November 10, 1983...
Well, October 2023 was my worst month with October 10, being only 40 kg or 88 US pounds...
Determined to GAIN weight + strength—I've managed to add 10% to that!
40 kg...
On November 9, best friend Ellie and family from The Netherlands sent us these lovely flowers...
On Friday November 10, we gathered with friends (23 in total, including us) around the table at Ristorante da Maria ←click link.
This was our THANK YOU for all the help, driving me, food brought, laundry done, cleaning, praying or whatever.
AND it was also the day that we had our 40th Wedding Anniversary... See first photo!
We did not tell that to our friends, but I announced it after the prayer was said by a dear friend.
So grateful!
The waiter made this photo but we FORGOT to have one of Pieter and me together...
Pieter is on the left in the back and me at the head of the table.
Lady Chef Maria prepared us a delicious 5–course dinner and each guest had selected their Entrée of choice.
Me in my wool Escada suit visiting with friends... FIRST time I wore block heels and also earrings and rings...
Rings would still fall off one month ago!
Pieter took this...
That's my little purse on the table, had no space on chair as I still use a pillow for my back.
Me visiting with friends in–between courses...
Pieter made those photos, including from his salmon with shrimps... We both opted for fish.
All enjoyed their dinner and we felt very blessed for being alive and having reached this milestone!
Prayers do get answered!!!
Related link:
Our Contract for Life | previous post by me with photos that I got from Mom & Dad's estate — new to us!
Mariette, this is fantastic news, I'm so glad you've got a bit of weight back on and are up and about, feeling well enough to celebrate. And what a lovely celebration it was! I'm continuing to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteDearest Kim,
DeleteYes, it is unreal for getting a bit of weight back on and I certainly will try hard to get all the missing pounds back on!!! It sure was lovely to be with friends on a dreary and dark day.
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers—they DO work!
Hugs,
Mariette
Hello Mariette and Pieter, What a happy post and occasion this is! Congratulations on this milestone anniversary! And I am so happy that your recovery allowed you to celebrate, and to look so sharp doing so! The devoted friends gathered to celebrate with you is a testament to the love and friendship that obviously flows in both directions. I always knew that your inner strength would get you past your recent trials. Looking forward to smooth sailing from here on!
ReplyDelete--Jim
Dearest Jim,
DeleteThank you and yes, I've really tried hard for being up and about to do this. It certainly is uplifting to have that many caring friends and they ignite in me a strong will power for getting stronger.
Hugs,
Mariette
Splendid photos of the young couple, the flowers, the table at the restorant, the guests, the food served!
ReplyDeleteI'm so very glad you've regained your weight! Happy 40th wedding anniversary of you and Pieter!
Dearest Duta,
DeleteThank you for the well wishes to both of us!
No, I've by far not regained my weight but the beginning is made and I will persevere.
Hugs,
Mariette
How wonderful you must have felt to be with such loving and caring friends. What a tasty dinner being served. And you all gussied up and out and about. I am very glad for you and pray for more continued better health. I have to tell you we married in May 1983! Lynn XX
ReplyDeleteDearest Lynn and Precious,
DeleteIt was such an unreal 'goal' being finally reached.
Yes, all loving and caring friends and those are the ingredients for life we all need!
So, you beat us with half a year on your Ruby Wedding Anniversary... belated congrats.
Hugs,
Mariette
Congratulations Mariette!
ReplyDeleteDearest Anne,
DeleteTHANK YOU!
Hugs,
Mariette
What a fun and spectacular celebration, Mariette! I'm do glad that you've been able to put on some weight and feel more like your old self again. God is so good! Happy Anniversary!
ReplyDeleteDearest Martha Jane,
DeleteYes, it was a very special time had with friends! Fond memories of this special milestone.
Thank you and also from Pieter.
Hugs,
Mariette
wow! 40 Jahre ist eine lange Zeit und ich gratuliere Euch beiden sehr herzlich 💗💗 zu Eurem Hochzeitstag, liebe Mariette und lieber Pieter. 1983 liegt ja schon lange zurück und Du hast damals nur 40 kg gewogen, unfassbar. Wie schön, dass Familie und Freunde Dich beschützt haben und Du zunehmen konntest. 🙏🏻💗 Alles Liebe und ich wünsche Euch weiterhin eine gute Zeit. 💗🙏🏻 Moin und Groetjes von Traudi.💗🥰
ReplyDeleteLiebe Traudi,
DeleteHaha, damals wog ich gut 50 kg aber vor einem Monat her wog ich nur 40 kg...
Vielen Dank für deine gute Wünsche!
Pieter und Mariette
O sorry, Du hast so recht, liebe Mariette; ich habe falsch gelesen. 😘 Liebe Grüße 🥰❤️🤗
Delete😉
DeleteLa mayoría de personas, se ponen a dieta para disminuir su peso. Muchas de ellas envidiarían tu figura.
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo.
Querida Antónia,
DeletePero no por pesar solo 40 kg y sentirse tan débil... ¡Me esfuerzo por ganar más!
Abrazos,
Mariette
Wonderful photos, 40yrs is nothing to sneeze at
ReplyDeleteI am happy to read that you have gained a little weight
Dearest Jo-Anne,
DeleteYou are right about that.
Sure I felt mighty proud for having gained at least something!
Hugs,
Mariette
Happy and Blessed Anniversary, my friend! I am so happy that you are feeling better and were able to celebrate with your people! You look beautiful!
ReplyDeleteDearest Billie Jo,
DeleteThank you so much and yes, it feels good for being up and moving again!
Hugs,
Mariette
That was a nice gathering, Mariette. The food looks delicious. You look lovely in the yellow suit. I am glad you are feeling better, and I hope your good health continues. Yes, God always listens and answers our prayers. Happy Anniversary. That is a special day, indeed.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
Dearest Sheri,
DeleteThank you so much for your well wishes!
Yes, it certainly was a day to live forward to and wanting to feel better.
Hugs,
Mariette
What an enjoyable and impressive celebration, Mariette! 🎉 I'm thrilled that you've managed to gain some weight and are starting to feel like your usual self once more. God is truly kind! 🙏 Wishing you a joyful anniversary! 🥳
ReplyDeleteDearest Veronica,
DeleteThanks for your wishes and yes, this was such a special milestone reached!
Hoping to continue gaining weight and feeling stronger.
Hugs,
Mariette
This was such an uplifting post dear Mariette. We are so happy knowing you really are making such a good recovery and were able to have this wonderful gathering of your many friends.
ReplyDeleteMay each day bring even more happiness and easier mobility - we'll keep you in our thoughts and prayers as always.
Warm hugs - Mary and Bob xx
Congrats too on reaching 40 yrs. with Pieter - that's awesome.
Dearest Mary,
DeleteThank you and yes, it is a special day for looking back onto when days are rough.
Have been in lots of pain for the past two days—guess I've done too much...
Slept well, regardless of the night sweats.
Prayers are sill needes and thanks for having done so.
Hugs,
Mariette
Prayers do indeed get answered. Sometimes we are not able to see a blessing that is staring us in the face. But you are aware of your blessings, and I have enjoyed this lovely and happy celebration with all your friends and Pieter. You have had a terrible time and you have fought these things with all your strength. This is a beautiful tribute to your friends. I am most happy for you.
ReplyDeleteDearest Katie Isabella,
DeleteYes it is so very true about prayer–power!
Thank you so very much and wish you could have joined us...
Hugs,
Mariette
Dearest Mariette, what a wonderful news to see you at your 40th wedding anniversary among your good friends and learn you have started to gain back some of the weight you had lost!
ReplyDeleteI wish you all the best, dear friend, for both you and Pieter, as well as many happy returns of the day! Many hugs!!!! Marie-Anne
Dearest Marie–Anne,
DeleteThank you so very much and yes, we both hope that things will improve slowly but steadily from now on. It sure felt good for being with friends on our special day!
Hugs,
Pieter & Mariette
What a lovely celebration, dear Mariette.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on your 40th wedding anniversary and all the best wishes for Peter and you.
It's a shame that I can't send you a Dresdner Stollen... an absolute calorie bomb and tastes delicious too... really good for gaining weight, with the best ingredients.
A hug to you and very best wishes to you. Viola
Dearest Viola,
DeleteThank you and as for the Dresdner Stollen, they are available here as well but I cannot eat them due to the high sugar content—being diabetic type 2.
Hugs,
Mariette
Lieve Mariette,
ReplyDeleteVan harte gefeliciteerd.
Wat een prachtig gedekte tafels en zo gezellig.
Het is veel waard om veel dierbaren om je heen te hebben.
Wat fijn dat je toch weer wat aangekomen bent.
Je ziet er prachtig uit in je mantelpakje en wat een toffe schoenen.
Alle goeds en liefs uit Nederland,
Hilly
Lieve Hilly,
DeleteDank je wel en ja Ristorante da Maria is puur Europees wat tafel dekken en zo betreft.
Maria komt uit Bolzano en is een geweldige Lady Chef.
Het was een mooie en bijzondere avond en het voelt goed voor ons beidjes!
Haha, die schoenen met blokhak verloren wel hun beschermhakje... moet ze wegbrengen om er nieuwe onder te laten zetten.
Het mantelpakje voelde behaaglijk en ook de schoenen en ik probeer om meer aan te komen!!!
Liefs,
Mariette
Olá, Mariette, muito bom saber que você está com boa saúde.
ReplyDeleteGostei de ver ver essa sua postagem rodeada pelos amigos.
Grande abraço para você e Pieter, um bom domingo, com muito saúde
para o casal.
Prezado Pedro,
DeleteObrigado, também do Pieter!
Sim, esses momentos são valiosos com os amigos.
Feliz domingo para você!
Mariette
Härligt att du mår bättre! Ja god mat och lite fest förgyller livet :)
ReplyDeleteTa väl hand om dig nu...
Kram Titti
Dearest Titti,
DeleteYes, you are right—good food with friends does feel great!
Am trying to do the utmost in eating well and resting.
Hugs,
Mariette
Congratulations on your wedding anniversary. You both are an inspiration to me.
ReplyDeleteBig hug to you both.
Dearest Cristina,
DeleteThank you and we both tried our very best over the years.
Time is passing way too fast...
Hugs,
Mariette
Congratulations to you and Pieter on wedding anniversary. I like how you started your post with a lovely picture of the both of you. Good to see and hear how well you are doing. You look so pretty in your Escada suit.
ReplyDeleteWonderful meal. I enjoyed reading the menu and take a few ideas from it. Happy Thanksgiving Wishes. Hugs, Betsy
Dearest Betsy,
DeleteThank you and yes, I've become stronger again but the pain is not leaving me yet...
The Escada suit was nice and warm and I need that.
Oh, the meals at Ristorante da Maria are the BEST.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Hugs,
Mariette
I am so thrilled that your health is improving. For what it's worth, I'll include you in my prayer list. ~hugs~ And I have to say that your home is gorgeous. It looks like a bed and breakfast. :) Blessings, my dear.
ReplyDeleteDearest Darla,
DeleteWell, I was rather healthy and mobile—till that car hit me while on my E–bike...
Thanks your for your prayers!
We both love our home and especially that bay window area where we enjoy breakfast in the sun — if shining!
Hugs,
Mariette