Happy 45th anniversary mom and dad!

My sister Ilse drove past my work again today. This time she told me in advance so I was actually on time with my camera (= iPhone).

Simone sent me pictures of Silver again, this time he was allowed to get a few cat-candy's. I thought this photo was very funny :-)

Today it's my mom and dad's 45th wedding anniversary. Such a long time! We went over for coffee in the evening, Ilse was there as well, it was a nice visit.
I forgot to take any photos so here's a very nice older one from 1 or 2 years ago.

Father's day

We visited my folks for father's day. I gave him a garden gnome as a bit of a joke, but I think he likes it :-)

In the afternoon we went to the beach, it was lovely there. At home Silver was out and about till late in the evening.

Merry Christmas!

This Christmas day we met my parents for brunch in a hotel in between Alkmaar and Amsterdam.

Everybody got a free hat.

My dad and my mom.

The place was packed but the buffet was pretty good! There was live music too, which was nice.

Bye housie

Today I sold my apartment. It's completely empty now, nothing left, feels weird. Lots of memories...

I'm a little bit sad to sell the place but I'm very happy I sold it. Don't need the hassle of maintaining it for no reason... I hope the new owner makes something very nice out of it.

Since I was very early I waited outside, looking into my street.

The Jacob van Lennepkade. Gorgeous little piece of Amsterdam. Farewell!

At work I celebrated with my colleague Hans. I bought 2 pieces of cake for us.

In the evening Simone and I went to my folks. Some other friends were over and bought them these gifts for my dad's birthday.

I think I can see some similarities ;-)

Happy birthday dad!

Today's my dad's birthday. Turning 76. Best dad ever :-)

He's in this photo with 4 of his brothers. I went to see my folks during the day coz I wanted to see some of their friends and my family again as I haven't in ages. It was very nice visiting!

The birthday trip

In the afternoon my mom and dad came to pick me up and together we drove to a town called Putten to celebrate my uncle's 65th birthday. I hope it was in here but no...

Walking past this beautiful tree...

Following the little signs....

Crossing small wooden bridges....

We arrived where the little cakes were. It was fun to see some of my family again :-)

Trimming the hedge

I was going to travel a lot today. First thing I did was get in to town to pick up the squash tournament trophy. It had the recent winner engraved.

Then I took the train to Alkmaar. I got on at Sloterdijk station. They changed the square infront of the main entrance a lot. Nice high-rises as well.

I enjoyed travelling by train again. Very relaxing.

I went to my folks to trim the hedges. It was hard work ;-)

I am quite pleased with the result, but more importantly, so were my mom and dad ;-)

My dad is recovering well from his fall off his bike. The concushion is taking longer though.

I asked my mom to smile for the photo... nuff said.

Simone came to pick me up which was very nice of her since she had to come all the way from Amsterdam. So I took her out for a lovely dinner in Landsmeer.
This was my desert. Toffee icecream wrapped in marzipan. Awesome.

Mother's day

I visited my family today for mother's day. My mom made a very nice lunch. Here's my dad digging in.

Cassie was there and their Jack Russel called Pip. I'm still very impressed with Pip's behaviour. She's a doll :-)

Ilse and my mom. It was nice seeing everybody again and the food was lovely.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, Simone had called the water guys to come back and this time check the right bloody pipe. And sure enough they now found a crack on their turf instead of our's. This is good because now they can pay for it.

On my way back Simone and Milan came to pick me up in Zaandam. I saw this building for the first time when walking to the car. It's the Inntel Hotel in Zaandam. I love it :-)

When I got back, Milan and I filled up the hole that they left (they only fixed their own digging...). I'll put the bricks back in later this week.

After all the sewer crap I thought I'd take us all out to McDonalds so that we can start using our fixed sewer drain very soon! ;-)

The high-tea

This week, my little oak tree grew another 9cm. Just like that.

Simone doesn't miss an opportunity to write her name in my dust. This is the only spot visible to the eye of the camera. She did it in at least 2 more spots. I guess I should dust soon ;-)

In the afternoon, Ilse, my folks and I drove to a venue in Putten to celebrate my uncle and auntie's 40th wedding anniversary. They organised a high-tea which was lovely.

Mom and dad.

They arranged for us to see the next door museum about Putten and its surroundings which was very nice I think.

They also arranged for all their visitors to go up a 38 metres tall tower and enjoy the view.

I like that house.

The view was nice. Pity it was cloudy though but hey, this is The Netherlands after all, where we are happy when summer is on a weekend ;-)

There were trees growing on top of the tower as well, which was really cool.  I dig towers like this.

There was also a side-extension. Not for people with fear of heights ;-)

My dad, tower-guy and Ilse.

My mom striking a fantastic eating-pose again ;-) Ilse in the middle talking to another aunty, and my dad.

I had a very nice afternoon!

On the way home I got dropped off at Simone's and had a lovely evening with her as well :-)