Tuesday Evening Skating in Boekel

Tuesday, 1-May-2012 - Boekel - It was my first time skating in Boekel this year. I drove and picked up Jan and Mieke along the way.  There I met new skaters Anne and Ria. Twenty-two skaters split up in three groups, led by Gerard (9) , Bart (6), and Jos (7), respectively.  We were good for 26, 20, and 17 km. pics (46)

Koninginnedag

Monday, 30-April-2012 - Rhenen /Uden/Veghel/Veenendaal - It turned out to be a wonderful warm and sunny day.  Put out the flag this morning for Koninginnedag (Queen's Day National Holiday).  After watching the Queen Beatrix visit  Rhenen and Veenendaal  on television, I rode my bike to Uden to visit Marij at the market.  It was really busy at Vrijhof Vishandel.  Back at home, I watched the news recapping Queen's Day activities around the country. During her warm thankyou to the Dutch people, the Queen paused to remember that her family was not complete today, referring to her son Friso and his family.  Friso remains in coma in Wellington Hospital, London. pics (78)

Smell of Lilacs

Sunday, 29-April-2012 - Veghel - I smelled lilacs for the first time this year.

Fun-on-Wheels Dutch National Sport Week

Saturday, 28-April-2012, - Veghel - It was the last day of Dutch National Sport Week.  Nine Fun-on-Wheels skaters were ready to welcome any interested people to inline skating, but no new faces showed up.  Seven of us headed for Nijnsel while Maria held down the fort for any late arrivals. Tonnie caught up with us at the overpass.  We split up on the way back to Veghel to add some more kilometers. Tony, Astrid, and I headed for Schijndel.  We were good for 24 km. pics (34) extra kilometers

Skating Fun, from 17 to 71

Saturday, 14-April-2012 - Veghel - I was glad I could skate again today. Last week, I was still busy with my terrace project. We headed for Nijnsel. Halfway there we found ourselves skating on a newly-built, super-smooth, black-asphalt bicycle path. What a treat! The contrast between threatening clouds, clear blue sky, and sun-filled countryside was beautiful. The sun felt warm on my back as we returned to the Sligro meeting point. Eight skaters Fun-on-Wheels Skaters--from 17 to 71: Bart, Bep, Frans, Jeannette, Maria, Mieke, Sanne, and me. We were good for 18 km. pics (54)

Terrace Repair

Tuesday, 3-April-2012 - Veghel - It was time to level the terrace. It took me a while to figure out how I wanted to go about it. Even though Chris offered to help out after work, I decided to take one row at a time. Rosan made supper, and Chris joined us. Put my tools away after supper. Almost three rows done.
day 1 pics (51)

Earth Hour

Saturday, 31-March-2012 - Veghel - Turned the lights and TV off shortly after 2030 to show solidarity with Earth Hour.

Fun-on-Wheels First Skate Outdoors

Saturday, 31-March-2012 - Veghel - Six skaters, including our newest member, Sanne (photo). We were good for 15 km. Pics (23)

Fun-on-Wheels Family Day Bedaf

Sunday, 25-March-2012 - Uden - Langlauf, skiking, and nodic walking (photo) for the first time. Got expert lessons from Tini and Harry. All this in the beautiful surroundings of Bedaf. Fun with 33 Fun-on-Wheels skaters and family members. pics (181)

Venus and Jupiter in My Backyard

Thursday, 15-March-2012 - Veghel - Today is the Ides of March. After supper, looked up and saw Venus (photo) and Jupiter in my backyard. pics (9)