Anniversaries

I have reached an age when wedding anniversaries occur far more frequently than weddings or baby showers. Of course it is fantastic and a blessing that so many of my friends have stayed together through sad and joyful times, and hardly any of them have divorced. Is it our religious upbringing? Even now that quite a lot of them are no longer members of a church? Nevertheless they believe in loyalty and keeping one’s promises, whether they were exchanged in church or promises made to each other.

 The wonderful wysteria walk to the Brasserie of the Staverden castle 

 Several views of Staverden Castle

I was invited to a 40^th wedding anniversary on a beautiful spring day, a luxury in between two rainy days. The venue was in one of our Dutch castles, Staverden. Not a castle ever built for defence purpose, but more the home of a wealthy family, so a mansion albeit moated. Years ago it looked rather neglected and run down, the walls dirty and the plaster peeling. But it has been restored to its former glory, and so have the surrounding gardens and grounds which are lovely. 

Besides there is a watermill , the only survivor of quite a number which used to be along the banks of the brook running through this estate. In fact the estate is quite large and consists of woods and farmland, mostly situated south of the big house, along the “Staverdense” brook. The farms and houses belonging to the estate have wooden shutters all painted and decorated with the same colourful patterns. Staverden is officially a city, the smallest city of the Benelux, with just 52 inhabitants spread out over a large area. It is an idyllic area, and attracts many cyclists and hikers. 

 Front and back...

They breed white peacocks on the estate, and the peacocks were showing off their beautiful feathers it being springtime. The females did not seem to be impressed and just went on doing what they were doing.

In one of the buildings, be it the former stables or the orangery, is a restaurant with a lovely terrace. It is a popular place for parties, weddings, dinners and just for lunch.

I was surprised to see that most of the guests at this anniversary party were grey haired, elderly people.  Even more shocking to realise that I probably belong to the same age group. But the friends celebrating their 40-year bond looked far younger than that, and I flatter myself – and hope it is true – that I do too. Whatever, it was a very enjoyable party, the setting, the weather, the company, the socializing and the food.

To give you an impression, here are a few pictures.