Windmill 'De Hamse Molen' / 'De Ster', Wanroij

'Hamse' = two syllables = refers to the Ham Field (not 'Field of Ham' :DD)
'Ster' = 'star'
'Wanroij' = 'One Roy'

Built in 1811, in the Napoleonic period.  There was no previous windmill in Wanroij.  This was the first and only mill, and will most likely be the last.  As you will note, it has two names - the Ham Mill and the Star.  There is a field nearby called the Ham, and there's a large star painted on either side of the mill.  The locals usually call it 'The Ham'.  (There is no field called 'Eggs'.)

1811 is a significant year in Dutch history -- it was the year when the civil registry was introduced, by none other than Napoleon.  The idea wasn't original.  That honour goes to William the Conq with his Domesday Book.  Every emperor / king wants to increase efficiency by setting up a database of everyone who lives in his kingdom or realm.  Napoleon's edict affected all the countries where his rule was law, which meant, in effect, the whole of western Europe.  Yes, including driving on the right, planting trees along the roads so his soldiers had shade when they had to rest, and straightening said roads.  When his rule ended, the government saw the logic of the civil registry and so we have it still.

It was a beautiful day, weather-wise and it didn't rain again till evening.  Housekeeping duties, and after dinner, AW left for the usual Tuesday evening bridge.  In between all of the above, I found time to write a lengthy email in reply to the Viking.  Stress has been building up for a while now, but there is one difference -- it hasn't been making me feel insecure the way it used to.  However, it is still exhausting.  There is just so much left to do.  Breathe in, breathe out.

THANK YOU ALL for the 9 hearts and sprinkling of stars for yesterday's tulips!  I did not expect that because it was not an 'inspired' shot.  You see things in it that I don't.  Thank you very much!