Its already halfway through August 2024 as I write this. Summer took a long time to arrive in the Netherlands this year meaning I was thrilled to pack my bags and head off to North Macedonia in search of sunshine and warmth! Just being outside is for me the best thing ever, I love getting up and just walking into the garden with my cup of coffee, listening to the birds singing and planning my day.

With this view who can blame me!

We’ve had this house for five years now, and it’s wonderful to see how often people visit and keep coming back. I always wonder if newcomers will appreciate the unique vibe of the place, and I’m delighted when they do. Although adjusting to the heat was a bit challenging this year, most guests enjoy the simplicity of our surroundings. There’s a certain charm in the pure, unspoiled environment, free from the hustle and bustle of tourism.

Myself and my daughters experience it as a tranquil retreat, so much so that 2 of my daughters joined us again for a week this year to relax and take some time out from their busy lives.

As I said its halfway through August and I will be heading back to the Netherlands in just over a week but will be sharing my experiences from the last weeks here on this blog before I go! And as I said last year in my first blog of the season Life, however motivated I am to carry on this blog I just never seem to find the time once I am back in my daily life. So I had better get writing now while I have the time.

You can read the first blog of the season Explore the Enigmatic Stone Dolls Near Kocani, which was actually a blog I started writing last year and never finished!