The 'Twiskemolen', Landsmeer

'Twiskemolen' = four syllables

The path leading directly to the windmill is a private road, so one has to shoot it from across the canal right next to it.  The area is a nature reserve and one has to pay a token amount to enter.  As the main shot shows, the mill was facing away from the sun, so I've had to 'fix' that a bit.  You might guess the mill to be at least 200 years old, maybe more, but it is a fairly recent construction -- 1974, so 50 years old this year.

The Twiskepolder was formed in the 1940s.  Before that, this entire area was part of what was then known as the Oostzaan (as opposed to the Westzaan, where I usually hunt), and three windmills used to pump it.  All gone now. The Twiskepolder was created partly to provide jobs for some unemployed people during the war.  At one point, though, there were no more unemployed (wow!), the polder was finished, and the dike could be 'shut'.  The Twiske windmill is still fulfilling its original function.  The wetlands it helps maintain are being used for breeding purposes by several bird species.  Had this been closer to where we live, I don't doubt we'd be coming here by bicycle and taking walks regularly.

A very long drive to the north, equally long drive back.  Driving on the AMS ring also means a fair bit of traffic, although loose in some parts.

Supermarket errands before I left, kitchen duties after dinner.  Thankful my restlessness is a bit less.  Room for improvement, but I've become accustomed to long-haul patience anyway, and I'm smiling because our life has managed to go forward despite disruptions.  I'm also seriously thinking of MOOCking again.  We shall see.