Mon, Oct 16, 2006
The family have moved home. The new home has been decorated by Jenny Smulders, a dominant interior decorator with spiritual tendencies. The interior is supposed to be honest and basic; in fact, it is rather empty - the kind of interior pictured in posh, stylish decorator magazines. It is impossible to sit comfortably on the couch. Jenny herself is a very strict lady. She tells them to take the cover from their garden furniture: the furniture is supposed to live, i.e., get sucked by rain.
Evelien's mother and her friend, Gert, come along to bring the kids and a pot of soup. She has officially become a Bob Ross instructor; she brings a picture in Bob Ross style painted by herself as a gift for their new home. Asked to give her honest opinion, Evelien shily tells her that she thinks the painting is ugly as hell. Her mother furiously leaves, taking the soup and Gert with her.
Later that day Harko is angry on seeing Jenny's bill: she is very expensive. Late at night it starts to rain; Harko and Evelien rush out to cover their garden furniture.
Mon, Oct 23, 2006
Harko is going back to work after moving home. The prospect of having to work for twenty more years makes him sad. Evelien still insists they have to take off their shoes to preserve the wooden floor. Regina has put on a thick layer of eyeshadow. It seems that she wants to make an impression on Zappa, her ex-boy friend. When Evelien takes the children to school, she meets Zappa's father, a television celebrity; he is very rude to her. When returning home, she accidentally triggers her neighbour's car alarm.
Gert, her mother's friend, is prepared to help her finish the interior designer's bills, on condition that she accepts the Bob Ross style painting. She reluctantly agrees. Jenny Smulders, the interior designer, passes by; she explains that it is quite possible to sit on the new couch: the real problem is that Evelien's legs are too short. Gert discusses the bills (the sum total of which is enormous) with Jenny and explains to her that there are a lot of double entries and mistakes. He negotiates a sizeable discount and a job for Evelien as Jenny's personal assistant to pay for the bills. Evelien finally agrees that taking off your shoes in your own home is silly. The kids like their granny's painting a lot and accept it for their own bedroom. Harko arrives home on a racing bike, dressed like a professional cyclist.
Mon, Oct 30, 2006
Harko's boss Van de Berg is coming to dinner; it is a crucial moment, as Harko's promotion is pending. It is the very day at which Evelien starts with her new job. They have trouble preparing dinner, as both have a busy day; finally they settle on a barbecue. Evelien's job is to visit people who wish to sell pieces of furniture; her driver is a great help. Halfway through the day Harko and Evelien have a phone-call: Harko is unable to fetch the vegetables, while Evelien cannot collect the meat. At the end of her working day Evelien is having trouble picking up the kids at school. She finally calls the rear neighbour; she is ready to help her out.
Back home, she finds Harko, who is rather relaxed having drinks with the rear neighbour: it turns out they have studied together. The Van de Bergs arrive; they are rather boring. Mrs. Van de Berg is trying to take over raising Regina and Julia, finding fault at them. In the kitchen Harko explains to Evelien that he has taken beta-blockers. However, after having a few more drinks Harko is losing control, making rude remarks and behaving over-excited. Feeling offended, the Van de Bergs leave the house.