Dad's Unique Royal Dutch Singers' Association Certificate for 80 Years Singing

 Yes, exactly on the day of his death, Dad would have been a singer for 81 years!

Dad joined the Church Choir at the age of 17 and soon he became a member of the Horster Mannenkoor (Men's choir) as a First Tenor.

In 1988 Dad (left) got honored as one of the Golden Quintet members...

1998 Dad (right) got honored as one of a quartet for 60 years singing.

On his lapel, Dad now proudly displayed his Royal Dutch Singers' Association pin in honor of his 60 years as a singer.

In 2008, Dad got serenaded by the Horster Mannenkoor and received his Royal Dutch Singers' Association Certificate for 70 years singing.

Photo courtesy of one of my siblings in The Netherlands

In 2013, Dad obtained another Royal Dutch Singers' Association Certificate for 75 years being a singer...

Again they got serenaded by the other members of the Horster Mannenkoor (photo courtesy of one of my siblings in The Netherlands).

Mom is beaming and she received a bouquet of flowers.

Mom is wearing my Majorica pearls that we gifted her in December of 1983.

On Friday, June 29 of 2018, Dad received his Nationally UNIQUE Royal Dutch Singers' Association Certificate for 80 years being a singer...

This time without Mom, as she passed away on January 27, 2015

Dad beaming himself, when he got recognized and awarded the above Certificate and an engraved Pewter Plate.

This engraved pewter plate came home with me from my final trip to Limburg...

Very hard to capture it, so I took it outside.

PIET VAN DEN MUNCKHOF

80 JAAR LID (80 YEARS MEMBER)

HORSTER MANNENKOOR

JULI 2018 (JULY 2018)

~

COPPERSMITHING

P. VAN DER BEELE

HORST, LIMBURG/THE NETHERLANDS

ETAIN — TIN — ZINN — PEWTER (French — Dutch — German — English)

97% by KIS KIN 

Made in Belgium

Now it resides in our home in Georgia, with the 2nd born child of 8 and the ONLY one singing...

My Paternal Grandma sang first soprano, Dad first tenor, Mom first soprano for over 25 years with the elderly choir.

My Mother–in–law (my paternal Grandma's best friend) sang also in a choir as alto.

Fond memories...

Related links:

Limburg — The Emotional Part | previous post by me about my FINAL TRIP HOME 

From CitizenM Hotel on Delta Airlines from Amsterdam to Savannah, Georgia | previous post by me about Dad's performance ONE MONTH before his death...

Thank You Lord — Horster Mannenkoor | previous post by me about Dad singing

Soon Ah Will Be Done With The Troubles Of The World | previous post by me about Dad singing

Dad Sang Avé Maria from Bach-Gounod | previous post by me about Dad singing

Thinking about Mom and Dad on Saint Cecilia | previous post by me about Dad singing

Dad Sang Solo on Mom & Dad's 50th Wedding Anniversary | previous post by me about Dad singing

{W.A. Mozart Composed this Heavenly Mass in C, K 167 at Age 17} | previous post by me about Dad happily anticipating Mass sung by Horster Mannenkoor

Auf der Heide blühn die letzten Rosen | Youtube video where Dad sings when he was half a year widower...

{My Daddy - Papa} | previous post by me and mention about Dad singing a solo at the Church of our friends here in Dublin...

POEM Gift from BEST Friend Ellie

 In June when I came back from my final trip to Limburg...

This was a very special gift that I carried home in my suitcase.

From BEST Friend Ellie, yes we're friends for 58 year already!

HOW did she have the ESP (Extrasensory Perception) for selecting this? 

It hangs in our bathroom and after my horrible accident while biking, I read it again and could not believe the Dutch words:

Lieve vriendin

Als je me nodig hebt,

Dan roep je me maar.

Als je verdriet hebt, 

Sta ik altijd voor je klaar.

Als je pijn hebt,

Zal ik je troosten.

Als je geen zin hebt,

Zal ik je overhalen.

Samen lachen, samen pijn,

Ik zal er altijd voor je zijn.

English:

Dear friend

If you need me,

Then you call me.

If you are grieving, 

I'm always there for you.

If you are in pain,

I will comfort you.

If you don't feel like it,

I'll persuade you.

Laughing together, hurting together,

I will always be there for you.

Ellie over the decades has been a beacon and will always remain so—for as long as we live.

Too bad we live some 8,000 km away from each other...

Related link:

NS Train of 5:40 to Schiphol Airport and Flight HOME | previous post by me

Mom & Dad's Trio of Crucifix with Corpus and Plaques with Red Copper Relief Statues

 When I did fly solo to The Netherlands—one last time in June of 2022, it was for a very special reason.

Bringing home some treasures from their estate in Limburg...

Mom & Dad's Trio of Crucifix with Corpus and Plaques with red Copper Relief Statues on oak, now hangs above our bed...

Dad's Maternal Uncle — Heeroom blessed the marriage of Mom & Dad but also this special trio.

It hung above their bed till the very end—now it resides in our home in the USA.

My photo seen hanging to the right here below—also came home...

This photo I took on February 21, 2014 when we flew to The Netherlands for Mom's 90th Birthday and Mom & Dad's 65th Wedding Anniversary.

That was the LAST time I got to see Mom alive... see post below about Mom's Hand Knitted Bedspread as Window Display.

Related link:

{Mom's Hand Knitted Bedspread as Window Display} | previous post by me

Limburg — The Emotional Part | previous post by me

{March 14, Written Life Message for me by my Favorite Great-Uncle} | previous post by me

Broccoli Toast—My Attempt...

Goddaughter Elvira did serve such delicious Broccoli Toast while I was in Limburg.

Sure, she is a Lady Chef and an excellent one!

This is what Evira served my best friend Ellie (her Mom) and me...

So, once back home in the USA, I did ask Elvira for the recipe.

BROCCOLI TOAST

Ingredients:

• 8.5 oz broccoli rice
• 1.5 tablespoon of coconut oil
• 3 eggs
• 1 tablespoon of coconut flour
• 4 oz smoked salmon
• 2 avocados
• flax seeds to garnish

Instruction

1. Heat a frying pan with the coconut oil and sauté broccoli rice for a few minutes. It may just be al dente. Let cool a little.
2. Add the eggs and the coconut flour. Mix well and let stand for a while.
3. Heat a frying pan and spoon 1 tablespoon of the mixture into the pan if it is hot enough and bake brown. Bake all broccoli toast like this.
4. Serve with the smoked salmon, flax seeds, tomato, basil and or avocado.

Sauté broccoli rice

Adding the coconut flour.

Adding the eggs...

Trying to form the toast patties...

Baking them brown...

And there is my very humble version of Lady Chef Elvira's professional Broccoli Toast.

Tried this on July 5th and have been searching for some ready broccoli rice to repeat and perfect it...

NOPE.

So this is it—a humble form of Elvira's perfect Broccoli Toast.

Served on a heated Pillivuyt plate on a Le Jacquard Français linen rose placemat.

Related link:

In Limburg with Friends | previous post by me

Thank You Lord — Horster Mannenkoor

 Just like to share another song that my Dad loved to sing with his Horster Mannenkoor in Horst, Limburg/The Netherlands.

He has been a great 1st tenor—Dad's voice is easily heard!

In begin 1990s Dad gave us a cassette tape with some of the songs they sang.

Did digitalize a few of those songs—wish I had the original but this already made my singing heart happy...

Enjoy:

Dad is seen 2nd from left, bottom row and my Uncle Jan is on the left.

Horster Mannenkoor during their Mass for 100 years Horster Men's Choir November 9, 1894–1994 at the St. Lambertus Church in Horst, Limburg / The Netherlands

H. Lambertuskerk — Horst, Netherlands ←click link

THANK YOU LORD:

Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul

Thank you, lord, for making me whole

Thank you, Lord, for giving to me

Thy great salvation so rich and free

Thank you Lord, Thank you Lord

Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul

Thank you, Lord, for making me whole

Thank you, Lord, for giving to me

Thy great salvation so rich and free 

Thank you Lord, my Lord

Related links:

Soon Ah Will Be Done With The Troubles Of The World | previous post by me about Dad singing with Horster Mannenkoor

Dad Sang Avé Maria from Bach-Gounod | previous post by me about Dad singing solo

Thinking about Mom and Dad on Saint Cecilia | Dad also sang Thank You Lord with Pieter at the organ

Dad Sang Solo on Mom & Dad's 50th Wedding Anniversary | previous post by me

Dad Sang The First Noel and Thank You Lord at Presbyterian Church | previous post by me

Wearing Mom's Wedding Dress to Church

 One of the treasures I did bring home from Limburg was Mom's wedding dress!

October 15, I wore it to Mass after I had it dry cleaned at Presstine Cleaners in Atlanta.

The dress was made out of a nice rayon georgette and I wear my black patent Escada sandals.

The dress originally came with train.

Mom's bridal bouquet looks like she was holding white stock or Matthiola Incana—also very fragrant!

In Dutch white stock is witte violieren...

Dad with a hat in his hand and gloves...

The day of the beginning of a Blissful Relationship—blessed by Dad's maternal Uncle—Heeroom.

Mom and Dad more up close.

Mom sure had lovely hair here and wearing her golden cross on a short necklace.

Those were the days of hats and Mom has worn many hats, especially when going to Church.

Her dress with train got later altered to a shorter version.

Can't recall if she wore it to certain events...

Dad had no camera of his own in the early years!

Photo taken after Mass by a friend.

Pieter wearing his silk Burberry suit that I also did bring back from Limburg...

The side seams of the top were let out by my sister, some 3 inches (7.5 cm). The dress is too wide for me now. 

At home one more WeFie in bright daylight...

Pieter wearing his Escada silk elephant tie.

This photo is from March 8, 1968 when I wore the dress with boots in Horst, Limburg...

Funny, I was 17, and above I am 71... just reversed numbers.

But I'm the only of 3 daughters that still can wear Mom's small sized dress!

Guess Mom was smiling down from heaven to see her wedding dress go to Church once more...

The History of the Bridal Gown

Not in white

It used to be unthinkable to buy a dress for one day. That only happened at court. 

Well into the twentieth century many brides married in black.

Even Pieter's late wife Thea did...

In front of the Church—also with hat and gloves in hand...

Don't understand where she left her gorgeous bridal bouquet.

Pieter with the bridal bouquet, full of orchids...

In 1983, when it was the rage to wear such black jackets—Pieter's 19 year old adopted daughter Liz, begged for the jacket of his wedding suit and Pieter gave in...

A handsome groom that stayed with Thea for 27 years—living like brother and sister...

BUT thanks to that, he wrote the mushroom bible and helped thousands to make a better living!

Everything has a reason in life and we both are grateful that God made us meet 53 years ago and we are happily married for a long time.

Related link:

{The Little Black Dress & My MOM} | previous post by me with Mom in her bridal gown

Both of us LOVE Elephants | previous post by me with Pieter's Escada elephant tie

FAMILY Treasures from Chef of Smulhuis in Brunssum/The Netherlands | previous post with Pieter's Mom also wearing a black bridal gown

Dad Sang Solo on Mom & Dad's 50th Wedding Anniversary | previous post with Mom & Dad on their wedding day photos with Heeroom

Soon Ah Will Be Done With The Troubles Of The World

 A DREAM for present times...

Dad used to sing this with the Horster Mannenkoor!

A younger Dad in 1974—ready to go and SING with his Horster Mannenkoor in Horst, Limburg/The Netherlands.

He has been a great 1st tenor.

In begin 1990s Dad gave us a cassette tape with some of the songs they sang.

Did digitalize a few of those songs—wish I had the original but this already made my singing heart happy...

Enjoy:

When viewed on YouTube you can also read the lyrics below...
Related links:Dad Sang Avé Maria from Bach-Gounod | previous post by me about Dad singing solo

Thinking about Mom and Dad on Saint Cecilia | Dad also sang Thank You Lord with Pieter at the organ

Dad Sang Solo on Mom & Dad's 50th Wedding Anniversary | previous post by me

Dad Sang The First Noel and Thank You Lord at Presbyterian Church | previous post by me

Our Variegated Blue Flax Lily + Video from Flaxseed to Linen from Horst my Birthplace

 Rather late I discovered that our Variegated Blue Flax Lily was blooming again.

We have this since 2014. 

On September 8, I captured these...

Such tiny lovely flowers!

That's the entire Variegated Blue Flax Lily on our patio, as a pot plant.

On September 19, they were still there... now they're gone.

You see the blue sky we have!

Having hailed from Horst, a region in the Province of Limburg, in the South of The Netherlands, there is quite a history about Flax and the Linen weavers.Want to share this very interesting video with you.From flaxseed to linen (Museum de Kantfabriek Horst) — the old Lace factory!Translations:from flaxseed to linenHorst (my birth place) around 1920First, the land is made suitable for the cultivation of flax.Sowing takes place at the beginning of April.After a few days, the first flax seeds germinate.The weeds are removed.At the beginning of June, the flax is in bloom.Harvesting can begin in mid-August.With the rekel, the flax bulbs are removed.The flax is placed underwater to let the soft parts rot away; called retting.Dad used to have a piece of land at the Rotven. One of those former fens...The flax bulbs are threshed from which linseed oil is extracted.Part of the seed is used again for the next harvest.After drying, the stems are roasted to remove the hard inner core.By breaking, the hard inner core is broken; scutching.After the harvest it's time for a party.With the crank, the remaining wood residues are removed; hackling.By hackling, only the best fibers remain.In winter, the fibres are spun into flax yarn.Finally, the yarns are washed to remove the lye.After rinsing, the yarns are ready to weave into linen cloth.By bleaching the linen in the sun, it gets a bright white color.The linen is now ready for use.In the meantime, it's spring again. High time to make the land suitable for a new harvest.This program is composed on the basis of a film (1976) that was commissioned by the Antiquity–Room Horst
Nowadays linen is from Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Poland and of course in China...
But seeing how labor intensive it is—you might appreciate more your linen pieces!At fashion school we learned how this was being created but the above video is far better for understanding...
Did any of you know this process?
Related link:{Variegated Blue Flax Lily} | previous post by me with good closeup photo of flower{Horst my Birth Place, Used to be an Old Linen Weavers Town} | previous post by me

NS Train of 5:40 to Schiphol Airport and Flight HOME

 It is not easy when the final hours are slipping through your fingers...

Here we are, rising around 4:00 AM in order to be at the Train Station by 5:30 to catch the train from 5:40 to Schiphol Airport.

At 5:35 with friend Sissy next to my suitcases.

Bringing home some of Mom & Dad's treasures en sentimental things...

I'd come to The Netherlands with my Delsey suitcase inside the big pink one. 

My one way NS Horst–Sevenum to Schiphol Airport train ticket...

In one hour and 58 minutes we would be arrive by 07:41 at Schiphol Airport.

A Happy WeFie...

Ellie and I...

And one inside the train...

At Schiphol Airport there was NO COURTESY!

Dutchnews.nl wrote the above that Schiphol has been grappling with the problem since the May school holidays. Hundreds of flights have been scrapped... due to staff shortages!

Dutchreview.com wrote the above...

Staff shortage and also strikes

It felt great for finally having made it to the accelerated check–in (they did not let me pass at first; very rude...).

Schiphol Airport was a FAR CRY from the courtesy received in Savannah and also in New York!

My seat turned out to be the FIRST row with added space

DELTA PREMIUM SELECT seat 20D

Once my suitcases got labeled, and I had my boarding pass, we all three went to have a FINAL cup of cappuccino or whatever...

At 8:11 AM, I paid this for some bread and croissant for Sissy as they had to once again travel the two hours by rail back home...

By 8:26 I got the message via my Delta App on KPN server in NL, that my bag was now onboard, of course also received the same message for my 2nd bag!

Now the FINAL GOODBYE arrived and it was very emotional.

I waved till I no longer could see them...

Security check went fine, no shoes needed to be removed and all went swift.

Then I had to get in line for Passport Check... that was the longest line I've ever seen!!!

Wish I'd used my Strava App, as I walked a lot!

At the gate, again I awaited very rude treatment; ZERO COURTESY!

Felt awful for two elderly couples, using a wheelchair and they had it already folded up.

Then we got ushered through the so–called pre–boarding...

NOPE—we ended up in a holding area with NO CHAIRS!

Okay, we all made it to the plane eventually, but what a far cry from the once great service and courtesy!

Bye–bye Netherlands...

My ADJUSTABLE FOOTREST was working this time!

Also received my TUMI AMENITY KIT not on my way over...

AMS – JFK total time 7 hours and 29 minutes

Past Ireland...

Now more than halfway...

As said, Premium Select seat 20D was right behind the wall, with extra space, easy to get up for using the restroom.

The blanket felt cozy and warm and I did wear my down puffer jacket, once in my seat, had stuffed it inside my Delsey back pack.

Wrapped up cozy...

The extended leg and foot rest was great and I never even used my plump pillow, it stayed in the front of my seat in its plastic cover.

Emotional goodbyes over the last few days but I was going HOME to my Pieter!

Arriving in New York and again lots of walking!

On my Delta App, I got the Gate Change, even farther walking...

The final stretch of this emotional journey now to Savannah...

Seated in 7C in Comfort

Bye–bye New York...

More steps for Savannah but the BIG SURPRISE was that we landed 35 minutes ahead of schedule.

So I used the restroom, then grabbed my two bags and went outside, on the Delta curb and called Pieter with his private driver Mike.

They were surprised, they'd just walked inside for using the bathroom and now learned that I already  was outside with my suitcases.

In no time we were in the car and heading HOME.

Feeling a lot of GRATITUDE for so many that made this an unforgettable time!

My final time going to my country of birth...

Dear friends and family will remain forever inside my heart and I treasure the many fond moments.

May God keep us all healthy!

Related links:

Visiting Friend Mariëlle in Husband Pieter's Province | previous post by me

Visiting Niece Caro Because She Visited Us in Georgia... | previous post by me

Sunny Day for Walking in Limburg with LOTS of Humor | previous post by me

Biking in my Province of Limburg | previous post by me

Limburg 4Days Marches — Fun Fair and Dinner with Friends | previous post by me

Visiting Castle Gardens Arcen with Friend Ellie | previous post by me

Food for Body and Soul in Limburg | previous post by me

Walking in Limburg in Beautiful Nature | previous post by me

Limburg — The Emotional Part | previous post by me

In Limburg with Friends | previous post by me

Flying on Delta Premium Select–Savannah to Amsterdam | previous post by me

Back Home from my 67th Trip to Limburg in The Netherlands | previous post by me