I went to my barber yesterday. While waiting for my turn, I read the local newspaper of my 50k town. Every 4 years the municipality holds a large poll among the inhabitants. The results of 2025 were in. In my country, the Netherlands, we have the concept of "mantelzorger". A mantelzorger is someone who provides unpaid and long term care for ill family members or friends. In 2021 17% of the inhabitants reported to be a mantelzorger. In 2025 the percentage is 30%.
When the barber washed my hair, out of nowhere she said:"So many of my customers are very sick or dead. It makes me depressed. Many lung cancers. I want it to stop"
When walking back I passed a house whith the frontdoor half open. From the inside I heard people screaming and arguing. In the meantime I have a few of the best weeks in years. More clarity, energy and effectiveness than I can remember. My little vegetable garden is doing fine too. The zucchini is growing, the pumpkin is staging, the tomatos are clamoring for a warm, sunny summer and the strawberries are almost ripe. Too bad I will be in England when the're ready to pluck but the birds will enjoy.
Yesterday
When the barber washed my hair, out of nowhere she said:"So many of my customers are very sick or dead. It makes me depressed. Many lung cancers. I want it to stop"
When walking back I passed a house whith the frontdoor half open. From the inside I heard people screaming and arguing. In the meantime I have a few of the best weeks in years. More clarity, energy and effectiveness than I can remember. My little vegetable garden is doing fine too. The zucchini is growing, the pumpkin is staging, the tomatos are clamoring for a warm, sunny summer and the strawberries are almost ripe. Too bad I will be in England when the're ready to pluck but the birds will enjoy.