Week 23

 

Netherlands Nuances

Student loans are to be scrapped. They were introduced during Ben's period of university studies, but luckily, he could complete his studies without needing any extra finance. ie. it didn't apply to him as he had already started.

It seemed then (and now) such a dumb idea - The general workforce being better qualified is surely a worthwhile goal? and in Ben's case he is now paying significant tax instead of starting his working life with a huge debt.

It seems like such a mean-spirited idea that wouldn't adversely affect the wealthy - it is much more in keeping with my idea of the Netherlands that they have scrapped it.

The weather.

I lit the fire in the Day Activity area on Monday - just to get the chill off - but since then it has been very warm - the High Pressure system is still over Scotland - it does give us cooler but drier winds.

From Alphonse at https://www.waterpeilen.nl/ 

I love reading his weather reports - he obviously has a passion for his work. I was first interested in his water level reports for the Rhine and the Maas (Meuse), but his other observations are always informative.

No precipitation has been measured in De Bilt since May 14, which means that no rain has fallen for 22 days now. This is one of the longest dry periods we have experienced in the Netherlands since 1901 and with the dry days still to be expected, the record of 2007 may even be reached. (It's now 29 days as I write)

May is usually when the long periods without rain occur - as with this year - which now includes June...

Number of times it did not rain for 14 days or more per month since 1901

Gas production Groningen

The Prime Minister (Rutte) has been under fire for mishandling the gas extraction from Groningen. Billions of Euros are going to be paid to the residents as compensation for the earthquake damage caused over the years.

The Opposition are calling for his head - just a political move and no solution to the problem.

 The gas extraction will be phased out - they have made a lot of money out of it since the 1960's, but the current situation - ie the earthquake damage, Russia, climate - are all helping to hasten the switch to alternatives.

My gas bills for the residents were down as a result of the warmer weather, but just as we had some good news - this happened on Friday...

nu.nl

The gas price skyrocketed on Friday to well above 30 euros per megawatt hour. It is the second price jump in a short time. Earlier this week, gas already became 20 percent more expensive in one day.

At the end of the afternoon on Friday, traders paid about 33 euros for a megawatt hour. At the start of the day it still cost 26.60 euros. That represented an increase of almost 25 percent.

The travels of Ron and Nettie in Houtrib

On Friday, they had reached Reims (I get a location pin every couple of days - very exciting to follow their progress)

Around the farm

0630hrs this morning

Our replacement double glazing comes in about a week - they sent us a reminder that we need 1.5 metres clearance on the inside. We're not quite ready to start pulling the floor out - but it looks very inviting :)

We have kids this weekend - almost 2 full days at the swimming pool!!

The grass isn't growing as quickly as usual - no rain - so I have had some relief from that :)

"We" have just about finished the driveway - Tjeerd does the lion's share of the work, luckily

(I cut the other cables off - too much work to be digging them out)