Daily Dutch living

As I was walking to the post office today, I came across a service truck. The worker was in the middle of cutting down tree branches that were obstructing the power lines.

As you can see, there are power lines at the top of the image. If you’re American, this is a normal everyday sight (although one of my coworkers lives in a town where all of the lines are buried underground). But I still remember the first time Marco told me that the power lines in the Netherlands were underground.

Of course, this means they are much less likely to break when a storm hits. Like last October when most of the Northeast was out of power for a week (some places two weeks). I ended up spending the night at a coworker’s just to have a guaranteed shower and warmth. It got down in the mid 50s (Fahrenheit) in my place! There was an article written a few weeks ago about why most of the United States doesn’t bury their power lines (only 18% do). Mainly due to cost to the consumer, upkeep needed more often, and the type of rock they would have to dig into.

So just remember that the next time you see a power line. Or don’t see a power line…

A few weeks ago my parents noticed that there was a duck hanging around the house. Sensing what was about to happen, Mom tried to shoo it away. But it was to no avail – the duck made her choice and the nest was made.

Here is her nest. I am surprised so many eggs could fit in one duck… The nest is right up against the house, underneath a bench (which is the wood piece you see here).

Last I heard a few days ago, the eggs have not hatched yet. Of course it’s not so much that my parents are against the idea of little ducklings in the yard. Our dog is older, slow, and probably a bit blind. So she pretty much ignores the mother. (And hopefully the duck keeps ignoring the dog, or I will fly home and make sure it wishes it had! I have a soft spot for Oreo, our dog.)

It’s more the factor of what other wildlife gets into our fenced in yard. Every week or two, a cat is spied lounging on the deck. So it’ll be a miracle if all of them survive – but that’s why the duck lays so many!

Not to be out done, Marco’s aunt and uncle also have their own newly hatched birds…

Cute little goslings in the Netherlands

Here are two little goslings who are exploring their yard. His aunt and uncle spent a lot of time and effort fixing up their home and surrounding land, which is in the country. Having spent the rest of my time in the Netherlands staying in cities, it was a bit of a shock to see what the Dutch countryside looked like.

But it was very peaceful and relaxing. And amusing when a chicken waddled past hoping that none of us would notice that it was about to get into the home through the open back door… but we noticed. Poor chicken didn’t get to explore the inside!