Reader Wil

Sky Watch, Autumn and Winter

2012-02-16T17:14:00.004+01:00

The same spot, but always different.

Sky Watch is hosted by is hosted each week by the Sky Watch team of Sandy, Wren and Sylvia. And this week as every week, we remember Klaus and know that he joins us in spirit! .
Thank you so much for this great meme, it's always a pleasure to participate, and see all the other skies around the world. If you want to see other skies please click on the logo in the side bar.

You can enlarge the photos when you click on them! Have a great SWF!

Our World Tuesday, ABC Wednesday, E for Eleven Cities Tour

2012-02-13T12:28:00.005+01:00

Welcome to Our World Tuesday! This meme continues in memory of the work of Klaus Peter, whose "that's My World" brought people together from around the world every Monday to share the wonders therein--big and small.Please click on our new logo for "Our World Tuesday" in the sidebar.

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.We started round 10 of the fascinating meme of ABC. For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with E.

Last week in our entire country we had been discussing if it is possible to organize an Eleven Cities Tour in the province of Friesland. Wikipedia says: The Elfstedentocht (English translation: "Eleven Cities Tour"), at 200 km, is the world's largest and longest speed skating competition and leisure skating tour, and is held in the province of Friesland, Netherlands only when the ice along the entire course is 15 cm thick.The tour is conducted on frozen canals, rivers and lakes between the eleven historic Frisian cities: Leeuwarden, Sneek, IJlst, Sloten, Stavoren, Hindeloopen, Workum, Bolsward, Harlingen, Franeker, Dokkum then returning to Leeuwarden. The tour is not held every year, mostly because not every Dutch winter permits skating on natural ice. The last editions were in 1985, 1986 and 1997. Adding to that, the tour currently features about 15,000 amateur skaters taking part, putting high requirements on the quality of the ice. There is a stated regulatory requirement for the race to take place that the ice must be (and remain at) a minimum thickness of 15 centimetres along the entirety of the course. All skaters must be a member of the Association of the Eleven Frisian Cities. A starting permit is required. Further more, in each city the skater must collect a stamp, as well as a stamp from the three secret check points. The skater must finish before midnight.

Sadly enough the board of authorities has just informed us that there is no chance to organize the tour, as the ice thickness is not sufficient. Everybody is disappointed.

These photos are all borrowed from Wikipedia.

Sunday Bridges, Winter Bridge!

2012-02-12T16:15:00.005+01:00

A bridge in my village, taken by somebody else! Sorry! But it shows what it looks like today!

Thanks to Louis we can participate in this meme! This will be the 100th Sunday to participate.

For more bridges go to Sunday Bridges

Sky Watch, Skating near the Windmills

2012-02-09T14:00:00.002+01:00

This photo was taken three years ago, but this week we could have seen the same picture.Ithought it a good idea to show some of the Dutch skating fever all over the Netherland. This one is taken in Zuid-Holland,where I live near the mills.

Sky Watch is hosted by is hosted each week by the Sky Watch team of Sandy, Wren and Sylvia. And this week as every week, we remember Klaus and know that he joins us in spirit! .
Thank you so much for this great meme, it's always a pleasure to participate, and see all the other skies around the world. If you want to see other skies please click on the logo in the side bar.

ABC Wednesday, D for Dordrecht

2012-02-07T12:30:00.001+01:00

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.We started round 10 of the fascinating meme of ABC. For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with D.

In August last year a friend of mine and I went to Dordrecht for a walk through the town, which is very old and still well preserved. The weather was fine and our trip on the ferry from Krimpen aan den IJssel to Dordt was delightful. On arrival in Dordt we first saw a restaurant where we enjoyed our morning coffee and apple pie. Then we set off to see the town and take photos.You can see more details if you click on the photos.

Dordrecht historically in English named Dort, is a city and municipality in the western Netherlands, located in the province of South Holland. It is the fourth largest city of the province, having a population of 118,601 in 2009. Dordrecht is the oldest city in Holland and has a rich history and culture.

Our World Tuesday, A new grandchild!!

2012-02-06T10:03:00.015+01:00

ABC Wednesday, C for Cat Lovers

2012-01-31T10:51:00.000+01:00

From "CAT QUOTATIONS"

"I think one reason we admire cats,those of us who do,is their proficiency in one-upmanship. They always seem to come out on top, no matter what they are doing-or pretend to do. Rarely do you see a cat discomfited. They have no conscience, and they never regret. Maybe we secretly envy them."
( Barbara Webster, from "Creatures and Contentments")

"One"small cat changes coming home to an empty house to coming home." ( Pam Brown)

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with C.

I also thank the photographers of these photos, many of them are found on this address:
http://letsbefriends.blogspot.com/

Cats are able to make friends with other animals, even if they normally hunt these animals and eat them.

ABC Wednesday, B for Birthdays

2012-01-24T12:01:00.009+01:00

Birthdays need to be celebrated. I think it is more important to celebrate a birthday than a successful exam, a promotion, or a victory. Because to celebrate a birthday means to say to someone: “Thank you for being you.” Celebrating a birthday is exalting life and being glad for it. On a birthday we do not say: “Thanks for what you did, or said, or accomplished.” No, we say: “Thank you for being born and being among us.”
…
Celebrating a birthday reminds us of the goodness of life, and in this spirit we really need to celebrate people’s birthdays every day, by showing gratitude, kindness, forgiveness, gentleness, and affection. These are ways of saying: “It’s good that you are alive; it’s good that you are walking with me on this earth. Let’s be glad and rejoice. This is the day that God has made for us to be and to be together.
Questions:
1 How were you given your name? Do you like it?
2 Do you have a "name day"in your culture?
3 Does your name have an equivalent in English?

Various cultures name their children in different ways.In many Catholic countries children are often named after saints. There was even a time that some priests would not allow parents to name their children after film stars or football players. In the past parents were only allowed to name their children after excisting names in my country, but now we often see the strangest names, which are all invented by the parents. In many countries, where infant mortality is very high, parents only name their children when they reach the age in which the chances of survival begin to increase. Until that time they are referred to by the number of years they are.

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.For more interesting posts in the tenth round of ABC Wednesday, click on the logo in the sidebar or Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with B.

ABC Wednesday, A for Amazing Animal Attitude

2012-01-17T13:46:00.003+01:00

A for Amazing Animal Attitude!! The Scottish John Gray as Constable No 90, was obliged to have a watch dog.
He chose a Skye terrier, about 6 months old. What was the young puppy to be called? There was no doubt, he was called ‘Bobby’ after all he was a police dog!

Bobby now became part of John Gray’s life. In 1858 John Gray died.A few days after the funeral, just after the one o'clock gun had sounded, which was the time John Gray was used to have his meal at the Traill's restaurant, the customers there were surprised to see Bobby enter it. They recognized him and felt sorry for him. They gave him a bone. He accepted it and ran away to the churchyard to his master's grave. From then on this was repeated daily.He refused to leave his master's grave which he guarded for fourteen years, till his own death in 1872.

There are no statues of cats, but there are many remarkable stories about cats. Do you know the delightful Cornish story of The Mousehole Cat? And we had a cat who once walked with us to the end of the street and waited 5 hours for us to return. However we came home by another road. When we missed him, we went looking for him and asked the neighbours if they had seen him, then we remembered that he walked with us. We went to the place where we saw him last and there he was! He was sooo happy to see us. So I wouldn't say that cats are not loyal. I am a real catlover!!

A new round of ABC Wednesday. With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created this meme.For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with A.

ABC Wednesday, Z for Zorro

2012-01-10T15:52:00.004+01:00

Zorro is a fictional character created in 1919 by New York-based pulp writer Johnston McCulley. The character has been featured in numerous books, films, television series, and other media.

Zorro (Spanish for fox) is the secret identity of Don Diego de la Vega , a nobleman and master living in the Spanish colonial era of California. The character has undergone changes through the years, but the typical image of him is a dashing black-clad masked outlaw who defends the people of the land against tyrannical officials and other villains. Not only is he much too cunning and foxlike for the bumbling authorities to catch, but he delights in publicly humiliating those same foes.

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with Z.

Monday Doorways, Utrecht

2012-01-08T10:00:00.001+01:00

This is the door that gives access to the convent garden belonging to the Cathedral.
St. Martin's Cathedral, Utrecht, or Dom Church (Dutch: Domkerk) was the cathedral of the diocese of Utrecht during the Middle Ages. Once the country's largest church and only cathedral, dedicated to Saint Martin of Tours, it has been a Protestant church since 1580. The building is the one church in the Netherlands that closely resembles the classic Gothic style as developed in France. All other Gothic churches in the Netherlands belong to one of the many regional variants. Unlike most of its French predecessors, the Dom Church has only one tower, the 112 m (368 ft) high Dom Tower, which is the hallmark of the city.

Over the doorway we can see St. Martin cutting his cloak with his sword, in two halves to give one of them to a cold, shivering beggar.

Inspired by a post by Eric Tenin of a Parisian doorway, «Louis» began posting on Mondays photos he had taken of doorways in Paris.To participate click on
Monday Doorways

Our World Today, ABC Wednesday, Y for Year 2011

2012-01-02T12:00:00.005+01:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Welcome to Our World Tuesday! This meme continues in memory of the work of Klaus Peter, whose "that's My World" brought people together from around the world every Monday to share the wonders therein--big and small.Please click on our new logo for "Our World Tuesday" in the sidebar.

The year 2011 was a very turbulent, tempestuous one. It started with unbalanced weather all over the world. There was a flooded area in Queensland as large as Germany and France. For me this was all very scary as my daughter lives there. Her house was okay and dry, but she stayed with friends in a house on a hill surrounded by water. This was January. Then came the horrific tsunami in Japan, which shocked the world. Especially when it caused a meltdown in the nuclear plant of Fukushima.
There were earthquakes in New Zealand, in many countries in Asia, recently in Turkey and the Philippines. The peoples of the Arab world revolted against their rulers, most of them were dictators. Gadaffi was killed, so was Osama bin Laden.
Fortunately there was also more pleasant news, like the royal wedding of Kate and William in April.

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.We started round 9 of the fascinating meme of ABC. For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with Y.

Click on photos, if you want to see more details.

Our World Tuesday, ABC Wednesday, X in Windmill Language.

2011-12-26T14:59:00.006+01:00

As I live in the vicinity of the Kinderdijk windmills, I am always ready to tell something about them. The wings of the mills were used to signal to the other
millers. The position of the wings is important. The X position means that the miller is taking a long break. Some of the mills are having a break on these photos.

WINDMILL LANGUAGE
For centuries windmills played an important role in the local community: farmers not only visited them with their grain but also with the latest gossip. Because windmills were visible from afar, changes to their appearance were soon noticed. Important events in the community, such as births, deaths, marriages and other festivities were signaled by the position of the sails and the manner in which they were hung. Furthermore, by using certain signals the miller could for example call for the millhand to come, communicate that the mill was temporarily not working or that the miller urgently required work. Even today the mills mark festivities and sorrowful occasions, using the 'windmill language'.

Welcome to Our World Tuesday! This meme continues in memory of the work of Klaus Peter, whose "that's My World" brought people together from around the world every Monday to share the wonders therein--big and small.Please click on our new logo for "Our World Tuesday" in the sidebar.

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with X.

Our World Tuesday, ABC Wednesday, W for Weighing-house, Gouda

2011-12-19T12:00:00.001+01:00

De Weighing-house in Gouda was built at the Market of Gouda, according to a design of Pieter Post in 1668
The building was mainly used as a weighing place for cheese.

The Waag( Weighing-house) was to be higher than the surrounding buildings. They had to be at least six feet lower than the Waag.
The Waag serves now as the Cheese and Trades museum.

Here you see how the cheese was weighed on this enormous balance.

The following photos show the inside of the building now. My friends and I bought and tasted a lot of cheese here.

Our World Tuesday, ABC Wednesday, V of Vis-à-vis

2011-12-12T11:22:00.001+01:00

Vis-à-vis means literally 'face to face'. Often now used in the sense of 'in relation to'.
Origin
The term is French and began to be used in English in the mid 18th century. The French spelling is vis-à-vis, i.e. with the grave accent, although that is often omitted when written in English. It is now frequently printed, no doubt to French shrugs and mutterings, as 'vis-a-vis' or even 'viz-a-viz'.

All these photos were taken in Gouda.

Click twice to enlarge.

Our World Tuesday, ABC Wednesday, U for Unique Candlelight night in Gouda. 2nd or 3rd Tuesday

2011-12-05T10:10:00.008+01:00

In one of my previous posts I wrote about a unique event happening in Gouda, which is the city of cheese but also of candles. On the second or third Tuesday in December the whole city centre of Gouda is lit by candlelight only with one exception: the enormous Christmas tree at the market place! This tree has electrical lights to protect it from fire. All candles are inside and placed in front of the windows.The town is always full of tourists. In the church Christmas carols are being played which can be heard everywhere. It would be like a fairy tale if there were not so many people. Nevertheless it is still very unique!

Welcome to Our World Tuesday! This meme continues in memory of the work of Klaus Peter, whose "that's My World" brought people together from around the world every Monday to share the wonders therein--big and small.Please click on our new logo for "Our World Tuesday" in the sidebar.

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.We started round 9 of the fascinating meme of ABC. For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with U.

Weekend Reflections, Thought for the day,

2011-12-02T10:00:00.003+01:00

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...

It was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair...

Weekend Reflections was started on 27 September 2009, by James. You can join this meme at some time during the weekend. Just post your photo and go to James to tell him that you are on, or click on the logo in the sidebar.This meme is created for any type of reflection.

My babies were born in May 1967, July 1970 and June 1972. My husband died in the winter of despair in 1999.

ABC Wednesday, T for A Tale of Two Cities.

2011-11-29T11:26:00.005+01:00

"It was the best of Times, it was the worst of Times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to heaven, we were all going direct the other way - in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only".
Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities
English novelist (1812 - 1870)

Charles Dickens is renowned for his humour, but A Tale of Two Cities is one of his least comical books. Dickens also uses his humour in the book to show different points of view. The book is full of tragic situations, leaving little room for intended humour provided by Dickens.

The first book of the novel takes place in 1775.The two cities are Paris and London.It's a book about two men, both in love with the same woman. They are Charles Darnay and Sydney Carton. Darnay is a French once-aristocrat who falls victim to the indiscriminate wrath of the revolution despite his virtuous nature, and Carton is a dissipated British barrister who endeavours to redeem his ill-spent life out of his unrequited love for Darnay's wife, Lucie Manette.After many adventures in and out of prison, Sydney Carton who looks very much like his rival Charles Darnay, sacrifices his life under the guillotine.

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or

Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with T.

Psalms Challenge, Psalm 36

2011-11-27T10:47:00.000+01:00

Your steadfast love, O LORD, extends to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the clouds.

Your righteousness is like the mountains of God;
your judgments are like the great deep;
man and beast you save, O LORD

The verses from Psalm 36 are contributed to Robert's Psalms Challenge meme at Daily Athens. To read more psalms click on Robert

Sky Watch, a dense fog all over the Netherlands.

2011-11-24T12:43:00.009+01:00

On Sunday, 20th November and Monday, 21st November, we had a mist hanging over our entire country, causing a lot of problems with air traffic, and car owners had to drive twice as slowly as they were used to.
Today, 24th November,the sun is shining again! And everything looks a lot brighter in life! Have a great weekend! And for the American blogging friends: HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Sky Watch is hosted by Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy and Sylvia
Thank you so much for this great meme, it's always a pleasure to participate, and see all the other skies around the world. If you want to see some other skies please click on the logo in the side bar.

Our World Tuesday, ABC Wednesday S for Sand Sculptures

2011-11-21T14:27:00.016+01:00

In October I had a short break in a holiday resort in Putten, a village in Gelderland on the Veluwe, and joined several excursions. One of them was going to a park where we could see twelve enormous sand sculptures outside. All of them very beautiful see for yourself .
Inside there was another collection of sand sculptures all dealing with life at the bottom of the sea. It was as if we walked deep under the ocean, like in Jules Verne's book:" 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea"..

Welcome to Our World Tuesday! This meme continues in memory of the work of Klaus Peter, whose "that's My World" brought people together from around the world every Monday to share the wonders therein--big and small.Please click on our new logo for "Our World Tuesday" in the sidebar.

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.We started round 9 of the fascinating meme of ABC. For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with S.

Psalms Challenge, Psalm 35

2011-11-20T08:31:00.001+01:00

This time a little girl explains the meaning of the psalm.

The verses from Psalm 35 are contributed to Robert's Psalms Challenge meme at Daily Athens. To read more psalms click on Robert

Our World Tuesday, ABC Wednesday, R for Rotterdam Seaport

2011-11-14T11:24:00.005+01:00

R is for the city where my parents, one of my sisters and I were born, Rotterdam! Wikipedia says:"Rotterdam is the second-largest city in the Netherlands and the largest port in the world. Starting as a dam on the Rotte river, Rotterdam has grown into a major international commercial centre. Its strategic location at the Rhine-Meuse-Scheldt delta on the North Sea and at the heart of a massive rail, road, air and inland waterway distribution system extending throughout Europe means that Rotterdam is often called the Gateway to Europe.

But the essence of Rotterdam is its huge, modern port. The largest port in Europe and one of the busiest ports in the world, the port of Rotterdam was the world's busiest port from 1962 to 2004, at which point it was surpassed by Shanghai. Rotterdam's commercial and strategic importance is based on its location near the mouth of the Nieuwe Maas (New Meuse), one of the channels in the delta formed by the Rhine and Meuse on the North Sea. These rivers lead directly into the centre of Europe, including the industrial Ruhr region."

Welcome to Our World Tuesday! This meme continues in memory of the work of Klaus Peter, whose "that's My World" brought people together from around the world every Monday to share the wonders therein--big and small.Please click on our new logo for "Our World Tuesday" in the sidebar.

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.We started round 9 of the fascinating meme of ABC. For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with R.

Sunday Bridges, Rotterdam, Erasmus Bridge

2011-11-13T08:00:00.003+01:00

The Erasmusbrug ("Erasmus Bridge") is a cable stayed bridge across the Nieuwe Maas river, linking the northern and southern halves of the city of Rotterdam, Netherlands.

The Erasmusbrug was designed by Ben van Berkel and completed in 1996. The 802 metre long bridge has a 139 metre-high asymmetrical pylon, earning the bridge its nickname of "The Swan".You can see why!

The southern span of the bridge has a 89 metre long bascule bridge for ships that cannot pass under the bridge. The bascule bridge is the largest and heaviest in West Europe and has the largest panel of its type in the world.

The bridge is named after Erasmus, a famous Dutch Renaissance humanist, Catholic priest, and a theologian. He was born in Rotterdam and lived from 1466 till 1536.

Thanks to Louis we can participate in this meme!

For more bridges go to Sunday Bridges

11-11-2011 Today Remembrance Day

2011-11-11T17:30:00.005+01:00

Today 93 years ago the peace treaty with Germany was signed.Wikipedia says: "Remembrance Day (also known as Poppy Day, Armistice Day) is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth countries since the end of World War I to remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty. This day, or alternative dates, are also recognized as special days for war remembrances in many non-Commonwealth countries. Remembrance Day is observed on 11 November to recall the official end of World War I on that date in 1918; hostilities formally ended "at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month" of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice ("at the 11th hour" refers to the passing of the 11th hour, or 11:00 a.m)

Weekend Reflections was started on 27 September 2009, by James. You can join this meme at some time during the weekend. Just post your photo and go to James to tell him that you are on, or click on the logo in the sidebar.This meme is created for any type of reflection.

In the Netherlands we have a similar celebration on the 4th May and 5th May is our Liberation Day.Let's always remember these brave people who died for our freedom.

ABC Wednesday, Q for Quiz continued

2011-11-10T09:00:00.004+01:00

Answers to the ten questions of the quiz about the Netherlands.I thank everybody who tried to do this quiz. There are no winners or losers. Although two of the nine participants had all answers correct. Some of you have already given me their addresses so that I can send a giveaway to any one of the participants. Can I have the other addresses as well?

1. Amsterdam is the largest city and the capital of the Netherlands. The current position of Amsterdam as capital city of the Kingdom of the Netherlands is governed by the constitution of 24 August 1815 and its successors.

2. The government has its seat in the Hague. The next photo shows a part of the Houses of Parliament.

3. The Dutch speak Dutch. It's the official language we learn at home and at school. Only the Friesians in Friesland speak Friesian, but they still have to learn Dutch and use it in official legal matters. The Friesian language is different from Dutch.

4. Well we have been a kingdom since 1806 when Napoleon made his brother Louis king of the Netherlands. When Napoleon was defeated in 1815 we got a Dutch king of the House of Orange and we remained a kingdom till today. So far we had three kings and since 1880 three queens. Queen Beatrix is the ruling queen of today.

5. So that answers this question: the Queen is officially the head of state.

6. We have 12 provinces.

7. Rotterdam is the most important harbour and it was even the largest harbour in the world right after the war.

8. We have 16,750,000 inhabitants

9. The Netherlands are a bit larger than Belgium, and Luxembourg is by far the smallest.

10.Gouda produces cheese and candles. That was a difficult one, and only a few had this right.
Every second Tuesday in December the citycentre is lit by candlelight only.

Our World Tuesday, ABC Wednesday, Q for Quiz

2011-11-07T14:00:00.012+01:00

Ten questions about the Netherlands:

1.What's the name of the capital of the Netherlands?
a. Rotterdam
b. The Hague
c. Amsterdam

2.Where does our government have its seat?
a. The Hague
b. Rotterdam
c. Amsterdam

3.What is the official language of the Netherlands?
a. German
b. Friesian
c. Dutch

4.Which is the form of government of the Netherlands?
a. Republic
b. Kingdom
c Principality

5.Who is the head of state?
a. President
b. King
c. Queen
d. Prime Minister.

6. How many provinces does our country have?
a. Ten
b. Twelve
c. Eleven.

7. Which is our most important harbour?
a. Amsterdam
b. The Hague
c. Rotterdam

8. How many inhabitants do the Netherlands have?
a. 15,810,000
b. 16,750,000
c. 12,320,000

9. Which country is the largest and which one the smallest?
a. Belgian
b. Luxembourg
c. The Netherlands

10.What is Gouda famous for?
a. Windmills
b. Cheese
c. Cheese and Candles

For those who know the right answers there will be a giveaway!! ;) You can email them to me, if you want. Please try to answer the questions. I am curious to know what people really know of my country. One of you emailed me with the answers of which seven were right! Very good.You can always google them.

Welcome to Our World Tuesday! This meme continues in memory of the work of Klaus Peter, whose "that's My World" brought people together from around the world every Monday to share the wonders therein--big and small.Please click on our new logo for "Our World Tuesday" in the sidebar.

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.We started round 9 of the fascinating meme of ABC. For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with Q.

Psalms Challenge, Psalm 33

2011-11-06T09:00:00.004+01:00

Organ in the miners'church in Røros, Norway.

Psalm 33
The Steadfast Love of the LORD
1 Shout for joy in the LORD, O you righteous!
Praise befits the upright.
2Give thanks to the LORD with the lyre;
make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!
3Sing to him a new song;
play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.

4For the word of the LORD is upright,
and all his work is done in faithfulness.
5He loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of the steadfast love of the LORD.

6By the word of the LORD the heavens were made,
and by the breath of his mouth all their host.
7He gathers the waters of the sea as a heap;
he puts the deeps in storehouses.

The verses from Psalm 33 are contributed to Robert's Psalms Challenge meme at Daily Athens. To read more psalms click on Robert

Our World Tuesday, ABC Wednesday, P for Peace Palace

2011-10-31T12:49:00.009+01:00

The Peace Palace (Dutch: Vredespaleis) is a building situated in The Hague, Netherlands. It is often called the seat of international law because it houses the International Court of Justice (which is the principal judicial body of the United Nations), the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Hague Academy of International Law, and the extensive Peace Palace Library.

Apart from what Wikipedia says about the Palace, I can add that for my husband, his brother and his parents, the Peace Palace had been very important, because my husband's father had worked there as the Secretary General of the Permanent Court of Arbitration for 46 years until 1968. His room was right over the main entrance. When my father-in-law retired we attended a reception in one of the rooms.I never wore hats, but for this occasion I had to buy one and felt very overdressed.;))

In addition to hosting these institutions, the Palace is also a regular venue for special events in international policy and law.

The statue of Carnegie

The idea of the Palace started from a discussion in 1900 between the Russian diplomat Friedrich Martens and the US diplomat Andrew White, over providing a home for the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), which was established through the first Hague Peace Conference in 1899. White contacted his friend the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie about this idea. Carnegie had his reservations, and at first was only interested in donating money for the establishment of a Library of International Law. White however was able to convince Carnegie, and in 1903 Carnegie agreed to donate the US$1.5 million ($40,000,000, adjusted for inflation) needed for a Peace Temple that would house the PCA as well as to endow it with a library of international law.

Various views of the Peace Palace.
At first Carnegie simply wanted to donate the money directly to the Dutch Queen, Wilhelmina of the Netherlands for the building of the palace, but legal problems prohibited this, and in November 1903 the Carnegie Stichting was founded to manage the construction, ownership, and maintenance of the Palace. This foundation is still responsible for these issues at present

Gifts came from all over the world and pieces of art created by sculptors, painters and other artists from many countries and their rulers. This vase was given by Czar Nicholas II of Russia. The same czar that was so brutally murdered together with his entire family.

To have a better look, please click on the photos!

Psalms Challenge, Psalm 32

2011-10-30T12:06:00.002+01:00

6 Therefore let all the faithful pray to you
while you may be found;
surely the rising of the mighty waters
will not reach them.
7 YOU ARE MY HIDING PLACE;
you will protect me from trouble
and surround me with songs of deliverance.

The verses from Psalm 31 are contributed to Robert's Psalms Challenge meme at Daily Athens. To read more psalms click on Robert

Traditions, Halloween

2011-10-28T17:00:00.002+02:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Pumpkins can be used for many purposes!
According to Wikipidia:"The word pumpkin originates from the word pepon , which is Greek for “large melon". The French adapted this word to pompon, which the British changed to pumpion and later American colonists changed that to the word we use today, "pumpkin". The origin of pumpkins is not definitively known, although they are thought to have originated in North America. The oldest evidence, pumpkin-related seeds dating between 7000 and 5500 BC, were found in Mexico. Pumpkins are a squash-like fruit that range in size from less than 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) to over 1,000 pounds (450 kilograms)"

It is really worth while enlarging these photos !

ABC Wednesday, O for Oliver Twist.

2011-10-25T14:13:00.000+02:00

Oliver Twist is the second novel by English author Charles Dickens, published by Richard Bentley in 1838. The story is about an orphan Oliver Twist, who endures a miserable existence in a workhouse and then is placed with an undertaker. He escapes and travels to London where he meets the Artful Dodger, leader of a gang of juvenile pickpockets. Oliver is led to the lair of their elderly criminal trainer Fagin, naively unaware of their unlawful activities.

Oliver Twist is notable for Dickens' unromantic portrayal of criminals and their sordid lives. The book exposed the cruel treatment of many a waif-child in London, which increased international concern in what is sometimes known as "The Great London Waif Crisis": the large number of orphans in London in the Dickens era.
The musical, on the other hand is romantic and entertaining in a very pleasant way. The actors are excellent singers and dancers. Still there are some sad moments in the musical, but the story has a happy end!

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or

Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with O.

Monday Doorways, Our World Tuesday, Rotterdam

2011-10-24T10:00:00.005+02:00

This beautiful door gives access to the Schielandhuis, which was built between 1662 and 1665.The citypalace would give accomodation to the polder committee for almost one and a half century. The architect was probably Pieter Post, an authority in the field of Dutch classicism.In one of my posts I mention him as the architect of the Weighhouse in Gouda and also of the townhall in Gouda.
The Schieland House has been used as a museum and gallery for quite some time now.

Beautiful details over the door.

Fortunately the Schielandhuis was not destroyed during the WWII

Inspired by a post by Eric Tenin of a Parisian doorway, «Louis» began posting on Mondays photos he had taken of doorways in Paris.To participate click on
Monday Doorways

Welcome to Our World Tuesday! This meme continues in memory of the work of Klaus Peter, whose "that's My World" brought people together from around the world every Monday to share the wonders therein--big and small.Please click on our new logo for "Our World Tuesday" in the sidebar.

Psalms Challenge, Psalm 31

2011-10-23T11:04:00.003+02:00

1 In you, LORD, I have taken refuge;
let me never be put to shame;
deliver me in your righteousness.
2 Turn your ear to me,
come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
a strong fortress to save me.

The verses from Psalm 31 are contributed to Robert's Psalms Challenge meme at Daily Athens. To read more psalms click on Robert

ABC Wednesday, N for Nicholas Nickleby

2011-10-18T14:34:00.008+02:00

Another book by the great Charles Dickens! His third book.

Nicholas Nickleby; or, The Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby. Originally published as a serial from 1838 to 1839.
The novel centers around the life and adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, a young man who must support his mother and sister after his father death. His Uncle Ralph, who thinks Nicholas will never amount to anything, plays the role of the bad character.

For all romantic people among you: it has a happy ending, like most of Dickens's books.

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or

Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with N.

Have a great week!

2011-10-17T08:00:00.001+02:00

My post for ABC Wednesday is scheduled but I shan't be able to sign up, for I am going to have a little break and I will be away till Friday.I wish everybody a very happy week! If I am able to find an internet connection, I will be able to sign up.

Psalms Challenge, Psalm 30

2011-10-16T10:33:00.002+02:00

I will exalt you, LORD,
for you lifted me out of the depths

that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent.
LORD my God, I will praise you forever.

The verses from Psalm 30 are contributed to Robert's Psalms Challenge meme at Daily Athens. To read more psalms click on Robert

Sky Watch, The Netherlands,

2011-10-13T19:13:00.002+02:00

"Your Enlightenment rests on your own Shoulders", Dalai Lama.

Waiting with my Australian guest for the bus to take us home, we saw the sun setting. There had been a lot of air traffic by the look of it.

Sky Watch is hosted by Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy and Sylvia
Thank you so much for this great meme, it's always a pleasure to participate, and see all the other skies around the world. If you want to see some other skies please click on the logo in the side bar.

ABC Wednesday, M for MatchBoox

2011-10-11T15:29:00.003+02:00

My daughter gave me a matchbox containing a tiny little gem. A little book on a folded strip of paper. It's such a nice little thing that I want to show this to you. There are many more where this came from! You can find them on www.matchboox.com.
You will understand that boox in a combination of "box"and "books".

The MatchBoox Story told by Emmanuel van Leeuwe:

" It all started with my uncle's basement in France beneath his old mansion at rue de la Victoire where he made books with artists. Ever since I was a kid, I looked forward to the weekend trips from my native Holland to Metz in Lorraine. It is there that my uncle Richard Meier showed me how to bind books yourself, how to fold the pages, how to calculate which page goes where in the handmade books. It was wonderful to see him work with love, humor and respect for The Book.

Many years later, my uncle came up with the idea of handmade books in matchboxes. The match would symbolize the true creative spark. Thanks to the many many years of experience in book making of my uncle, we quickly innovated the matchbox to a MatchBoox. He suggested a very ancient form of book binding, in a harmonica shape, called Leporello. We then embossed our logo by hand in the paper and put this Leporello book in a timeless matchbox cover. Hence, the MatchBoox were born.

Now I am able to share my passion for unique books with many people, passing on beauty with every little book in a matchbox. I still invest in artistic freedom. I still make the books by hand. And I still love that smell of ink and paper in the morning".

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or

Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with M.

Monday Doorways, Our World Tuesday, Den Bosch

2011-10-10T10:00:00.006+02:00

I took these photos just before we were going on a boat tour underneath the city of Den Bosch, through tunnels and secret waterways.
the boat tour

Inspired by a post by Eric Tenin of a Parisian doorway, «Louis» began posting on Mondays photos he had taken of doorways in Paris.To participate click on
Monday Doorways

Welcome to Our World Tuesday! This meme continues in memory of the work of Klaus Peter, whose "that's My World" brought people together from around the world every Monday to share the wonders therein--big and small.Please click on our new logo for "Our World Tuesday" in the sidebar.

Psalms Challenge, Psalm 29

2011-10-09T12:00:00.010+02:00

Psalm 29

A Psalm of David.
1 Ascribe to the Lord, O heavenly beings,*
ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
2 Ascribe to the Lord the glory of his name;
worship the Lord in holy splendour.

3 The voice of the Lord is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the Lord, over mighty waters.
4 The voice of the Lord is powerful;
the voice of the Lord is full of majesty.

5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars;
the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
6 He makes Lebanon skip like a calf,
and Sirion like a young wild ox.

7 The voice of the Lord flashes forth flames of fire.

8 The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness;
the Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

9 The voice of the Lord causes the oaks to whirl,*
and strips the forest bare;
and in his temple all say, ‘Glory!’

10 The Lord sits enthroned over the flood;
the Lord sits enthroned as king for ever.
11 May the Lord give strength to his people!
May the Lord bless his people with peace

The verses from Psalm 28 are contributed to Robert's Psalms Challenge meme at Daily Athens. To read more psalms click on Robert

Sky Watch, Weekend Reflections,

2011-10-06T13:19:00.009+02:00

On our way to the Palace of Justice to attend the case of the widow versus bookkeeper, we passed between these buildings, one reflecting the other.The sun was shining and the temperature was wonderful. When the session was over and the widow had won, we all went to have a cup of coffee and apple pie outside in front of a café. The session had taken three hours and ended at four o'clock. The widow was happy that the matter was over and done with.

Sky Watch is hosted by Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy and Sylvia
Thank you so much for this great meme, it's always a pleasure to participate, and see all the other skies around the world. If you want to see some other skies please click on the logo in the side bar.

Weekend Reflections was started on 27 September 2009, by James. You can join this meme at some time during the weekend. Just post your photo and go to James to tell him that you are on, or click on the logo in the sidebar.This meme is created for any type of reflection.

Our World Tuesday, ABC Wednesday, L for Het Loo

2011-10-03T15:23:00.005+02:00

Palace of Het Loo at Apeldoorn.
Click to enlarge.

These photos were taken by me.

The word "Loo"means "wood"or "woodland", like the old English word "-lea".
Palace Het Loo is a palace, more than three hundred years old, right in the heart of the Netherlands, close to the town of Apeldoorn. The Palace of Het Loo was built in 1686 and until 1970 served as a hunting lodge and summer residence of members of the House of Oranje, the current Dutch royal family.It was also the home of the Stadtholder- King William III and his wife Queen Mary II of England.. William III was a Prince of Orange, his mother was a daughter of King Charles I of England, Mary II was the daughter of King James II. In the twentieth century, our Queen Wilhelmina lived in this palace. She was the last of our royalty who lived here.

Photos taken by Stichting Paleis Het Loo, Apeldoorn.
1. Bedroom William III
2. Office Queen Wilhelmina
3. Courtroom

Now it has been open to the public since in 1984 after undergoing substantial restoration work. The beautifull furnished interiors give an impression of how the Dutch royal family lived here for three centuries.

The reconstructed gardens breathe the atmosphere of their seventeenth century origin with their fountains and elegantly box-lined parterres. The palace’s setting in one of Holland’s most beautiful nature areas makes a visit a real delight at any time of year.

Welcome to Our World Tuesday! This meme continues in memory of the work of Klaus Peter, whose "that's My World" brought people together from around the world every Monday to share the wonders therein--big and small.Please click on our new logo for "Our World Tuesday" in the sidebar.

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with L.

Psalms Challenge, Psalm 28

2011-10-02T10:00:00.004+02:00

1 To you, LORD, I call;
you are my Rock,
do not turn a deaf ear to me.
For if you remain silent,
I will be like those who go down to the pit.
2 Hear my cry for mercy
as I call to you for help,
as I lift up my hands
toward your Most Holy Place.

Praise be to the LORD,
for he has heard my cry for mercy.
7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
and with my song I praise him.

8 The LORD is the strength of his people,
a fortress of salvation for his anointed one.
9 Save your people and bless your inheritance;
be their shepherd and carry them forever.

The verses from Psalm 28 are contributed to Robert's Psalms Challenge meme at Daily Athens. To read more psalms click on Robert

Sky Watch, Weekend Reflections, The Netherlands

2011-09-29T11:00:00.003+02:00

By clicking on the photos you can enlarge them.

On 24th September we went for an autumn walk in the polders. A polder is a piece of land surrounded by dikes and kept dry by an electric engine, which pumps the water into a canal, and then into the river. In former times, when we had no electricity, the windmills did this job. Don't forget that this country is for a large part lying below sea level.But it has a certain beauty especially when the weather is fine like it was then.

Sky Watch is hosted by Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy and Sylvia
Thank you so much for this great meme, it's always a pleasure to participate, and see all the other skies around the world. If you want to see some other skies please click on the logo in the side bar.

Weekend Refections was started on 27 September 2009, by James. You can join this meme at some time during the weekend. Just post your photo and go to James to tell him that you are on, or click on the logo in the sidebar.This meme is created for any type of reflection.

ABC Wednesday, K for Kangaroo.

2011-09-27T12:47:00.006+02:00

These photos are "borrowed" from Wikipedia.

The most remarkable animal existing in Australia, is the kangaroo, which is a marsupial. It belongs to the family of Macropodidae(macropods means "large foot").
Kangaroos are much bigger than wallabies, which are related to them. The Red Kangaroo is the largest member of the kangaroo family. I was not so fortunate to meet the Red Kangaroo, but I saw plenty of wallabies. Kangaroos are indigenous to Australia.Therefore the kangaroo has become a national symbol of Australia. Coming to Australia I flew in a Qantas plane, recognizable by the red kangaroo painted on its tail.The kangaroo is important to the Australian culture.

The big male Red Kangaroo is big indeed! It measures 1.8m while standing up, and it can weigh 85 kg.

Kangaroos and wallabies can be found in many parts of the country, such as hot, dry deserts, grassy plains but also forests, where there is enough to eat. They have sharp front teeth and eat mainly grass and leaves. A friend of my daughter's told us that she once saw some wallabies eating her bananas. The tallest of them
picked them and then divided them among the others of the "mob"!

Photos from the book "Kangaroos"by Christine Butterworth

When a baby is born, it is still nothing more than a fetus. It is blind, pink and hairless. It crawls into its mother's pouch and starts sucking one of its mother's nipples. The joey( baby) stays in the pouch until it has grown fur and can keep itself warm.Then it leaves the pouch for a short time. It returns in the pouch when it gets hungry or in case of danger. When the joey gets bigger it can only put its head inside the pouch to drink.

Photos taken from the book"Kangaroos"by Christine Butterworth.

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with K.

Monday Doorways, Our World Tuesday, Gouda, Entrances of St. Janskerk

2011-09-26T08:00:00.002+02:00

The Sint Janskerk in Gouda, the Netherlands, is a large Gothic church, known especially for its stained glass windows, for which it has been placed on the UNESCO list of Dutch monuments.

See Post about the church

Inspired by a post by Eric Tenin of a Parisian doorway, «Louis» began posting on Mondays photos he had taken of doorways in Paris.To participate click on
Monday Doorways

Welcome to Our World Tuesday! This meme continues in memory of the work of Klaus Peter, whose "that's My World" brought people together from around the world every Monday to share the wonders therein--big and small.Please click on our new logo for "Our World Tuesday" in the sidebar.

Sky Watch

2011-09-23T22:01:00.007+02:00

Click to enlarge...
Remember my post about Greed and Gluttony of 30 August? Did you read about the widow and the greedy bookkeeper? Well today was the lawsuit and she won...

Sky Watch is hosted by Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy and Sylvia
Thank you so much for this great meme, it's always a pleasure to participate, and see all the other skies around the world. If you want to see some other skies please click on the logo in the side bar.

Our World Today, ABC Wednesday, J for Justice

2011-09-19T20:00:00.001+02:00

This building is called "Palace of Justice". It's situated in the Hague. It's also the place where the widow from three weeks ago will meet her opponent.

The judiciary is independent and the judges irremovable except for malfeasance or incapacity. Roman law still is basic, but the judicial system is largely patterned on that of France. There is no jury system, and the state, rather than the individual, acts as initiator of legal proceedings. Administrative justice is separate from civil and criminal justice and not uniform in dispensation.

In most western countries death penalty has been abolished. This has been a political issue for a long time in many other countries, which have been members of the United Nations. There is a possibility that the capital punishment will be abolished before long.The UN adopted a resolution to adjourn the carrying out of death sentences.
Amnesty International says this is a historical and important move in the right direction.

In the cartoon a person says:"It's a rather delicate question " and he carries a board, saying "Death to death penalty". There are also people sorry to say farewell to the electric chair and the gallows.

Personally, I have always opposed capital punishment. Lots of innocent people have been executed in the past. A criminal might have acted under the influence of drugs and so committed a crime which he repents long afterwards. There are sometimes mentally disturbed persons, who obey the "voices"in their head for instance and kill someone. Should these people be executed?

The problem is that schizophrenic people like two of my close relatives, hear voices or see things we cannot hear or see. If they take medication they are very sensitive and kind people, because they need this medication just as much as any other patient suffering from a metabolic disease, because that's what it is.So they don't need to be executed but put on medication.
Sometimes relatives warn the doctor that their son, daughter, husband or other relative is acting dangerously. If doctors are wise enough to listen they help immediately and force the patient to take medicines. Sometimes however they are too late. These patients are always frightened and very lonely. I have seen this in my family and my heart breaks when I think how awful life must be or had been for them.

Monday Doorways, Gouda, Museumcafé

2011-09-18T19:21:00.000+02:00

What's behind that door and those windows?
Well behind these windows and door you will find the museumcafé. The museum was a hospital in the middle ages. When the weather is warm we take our coffee in the museum garden( see post of some weeks ago).

Inspired by a post by Eric Tenin of a Parisian doorway, «Louis» began posting on Mondays photos he had taken of doorways in Paris.To participate click on
Monday Doorways

This is the museum garden where we sit in beautiful weather!

Our World Tuesday, ABC Wednesday, I for Independence

2011-09-12T18:22:00.001+02:00

The Dutch flag
Most countries in the world gained independence after long and violent wars. My country became independent after a war which lasted 80 years from 1568 till 1648, under the leadership of the Prince of Orange. We were at that time more or less one country with Belgium, which gained independence from the Netherlands in 1830. Now we do a lot together and share TV programs among other things.

The Belgian flag

Indonesia, which was a Dutch colony, gained independence in 1949, after a bloody war, which has left its scars in both Indonesia and the Netherlands. We learnt from these wars and gave Suriname its independence in 1975 without any struggle.

What is your national holiday and do you have an Independence Day?

Welcome to Our World Tuesday! This meme continues in memory of the work of Klaus Peter, whose "that's My World" brought people together from around the world every Monday to share the wonders therein--big and small.See our new logo for "Our World Tuesday" in the sidebar.

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.We started round 9 of the fascinating meme of ABC. For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with I.

Let's Remember....

2011-09-11T08:00:00.005+02:00

Speaking: The Hero
I did not want to go.
They inducted me.

I did not want to die.
They called me yellow.

I tried to run away.
They courtmartialed me.

I did not shoot.
They said I had no guts.

I cried in pain.
They carried me to safety.

In safety I died.
They blew taps over me.

They crossed out my name
And buried me under a cross.

They made a speech in my home town.
I was unable to call them liars.

They said I gave my life.
I had struggled to keep it.

They said I set an example
I had tried to run.

They said they were proud of me.
I had been ashamed of them.

They said my mother should be proud.
My mother cried.

I wanted to live.
They called me a coward.

I died a coward.
They called me a hero.

by Felix Pollak

ABC Wednesday, H for Honesty.

2011-09-06T10:21:00.005+02:00

The tulip is the most honest flower. It does not promise empty promises and it is simple and exactly what it looks like.

I often asked myself:"What is honesty?" Is it saying what you think. May be! Is it saying what you think without being asked to give your opinion? Only when it's a positively kind remark. If I don't like something, I don't say what I think unless it's a political or religious statement and then only if I don't hurt someone's feeling., but never about somebody's house or clothes or blogs. Lots of people think that you must be honest in the sense of criticizing all the time without being asked.Well, no! There is no need to do that. Ignore the things you don't like, and there is always something that you like in one's house or on one's blog.
A friend of mine used to say when he didn't like something in my house:" It's interesting!", because he knew that I like my house and he didn't want to hurt my feelings. He was a kind man, a good friend. So what do you think about honesty?

Here are some quotes of famous people!

If you tell the truth you don't have to remember anything. ~Mark Twain

Who lies for you will lie against you. ~Bosnian Proverb

No man has a good enough memory to make a successful liar. ~Abraham Lincoln

Make yourself an honest man, and then you may be sure there is one less rascal in the world. ~Thomas Carlyle

A half truth is a whole lie. ~Yiddish Proverb

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or

Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with H.

Monday Doorways, Our World Tuesday, Gouda, Lazarus Gate II

2011-09-05T07:28:00.001+02:00

Last week we saw the Lazarusgate (1609) from the outside. This week we see the same gate from the inside, sitting in the museum garden, having a nice cup of coffee.

Inspired by a post by Eric Tenin of a Parisian doorway, «Louis» began posting on Mondays photos he had taken of doorways in Paris.To participate click on
Monday Doorways

Welcome to Our World Tuesday! This meme continues in memory of the work of Klaus Peter, whose "that's My World" brought people together from around the world every Monday to share the wonders therein--big and small.Please click on our new logo for "Our World Tuesday" in the sidebar.

ABC Wednesday, G for GREED and GLUTTONY

2011-08-30T10:00:00.004+02:00

The Seven Deadly Sins and the Four Last Things is a painting attributed to Hieronymus Bosch, completed around 1500 or later.

Greed and Gluttony.
When a friend of mine became a widow more than a decade ago, she was really devastated. Not only had she lost her partner and best friend, her mate to whom she had been married for 36 years, but she had to handle financial situations, such as making her tax declaration, managing bank accounts, and selling all her husband's shares, for she didn't want to lose money on shares. She didn't know anything about them. Then a friend of hers asked her, if her son-in law was allowed to do her bookkeeping, because her daughter and son-in-law were in rather needy circumstances. The widow was delighted! Of course! Now she got the help and advice she needed of somebody she knew well. The bookkeeper and his wife were friends of the widow. He helped her repair things in her house, all kind of things her husband and children used to do. After some time the bookkeeper asked something in return. Would she be so kind as to lend him some money? He wanted to buy a property for his wife in order to insure her of a regular income, when he had died. He was more than 20 years older than she was and not in good health. Of course the widow lent him a large amount of money. And the grateful bookkeeper did more odd jobs in the house. Later on he asked for another loan. In the beginning he paid the interest and repayment of the two mortgages, but after a while he stopped paying the repayment of one of the mortgages. He now was in full control of her bank account. She didn't know how much she owned as the bank didn't send bank statements any more, for he did internet banking. He promised her to copy the statements, and so he did twice. He remained kind and helpful and the widow trusted the bookkeeper without any doubt. Years later it was found out that he had embezzled a very large amount of money for his own good. This was a real eye opener. And the widow found herself a good lawyer and summoned the bookkeeper to appear in court.

Greed is an excessive desire to possess wealth or goods with the intention to keep it for one's self. Greed - like lust and gluttony - is a sin of excess. Greed is inappropriate expectation. However, greed is applied to a very excessive or rapacious desire and pursuit of wealth, status, and power.

As a secular psychological concept, greed is an inordinate desire to acquire or possess more than one needs or deserves, especially with respect to material wealth.

Gluttony, derived from the Latin gluttire meaning to gulp down or swallow, means over-indulgence and over-consumption of food, drink, intoxicants or wealth items to the point of waste. In some Christian denominations, it is considered one of the seven deadly sins—a misplaced desire of food or its withholding from the needy.

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.We started round 9 of the fascinating meme of ABC. For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with G.

Monday Doorways, Our World Tuesday, Gouda, Lazarus Gate I

2011-08-28T12:09:00.008+02:00

Lazarusgate (1609) gateway to the medieval Catharina Hospital, which is a museum now, and gives access to the museum and the museum garden where you can have coffee, soup or a meal.

Welcome to the first week of Our World Tuesday! This meme continues in memory of the work of Klaus Peter, whose "that's My World" brought people together from around the world every Monday to share the wonders therein--big and small.See our new logo for "Our World Tuesday" in the sidebar.

Inspired by a post by Eric Tenin of a Parisian doorway, «Louis» began posting on Mondays photos he had taken of doorways in Paris.To participate click on
Monday Doorways

All day I have been thinking of the people who have to face Irene. On TV we see Irene's devastating power, destroying everything that's in its way. May God help them.

ABC Wednesday, F for Food and Fagin.

2011-08-23T10:45:00.009+02:00

Another book written by Charles Dickens ( see my post of August 9, 2011) is Oliver Twist, which serves as the plot for the musical "Oliver", written by Lionel Bart."Food, Glorious Food", is the opening song of this musical ! Oliver Twist is a young orphan, living in an orphanage, which is in fact a horrible workhouse where the boys are badly treated and poorly fed. It is sung when the workhouse boys are dreaming and fantasizing about food while going to collect their gruel from the staff of the workhouse.Later on Oliver escapes from the undertaker's shop where he had to work. He arrives in London and meets the street urchin Dodger, who takes him to a place, where he lives together with many other street boys under the leadership of Fagin. One thing is sure:"The food is great!".But he has to go out with the boys learning to pick pockets, which he cannot do,then he meets an old gentleman who saves him from a lot of dangerous situations and who adopts him as his grandson.

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.We started round 9 of the fascinating meme of ABC. For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with F.

Oliver is one of my favourite musicals. I saw it several times on video and I showed it to my students learning English. The songs are great and the characters are well performed. Oliver is a sweet young orphan and Dodger is a street urchin with a heart of gold. Fagin is absolutely inimitable. Here he comes as the man who trains little street boys to pick pockets.

OLIVER-You Gotta Pick A Pocket Or Two door billy_declan

In Memory of Klaus

2011-08-15T22:21:00.005+02:00

Thou Shall Not Pass
Klaus Peter, 1960-2011

Klaus passed away. We shall miss him and his support.
Klaus was the leader of Sky Watch and That's My World. His photos were the most beautiful images of birds and nature in Florida.

that's My World, ABC Wednesday, E for Eyes

2011-08-15T11:42:00.002+02:00

2002

2010

The eyes of my grandchildren are the most beautiful jewels in the world!

Look Through Children's Eyes
Artist(Band):Kim Carnes

I'm breaking in pieces and my soul is caving in
There's a hole in the sky and we can't fill it in
There's a place in our hearts full of love for all men
Just have to find it again

Look through children's eyes try to tell them why
There's oil across the water and holes across the sky
Look through children's eyes, hear the ocean cry
Hear the forest fall in ashes from the sky

Honey you've not known enough to think it all
But here in your lifetime this is off the wall
We can save tomorrow for the children left behind
Let us all save the earth together

Look through children's eyes try to tell them why
There's oil across the water and holes across the sky
Look through children's eyes, hear the ocean cry
Hear the forest fall in ashes from the sky
Look through children's eyes

We glorify greed without counting the cost
One's man's happy ending is everyman's loss
How long since we noticed how long has it been
And the innocent child is crying again

Look through children's eyes try to tell them why
There's oil across the water and holes across the sky
Look through children's eyes, hear the ocean cry
Hear the forest fall in ashes from the sky
If we look through chilren's eyes
Look through children's eyes
We can save the earth together
If we look through children's eyes.

That's my World is hosted by Klaus, Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy and Sylvia - a Team of experienced bloggers, whom we thank for this wonderful meme. You can see more of the world of other bloggers by clicking on the logo in the side bar or on that's My World

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or

Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with E.

ABC Wednesday, D for Dickens

2011-08-09T10:00:00.003+02:00

Charles Dickens was born in Portsmouth, England, on February 7, 1812, to John and Elizabeth Dickens. He was the second of eight children. His mother had been in service to Lord Crew, and his father worked as a clerk for the Naval Pay office. John Dickens was imprisoned for debt when Charles was young. Charles Dickens went to work at a blacking warehouse, managed by a relative of his mother, when he was twelve, and his brush with hard times and poverty affected him deeply. He later recounted these experiences in the semi-autobiographical novel David Copperfield. Similarly, the concern for social justice and reform which surfaced later in his writings grew out of the harsh conditions he experienced in the warehouse. Dickens died in 1870.

"David Copperfield" was the very first Dickens book I read. And of course "A Christmas Carol" the second one.

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with D.

Sky Watch, Cook's Landing Place

2011-08-04T16:25:00.000+02:00

Sunset seen from Cook's Landing Place. When he landed here , he and his crew must have seen many sunsets during the time he stayed here for the reparation of his ship "The Endeavour".

Sky Watch is hosted by Klaus, Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy and Sylvia
Thank you so much for this great meme, it's always a pleasure to participate, and see all the other skies around the world. If you want to see some other skies please click on the logo in the side bar.

that's My World, ABC Wednesday,C for Cook's Landing

2011-08-01T17:22:00.003+02:00

Click to enlarge!

Click to enlarge.I took those photos in August 2007.

That's my World is hosted by Klaus, Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy and Sylvia - a Team of experienced bloggers, whom we thank for this wonderful meme. You can see more of the world of other bloggers by clicking on the logo in the side bar or on that's My World

We often had lunch at Cook's Landing's Kiosk. I love the iced coffee they make there, and the fish and chips. But most of all I like the casual way they have in approaching their customers. "Hello, how are you today?" "Oh, I am ok and how are you?" " I am fine! What can I do for you?" " I'd like to have an iced coffee and a fish and chips, please!" "Okay, and what is your first name?" " It's Wil" "Well Wil I'll call you when it's ready!" "Thank you!"

Cook's Landing is the exact place where Captain Cook landed in June 1770, when his ship "The Endeavour" got stuck in the reef and needed to be repaired. That's why the river near the landing's place is called the Endeavour River. The town is called Cooktown, but the Aboriginal name is Gungar. There are many stories in and around Cooktown, many of them are very sad.

Wikipedia says:"Cook's Arrival

The site of modern Cooktown was the meeting place of two vastly different cultures when, in June 1770, the local Aboriginal Guugu Yimithirr tribe cautiously watched the crippled sailing ship – His Majesty's Bark Endeavour – limp up the coast seeking a safe harbour after sustaining serious damage to its wooden hull on the Endeavour Reef, south of Cooktown. The Guugu Yimithirr people saw the Endeavour beach in the calm waters near the mouth of their river, which they called "Wahalumbaal".

Endeavour replica sailing into Cooktown's harbour near the mouth of the Endeavour River where the original Endeavour was beached for 7 weeks in 1770.

The British crew spent seven weeks on the site of present-day Cooktown, repairing their ship, replenishing food and water supplies, and caring for their sick. The extraordinary scientist, Joseph Banks, and Swedish naturalist Daniel Solander, who accompanied Cook on the expedition, collected, preserved and documented over 200 new species of plants. The young artist Sydney Parkinson illustrating the specimens and he was the first British artist to portray Aboriginal people from direct observation.

After some weeks, Joseph Banks met and spoke with the local people, recording about 50 Guugu Yimithirr words, including the name of the intriguing animal the natives called gangurru (which he transcribed as "Kangaru"). Cook recorded the local name as "Kangooroo, or Kanguru".

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or

Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with C.

Thought for the day. Hold Hands. Remember.

2011-07-28T12:00:00.004+02:00

This was the front page of my newspaper.There are many stories of survivors. Anders Breivik is full of hatred,but I hope that he cannot win of the Norwegians, who unite in love and who are firmly convinced that they will never give in to terrorism. I admire the calm and strong Norwegian people.I hope that the rest of the world follow this example.

And this is the Norwegian site where you can sign.It says: "Hold Hands". Let's all be united.

that's My World, ABC Wednesday, B for Brinker

2011-07-26T09:38:00.003+02:00

The legend of the brave Dutch boy - by others thought to be named Hans Brinker - who supposedly put his finger in the dyke to prevent a flood, was actually a literary invention by the American writer Mary Elizabeth Mapes Dodge (1831-1905), who was born in New York.

Hans Brinker was made famous in the USA by her children’s novel Hans Brinker or the Silver Skates, dating from 1865. In the chapter called ‘Friends in Need’ there is this story read out in class called 'The Hero of Haarlem'. This is the story - quoted above - of the heroic boy who saves the land from drowning by putting his finger in the dyke all night long. The adventure is situated near Haarlem, not yet in Spaarndam (both in the province of North-Holland). Actually, the hero in the story remains anonymous, but still the adventure is mostly attributed to Hans Brinker, Hansie Brinkers or Peter of Haarlem.

That's my World is hosted by Klaus, Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy and Sylvia - a Team of experienced bloggers, whom we thank for this wonderful meme. You can see more of the world of other bloggers by clicking on the logo in the side bar or on that's My World

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or

Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with B.

Aases død

2011-07-25T10:27:00.006+02:00

Per Gynt sings about his mother Aase's death. This beautiful music by Edvard Grieg creates a feeling of sorrow and sadness in me.

Norway

2011-07-23T08:05:00.004+02:00

My thoughts are with Norway, that beautiful peaceful country, where my family and I spent so many happy holidays. I shall think of you dear Norwegian blogging friends and I am very sad for all the lives that were lost.

that's' My World, ABC Wednesday, A for Noah's Ark

2011-07-18T10:17:00.003+02:00

This video shows the Dutch carpenter Johan Huibers is building a seaworthy replica of Noah's Ark and why he is doing this.This replica of Noah's Ark is being built to approximately one-half of the size specifications given in the Old Testament. Inside there are life-size statues of elephants and a giraffe to welcome the visitors. A small theater showing a film on the life of Noah is tucked under the keel, and the nearly finished top deck will soon house a petting zoo with lambs, chickens, goats, and a camel. Passengers can sail up and down Holland's canals while exploring the giant bark.

Noah's Ark (Hebrew: תֵּבַת נֹחַ‎, Tebhath Noaḥ in Classical Hebrew; Tevat Noakh in Modern Hebrew) is the vessel which, according to the Book of Genesis (chapters 6-9) and the Quran (surah Hud), was built by Noah at God's command to save himself, his family, and the world's animals from a worldwide deluge.

God, seeing the wickedness of man, is grieved by his creation and resolves to send a great flood. He sees that Noah is a man "righteous in his generation," and gives him detailed instructions for the Ark. When the animals are safe on board God sends the Flood, which rises until all the mountains are covered and all life is destroyed. At the height of the flood the Ark rests on the mountains, the waters abate, and dry land reappears. Noah, his family, and the animals leave the Ark, and God vows to never again send a flood to destroy the Earth.

That's my World is hosted by Klaus, Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy and Sylvia - a Team of experienced bloggers, whom we thank for this wonderful meme. You can see more of the world of other bloggers by clicking on the logo in the side bar or on that's My World

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or

Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with A.

that's My World, ABC Wednesday, Z for Zeeland

2011-07-11T16:09:00.012+02:00

To enlarge this slide, please click on "View All Images"Then on "Full Screen".

Zeeland also called Zealand in English , is a province of the Netherlands. The province, located in the south-west of the country, consists of a number of islands (hence its name, meaning "sea-land") and a strip bordering Belgium. Its capital is Middelburg. With a population of about 380,000, its area is about 2930 km², of which almost 1140 km² is water. Large parts of Zeeland are below sea level. The last great flooding of the area was on January 31, 1953. I was a student at that time and I was asked to help cleaning houses in Zierikzee in August. We worked there with a lot of students from all over the world.

Tourism is an important economic activity. Its sunny beaches make it a popular holiday destination in the summer. Most tourists are Germans. In some areas, the population can be two to four times higher during high summer season. The coat of arms of Zeeland shows a lion half-emerged from water, and the text "luctor et emergo" (Latin for "I struggle and I emerge"). The Pacific nation of New Zealand is named after Zeeland . The first Europeans who landed in New Zealand were the Dutchman Abel Tasman and his crew. Abel Tasman is responsible for naming this nation New Zealand. Captain Cook came there in 1769.

That's my World is hosted by Klaus, Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy and Sylvia - a Team of experienced bloggers, whom we thank for this wonderful meme. You can see more of the world of other bloggers by clicking on the logo in the side bar or on that's My World

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or

Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with Z.

Monday Doorways, Westminster Abbey

2011-07-10T11:51:00.002+02:00

Westminster Abbey is steeped in more than a thousand years of history. Benedictine monks first came to this site in the middle of the tenth century, establishing a tradition of daily worship which continues to this day.

The Abbey has been the coronation church since 1066 and is the final resting place of seventeen monarchs.

The present church, begun by Henry III in 1245, is one of the most important Gothic buildings in the country, with the medieval shrine of an Anglo-Saxon saint still at its heart.

Westminster Abbey is also the place where some of the most significant people in the nation's history are buried or commemorated.

Inspired by a post by Eric Tenin of a Parisian doorway, «Louis» began posting on Mondays photos he had taken of doorways in Paris.To participate click on
Monday Doorways or on the logo in the sidebar.

ABC Wednesday, Y for Yale

2011-07-05T10:07:00.002+02:00

On the Great Gate of St. John's College we can see the coat of arms of the Foundress, Lady Margaret Beaufort. The curious beasts on either side are yales, mythical animals having elephants' tails, antelopes' bodies and goats' heads, with horns which can supposedly swivel from back to front!
This is what I found about on the site of Bestiary Beasts and especially The Yale :
"The yale has very long and flexible horns, which it move independantly in any direction. When it fights, it keeps one horn pointed backward, so that if the horn it is fighting with is damaged it can bring the other to the front. The yale is the size of a horse, but has the tail of an elephant and the jaws of a boar, and is black. The basilisk is the enemy of the yale, and if it finds the yale asleep it stings it between the eyes, causing its eyes to swell until they burst."

It also says in Wikipedia:" In the US, the yale as a heraldic symbol is weakly associated with Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. Neither the University's coat of arms nor most of its other heraldry features the yale, and the school's primary sports mascot is a bulldog named Handsome Dan. But a yale is depicted on the official banner of the President of the University, which is carried and displayed during commencement exercises each spring, and yales can be seen above the gateway to Yale's Davenport College and the pediment of Timothy Dwight College."

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with Y.

Sunday Bridges, Weekend Reflections

2011-07-02T19:02:00.006+02:00

I got this from Patty Lincoln. I think it's worthwhile reading!

Read quietly then send it back on its journey

To realize
The value of a sister/brother
Ask someone
Who doesn't have one.

To realize
The value of ten years:
Ask a newly
Divorced couple.

To realize
The value of four years:
Ask a graduate.

To realize
The value of one year:
Ask a student who
Has failed a final exam.

To realize
The value of nine months:
Ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.

To realize
The value of one month:
Ask a mother
Who has given birth to
A premature baby.

To realize
The value of one week:
Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize
The value of one minute:
Ask a person
Who has missed the train, bus or plane.

To realize
The value of one second:
Ask a person
Who has survived an accident.

Time waits for no one.

Treasure every moment you have.

You will treasure it even more when
You can share it with someone special.

To realize the value of a friend or family member:

LOSE ONE.

The origin of this letter is unknown,
But it brings good luck to everyone who passes it on.

Remember....

Hold on tight to the ones you love!

Weekend Reflections was started on 27 September 2009, by James. You can join this meme at some time during the weekend. Just post your photo and go to James to tell him that you are on, or click on the logo in the sidebar.This meme is created for any type of reflection.

Thanks to Louis we can participate in this meme!

For more bridges go to Sunday Bridges

Sky Watch, The Netherlands,

2011-06-30T14:00:00.010+02:00

On Tuesday we had an enormous downpour with hailstones like marbles. I was afraid that my windows would be smashed, but fortunately they survived! This video was taken at the end of the rain! So you can understand how it was in the beginning of the hail shower. I was really scared!

Sky Watch is hosted by Klaus, Sandy, Wren, Fishing Guy and Sylvia
Thank you so much for this great meme, it's always a pleasure to participate, and see all the other skies around the world. If you want to see some other skies please click on the logo in the side bar.

ABC Wednesday X for X-Files

2011-06-28T13:23:00.000+02:00

A long time ago we used to watch the X-Files with the agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. We were fascinated by their adventures and wouldn't miss an episode. Some months ago I saw a movie of the X-Files again.

The film opens in North Texas, 35,000 BC. Entering a cave, a Neanderthal man stumbles upon what appears to be a large extraterrestrial lifeform. They fight and the caveman wins, stabbing the creature to death, but is infected by black oil. In 1998 small-town Texas, a young boy (Lucas Black) falls down a hole and finds a human skull. As he picks it up, black oil seeps out from the ground and slithers up his body until it reaches his head, causing his eyes to turn black. Firefighters descend into the hole to rescue him but are not seen again. A team of biohazard-suited men arrive on the scene.

Meanwhile, FBI Special Agents Fox Mulder (David Duchovny) and Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) have been assigned to other projects since the closure of the X-Files. They are helping to investigate a bomb threat against a federal building in Dallas, Texas. Mulder scouts out a building across the street from the believed target and discovers the bomb in a vending machine. Special Agent in Charge Michaud stays behind to disarm the bomb as Mulder and Scully evacuate the building. Unknown to the agents, Michaud makes no effort to disarm the bomb, which ultimately detonates.

Returning to Washington, D.C., Mulder and Scully are chastised because four people were still in the building when it exploded. They are scheduled separate hearings at which their job performances will be evaluated. That evening, Mulder encounters a paranoid doctor, Alvin Kurtzweil (Martin Landau), who explains that the four victims were already dead, and that the bomb was allowed to detonate to destroy the evidence of how they died.

Mulder and Scully travel to the crime scene in Texas. On the way they follow a convoy of tanker trucks to a large cornfield surrounding two bright, glowing domes. When they enter the domes, they find them empty, but grates in the floor open up and a thick swarm of bees forces the agents out onto the cornfield. Soon black helicopters appear overhead, chasing them, and the two escape back to Washington.

Upon their return, Mulder unsuccessfully tries to seek help from Kurtzweil, while Scully attends her performance hearing and learns that she is to be transferred to Salt Lake City, Utah. Mulder is devastated to lose Scully as a partner. The two share a tender moment, when Scully is stung by a bee which had lodged itself under her shirt collar. She quickly loses consciousness. Mulder calls for emergency aid but when an ambulance arrives, the driver shoots Mulder in the head and whisks Scully away. Awaking in hospital, Mulder is informed that the bullet only grazed his temple, and leaves with the assistance of the Lone Gunmen. He is accosted by a former adversary, the Well-Manicured Man (John Neville), who gives him Scully's location in Antarctica along with a vaccine to combat the virus that has infected her. The Well-Manicured Man then commits suicide before his betrayal of The Syndicate (a shadow government group working against Mulder and Scully) is discovered.

Mulder travels to Antarctica to save Scully, and discovers a secret underground laboratory run by their enemy the Cigarette Smoking Man (William B. Davis). Mulder uses the vaccine to revive Scully, disrupting the stable environment of the lab and reviving the cocooned aliens. The lab is destroyed just after Mulder and Scully escape to the surface, when an alien vessel lying dormant beneath it leaves its underground port and launches into the sky. Mulder watches the ship fly directly overhead and disappear into the distance, as Scully regains consciousness.

Some time later, Mulder and Scully attend a hearing where their testimony is ignored, and the evidence covered up. The only remaining proof of their ordeal is the bee that stung Scully, collected by the Lone Gunmen. She hands it over, noting that the FBI does not currently have an investigative unit qualified to pursue the evidence at hand. Later, appalled by the media's cover-up of the incident, Mulder tries to persuade Scully to leave his crusade. She refuses, saying, "If I quit now, they win."

At another crop outpost in Tunisia, the Cigarette Smoking Man hands Strughold a telegram revealing that the X-Files unit has been re-opened

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.We started round 8 of the fascinating meme of ABC. For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with X.

Monday Doorways, Chipping Campden

2011-06-26T10:00:00.003+02:00

One of the many lovely houses and its frontdoors in Chipping Campden, Cotswolds, Great Britain.
As the name suggests ("Chipping" means market or market place from the old English "Ceping"). Chipping Campden was one of the most important of the medieval wool towns and famous throughout Europe. This legacy of fame and prosperity is everything that give the town its character.

Campden was already established in the 7th century and derives its name from the Saxon "Campa-denu" or "Campadene", meaning a valley with fields or enclosures of cultivated land.

Chipping Campden's church, St. James, at the north end of the town, is perhaps, the finest 'wool' church in the Cotswolds, with a magnificent 120ft (36 metre) tower and a very spacious interior. The church is famed for having one of the oldest altar tapestries (pre-reformation) and largest brass in England.

Inspired by a post by Eric Tenin of a Parisian doorway, «Louis» began posting on Mondays photos he had taken of doorways in Paris.To participate click on the logo in the sidebar or on
Monday Doorways

Detail of the frontdoor.

Weekend Reflections, New Zealand,

2011-06-24T10:10:00.002+02:00

In January and February 2005 my daughter, her children and I stayed on the South Island of New Zealand. After touring around for a few weeks we arrived in Picton. On the fourth of February we decided to join one of the mail boat cruises. Our destination was Ship Cove, where apart from wonderful birdlife, we saw an interesting monument dedicated to Captain James Cook, who visited this place 5 times. We were pleasantly surprised when we saw this ship lying there as if we were set back in time.

Weekend Reflections was started on 27 September 2009, by James. You can join this meme at some time during the weekend. Just post your photo and go to James to tell him that you are on, or click on the logo in the sidebar.This meme is created for any type of reflection.

ABC Wednesday,W of Wizard of Christchurch.

2011-06-21T12:38:00.002+02:00

When we were in New Zealand in Christchurch in February 2005, we saw this man preaching in front of the cathedral. My daughter told me that he was called The Wizard and a kind of tourist attraction. I looked for information in Wikipedia and found this:

"Ian Brackenbury Channell was born on 4 December 1932 in London. In 1951-53 he served in the Royal Air Force as a pilot-officer navigator and in 1963 he graduated from the University of Leeds with a double honours degree in psychology and sociology. Shortly afterwards he was recruited by the University of Western Australia Adult Education Board to run their community arts programme. In 1967 he joined the teaching staff of the newly opened School of Sociology at the University of New South Wales in Sydney."

"In 1974 the Wizard migrated to Christchurch in New Zealand and began to speak on a ladder in Cathedral Square. The City Council attempted to have him arrested but through ingenious fun revolutionary strategies he out-manoeuvered them and became so popular with locals and tourists that they made the square a public speaking area. Wearing his costume as a false prophet of the Church of England or his wizard's pointy hat, he has been speaking there at lunchtimes in the summer months ever since and soon become a New Zealand icon featured in the guide books." We can find more if we click on

The Wizard of Christchurch

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.We started round 8 of the fascinating meme of ABC. For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with W.

Psalms Challenge, Psalm 24

2011-06-19T10:00:00.001+02:00

Psalms Chapter 24
1 A Psalm of David.
The earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.

2 For He hath founded it upon the seas, and established it upon the floods.

3 Who shall ascend into the mountain of the LORD? and who shall stand in His holy place?

4 He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart;
who hath not taken My name in vain, and hath not sworn deceitfully.
5 He shall receive a blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation.

6 Such is the generation of them that seek after Him, that seek Thy face, even Jacob.

7 Lift up your heads, O ye gates, and be ye lifted up, ye everlasting doors;
that the King of glory may come in.

8 'Who is the King of glory?'
'The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle.'

The verses from Psalm 24 are contributed to Robert's Psalms Challenge meme at Daily Athens. To read more psalms click on Robert

Photo 1: Greece, Mystras
Photo 2: Netherlands, the sea between the Isle of Texel and Noord-Holland.
Photo 3: New Zealand, South Island
Photo 4: Norway,Dale Kyrkje, Luster
Photo 5: England, Peterborough Cathedral

Weekend Reflections, Stratford upon Avon

2011-06-16T14:00:00.004+02:00

Canal boats in Stratford upon Avon

Long time ago these narrow boats were used to transport goods on the rivers and canals in the UK. The British canal system was built over 150 years ago. Many families lived on these boats. It was their home and livelihood. It was a hard life as many canal tunnels had no towpath.Therefore the younger members of the family led the horse over the top, while the rest of the family lay on their backs on the roof of the boat and walked the boat through the tunnels.You can still travel from London to Liverpool, and from Hull to Bristol by canal boat.
Now these boats are very popular as holiday accomodations. You can see that from this advertisement:

"Our canal boats are easy to operate and offer a good standard of comfort and equipment on-board.
If you have a free weekend why not hire a canal boat for a short weekend break or a longer midweek break."

Here's a plan of a narrow boat. It's called a narrow boat, because its measurements are: two metres wide and fifteen or sixteen metres long.

ABC Wednesday, V for vegetarian

2011-06-14T14:00:00.000+02:00

One of my daughters is a vegetarian. She hates to kill animals and eating them afterwards, although she eats eggs and fish. When she was a child, I often cooked for her a meat free dish. Fortunately she liked mushrooms, nuts, eggs, fish and cheese. So I made several times a dish with pasta and cheese and mushrooms.

This is what Wikipedia says about the history of vegetarianism:
"The earliest records of (lacto) vegetarianism come from ancient India and ancient Greece in the 6th century BCE. In both instances the diet was closely connected with the idea of nonviolence towards animals (called ahimsa in India) and was promoted by religious groups and philosophers.

“ Indian emperor Ashoka asserted protection to fauna: "Twenty-six years after my coronation various animals were declared to be protected — parrots, mainas, aruna, ruddy geese, wild ducks, nandimukhas, gelatas, bats, queen ants, terrapins, boneless fish, vedareyaka, gangapuputaka, sankiya fish, tortoises, porcupines, squirrels, deer, bulls, okapinda, wild asses, wild pigeons, domestic pigeons and all four-footed creatures that are neither useful nor edible. Those nanny goats, ewes and sows which are with young or giving milk to their young are protected, and so are young ones less than six months old. Cocks are not to be caponized, husks hiding living beings are not to be burnt and forests are not to be burnt either without reason or to kill creatures. One animal is not to be fed to another." —Edicts of Ashoka, Fifth Pillar ”

Following the Christianisation of the Roman Empire in late antiquity, vegetarianism practically disappeared from Europe. Several orders of monks in medieval Europe restricted or banned the consumption of meat for ascetic reasons, but none of them eschewed fish. It re-emerged during the Renaissance, becoming more widespread in the 19th and 20th centuries. In 1847, the first vegetarian society was founded in the United Kingdom; Germany, the Netherlands, and other countries followed. The International Vegetarian Union, a union of the national societies, was founded in 1908. In the Western world, the popularity of vegetarianism grew during the 20th century as a result of nutritional, ethical, and more recently, environmental and economic concerns."

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.We started round 8 of the fascinating meme of ABC. For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with V.

Monday Doorways, Great Britain, Oxford II

2011-06-12T10:00:00.003+02:00

Another building in Oxford in the area of the University buildings. I don't know what the name of this building is. Maybe one of you knows what it is?

Inspired by a post by Eric Tenin of a Parisian doorway, «Louis» began posting on Mondays photos he had taken of doorways in Paris.To participate click on
Monday Doorways

Whitsuntide

2011-06-11T23:16:00.000+02:00

On Sunday, 12th June and Monday, 13th we celebrate Whitsuntide.
Whitsun (also Whitsunday, Whit Sunday or Whit) is the name used in the UK for the Christian festival of Pentecost, the seventh Sunday after Easter, which commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Christ's disciples (Acts of the Apostles chapter 2).
Wikipedia says:
"The name derives from the white garments worn by catechumens, those expecting to be baptised on that Sunday, when infant baptism was still uncommon. Thus it is centuries older than the tradition of the young women of the parish all coming to church or chapel in new white dresses on that day. However, Augustinian canon, John Mirk (c1382 - 1414), of Lilleshall Abbey, Shropshire, had a different interpretation:

Good men and wimmen, this day (Dies Penthecostes) is called Wytsonday by cause the holy ghost bought wytte and wisdom into Crists dyscyples, and so by prechying after in all Cristendom and fylled him full of holy Wytte

Thus, he thought the root of the word was "wit" (formerly spelt "wyt" or "wytte") and Pentecost was so-called to signify the outpouring of the wisdom of the Holy Ghost on Christ's disciples."

Psalms Challenge, Psalm 23

2011-06-11T12:01:00.016+02:00

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures

he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

The verses from Psalm 23 are contributed to Robert's Psalms Challenge meme at Daily Athens. To read more psalms click on Robert

Photos 1, 2, 3, 4 in the surroundings of my hometown.
Photo 5 taken in Egypt
Photo 6 taken in Norway

ABC Wednesday, U for Unicef

2011-06-07T12:00:00.000+02:00

UNICEF works with children in over 150 countries around the world. These post is devoted to the work of UNICEF in many of them.
An example of what UNICEF does:
In 2007, an estimated 9.2 million children worldwide under the age of five died from largely preventable causes. Some are directly caused by illness such as pneumonia, diarrhoea and malaria. Others are caused by indirect causes including conflict and HIV/AIDS. Malnutrition, poor hygiene and lack of access to safe water and adequate sanitation contribute to more than half of these deaths. Two thirds of both neonatal and young child deaths — over 6 million deaths every year — are preventable. Half a million women die in pregnancy each year, most during delivery or in the first few days thereafter.

But what can we do?
I always buy UNICEF articles for X-mas or ST Nicholas( 5th December). For my birthday, which is in December too, I like to get things from UNICEF or Oxfam.
Here are a few of the things you can buy in a UNICEF shop.

Apart from toys, there are x-mas cards, calendars, diaries, jigsaw puzzles, candles, candle sticks and lots of other beautiful things.

A box containing Unicef cards.

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

United Nations Children's Fund was created by the United Nations General Assembly on December 11, 1946, to provide emergency food and healthcare to children in countries that had been devastated by World War II. In 1953, UNICEF became a permanent part of the United Nations System and its name was shortened from the original United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund but it has continued to be known by the popular acronym based on this old name. Headquartered in New York City, UNICEF provides long-term humanitarian and developmental assistance to children and mothers in developing countries.

UNICEF relies on contributions from governments and private donors and UNICEF's total income for 2006 was $2,781,000,000. Governments contribute two thirds of the organization's resources; private groups and some 6 million individuals contribute the rest through the National Committees. UNICEF's programs emphasize developing community-level services to promote the health and well-being of children. UNICEF was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1965 and the Prince of Asturias Award of Concord in 2006.

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.We started round 8 of the fascinating meme of ABC. For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with U.

Monday Doorways, Great Britain, Oxford I

2011-06-05T10:39:00.013+02:00

This is a doorway of a University building in Oxford which was used as the library of Hogwarts in the books of Harry Potter.

Inspired by a post by Eric Tenin of a Parisian doorway, «Louis» began posting on Mondays photos he had taken of doorways in Paris.To participate click on
Monday Doorways

Psalms Challenge, Psalm 22

2011-06-04T12:00:00.010+02:00

A psalm by David, Suffering

1 My God, my God, why have you

deserted me?

Why are you so far away?

Won't you listen to my groans

and come to my rescue?

2 I cry out day and night,

but you don't answer,

and I can never rest.

This psalm ends in praising God. Many people don't come further than the first two verses. I hope that somebody post the praising verses at the end of the psalm.
Jesus on the cross spoke the first verse and when he died he praised God. Amazing!
The song on the video deals with the first two verses and the melody sounds very sad and appeals to me now.

The verses from Psalm 22 are contributed to Robert's Psalms Challenge meme at Daily Athens. To read more psalms click on Robert

ABC Wednesday, T for Tornado and Twister.

2011-05-31T12:39:00.003+02:00

How devastating a tornado is and even a mini tornado we can see in this video and photos.We have recently seen how destructive tornadoes are.
A tornado is also commonly referred to as a "twister", and is also sometimes referred to by the old-fashioned colloquial term cyclone.

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with T.

This is what the cyclone Larry caused in Queensland, Australia in March 2006. The two bottom photos are from newspapers. I have no photos of the tornadoes that recently raged over the USA, but it was on TV and I saw the destructions they caused. I am so sorry for the people who live there.
Here is a video of the aftermath of the tornado in Joplin.

Monday Doorways, the Great Gate, Cambridge

2011-05-30T08:54:00.013+02:00

Click to enlarge!

The Front Gate of St John's College in Cambridge was completed in 1516.
The carving is of the coat of arms of the Foundress, Lady Margaret Beaufort. The curious beasts on either side are yales, mythical animals having elephants' tails, antelopes' bodies and goats' heads, with horns which can supposedly swivel from back to front!
Above is a statue of St. John the Evangelist: at his feet is an eagle, the traditional symbol of the Saint. He holds a poisoned chalice, with a snake representing the legend that he charmed the poison out in the form of a serpent and then drank safely.

Inspired by a post by Eric Tenin of a Parisian doorway, «Louis» began posting on Mondays photos he had taken of doorways in Paris.To participate click on
Monday Doorways or on the logo in the sidebar.

Sunday Bridges, Great Britain, London, Tower Bridge

2011-05-29T10:25:00.006+02:00

Wikipedia says:"Tower Bridge is a combined bascule and suspension bridge in London, England, over the River Thames. It is close to the Tower of London, which gives it its name. It has become an iconic symbol of London. Work on the bridge started in 1886 and it took 8 years to finish, so in 1894 it was ready.

The bridge consists of two towers which are tied together at the upper level by means of two horizontal walkways which are designed to withstand the horizontal forces exerted by the suspended sections of the bridge on the landward sides of the towers".

Thanks to Louis we can participate in this meme!

For more bridges go to Sunday Bridges

Psalms Challenge, Psalm 21

2011-05-28T07:50:00.003+02:00

1 O LORD, in your strength the king rejoices,
and in your salvation how greatly he exults!
2 You have given him his heart’s desire
and have not withheld the request of his lips.
Selah

3 For you meet him with rich blessings;
you set a crown of fine gold upon his head.
4 He asked life of you; you gave it to him,
length of days forever and ever.
5 His glory is great through your salvation;
splendor and majesty you bestow on him.
6 For you make him most blessed forever;
you make him glad with the joy of your presence.
7 For the king trusts in the LORD,
and through the steadfast love of the Most High he shall not be moved.

8 Your hand will find out all your enemies;
your right hand will find out those who hate you.
9 You will make them as a blazing oven
when you appear.
The LORD will swallow them up in his wrath,
and fire will consume them.
10 You will destroy their descendants from the earth,
and their offspring from among the children of man.
11 Though they plan evil against you,
though they devise mischief, they will not succeed.
12 For you will put them to flight;
you will aim at their faces with your bows.

13 Be exalted, O LORD, in your strength!
We will sing and praise your power.

Today my eldest daughter is having her birthday. She is 44 years old!

The verses from Psalm 21 are contributed to Robert's Psalms Challenge meme at Daily Athens. To read more psalms click on Robert

ABC Wednesday, S for Sixties

2011-05-24T15:29:00.000+02:00

This year I bought a book about the Sixties and put it on the table for all visitors to read. Well "read" is too big a word, it's more a picture book, for even my Danish friends enjoyed viewing it, because they recognized many of the articles from the sixties. I must confess that, with the exception of some crockery and clothes, I never bought anything of those articles. My furniture was more Ikea like. I had a different taste, I think. I didn't like the pastel colours and the asymmetric shapes of, for instance, the alarm clocks, lamps, vases or ashtrays.

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with S.

Monday Doorways, Blenheim Palace.

2011-05-23T13:39:00.007+02:00

This is a photo of the doorway to Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.

Inspired by a post by Eric Tenin of a Parisian doorway, «Louis» began posting on Mondays photos he had taken of doorways in Paris.To participate click on
Monday Doorways

Sunday Bridges, Great Britain, Cambridge

2011-05-22T10:15:00.009+02:00

Borrowed from Wikipedia

The Bridge of Sighs in Cambridge is a covered bridge belonging to St John's College of Cambridge University. It was built in 1831 and crosses the River Cam between the college's Third Court and New Court. The architect was Henry Hutchinson.

It is named after the Bridge of Sighs in Venice, although they have little architecturally in common beyond the fact that they are both covered. The bridge is one of Cambridge's main tourist attractions and Queen Victoria is said to have loved it more than any other spot in the city.

A common myth states that it was the students who named this bridge "bridge of sighs," as the context of its existing within the college grounds means that the "sighs" are those of pre-exam students. This belief probably has much to do with the function of the bridge--linking two quadrangles of St John's College together in a covered path, as opposed to Kitchen Bridge, which is an open-air bridge. Students are rumoured for their sighs on proceeding from their quarters on the Backs to the tutor's offices in the main college quadrangle.

On two separate occasions, students have pulled the prank of dangling a car under the bridge. In the first incident (in 1963), a 1928 Austin 7 was punted down the river using four punts that had been lashed together - then hoisted up under the bridge using ropes. The second incident (in 1968) a Bond or Reliant Regal three-wheeler car was dangled under the bridge. In neither case was the bridge damaged.

See also my post of 15th May about the Bridge of Sighs in the "Other Place"( this is how Cambridge refers to Oxford and Oxford to Cambridge, as both cities are each other's rivals)

Thanks to Louis we can participate in this meme!

For more bridges go to Sunday Bridges

Psalms Challenge, Psalm 20

2011-05-21T08:32:00.000+02:00

Trust in the Name of the Lord Our God
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David.

20:1 May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble!
May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!
2 May he send you help from the sanctuary
and give you support from Zion!
3 May he remember all your offerings
and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices! Selah

4 May he grant you your heart's desire
and fulfill all your plans!
5 May we shout for joy over your salvation,
and in the name of our God set up our banners!
May the Lord fulfill all your petitions!

6 Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed;
he will answer him from his holy heaven
with the saving might of his right hand.
7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.
8 They collapse and fall,
but we rise and stand upright.

9 O Lord, save the king!
May he answer us when we call.

The verses from Psalm 20 are contributed to Robert's Psalms Challenge meme at Daily Athens. To read more psalms click on Robert

Weekend Reflections: Roman Bath in Bath.

2011-05-19T16:00:00.008+02:00

Click to enlarge!

The Roman Baths complex is a site of historical interest in the English city of Bath. The complex is a well-preserved Roman site for public bathing.

The Roman Baths themselves are below the modern street level. There are four main features: the Sacred Spring, the Roman Temple, the Roman Bath House and the Museum holding finds from Roman Bath. The buildings above street level date from the 19th century.

The Baths are a major tourist attraction and, together with the Grand Pump Room, receive more than one million visitors a year. It was featured on the 2005 TV programme Seven Natural Wonders as one of the wonders of the West Country. Visitors can see the Baths and Museum but cannot enter the water. An audio guide is available in several languages

Weekend Reflections was started on 27 September 2009, by James. You can join this meme at some time during the weekend. Just post your photo and go to James to tell him that you are on, or click on the logo in the sidebar.This meme is created for any type of reflection.

ABC Wednesday, R for Romans

2011-05-17T15:48:00.005+02:00

The Romans left their traces all over Great Britain. Think of the Hadrian Wall, of the City of Bath, think of London!! Even in Dover we found the remnants of a Roman Villa. Well see for yourself what great engineers the Romans were! They were important for Great Britain and also for other European countries like mine. Maybe they were even our ancestors, they certainly affected our languages these Romans.

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with R.

Bath was built on a hot water spring. See my next post on Weekend Reflection.

Sunday Bridges, Great Britain, Oxford

2011-05-15T10:00:00.009+02:00

Bridge of Sighs in Oxford.The main buildings at Hertford College are linked together by a corridor called the "Bridge of Sighs," built in 1913-14 and named after the Ponte dei Sospiri(= Italian for Bridge of Sighs) in Venice.
A common myth states that it was the students who named this bridge "bridge of sighs," as the context of its existing within the college grounds means that the "sighs" are those of pre-exam students.

Thanks to Louis we can participate in this meme!

For more bridges go to Sunday Bridges

Psalms Challenge, Psalm 19

2011-05-14T07:50:00.012+02:00

1 The heavens declare the glory of God,
and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.

2 Day to day pours out speech,
and night to night reveals knowledge.

***********************************************************
3 There is no speech, nor are there words,
whose voice is not heard.
4 Their voice goes out through all the earth,
and their words to the end of the world.

14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
be acceptable in your sight,
O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.

The verses from Psalm 19 are contributed to Robert's Psalms Challenge meme at Daily Athens. To read more psalms click on Robert

ABC Wednesday, Q for Quakers

2011-05-10T16:00:00.000+02:00

Sorry for the poor quality of these old photos.

When I was still a student I had no money to go on expensive holidays. So each summer I went to an international ecumenical workcamp, where I met students and other young adults from all over the world. In the summer of 1956 I went to England with my sister. We cycled from the Netherlands to Belgium and took the ferry to Dover. From Dover we cycled to Longwellgreen ( between Bristol and Bath)in 5 days.The workcamp was a Quaker camp. Every day before we went to work, we had a short reading from one of the many holy books. This is what I learned about the Quakers:

The foundation of the community is the Silent Meeting. They observe together silence in which they can get nearer to God and each other. This was mainly meditating, which we as regular church goers were not used to do. The idea was great, however.

Here is a photo of our fellow campers, consisting of English, Welsh, German, Swedish, Spanish, Libanese, Arabic Israelis, American and Turkish campers and me as only Dutch girl.

The way of the Quakers has its roots in Christianity , but it is inspired by various religions and ways of life.They are aimed at the personal religious experiences and not at confessions of faith. They called that the Inner Light.

Sincerity, equality, simplicity and peace are the most important values.(I agree with that.)

In the Quaker community there are no leaders, pastors, ministers, because they believe that everyone is capable to experience God. (I am not sure about that.)

The Quakers take their identity mainly from a number of statements. The most important one is the Statement of Peace.

They reject emphatically all wars and wartime activities, regardless of the aim or pretence that caused them.( that is a difficult one.)

The spirit of Christ is persistent and cannot inspire us to love our enemy at one moment, and lateron urge us to kill the enemy.(Yes that is contradictory, but Ghandi
said the same, and I think nonviolent resistance is allowed)

This was our project: the building of a Memorial Hall.

With thanks to Denise Nesbitt, who created ABC.For more interesting ABC posts click on the logo in the sidebar or Here. This week we are looking for words beginning with Q.

The Religious Society of Friends began in England in the late 1640s, in a context of social upheaval which included increasing dissatisfaction with the established church, the execution of the king, and the rise of Nonconformist movements.
The founder of Quakerism is generally accepted to have been George Fox.

Psalms Challenge, Psalm 18

2011-05-08T10:00:00.002+02:00

18:

1 I love you, O Lord, my strength.
2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.
3 I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies.

The verses from Psalm 18 are contributed to Robert's Psalms Challenge meme at Daily Athens. To read more psalms click on Robert

Weekend Reflections, The Netherlands,

2011-05-06T14:37:00.005+02:00

Click on photos to see more details!

These reflections were seen in Hoenderloo, a holiday park, where we rented a cottage in April.

Weekend Reflections was started on 27 September 2009, by James. You can join this meme at some time during the weekend. Just post your photo and go to James to tell him that you are on, or click on the logo in the sidebar.This meme is created for any type of reflection.