Pieter and I Consulted for Gourmet's Delight in Eden Wisconsin

One very pleasant consulting job for both of us stands out from April 4, 1993

A special Monday as we got up early for driving to Atlanta at 6:00 AM where Pieter had his I.N.S. interview for becoming a US Citizen on April 23!

We flew via Detroit to Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Northwest Airlines at 4:00 PM.

Upon arrival we had to drive one hour to Fond du Lac where we stayed at the Holiday Inn, now Holiday Inn Express.

Gourmet's Delight Mushrooms, Eden, Wisconsin

Tuesday morning we had to drive about 20 minutes to the mushroom farm of the Floyd brothers John and Richard.

Pleasant work for both of us and we had lunch at John's place, nice and homely cozy.

Wednesday we checked out from our hotel and went to the farm. Another pleasant day with lunch at Richard's home.

 For a chance, we were amongst Catholics.

By 5:45 PM we flew back via Detroit to Atlanta on Northwest Airlines and for this trip we both got an upgrade into first class.

Home on Thursday by 2:30 AM.

From Barb I received a written note:

Yes, the address is Mushroom Rd in Eden, Wisconsin.

Very unique!

It sure was a nice upgrade from tourist class to first class and our first experience together. 

Atlanta–Detroit–Milwaukee with one change at Detroit

Related link:

LEGAL IMMIGRANTS | previous post by me

Our Acapulco, Mexico Vacation I

 Yes, we have enjoyed some very special vacations in Acapulco, México.

A country where we both worked for over ten years as consultants.

View of Acapulco Bay from our room 2103 at the 21st floor

My flight ticket home on February 25, 2005. 

We arrived on February 15...

Hyatt Regency Acapulco was our home for those 10 days...

It read: WELCOME TO THE PEARL OF THE PACIFIC! 

Of course with our Hyatt card we had access to Regency Club.

Quite a luxury which we enjoyed world wide!

City view and you see bottom right they even had a Walmart Super Center

View of the 3 big pools and the beach with large tropical garden all around

View from the beach

View towards hotel, from beach area

We both loved the lush tropical garden setting...

Such a happy place to be together!

Well, on February 18, we both made a phone call to The Netherlands, using our American Express card. This due to the somber news of Wilhelmien, Pieter's middle brother Toon's love. She had pancreatic cancer and only three more weeks to live.

That was a rip off but to both of us those 7 minutes talking to her for US $ 49.89 was worth it!

It sure did lift her up 💕

On Sunday, February 20, we also prayed for her during Mass at noon, on the 23rd floor.

Our boss Tino and his wife Carmen drove four hours down from México City on the Maxi Pista for visiting us! They arrived on August 23.

We felt honored and enjoyed this dinner together at the Kookaburra restaurant across from our hotel on the Acapulco Bay. It is unique due to its spectacular bay views. See the tree beam to the right of me? A very unique open construction.

We all together went to the old town to see: ACAPULCO, MEXICO — THE CLIFF DIVERS OF LA QUEBRADA ←click for 1 minute video. 

Both of us had seen cliff divers before, in Hawaii

Our last night, we enjoyed this spectacular sunset...

Our arrival flights on February 15, were an adventure as I flew with Continental via Houston and Pieter with United via México City and with Aviasco to Acapulco. But they didn't fly, so he got there with AeroMexico a good hour later.

Going home was another adventure.

We both left for the airport in the taxi I'd bought my round trip ticket for upon arrival. We had hugged Tino and Carmen goodby and left at 10:30 AM for Pieter's earlier flight around noon.

We both only flew with hand luggage so checking in went swift. Pieter had to go to the domestic terminal and I to international so we hugged goodbye.

Pieter's flight got delayed one hour and I worried about his connection in Chicago... from México City and then to Atlanta.

Pieter left at 2:30 PM instead of at noon time—needless to say that he missed his connection with United to Chicago.

He arrived in México City and after pleading with AeroMexico, they gave him a ticket for 8:00 AM next day and non–stop to Atlanta. They also dropped him off at the Riazor Hotel in México City.

Pieter had requested Continental and United to page me but I never heard any message...

In Atlanta around midnight, there was no service at all. The information booth was un–staffed!

Did wait till 0:30 AM and used my spare key from our Mazda Millenia S and sat in the car by 0:50 AM on my way home. 

At home by 2:50 AM when checking the answering machine, sure enough I got a message from Pieter from the Riazor Hotel in México City with his number there and request to call him.

Sorry for having to wake him up—Georgia is one hour ahead of time but Pieter was glad we made contact. He was mad at the airlines for poor service and not contacting me.

Well, by 4:15 AM I was in bed and up again at  8:15 AM and after a light breakfast I was on my way to the airport after I'd gassed up.

Went to the AeroMexico counter after seeing that flight 306 had landed slightly early. They still had to go through customs.

So I had time to verify that Pieter actually had been ON that flight. Went to three people before I finally got my info—after pushing for it.

No, this is protected information for security reason...! Yes, I said but the plane is already on the ground, no longer in the air... So she did check and asked: Pieter?—yes, that's him!

It took Pieter 40 minutes till we could hug each other and were re–united again.

Pieter drove home and went straight to the Country Lane Pet Lodge to pick up our kitties Spooky and Barty boy. 

That was the closing of United Airlines for us after this adventure with the frequent flyer 'free ticket' for Pieter. Well, still $ 60 and he paid $ 375 for the small segment from México City to Acapulco. The gain was merely $ 200 compared to my ticket of $ 605 all in with Continental. 

Pieter vowed to never travel separately again!

Related link:

International Calling as it WAS | previous post by me

Written Compliments and Book Reviews for my Pieter — II

Reading such compliments and/or book reviews is uplifting!

Great book! My admiration for your work.

Truly a fantastic guide to growing mushrooms.

Best book on mushroom growing

Hi Pieter 

Hope all is well with you,

Just ordered your book on Amazon & looking forward to the read. Your original was always considered the bible for mushroom growing and I often refer to it. It is a well thumbed version from early nineties. Keep things lit!

Mike

Pieter,

Stay safe and enjoy life.

Best wishes and will always be grateful for your help and advice.

Mel

Thanks for the times you came to Greenwood Mushroom farm to teach.

Pieter's reply: 

Done so with enthusiasm and love for the job!

"Your BIRTH IS BLESSING To All. 

All our Blessings for your Good Health!"

From Peru:

Mr Pieter is a hero to all those who once started this cultivation. Next to your words printed in that book, it is a huge help.

Thank you very much for everything—I am organizing and I will see how I manage to get updated to the 2020 book.

I will leave the country next month.

Thank you very much for everything.

Vocational school Horst, at the time, is that right?

My reply: Yes, I worked at the CCO for over 14 years before we immigrated together.

I remember that, we worked there regularly at the time. We were young then... time has flown by.

Nice words. You have indeed meant a lot to the mushroom industry and still do! Enjoy it and stay healthy!

Best book on mushroom growing

Congratulations on your latest addition of Modern Mushroom growing 2020. Your first addition was a great asset to the farm. Your many contributions to the mushroom industry are really appreciated.

You have watered to blossom, many who needed the most.

And now it's our turn, 

Watering of blessings,

For your GOOD HEALTH.

Pieter's reply: 

Thank you so very much; it is greatly appreciated!

I met Mr. Jans and Mr. Vedder while working at Highline Mushrooms in Canada. 

These are two very excellent teachers. I learned much about caring for mushrooms and much more about caring for people. I left the mushroom industry about two decades ago but their kind of kind leadership cannot be forgotten. 

Thanks Pieter, 

For giving us the opportunity to learn so much about mushroom growing.

In the early 80s I was one of the students of the CCO. I have learned there so much. 

Lessons which help me still today.

I'm proud and honored that I was privileged to go there.

Pieter's reply:

Have done so with lots of passion and in Dutch, German and English for the short courses and ending with only English... Most is being bundled now in our books so not all is lost!

"Pieter, thank you for transitioning the growing of mushrooms with your science but practical approach."

Pieter's reply:

Thank you and it is not about how much I know but how to transfer that knowledge in an understandable way and with lots of personal practical experience...

Guess I was born to be a teacher!

I'm glad and honored that I can count Pieter to the masters, from which I learned so much. It was not only mushroom but also for your daily life, helping me to move away from my mind's barriers.

Thank you Pieter, for all what you did for me and the Mushroom community.

Well worthy Pieter, a great addition for any of 'us'...

Pieter's reply:

Hope it will help many mushroom growers all over the world! The basics never change, even for those that grow in less modern facilities.

I'm certain it will and never a more true statement in our business Pieter that often missed. You reiterate this so well throughout all stages in your book and now great to have the 2020 edition after referencing you verbally over the years.

Mr Vedder was my teacher in 1967 – 1968. Since then I was growing mushrooms till 2 years ago. So the basic knowledge for mushroom growing was all that time with me.

Mushroom growing is a very interesting and exciting culture.

Pieter's reply:

That is great to hear from a former student, from the era before the Training Centre was officially opened on September 9, 1969. Yes, today was an anniversary... Your English also stands out!

Hope you continue to do well in whatever you do.

Oh so good to hear from you Dr. Vedder, some of my best memories of work – was working for Campbell's and growing mushrooms, and my time spent in Georgia at your operation.

I still have your book and frequently pick it up to peruse. 

Do you live near the old operation? Hope you and your family are well and if you ever make it back to PA – be sure to look me up at Golden Oaks. 

Oh yes, Bobcat – I'm pretty sure I ran into one before bounded back into the woods, when I first moved back to this area. Thank you.

If you scroll down on this blog, under labels: Mushroom Editorial Review you will find more posts with meaningful compliments!

As both of us always said:

It is not important what YOU say about YOURSELF — BUT WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT YOU...

Related link:

Written Compliments for my Pieter and Book Reviews — I | previous post by me

1978 - P.J.C. Vedder's Modern Mushroom Growing Book Published in English | previous post by me and showing ALL LANGUAGES of Pieter's book — also the Spanish version from first image...

modern mushroom growing 2020 harvesting | previous post by me

September 9, 1969 Grand Opening practical Mushroom Training Center in Horst | previous post by me about founder and principal teacher Pieter...

Visiting Castle Gardens Arcen with Friend Ellie | previous post by me telling audience where Pieter used to live

Written Compliments and Book Reviews for my Pieter — I

 It sure is nice to get some written compliments from former students and/or book reviews!

Despite all odds, you took pain to pen the guidance. Greatest Consultant, far greater in Humanity.

May GOD shower my Good deeds on you.

Both of us have no PAY MASTER

Very good Article in this Pandemic, I live by the rules which I learned at the Mushroom school CCO in Horst, Netherlands. It was the best school I ever visited, here it was where I learned not only about Mushrooms. But also how the environment where we live in works, including pests and diseases and how to deal with it.

Wanna thank you for the wise lesson you taught us there in Horst at the CCO. Also I can only recommend everybody to read your books. They are really great!

Pieter's reply: 

Thanks for your meaningful comment and indeed in whatever I've taught, I tried to do the very best to explain the matter and no–nonsense. Sure, I also am a strong believer in the natural antagonsim!

I've already read it, it's the best book in the world!!

Pieter's reply: 

Thank you! It often gets called the 'Mushroom Bible'...

Sir just now I get the copy of modern mushroom growing 2020 hope that this would be a great guide for my mushroom growing life. I will refer through this and making improvements in growing, if there is any doubts in this I will go through with you sir. 

Thank you for making this 'bundle of great experience'.

Thank you Amazon for this wonderful Bhagwad Geeta for mushroom growers

Dr Vedder is a world class mushroom grower and trainer. I was so happy to see that Amazon was able to get me this wonderful bible for mushroom growers,

Hi Mariette, I am Ravi Balraj, who was in Pond's India. We always remember your excellent training skills.

I still have my notebook where I had jotted down your valuable advices on mushroom growing. And clearing our doubts. Even to this day, those were the days I learnt the maximum on mushroom growing.

You have contributed much more than your books for the mushroom world.

We all reference your books for anything on mushroom growing & many growers will continue to do so.

You are the best teacher

I am to know that you got gift from Pond's India. Pieter, known for his practical knowledge and his wonder book, I possess.

Great love and regard for both of you.

May God bless both of you.

Please send photo of Pond's gift, I want to have a look.

My reply: In good daylight I will but we better first polish the silver...

Be patient!

Never be weak thinking that you be alone but always stick to thinking

That you alone are enough...!!

Congratulations sir.

Happy 94th birthday

Pieter Vedder sir Grand Father of mushrooms

Pieter's reply: Thank you and yes, being the Grandfather of Mushroom Growing sounds right...

I am such a big fan of yours sir that I cannot tell you.

Pieter's reply: 

Thank you and it is always good to hear that I've meant something to others. May our book still help many for making a living in mushrooms! Did it with all my heart and soul...

After Fred Atkins, Mr Vedder sir you took the mushroom industry to a greater height. 

Pieter's reply: 

Thank you and I owe a lot to Mr. Fred Atkins and I counted him among my very special friends: Fred Atkins' book Mushroom Growing To-Day helped Pieter Solve Yellow Mold & False Truffle Problem ←click link

This birthday message comes 

Deep from within my heart

For everything that you do

And all the wisdom you impart.

I'm ever so grateful

To have somebody like you

Who can educate me

As wonderfully as you do.

Happy birthday to you (2023)

Review on Good Reads:

★★★★★ Loved it, so much wealth of knowledge

Thanks for this profound book you wrote for us. It's a real enchiridion; I'll keep it with my treasure books so I can always have a quick view of questions, difficulties, or discussions. Thank you so much for the lessons which I could learn from you.

Thanks for the profound book you wrote. I'll use it as an enchiridion to skill up my knowledge. Thank you for all the lessons you taught me.

Pieter's reply:

That is the main reason why we wrote and self–published our book. To share our knowledge with others. Hoping you use our handbook often!

Hi Mr. Vedder, I would like to wish You a Merry Christmas, and thank you for all your knowledge, and sharing it by books, videos, audios, etc. 

I have been working since 2005 in mushrooms when I was at the university, and the only one book available was yours.

Since that time starting as an entrepeneur, until now as a mushroom farm owner, it has been so helpful as an engineer in mushroom production, communication with workers, organization, etc. all your help and your wife's too.

I really want to thank you for all development and knowledge in mushroom farm, for all of us, that learn everyday from you!!!

Merry Christmass!!!

Hello Mr. Vedder,

Once upon a time I had the privilege of being taught by you to become a good mushroom grower in the late 70's and early 80's. I have been working in this world for about 25 years. First 8 years as a manager of the tunnel company and then 15 years on my own mushroom farm.

So your knowledge transfer has really helped me. I would like to thank you for that and I look back on a nice period where you taught us the trade in a skillful and humorous way.

We spoke again at the Mushroom Days in Grubbenvorst after you went to the USA.

By chance I came across your name on the internet, hence this message.

Hope all is well with you?

From Limburg I greet you.

Former pupil Jan

As you say, not every farmer can invest huge capital on high–tech equipment. We need to help the farmer to have good yield with less money.

Pieter's reply:

That is so true, even nowadays and that's why I still explain the BASICS in our book! Also both of us have always done our consulting work, based on QUALITY which is market value, instead of just high yields...! A BIG mistake would be an incentive program for the managers (even consultants) based just on kilograms but not on quality, which translates into market value!

Looking forward to receiving the book I ordered.

Pieter's reply:

Hope you meanwhile received it. We were 5 days without Internet so I reply late...

Hello Mr. Vedder, I wanted to tell you that I was able to read the last book you wrote on mushroom cultivation, what a great work, every day I admire your work more.

If you scroll down on this blog, under labels: Mushroom Editorial Review you will find more posts with meaningful compliments!

As both of us always said:

It is not important what YOU say about YOURSELF — BUT WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT YOU...

Related links:

{Part XVI of Husband Pieter's Trip to East Asia - Taipei, Taiwan} | previous post by me with great complimentary letter at the end

{Part III of Husband Pieter's Trip to India - Maharaja Amarinder Singh, Patiala Punjab} | previous post by me with written letter from Maharaja

1978 - P.J.C. Vedder's Modern Mushroom Growing Book Published in English | previous post by me and showing ALL LANGUAGES of Pieter's book!

modern mushroom growing 2020 harvesting | previous post by me

1982 Sinden Award for Pieter at The Hotel Majestic, Harrogate, England | previous post by me about PRESTIGIOUS AWARD IN THE MUSHROOM INDUSTRY

September 9, 1969 Grand Opening practical Mushroom Training Center in Horst | previous post by me

SOME VIRUS FACTS AND QUESTIONS | previous post by me

Grateful to Friend Gil for Capturing Pieter's 93rd Birthday | previoius post by me about Pieter's 93rd B'day

Happy Reunion with Swiss Kuhn Family & United States Consulate for our Permanent Visa | previous post by me