Rest in Peace Ma’am.

Thursday, 8-September-2022 - Balmoral Castle - Respect.

Zeveneiken Four-lock Boat Tour

Friday, - Veghel/Maastricht - Today we got on the Brabant Expres bus to Maastricht, along with other members of the Zeveneiken neighborhood association. Hans our bus driver dropped us off at the dock of the Stiphout Shipping Company in the heart of the city. There we were welcomed on board the Scheldevallei cruise ship. The tour took us over the Maas river, Zuid-Willemsvaart (Canal), and the Albert Canal. The Bosscherveld lock, which connects the Maas with the Zuid-Willemsvaart lowered us three meters. Via the Zuid-Willemsvaart, we entered Belgium. The identical locks of Neerharen and Lanaken (photo) each lifted us nine meters. The Nr4 lock of Ternaaien lowered us 15 meters back to the Maas. Thanks to everyone for a great day! pics (303)  

four-lock cruise map and explanation

Boekel Inline

Tuesday, 16-August-2022 - Boekel - Last week, Jan was by himself. This evening, John and I (photo) were the designated skaters. We headed for Elsendorp. On the way back, we met Tonnie on his moped. We were good for 21 km. pics (15) gps-tracked route

Tuesday Evening Inline

Tuesday, 2-August-2022 - Boekel - It's my brother Virgil's birthday today. He would have turned 70. We had a lot of good times together growing up. Back to skating. Jan pulled up in his Citroën 2CV6 "Ugly Duck" (photo). This warm summer evening we headed for the smooth bicycle path along the Doctor de Quayweg between de Mortel and de Rips. Even though the group was taking it easy, I couldn't keep up. No worries. They waited for me to catch up. What a great bunch of skaters! We took a break in Elsendorp at the Keizersbergh Hotel. Six skaters were good for 28 km. pics (49) gps-tracked route

Boekel Inline Skating

Tuesday, 26-July-2022 - Boekel - When I arrived at the meeting point, I was greeted by Jos (photo). I met him 14 years ago when I first started skating in Boekel. This evening we headed for de Rips. Three skaters were good for 27 km. pics (22) gps-tracked route

Hakim Undercover (Onder Koffer ) in Veghel

Sunday, 24-July-2022 - Veghel - It was the third day of Fabriek Magnifique (Fantastic Factory). Hakim (photo) provided two shows. He is famous and loved for his roll in Sesamstraat, the Dutch version of the Sesame Street television program.  There was so much to see, but he was top on my list for today. My grandchildren, Seth and Kate were amazed and thrilled to see Hakim in real life. pics (86)

Fabriek Magnifique 2022--Day 1

Friday, 22-July-2022 - Veghel - It's the first day of this year's Fabriek Magnifique. I went to Juliana Park to check it out before the official opening. There, I met a woman in a tree setting up her display. Later I found out it was Marion van der Horst from Ateljee13b. I came back after supper to see what I could see. I started at the Noordkade where newly-formed bands were playing. They dared to put on a great show. I went back to Juliana Park to see Lakshmi (photo). pics (82)

Clover: You know that I'm no good (1:00)

Clover: crazy little thing called love (2:09)

Off Road: runaway baby (0:51)

off road - Should I Stay or Should I Go (2:22)

fieldtrip - supermodel (4:07)

fieldtrip - Amsterdam (2:13)  

Lakshmi Fabriek Magnifique 2022 (3:22)

Fun on Wheels in Oirschot

Sunday, 17-July-2022- Oirschot - Pieter was our guide today. We saw these beautiful dahlias when we pulled up to his house. Super skating weather. Super smooth paths. Frans stayed with me most of the route. He was ready to help me speed up, but I wanted to skate the entire route on my own power--I did! Thanks to everyone for a great day. Thirteen skaters were good for 35 km. pics (40) gps-tracked route

De Toren Skating in Uden

Thursday, 14-July-2022 - Heeswijk-Dinther - It was perfect weather for skating. We drove to Nistelrode to take the fast bike path to Uden. There we saw the annual kermis attractions ready for action. These umbrellas decorated the main shopping street. We took a break at the Huize Holland ice cream parlor. You can see what favor I had by looking at my face (I could have used another napkin). Nine skaters and one bicylist were good for 26 km. After we got back, we stayed at De Toren cafe until closing.  pics (62) gps-tracked route

Boekel Inline Skating to Landhorst

Tuesday, 12-July-2022 - Boekel - On the way to Boekel I had to take a detour in Erp--the annual kermis (town fair) had arrived. On the way home, I stopped to take a look (photo). Kees joined us this evening. He slowed down his pace from time to time to keep company with the rest of us. We headed for Landhorst, and then stopped for ice cream in Elsendorp. Five skaters were good for 29 km. pics (36) gps-tracked route

Fun on Wheels in Den Bosch

Sunday, 10-July-2022 - Den Bosch - Marcella was our guide today. Tonnie pulled up at the meeting point with his Harley Davidson Sportster (photo). Today's route led us along smooth paths to countryside east of Den Bosch. We took a break in Nuland at pop-up location 'De Valk Next Door'.  Helene, Louis and Frans helped me from time to time to stay with the group. I was sore all over around the 30 km point. I relaced my skates to get more circulation to my ankles. Thanks to every one for a great day! Ten skaters were good for 35 km. pics (19) gps-tracked route

Sunday Fun on Wheels in Valkenswaard

Sunday, 3-July-2022 - Geldrop - What a wonderful day for skating. Yvonne was our guide today. She lead us over smooth beautiful wooded paths to Valkenswaard. This well-preserved 1966 Thunderbird (photo) pulled up just as we stopped for a coffee break. Thanks to everyone for a great day. Special thanks to Frans, Hélène, and Louis who gave me a push from time to time to help me keep up with the group. Ten skaters and one bicyclist were good for 28 km. pics (30) gps-tracked route

Boekel Inline

Tuesday, 28-June-2022 - Boekel - The weather was perfect for skating. This evening we headed for the village of de Rips where we took our break. We got back in time for Ria to go work. Five skaters and one bicyclist were good for 32 km--our longest ride of the year. pics (52) gps-tracked route

Fun on Wheels in Eindhoven

Sunday, 26-June-2022 - Eindhoven - Frans was our guide today. The pavement was smooth and the weather was perfect. The route took us past a lot of interesting sights, including the America Today dome in the center of the city (photo). Thanks to everyone for encouragement along the way. Special thanks to Louis and Maria who helped me keep up with the group. Ten skaters, one bicyclist, and one moped rider were good for 38 km--my longest skate of the year! pics (63) gps-tracked route

De Toren Skating on My Own

Thursday,  23-June-2022 - Heeswijk-Dinther - I was watching the weather closely, and saw an opening to skate. The others couldn't make it, so I was on my own. It turned out to be a great evening for skating. On the way back, this giant hogweed caught some sunlight as I passed by. I had to stop and take a steady picture. We call it reuzenberenklauw (giant beer claw) in Dutch  I was good for 24 km. pics (79) gps-tracked route

Longest Day Skating in Boekel

Tuesday, 21-June-2022 - Boekel - A beautiful evening. We headed for the Brabantse Kluis Inn. Jan and John (the fast group) had already left before we got there.  Seven skaters were good for 28 km. pics (76, including four from lynda) gps-tracked route

De Toren Almost Longest Day Skating

Thursday, 16-June-2022 - Macharen - It's a de Toren Skating tradition. We skate along the beautiful Maas river on the longest day of the year. It took me a while to get up steam. The going was so hard, that I even wanted to to turn back after a couple to kilometers. Slowly it got easier. Seven skaters were good for 37 km--my longest skate of the year. pics (67) gps-tracked route

Sunny Inline Evening in Boekel

Tuesday, 14-June-2022 - Boekel - It was great skating weather after a three-week shutout. We this VW bus on the way to the coffee break in Odiliapeel. Six skaters were good for 26 km. pics (24) gps-tracked route

Fun-on-Wheels Sunday

Sunday, 12-June-2022 - Eindhoven - Frans was our guide today. He helped me by keeping the pace down. This was my longest skate of the year. Special thanks to Yvonne who helped me keep up with the group. Eight skaters were good for 35 km pics (51) gps-tracked route

Den Bosch Skating

Thursday, 9-June-2022 - Den Bosch - Three skaters were good for 23  km pics (77) gps-tracked route

More Rain in Boekel

Tuesday, 7-June-2022 - Boekel - It's my grandson Logan's birthday today. The skies were threatening all day long, but the streets were still dry in Veghel when I headed out to Boekel. The forecast said the rain would pass to the south of us, but it was raining when I got to Boekel. It was clear that we had to wait another week to try again. pics (3)

De Toren Skaters go to the Edge of Sand Dunes

Thursday, 2-June-2022 - Vught/Biezenmortel - We parked the cars in Vught and skated to the Rustende Jager restaurant at the edge of the Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park. Six skaters were good for 27 km. pics (47) gps-tracked route

Rained Out in Boekel

Tuesday, 31-May-2022 - Boekel - Rain was headed our way. Tonnie skated back home. Maarten had already headed out to see how far he could get. I drove after him, in case he got caught in the rain. pics (12)

Vat-oe-fiets 2022

Thursday, 26-May-2022 - Veghel - It's Ascension Day and time to vat-oe-fiets (grab your bike). It's a tradition. Each year the route takes me along paths I've seen for the first time like this one (photo). I stopped to take this picture, I heard birds and frogs close by (listen to video clip). The route also took us by the Spijkerkapel (nail chapel). I spent a while there praying for my family, and for the Ukraine.  I saw familiar faces and old friends Netty and Peter, and made some new ones, including Jan, Mia, and Harrie. Thanks to all the volunteers who made this possible. I was good for 46 km. pics (164) gps-tracked route birds and frogs (1:04)

Boekel Inline Skating

Tuesday, 24-May-2022 - Boekel - The weather forecast said rain around 8:00 PM. Most of the other skaters cancelled. I was getting ready to head back home, when I saw Maarten (photo) getting ready to go skating. He thought he could skate the planned route and make it back before the rain. I said I'd take a shorter route, but changed my mind a couple of times before I eventually headed out about 20 min later. It stayed dry. Maarten got back 10 min before I did. We were both glad we decided to skate.  Maarten was good for 25 km--for me it was 14 km. pics (28) gps-tracked route.

Wtih Fun on Wheels in Boxtel

Sunday, 22-May-2022 - Boxtel - Pieter was our guide for today. It was mostly super-smooth pavement. We had four train crossings like this (photo). I was on my bike. I'm getting stronger, but not yet ready for 20 km per hour. Nine skaters and me. We were good for 33.7 km. pics (56) gps-tracked route

De Toren Skating in Den Bosch

Thursday, 19- May-2022 - Den Bosch - We got 15 mm of pouring rain this afternoon--the water barrels were full again, but the sun came out and dried up most of the pavement. We met at De Toren and drove to the Majorca Bar, our starting point for this evening. Wim our guide took us first along the Maxima Canal, and then into the beautiful city of Den Bosch. It took me a while to get up steam. There were also leaves and twigs on the pavement to watchout for. At the halfway point, we stopped at the Verkade Fabriek for coffee and apple crumble. It was so busy inside the restaurant that Magda brought the order herself (photo). The second half seemed to go easier for me--I think it was the extra energy from the apple crumble. Six staters good for 24 km. pics (44) gps-tracked route

Boekel Inline Skating

Tuesday, 17-May-2022 - Boekel - This evening we headed to Beek en Donk. We had some rough pavement at the beginning and at the end, but the middle was well worth it. It's been so dry for the last several weeks that the farmers resorted to irrigation (photo). Six skaters were good for 24 km. pics (49) gps-tracked route

With Fun-on-Wheels in Den Bosch

Sunday, 15-may-2022 - 's-Hertogenbosch - With Marcella as our guide today, we navigated around the beautiful city of Den Bosch. This scene (photo) reminds me of Rembrandt's Nachtwacht--during the day, and on skates. Nine skaters and me on bike. I was glad I chose to bicycle, because we often traveled at 20 km/hr. I needed more conditioning to keep up that pace. We were good for 33 km. pics (66) gps-tracked route

Boekel Inline Skating

Tuesday, 10-May-2022 - Boekel - The sky was dark on my way to Boekel. Five skaters and one bicyclist this evening. We headed for Koks and then to Erp. The faster group also went to Boerdonk. 17 km for the not so fast group, and 21.4 km for the faster group. pics (17) gps-tracked route

Aaron's Birthday

Tuesday, 10-May-2022 - Veghel/Amherst - It's my son-in-law Aaron's birthday today! I raised the Canadian flag in his honor. It was windy so the flag was a bit unruly. pics (18)

Sunday Fun on Wheels

Sunday, 9-May-2022 - Oirschot - It's Mother's Day. I first had to fix a hole in my fanny pack before heading out for Oirschot, our starting point for today. The sun came out as I was putting my skates on, so I didn't have to wear a jacket. It turned out to be a glorious day. The countryside was beautiful! I seemed to be getting stronger every time I'd go skating--22 km on Tuesday on 12 km on Thursday. I thought I could manage 30 km today with a coffee break in the middle. Boy was I wrong. I just couldn't get my speed up--I didn't have enough power. My heart medicine lowers my pulse, so I'm not pumping enough blood to go faster. I hope this will get better over time. I was slowing down the group. At the 11 km mark, I heard that the coffee break was still nine kilometers away in Boskant. That was too far for me. Pieter, our guide, suggested Henriette accompany me back to Oirschot via a shortcut. That turned out to be great idea for everyone. We made it back about 20 min before the others showed up. 11 skaters: Frans, Johan, Karin, Manuela, Marcella, Maurice, Pieter, Ria, Tonnie, Yvonne, and me, moped rider Toon, and bicyclist Henriette. Most were good for 30 km. Henriette and I: 19 km. Thanks to everyone for a great day! pics (41)  my gps-tracked route

Big Hickory Tree

Saturday, 7-May-2022 - Veghel - I was born in 1949.  We lived by a big hickory tree, near a creek on a corner of my grandpa's farm in Amelith, a church community five miles from the edge Bay City, Michigan, USA. This is a photo of me and the big hickory tree in 1956. I often wondered if this tree was standing when my ancestors Christina Barbara Feinauer and Johann Georg Weiss arrived here from Bavaria one hundred years earlier.  Chippewa Land  Bay County Historical Records Amelith, a church community  Weiss Roots Found in Germany

De Toren Skating

Thursday, 5-May-2022 - Heeswijk-Dinther -  Piet van de Pas joined us this evening. I was on time, but this is as far as I got when I tried to put on my skates (photo). I used my axle for a tryout configuration on a friends skate, but I forgot to put it back in--what a blunder! I told the others I'd go home, fix my skate, and skate a shorter route alone. As it turned out, I skated to de Toren, and I got a ride home from Martin. Henk, Martin and Piet were good for 38 km! I was good for 12 km. pics (41) my gps-tracked route

Boekel Inline Skating

Tuesday, 3-May-2022 - Boekel - Four skaters including Maarten (photo) and Tonnie in the fast group, and Ria and I in the not as fast group. I had a hard time getting started, but it got better when we turned the corner had had the wind from the side, instead of straight on. Everyone kept and eye on me and made sure I could skate the route as planned. I felt that I was getting stronger. We were good for 22 km. pics (16) gps-tracked route

Thursday Evening De Toren Skating

Thursday, 28-April-2022 - Heeswijk-Dinther - Gaby and Margret joined us this evening. We headed in the direction of Schijndel. I was last week's route in reverse. I finished at my own pace. It felt better than last week. Five skaters, one bicyclist. We were good for 17 km. pics (23) gps-tracked route

Tuesday Evening Boekel Inline Skating

Tuesday, 26-April-2022 - Boekel -  We headed for the Volkel Airbase for a 25 km tour. Four skaters Bart van der Heijden (photo), Helie, Jan, and I (for the first time on skates this year in Boekel), and bicyclist Bart van den Heuvel. We were going to pickup Ria along the way. I thought I could handle it, because I skated 16 km last Thursday, and 27 km on Sunday. We had just started when I noticed that I didn't  have my camelbak (with water, tools, and lights) on. Bart and Helie continued on--I said I'd do a shorter route. I went back to the starting point for my gear. Bart called me up at the halfway mark to see if I was okay. it was pretty windy where he was. As it turned out, 18 km was plenty for me. the others were goo for 25 km. pics (30) my gps tracked route

Fun-on-Wheels Anniversary Tour

Sunday, 24-April-2022 - Oirschot - I arrived in plenty of time at Maria's place in Keldonk for the Fun-on-Wheels 25th Anniversary Tour. It was actually last year, but delayed due to Covid-19. I was greeted by energetically bleating sheep (photo). But something was wrong. I was the only one there. I thought maybe Maria was doing a last minute errand before the guests arrived. I looked around. Dogs barking, house locked. I checked my agenda: at Pieter's in Oirschot. Oops! I was on automatic pilot. Our 20th anniversary was six years ago in Keldonk. I showed up in Oirschot just in time for the medal ceremony. Since I skated 16 km on Thursday, I thought I could handle 25 km today--I was counting on a sit-down coffee break halfway. Today's tour took us past Eindhoven Airport. Thanks to Pieter our guide and host, and to Annie and my other bicycling angels Annet, Desiree, and Henriëtte who helped me get back in one piece. 20 skaters and seven bicyclists were good for 27 km. pics (52) gps-tracked route

De Toren Skating

Thursday, 21-April-2022 - Dinther - It was my first time skating with a group this year. I thought, the longer I wait, the harder it'll be to keep up. we met two new recruits just outside of town (photo). We made sure they were safe until their owner came to escort them back home. Apparently, they manage to escape regularly. I fell behind soon after we continued. Bettina asked how it was going. I said pretty tough. Maybe you should head back. Okay, you go on with the others. I looked at my distance. I was only 3 km. Six kilometers is to short for a workout, I thought, so I kept on going to se how far I could get. Five skaters Henk, Magda, Martin, Monique, and I--Bettina on bicycle. Everyone else was good for 18.5 km--15.9 km for me. pics (33)  my gps-tracked route.

Boekel Inline Skaters--Second Tour

Tuesday, 19-April-2022 - Boekel - My car was still in the shop to get fixed (left drive shaft broke), but Maarten had room for my bike in his car. We headed for Handel and Elsendorp. Seven skaters:  Bart, Helie, John, Lynda, Maarten, Ria, Tonnie, and two bicyclists: Bart and I. We were good for 22.4 km. pics (21) gps-tracked route

Bicycling with Boekel Skaters

Tuesday, 12-April-2022 - Boekel - It was the first tour of the season. Five skaters: Gerard, John, Lynda, Ria, Tonnie, and two bicyclists: Bart and I. We were good for 17 km. pics (23) gps-tracked route.

First Time on Skates

Sunday, 3-April-2022 - Veghel - I didn't get up to go with the Fun-on-Wheel skaters today. It was too cold for me (it was going to still be at the freezing point at 0930 our start time). I waited  'til noon before I suited up and went out my myself. It was the first time on skates this year. I needed to get used to skating again before I joined the group on skates. On the way, I met Boekel skater friend Maarten (photo). I was good for 12 km. pics (18) gps-tracked route.

Bicycling with Fun on Wheels Skaters

Sunday, 27-March-2022 - Veghel - It was our first tour of the year.  I hadn't been on skates yet, so I rode my bike. It was four kilometers to the Sligro starting point. Today's route took us to Nijnsel, Schijndel, and Eerde. It was cool and overcast until the sun came out near the end of the trip. Eight skaters: Coby, Frans, Ine, Jeannette, Marcella, Maria, Pieter, and Tonnie; two bicyclists: Henriette and me, and one moped rider: Toon. Thanks to today's guide Frans.  It was a great start of the new skate season! We were good for 22 km. pics (26) gps-tracked route

Bicycling to Nistelrode

Saturday, 5-March-2022 - Nistelrode - I've been doing my long neglected morning stretching and calisthenics every day since I got out of the hospital on Tuesday. Today I got on my bike and rode to Nistelrode. I was a bit chilly, but still a glorious sunny day. I was good for 24 km. gps-tracked route pics (45)