King Willem-Alexander

Tuesday, 30-April-2013 - Amsterdam - This morning, Queen Beatrix abdicated the Dutch throne to Crown-Prince Willem-Alexander (photo).  Before I flew the Dutch flag with royal banner, I briefly hoisted the Canadian flag to show my joy with the birth of my second grandchild Jakob. pics (254)

Jakob is Born

Monday, 29-April-2013 - Amherst - Katherine woke up at 0300 and had some lucky charms for an early breakfast. At 0600, she was ready to go to the hospital.  Nanny Riley came to watch over Logan and help Emilie off to school.  Katherine and Aaron got to the hospital at 0700, and Jakob Christopher Douglas Riley (photo by wes) was born at 0835. Eight pounds and one half ounce (3648 grams), 22 inches (56 cm) long.  Jakob and Katherine are doing fine.  Aaron called us with the great news about 90 min later.

Saturday Fun-on-Wheels

Saturday, 27-April-2013 - Veghel - We headed for the Kilsdonkse Molen.  Three Fun-on-Wheels skaters--good for 21 km. pics (28)
route part 1  gps-tracked route part 2

Thursday Evening Skating--Kissing Pavement

Thursday, 25-April-2013 - Den Bosch - After meeting at Cafe de Toren, we drove to the Dungense Brug to start our tour for this evening.  I didn't see a piece of broken off branch, tripped, and hit the asphalt with my face (photo).  Luckily, no teeth were broken.  Super skating evening, despite my fall.  Eight skaters-good for 17.5 km. pics (60)
gps-tracked route.

Oss Cardinals Baseball

Sunday, 21-April-2013 - Oss - Watched Chris (78) play baseball with the Oss Cardinals Heren-2 (Mens-2) against the Boxmeer Royals.  Marit joined me around the third inning.  It ended in a 10-10 tie game after nine innings, according to Dutch rules. Pics (137)

Thursday Evening with De Toren Skaters

Thursday, 18-April-2013 - Dinther - It was my first time skating in Dinther this year.  We meet at Cafe De Toren and headed in the direction the wind was coming from (Schijndel).  Eight skaters--good for 18km. pics (47) gps-tracked route

Tuesday Evening Skate Boekel

Tuesday, 16-April-2013 - Boekel - No rain on the radar, but it was sprinkling when I left home headed for Boekel.  It was our first Tuesday evening skate.  Just an hour to help everyone get used to skating again.  Fifteen skaters--good for 16 km. Had a magnificent sunset on the way home. pics (43) gps-tracked route

Cheese Please

Tuesday, 16-April-2013 - Veghel - Did some grocery shopping, including cheese from Daalder Kaas. Pics (3)

Johan Sees Abraham Skate

Sunday, 14-April-2013 - Venray - Johan (photo) turned 50 today--a special day to celebrate.  In Holland when one turns 50, men and women see the wisdom of Abraham and Sara, respectively.  I met Jan at the carpool meeting point and we drove to Oda Park in Venray, the starting point of our skating tour, as well as the venue of other Abraham celebration activities. Johan was our guide today.  Six Fun-on-Wheels skaters--good for 22 km. While Johan went home to prepare for the afternoon activities, Jan and I walked around Oda park. 60 guests joined us later for a toast, a tune, and a picnic. pics (152)
I'll Be Home  (2:21)
hiep, hiep, hiep (14 sec)
skate route (thanks to Yvonne)

Saturday Skate

Saturday, 13-April-2013 - Veghel - The cherry trees along Populierenlaan were starting to blossom (photo).   I met Astrid and Tonnie at the Sligro meeting point.  We headed against the wind toward Nijnsel. on the way back, halfway between Sint Oedenrode and Veghel, we made a loop around the Vlagheide landfill site.  Three Fun-on-Wheels skaters--good for 21 km. pics (60)

Fun-on-Wheels Saturday

Saturday, 6-April-2013 - Veghel- It was me first skate with Fun-on-Wheels this year. We departed from the Sligro meeting point and headed for Wijbosch. Five skaters--good for 16 km. pics (44)