This summer started with a real highlight: Paula completed her studies and was lucky that she was able to host a small ceremony at the university, instead of an online meeting like many of her friends had to do in the past year. We we able to attend, with Mary's parents, Dorien and Lars, and several of Paula's friends. Paula presented her thesis in an excellent manner, and we were allowed to ask questions afterwards. This was followed by a more serious grilling of her exam committee, who then withdrew to discuss the final result. In the end they were very pleased with her work, and Paula received her MSc degree, with a cum laude distinction. After a tough year it's time for 2 months off, before worrying about finding a job, moving house, getting a car and other issues.
As it was difficult to plan holidays with the varying Covid restrictions in western Europe, the girls decided to set up camp in our house in France, and get friends over there for a wide range of outdoor activities. To get this all started we drove over with Pippin first, fully PCR-tested, for a quiet re-opening of the house, 10 months after we closed it down in September 2020. Thanks to our neighbours, who mowed part of the lawn, and after switching on the water and electricity it felt like we only left a few weeks earlier. We had a few relaxing days, then the first visitors arrived, and the house has been full ever since. It is great to see everybody enjoying the garden and surroundings, walking, cycling, climbing and cooking. The main advantage is the latter: we have one rule: we don't cook!
Pippin is thoroughly spoilt. Not only does he get unlimited attention, the area around the house is a paradise for a hunting dog, with forest, streams and swamps. He enjoys messing around when we are working in the garden, and at the end of each day he is exhausted and sleeps in his 'cupboard under the stairs'.
We enjoyed several real mountain hikes with Pippin (on a leash), bike rides and dog training sessions. After 2 weeks Piet worked for a week from the house, and then returned to The Hague to start his new job. He will come back soon to continue his holidays.
