Sometimes we read a sentence somewhere that sticks in our memory. I experienced this, for example, some time ago when reading an interview with Mirjam Bikker, at the time just elected leader of the Dutch Christian Union party. It was published months ago, but the last question of the interview is still clear in my mind: "Suppose girls at Christian schools will soon say: Mirjam Bikker is a true role model for me..."

Thanks to a push message on my phone, I end up on LinkedIn after a long time of absence. It is a good thing to keep abreast of the business ups and downs of former classmates, family members and vague acquaintances, isn't it?

It's just a small news item in the paper: Marie Kondo, the Japanese bestselling author who taught the whole world to declutter, has now given up on the ideal of a tidy home herself.

Summer holidays have arrived! I remember how excited I was as a child when it was that time of the year again. Six long weeks, plenty of time to do whatever you wanted and without any obligations. Well, tidying your room, perhaps, but that was still manageable.

In our church library, a separate shelf has been set aside for books by forgotten authors. To my surprise, I find a book in this very cupboard with Chinese characters on its cover. Curious, I pick it up.

On Facebook, I come across a flyer advertising a lunch break concert. I don't know about the women's choir performing, but it looks good, and the concert is close to my hometown. Moreover, it is free!

Abel has already asked several times if we will go to Loofles again, a small pond in the forest area near the Dutch town of Kootwijk.

"Look, it can even explain the differences between several Dutch Reformed denominations!" My younger brother is very enthusiastic about the capabilities of the software program ChatGPT.

Queen's Day (April 30) used to be my favourite holiday. To celebrate the birthday of Queen Beatrix, we strolled over the traditional flea market, ate orange vanilla slices, watched the ring stabbing, went to the organ concert in the church in the evening and then, to top it all off, watched a dazzling fireworks show.

"Hey, are you not that mother who writes columns?" The blonde woman behind the stand is not the first tonight to recognise me.