Friday afternoon

After a few days is time to write something. My Dutch friends are already spoiled because I send them already an email.

My parents house

Yesterday Constance came over to my parent’s house; the lady is around 82 years and stayed overnight. Her daughter Ginny came from the States to visit her mom with Christmas. Constance is living in Cayo a two hour drive while my parents life 20 minutes from the international airport in Belize.

Playground with Carribean Sea in the background

We chat a lot and start later the game Kolonisten from Catan. Other thing was that I moved to a smaller room for the night, so no internet connection. It’s not bad for a few days; I must enjoy my time and want to visit Ingrid next week in Hopkins. I don’t expect a phone call from the Embassy and other wise I can always drive or fly back quickly.
I know that Croc (a good friend from Ingrid) wants to visit Tobacco Caye next week, I have some information on my website but I never bin there.

The last few days I start always with a Dutch radio program named Somertijd, I like the program very much and try always to listening.
In the afternoon its time to help my mom to get the drinks for the weekend, my father has his 70th birthday and he expect a few friends from the Dutch group over here.

That is love (including update)

Crack of dawn in the poring rain only to told to come back later.

Nice start to begin with but here is the whole story.
Yesterday My mom was so kind to drive with me around, so I have my medical record complete.
After dinner time and a nap it was time to fill in the paperwork, well I can tell you that this can mine profession later on. I don’t count anymore but for one thing it’s good, my memory. Questions like; where did you live and work the last 10 years. Don’t forget my educations.
Still it take three hours but ok, I was just finished for The Daily Show with John Stewart. For the people in the Netherlands, this is a talk show during the week and I like it very much. Lenore tried to get tickets last August when we visit New York, to see the show live.

This morning I was standing in line for the Embassy around 6.45am will the office get open at 8am. There where 9 people in front of me and later there where some people with an appointment. The Belizeans who came exactly for a Visitor Visa should thought what that white guy is doing here so early. I refuse the umbrella from my mom but oeps it starts to rain, I have a light jacket with me so that was easy. In front of me there was a lady who had an umbrella, so I stand close to her. The Security check opens and I got closer where the sign was, Visitors Visa between 8-10am and Immigration Visa between 1-3.30pm. Damn I’m too early, it was my time to get in the small building and talk to the friendly guys. The best time to get back is around 12.
I called my mom while is walking, along the boulevard where all the busses where waiting for the tourists what should come from the two cruise ships. I can’t complain, walking in the Carribean with a little rain while the sun tries to get through the clouds.

Here is the update, all the papers where alright, the only thing what we missing is the Police Record. I think this must be Murphy’s Law.
The ladies from the Embassy were at least friendly, and ask her colleague in the Netherlands if she send it already. Mmm I try to call the same lady tomorrow and see what happens. Or must I call my government if they can do it quicker. Please can I see with Christmas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Phone call

This morning at 8am sharp the Embassy called me, if I can pickup the papers.
My mom and I drove downtown, I went inside while she was waiting. There where a lot of people waiting but lucky me that I had the name from the nice woman. Next stop for pass photo’s, with a small digital camera he make the right shot for the 2 by 2 inches photo. At the time I get out there was a police man writing a parking ticket for the car who was parking behind us. Damn, my mom told me to drive so I have that ticket. Cost BZ$ 25,-

After paying the bill at the office we went to Doctor Mendez; she was on the list from the Embassy. She gives me the note for the blood test and the X-ray. The blood test was done in a few minutes and I can pickup the results in an hour. Next stop X-ray, there where a lot of people waiting. I get an appointment for 12.30pm.
Between the hectic, my mom and I have time to stop at Neal’s house. He’s an old drive from my dad who had a big car crash 9 years ago. He’s still not the same but I visit him every time when I’m in Belize.

Arriving Belize

After a long trip I arrived in Belize.
I had a great birthday party, after two hours of sleep it was time to travel to Düsseldorf in Germany. It was also the first time in my life that I flied first class; well it was my birthday why not.
Don’t get use to it, they spoiled me on the trip to Cancun. After a taxi ride to Playa Del Carmen it was time to travel by bus during the night. I slept almost the whole time so that was perfect.
I arrived in Chetumal on the border of Mexico/Belize and get contact with a German guy named Michael. Very nice person and we decide to travel together, our destination Belize City where I drop him on the bus later. Our language was a mix between Dutch, German and English.
Arriving at Park Avenue was really easy, the bus stopped almost in front of the street where my mom was waiting with her dogs Spot and Slimpy. After a couple of Heinekens and Red wine it was time for me to take a quick nap. My mom and Michael went around Belize City and later on it was time to drop him on the bus to Dangriga where he want to stay a few days.
In the evening, after finishing my email to my Dutch friends it was time for dinner at the Old Belize Restaurant. My dads favorite place; good food and not far away. I was so tired afterwards that I went directly to bed and just get up at 8am the next morning. In the morning it was time to talk with Lenore and take a shower. I went with my dad to Universal Health Service where I met his colleagues again.

Busy week

Thinks are going quicker then I thought.
Monday morning, Gertie came to help me with the boxes what I should send to Oakland; we took them to the transport station and went for lunch. Gertie went home while I visit some wholesalers, and took a toilet seat with me for Danny and Isabel. I had also an appointment with Eveline who cut my hair; now I’m looking the same as at the pictures. In the evening it was time to drive first to the supermarket and later to Danny. Cheese fondue was on the menu before we start playing Kolonisten and of course I install the toilet seat.
Today it was hurry up, first to Merten. It’s a company who makes switches and domotica (intelligent switching). I get a course about the domitica; he tuned the program on my computer and showed me what I can do. In the afternoon it was time to visit the Electra Expo, talked with a lot of manufacturers. Then a birthday party from Monique, I was so tired that I went home in 40 minutes.
Now it’s time to jump in my bed.

Last Sunday here

Sound a little strange but
Friday was the last day on the office,
Saturday was the last day that I was working in Gerco and Judith’s house,
Saturday was also the last Sinterklaas party in the Netherlands with my friends,
Sunday is the first day of the week (last week) in this house.

We have a few problems with my papers, the consulate in Amsterdam need some papers even if we posted it already a few times before to the State of California / Federal Government. Other thing is that I have my ticket to Mexico next Saturday so I can travel to Belize by bus where I accely must go to the Embassy.

Anyway, I don’t want to think about this and had yesterday a perfect Sinterklaas evening with some of my friends. Everybody took a name few months ago, problem for me was that I got Yannick´s wife Hester. I know that she’s a very nice lady; she’s creative and likes Rosé. I ask Karin what to buy because I didn’t have any idea. So Wednesday night I went downtown for shopping, before I could buy anything for her I saw an apple store. Oeps I have buy some connection wires for my I-pod. But finally I found a store with nice candles and a bowl, me and another guy where standing next to each other for 20 minutes to get the best results. Pfff the present is ok but now the difficult things, make a surprise and a poem. Well lucky me that I went to Gerco and Judith so they came up with some more idea and make both on Saturday afternoon before I went to party.

Sam

I was a really good party; first the two kids start to pack out their presents. Luka and Sam where busy with it. After 15 minutes to go around with the presents and the surprise.

Karin draw me and had a really good poem about me, you good see that she is one of the people who’s following the Blog every day. The nice thing I got was a towel and some work gloves for my hot tub. Karin got a really good poem about her trip to Kenya but of course every poem and present where top.

It’s time to take a shower and pick up Marloes and Vincent; I think this is the hard part of the week or better from the several years. Say your kid’s goodbye and hoping that they visit us soon in the US. Marloes traveled already a few times with the plane but Vincent did it only one time when he was a baby. They can come on the direct flight with KLM.
I want to make a nice day from them and buy some presents today and stop at the Greek restaurant for dinner.
I hope I get the time this week to see them more and hopefully also on my party on Friday night.

Oeps, I'm think that I was dreaming. Yannick was the person behind my surprise.
Thanks Karin that you nothis.

Waking up with ...

It’s always nice to wake up with the voice from Lenore, with her incredible news of the day.
The government send my papers to the Embassy in Amsterdam instead of Belize City, then you think well go to Amsterdam.Wrong I can’t do it, the people in Amsterdam must send it to Belize City. Well I’m glad that I didn’t buy a ticket to Oakland yet.

Short message

During my Kolonisten evening at Mando´s and Karin’s house we where talking about the flights.
Karin is LTU minded and old me that the service is very good, she was also so friendly to show me the page with the cost from the flight. It was cheaper then Martinair and ArkeFly; they heave also one way tickets with normal prices. Danny and Isabel told me to go even if they must clean there house on there own.
After I came home, I talked to my mom and chat with my brother Wilbert. He is so kind to bring me to the airport in Düsseldorf, even after my party and also on my birthday. I looked again online and there where only a few seats left so I bought the ticket. Now it’s real, my parents are picking me up on the border so the travel thing is perfect.
Tomorrow I call the people who send me the estimate about the shipping so that my stuff is there around the second week of January 2006.

Lazy Sunday

I didn’t sleep well last night, I think it’s the flight to Mexico is turning in my head.
Should I take an earlier flight or not, Arke fly has a nice last minute on my birthday.
Problem is three things; I have my own party on Friday and on Saturday night a 10 years anniversary from the Climbing hall. The third is time from that last minute flight, Saturday morning around 11am. I don’t want to think about and wait one week more before I decide what to do.
Nice thing was last night that Lenore just finished her work and talked a little with my lover.
This morning I start the day a little earlier, I want to pick up the kids on the normal time. On my way back Marloes and Vincent stepped a few times out of the car to push me through the snow.
After several games of Kolonisten Vincent ask me to make a snow pop, we went in the garden and make a nice one. After I brought the kids back it was time for me to check the boxes what I want to send to Lenore. Everything is finish now so I can’t wait till the people with the estimate call me.

Snow, snow and snow,

This morning I wake up from Mando´s call, there is no party tonight
The streets are still dirty or the snow is packed on the side so that you can’t park.
First thing I did was looking on my street and yes it was white, people try to push the car. But there was too much ice on the street. The big streets are almost clean but the busses are not driving. In a town further they still don’t have power and there where no traffic jams after 6am this morning. First to the shopping mall with my backpack, I came back and found out that there was more tolerance on the street; we all have the same problem. I cleaned with my neighbors our parking space and warmed up the glùhwein. With my neighbors I had a good afternoon and after drinking the second bottle it was time to go home and cook. The news is almost starting and sees how terrible it still is.

Let it snow

What a terrible way to be on the road to day, since last night it was snowing on the east side of the Netherlands. I was lucky that I could get out of the traffic jam; I took a small road next to the highway. With a little luck I came in Groenlo where I drove my normal road over the farm land to Germany. I know that they don’t clean this way but ok, I want to drive home. Normal time 40 minutes now it took almost 3 hours. Still I’m lucky when I hear that people are blocked on the highway since the morning. The problem to park my car in the street was the next problem; I cleaned the parking place before I could get him in the right way. Tomorrow is the next problem, how can I drive away.

What a day

Last night we went for dinner in Restaurant “de tropen”, Karin recommends this place. This is something else then my normal restaurants, but Yes it was great.
This morning the alarm clock went of at 5.30am, 40 minutes later Lenore and I start the car to drive to Schiphol airport. Normally it takes 2 hours, with a little traffic jams it can be 2 1/2hours but today it was 3 ½ hours. We where lucky that Lenore did the check-in online otherwise it could be a problem. After a cappuccino, a big hug and kisses it was time to say goodbye, but not for long.
I take the car to IJsselstein what it’s closed to Utrecht, with a tourist route and a lot of nature landscape I stopped at a Shell service station. I closed my eyes for one hour and drive further to IJsselstein where I have a course about a light calculation program. At 7.10pm I was finish from where I try to get home quick as possible. I promised Lenore to call the US Embassy in Belize about my immigration; I ask them if I can make an appointment with my Visa, I told the lady that I have all the papers etc. Well sir you filled in the wrong paper etc. you can call back at Tuesday and Thursday between 9-11am. Well people I get crazy about this whole thing.

I just tracking the flight of lenore, in one hour Lenore she is back home.
damn I miss her already!!!!!

It’s always something

Well everybody knows that since Lenore came there is a busy schedule.
Saturday morning we drove to Aalten where e visits Erwin and Monique. Erwin is my colleague and I promise him already a year to come bye. In the afternoon it was time to drive bye Paul, Erna and Maud to see Jesse. He is really cute baby.
Saturday evening we should go to the Greek restaurant but some friends called who we didn’t saw yet. Of course we went to Venancio and Veronique to see the other friends and drink something with them but they where already gone. In the night we had an appointment with Jacqueline who remodels the house totally and also here we had a lot of fun.

Sunday and yes it´s time to play with Vincent and Marloes, also the first time for Lenore to play kolonisten before Monday evening. But Lenore was first so kind to take us out for brunch, Sam Sam was the place. In the afternoon John, Aynur and Calvin came visit us. In the evening it was tapa night at Anja and Edwin’s house, mmm lovely food with a lot of chatting and music. So loud that the neighbor starts to complain just before 1am. Today we had time to get see what stuff I have where I want to get throw away. In the afternoon there where Gertie and Martine to visit us before we go to Isabel and Danny for dinner. Mando and Karin came to because afterwards it’s kolonisten time. Oeps, on my way back I saw that Sander called me 3 hours ago. Did I have an appointment at the beauty Salon?

Mmmm, she´s back

Well I saw that Lenore was putting something on the Blog while I make my way to the laundry.I want to clean the stuff before we go to the south, so it have an enough time to dry when we are gone. I make already a reservation in a hotel downtown Heerlen but forgot the flowers for my uncle. Somebody from our family must go to the funeral, my parents are to far away and my brother had the same complains as me but anyway. I can say goodbye to the most of the family before I move to the other side of the world. I’m glad that I see my wife back since six weeks, and spend time to her. Now we hope that I still can come to her with Christmas and stay forever.

Sunday evening

Three day’s to go before I see Lenore again, not bad. She arranged al the paper work from our attorney so that I can take this with me to Belize in December.
Yesterday it was time to visit Jesse; he is now 2 weeks home and Paul ask me when I finally visit them. I told him that I visit him with Lenore next week but he was a little disappointing.
It’s a really cute baby to see and of course I had some presents with me.
Last night I had a guy’s beer party in the bar from Roy. He has a small bar in his garage and loves to give a party like this. I called Wilbert if he had time to bring me, so before I no this we where already singing and drinking. And after a night like this I have always troubles to get out of my bed. Lenore was so kind to call me on time so that I pick up the kids without any delay.
The first thing what Vincent did when he came in the living, right he put the board game (kolonisten) on the table. After the came Marloes went behind the computer for a chat with her friend, Vincent and I start the other computer for a Risk game.
We went to the Greek restaurant for dinner; I didn’t have enough food in my house.
In 10 minutes I drive for an hour to Dirk and Monique to make the wire for their internet connection upstairs and then the day is over.

No sense

Well I’m coming back from the Squash centre and thought I can write something, but NO.
Fucking ducking @home is out of service again, or must I say they don’t have service.
After playing one game with Mando and Danny I was finish, I think Danny wants to kick my as after losing the Kolonisten games last night. I walked directly to the Sauna and join Yannick.
Afterwards we stopped at the bar had some drinks and went home.

It’s almost lunch time and sees if my connection is working, finally.

I want to say something

Yes I want to say that I’m damn lucky with a wife like Lenore and the countdown is start. Next Wednesday she’s here so I can warm up her feet. We have one week together and try to get some time for our friends. Last night she was a little sad about the poll from Arnold’s special election, but with my wake up call and the results she was smiling again. The San Francisco chronicle had nice headlines about this election.
This evening is quiet; Monday evening I had the change to drive with Mando, Robin and Merel to Düsseldorf International Airport. Karin came back from Kenya after nine weeks working in an orphanage. Isabel and Karlijn took also their time to give her a warm welcome. Mando (with flowers) was standing behind a red carpet what he put on the ground. On the end there where standing three bottles of Grolsch beer, herring and banner. The German people where looking to us while only one took the time to make a short conversation. We where very proud on her and it was a big welcome with us. After a few German beers it was time to drive back because family and friends where waiting for her. After a drink it was time for me to go home but heard the next day that the last people went home around 1am. Yesterday it was Squash time with a small dinner, toasty and meatball. My play is getting progress and I hope to win on Friday.
Today it was a day since weeks, cooking on my own, watch the television and sitting behind the computer. It’s also the day that my brother makes the decision to stay in the Netherlands instead building his new life in Belize. I think it’s a good choice and I wish him wisdom, happiness and health.

Sunday evening

I’m back with my next story, some time it takes days and sometimes you get it twice.
As I told before I promised Marloes and Vincent to do something. I had an agreement with Vincent to visit Madame Taussauds, I told him that I was not feeling well so I didn’t want to stand in the open air, even the sky is blue. We drove to Diemen ( suburb) where we took train to Central Station Amsterdam. A few minutes later we where standing in line and went upstairs with the elevator. Marloes asked for the camera but this blond guy though that the battery had enough energy. Sorry now pictures from our trip except the picture what was taken by the crew. We saw a lot of famous people; nice thing was the 70-80th with Aretha Franklin. I know that J-Lo is a small lady but Madonna too??
We where getting hungry so afterwards we walked to the other side of the Dam and had lunch at Majesty. We finish our trip to Amsterdam to walk in the Fame record store, of course Marloes had a great time and choose a cd from Jamie Cullum, and I found some old cd´s from Nena and Men at Work.
After I brought the kids back it was time to make a short visit to Gertie and Martine, it was already a few months ago. It was nice to talk to them again and we make an appointment about our next sauna trip.
Have a nice day.

Sunday morning early

It’s now a few days ago that I wrote. I didn’t have the energy for it and spend next more time in bed then being on the office. Next to my Supradyn I have now Vitamin B complex and eat extra fruit but anything’s helps. The positive news from the weekend is that my immigration papers (the second one) are almost through. So my flight around the 10th of December has directly an extra dimension and hope to spend my time with Lenore, Erika and her family with Christmas. Other thing is that I now get the change to let Marloes and Vincent comes. I know that their mom is not exacting about this must fly alone, but they can fly no/stop with KLM to San Francisco and they have perfect crew what can help.

I cancelled the appointment with Dirk and Monique from last night. Four months ago we put 5th of November on our calendar for a dance night in Germany. They rent a taxi/bus for a whole group what is really nice but I was sure that I was feeling myself inconvenience after a couple of hours.

The other thing is that I went spend time with Marloes and Vincent for the last few Sundays I have. I promise them last weekend to do something, Marloes wants to visit Madame Tussauds while Vincent wants to see Madurodam (Netherlands in miniature). In an hour we here because the last one is outside, brrrrrrrrr.

Already Wednesday

I’m damn tired today so what can you aspect from me today?
Today I had a lot of progress in my estimates but at 4pm my battery was empty.
I decide to take the car home with a stop at the pharmacy and Jan’s house.
He needed still the wiring for heather in the bad room, so after some Chinese food we did the job, watched the news and went home. I’m sitting here with a cup of thee to check my email box so I thought it’s time to put something on.

Sunday evening

It has been a long time since I wrote something on the Blog so here I’m.
Friday was a lazy day on work; I send off all the information for the manufacturers and took a half day off. On my way home I stopped at the travel-agent, got my cup of coffee and went home where I took a nap. After dinner it was time for my Squash evening, after a few games I got the opportunity to visit the sauna with Mando and Yannick. I had a very relax night so I was sitting behind my computer early. I’m busy to move and upgrade my site at the new provider, first in Dutch and later in English. In the afternoon it was time to pick up Marloes and Vincent, I promised them to see The Legend of Zorro who’s here right now in the Movie’s. We stopped at the Mc Donald for a snack where they saw their mom at the Mc drive. They switch from cars, so that I had more time to change my clothes. At 8pm I had an appointment with Gert, first to Café Het Bolwerk and after that to Café Stonewall. The last one is a gay bar, and I make fun with Lenore that I put 3 pair off underwear over each other. No really, the people are very friendly.
When I came back home around 2.30am it was time to change my clocks. Summertime is over brrrrr. Of course I had Marloes and Vincent today; we played some games, walked in the park etc. After a 20 minute phone call with my parents I thought it’s time for the Blog but my friend Dirk came so no time. My lover/wife is at the soccer tournament with Erika and after every game I get the scores, they won every game till now, so I hope that they win the last game so they can get ready for the final.

Wednesday

I finish the project just on time, this happen after a few days with an early start.
So I went home with a smile on my face, Yes I did it again. After a stop at the supermarket and in my kitchen it was dinner time. After some phone calls and the skype.com line with my parents and brother it’s time to write something and watching the benefit television program for Pakistan.
Nice thing about this program that the hockey players from Pakistan and India are playing together against the Dutch team. A nice sign to the rest of the world I think.

Tuesday

Tuesday night and yes I’m ready to jump in my bed.
I had a very busy schedule between work, fun and sport.
Starting on the office around 6.30am to finish an estimate,
While in the evening it’s time for playing Kolonisten van Catan, talking to Lenore and of course the Squash.

Merel and Mando yesterday with the Kolonisten game.

In 21 days I see Lenore again, she’s coming to the Netherlands to see how if her hubby is doing fine. Well one thing is for sure; I’m counting the days till I see her again and counting till my job is done. Friday December 2e 2005 is my last day at work, it’s a strange feeling. I can’t go to the US because my Visa is taking longer then we thought but at least I can fly to Belize where I spend my birthday and Christmas with my parents, brother and nephew.
Anyway my lover/wave can visit me often when I live closer to her and that is the most important thing.

Now it´s my turn

Friday evening its time to visit the Squash centre, after a couple of games we start the last round, the bar. We had fun so before I no this young men had too much beer, to drive and I was not the only one. I order a cab with to drivers, so that one of the drivers can bring my car home. Mando came also with me; after they parked my car in front of my house it was time to drive us downtown. It was 2 or 3am when I jumped in my bed; the only problem was in the morning to get out. I knew that Dirk should visit me around 12pm so I had 15minutes to take a shower. Pfff I was so damn tired but still I want to clean the car and stop at the supermarket before I drive to Mando again. Well I drove the car through the carwash, but didn’t clean inside. The evening was time to play Triviant and Kolonisten van Catan. I have since a few days my own Kolonisten game with two extension packs, so I can bring them to Belize and play with my mom. Anyway it was the first time we played with one of the packs. It’s much nicer and we had a lot of fun.
It’s after 1am so time to close my eyes.

During the week,

Monday evening, it’s time to play kolonisten van katan, we where busy with the game that we forgot the time. Mando and I walked out at 1am. I was surprised that I didn’t have problems to get jump out the bed. I was telling myself to go early to bed tonight but after a few games Squash I couldn’t resist the social talks at the bar. The results, I drove away at 11pm.
It’s Wednesday and promise Paul and Erna to help with a wall in the evening, this thing is directly under the roof and so nothing is straight. After a few creative hours I told them to come back tomorrow. I want to make sure that the wall is finished before Jesse get out of the hospital.
Well I make my lunch already for tomorrow, so its time to jump in my bed.

The last few days

Its Sunday afternoon and write something on the Blog. The last few days I had enough to do starting with Thursday. I went with Ben on a fieldtrip to Vainen, what we didn’t know that the city was build around the year 1450. A good thing was travel with the two of us; the city hall is a really old building so we both have now the project our head.

We had a nice lunch on our way home/office, and I dropped Ben at his house again. In the evening I went to the Makro (wholesaler’s) to buy a game, well I couldn’t find it so next week I go a toy store. Friday a normal day on the office, I had an appointment to clean my mouth so I came early home and decide to go for a run, the sun goes down around 6.30pm and now I had the chance to run in nice sunny weather. I had some problems with my shinbone but finished my 6km with some breaks between. After a shower and some Chinese food and chatting with Tony it was time to visit the Squash centre. I played with Mando and Yannick who came after a several weeks. This was the best play till now, more survey and better strokes. After the third round on the bar it was time to drive home.
Saturday morning, starting with my electrical work at Gerco’s and Judith’s house. Around 1m it was time for a shower, and visiting a pancakes restaurant. We where very hungry and thought that the program later on the day with our company didn’t had enough food for us.

A few hours later we arrived at the Radstake where the party was given. But we had dinner in the restaurant, later with thousands of people in a big tent. Dancing the Radstake started with Grolsch brewery 10 years ago with October festival, smaller then München (Germany). It was a really nice program but it sucks when you can’t drink because I was driving the car. Most of the people / colleague where drinking and dancing on the German music. Lucky for me that I had a birthday party from Chantal, I drove home, called a taxi and got in the climbing hall in no time. Now I can enjoy the taste of Grolsch beer.

It was a nice party and jumped in my bed around 1.30am. In the morning it was time to pick up Marloes and Vincent, funny thing is that I got beer from them. Her mom told me that they didn’t drink it so enjoy, that was really nice but my fridge has still beer what I didn’t drink. Tomorrow it’s game evening so I think I take it with me. . Today it’s a sunny day but the kids don’t want to go somewhere, they want to stay inside. Vincent is playing Rollercoaster 2 while Marloes was playing with her Internet and tries to get a nice design for my refreshing site. I have already a domain name on the Internet but didn’t use it till now.
In the evening we want to go visiting the Greek restaurant again so maybe till later.

After a nice day on the office it was time run again, with the songs from Bob Marley and the Wailers. This time I did the running non-stop and it was not so bad. After a warm shower it was time to get some food, yes it salad time. It was also time to get a new light for the living, so I went to the hardware store. At the time came back it was time to check my mail and to chat a little with my mom.
Tomorrow I have a field trip with Ben, to make sure that we are on time and before the traffic jam we decide to go one hour earlier then normal. I must start my car at 6.10am. Drive to Doetinchem to pick up Ben and then to the City Hall of Vianen. It’s an historical City Hall what they want to change, so new lights, data network etc.

This morning there was a bit, I finished the estimate about the hospital project but damn we misted it. A life as calculator is not popular, a lot of my colleague prefer to do be the project manager or his assistant. Funny thing is that I still like it, and I hope I can still do it on the other side of the world. Its Tuesday evening so Squash, the only problem is the dinner, after some candy on my way and a tosti at the Squash Centre. Perfect dinner for one’s a week.
At the time I came home there was still some Laundry to do, will the machine was running I took the time to look at news. Now it’s time to set my alarm clock and take the time I need.

second hepatitis B shot

Pff just starting, after a 40 minutes drive I’m arrived on the office.
Last night it was fun, we (Danny, Isabel and I) had dinner at Mando’s place and start to play the board game Kolonisten of Katan. In the break I had time to visit the Travel health Clinic for a second hepatitis B shot ( 1 to go), and before I know I was back in the game.
At the time I got home I start the laundry and chat with Tony, strange thing is that this morning the laundry was still washing. I think the clock don’t work well.Positive thing is that I have super clean clothes, isn’t it. So it’s time to start my work.

Sunday evening

I had a great time with my kids today; Marloes was so kinds to put Word on the computer will Vincent was busy with his rollercoaster 2 game. In the afternoon it was time for dinner, I didn’t had something home so we went to Atrium downtown Enschede. I know that both of them prefer the Greek restaurant but I was there already last week with Vincent. Our belly was full after two hours so it was time to bring them home.
Still have a little problems with the keyboard, I know it something simple but I can find the key to change by keyboard function. It’s better to take it with me to the office tomorrow; there are some computer freaks who must know this.

What’s happen

Friday afternoon I was busy to leave the office on time, I order a laptop at a computer store in Enschede. So what did I do almost the half evening, install stuff on my computer, there was almost no time to eat something. So I decide to visit the Squash Centre to eat a tosti (toasted ham and cheese sandwich) and drink some beers with the guys.

Saturday morning, Lenore was so kind to give me a wake up call. I make a cup of coffee and went to the car; it was several months ago that I helped Gerco and Judith with the electricity. The house was painted so it was time to start with the finishing touch, his neighbour Willem (also an electrician) assist me to see what hi-tech stuff we put in. The switches are remote control; the electronic stuff in the power supply switch the lights.
In the afternoon I drove back and stopped at Gertie and Martine, I didn’t saw them for months. They got my old computer so I want to take my pictures and music of. It took me four hours to get finished. I got Friday an USB memory stick and switch from computers, of course there was also stuff on the computer what I didn’t want. Stupid thing is that I forgot the Dutch National Soccer team playing against Czech Republic. They won the game with 2-0, really important because now they go to the World Soccer Cup in Germany next year.

Edwin van der Sar stopped a penalty. (www.telegraaf .nl)

Sunday morning, I had a really good sleep with a break at 5am, Lenore called me, she just want to talk for a few minutes about the second visa papers. But I keep her 30 minutes on the phone. The last few days we had only short conversations, at 2.15pm it’s my time for her wake up call so that we have still few minutes even if somebody must go to work.

Then a short word to my friends, I know the weather, the short days and more things can make you depressed. Try to think positive; you have each other so follow your heart.

Now it’s time to pick up Marloes and Vincent, have a nice day.

Frustration

The countdown is start but the frustration is there, I didn’t hear anything about my papers. We thought 180 days are 180 days. We try to cheer up each other, when we talk on the phone but it’s more appearance. It really s..ks that I can’t visit her in this period, damn rules. Ok I’m lucky that Lenore find the time to fly to the Netherlands but still. After the first weekend of December it’s getting better, flying to Central America where she can visit me often. It’s getting a whole family reunion; my brother and nephew are going with me. Till that time I have enough to do. Saturday I’m going to Gerco and Judith to finish the electricity. Paul and Erna ask me to help with a partition. And of course I must make time to visit more friends, I didn’t saw Gertie and Martine since my vacation.
Mmm, maybe this give me a break. Take the plane to Dubai enjoying the sun and indoor skiïng.

Sunday

This morning, breakfast with my Ant, nephew, and his wife and kid before I drive home.
It was easy driving over the German autobahn, with a maximum speed of 180 km/h.
Sorry my car can’t drive faster, but in 40 minutes I was standing for Vincent’s door.
Marloes isn’t going, she had a birthday party at her friend house and stayed overnight.
We played Canasta (card game) and we watch soccer on TV. While he’s a watching cartoon I take my time to write something on the Blog. I looked on the website from Cinestar and Alhambra but there was no nice movie to see. So I must find something what we can do.

The Belize planning,
For the friends who read this Blog for the first time, my plan is to life closer to my wife.
I called Wilbert this morning. He came yesterday back from Belize, he told me that he wants to go back on the first of December. I don’t know yet what date I’m going exactly. My planning is around the 10th December, but I want to wait till the last moment with buying a ticket. I hope that Tony knows how he wants to build the house, my mom told me yesterday that their friend from Pooks Hill Resort had a bricklayer from the area we want to build.
That can be a good choice when Wilbert and do the rest in the house.
I hope of course that my paperwork for the immigration is going quicker then I think it’s really frustrating that I cannot life with Lenore directly.
We are now six months married and we saw each other five weeks in total since then.

Now some fun, while I was surfing I found this surfing Pinquin, it was taken at the Falklands Island.

Have a nice day,

Paul

Weekend in Emmen

My Godmother/Ant ask me one month ago if I want to go with them to Emmen instead of a normal birthday party. The plan is to visit the Zoo and spend the time in a hotel of Van der Valk concern. Yesterday I stopped one hour earlier with work to get there for 6pm. The router planner told me to drive 2,5 hours through the Netherlands, crazy. So I put a small village named Lünten (Germany) in to the planner, it’s a village what I passed every day. Bingo, now it’s 1,5 hour drive with a little speed on the German Autobahn. They (Ant, nephew, his wife and daughter) where already waiting for me in the lobby, I put my luggage in the room and 20 minutes later we where on the dinning table.
After a few calls with my wife/lover it was time to fill the Jacuzzi and to relax. While I enjoy myself there came a SMS (short message service), my brother who was waiting for his flight from Mexico City.
After watching TV it was time to close my eyes.

Saturday morning 9am, it was time to visit my Godmother/Ant for her birthday and give her the present. After breakfast it was time to take the car to the Zoo.
It’s a shame that my nephew’s wife has a splitting headache, she was the one who organist everything and now this. We walked several hours through the Zoo and saw a lot of animals; the headache didn’t go away so we decide to go back. She went to bed and got her personal room service while we where sitting in the restaurant.
I checked the flight arrival from my brother on the Teletext (TV information channel) and called him if he had a good flight. Later this evening I try to put the laptop on the Internet, there is wireless connection in the lobby.

Just writing in my lunchtime

I have a little time to write something, normally we go for a walk but it’s raining so no thanks.
Other thing is that the system manager blocked the sites like web mail and Internet banking accounts. So people I can’t see my mail anymore.
Last night I had the wedding party from Anja and Edwin, I met some old colleague’s and had a good time.
Today it’s time to drive to Emmen, after my work I take a shortcut through Germany. It saves me at least one hour.

Today it was a busy day; I count everything for the project. Tomorrow I try to get everything into the computer and Volá. Today I remember Martin that I have 9 weeks to go; he was shocked and asks me if I have already my ticket. Of course not, I buy my ticket in the last week. This evening it was time for jogging, I tried to do jog in Belize but with the fever it didn’t work. After my dinner it was time to visit Jan, I showed him how you can call a regular phone with Skype but we had problem to login on his computer.
There is no update for the next few days; tomorrow I have a wedding from Anja and Erwin. And Friday till Sunday I’m going to Emmen with my ant, nephew, his wife and daughter.
Saturday the first of October, my Ant birthday. She knows that I’m always coming so she invited me to spend the weekend with them.Lenore is busy with her friends; on Friday she fly’s to LA where they take a cruise to Mexico and back.

This morning I try to getup at the same time as normal.
I drove to the family doctor, the supermarket and the busstop before I took the train.
It’s terrible when you drive to the exhibition in Utrecht while the train stop in front of it.
Ben (my old collegua) was already waiting for me, after a cup of coffee it was time to walk to the building. There was not realy new stuff but I think it’s important to talk with you contacts during the exhibition.
On the end of ower day it was time to go downtown for a small dinner. We found a nice café where they had small plates, it was delicious.On my way back I was sitting with some people from the wholesaler’s, funny because I just buy a book for the way home. Well at least I had conversations enough till the last stop. At the time I came home the soccer game Ajax – Arsenal almost started. Of course I had Lenore on the phone, talking about the progress of our papers. We start a different process to and see what is the fast one.

Falling a sleep in a beauty salon?

Last night, still problems with the time difference. I went early to bed but waked up at 2am. I took the book what I got from Beppie’s bookcase, still 80 pages to go but finished before 4.30am. The alarm clock rings at 6.30am together with Lenore’s call. Time to take a shower and get out at 7am. There was a lot to do before I have a day of again, I finish two small estimates and looked at the hospital, it’s my next project. It’s 5pm and time to drive to Enschede again, first to the supermarket for some fresh vegetables, cooking and then to the beauty salon. Sander and I take every eight weeks time to get our faces done, lovely.
I was so tired that I fall in sleep; Sander couldn’t wait to make a picture from me and to send it to Lenore. Of course I take my time to call Lenore now she has a day of.Tomorrow is time to bring my Belize Hospital results to my family doctor and to take the train to Utrecht. One’s in the two years there is an exhibition for the electrical installers, always interesting to see what new things the manufacturers has.

A1 Grand Prix

Last night I had contact with Tony about the Dutch Soccer League, Talpa TV sends Saturday around 11pm and Sunday around 7pm on the television but also on live stream Internet.Hope he can enjoy it now.

picture from the official website

Since this Sunday there is a new Race Challenge, the A1 Grand Prix of Nations,
The idea came from His Highness Sheikh Maktoum Hasher Maktoum Al Maktoum, a member of the Ruling Family of Dubai. 25 Nations are driving with the same car as anyone else; Brands Hatch is the first circuit. Nelson Piquet Junior won in a perfect race.

It’s Sunday and then it’s time to spend time with Marloes and Vincent, Marloes is my smart daughter when you talk about Internet and Vincent is the one who likes to play games.
Marloes change the look from the web log while Vincent kicked my ass with Chess.

Was I yesterday busy with things for the Medical Group who should come in November, now I hear that they come in January or February? Positive thing is that Lenore wants to come for a whole week, YES!!!!!

Back in Enschede

I had a good flight to Amsterdam; I was sitting next to the exit door, and had only hand luggage with me. In 15 minutes I was already driving from P3 (Long Parking) to Enschede.
Normally it takes two hours but it was Friday afternoon, a lot of traffic jams. After some phone calls I stopped the car at the Chinese place to get some food. I was tired and didn’t want to cook, after my dinner, nap and the last news it was time to do some squash. I picked up Mando and went to the squash centre, after 20 minutes I looked already forwards to take a shower. After a few Rivella-lights I went home a slept till 2.15pm next day, I promised Lenore to wake her up and time to get some food.
In an hour I was back, made my salad and start to make some coffee. Also time to start my laptop and see what’s on the World Wide Web. Lenore is visit Amsterdam in November with her Medical Group on her way back from Nigeria and ask me if I can help her with some tourist stuff. At least it’s not longer then six week when I see her again. We both get crazy, till now we didn’t her anything from the State of California. Seems that the papers are on somebody’s desk that didn’t comeback for months.

Waiting in Mexico City

Just another short message on the Blog.
Raoul was so nice to bring me to the Chentumal airport. I was two hours in front and the lady was so nice to give me space at row11 at the emergency exit. The flight was very comfortable and spend my time with closing my eyes. Now I´m waiting in Mexico City till the Klm desk gonna open. The international terminal is new, very nice but I can wait to sit in the plane to the Netherlands. Have a nice day my friends, family and lover.

Mmm just back for a few minutes, I got the chance to sit in the lounge so that is great. I spend my time watching CNN, eat something and drink something. They give you also the change to sit behind a computer so why not. I saw that my flight is on time, watch the dutch newspapers online and more.
No Tony there is no spell check on this computer so don't complain.

Again have a wonderful day, evening or night.

Paul

Ready 2 go

After a few days of rest and spending my time in the hammock it’s time to go back to the Netherlands. In the morning I’m driving to Chetumal where I take the plane to Mexico City. I have five hours time before my next flight goes; I took a nice book with me so what can happen. No I don’t want to think what today happened with Jet Blue flight 292, only thing what I can say the pilot did a good job.

Short word about my stay,

This morning I try to jog for 10 minutes, but after 5 minutes I could walk only.
Some Ibuprofen keeps me up except the water what is dripping out of my nose and eye.
I promised Lenore to look for some with her, and Wilbert and Dustin where so kind to drive with us. What we saw was already sold so that’s a pity. I took Lenore to the airport and on her way we stopped at Brodies to get some medicine for me. I had a small lunch gave are a Big Hug and went home. Before the plane left, this guy was already sleeping in his bed. Well I have other thoughts about short breaks but sometimes life really sucks!!

Bep Surprise Party

The last few days happens a lot, first time we (Lenore and I) had a small lie on the Blog.
We know that Bep is looking every day and we didn’t want that she find out that we are on our way to Belize for her Birthday party. So I called her Thursday morning before I was leaving the house to pick up Wilbert and Dustin, and take the car to Schiphol Airport. Because my immigration papers are not ready we found a way to skip the US, fly to Mexico City with KLM and then the next day with Aviacsa to Chetumal. Both flights where very smooth and relaxing, and our hotel (Camilo Real) was directly across from the airport.
One of Tony’s workers Armando was waiting for us at Chetumal Airport and brought us over the Belize border. We had lunch together before he put us on a small aircraft to San Pedro, very popular with American Tourists. By the time we got there, Lenore had checked in already, she took the plane during the night and just came in one hour earlier.
Tony arrange Coconuts Beach Hotel because they had a swimming pool, but the pool was empty. They had a lot of excuses of course, and we told them that we came from 6000 miles away and expected a swimming pool with water inside.
At the time people sitting next on the terrace were busy with chemical stuff, which of course blew on the terrace. No discount, nothing, well they can have my recommend on the Belize forum and my Belize webpage.
In the night we went to a Mexican Restaurant Caramba, delicious. After that we went to our rooms where Wilbert called my mom to say happy birthday. I did it in the morning before it was time to take the plane to Belize City. Anyway Betty (friend of my mom) picked us up and drove to the house where the surprise party was. A lot off my moms friends where there and we gave them the change to say surprise while we were waiting upstairs. After 5 minutes Rob came upstairs to let Wilbert and Dustin down, few minutes later it was Lenore’s and my turn. Tears run down, not only from my mom but also from Wilbert and me. It was a good party what starts early and ended late.
Next day I was feeling horrible, I think Tony’s flu got me. I came down stairs but before I know I went to bed and came out for dinner, Lenore was so friendly to sit next to me so she could spend a few hours more with me while she was reading her book.
Today I went to Universal Health Clinic, I was still feeling bad and I got a whole checkup. First talking to the doctor, then a blood test, X-ray and Ultrasound. After that we went to the dermatologist for the spots I have on my leg for already six months.
After some Ibuprofen it’s going better with me, I lost around 7 kilo’s and that’s the only positive thing. This is also the last day with my wife before she takes the plane back home. Damn.

A normal day

Today it was a day as usual, wake up call from my wife, drive to my work, walking during lunchtime and Squash at 6pm. I had enough after an hour playing and went home.
Tonight is Champions League (Soccer) on TV so I can lie down on the cough, with a glass of Crystal Clear. I miss Lenore very much and hopefully she can score a ticket for November. I know it’s crazy but it’s better then nothing. After a half-year of marriage we still not together, thanks to ……

salad with olives

Today I kick my as again, first I cook some turkey filet and put in to the salad with olives. Changes my clothes turn on my I-pod again and go for it. This afternoon I jogged a little further then yesterday, and I take me 45 minutes before I was back. Put the clothes in the wash machine, and jumped under the shower. Mmm like yesterday I don’t feel hungry and I have more energy, still I eat something because I’m afraid that I get hungry later. Now it’s time to talk to my wife who I miss so much and putting more music on the I-pod. Tomorrow is a different evening; it’s Squash evening with Mando. Wednesday is time to jog again and hopefully this time with my friend Paul who has still a difficult time with his son Jesse. The boy is now three weeks and his situation goes up and down, he is getting heavier but has still a little problem with breathing like most babies in this phase.
Other thing on Wednesday evening is visiting Luca who’s has her birthday party just two blocks away.
What about my work, always busy so it’s working till Friday evening and then weekend, pfff I can’t wait.

Small Sunday talk on the Blog

Yesterday I had a rest day, only the laundry and shopping was on my agenda.
I need new jogging shoes - and short, but new underwear is also important.
Jan invited me for dinner instead going to the restaurant; he has his kids this week.
After a whole day of salad and water I could use some Chinese food, yes of course with water.
Sunday morning, it’s time to enjoy my day with my kids. After playing games, looking TV and playing behind the computer it was time to visit the bowling centre. Mmm I was lucky, most of the games where strikes and spares.
After I brought them home I kick my own as, it was time to jog before I make some salad.
This is the first time that I walk alone so start the I-pod a run, after 35 minutes I came back and it feels if I have more energy. At 8pm Wilbert called me if I was home of course I home for my brother and his son. Wilbert had dinner yet so I make some salad for the both of us, it’s still difficult for them that his girlfriend went out but on the other hand it’s better I think.
Hope that his dreams come true, going to Belize and life there with his son. Well first he must sell his house and as I know that can take months. Till that time I wish him the best and luck.It’s time to jump in my Ikea bed.

Tuesday afternoon, I went downtown to pick up my new passport, and get a video card for Vincent’s birthday. I was hungry so step in at Restaurant Atrium for dinner before I visit Vincent, as always I can tell you it was delicious. Vincent was home so I can give him the card, but he asks me to put in the computer. Damn the computer is old and don’t have an agp-port. We both back to the shop where they tell us that; they don’t fabricate it anymore.
Is a pity so he gets now money so he can buy something what is coming later up in his mind?

Today it was Squash evening; it feels great after an hour sport. A shame, I can’t drink a beer afterwards but that’s life.Tomorrow evening I go out for dinner with Jan, so that’s for later.

Soccer evening

Tuesday morning 7am is a nice time to start. It’s not busy on the road and I can do some work before we make the final price for the tender. At lunchtime I drive back to Enschede where I have an appointment with the specialist. I had an intake conversation with the co-assistant and later on with the doctor. He is not worry about my stomach but my liver, like my family doctor he said; ”Don’t drink alcohol for 3 months and lose weight”. My body has problems to burn my fat. I’m lucky that I’m not an alcoholic but I like a glass of wine in the weekend. Well health is more important then something else, so now I’m drinking Crystal Clear with 1 Calorie.
After the visit I went to Mando for Chinese dinner with water and we both take the car to the Squash Centre. I’m getting better but still I can see every corner from the field.
In the evening we played together with Robin the game Kolonisten (my first time) before I went home.
Today Erwin arranged that our old colleague Ben is coming back for a project so we both get the space. I want to take more time for the estimates then before so we can’t forget something.
This evening is one of the last qualification games for the World Cup Soccer next year in Germany. Andorra is easy opponent and in 45 minutes it’s already 3-0.Mmm my lover called me just from the nursery, lovely. Can’t wait to see her, hopefully earlier then December.

Pfff Monday

Damn it’s Monday morning and I don’t want to think about work, especially after the conversation with Martin last Friday. Erwin was agreeing with me that I don’t make overtime before I get my overtime paid. This morning there came new project in what we didn’t take. At 2.30pm Martin and Steven took me apart, after a heavy conversation they where agree. I get my 28.5hours paid, if I start to make overtime. So I stayed already an hour longer today and tomorrow morning I start earlier because I have an appointment with a specialist about my stomach.
Of course I had contact with Wilbert, he’s my only brother, and I want to give him the feeling that he’s welcome if he need me. Specially my nephew Dustin, it’s difficult to understand that his mom went to somebody else.
Tomorrow evening is time to Squash with Mando, he has now time enough now Karin is on the plane to Mombassa (Kenya). She’s gonna work in an orphanage for three months what is a from a Dutch organisation. If people want to follow her story then look at http://www.karininkenya.waarbenjij.nu/ , sorry it’s only in Dutch language.

Sunday evening

What’s happen since Tuesday?
Jesse the son from Paul and Erna has still problems in the hospital; I hope his health getting better.
I had my lazy evening behind the TV, and see how it goes in New Orleans, terrible.
My work is going well till Friday morning, seams that they don’t want to pay my overtime from the last few months. This really SUCKS and I had already a whole discussion with Martin. The Financial director Laurens is behind this, and he can expect big kiss on his mouth. If he wants to fuck with me then please with a kiss.
I only make my normal hours and nothing more then that, and I know that they get a problem.
Erwin my next colleague is changing temporary till Paul is coming back, so all the estimates coming in at my desk.
Friday evening it was time for Squash, and yes they showed me every corner, except from the bar. I was not in the mood, other thing was that I promise my nephew Albért (Appie) to help him with isolate the attic. Appie is living in the south of the Netherlands and Wilbert told me a few days earlier to go with me.
This was since years that I went with him somewhere and we never worked together.
I can tell you that we where a good team, but Appie and his wife Ferja did also a good job.
Mmm, Wilbert and I make already jokes to visit our Mom in Belize to finish her house.
Well after the phone call from tonight we can think about, it came out that his girlfriend has a new boyfriend from the Inline dance.
Mom we are coming soon!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Times fly

The last few days the times go very fast.
Monday after work, I went with my colleague Erwin to a Mexican Restaurant before the soccer game started. Nice dinner bad soccer game.
Tuesday I had several things to do, bring the gas tank back to Gertie and Martine before they goes on vacation. From there directly to the Squash Centre, ok I make a stop at the Mcdrive.
After my sport and a few drinks at the bar it was time to switch from cars, Paul’s car need a check and he is still driving everyday to the hospital for his son Jesse.
Today I try to finish the estimate from one of the two schools I’m busy with. It can’t be a problem, Erwin has a day off and I have only one appointment with an account manager.The evening I take my rest after I switch the cars again, go home and enjoy the TV and Internet.

Lunch talk

Yesterday I went midgetgolf with my kids and I was so stupid to stand behind Vincent.
He hid me with his Tiger Woods punch but we had fun.
Yep I’m already a few hours on my work and it goes well.
Sound stupid but working with glasses is much easier then with contact lens, the projects goes better then last week.What’s up for tonight, going out for dinner, and to a soccer game with my colleagues.

Morning talk

Mmm, waking up in my Ikea-bed without the nice voice from Lenore is not funny. Damn I miss her so much, but what can you do, nothing. Lenore told me that the people went to court because it takes so long to get a green card in the Bay Area. Even my friends in Kentucky could tell this story.
Last evening I am bored stiff, so I went to Videoland (The Dutch Blockbusters) and took the movie Final Cut from Robin Williams. Sitting on my bed with a laptop, glass of red wine and Lay’s crisps.
What’s up for the day, drive to Marloes and Vincent, and see what they want to do. Then I can aspect a phone call from my friend Paul, the whole week I got Sms about his son Jesse. Last week I had contact with his mother in law so that don’t need to replay the whole day. I hope his condition get better so he can make a good start in life.

New glasses

Mmm Friday morning, it’s time drive to Roermond where Gerco and I have an appointment. First I take my car to Oosterbeek where I step in Gerco’s car, it’s so busy on the road that we can’t come on time. Right we came in 10 minutes later and before we know the appointment was over. What can you better do for lunch then stop downtown, the Jell Murphy Pub was a good idea. On the way back to Oosterbeek I had the time to close my eyes a little before I drive to the office.
A few hours later, I take my leftover and wait for Mando/Karin. They give me a ride to the Squash Centre, so that we can drink a beer afterwards.
After our sportive evening it’s time to take a shower and the bar, Wilbert is so kind to pick me up.

Saturday morning, Lenore fall in sleep so she couldn’t wake me up. It’s weekend and want to start slowly. After checking the car for my glasses, no Lenore I still can find them.
It doesn’t matter, I must check my eyes and I want already a long time new ones.
Vincent from Haasewinkel Optics showed me already a model; I think it was 2 months ago.
After my Eye exam I order the glasses, on Thursday I can come back to take it with me.
Next stop is the carwash, cleaning my car after the vacation is necessary. And YES now I know that I’m blond, I found my old glasses.

The afternoon was Skype time; Wilbert went to a computer store where he got some phone with a USB plug. He said that sound is great.What’s up for the evening, I don’t know. My plan was to pickup Chantal but she was not allowed to visit me.

@home

A short word on the Blog. I wrote already many times about problems with @home.
This time it’s on a other location, I never had problems with login to a network but when I hear the named @home you know that you can have problems.
So I call Mister Cos and walk with him through the whole windows programma, WRONG!!!!. Ok only thing I can do is take the car and drive to him, all the settings where done in a few minutes and we restart the laptop. Oeps it’s one from the office and yes we need a password from the supervisor, we try everything but nothing was working. I called a smart guy from my office on his cell phone, he knows a lot about computers in the office and BINGO we where back in the system. I can start the computer tomorrow on the network with the instruction what I get from Mister Cos. Pffff lucky me.
So I’m writing now on Dirks old computer but this is better then nothing.

A different problem is, how can I get my old spirit back. Since the time that Lenore went home my live change. I can’t find my turn at home, and on the office.
The date on the goverment website is not changing, I get crazy.
Wel tomorrow it’s Friday, and that means ALL MOST WEEKEND.

Problems with the laptop

It is early in the morning when my alarm clock rings, No wake up call from Lenore, I think she falls in sleep already. She didn’t sleep much on her flight yesterday. After a shower and making lunch the phone rings, finaly Lenore.
My work started slowly and of course there was first time for a cup of coffee with my friend Erwin. Lucky me that I put already information into the computer before I went on vacation. I need only some prices and the came in last week so easy for me.
But when I came home I was so .... tired, I try to put the laptop on Dirk system but I have problems. I’m sitting behind his old computer and try to do some thinks on the internet, like switching the cheap phone line.
I try to call Sander if he can help me with laptop problem but the cell phone connection sounds if he is out of the Netherlands. Well then try mister Cos, damn Veronique answer the phone, she’s telling me that he is busy at his parents house. Well then I must wait with Skype and my MSN 7.0.

Karlijn took this picture last Friday evening in the Squash Centre.

Vacation is over

It’s Sunday morning 7.30 when Lenore and I make the trip to Schiphol Airport.
My friend Paul send me a Sms on the phone, his wife Erna brought a boy named Jesse on earth. He came a little earlier then planed, Lenore and I keeping positive thoughts for all of them.
We both have a strange feeling about going our own way till the papers are ready.
My life starts empty again, talking on the phone for hours, and maybe we have the chance to see each other soon. Damn I want to start my live together with Lenore. Still I’m lucky, I saw New York, San Francisco, Belize, Toronto and Switzerland last week. Ok some friends think that I have the luxery position to do these thinks, and I always tell them that I want to be their.

Take this day, it’s Mim ( my mother in law) birthday, the only think I can do is call her and see if she like the present what Lenore is taking with her.
Tomorrow my week starts as normal, wake up call, and go to work. Nice to see Erwin again after 6 weeks.Now it’s time to hangout the laundry and clean the house a little.

29 degrees Celcius in Saas Grund

Hello people,

Yes there is time to put something on the Blog.
Monday, we walked up the Chapel Walk to Saas-Fee. It was a rigerous walk up mostly stone steps, with 19 chapels along the way. Takes about an hour. When we got there, we went swimming, spent time in the steam bath and whirlpool. Sorry for us, the sauna was closed.
Then we had a wonderful dinner of fondue- we had meats cooked in broth- and Marloes had spare ribs, Vincent had schnitzel with pomme frites. The best thing about this restaurant was the small area behind glass with bunnies, chickens and a couple of guinea pigs. The kids were able to get in the pen with them and try to pick them up. got a few chickens, but Paul had to go to get a bunny- they are much faster.
Well, what with the 31/2 Hour dinner, and playing red light/green light, we missed the last bus down the mountain to Saas Grund. So we walked down in first the twilight, then the dark. We all made it fine, and it took only about half the time it took to walk up.

TUESDAY

We got up not to early, drove about half an hour to Täsch, and took the train to Zermatt. What a beautiful city, full of tourists, and expensive, as is all of switzerland. We caught a mid-afternoon gondola up the mountain, changed to a cable car twice, and found ourselves at 3845 meters, or a lot of feet up. It was beautiful, with a good view of The Matterhorn. Wow. We had time to go through the Ice Cave or Ice Palais, which was also amazing. Photos to follow when we get home.
Then a quick walk up to the observation deck, where you can see the Mont Blanc, Pigne the Arolla and more. Incredible panorama.
A good dinner at a restaurant recommended by our camp hosts. Lotsa Fondue.

WEDNESDAY

Today Paul and I got up and left Vincent and Marloes in their tent asleep. We left about 0745, and took a gondola at a little after 0800 to Kreuzboden. After a cup of coffee, we walked until almost 1400 with a break at a hut for coffee and fresh apple cake. The vistas were incredible. We were up at above 2800 meters, and felt it walking. We took several trails, one across a large shale avalanche- careful walking. We saw a family of Gemschen- deer-like animals. Lucky us we were the first on that trail today. Also squirrels, birds, grasshoppers, crickets, and water everywhere. The sounds on the trail are worth the trip alone- its quiet, then you come around a corner, and loud waterfall noise.
On to cards in the cantina with vino with Vincent and Marloes.

Almageller Alp

This morning it starts with sunshine so we went up to Almageller Alp. We took the car a little higher then Furgstalden. From there a klettertour from 45 minutes with some stairs and bridges. From there it took half a hour too the Hut from Almageller Alp. Marloes and Vincent eat some Rösti with bradwurst while Lenore and I enjoyed the Raclete Cheese. Of course a good glass of wine and beer makes it easier to go down. The rain was coming down quickly so Marloes , Vincent and Lenore went down to the village and I went half up to get the car back. On my way I was lucky to see some bocks who where eating on the hickingpad.
When we came back all our clothes who where hanging out got wet so they are now in the dryer, while we are playing cards.

Rainy Switzerland

Today we took a really nice hike over a mountain, over a couple of swinging bridges, climbed up rock faces with aluminum stairs hammered into them, climbed a ladder, and ended up at hut where we had lunch. So civilized, it was cool.
Then, of course, ran down the mountain because it started to rain- a really cold rain. Now we're here in the cantina where we're camping, drying our clothes and towels, and having a glass of vino warming up.

Kibbeling

Sorry Blog readers we are a little later then normal, yesterday we came out of the bed around 9.30am and start our day. It was the day that it didn’t rain in days so time to do something.
Visiting the bank so Lenore could activate her first Dutch bank card. Next to bank there was the local Thursday market, after her Dutch junk food time it was time to get “Kibbeling”. It’s a fish what they back and very popular next to the “Haring”. I called Wilbert if he’s home for a cup of coffee and if I can have his card for the dump, the only way to get rid of your stuff. After the dump we took the car downtown, first the shoemaker because Lenore had problem with her heel on the right foot. He couldn’t help her because the shoe was not from leather; accept that he had some tools what you put in the shoes, and no pain anymore.
Next stop, the outdoor store because I change my mind, I want to have new shoes for in the mountains. So I put them directly on my feet and get used to it, and walked to Willemientje. Lenore like this lunchroom very much and I can’t complain, what I didn’t know that they also sell wine. With a quick stop at the supermarket we came home, I called my assurance for the vacation to Switzerland while Lenore was doing the laundry. We took a glass of Ice tea; install our self on the couch while we look at the DVD from The Daily Show. We didn’t saw the end because both fall in sleep.
The evening we went to Gert, he’s a Belize junk like me and he is a really nice guy. While they (Lenore and Gert) where drinking red wine I tried to be “The Bob” (driver without alcohol), the coffee was great Gert and love cold pipe water from Enschede. We had so much fun that the clock giving 2am on the display. Well we couldn’t finish the day better.

What’s up for today, well clean the house from Rob and Eveline, get my clothes to the other house. Pack our stuff in the car and visit Anja and Edwin before we driving away.
I know that Marloes and Vincent came back one day earlier so we can drive one hour earlier away if we want. Our trip to Saas Grund (Switzerland) takes 10 hours at least and the first train whose take the cars through the mountains is going on 5am. Lenore is also driving the car so we both get enough rest the only thing I need to do is check the map for Germany. The best way is to drive eastside of Köln but I want to know the name of the crossing.So the change that you see something from us on the Blog is small.

Dutch junk food

This morning we where both lazy to get out of our bed. After a nice cup of coffee we start to pack more stuff to my new address, we passed the ANWB (AAA) to get an auto-vignette for Switzerland and took the car to Hengelo. I want to say goodbye to Femke who’s an old colleague, her husband should move for his job. On our way back we thought to drive on the Go-karts at Coronell Carting Centre. I got it really busy to get Lenore behind me, she’s driving like crazy, and especially after the four heats we drove. For dinner we went to the cafeteria, Dutch junk food. French Fries special with mayonnaise, curry sauce and union on top, frikandel (sausage), croquette. Afterwards we had our tryout how to fill up the trunk so the kids can take also the stuff with them, we did pretty well so everything is all right for Friday/Saturday night. Tonight we went to Martine and her mom, I was tired but promise to come. So after Lenore’s coffee and apple pie we went home and here I am.Time for me to go upstairs, while my beautiful wife is reading on the couch.
Sorry Merel that we didn't call, I thought you where busy with your study.

Anna Frank house

Last night I start to look at the DVD’s I got from Lenore, The Daily Show with John Stewart. I like his show but in the Netherlands we have only a global edition every weekend on CNN.
I got a whole box from the Indecision 2004.
Today it was time to visit the Anna Frank house in Amsterdam, I put the alarm clock at 6am so be could drive early but damn the bed with Lenore was really warm. Lenore waked me up with a cup of coffee and took a shower, and we start two hours later on our trip. I parked like always my car in a neighbourhood next to the Amsterdam Arena from where we can take the subway downtown. First a cup of coffee at the New Market, then to the Dam with crossing the Red light district. Robin told us that we could buy a ticket over there what save time; yes he was right but only for the evening tickets. So we walked just 10 minutes and got to the Anna Frank house, damn a line from at least 35 minutes. Ok I’m a tourist in my own country so we wait. The house made a lot impression on us and we decide to go for a lunch in the Jordaan neighbourhood. We came at lunchroom “de vrije vork” where we something small, with a stop at the Fame record store we came back on the Dam where we got a drink at the Majestic. After enjoying the sun and the people we walked back through the Red light district where the ladies finally waked up. We took the subway back and drove to Zoetermeer where my godmother is living, downtown we stopped for buying some nice flowers and drove the last 2 miles further. She is a really nice person, after a few cups of coffee I ask her if we can take her out for dinner. Sorry but I made already dinner for us she told. After eating lovely macaroni and talking with each other, we looked at the clock. 9pm so time to drive back because it takes two hours. Now it’s time to finish my red wine.

Get rid of more stuff

Get rid of more stuff that was the idea to start the day. While Lenore was awake early and spoke with Erika on the phone, get some coffee, doing laundry etc. I was still tired that she let me sleep till I woke up. I got my brunch and we start to look at my boxes what I took with me from the old house. After 2 ½ hours we got every thing what I want to keep till I’m leaving the Netherlands. Lenore is vacuum the house and I try to put some boxes in the car to my next and last sleep address here. I got also stuff what I gave a way or gave back; yes Karin your record player is coming back. The weather is chancing with the minute so it’s not a good idea to walk to somebody, lucky that we have a car.

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