Celebrations and Felicitations

This painting has accompanied me through many household moves and is always the first to be placed on the wall. It was a gift from my parents and was painted by my father, who was practising toward being an art forger. The original was painted by Jan Steen, who used his family, including the dog as models in his paintings. Most of his paintings displayed a sense of chaos and disarray, which led to a Dutch proverb, referring to a mess as "the household of Jan Steen".  

This painting depicts a family celebration and we have much to celebrate today. Gerald Walsh, Michael's father, is celebrating his 99th birthday. With hoots and hollers we are cheering him on to the  big 100th next year. We will be there.

Sequitur, our Hunter49, has been sold to an Australian, and he takes possession today. She is back in the water and will be continuing her voyage around the world, first destination Australia. She will remain in our hearts forever. Fair Winds, Sequitur.

My daughter Amy, son-in-law Bram and granddaughter Annelies, are taking possession of their new home tomorrow.  A beautiful new double story, free standing home in Vancouver in a great neighbourhood for Annelies to grow up. 

Cheers, I'll drink to that!