Snowy Range Pass

Snowy Range Pass

Friday, March 08, 2013

Visit to the Netherlands



Two weeks ago, Anneke left me to my own devices, as she flew to Amsterdam to spend a week in the Netherlands.  The occasion that prompted this trip was her father's 91st birthday.  He is now residing in an assisted living complex that is just a few minutes' walk from Anneke's sister's home.  This way she could visit her family , as well as her father.  





The Netherlands is not well known for its great weather at any time of the year and winter can often be very damp and cold.   Luckily there were a few  nice moments while she was visiting and everyone was able to get out and enjoy some of the scenic  countryside.  Her sister's home is in Rhenen and has a direct view of the Rhine River.  The Waal River is  nearby and it makes for a very nice drive along the dikes. They went to one of the local snack bars with great views and had some traditional Dutch food- French Fries with mayonnaise and" bitterballen". The Rhine and Waal Rivers are the busiest in northern Europe and has constant commercial traffic passing by.  













For much of his life, Anneke's dad enjoyed boating on the widespread waterways of the Netherlands and stills like to sit and watch the river traffic go by.

Anneke also had a visit from two of her friends that she has known for a long time-up to 53 years!  They had a lot of laughs.  Facebook keeps them now in close contact. 






She had a  great time with her family and I managed not to destroy the house in her absence with the help of Halley!

13 comments:

Karen and Al said...

Glad you kept things in good shape. It looks like an interesting place.

Sherry said...

Thanks so much for the great pictures of the Netherlands a place I've never been. The picture of the houses followed by what looks like a dutch door seem just right.

I know Anneke was happy to visit her friends and family and her father must have loved having her there for his 91st birthday. Congratulations on those long lived genes.

meowmomma said...

What a very special trip! And here's a late Happy Birthday! It certainly looks like a great place for Dad to sit a spell a look out on the river and the boats and think about the good ol' days!

Bob said...

So very nice that the old gentleman is still hanging in.
It's a country that has a pretty good grasp on the care of their elderly.
There are times when we miss the Netherlands. Biking anywhere else just isn't the same.

Joe and Nancy Conrad said...

What a great trip, she is so lucky to be able to visit with her father in his advanced years. Thanks for the pictures I sort of was expecting all snow and ice.

where's weaver said...

How wonderful the Anneke was able to visit with her dad. Dad doesn't look 91. Good for him.

That area looks lovely. So much history.

Being able to visit with friends...what a bonus.

Good boy...way to keep the place intact.

Wanderin' said...

Once we visited Amsterdam the end of February. It was rainy and wet and cold. It reminded me of Washington state that time of year. We also went once in May. It was beautiful then. It's just figuring out where to go and when to go no matter where we travel.

Luci & Loree said...

Love the pictures. Great she got to spend time with family, she looks all bundled up!!

Luci & Loree said...

Love the pictures, great that she got to spend time with family, she looks all bundled up!! Must have been cold..

Paul and Marti Dahl said...

Good for you that you didn't destroy the house while Anneke was visiting her dad. It's obvious she has you well trained. ;c)

Nice pictures of the trip!

Mike and Terri said...

Happy birthday to Anneke's dad! 91 years -- that's great! Imagine it was a special trip for her.

Erin said...

Nice to know that Halley kept things in check in Anneke's absence. May there be many more opportunities to celebrate her father's birthday.

Jeff said...

What a wonderful trip for Anneke to travel to visit her Dad. Glad you were able to hold down the fort. Loved the pictures.