Days in Soest

We've spent several days doing pretty much nothing: nursing our sick visitor, walking around the community, having coffee with the neighbors. We were invited over to Hans' and Jose's house for coffee and it ended up being not only coffee but a light brunch. Jose is very cognizant of our strange dietary requirements and even found some spelt bread at the bakery. Spelt is still a grain, so Linda stays away from it, but it doesn't seem to affect me.

The day was cold and rainy until late afternoon. We were out of food and didn't feel like shopping so, we walked down to de Smickle, a family restaurant that specializes in Dutch pancakes. A Dutch pancake is about the size of a large pizza with a thin, crepe-like crust. The menu includes many topping combinations but it also says you may order any toppings you wish, even chicken livers. Linda has had that before, but she's off it now.

The restaurant was a barn at one time. It has sand on the floors, but no peanuts.

This is a large place and the grill is prepared for large volumes. There are usually groups when we go.

Our friend, Joy, sitting happily at the table.

We shared two savory pancakes and one sweet one with bananas, pineapple, and candied ginger on the side. We had started with a shared salad and left the restaurant stuffed.

On the walk home, we passed several farms with various structures. Keep in mind we are just a few blocks from our house.

This herd of sheep came over to the edge of the pasture to see us. Many of these sheep had long tails. Linda tells me that tails are usually cut off. They are being used to mow. We've seen this before along a bike path. Very eco friendly. Else, what do you do with these animals?

The owner of this farm told us he had hired these sheep to mow.

Almost back to the house and we find this lovely house nestled in the trees.