Getting Ready for Mom's 90th Birthday

Sunday, 13-November-2011 - Veghel - My sister-in-law Marlyn asked us to bring a picture of Mom and write a few words about it. These will be used to decorate the house for Mom's 90th birthday on 25-Nov.

link to story behind the pic

Skating to Hellevoetsluis

Sunday, 25-September-2011, - Rotterdam/Hellevoetsluis - It was a glorius, sunny day. After a nice overdue talk with ex-collegue Harald, I put on my skates and headed to Hellevoetsluis. Katherine and Logan picked me up, and we drove back home. High-time for supper. I was good for 30 km. pics (86). gps-tracked route part 1 part 2

Double Fun-on-Wheels Skating

Saturday, 10-September-2011 - Veghel - Twin sisters Arianne and Astrid joined us today. We headed for Wijbosch. When we got back we stopped at the Mac for ice cream. Nine skaters--good for 15 km. pics (26)
gps-tracked route

Return Trip to the Netherlands

Tuesday, 6-September-2011 - Zürich/Eindhoven - We left Zurich around 2330. I got more sleep on the way back. We dropped off Brigitte, Maurice, and Marion at a rest stop near their home where we picked them up. Got back safely to Eindhoven around 0900. Said goodbye to everyone and drove home to Veghel. Thanks to everyone for a great Fun-on-Wheels weekend! Special thanks to the organizers: Henriette, Kees, Marion, Ria, and Toon.
pics album (6) weekend top 50

Monday Night Skate Zürich?

Monday, 5-September-2011 - Pfäffikon/Einseideln/Zürich - Ria announced that the calf was born about 0300. I couldn't get to sleep after wakening for someone's snoring episode. On my way to the toilet, I saw that the morning milking had just started. I watched for awhile before going back to bed. It was still raining when we got up. After breakfast, we thanked our hosts and headed for the Einseideln Monastery for some sightseeing. We then drove back to the youth hostel in Zurich for the Monday Night Skate. It had stopped raining when we got there. We were on our own for a few hours--we'd meet back at 1730 to find out if the skate would take place. The sun came out after a few minutes--my hopes started rising. Marij and I found a nice place to eat lunch. pics (129)
clips
Morning Milking at Lützelhof part 1 (19 sec) part 2 (22 sec)
Monday Night Skate part 1 (21 sec) part 2 (39 sec) part 3 (19 sec)
gps-tracked route part 1 part 2

Swiss Countryside Skating

Sunday, 4-September-2011 - Zürich/Pfäffikon - After breakfast, we headed for the village of Bollingen, about 50 km from Zürich, to meet our hosts and and guides, Ernst and Prisca, for the morning skate. During the lunch break, we got a downpour that didn't quit. That ended our skating for the day. We then headed to the Lützelhof dairy farm in Pfäffikon. This is where we would stay the night. Had a good meal and fun afterwards. During the evening we found out that a calf would be born that night. Helene and Ria stayed up to watch the birth. pics (297)
clip skater with the bell
gps-tracked route

Skating in Zürich

Saturday, 3-September-2011 - Zürich - We arrived around 0930 at the youth hostel where we would spend the night. We put on our skates and headed for the lake front near the center of the city. Jürg, Monday Night Skate Team Leader, was our guide. pics (269)
Train Staton Music clips part 1 part 2
gps-tracked route part 1 part 2

Fun-on-Wheels Zürich

Friday, 2-September-2011 - Eindhoven - Marij and I picked up Bep on our way to the meeting point in Eindhoven: Willy de Kruyff Touring Cars. Twenty-eight Fun-on-Wheels skaters and family members boarded the bus at 2330. Piet was our driver for the weekend. We were on our way to Zürich! pics (12)

Boekel Skating

Tuesday, 30-August-2011 - Boekel - Took a nap after getting back from Rotterdam. After supper, drove to Boekel. The evenings are getting shorter, but the sunsets are none the less spectacular. Thirteen skaters--good for 23 km. pics (22) gps-tracked route

Fun-on-Wheels Sunday

Sunday, 28-August-2011 - Oss - Marij chose to go to a car boot sale in Geffen today with a friend, and she suggested I go skating, which I glady did--a wonderful windy skate. We started in Oss, crossed the Grave bridge, skated along the dike. After the coffee break, we crossed over the Ravenstein bridge, passed through the Maashorst, and returned to the starting point. Thirteen skaters and one solex rider--good for 37 km. pics (163) gps tracked route part 1 part 2 bike ride home

Electroworld Skating 2011--100 km?

Saturday, 20-August-2011 - Boekel - Perfect weather for Electroworld skating. I signed up for 100 km, but had doubts if I should press myself. I could always stop and ride with the safety bus, I thought. 135 skaters started at 1000. Shortly after the 60 km rest stop, I felt the pace picking up to around 25 km/hr--I had to work harder to keep up. Maybe it was psychological. When I heard someone behind me say that "now this is a good pace", I thought I couldn't make it to the next stop about 15 km farther. I punched out of the pack at Langenboom with the intention to hop in the safety bus, but I rolled to a stop and sat down--too far away to be noticed. It was a long 22 km-skate back to Boekel on my own. To my surprise, I got back just in time to take finish photos of those who completed the 100 km. Thanks to all the skaters and volunteers for a great day. pics (242)
my gps tracked route
part 2
part 3
part 4

Skating to Postel and Back--105 km

Saturday, 13-August-2011 - Oirschot/Postel - 16 skaters (aschwin, astrid, bart, carin, dale, elles, frans, henriette, jan, louis, manuela, marc, marion, pieter, ronald, and yvonne), one bicyclist (christine), and one solex rider (toon). Pieter Smits was again this year our host and guide. Predominantly a wet adventure, but everyone was up to the challenge. A swimming pool and barbecue were waiting for us when we got back--105 km. Super group, super day! (Photo Marc Molenaar). group photo
my pics (260) christine's pics (2) marc's pics (13) bearing cleaning(15-aug) (35) gps tracked route part 1 part 2

Bicycling to Helmond

Saturday, 6-August-2011 - Helmond - Rode my bike to the Helmond open-air market. It's in the center of town near 't Speelhuis theater (photo). At the market, I saw the Vrijhof Vishandel team: Gerard, Gilbert, John, Luis, Marij, Nel, and Vivian. I was good for 45 km.

pics (97)

Death of a Salesman

Wednesday, 20-Jul-2011 - Amelith - I helped bury my brother Virgil today. I mourn his passing, but find peace knowing that he is now with the Lord. I gained strength from all the love and positive energy around me while I was in Amelith. Virgil passed away on Friday, 15-July in a tragic accident. Although Virgil was in a confused state of mind these last weeks and months, and at other times in his adult life, I have fond memories of him as a brother and a friend. I will continue to miss him.
accident
obituary
city rescue mission
remembering
 funeral sermon

Go Skate Kampina

Sunday, 10-July-2011 - Boxtel - Go Skate Kampina, that's the name of the route we took today. Helene treated us to pie at the coffee break. Her birthday is tomorrow. Seventeen Fun-on-Wheels skaters--good for 26 km. Did some skate maintenance when I got back home. pics (123) gps-tracked route

Thursday Evening Skating in Den Bosch

Thursday, 7-July-2011 - Dinther/Den Bosch - Rode my bike to Dinther meeting point. Ad took this picture during our coffee break at the Verkade Fabriek in Den Bosch. Nine skaters--good for 30 km. pics (79)
skating route
bike route

Boekel Evening Skating

Tuesday, 5-July-2011 - Boekel - Tonnie came to see us off. He was still recovering from a broken shoulder. We skated 27 km before we took a break. It was a smooth route--super skating. 17 skaters--good for 37 km.

pics (55)

gps-tracked route

Weiss Family 4th of July Barbecue

Monday, 4-July-2011 - Veghel - It's Independence Day in the United States. Katherine, Aaron, Logan, Chris, and Marrit joined us for the Weiss Family 4th of July Barbecue. Pics (19)

15 Year Anniversary Fun-on-Wheels

Sunday, 3-July-2011 - Oirschot - Today, it was "eten en skaten" (eating and skating) to celebrate 15 years of Fun-on-Wheels. 31 skaters--good for 56 km.
pics (291)
gps-tracked route--part 1
video clips
part 1 (17 sec)
part 2 (27 sec)
part 3 (38 sec)

Skating after the Storm

Thursday, 30-June-2011 - Dinther - On Tuesday, a storm came over this area. we found evidence along the route (photo). We took a break in Rosmalen. Seven skaters--good for 30 km. pics (52)
skating route part 1

Roll Eerder Monday Evening Skating

Monday, 27-June-2011 - Oirschot - Wasn't going to be able to skate Tuesday evening in Boekel, so I joined the Roll Eerder (roll earlier) Monday evening skate group. This evening, Pieter (photo) was our guide. We met at his place in Oirshot--start time: 1930. It was still very warm--it got up to more than 30 Deg C during the afternoon. Had our coffee break at Oisterwijk around 2045. Before we left, most everyone put on reflection gear and running light. Had to patch up an eyebrow of one of the group, due to a fall about 5km from home. A nearby resident gave her a lift to the emergengy room for some stitches. We got back around 2250. After an evaluation along with some joke-telling, we said good night around 2400. All-in-all: smooth skating, warm weather, good company--a great skate. 19 skaters--good for 39km.
gps tracked route
pics (80)

Rotterdam Skating Day

Sunday, 26-June-2011 - Rotterdam - Rosan and I visited Katherine, Aaron, and Logan, now almost three weeks old.  It was a bright sunny day.  Aaron and I went skating to get a good look at this magnificient city (photo). We were good for 19 km pics (236)
video clips 
skating in rotterdam--part 1 (27 sec)
skating in rotterdam--part 2 (41 sec)
gps-tracked route: part 1, part 2, part 3

Boekel Skating

Tuesday, 21-June-2011 - Boekel - It was nearly 1900--time to start our weekly workout. After a few weeks absence, Gerard had his skates on and described this evening's route. We were going to Helmond. He lead the second group, but after only 2km his knee gave him trouble, and he turned back. The remaining 15 skaters were good for 34km. pics (87)
gps tracked route

Father's Day Flea Market

Sunday, 19-June-2011 - Veghel - Rainy and very windy, but a lot of fun. Had to tie down our stand's tarp to a traffic sign to not get blown away. Met the daughter of Veghel born painter Wim van de Nieuwenhuizen (1939-1985). Was captured by his work (photo). pics (53)

Logan is Born

Tuesday, 7-June-2011 - Rotterdam - Logan Anthony Theodore was born at 2113. Katherine, Logan, and Aaron are doing fine. I'm really proud of all three of them.

Vat-Oe-Fiets 2011

Thursday, 2-June-2011 - Veghel - It's a tradition in Veghel: the annual Vat-Oe-Fiets (Hemelvaart) Accension Day bicycle tour. Chris had a baseball game planned, so I went myself. I took the 25 km route to be back in time to go to Rotterdam with Marij to see Katherine and Aaron. There we had a Mexican dinner at the Amigo restaurant near the city hall. pics (97)
't leven is goed in't brabantse land (life is good in Brabant country)
harmonica
text

Boekel Skating under Darkened Skies

Tuesday, 31-May-2011 - Boekel - Gerard was still recovering from a knee injury, so he sent us off--Kees leading the fast group, and Bart leading the intermediate group. Twenty skaters-good for 20km. pics (34)

Memorial Day Monday

Monday, 30-May-2011 - It's Memorial Day in the United States. I took it easy in the backyard. On my way to the grocery store, helped an 80-year old man who fell from his bicycle. pics (19)

Saturday Skating to Keldonk

Saturday, 28-May-2011 - Veghel - Washed the outside windows on the attic floor (photo). Nearly all Fun-on-Wheels skaters were in Alphen aan de Rijn for a skate weekend, so I skated alone to Keldonk and back--good for 16km. pics (58)

Dinther Skating

Thursday, 26-may-2011 - Nistelrode - The sky was darkening. I wasn't sure if the rain would pass around us. This evening we hopped in Magda's car and drove to Nistelrode, this evening's starting point. We headed for Schaijk. Wim lost a wheel, but skated to the coffeebreak a the 3 Heere without it. We came back through the Herpse Bos nature area. Seven skaters--good for 25km. pics (66)

Boekel Skating

Tuesday, 24-May-2011 - Boekel - This evening we headed for de Rips. 25 skaters--good for 28 km. pics (70)

Blauw-Geel Soccer

Sunday, 22-May-2011 - Veghel - Marij and I went to watch Gilbert play soccer. A selection of Blauw-Geel champion team players got to play against the first team. A Turkish team tournament was also being held on the other fields. Delicious food made the day complete. Pics (91)

Inspiring Furniture from Firewood

Saturday, 21-May-2011 - Loosbroek - This morning I had the pleasure of meeting Rik Ruigrok (photo), innovator and owner of Herso. He and his team have a passion for turning waste wood into beautiful furniture. "A work of art is hidden under each table surface." He is commited to taking good care of our planet. He truly practices what he preaches. It's not just furniture, it's a way of life. I was inspired. Pics (25)

Saturday Skating Fun

Saturday, 21-May-2011 - Veghel - Today our tour took us by the Kilsdonkse Molen (foto). Four skaters--good for 16km. Pics (45)

Boekel Tuesday

Tuseday, 17-May-2011 - Boekel - The sky was threatening, but it only shed a few drops before we got back. 27 skaters--good for 26km. pics (30)

Saturday Sligro Skating

Saturday, 14-May-2011 - Veghel - Did some yardwork in the morning. We headed out against the wind in the direction of Schijndel. Five Fun-on-wheels skaters--good for 23km. pics (90) swaying trees (14 sec)

Skating Around Den Bosch

Thursday, 12-May-2011 - 's-Hertogenbosch - After meeting at de Toren in Dinther, we drove to Den Dungen to start our tour around the city of 's-Hertogenbosch (Den Bosch). Wim planned this super-smooth route. It was dark when we got back. 10 skaters--good for 34km. pics (118)

Den Bosch City Walk

Wednesday, 11-May-2011 - Veghel/Den Bosch/Uden - We had a nice rain last night. Our new dishwasher would arrive at the dealer today--the old one had served us well the past 15 years. As I was finishing breakfast, Rosan ask me to drive her to appointment in Den Bosch. It would be more than two hours, so I walked around the city to enjoy this bright sunny day. I was fascinated with the color, architecture, and sculpture against the blue, cloud-filled sky. I was amazed when the wings of the dragon (foto) turned red before my eyes--a city bus drove under them. The When we got back home, I found out the dishwasher could be installed this evening. A police helecopter circled above. There had been a helicopter crash and fire nearby. No one got hurt. Drove to Uden to officially close the volleyball season with my Marc's Bar BQ teammates. pics (206)

Boekel Skating

Tuesday, 10-May-2011 - Boekel - Missed last week, but glad to be back. 25 skaters--good for 25km. pics (73)

Colorful Uden Market

Monday, 09-May-2011 - Uden - Marij and went to Uden to by material for Katherine's nursery. While we were enjoying a crab salad sandwich from Vrijhof, we met Nel (foto). pics (8)

Sligro Skating

Saturday, 7-May-2011 - Veghel - Five Fun-on-wheels skaters--good for 19km. pics (56)

Liberation Day Skating in Dinther

Thursday, 5-May-2011 - Dinther - Elly, Betina, and Wim joined us this evening. The route took us through Mariaheide (foto) on our way to Uden. 11 skaters--good for 29km. pics (46)

Liberation Day

Thursday, 5-May-2011 - Veghel- Flying the flag at full mast, the Netherlands celebrates the liberation of of the Netherlands from Nazi German occupation during World War II.

After a dental appointment, I rode my bike to the town square to say hello to Marij, who was working at Vrijhof Vishandel at the weekly open-air market. I then rode to the AA-Broeken to see what it was like in springtime. pics (128)

Remembrance Day

Wednesday, 4-May-2011 - Veghel - It's Remembrance Day in the Netherlands. At 8:00 p.m., two minutes of silence is observed throughout the Netherlands.
remembering

Jubbega

Tuesday, 3-May-2011 - Veghel/Jubbega - Got up at 0500 to go to Jubbega in Friesland. John had to pickup a rental trailer at de Vries. It was cold riding my bike to meet John. We headed out shortly after 0600. We saw the sun come up as we left Veghel. Got to Jubbega at 0900, and were back in Veghel at 1245. pics (5)

Sunday Afternoon Baseball

Sunday, 1-May-2011 - Tilburg - A beautiful sunny day. The brisk wind was blowing out to left field. Carribean music was coming from the clubhouse. Today, Marij and I went to Tilburg to see Chris and Dudley play baseball. The Yellow Rangers were hosting the Vos Cardinals. Chris had just finish playing a game with Heren 3 (Mens 3) in Boxtel. I met Chris in the dugout. He was a reserve player for this game. It was the bottom of the first. When the Rangers took the field, I spoke to Dudley in their dugout. He was recovering from a hamstring injury. We sat in the sun on the Rangers side of the field. It was a high-scoring, exciting game. My thoughts took me back to when I played and coached myself. The score ended up at 8-13 for the Cardinals. I left with great respect for both teams. pics (142)

Fun-on-Wheels Skating on Queen's Day

Saturday, 30-April-2011 - Veghel - Sunny and windy. Ine joined us today. The route today came right by our house. The fire department was busy clearing the bike path of a blown-over willow tree. My flag wasn't the only causulty today. Five skaters--good for 16 km. pics (62)

Windy Queen's Day

Saturday, 30-April-2011 - Thorn/Weert/Veghel - It was Koninginnedag! Put out the flag, but wasn't sure if the flagstaff holder could take the wind today. Watched the Queen go to Thorn and Weert. Our neighbor Tineke came to tell us that the flag had broken loose. Took it down, and finished a second screen for Katherine. Pics (27)

Just Wed--Wil and Kate

Friday, 29-April-2011 - London - Watched Wil and Kate get married on BBC 1. Afterwards while making an insect screen for Katherine's house in Rotterdam, saw a pair of pigeons on my backyard fence. Will Wil and Kate (now Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge) stay together as long as these two love birds?
pics (72)
JU5T WED

Dinther Skating

Thursday, 28-April-2011 - Dinther - Got some very welcome rain, just enough to cover the bottom of the rain barrel. Did some errands around the house, before biking to Dinther to go skating. I kept checking the weather radar to see if rain coming from the east would go around us--it did. turned out to be a wonderful sunny evening. Rita joined us at the de Toren meeting place. Eight skaters--good for 24 km.
pics (42)