Finally, fiets! And more...

Thanks to Nico for all the photos below!

A real beauty!

Ok, so here she is, my little beauty. You have a good look at her from this angle.


You see here how my lower right leg is held fast using the straps across the leg and feet. This is needed because of the little coordination I have overall in my leg. Over time, and without this feature, my leg gets overtired and begins to rub against the chain (ouch). This way, I can bike for-ever or at least for 45 minutes! The right-hand photo shows how my cane is held in place and the roomy basket on back.


Cool-yo! Nijntje (pronounced nine-cha) flag. If you don't know about this most famous childhood konijn character, check it out.


Of course, I've marked my territory. Looks diggin', don't it?

Bovist baken

You asked, so here it is: how we prepped the puffball for eating. After peeling, the color and texture resembles tofu.


You know, egg, flour, salt and, last but not least, freshly-grated Parmesan cheese.


The final results. Gorgeous crispy yumminess!


You just can't go wrong with frying anything, toch?

More than a ride in the woods

What a cutie pie, right? I think this is a porcupine who was crossing our path.





Pragtig!

Return to Netherlands

Back in the land of neat, old buildings


To postpone jetlag as much as possible, we have a tradition of returning lazily to home from Schiphol. Strange as it may sound, Nico was anxious to get back home so he could continue cleaning his house. Not wanting to discourage good behavior, I relented.

However, we did stop by this building which had statues and metal work throughout. It was some kind of project many years ago for local craftspeople down on their luck and out of work.


I'm not sure where it's located or what it's called. If you're interested, I'll ask. These gems are a dime a dozen here.


That's a snake's head. Ouch!

Giant Bovists


Later in the week, Nico and I made an early evening trip to the lake where we first swam together. Here he is proudly holding up two giant puffballs he found (though these were quite moderately-sized ones) and wearing the "Life's Good" shirt I bought him in Hatteras. As we would later discover, these two specimens were in good shape for eating.


More photos from our outing. Thought some of you might like to get a closer at my new brace and shoes. The boys enjoying a dip.

Bloemen and butterfly
Another interesting indoor plant I inherited from Nico, it must be happy here because had a bloom ready upon my return. The bloom has definite odor, it's petals a flesh-like texture is a tad creepy but a it's pleasant friend to have around.



I've been able to enjoy many days of fine, sunny weather on the balcony since my return. In just two vacation weeks, my morning glories and black-eyed Susan were done for. Tomatoes and strawberries are on their last legs. Any day now, I'll be down to flowers. Life's not all bad.

While reading one afternoon, my lantanas and I had the pleasure of entertaining this butterfly. Enjoy!

Vacation wrap-up photos

Mom made the good point yesterday that I needed to send her vacation photos already. Overdue is an understatement. What can I say but I have been in vacation mode... as little work as possible including blog activity.

Well, there's lots more photos and updates on the way. Chapter two has begun... but first, photos! Thanks to Shiela and Nissa for the photos (I grabbed a few from their facebook accounts).

And we're off!

A great photo Shiela took of the kids and Adrian while aboard the ferry.


Where we found the energy to laugh after driving all night... dunno.


A great little photo of Mary and Harry. Michael and Anna having early morning breakie. Anna conked out on Mom's lap. Need a napkin for that drool?

The wedding quilt.

An over-the-shoulder look as I prepare to attach the quilt tag.



The final quilt. Another beautiful creation.

Wedding day

Darrin cools off after walking up and down stairs carrying wedding stuff. And we all prepare for the big event, I'm practicing... again!


The scene of the wedding. We sat within the circle of ribbon-donned bamboo. Waiting for the bride to arrive.



A lovely photo of the newly-wedded couple.


Wedding reception. Get a load of that purple dress.


After the cake was cut, I finally got to play. Whew!


After wedding fun - do-wands aloft.

Just beaching

The upper balcony, we split our outdoor time between here and the shore.


Strawberry Shortcake coloring fun with Anna.


Shopping day, I couldn't resist trying on the shark-attack hat. Neither could Michael and Anna!


Donut-with-sprinkles day, woo-hoo!

Back in Atlanta

After we got back to Atlanta, I stayed with Mary and Harry then with the Shinholsters. Ain't they precious?