The apple tree on our terrace

We arrived in Amsterdam today where K will begin his work assignment in Europe. We expect to be here about a year and a half so October 8th marks the first official day of my photo blog.

We left on Monday evening and our flight landed just before noon today - Tuesday. We quickly cleared customs and made our way to our apartment with our 10 suitcases, 2 computer bags, a purse and a backpack. We required two taxis to accommodate our luggage! One of the drivers was kind enough to help us carry our belongings up the stairs – 54 stairs.

Even though today is my first official blipfoto day, I just had to post a photo yesterday, which was taken Monday morning. Here is the story behind Monday's photo...

We had planned our move very carefully, but there are some things that cannot be anticipated. And on Monday morning, of course, one of those rare bizarre things just happened. It had been raining on and off for a few days and although the morning was overcast, it was peaceful and lovely. The 35 year old fruit trees in our backyard were laden with fruit, which was more plentiful than most years. Unfortunately, the roots of the poor old apple tree could not bear the weight of the fruit in the soft, moist soil, so slowly and gracefully it fell over. Completely over.

This cardinal stayed perched in the tree for some time as he pondered the situation. Then he flew away to find a new home. Kind of like K and me, I suppose… (Okay. That's a little too poetic...)

We were surprised to find that we have an apple tree on the terrace in our new home in Amsterdam. It is a very small potted "Charlie Brown" tree that has only two apples. Today’s photo is of one of those apples.