This photo speaks volumes...
I DO MORE BY 7 AM THAN MOST DO ALL DAY!
This was an appropriate door prize at one of our Chamber of Commerce member meetings...
Pieter wore it while biking.
Both of us used still the regular bikes with 7 gears on August 28, 2017.
No doubt, Pieter has followed a Healthy Heart lifestyle during his entire life!
Grateful that God let him stay with me through his 95th Birthday + 1 day...
November 24, 2022 on Pieter's solo E-Bike ride.
Our local airport...
September 3, 2023 and exactly 13 years past Pieter's quadruple bypass + stent in neck
A 15.57 km or 9.66 mi trip.
We started out with our 3–gear Dutch Batavus Cambridge bikes
Then the 7–speed Schwinn Wayfarer
followed by all Trek bikes the 9–speed FX and the Trek Verve+ 3 was a male E–bike that we replaced with the easy stagger frame version of TREK Vale Go! 9D EQ S
Pieter had searched on his iPadPro for an Electra and for me as well. Even with me sputtering at first as I had no heart problems. Pieter insisted in saying: "Listen, we always have done things TOGETHER!"
So I gave in...
Quite an impressive all time distance biked by my Pieter: 10,167.7 km or 6,317,9 miles!
On april 2, this year, he biked to Kroger for shopping
10.53 km or 6.6 mi
April 5, he biked to Walmart for shopping
10.77 km or 6.69 mi
Sunday April 7, Pieter's final bike ride with a coffee break at Country Club 14.6 km or 9 mi
Pieter's biking over 2024—11 hours, 187.1 km or 116.2 mi and 18 activities
Related link:
Bike Rack on Murano Platinum | previous post by me
My Pieter went to Heaven on April 30 | previous post by me
{Fly with us to Jakarta, Indonesia} | Pieter did more than 1,500,000 miles in the air... FOR WORK!
Our Year on WHEELS | also showing our longest ride ever
I feel anyone who can keep up with exercise and outdoor activity lives longest, and it looks like Pieter did both. He did a great job of keeping track of his trip and mileage. I keep track of my mileage, but with just a simple odometer. And on the bike path it is easy to read the mile markers if a person did not have a tracking device. I was riding these past weeks while it was only 50 outside,and by the time I finished and hour and 1/2 later it was 75. What a change in temps, I started out bundled up, and then sweating at the end. Finally getting some rain today, too little too late, but am grateful for it. Will be back to sweating hot and riding tomorrow. I am glad you shared Pieter's choice of bikes. MIne is and FX 5. Lynn and Precious XX
ReplyDeleteDearest Lynn and Precious,
DeletePieter definitely has proven that to be true as he stayed active and especially with outdoor activities! We both have enjoyed our Strava App for walking, biking or whatever you want to set it on. The FX bikes were great but Pieter needed more support due to his heart condition. I've enjoyed riding mine.
Hugs,
Mariette
Such an amazing man your Pieter was, Mariette. All that biking even after having had previous heart surgeries - Wow! He was determined right up until the end.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Dearest Martha Jane,
DeletePieter was amazing and he did what his heart surgeon had requested him to do. Never will I forget the time that I went with him for his first check up after open heart surgery and to see Dr. Fady Wanna's face light up when he exclaimed you are probably my first and only patient that followed through with all I said! Made me feel very proud of my Pieter!
Talking about determination—my Pieter had an iron will! Only 7 hours before his death, he got up from his bed to use the bedside toilet. I heard him and rushed over, he stood upright and I saw that he'd used his final strength. Helped him and called the nurse for getting him up and into bed again as I could not manage that on my own... Incredible!
Hugs,
Mariette
Hello Mariette, There is no doubt that Pieter was a marvel on all levels, and that you were always right there next to him. About the 7AM business I will give you no argument. If I by chance am up at 7AM, I try to go back to sleep. On the other hand, I often accomplish a lot after midnight, when my brain seems to function the best. Still, over the years I have been amazed (and a little jealous) at the tremendous lot that you and Pieter always seemed to get done. It seems that as a couple you were heaven-made to be the best support for the other.
ReplyDelete--Jim
Dearest Jim,
DeleteWell, I sure can identify with you being a night owl as I needed absolute quiet time for my brain to function at its best. Felt always so good to come to bed and having accomplished complex things. Now, I'm more converted to Pieter's early riser pattern and I love to sit up at 6:00 AM after having fed the kitties first. You get so much done before noon. We indeed have supported each other and I still feel that support even now.
Hugs,
Mariette
Hace tiempo que dejé de montar en bicicleta y ahora no sería capaz de hacerlo. El ejercicio físico que hago ahora es el de caminar.
ReplyDeleteUn abrazo.
Querida Antónia,
DeleteCaminar es igualmente bueno. Pieter tenía problemas de rodilla y su cirujano ortopédico le sugirió que anduviera en bicicleta, ya que no hay peso ni presión sobre las rodillas. ¡Los dos solíamos caminar mucho juntos!
Abrazos,
Mariette
Pieter's tshirt I LOVE IT. I do more by 7 am than most do all day too. No bike riding but
ReplyDeleteearly morning walk and then chores. I admit to losing steam about 4 pm. LOL
Hugs to you and the precious kitties.
Cecilia
Dearest Cecilia,
DeleteAs I've explained in Spanish above, Pieter had knee problems and his orthopedic surgeon advised to start biking as there is no pressure nor weight on the knee. So from walking a lot together we both started biking. Still hoping to manage to get back on my bike...
What a great expression—losing steam about 4:00 PM!
At least you are very honest about that.
Hugs,
Mariette
I love that tee shirt too! Pieter, and you, have been incredible role models for aging well, taking care of yourselves and being as active as possible. Truly inspiring!
ReplyDeleteBTW, my sleep usually is so poor (chronic issues) that I lose steam by mid afternoon much of the time. Lol. But I can get a heck of a lot done earlier in the day! 😁
Dearest Kim,
DeleteThank you and we both laughed out loud when Pieter won that t–shirt as a door prize.
Keep working and staying active is a MUST for aging well, Pieter was living proof of that. Even with his role as a caretaker, he still managed to reach 95+1day...
My sleep has been very poor due to the constant pain but somehow I manage to get enough rest and love to start the day early.
Hugs,
Mariette
Maravilha!!! E foram muito felizes enquanto a vida durou!
ReplyDeleteExemplos e mais exemplos de vida. Aplaudo daqui!!
Uma boa semana, querida Mariette, bravo!
Abraços daqui de longe!
Prezada Taís,
DeleteSim, muitos exemplos de nossos anos felizes juntos.
Obrigado pelo seu amor!
Abraços,
Mariette
I liked that shirt for me you change the 7am to 9am and it's me ,what a cool prize
ReplyDeleteDearest Jo-Anne,
DeleteYes, that shirt was indeed a very cool prize for my Pieter!
But you are up around 5:00 AM so you could wear it as is.
Hugs,
Mariette
That is a super cool shirt. That was a super healthy way to start or finish any old day.
ReplyDeleteDearest Brian,
DeleteYes, the perfect shirt for my Pieter and he has been a very hard worker all his life.
An active man and riding our bikes was just part of it.
Hugs,
Mariette
You were blessed to have this wonderful man for so long, but no amount of time is ever long enough. XO
ReplyDeleteDearest Ellen,
DeleteThank you and that is so very true thanks to lots of prayers!
Grateful for our long and happy time together and the incredible memories thereof.
Hugs,
Mariette
I like the shirt Pieter is wearing. It's so true for some people. I'm also an early bird. It's wonderful that Pieter was so active and rode his bike often. That green bicycle is very cool.
ReplyDelete~Sheri
*no, that wasn't a photo of me and my dad hunting. It was from the book Crow Call, which my sister gave me many years ago.
Dearest Sheri,
DeletePieter has been very hard working and active all throughout his life.
It was the New Green Deal:
https://mariettesbacktobasics.blogspot.com/2021/07/new-green-deal.html
Okay, it is at times confusing as you write the info above an image instead of below—this is the author in me speaking as that is the norm for publishing. Also for always mentioning the source...
Hugs,
Mariette
Dearest Mariette; First of all, so sorry for my late comment. I was a little bit out of shape lately; but slowly getting better now p;) Wow! The phrase "Grateful that God let him stay with me through his 95th Birthday + 1 day... " This phrase really & truly "MOVED" my heart. Sure, proves how you two had happy life together. No one can share or understand how your mental situation right now!!! Your posts speak volumes for me. No one can share your feeling you are having right now. Here is a little old Japanese thinking & hoping your recovery (mentally & physically) *
ReplyDeleteLot's of, Lot's of LOVE; Miyako
Dearest Miyako,
DeleteYes, you are correct in that we had a very happy life together and instead of grieving I mainly have a feeling of being grateful for having known true love and for so long!
Hugs,
Mariette
Pieter was an incredible man, dearest Mariette.
ReplyDeleteIt’s impressive that he kept biking even after his heart surgeries.
Love that shirt.
Hugs and blessings
Dearest Veronica,
DeletePieter sure was incredible and he has shown me to never ever give up in life!
His willpower and perseverance is something I pray for having enough to carry me through the painful days/nights. Pieter was a fighter!
Hugs,
Mariette
And so are you, dearest Mariette.
Delete💞
DeleteWhat an inspiration to all of us...esp to anyone who has had heart issues/surgery.
ReplyDeleteDearest Ingrid,
DeleteYes, Pieter indeed was quite an inspiration to many and a delight for his heart surgeon to see him do so well.
Hugs,
Mariette
I love that T shirt, but it definitely wouldn't apply to me! Pieter was amazing keeping himself fit.
ReplyDeleteDearest Jackie,
DeleteWell, not everyone is the same. Both of us came from a market gardener family and that means early rising and hard work. Living and working in Indonesia we also did rise at 5:00 AM every day except on Sunday.
Hugs,
Mariette
A wonderful memory. Cycling is a good form of exercise. Have you been able to ride a bike?
ReplyDeleteDearest Anne,
DeleteLots of wonderful memories.
No not yet but working on my strength and weight!
Hugs,
Mariette
Mariette the ditch question
ReplyDeleteThe ditch dimensions are normal. There is a fence behind all the homes on that side of the neighborhood. The ditch divides the neighborhood from an agricultural field that is private land.
I'm guessing when I say the ditch is probably to keep folks of the farmer's field
Hugs
Cecilia
Dearest Cecilia,
DeleteThank you, so it had nothing to do with the excessive rain!
A kind of natural barrier...
Hugs,
Mariette
Hello, Mariette, from a rainy Ireland. This has nothing to do with your post above about cycling but is related to a discussion we had a couple of weeks ago on my blog about the ways profoundly deaf people communicate. Here is a link to a news item yesterday on RTÉ, Ireland's national television and radio service: https://www.rte.ie/news/education/2024/0925/1471768-irish-sign-language/ . The Leaving Cert is the national exam at the end of secondary schooling. The results can determine which courses you may take at third level. The two profoundly deaf students featured speak perfectly - with two different Dublin accents! - and at the same time use Irish Sign Language, which was recognised by the State some years ago as an official language in addition to Irish (Gaelic) and English.
ReplyDeleteWarmest greetings and God bless from Father Seán
Dearest Father Seán,
DeleteIt is a sad fact that the State does not provide a Leaving Cert for the ISL, which has already been recognized as an official language in Ireland.
Both students indeed speak perfectly and what a frustration for them for not being able to obtain this Cert! Hoping that soon they will manage.
Thanks for your greetings and blessings on this Tropical Storm day in central Georgia.
Hugs,
Mariette
Dear Mariette, you are amazing, as was your husband. ~hugs~ The more I read, such as this exchange with Father Seán, have me in ever growing awe. Blessings, my dear.
DeleteDearest Darla,
DeleteThank you but we just were some human beings that used their heart. Our foster daughter from Indonesia was deaf, we met her in Indonesia while working and living there. She did read lips and learned to speak at a special boarding school for deaf girls. They came to our home looking for a substitute Papa & Mama... We paid her college and university education and she graduated with one point above average—making us feel mighty proud of course.
https://mariettesbacktobasics.blogspot.com/2010/05/anita-anggraeni-our-foster-daughter.html
The Dutch never introduced sign language and that is what our discussion has been about as Father Seán was in the Philippines, the neighboring country.
If all of us would care for just one other human being—we'd create a better world.
Hugs,
Mariette
Just to clarify, Mariette. Deaf students can take any of the subjects on the Leaving Cert's wide curriculum. But they are campaigning to have ISL as one of the languages offered. I'm confident that they will be listened to eventually. God bless, Father Seán,
ReplyDeleteDearest Father Seán,
DeleteYes, that is what I mentioned in my first sentence—being recognized as a Cert for the ISL.
Hugs,
Mariette
For sure, the best way to maintain health is to keep moving. (Personally, I'm not an early morning fan though LOL)
ReplyDeleteDearest Melissa,
DeleteIndeed, if you don't use it — you lose it and action is so important!
Well, having been both the son and daughter of a market gardener we were born to rise early for helping cut the Boston lettuce or pick the tomatoes, gherkins or English cucumbers. For Pieter it also meant harvesting and packing peaches and plums that they grew in their greenhouses.
Working and living in Indonesia we got up at 5:00 AM for six days a week—tropical schedule as daylight is from 6:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Hugs,
Mariette
Simply remarkable!
ReplyDeleteDearest Vicky,
DeleteThank you—just got power back after over 4.5 days...
Hugs,
Mariette
Dein lieber Pieter hat es gewußt und gelebt "Morgenstund hat Gold im Mund". Und Bewegung hält den Körper gesund. Es ist so schön, daß du auf eine wunderbare Zeit zurück blicken kannst, liebe
ReplyDeleteMariette.
Sei lieb umarmt von Viola
Liebe Viola,
DeleteJa es stimmt genau was du hier schreibst!
Kann erst jetzt antworten da ich wegen den Hurricane Helene 4.5 Tag ohne Strom war...
Dann ist man völlig von der Welt abgeschlossen und ich konnte mein Auto nichtmal aus der Garage da die Türe nicht öffneten...
Liebe Grüße,
Mariette
Wonderful photo, and I like the tee shirt. Pieter looks healthy and happy!
ReplyDeleteDearest Peter,
DeleteYes, my Pieter was in excellent shape and especially for his age!
We both were very happy and I'm grateful for such memories.
Now also enjoying the power being restored after 4.5 days.
Hugs,
Mariette
My friend, what an amazing man your husband was. Hugs.
ReplyDeleteDearest Billie Jo,
DeleteThank you and he sure was amazing all the way!
Fondest memories forever.
Hugs,
Mariette
Your dear Pieter knew it: “Morning hour has gold in its mouth”.
ReplyDeleteJust like "Exercise is half the battle."
What a blessing that you both had such a wonderful time together.
Hugs for you Mariette.
All good wishes for you.
Dearest Viola,
DeleteYes, the early bird gets the worm... Haha, all those proverbs are so true!
Exercise is a must or you are DONE.
Grateful for a long and happy time together.
Hugs,
Mariette
Physical exercise is very important and I think cycling is wonderful until an older age. I've never been able to balance myself and I recently received an exercise bike (the kind without wheels), which I use in conjunction with other home exercises. As well as walking a bit on the weekend.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Dearest Cristina,
DeletePhysical exercise in nature is the best where you breath fresh air!
Both of us are lucky for having learned to bike from childhood on and we biked a lot, to school and to work and later for exercise.
Hugs,
Mariette
Il tuo Pieter nlla sua vita ha tenuto uno stile molto sano.Abbi cura d te.
ReplyDeleteCara Olga,
DeleteSì, il mio Pieter ha vissuto una vita molto sana ed equilibrata e questo lo ha aiutato a raggiungere un'età avanzata.
Abbracci,
Mariette
I love his T-shirt, too. I used to know the time before 7 AM is special and incredible. Nature showed him its various changes starting from dawn.
ReplyDeleteDearest RTC,
DeleteThank you and it was perfect for my Pieter!
Rising early is a very healthy life style and nobody dies from doing so 😉
Hugs,
Mariette
Mariette I'm so thankful you power is back
ReplyDeleteGive the kitties a hug today
Cecilia
Dearest Cecilia,
DeleteThank you and yes, what a difference that makes!
Kitties are more at ease too.
Hugs,
Mariette