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

Pieter was my Casper the Friendly Ghost

 Yes, my always smiling and friendly looking Pieter reminded me of Casper

August 27, 2002 our German son Andreas took this photo of us...

Happy times and fond memories forever!

Casper the Friendly Ghost...

On June 7, Pieter and another friend Judge Helen got honored at Rotary. A memorial votive candle got lit by the assistent governor Candace and she said: Pieter, smart and always smiling. 

Yes, that was my Pieter throughout his life... 

Related link:

{Tuesday May 4, dinner with friends} | Judge Helen at our home

May 10, 2024 Pieter J C Vedder's Memorial Service

 On exactly the day that WWII started in The Netherlands—May 10 of 1945—we held a meaningful Memorial Service for my Pieter.

Most has been chosen by Pieter himself and got listed in his Last Will as such.

Shortly before the service started...

Fresh white fragrant stock got delivered as they were Pieter's favorite flower.

He told me of growing them with his Dad in the greenhouse for use at the annual Sacraments Procession. 

I've used the fine silk batik tablecloths, gift from Indonesia in 2004.

Center cloth covers the cremated remains.

Turned out they fit perfectly with the chairs in the loft and with the carpet.

Indonesia meant so much for both of us so this was Perfect!

Left photo shows brother Toon, me and Pieter in Saint Augustine, Florida.

Toon's daughter Myriam was here with me and helping me set up everything...

Myriam was Pieter's only Goddaughter!

Christy's from East Dublin did such an excellent job in arranging these white stock or Matthiola incana inside a white vase.

Pieter J.C. Vedder

April 29, 1929 – April 30, 2024

Don't forget to turn on CC = Closed Captions!
Pieter's Requiem Choice
Pieter had requested in his Last Will specific music to be played at his Memorial Service.That also included a request of participation from my former chancel choir music director, Michael Dwain Little and our former Pastor Keith Goodlett.Catering a full luncheon would be done by Roy Grenade.The usual technician handling the two big video cameras and the sound board with different microphones to be turned on during Michael Dwain Little's organ play and chanting... was not present during the Memorial Service.We can never go back and do it over again and it sure was painful! We had it so well planned, set up and worked out. Oh, the book for registering names was not at the entrance of the Church but on a side table in the fellowship hall where the lunch was served.She never used the cameras the way she was supposed to do. Only showing the front pews on the right side of the Church...But after cutting out the spots without image or sound, I got this.Dear long–time friend of both of us, Gil Gillis, who used to run the local TV station agreed to use the photos that I'd prepared for showing. That too was NOT done, only a few during the luncheon.Pieter's favorite piece of music Adagio (Albinoni) that strikes a chord...Also, Mozart's Lacrimosa (Tearful) was one of Pieter's favorites and he himself sang often DIES IRAE A Capella with some other boys from the impressive 100–member choir in Groessen, The Netherlands.It just is SAD, that some insignificant people abused their power for denying my very humble, but larger than life Pieter, his final wishes.Knowing that from Heaven, Pieter still is pleased with Keith Goodlett and Michael Dwain Little's efforts to adhere to his Last Will.Kathy Jones as soprano, as requested by Pieter.Also dear friend Mary Louise Goodie McRae added to that in a touching way.

Mozart's Lacrimosa (Tearful) was not audible...

It has such a depth of human emotions and thus transcends all languages and cultures!

See link below post.

I Believe, Mark A Miller

I believe in the sun, I believe in the sun, even when, even when it's not shining.

I believe in love, even when, even when I don't feel it.

I believe in God, I believe in God, even when, even when God is silent.

Indeed, the final Musical Moment – Hungarian Dance #4, Johannes Brams very much reflected the way we both lived...

Music is the shorthand of emotion~Leo Tolstoy quote

Thank you

Words cannot express how grateful our family is for your generous support, encouraging words, and thoughts and prayers. Your kindness will always be remembered with deep gratitude.

The Family of 

Pieter J.C. Vedder

If you would like to provide a memorial donation,

checks can be made out to Mariette Vedder for 

the Leprosy Project in Indonesia which was near to his heart.

Related links:Lovely White Stock & Baby's Breath from Trader Joe's | previous post by meMozart – Lacrimosa | YouTube videoGregorian Chant : Dies Irae (Lyric Video) | YouTube video as the microphone was OFF when Michael Dwain Little played it on the organ and chanted it...I Believe SATB – Mark Miller – CGA1310 | YouTube video and SATB = Soprano, Alto, Tenor, BassMy Pieter went to Heaven on April 30 | previous post by me and THANKS for your replies!!!Our Final Easter Together | Previous post with link to Father Seán Coyle from Dublin, IrelandHusband Pieter was the 3rd VEDDER Ensign Bearer in Groessen, The Netherlands | This shows another image of Pieter in his historic uniform, tailor made for him in Amsterdam. Gil Gillis found it the most impressive photo...Pieter a Former Motorcycle Guy ALWAYS Remained one at Heart! | previous post by me1958 Tragedy for Pieter's Mushroom Friends in Zichen-Zussen-Bolder in Belgium | United Again!

Feeling carried by LOVE from around the world and countless private messages 💞

Since Pieter's passing I have regained 2 kg or 4.4 pounds — weighing now 45.3 kg or 99.8 pounds.

In the end of March I was 45.9 kg or 101 pounds

A True Love Story NEVER ENDS | previous post by me...

Fond Memories of my Paternal Grandmother and Mother–in–law who were BEST Friends

Had these images for a long time but I myself was not able to remove some 'wild' background...

June 1983 at the terrace of Pieter's eldest brother's home... in Horst, The Netherlands.

From left to right: Pieter's Mom in wheelchair, my Paternal Grandmother (they were BEST FRIENDS and sang in the choir), me and my Mom to the right. 

Ingrid from Meezer's Mews & Terrieristical Woofs ←click on link—even framed it...

Me with my Paternal Grandmother

And in a frame...

On April 5, my dear Mother–in–law had her 129th Birthday in heaven.

On April 11, my dear Paternal Grandmother had her 231st Birthday in heaven.

Mom did fill in for her when she died in 1984 and sang in the choir till her death in 2015.

Very special memories!

Now it is only me singing in the chancel choir as soprano...

Related link:

Angelic Beauties | Ingrid's post about them

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