Wiese Windmill: January 2013

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Having fun with my Embroidery Machine

Lace ornaments made by Clara and myself given to the girls: Friends: Judie, Rose and Pat. Family: Joni, Janine, Jenny, Nicki, Stacy, Kathy.

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day at the Herrmann House

Herrmann House and Guest

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2012

Merry Christmas from our house to your house,

Yes, Andrew stuck his tongue out on purpose. Such a clown.

Sierra and Kiefer made the rice krispie Jesus train,

Amy, Katie, Michael

Fred and Joni You must be married your touching! inside joke

Stacy, Nicolaas, Andrew

Ella

Aaron

Papa Nick and Nico

Papa Nick and the Wiese's

Cami, Janine, Clara

Andrew, Stacy, Kiefer

Nicolaas

Oliver

Anna, Stacy, Bethany, Ella

Ella and Jordan

Alan, Molly, Rachel

Heather

Grampa Brian, Ella, Oliver, Bethany

Janine

Clara

Violet, Michael, Alan

Alan and Oliver

Nick, Chris, David

Rachel and Linda

Beautiful table setting

People beginning to gather round

Windmills

Most people know that the windmills have to some extent, built the country of the Netherlands. In fact, an old Dutch adage says “God created the earth, but the Dutch created Holland.”

Without the mills much of the land drainage could not have taken place. Mills were also used for grain milling, saw milling and in fact for a number of industrial purposes.

During World War II certain resting positions and ribbons on the sails etc.were used to signal secret messages to confidants and members of the resistance to warn people in hiding of raids.

The reason why I chose the Windmill to be the name for our blog is because traditionally the mills have been a means of communication. The mills speak a language which can be read from the position of the sails.

Basically, there are four positions: celebration, mourning, short resting, longer resting. In each position the sails are slightly tilted one way or another so people will know what is happening in the miller’s life

1. Celebration – birth or wedding position top sail at 1 on the clock

2. Mourning – death or funeral position top sail at 11 on the clock

3. Short rest or ready for work position sails in plus or cross ( + )

4. Longer rest – perhaps a vacation, illness position sails in ( X )

The sails of the windmills are often decorated with garlands or flowers for the occasion. Some millers mount a star on the mill at Christmas time.

Click here for a complete windmill database.