Something Funny About This Picture

You might have to study this shot but there's actually water over the street and canal below.

The Molijn 'Reunion'

It just occurred to me that I didn't post any pictures or links thereto after the wonderful party we had at this very same house in Rotterdam. Has it already been a couple of weeks now? I know it was May 16th and we had twenty-one family members here (out of a possible 78 - if cousin Leo & his family as well as all the members from North America could have made it!) We had so much wonderful food and drink and conversation! See for yourself at
http://photobucket.com/MolijnReunion

'Albert Canada' took this great picture (well, it was on his camera at least - a dear neighbor took it so he could be in it). I'll have to get the original so that you'll be able to see it better. Hey - where was I in this shot - one of the dogs got to be in it - not beary fair, is it! - TR

Anyone Know How Far 35 Kilometers is?

That's how far this crazy bear biked today! Well, 34.5 to be precise! And you can see a lot of things in that distance. Naturally I have my favorite shots to share but, for the rest, you may want to visit the following link.
http://s632.photobucket.com/albums/uu44/kenmarijke/Biking%20in%20Rotterdam/
The weather was beary nice, that's for sure, and Oom Hans is such a gentleman - treating me to coffee and lunch at two different stops.

Check out this real, live stork's nest. I didn't know that they come back to the exact sight year after year.



Hey, I got this picture of what I call a 'shrunken digger' - what do you think, Garrison, Olice, Daniel, Jack Greer and Red?

This is the way some of the dutch apparently send their brides and grooms off - in a car decorated with white ribbon. Aren't I the lucky bear to come upon this sight? What do you think of this idea, Caroline, Georgia, and Elloree?
Incidentally, I took the following picture for the unborn cousins. Another wonderful tradition in this country is that when a little girl is born, it's quite the thing to eat biscuit with white&pink muisjes.Don't worry, I'll have this again when the girls get here! - Lots of love to all you wonderful grands, Teddy

Taking the Dutch Way from one town to the next

Though I didn't drive my bike to the station and park it, I DID take the bus from Tante Magda's to get there. I wanted to go to Oom Hans' and Tante Anke's house in Rotterdam and I didn't feel like taking my car. Anyway, I was so glad because I got to sit next to such a nice Christian lady. Marguerite was from Cameroon, Africa and we didn't have enough time before we parted. Perhaps we'll be able to converse further by email!? Her bible was a french one so I recited John 3:16 for her in that language. She could also speak English beautifully and Dutch, of course. We encouraged each other, I believe.

After a little more than an hour's ride, I'd say, I hopped a trolley for the rest of the way and - voila - a new home with excellent conversation and food (again)!

On the Road Between Cities and Friends

It's never a drag travelling from one place to the other in Europe. There's always stuff to see and interesting food to eat. Check out the french MacDonald's where we would go sometimes since it had free WiFi (pronounced WeeFee). We had such a nice hotel in Riom (the proprietor even let me have my picture taken with her) and it was a great town to get caught up on the laundry. It took a while to figure out where to put the money in, of course.

Riom - and the Ivanoff's

Such dear, dear hosts you were, Claudine and Igor! We enjoyed our stay immensely but fear that we didn't get to stay long enough! We got to see so many beautiful buildings around your great town, though and we enjoyed many a meal and conversation during our short visit. Marijke even got a haircut which was most appreciated!! But where was I during all the site-seeing in Riom? In the back of the car eating strawberries, I think...>





Not only were we treated to a tastefully decorated home but many of the art pieces were originals! Claudine, you are a terrific artist.

A specialty of the area (or all of France maybe?) are these delicious meringue-type cookies. Thank you, I&C for sending us on the road with a box of them - the chocolate and strawberry ones were my favorite, of course!

For more of the architecture and feel of the town, let me offer you a link to photobucket.com:
http://s632.photobucket.com/albums/uu44/kenmarijke/Riom%20and%20invanoffs/

Besancons - a City to Remember

The three of us took in the sites of a special town in France before heading on to Riom to see our friends. By the way, the 'grands' have given me specific instructions to take pictures of trains along the way so here's a VERY fast one - and the way its cars are joined. Fascinating enough? It's the TGV but don't ask me what that stands for - I'm bearly able to remember what day of the week or month it is! - Teddy







Notice the pretty water scenes and wildlife but the architecture is spectacular and we walked way up high to take a couple of these pictures, can you tell? Phew!

Swiss Tea or Hot Milk

I got to try this special tea - made from the local trees near the Jenny's house - but, honestly, I have to say that I prefer hot milk before bed. No offence, I hope. I must say that I love drinking out of these mugs, though; these cows could be dutch or swiss but there will be sunflowers EVERYWHERE in August! Love, TR

Hey, Does anyone really care if I blog or not?

I'm bearly able to post pics as I get carried from one place to the next. SO - if anyone would care to add a comment, I'd appreciate knowing if you're really following along. In the meantime, here's a picture of me sitting on the pot. Ha!


Now that should have got your attention! - Ted.

More Swiss Pics - and shots from the road to France

Good thing Line took us to this lovely park near her home because when we arrived in Holland, the tulips were just about finished. Crazy, eh? Notice how these blooms cascade down to the lake's edge - Ken is standing at the fence admiring the view of Mont Blanc - and then notice the next shot which is taken from high, high above when we left for France. It's a pretty impressive peak - especially when you're a very small bear!