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    1. The weather's been exactly the same here. Every time I think Summer has arrived, the weather changes again! We were lucky we were able to buy the car with such a huge reduction. We were thinking of buying one in the near future anyway. I'd definitely eat my lunch there too, if it wasn't for Covid-19. It was relatively quiet when I was there, but it's just off Antwerp's main shopping street ... xxx

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  15. Hello Ann. Still not much of Summer over there? I don't know about Belgium, but here it seems that the seasons are taking longer to arrive. Winter is supposed to start in June here, but the cold days are only arriving now.

    Thank you for taking us on your travels. I look forward to them, especially now as we've gone into a six week lock down again. I do love a tower, they always offer magnificent views. The Handelsbeurs has amazing architecture. I look forward to more pictures if you get the chance.

    You look lovely as ever in your dresses. Love the colours of your new hosiery, they perfectly co-ordinate with your new flask!

    Congratulations for your new car. She's a stunner! Imagine all her new adventures with you. Have a great weekend.

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    1. The seasons are all over the place here. We didn't have much of a Winter, then a warm Spring and now - so far - a mainly wet Summer! If I were still working full-time, I'd book a ticket for the exhibition on the first floor galleries of the building, but it's hard to get away from the office now I'm only working 2 days ... I've got a friend who went and she said it's simply magnificent up there! xxx

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  16. I wish the humidity would go away, no sooner then I nicely do my hair it’s a flat as a pancake. It is so annoying, it’s typhoon season here so the weather is so damn annoying, lovely one day next minute pouring with rain, I used laugh at people carrying umbrellas but no longer! I have one hidden in my bag at all times. Or you can by one for 100 yen. It’s just a carrier bag on a stick really but it serves it purpose.
    I love it when you pick up dead stock, people always tell me that it is impossible to find, but we always get bag fulls of it at work.
    Keep safe and be well

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    1. How funny, my hair does the exact opposite when it's humid and refuses to stay flat :-) I have to say I've always got a small umbrella in my bag. Impossible not to if you're living in Belgium! xxx

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  17. Just like Lynn in the first comment you brought me back to the Uk, to a Father Brown time actually! We also have a lot of butterflies and bees in our garden. It's so relaxing to have those around you. They are so friendly. Love that peach orange dress! But then again, I love all your dresses!

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    1. Thank you Nancy, what a lovely comment. I love Father Brown. I used to have the same handbag as Mrs. McCarthy, and she's got excellent taste in broches! xxx

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  18. The weather is dampening my spirits too. Surely we deserve some more sunshine to help us through this weird time?
    I like your new car, we bought a new car recently too, our old one was starting to show signs of giving up entirely!
    Lovely flask, that'll brighten any picnic!
    xx

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    1. Oh, I definitely agree Hazel. It's they least they can do ;-) We wanted to buy a new one before our old one started showing those signs. We had a bad experience with our previous one, which gave up in the middle of the motorway! xxx

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  19. Ann, I do feel for you with the lack of Summer sunshine . Your colourful dresses must cheer up those somewhat dreary days.
    I do enjoy seeing the Summer flowers when we are in the depth of our Winter, your garden looks a treat.
    I will look forward to seeing more of the old stock exchange building , it looks wonderful.
    Hope the Summer returns soon. xx

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    1. Thank you Jill, we are having a brief return of Summer at the moment ... I'm thinking of searching out some of those double Hellebores you have in your garden for Winter! xxx

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  20. You are rocking the pink looks, Ann! Love the jacket and dress.

    And the Art Deco water tower looks lovely.

    What finds! Love the colours of the tights and the flask. You always style coloured tights so creatively. Hope sunny days come your way. X

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    1. Thank you Jess! It was only when you and another commenter pointed it out when I saw the match between the tights an the flask! xxx

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  21. Beautiful and interesting photos of the water tower and the former Stock Exchange Building! It was like walking there with you! Congratulations on the new car.I like the colorful and cheerful flowers of your striped dress, perfect with the pink jacket.
    Have a good days!
    Carmela

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    1. Hello Carmela, thank you so much for visiting and taking the time to leave a comment! So nice to meet you! xxx

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  22. That stock exchange building is utterly gorgeous - can't wait to see how you capture it with your camera. It must have been incredible seeing gigs in that setting!

    I hope you're both enjoying driving around in your new car.

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    1. Thank you Mim. It was the most wonderful setting for legendary parties too! We thought it was normal back then! xxx

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  23. Lovely new car! How amazing is the old stock exchange and how lovely that they have renovated it so sympathetically.

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    1. Thank you Gisela, I hope to be able to make more photos of the Stock Exchange soon. My phone's measly camera was quite inadequate ton capture its magnificence! xxx

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