Burgers Zoo Arnhem

Its Saturday morning 6.45am when the alarm clock made a lot of noise. We want to get out the door at 8am so we must move our ass. We had time enough to take a shower, get Peet’s coffee and make some bread. The trip goes to Arnhem where Burgers Zoo is located. I told Lenore that I want to be there at 9am when they open their doors. On our way Lenore had the time to call Erika and James.

The zoo has several large indoor areas, climate controlled and very well done. The Bush is especially beautiful when you are there with only a few people, it’s like you’re standing in Belize- the humidity, the heat and the animals. We enjoyed our tour to the Ocean and the Desert, areas also inside climate controlled buildings before we went on Safari.

Afterwards we drove to Gerco and Judith’s. They were busy with getting rid of the old wood stored in their garage from their remodelling. After Lenore saw the house we took the car to Obelink, a big warehouse for camping stuff. We drove through Arnhem and stopped for a quick visit in Doetinchem to visit Henk and Veronique. They were on a late honeymoon to Belize recently, and Henk spent a week in the hospital because he had problems with his heart. My parents asked me to give them the card game 10-Phase because they played it a lot over there during his recovery. So after a coffee we got to Obelink- mmm, what tent we should buy for the two of us. Funny that we had the same taste, so before we knew it, we had a tent, small chairs, table, sleeping bags, inflatable beds, 15liter can for water and a camping light. With a shortcut driving, I went through Germany to Enschede again so we had a few minutes to put some other clothes on for dinner.

John, Ynur and Calvin where waiting for us, they took us to the Latina Plaza restaurant in Hengelo. The food was delicious and we had a lot of fun with them. They also made an exciting announcement- another baby for them this coming February! After dinner, John (and the rest of us) went for a dessert from Van De Poel ice cream store. Again perfect. After a cup of coffee at their home we said goodbye.

14 days vacation

Mmm a short write on the Blog before we move upstairs.
It was the last day on the office and make a lot of progress on the project, so when I comeback its need only to get in the damn computer. But first it’s my 14 days vacation and starts tomorrow with the Burger Zoo in Arnhem. It’s a nice so with a tropical rainforest, an ocean and a dessert inside. Then we make a coffee stop at Gerco and Judith’s house 4 miles further where I can help Gerco with his phone line. In the afternoon we are invited from John and Ynur to eat at an Argentina restaurant, sounds good.
What we did tonight? Well after a short nap Lenore and I drove to the supermarket, after that we want to visit Edwin and Anja but they where not home. So we went to my old neighbour Henk-Jan and Mieke for a drink. When we came home Lenore gave some lovely red wine from yesterday while I was chatting with Femke. She is moving to the south of the Netherlands and is an old colleague. I try to visit the old company before she is moving so the begin of the week.

Thursday

Today Paul went to work, and I got up when he did. I thought I'd go downtown on the bus early, but fell asleep on the couch. I was surprised when Paul woke me up at about 11- Thought I'd be gone by then. Jet Lag caught me.
Had a good time shopping, having lunch and people watching in downtown Enschade. I feel totally American, but people keep talking to me in Dutch. I have got to learn more Dutch.
And tonight we went to a restaurant for really good food and lots of Shiraz. Here in TheNetherlands is ok to recork the wine and bring it home- like money in the bank.
ITs 10pm, and we're sitting in the back yard writing this, and the sky is still light. Love it.
Tomorrow I may take the train to Munster in Germany, as Paul still has to work one more day. Saturday we're going to the zoo.
I miss my daughter, but otherwise this is a good vacation.

Complaining

Mmm nice day to start complaining about Bank Corporations. Them after two days I got my money on my bank account while the notary guy told me to do it by phone. That means the same day. The next result is that my Credit Card got their money so they blocked it, lovely.
Next result is that they give me a bill with administration cost what the bank don’t want to pay. That really sucks when you have finally money on your account too late.At least I paid my parents back so they can be happy, next week I move my account to an other bank because I’m really PISSED OFF. This evening I took my wife to La Cuisine, a really nice restaurant with lovely wine. In other words, I got my wife drunk and we took the second bottle home.

Twelve hour

In twelve hour I can crunch my lover, after weeks of counting.
Today 10am, the new people came by to inspect the house. Half-hour later we signed the papers at notary. Afterwards I went to my office to work for four hours.Now its time to go upstairs, driving to Amsterdam Airport takes two hour and I want to be there on time.

Pictures from the Party

Marjan & Me

Karin & Hester

Wilbert

Karlijn

John & Calvin

Miss Brands

Robin

Merel & Me Henk Jan

Mister Cos

Mando & Edwin Anja

Party time

It was a busy weekend, Friday evening I was waiting for the guy with the tap beer. He tries to call me on my normal phone but I have no phone anymore. I called him on my cell phone and told him that I first want to jog. Paul was picking me up for it and let some salads behind. After he left I took the car to Dirk & Monique, it’s BBQ time. Well at the time I came (8pm) their belly where already full so I had enough space to put something on.
Saturday Morning I had problems to get out of my bed even I know that I have a busy schedule today. Starting with driving to the supermarket for the last drinks, when I came at my old house I brought more stuff to the dump. Then it was time to get some stand tables from John, cleaning the house and take a nap. At 5pm Anja and Edwin came in and helped me with getting the baguettes ready, put the salads outside the fridge etc. Thanks to them the party started good and finish at 2am in the morning. My nephew Dustin make some pictures on my camera and I saw later what he likes, ladies. Wilbert came with his taxi and Chantal came with us for a drink. At 4 am and two bottles of red wine further I kick her out because I want to take my rest. Damn I wake up from Gertie’s phone call but my phone was under the pillow. Later on I saw that Lenore try to call me earlier but I didn’t react. After a quick shower I took Rob’s bike to my old house where the car was waiting. A picked up Marloes and Vincent and drove back to clean the house. But I didn’t do much, I was so fucking tired that I went to Rob’s house, put the kids behind the internet and went to bed for two hours. I took them to McDonald and after 5pm I start to life again. Conclusion: I’m not Twenty anymore. After I took them home I went to the house again and clean it further, Wilbert and Dustin came by to help me and to transport the fridge to his house, the washing machine to my new accommodation in to weeks and the garden chairs to Mando and Karin. Tomorrow morning I want to drive one more time to the dump before the people come over to check the house with the guy from the Real Estate. Then at 10.30am it’s time to be at the notary and then it’s done. My house where I grow up from 1967 till now is gone, what a strange feeling.
This was the only thing what I can do if I want to life with Lenore, one step closer. Now we must have patience till I get a letter from the US consulate. But I can’t complain now, Lenore is coming Tuesday morning. It’s a shame that Erika can’t come with her but next year she’s coming too. Mmmm we have three weeks with each other and off course we need to visit some people. The last week we travel to Switzerland with Marloes and Vincent.

fire brigade

A short word on the Blog before I can go home from the office, the fire brigade are standing with their truck in front of my car. Since lunchtime the fire alarm went a few times of, on the loft there are some problems but they don’t know. An airco unit is on his end but still the alarms go of. They fire brigade had a thermograph camera with them but they couldn’t found nothing. They left now and I jump in my car because Gerco and I are going one time more through the house and clean it.

Chinese food

I was not in the mood today, properly the Squash and the bar was too much for me.
Lucky me that Jacqueline ask me for dinner, Chinese food mmm. This was not the only reason to visit her; I had a DVD-player what she wants to buy. After the short visit I drove home, the old BBQ is broken and must go to the dump. Mando was so kind to put this thing in his van so he can stop at the dump tomorrow morning. Next stop is my accommodation where I brought my best suit. Tomorrow morning I must go to City Hall in Almelo, I must make an offer for our company because everyone is on holiday.
Next stop, my friend Paul in Glanerbrug. It’s our jogging day even when it’s late and our schedule says; 7-8-7 minutes walk with 2 minutes rest between.
Then there is the Skype story; finally Tony found his old headset so he was waiting for me this morning. So when I came on the office and I connect the laptop with the network my msn came first up. Yes Tony and Bep push the button from Skype and we had excellent connection, I was always sceptical about it but now I love it.
Tonight I called Wilbert; I ask him if he needs a drier. He told me that the one he had broke down, well you can have him for nothing but I want to have my free ride in the cap, deal.Now it’s time to look at the news and go to bed.

Every corner

The day start really slowly; I’m just that Lenore is waking me up every morning.But she fall in sleep to early what result coming to late at my office. I had a good day at work and had an appointment with Mando at the Squash centre. He showed me every corner but I’m still alive. Afterwards it was the bar was like a café, so next time I’m coming with my bike. No I’m waiting for Tony because he wants to test the Skype connection but I think he’s busy in his tropical country.

Headset for Skype

This afternoon I stopped a half hour earlier so I had the time to go downtown. Tomorrow I start with squash and I need some new indoor sport shoes. I promised my dad a few weeks ago to buy a headset for the computer so I walked to the Media Market. I came back with a webcam and the headset so that we can talk to each other on the Skype network.

This is the first time that I get fun in the jogging, ok it starts to rain but I did well.
I arranged also the sauce and pasta for the party on Saturday, Paul’s wife is working at a company where day make these stuff, lucky me. Afterwards I drove to my old house to pickup some more clothes.
And between al these things I made always time for my lover, nice to hear Lenore’s voice.

Blogger time

I had a wonderful time with my daughter Marloes today, while Vincent was going to a fair at the soccer field from FC Twente. We visit some friends, she played on the Internet while I was looking at the Formula 1 and went out for dinner to the La Cuisine Restaurant.

After I took her back home it was time to go further with my work at my old please. I found my first insurance from my moped and more. Before I start with this Blog I had Lenore on the phone, she’s waiting for her Jet Blue flight back to Oakland. Mmm one week more and I can crunch her, lovely. Well Karin coming back to you, we can talk about the garden chairs so you hear soon what I mean. It’s time to make my lunch and go upstairs.

New adress

I was lucky today; my alarm clock woke me up at 8.15am.
What can I expect today, I start in the supermarket for some coffee milk and make bread for myself. Before Mando, Paul and Wilbert came I start pack again, yes I didn’t forget to make coffee because Mando is starting with it. Five times he drove with his van to the dump and I can tell you my house is empty except the was machine, dryer, boxes, the coffee table and kitchen table. So the only thing I could is go to the house of Rob and Eveline but it’s the best way I think. Mando made some pictures but I have problems to get my camera connect, so there coming later on the Blog. When I came here I has some troubles to find Rob’s wireless internet connection but now its working. I can spend three weeks over here and I enjoying myself already with watching TV and playing with the internet. My old computer is now at Gertie and Martine place, I promise them already a year ago and now it was time. The stuff was installed in 5 minutes. Now I’m chatting with Katja and Sanne.

Friday

I start the day with baking bread rolls, instead of jumping under the shower.

On my way to the office its rains like the last few days. It’s a shame; normally I see a lot of birds and other animals. Starting with thee instead of coffee is a normal ritual since a few days. The estimates are going well, less phone calls and less colleague who interrupt.

In the evening it was time to jog with my friend/colleague Paul, my condition is getting better.

Tomorrow I get busy with moving stuff to the dump; the only problem for me was getting friends who can help me. Wilbert, Paul and Mando are so kind to help me and I think it’s also enough.

I want to wake up early so I can do some things before they come.
Yes time for me to go upstairs and get some sleep.

Counting the days

12 days and then Lenore is coming, around these days I must go to the notary with the buyers.Saturday morning Mando takes his van with him where we can put the old stuff inside and drive to the dump.

Tonight I had an appointment with Eugenie from the beauty salon; she cleans my face every eight weeks. On my way home I stopped at Rob and Eveline, they ask me if we want to stay in there house when they are on holiday. So why not, the house is in a really nice neighborhood and it’s easier for me to get on my work. They are a great couple and have also good contact with Lenore.
At the time that we are driving to Switzerland for a short break, they come back from their holiday.

House getting empty

This morning I was feeling like a zombie, after my Blog from last night Chantal came by for a glass of wine. But it was getting later and later, I told her that she can close the door behind her. It was after 12 o clock in the night and I know my alarm goes 6 hours later. So the day went slowly but finish Paul’s project as promised.

Gertie, Martine and John came by to help me a little getting the upper floor empty, the chest of drawers is downstairs in the garage. My bed is not there anymore; only thing you can find is the mattress.

My computer desk in the living room is also gone, so I put the screen on one peace of the cabinet.
The coffee table is full with stuff and I try to clean it before I go to bed.

It’s a really strange feeling to leave the house after so many years. 38 years ago my parents thought this was a nice spot to life. I went a few years to the other side of the street but came back in when they stayed in Belize.
Well at least I know where I go now while I’m waiting for the papers.

6-7-6

Today I have a quiet day accept jogging. I came home, put my leftover in the microwave.

During my dinner I look at the news and wait 45 minutes before I took the car to Paul. Our training schedule is now 6-7-6 minutes jogging and between the times we rest a few minutes to stretch our self.
At 9pm I went to the climbing hall, no not for climbing but for a drink with my friends, I just came home and made my lunch for tomorrow.

Throw away

Just a short message from behind my desk.
Yesterday morning the real estate guy and told me your house is sold and the day to change with the owner is still 1 of August. I called directly some friends to help, I mean try to get my house empty in one week. Dirk and I got all the rooms upstairs empty and put this in boxes. I was really surprise because I thought I get problem to throw thinks away.Tonight is the next evening to do more.

Spanish party

The Spanish party was greeted; they had a lot of Sangria, Spanish wine and Grolsch beer.Yannick made a beach in his yard; everything was decorated with balloons and flags. Everybody did there best to look like somebody from Spain. Yep also our Sinterklaas was there, our Dutch tradition says that he’s coming every November to the Netherlands by Steamboat to gif the children presents like Santa Claus.

Photo by Karin B (ForumGirlz)

Wilbert was picking me up around 2am and make two more stops to bring some friends home.
After a party like that I have always troubles to get my energy back. Marloes and Vincent came here and I played some games with them so I have problems to get my eyes open.

Lenore just called; she’s on the ferry to Nantucket right now. In the last writing I was telling that Molly was with them but oeps it’s Michelle. It’s time to make a small cop of coffee, after that I get my clothes ready for tomorrow.

I’m also watching Hurricane Emily, as you no my parents living in Belize City what’s just a few hundred kilometers/miles from Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. Emily is an extremely dangerous Category 4 hurricane and is expected to crash ashore tonight. But everything can still change; remember Mitch who turned left into Honduras.

Cleaning

A small apologize to the people who are reading our Blog everyday but my connection was not there. The router had a problem to find the dynamic address and somebody came by to help us.

Lenore went yesterday to Boston and I just waked her up, Erika, Molly and she must catch the ferry to Nantucket. It seems to me an Island like Terschelling what is popular in the Netherlands.

What’s up for today, I did the laundry, cleaned my car and buy a CD from Putumayo who has different kind of music. This time I have Salsa around the world with artists from al over the world.

Tonight I have a Spanish night and you can only come if you are dressed like that, with some help I got a nice outfit. Wilbert is driving me in the long Mercedes Benz cap he is driving every day so that must be fun. For now I try to take a rest, I’m exhausted from the last week.

BBQ

I finish the big project this morning and now see what happening tomorrow when the bit is. The technical advisor made terrible specifications I can tell you, but still it’s a good location (downtown Nijmegen) to make the construction.

At 1pm it was 2 minutes quiet, stand still for the people in London last week.

This afternoon it was BBQ time in the garden of Martin and Maria. For the most people on the office its holiday time and every year there is a happening like this.
Martin arranged a catering for the drinks and food, there where +/- 80 people.

I brought a college home who’s living in the middle of nowhere but still on my just before Germany. What I didn’t know that he has some beautiful dears and kangaroos in his back yard, with a nice cup off coffee I enjoy my stay.

Of course I called my lover when I was driving a way and heard from Lenore that the date on the immigration site changed in the month March. At least I see it positive that there are two months to go but of course you don’t know if the working during vacation time. Oeps it’s time to call Lenore’s dad, he has his birthday today and they going out for dinner at his favorite Italian restaurant. Well next time I am there too.

Jogging again

It was an early start; on my way to the office I call always my wife. During the weekend I have free calling limit till 8am. Monday morning, but James beat me every week. Hopefully I can drive the next three weeks through the Netherlands, holidays season starts in the region. I think that’s the best time to work, less college who interrupt.

Today was also the day where I should jog after 11 hours work, Paul was so kind to pick me up.

At the time I came back the neighbors where playing volleyball so yes played two games with them before I took a shower. At the time that I start the computer, MSN came on and my parents started a conversation. I’m glad that their guest can fly back; he had some problems with his health. Well he’s lucky because Tony now every doctor in Belize City. And just a few minutes ago there was Lenore on the phone; she told me that she stop at the apple store today so I get a new battery in the Ipod.

Zoom erlebniswelt Gelsenkirchen

It was a short night but I think we have fun today. If you read the Blog recently then you saw a picture from polar bear Elvis. I thought it’s a nice idea to see the Zoo because they told on their website that they had a face lift called Alaska. Marloes, Vincent and I drove smoothly down on Highway A31 in Germany and got there in one hour. Free parking, mmmmm nice well exactly the parking place was too small so we parked on the side of the road.

My leg didn’t hurt anymore so that it’s a positive start of the day. It was a really beautiful setup with a lot of space for the animals I love it. Well Lenore here is a better picture of a Grizzly bear who has 10 times more space then in Toronto Zoo.

It was a sunshine day and the kids enjoyed it very much.

He look there is Elvis with his family, for them the same space as the Grizzly’s. I’m sure that we come back how the Zoo is looking after a few months.


As you can see I’m starting to pack, because the real estate told me that there is a big chance that if the new people can buy it these means soon as possible. I packed al the compact discs, records, books, hammock, climbing stuff and a few special beer glasses.

I fill four boxes till now and I think three more for me and one for my parent’s records. And now hopping if there is still space for my garden chair what I like to take with me.

Tropical Night

Just a short message from me, I had a fun at the Tropical Night in Hengelo. John, Erwin (John’s friend) and I enjoyed the great music and a good atmosphere. At 1am it was time to eat something small before we took the car to John’s house, he made some coffee before I left and now I’m tired.
In seven and half hours I should pickup Marloes and Vincent to visit a Zoo in Germany, so time to close my eyes.

I love work

Right, Saturday morning 6.30am the alarm-clock make a lot of noise. Its time to move my as, take a shower because I have still problems to move with my left leg. During my shaving the phones rings, sorry Lenore you are to late my lover. But I promise her to call when I past the soccer-field in Ameloe, it’s a small village what I past in Germany everyday. The Dutch phone company has a good signal from there so I can call for the normal price. Erwin had finished his first cop of coffee when I came in but our motivation was good for a Saturday morning. We worked for five hours and got benefit so we hope to finish Monday afternoon so we have only one project to go. In the afternoon I went for one outlet to Yannick, next week we have a Spanish party and he couldn’t fixed it. Then the box story, I taped the cardboard and made two boxes. But till now nothing is inside, why? Well I was chatting with my mom, make some dinner and fall in sleep while I was watching the news. And now its time to visit John and Ynur, there is Tropical night in Hengelo. Its always enjoyable downtown, in front of every bar there playing bands.

What a day

I’m just a few hours at my work when I hear the news from London, terrible.
There are crazy people living in this world or must I say sick people.
I called Lenore earlier then normal when she has a day of, I told her that I got an email from Stephen who was in London. So Lenore jumped behind the computer and sends Alex and Stephen a message, they life axially in Wales. At the time I got home Lenore told me that everything was ok, she got an email back. I took a nap but before I know Rob was standing at the door, I called him a day before and told him; When I look to my hear I can see how long I didn’t saw you, so he came with his scissors.
After him John came, I had still some small bicycles from my parents what he should take with him. We went also to the room downstairs for the climbing grips, he want to make a small wall in the garden for his son Calvin. Its 11pm when I kicked him out, want to put my daily live on the Blog but damn @home has problems again.
Friday
Today I feel my legs, which always after starting sport isn’t it. But the problem got worse when Erwin I took a walk during lunchtime. The calf of my left leg was blocked when I sit back in the chair.There was only one thing to do, calling Yannick. He got his diploma for sport massage. Nice that he had time for me but first I must go home and them the door was blocked with empty boxes, thanks Mando now I can start pack my stuff what I wanna keep. It was 6.30pm when I came at Yannicks house and had a short talk with Hester and his two years old son Sam. I went on the massage table and I can tell you that afterwards I could walk a little bite better. After a coffee I drove to the supermarket so I can make my own fresh dinner, salad with tandori chicken. During dinner the news was all about London so it was time to call Lenore again who went to the garage for a new battery for her car. Now its time to get lazy, walk to my bed because tomorrow at 8am I’m sitting on the office again.

Damn why didn’t they ask me to clean the face from president Jefferson on Mount Rushmore? I love to climb.

First time jogging

Yes it was years ago that I went for jogging, Paul and I wants to walk every two days.We did 4 times 6 minutes with 1 minute rest between it. And now see if I get my condition back soon.
Lenore its 27 days, till that time I get very busy and this is not only my work. The old neighbor who wants to by the house earlier has 98% change that he gets the mortgages next week. If this is true then I have only 2 1/2 weeks to get the house empty. I ask Mando already for boxes with different sizes. On my work I have a new laptop, positive is that it has a bigger screen and I put the next project already in. Still three to go before it’s next Thursday.

La Cuisine

Tuesday morning was again an early start.

Erwin and I try to be positive and hope that we can finish a few projects before the weekend.

This morning I call also the people from the hospital, I can have my echo on next Tuesday morning.
The 5^th of June is also the day that I went back to one of my favorite restaurant La Cuisine, Mark and Séverine the owners where surprise that I called them. We got thee together (No coffee for me) and talked a lot about our lives. The daily menu (budget price) was as always delicious and promised them to come often again.
At 8pm I had a meeting from the Scuba Club, the CMas is changing the Brevets.
I told them that I was not interesting; my equipment has already a nice place at my parent’s house in Belize. When I came home I made a short walk to Jan who’s leaving Thursday morning to Jakarta, I gave him an envelope what he should open with Melanie on Bali. Now it’s time to make my lunch for tomorrow and go to bed.

The Results

I called my doctor this afternoon about the results from the blood test.He tested me at different things like kidneys, stomach, liver, thyroid gland, cholesterol, HIV etc.Positive is that he saw only a high cholesterol but I know where its coming from, the last few months I take easier stuff like pizza instead of fresh food. He told me also to wait a little with drinking alcohol. Well I stopped already so that can’t be the problem anymore. The treatment helps a little but still I feel my stomach, tomorrow I call the hospital to make an appointment for an echo.
I want to know what the pain in my upper stomach is and back in shape before Lenore is visiting me. Yes darling only 29 days before crunch time.

Polarbear - Gelsenkirchen Germany

I saw this picture just in the newspaper, the Polar bear got just his new home in the Zoo from Gelsenkirchen Germany.

War of the Worlds

It was Sunday morning already when I got awake at 11am. Damn that’s the time I should pickup Marloes & Vincent. I called them after I had a quick shower, jumped in my car and ask them what they want to do. They didn’t know till I ask about the movie with Tom Cruise. So after a short time spending at home we took the car to Cinestar. This is the biggest Movie Theater in this area with big screens and great sounds. Where sitting on row F chairs 12, 13 and 14. I made a small Joke to Vincent that the thunder can hit him at his chair number 13. The commercials should start but the only thing what’s happens was the sounds. They couldn’t repair the machine so quick and brought us to a smaller room in the theater. Not enough space for everybody but we where lucky. The movie is a recommendation for everyone who loves action.

picture from the official website

Dakota Fanning was playing the daughter of Tom Cruise and enjoys her performing. Vincent was sitting first on the other side from Marloes but during the break (Yes we have that in the Netherlands) he changed and was sitting next to me. Funny to see how he got my arm when it got scary.

Live 8

I start the day slowly after I got my wake up call from Lenore.Instead of going to Dirk & Monique (D&M) I jumped behind my computer and looked at sites for immigration and the Belize forum. I took the car to the supermarket; I didn’t know what to eat tonight so I came out with only drinks. On my way to D&M I stopped at Karlijn her house; she called me last night if I can make the connection from the cable internet. The fix the wire was an easy so time to see how it’s going with the roof from D&M. They could help enough and after a small talk I went to Paul & Erna just a mile further. The last months Paul and I see each other just for a few minute on the office but that get change, we start to jog at Monday evening. I was surprise that my wife call me, I should wake her up but she couldn’t sleep as you can read in her Blog.

I drove home to see the start of the Live8 spectacle where Bono joined Paul McCartney for a rousing performance of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band. During the time I make some macaroni, it was delicious, with a full belly I fell in sleep on the cough while the broadcast was going on. At the time I got awake it was time to switch between the final soccer and Live8. I promise my neighbor to let her dog Job out for a walk, the crazy dog didn’t want to go with me. I took me 10 minutes to get the belt around his neck; we walked for 30 minutes around.

Laptop can’t swim.

I didn’t write for a few days on the Blog so it’s time. After a normal day of work (busy like always) Erwin and I close the door of our office at 5pm, days before we worked to many hours. At 7.15pm my friend/college Paul called me on my cell phone just before the news started.
After a heavy shower our office got fill up with water that came out of the drain from the air conditioning. He came by the office after a meeting and plugged my laptop out but it was already too late, lucky me that the charwoman was still there. The office was clean but when I hold the laptop on his side the water was leaking. Well this thing is never work again I think but I can be happy that I get a new one on Wednesday. Till that time Erwin and I should share his computer.

This evening I went downtown with Gert (Belize and Toronto Junk), we took a seat on the terrace, enjoy our drink and look at people who past. In the morning I want to start slowly maybe I go visit Dirk and Monique to look how it’s going with the roof. But clean the house is better I think.

Feeling good today

The pain is going up and down but I can life with it as the weeks before.
Today Erwin and I make five hours overtime to push the new project so we can finish it tomorrow afternoon. The mist the bit today but we where a good third in the row, that’s life from a guy like me who’s making estimates. I was lucky that I had leftover from the Chinese the only thing was to wait for the microwave. Dessert was frozen yoghurt with peaches jammie. I make my lunch already and time to go for sweet dreams.

No tittle

It’s getting better today but it sucks that Lenore can’t be here when you need your lover.

This morning I went to the hospital where they take 4 tubes of blood and now waiting till Monday for the results. Erwin did a lot of work yesterday and this morning at the time I was not there. Don’t know how we fixed together but the project what we start yesterday is almost finish. We stayed till 6pm because the last bit was not ready for tomorrow morning. The three B’s (Martin, Martin & Steven) have always the same question, didn’t you forget the Elevator? Did you look for more fabricates to put in the project? On my way home, John called me with the question are you home. We went together downtown for a drink on the terrace, always nice to look at people. Now it’s bedtime for me.

Bad Day

I have a bad day, after a weekend with a lot of rest I though to start early.

But things change quickly when you talk about how my body is feeling, I talked to my doctor and tomorrow they take some blood. I feel myself so tired, that I had even problems with walking during lunchtime. Before I know my bed was waiting for me, at 3.20pm I was sleeping. Lenore wakes me up at 6.30pm and talks a lot with her during the evening. Dirk came also by because he no this that was something wrong with me. We walked a little in the neighborhood and he makes my evening a nice one.

DE Ballon

Vincent playing with water

dweilorkest downtown

ATM is hungry

A surprise evening with the soccer games, ok I was right about the Dutch team. They lost with sudden death. Vincent and I went to Spain – Argentina, we where sitting directly on the side of the field. I didn’t aspect that Argentina was superior, we saw the already a few games from them but at that time they had a low performance. Argentina won with 3-1. Before the game we went to a restaurant next to the stadium, after our belly was full we went to the ATM where I put my MC in. The only thing what the machine did was eating my card, I didn’t look at the post from MC that al the cards where blocked because they had problems in the US.
In the night Lenore called me, she had the afternoon of. We tried to book a flight for her on the Northwest site, but I couldn’t pay because the billing address was in the Netherlands. Other thing is that the site showed only a nonstop flight back while the KLM is flying nonstop on Monday. So I called the KLM and my lady has now a nonstop flight from San Francisco to Amsterdam and back. The countdown is 37 day at this moment and I hope the times fly.

The pain is still coming back in my stomach and sometimes I feel myself feverish. Hopefully I get my energy back now I take Supradyn and a lot of thee. We eat a small Quicherie Pie from Johma. It’s a light oven pie with leek and ham; the jury said it was ok!!! Erna. It’s a beautiful day outside so see what Marloes and Vincent wants to do, I think we make a move downtown for an international folklore festival.

Quarter final

It’s getting better with my stomach since I use the medicine. I stay in my bed this morning to get more rest, so that I have enough energy to see the quarter final soccer between Spain – Argentina, Vincent keeps me company. The temperature dropped already down till 23° C and it rains a little what’s much better I think. Yesterday Lenore went Social Security where she register our marriage and change her name in Lenore Hawley – Nijssen. Now she’s try to get a discount ticket to the Netherlands in August but till now no luck. I told her to fly with KLM nonstop instead of changing two planes. It’s time to visit the supermarket otherwise there is no food tomorrow.

Short Message

Pff a short message on the Bog, this morning I went to my doctor because I have already pain for two months in the Gastric Region. So I got some medicine home and call him back Monday morning otherwise he want a check up. Thing is that I leave my office around 1pm, them I’m so tired. I drove home and jumped in my bed for four hours and go early to bed again. First there is soccer on TV, Netherlands – Chili. Yesterday USA lost from Italy and Japan from Morocco
Good news is that Lenore wants to visit Europe for three weeks instate of two.

Talking about electricity

Damn I had last night pain in my back; I think the pool was to cold for me.
Well at least we had fun. Only problem is starting the day, Lenore quick me out with her lovely voice.I can’t wait to see her again, august seams so far away even when it’s only six weeks. Ok I have enough too do till that time, this morning we count 10 projects to finish before the 10^th July. After that Erwin is going on holiday for three weeks and I switch with him when he’s coming back. Then there is the story about my house, the guy who want to buy get till Friday time to get his mortgage done. If not we start all over again. Otherwise I get it really busy to get my stuff out off my house in now time. Today Karlijn (friend of Mando & Karin) called me, if I had time to look at her house what she took over. I told her already that I didn’t have time for it but I can advise what she can do. The house was build around 1920 and it’s pretty but the electricity downstairs is bad. Easiest way is a plinth around the room where you can put the cables through and the outlets next to it. Tomorrow she gets her estimate and Wednesday evening I talk about it.

The picture show what I mean. Tomorrow is also soccer time again, it’s the 1/8 finale and we see two games. First USA is playing against Italy, one hour later Morocco is playing against Japan. Erwin is going with this time because it’s getting late for Vincent.

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What do you do when the air is running out?

Roof Tile

I had enough to do this weekend, starting Saturday morning at Monique’s (Dirks girlfriend) house putting the roof tile off. In the afternoon take a look at the soccer games with Vincent; US 1 - 0 Egypt and Switzerland 0 - 3 Nigeria. Afterwards I went back to Monique where I help to get the roof tile on. I took later also the time to visit Paul & Erna, because there where still too many people on the roof.This morning I didn’t wake up from Lenore’s call, she didn’t call whééééééé. Well I was surprise that Marloes & Vincent had something for Father Day, but I got some nice shower gel etc. In the afternoon they want to swim in Germany with their mom, so I brought them. For me it was time to get the beer out of the fridge, Karin & Mando invite me for a BBQ. Some other friends came and before I no this I was sitting with my underwear in the small pool, while other where sitting on the terras. First Veronique, Robin (Mando’s son) and I (see picture) Later on Mando jumped in the pool nude, boys are boys isn’t it. Robin and I followed him in his act. Next event is the paintball track in Hengelo on the 9th of july.

Visit Gertie

Yesterday it was time to buy a cd-radioplayer for the office, Erwin and I have now an alarm clock what have a bad noise. Now we can swing in our office during the day, while I was driving out of the parking garage Lenore called me. First words Love You, Love You, Love You, you crazy husband. Mmmm wait I send only 24 red roses to my lovely wife. Ok de prices in the US are overprized but what can I do about that, don’t spoil your wife not to much?

Today I planned to ask Gertie out for dinner, he’s a good friend of mine who’s always there. He helped me with painting some parts of the house even when he had pain in his back. His girlfriend and her mom are traveling in Ireland this week while he’s watching the dog from her mom. The dog is a Boston-terrier from 3 months old. We went together to Emma’s Eatcafé, a small place where they serve delicious Steaks. After I came home there was still a little energy to clean my car before I fall in sleep. I wake up just before the soccer games on Television and check my email. Thanks Edwin and Anja for the nice comment on the Blog and also the other people who did this already before. I hope you enjoy all the stuff we write about our love story and daily life.

Short word

The Netherlands is a strange country, the police search with 50 people churching for a puma that’s walking around in a Dutch park (The Veluwe). Ok it isn’t normal that he walks around in nature here, but way do you want to kill him. Other thing is that a danger guy is walking already for one week around in our country before they put him on television; they found him after he killed old men from 80 years and was walking around in the men’s house. Why didn’t they kill him?

Tonight I went for a drink to Jan; he’s living two blocks further since a few months. Great thing about him is that he found his love on the internet, sound stupid but I think it’s perfect. Like Lenore and me they mail and call each other everyday and I’m sure that they found their love. In 2 ½ weeks he take the plane to Jakarta (Indonesia) where he meet Melanie, her daughter and family. I know that they get a great time with each other, especially when they fly to Bali for holiday.

These days

Yesterday evening I went to Mando for a beer, I didn’t saw him for a month so I though it was time.
This morning I got a wake with a drill in my mouth, yes I was sitting in the dentist chair. I had 40 minutes to climb out the chair and go to Vriezenveen; a client need fire protection at his hardware store whose 30,000 square meter. It took me 3 hours to walk through the whole building.
Conclusion when I drive to the office I have only 1 ½ hour to help Erwin finish the project, I need to drive away on time because the soccer games tonight. So before I know I picked up Vincent, drive to the bus stop, take the bus to the train station and get to the Arke Stadium. First Argentina was playing against Egypt (2-0). USA against Germany (0-0), funny detail: All the Dutch people where standing behind the USA team and the sound got louder when the German supporters start to sing.

End of the weekend

It’s still cold today, I got a phone call from Marloes And Vincent where I was. Still in my bed because they waked me up, so I pick them up after a quick shower. What did we today, while Vincent and I where playing Risk for almost the whole day. Webmaster Mloesje was sitting relax on the couch and playing with the internet. I brought them home after 6pm and just finish my meal while looking at Formula 1. Timmy Raikkonen won the race before Michel Schumacher this time. Tonight I try to sleep eraly because this week I get it busy with work and the rest of the soccer games.

First game

Vincent and I drove this afternoon to the soccer game. The Fifa try to search at any person who wants to come in. Results, a lot of people game in the stadium after the first kick. Argentina – USA was a good game to see, the USA won with 1 – 0, Chad Barret scored in the 38^th minute. Freddy Adu (see picture) mist the penalty. Germany – Egypt was at half time 0 – 0, Vincent I where both tired so we went home.

Tennis can be dangerous

I start early this Saturday, Erwin told me yesterday on the phone that we have still many projects to finish next week. Their where are, at the office but the strange thing was that his right ear was pact with bandage. He told me last month that he stopped with soccer because he damaged his right knee.Well now he can be happy with his new sport, I tried to get the ball. He did but there was a steel construction standing in the way and opened his ear. Ok now I have a good excuse to scream to him.

Back home

I’m home since this afternoon; I took the train from Schiphol (Amsterdam airport) to Enschede.

The first thing I did was taking a shower, a short look on the emails and a nap. Try to wake up Lenore for her start of the day but she waked me up. Afterwards it was time to my appointment at the dentist, pick up my contact lens and of course visiting the supermarket. Tonight it’s time for a short visit to Gertie and Martine because I want to get ready for tomorrow. Start on the office between 8am-12am with Erwin. In the afternoon it’s time for the World Youth Soccer Games.

Vincent and I want to visit every game in the Arke Stadium and have al the cards already till on of the quarter finals.

Lenore behind the wall of glass

Our honeymoon is over and I hope too see her soon, in August we should be camping in Switzerland with Marloes and Vincent. I can’t wait.
Hopefully I can see her family soon and learn more about them.

Yep it’s a US rule, al the flights from Canada are separate behind a wall off glass.
So after she went trough the customers I check myself in at the KLM desk and they overt me a pass for the KLM Lounge. After I went to customers I try to walk directly to her gate.
Their she was standing behind window with a glass of chardonnay and the cell phone so we could talk for a few minutes. Afterwards I walked to the lounge where I’m sitting now, chatting with Marloes, talking to the Lenore on her cell phone and enjoy my internet with a nice glass of French white wine. I waved to her when she past the lounge but I don’t know if she saw me. She was sitting on this side of the plane, so I wait till she lift off at 14.46pm.Time for another wine and chatting with a old college while I’m finish this talk.

Toronto Science Centre

Our Science day and last day was very nice, with a bunch of kids we make are own roller coaster. The Toronto Science Centre has a lot of different things to explorer, not only for kids but also for Big Kids like us. How soft you can land on your feet (like a cat) when you jump from a platform etc. As bonus we went to the Imax theatre with the big screen who’s in the same building, we saw ocean men. Ocean men was about Pipi Ferrera who’s a Free Diver, it’s a extreme sport where they try go down as deep as they can without breath equipment. In the movie the record came on 162 metre (540 feet), great movie I can tell you.
Tonight we walked to the Days Inn if Stephen and Alex where still there but we couldn’t find them, afterwards I start the computer on we got their email what said that the where already at the Niagara Falls. Well of course we went out for dinner and came after a few Shopping Malls at the Hot House Café again, a delicious meal I can tell.I think this our story from the honeymoon, its time to go home and wait for the papers.

Lunch time

If you travel so far to a city like Toronto for your honeymoon and there is something big as Niagara Falls. Go there because you must seen this, even if its sounds like Disney Land.I’m not a big fan of organised tours but this was the best options to go, they pick us up at the hotel with of course a few more stops. In 90 minutes we where there and make a tour on the boat down the Falls. Lenore and I decide not to have a buffet with the tour group but fid it out for us self. We went to the Hard Rock Café for lunch and looked in their shop, overprized T-shirts. After this we went with the group above the falls named Canadian Horse Shoe and stopped in the small town called Niagara on the lake where we saw a Christmas Store. On our way back home Bill (the driver) make a stop at a winery where we had samples from their wine. At the time we came back we didn’t had the time for dinner at the CN-Tower so went to the Brown Stone Bistro on Young street. They had great Sangria’s so that was a nice time to have dinner with Lenore on her birthday.

Lunch time, so we went to the Hard Rock Cafe.

Lenore and Jimmie

On the stairs of the Hard Rock Cafe Lenore meets Hendriks.

The Canadian Horse Shoe

From the top of the Falls

Niagara Falls

Yep it's me on the boat at the Niagara Falls

Lenore in the Mirror

This is from the Casa Loma castle in Toronto. Its huge. It was built around 1912, the man Henry Pellett and his wife Mary built it and only lived in it for 9 years. Then Henry's financial shennagans caught up with him- he had managed to get a 30 year contract with the city of Toronto to provide the electrical lighting for the city, but that got taken away when the contract came under public domain. Meanwhile, Henry had overleveraged himself using the contract holding to borrow huge amounts of money. The castle took 3 years to build, had stuff like an indoor pool, multiple bedrooms (it was a hotel for a few years after Henry and Mary had to vacate), plans for a bowling alley, a 800-ft underground tunnel to the stables (which were incredibly lavish, and not to be confused with the garage), and a room with intricately carved paneling which took 3 master craftsmen in England 3 years to carve, after which they were shipped off to ole Henry.
The brochure describes him as an "unabashed romatic"but I think he was probably Ken Lays mentor.
Paul took this wonderfully artistic photo in Lady Mary's sitting room. It is probably about the size of most of my upstairs in my house.
Too bad he never got to finish the bowling alley. There was a smoking room adjacent to the game room, which had a huge carved pool table imported from Italy. It was sold at auction.
The gardens were wonderful, and the views from the towers were awesome.
We had a bonus ride on the transit system. When we came out of the subway station, we got on a bus going the opposite direction from where we wanted to go. So we just got off after awhile, and crossed the street, and went back. since we had day passes, no more money needed. We saw WAAAAAAAY out in the 'burbs.
Today was HOT and windy, there were thunderstorms predicted, but no luck.

For breakfast (around 11am) we went to the Brown Stone bistro. Really good food, and really good sangria. We ordered just a glass each. The waitress asked if we wanted a pitcher, but we deferred. Well, the sangria was so good, and it was so hot, we ended up ordering another glass each. Puts a nice glow on a hot day.
Now we are off to find something for dinner.

Saturday update

Saturday morning, we didn’t left early but walked all the way to Kensington Market.Gert told me last week that this is a very nice area to look at the small shops and restaurants from different nationalities. My feet where already swollen so we took our first streetcar to the museum. During our walk further there was a drum festival in Queens park and there where also different kind of food. After our walk back to the hotel we stops at different bars, the second and the last one was the lobby of the Days Inn Hotel where we mat Steven and Alex from Wales. Only problems was that Steven and I got really drunk from al the beers, so this morning I had problem with coffee. Lenore had the medicine; Paul we go to the Hot House Café for breakfast, its on Church street not to far. Right the walk took at least 30 minutes.

We went with a full belly on the streetcar 501 to the East Beaches where we stayed for a few hour. From there to H&M on Bloor, a CD-shop and Star Bucks. Yes for the first time in my life to a Star Bucks and did the Cappuccino test. I can tell you it sucks, sorry no more coffee from them.

Grolsch Ad

dscn5920

On our way to Hot House Cafe we found this, jammie

Saturday Morning

Yesterday I was to tired that Lenore was writing the blog, still a little problem with the time difference. So I looked at the Blog and saw that see something missed, the ZOO.
After breakfast at the Daybreak, only two blocks away from the hotel we took the Subway to Kennedy Station. From there we took the bus to the Toronto Zoo where we walked around in different area’s like Australia, Americas, Canada and Africa. The Zoo is really big when you compare it with one in the Netherlands, lucky we didn’t see all the screaming kids.
In the new areas the animals get enough space but the old one can be better. So what’s up for the day, well we still have some museums to go. There is enough to see here in this beautiful green filled city, and don’t forget all the delicious restaurants.
Coming back on the CN-tower restaurant, we had a glass of Ontario Chardonnay. Pity is that they don’t know what temperature it must be (way too warm). We went to a pub named Friar & Firkin for dinner because the people from the museum gave us a tip. I can tell you that the house Chardonnay was better than upstairs in the tower.

CN Tower

Here I am sitting on a glass floor about a million miles upin the air in the CN tower. I didn't think I was that afraid of heights, but when I couldn't walk out on this glass floor easily - wow! it was scary. I finally did stand on it for a minute, but sitting was easier. But I had a hard time walking off of it. Paul stood easily, and sat for a photo. Must be his climbing experience. And there were kids JUMPING on this floor, which didn't really scare me all that much. I just kept thinking " this would be a really really bad time for an earthquake".
We didn't go up to the sky pod observation deck a few floor higher because there was a big extra charge for that. I think we saw a lot. We called Pauls mom and dad from the Cn tower, Bep was not there, but talked to Tony. Since Paul called from the top of the Empire State building, seemed like we should call again.
Then we went to the cafe on the same floor as the glass bottom floor, had a glass of Canadian Chardonney (was ok, not great) and then had dinner in a pub on John's Street, just down from Queen's Street. Good food, we were really hungry since we hadn't eaten since breakfast except some ice cream at the zoo.
Then back to the Primrose, where our non-smoking room is pretty smelly. Luckily, the windows open.
A nice warm day in Toronto, great to be together.

Paul and Lenore getting an Art Education

Well, here we are in the Toronto Art Museum in the sculpture hall. We don't get it. Too weird for us. We only could see about 2 sculptures that looked anything like the titles, and that didn't include the ones called stuff like 'number 152'or whatever.
The rest of the museum was pretty interesting. A lot of it was under construction, so only a few rooms were open. We saw a special exhibit "the shape of colour" that had some intersting stuff, most to avant gaurde for me. Like the big square black painting with a stripe of yellow running down the right hand side of it called "Yellow Edge". Duh.
Then we went to the CN tower. See next posting.
Lenore

Toronto

Enschede to Amsterdam Airport. During this trip I had a few time contacts with Lenore who’s in the air right now. Plenty time to bring my luggage to the KLM drop point, with my e-ticket I had the chance to check-in yesterday. I have still 90 minutes before they aspect me on the gate, till that time I’m sitting at Sandwich Island in the middle of the airport. Enjoy my cappuccino and a salmon sandwich. I saw on the internet this morning that the weather in Toronto has a temperature from 68° Fahrenheit.

I had a good flight from 7 ½ hours, the immigration people where very friendly and outside was somebody waiting. I survive the crunch test from Lenore and walked outside to the bus stop. We took bus 192 to Kipling Subway station, jumped in the train till we get downtown.
Know it was only 500 metre walk to our hotel.
We got a room at the 17th floor where we have a nice few at the CN Tower.

I install the laptop after a good shower (it was time) and just looked on my email. Of course we walked around the hotel to see something from Toronto, we start at Yong street, there are many shops and restaurants. We choose the Thai restaurant for dinner, they had a small terrace where you can enjoy the food and the wine from Ontario District. The clock past already 7.30am local time and I’m awake while Lenore is still sleeping.She had a long day, first work for 12 hour and 3 hours later you are travelling from San Francisco to Toronto.
It's time for a cop of coffee so we can start hour day and you know what, Lenore is never leaving California with Peet's Coffee.

Nine hours

A short message on the blog, I had dinner at Gert place and went downtown for a drink.

He had some nice tips for Toronto, I’m ready to go. Lenore and I are leaving on the same time from our home. Can’t wait to see her and let crunch myself. Time to take a nap, I leave my house and how can I better sleep after the referendum today. 62% are against the constitution.

Well people, the next blog is from out the hotel room.