Saturday, 26-July-2008 - Schijndel - We had five men today for our Saturday Fun on Wheels skate. It was hot and humid. The tempo was pretty high, and we made it back to the Sligro meeting point before the rain poured from the sky.
Saturday, 26-July-2008 - Veghel - This week, I got to take care of our neighbor's chickens while they were away on vacation. That brought back memories.
Sunday, 20-Jul-2008 - Best - Pieter was our Fun on Wheels guide today. It was rainy the whole week. The roads were still wet in the Best area, so it was slippery from time to time, especially under the trees. Basically, it didn't rain on us, so we had a real nice skate. I'll need to clean and oil my bearings tonight. Twenty-two skaters, two bicyclists, and a moped rider were good for 44 km.
Sunday, 13-July-2008 - Maasbommel - Marij worked today at the annual market of Appeltern, so she didn't mind me joining the Fun on Wheels skaters for one of the nicest routes of the season--atop the smooth dike pavement along the Maas and Waal rivers. We crossed the Maas on the river ferry to reach the starting point. The weather was great, and the countryside fantastic. We took our midway coffee break in the flower garden of a charming place below the dike. Adriaan treated us to apple pie. Since Appeltern was on the route, we made a small detour to surprise Marij. Fourteen skaters were good for 45 km.
Sunday, 06-July-2008 - Veghel - When I got back from skating, I stopped by the Slokdarm Festival to see if I could spot Marij eating mossels.
Sunday, 06-July-2008 - Grathem - Brigitte, Maurice, and Marion hosted today's 38 km tour in Grathem, the town where Brigitte and Maurice live. We had 22 skaters, one moped rider, and great weather. A super skating experience!
Friday, 4-July-2008 - Veghel - Raised the Flag before I ate breakfast. In the Netherlands, it's just another work day. Wished the other Americans at work a happy Fourth of July. Thought about how often I saluted her, listening to the National Anthem.
Sunday, 29-June-2008 - 's-Hertogenbosch - Den Bosch is the short name for the capital of the province Noord-Brabant. We were 14 skaters and one moped rider strong--good for 28 km in and around Den Bosch.
Tuesday, 24-June-2008 - Boekel - This is my third time. By Tonnie's odometer, we skated 36 km. I took my time and at a sandwich before bicycling home. Saw a beautiful sunset. It was dark when I got back.
Monday, 23-June-2008 - Veghel - Rosan checked the intranet last night at 0100, and woke us up with the good news: she is on the list to graduate from vocational training at de Leijgraaf http://www.leijgraaf.nl/ to be an administrative assistant! According to custom, we flew the flag with her school bag hanging underneath. She'll receive her diploma next Monday.
