Translate

Sunday 19 February 2017

A Glimpse of Netherlands





We know that when folks from other countries are asked about Canada they often think in terms of cold and snow, hockey and maple syrup and mighty rivers and lakes. What do you think about when the Netherlands is mentioned? Would that be water, dikes, tulips, cheese?
And of course, windmills…the beautiful old structures we saw so frequently in children’s books.? That is before the construction of the new giant metal structures that tower into the air and keep the lights burning via wind power.

What I’ve done this week is snap a few photos as we met some business appointments in Amsterdam and Utrecht. The things we love about this country are the friends we have made, the wonderful watery views, the ship-shape villages where everyone seems to have pride of place, the wonderful flowers in every market, and the wonderful bicycle culture whereby children may ride to school on bike paths beside roadways that are separated by grass or treed verges. What a wonderful thing it is too see a group of school children laughing and happily carefree, bicycling home from school where cars and trucks are not a danger. Oh, for more of those paths in Canada!

I’m afraid I am carried away by the blue delft ware and tulip vases as well as the myriad of flowers…but forgive me for my indulgence in those favourites please. We also visited a chandler, Ramon, who was recommended by friend, Floris, to purchase lines and “TipTop” bumpers so no scratch may mar the exterior of Forty Roses III. Ramon operates a fuel float and chandler shop within a barge on a canal and such a trove of treasures it is. He collects old barge lamps…which are not for sale…but the envy of all who visit his shop. Next week we will have lines, bumpers, bucket mop and flag staff…all the essentials for the boat. Now where is the barge??

We have an independent surveyor, now scheduled firmly for his assessment of the barge Feb 27th. A previous appointment for the review was canceled by the builder as he was “not ready” as well we know. Much activity has taken place in the last week.  The sofa was not able to go in because Mr. Builder had delayed the installation so long. It sat in a warehouse since October and when finally delivered was the wrong colour! Nonetheless, the company leapt to the rescue and are building a new demountable one in the right colour, which will fit. . . and will be ready the 28th.  That is what good customer service is all about and our thanks and appreciation to them.

In summary, still waiting but much closer!



Bumpers in Every Size & Shape


Hand Made by Ramon. . . knotting art. One of these takes eight hours of labour. 


Great Seats


Antique Barge Lamps


Each light has an etched number on the glass which identifies the year it was made


Pondering Artwork


Blue Line and Tip Top Bumpers


The Beauty of  Knots


Wheels


Take your Pick


House Gables from old homes saved and cherished in a wall. 


These Gables often told a story about the home owner


An Iconic Image near our temporary digs


Dick Bruna the Creator &Author of Miffy the Rabbit died this week and tributes have been many


There are ??? bicycles in Utrecht


Wonderful Canal District on a Crowded Saturday


How Many Bicycles?


The Dom Tower


How is this for a Bouquet?


An Amazing Antique Automated Musical Box


To Be Enjoyed


Everywhere a Canal


Waiting for Spring Sunshine







A Bouquet for Everyone


A Pink Hat? What Size?


RepublicDutch Bicycle. . . Fabulous shop and Busier than a Car Dealership


Beautiful Blue


So Many to Choose



Tulip Tower


Where Could We Put One?


Might Get Broken on a Barge


Amsterdam Canals


A Sea of Red Roses


Next Fall I Could Mail a Few To You


Huge Amaryllis Bulbs


Sunday 12 February 2017

The Art of Living. . .out of bags




Yes, we are still waiting, but, maybe not much longer. This week we have an independent surveyor who has an excellent reputation coming onboard Wednesday. He is assessing the boat from stem to stern to determine what, if anything requires work. He will list anything that has not been completed by the builder and that must be corrected for water/living worthiness. If we have the go ahead and the proper paper work and contractual transfer, we will be able to begin the process of moving our belongings aboard and getting things organized for a life. John must buy bumpers and dock lines and a bucket and mop along with insurance finalization. I have most everything we need and the exciting thing will be unpacking bags we brought last September to see what I’ve forgotten I put in them! I may have mentioned that we have moved 9 times? That is a great deal of shifting, even for us. We have “which bag is it in? down to a science. If it’s not inside our temporary digs it is either at the yard in “The Pile” or possibly in the trunk of a car, if we have one rented. As we have rarely had a car there have usually been only two possibilities. One immediately at hand or one anywhere from 1200km away to across the river. Who knows what we may have lost in this shuffle?

Pictured below is our heap of belongings, either brought with us in September or purchased since in anticipation of the forever moving target of completion date. We have been patient and pleasant and understanding but enough is enough. Wednesday is an important day…wish us Bon Chance please.

That’s it until next post!

The Pile


The Pile from Another Angle