Cheers!

Tuesday April 30th is a big day in my home country, The Netherlands!

Our Queen Beatrix will abdicate and her eldest son, Prince Willem-Alexander, will succeed her as the new monarch of the Netherlands. The investiture will occur at the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam on 30 April 2013.

Our Queen Beatrix will abdicate and her eldest son, Prince Willem-Alexander, will succeed her as the new monarch of the Netherlands. The investiture will occur at the Nieuwe Kerk in Amsterdam on 30 April 2013.
Queen Beatrix abdicates not because she feels the work has become too strenuous but rather because she believes that the country should be led by a new generation.

Once Willem Alexander will be installed on 30 April, he will be the first male monarch in the Netherlands since 1890. Contrary to his predecessors, who called themselves Willem I, Willem II and Willem III, he will be called King Willem-Alexander. His spouse Maxima will be Queen Maxima and both will be addressed with the formal title ‘Majesty’.

Source:

http://www.holland.com/us/tourism/interests/the-dutch-royal-family.htm

From far away I send love and cheers 
to my family and friends in the Netherlands!!

My first shawl!

It's still a work in progress (ok, so I've only completed the first row...), but I am excited! 

I started to crochet a year ago and have really made mostly Granny Squares. 

I've tried some other things, but haven't yet been able to get very far with any pattern. 

The first row is 20 shells. It took a few days!! 

I'm just starting on the second row. 

This pattern is called Sweet Pea Shawl and is designed by Amie Hirtes, 

found in the book Stitch 'n Bitch: The Happy Hooker by Debbie Stoller.

Newest family member!

Meet Harley!

He has a very fuzzy coat!

Awww, so sweet!!