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Here I would love to share with you our travels and adventures as international mushroom consultants. MEMOIRS about husband Pieter Vedder, who was a SCIENTIFIC PIONEER in Commercial Mushroom Cultivation Education. His practical handbook is in 9 languages and is called the MUSHROOM BIBLE: https://mariettesbacktobasics.blogspot.com/2020/08/modern-mushroom-growing-2020-harvesting.html
Showing posts with label Mega Task. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mega Task. Show all posts

Monday, April 15, 2024

Silver Clock and Oak Wall Clock repaired by Pieter

 From Mom & Dad's Estate in The Netherlands, also came home a silver clock that we once gifted Mom.
It was also a double photo frame...
Here it is — three parts
Sorry for the glare... Placed it on our Corian window sill in the kitchen near the Stephanotis Floribunda.
From the INTERNATIONAL SILVER COMPANY.
This did come home with me on June 17, 2022 when I took my final trip home from Limburg...
More items that were inside my suitcase: Mom & Dad's Trio of Crucifix with Corpus and Plaques with Red Copper Relief Statues ←click link
A very elegant set—except the clock had stopped working...
A better view—without glare...
Photo is from Pieter and me on September 5, 2002 
Pieter wearing his Burberry tuxedo and I my silk Escada rose gown and shoes with Majorica pearls.
Pieter always has been an excellent photographer!
In our office, our oak Meubelfabriek Oisterwijk clock also had stopped working...
But my Pieter did repair both of them!
Wrote him a thank–you letter on October 14 of 2022
English translation follows below...
Dublin, October 14, 2022

Dearest Pieter,

My rock–my intellectual–hardworking, down–to earth 'better half'!
We first saw each other 53 years ago. An inexplicable sympathy that grew into a pure—real love.
More than that: a fusion of two souls.
With the same feelings and drive – never lazy or too tired to do anything.
Committing yourself to many and only thinking of yourself at the end... And that even reluctantly!
A deep faith and with the help of God's blessing, has yielded us so many years.
Also, undoubtedly many souls of loved ones who have accompanied us on our path together.
You asked so little for yourself. Often even pro bono for so many.
We are convinced that God will one day settle it! Our behavior and that of those who scarred your heart. We can only pray and ask: Father, forgive them—they don't know what they are doing—just as Jesus said in all his sufferings.
You are still good to all the birds and animals on our estate. You feed and protect them.
Even more intimate with our cats—they don't hang onto you so much for nothing. Animals feel how you really are and love you unconditionally. How proud I am of you—as I walk through the garden, where your hard work is visible everywhere. And no less in the house—what you've done yourself!!!
There is no second Pieter.
Even the little oak clock that you recently managed to repair. And the silver clock! No, such an intelligent person, who still reads so much, is immortal—if it weren't for the body's inaction.
Thank goodness we captured your intellect in our book in 2020—for others especially. I was also able to highlight some things about our life together. You like to read it on your iPadPro and enjoy it. Makes me feel good and especially because I know there was never time for it before. Always doing a mega job or often driving someone else around and proudly showing our new homeland.
All those memories will remain—that is my anchor when you leave me behind to receive the final reward for your soul. I know you'll still be with me until I get to follow too.

Thank you for so much real love and see you later!

L.L.
L.L. is Lieve Lieverd or Dear Sweetheart

Related links:
modern mushroom growing 2020 harvesting | Pieter's intellect captured in book...
Niagara Falls with Sister Diny | one of the road trips made with family and friends
under labels below my blog, scroll to Mega Task and see the many projects Pieter accomplished


Friday, February 3, 2023

Pieter ALWAYS Worked Hard and Did Things Himself

 Being an immigrant makes you START OVER LIFE...

Below video on YouTube you find clickable links with information...
Pieter standing proudly in front of his meticulously straight placed fence! 
Seen at clickable 12:26 in above video.
Great job!
Now looking the other way towards our driveway (left) and street.
Corner posts and intermediate posts every 25 m in the concrete.
Total length of 110 m and DAYS OF WORK... Yep, another mega task DONE!

This was also the very day (February 10 of 1984) that Pieter officially had become a member of the Rotary Club of Dublin, Georgia/U.S.A.
Pieter was already a member in The Netherlands since May 11, 1976 of the Rotary Club of Venray, The Netherlands district 1550, where he was President in the year 1978/1979.
That very same year, Pieter was also Honorary President of the Rotary Club Royal Forest of Dean, UK district 1100.
Our late friend Roy J. Chappell wrote this to Pieter on Valentine's Day:
Dear Pieter:
Welcome to my Rotary Club—both you and Mariet.
The worldwide reach of Rotary is manifested in your joining our club.
Whenever I may help you in Rotary—or any part of you and Mariet's life here in Laurens County—please call on my.

What a very kind gesture and he's been a tremendous friend over many years and he did tour Mom & Dad and us around through Laurens and surrounding Counties to show us the rural agricultural part of it.
Forever fond memories!
Such a NEAT fence and here you see the wood that had to get split for burning it in our wood burner in the living room.
Our 1st home's garden was of a perfect size, not too deep in the back. To the right you just can see our veranda.
The other end of the 110 meter long fence with our rock garden.
~
It was on March 9, 1984 that we also had our front porch tiled with the imported Dutch tiles and our garage got tiled with the leftover tiles from the Campbell mushroom farm that Pieter designed.
Just had scrubbed them with authentic Dutch Green Soap and mopped it dry with a real Dutch dweil...
Our tiled garage... also scrubbed clean!
We both loved our 'new' garage with tiles!
Do you have tiles in your garage or front porch?
In our present home we also do...

Related link:
Husband Pieter Doing it ALL | previous post by me showing the now tiled patio and wall added for privacy—done by Pieter of course
My 3rd Home with my French DMC Rose Filet Lace Crocheted Curtains | showing the new front door with windows and my crocheted curtains...
A HUGE Snapping Turtle | previous post by me

Friday, October 28, 2022

Our new Miele 24” Built–In Wall Cabinet Hood by husband Pieter

 Okay, on December 9, 1998 Pieter started taking out the old Whirlpool hood and now preparing to build in the new Miele 24" Built–In Wall Cabinet Hood.
A very sleek model...
As Pieter states in the beginning—still a lot of headache for getting it built in...
But one day later, he used boxes as a support to prop up this rather heavy piece of appliance.
The shipping weight is 12.5 kg or 27.6 lbs.
The exhaust ring was too wide so Pieter solved that by placing a wooden ring inside.
Later he had to take that wooden ring out again and use one from foam because this Miele comes a bit more to the front with its exhaust pipe.
On the 15th it is all DONE!
I was done cleaning the kitchen a little past midnight and used the video for showing that to Mom & Dad...
Video shows summer time!
My Rado watch shows correct winter time...
Light shuts off when pushed inside.
Such a sleek model!
Pieter did an excellent job making it perfectly flush!
Stainless steel filters that can be taken out to place inside dishwasher

Happy with this mega task being done and what a perfect appliance!
Indeed top quality made in Germany and a big help in saving energy.

Stay tuned for more...

Saturday, October 22, 2022

Installing Hot Water Machine and Showing Protruding Old Oven and Dishwasher

 Almost for 24 years we now use a Hot Water Machine in our kitchen for instant boiling water.
Meanwhile our 2nd got installed and we love to have that in our home!
This is exactly the faucet that we have on our kitchen counter.
Together with our Little Gourmet® Premium Hot Water Tank / Dispenser – Mountain Plumbing Products
On my Pinterest board you can see these 2.5 quart examples: https://www.pinterest.com/mariettesbackto/home-improvements/
On November 23, 1998 Pieter managed to build this in, under the counter.
A very tight spot for working there... 
Glad all that is done as it is not getting easier as we age 😏
Pieter had to change a pipe that lay at the top along—for now going underneath and secure it there again.
Because it was precisely in the spot where the Hot Water Machine will be hung!
Never easy but so far, Pieter has managed to do it all by himself—a hard working and very clever man.
Pieter jokes how conveniently it is working when being under the counter...
But, also this mega task got cleared!
That first faucet was in white with a safety lock for children; pulling it upwards.
Pieter had to drill a hole in the Corian counter top.
Further I wanted to capture how ugly that previous oven was protruding into the kitchen and also the dishwasher. That will become flush with the new Mieles.
Also showing the Whirlpool hood.
Pieter is mentioning that the entire box has to come out...
Projects are never easy and neither quick!

Stay tuned — will be continued.

Thursday, July 28, 2022

The BIG Reveal and Moonflower—Ipomoea alba

 So FINALLY I will show you the BIG Reveal of Pieter's Completed Wood Trail Mega Task!
Just walk with me as I show you in this 1:30 minute video and I do talk English!
Video taken on July 7.
 Don't forget to click on 'CC' for seeing English caption...
The first part shows the HUGE laurel oak tree Quercus hemisphaerica.
Pieter took these images last night after heavy thunder and thus dark weather.
That 'tricked' our Moonflower — Ipomoea alba, into opening up instead of waiting till dark!
Some insect seems to be snacking on its heart–shaped leaves...
They are gorgeous

Related links:
Pieter's Outfit from Khazana at Taj Palace New Delhi Hotel | previous post where Pieter also shows this Moonflower—Ipomoea alba

Wednesday, July 20, 2022

Pieter Capturing his Progress on the Wood Trail while I was in Limburg

 While I was in Limburg, Pieter got determined to finish our Wood Trail, adjacent to the gazebo, till the greenhouse in the back.
A short 2:26 minute video of his progress on this Mega Task.
Taken with Pieter's limited iPhone on June 5, around 15:50.
I'd gone to bed and was asleep when I woke up shortly past midnight and used my iPhone for another video–call via WhatsApp, to tell Pieter that he better uses his iPadPro instead, as that is unlimited.
This is the immediate result, captured at 18:30 after supper, in this short 1:30 minute video.
Quite a challenge for getting past our HUGE laurel oak tree Quercus hemisphaerica.
It made me feel very proud of my 93–year old Pieter who is tech–savvy and also very clever in conducting this final task!
The grass looked rather lush and you can see Kwekkie standing near the pond.
Greenhouse in the back and gazebo to the left.
Speckie, our youngest kitty–girl, is watching over the wooden poles that Pieter hauled back home for placing under the Wood Trail, for elevating it out of the ground so it won't rot that easily.
Thus we stayed in touch over 8,000 km away from each other but still maintaining a Blissful Relationship and Pieter also had the kitties as companions...

Related links:
This section got last done when Mom was in her final days | previous post by me
Husband Pieter Finished Restoration Work on our Bridges on Wood Trail | previous post by me

Friday, May 27, 2022

This section got last done when Mom was in her final days

 It is already over 7 years ago, since Mom's final days. 
Our very last FaceTime with Mom,
thanks to my youngest brother Jan's efforts to take his iPhone to Mom at the hospital.
Pieter was outside, working with Wood Protector, when I walked out from our veranda door with the iPad, so Mom could see and hear both of us...
See link below post with photos of this very Wood Trail.
This time, Pieter did raise the trail a bit more and also used side edges with 2 by 2 wood so it stays cleaner after rain.
It got freshly stained with Wood Protector.
This is at the beginning, under the Rose Arbor, taken on May 19!
On May 8, Pieter started out on this Mega Task...
Using wood protector before the 2 by 2 is being added on the side edges.
Taking up the old boards, getting the rusted screws all out and then putting it together again...
You see some of the damaged, rotten wood and that only since January 2015...
There are bird houses on that huge oak tree, at the end.
This is close to our Gazebo as you see part of it.
On May 14, action... sand for filling up under the Wood Trail and the cart with tools...
Back breaking job for Pieter and on his knees...
He constantly gets scratches on his legs as he uses blood thinners; scary!
Here is the bottleneck; this HUGE laurel oak tree Quercus hemisphaerica has grown so much that its 'toes' are everywhere, and they elevated the wood trail.
The 2 by 2 edges have been treated and are ready to come on.
Bit by bit it will come together; once more and hope for again some 7 years or more!
I have no idea if the bird house is in use... 
Maybe our birds are used to Pieter being around.
While Pieter took his nap, on May 19, I took these photos...
You see those thick 'toes' from the oak tree?
Now look at the top of that 2 x 6 inch...
So, this is what Pieter did...
Some tree pedicure and getting a piece out of one of its thick 'toes' for getting the 2 x 6 inch.
Wounded tree toes do not grow, so that will remain like that.
Shown more in detail here.
Nobody else would do such tedious work for you; so the 93-year old husband is doing it himself instead!
Figuring out a way how to, and then into action.
That 'toe' pedicure got done with the electric chain saw...
Long exterior wood screws are being used, that are also coated for rust protection...
Drilling in those screws...
Six days later on May 25, and after lots of rainy weather...
Pieter is already working behind the bottle–neck of the huge oak tree!
Our Gardenias Jasminoides Miami Supreme, were lovely but due to heavy rain the turn brown fast...
Yep, the corner has been tackled!
The 2 x 2 edges will hold the wood trail also better together as before, without any support.
But it's still a long way to go, all the way to the greenhouse...
One day, that too will be finished!
We have had lots of rain but one surprise this morning:
Pink Rain lilies or Zephyranthes grandiflora and one of about 70 species in the Amaryllidaceae (amaryllis family).
There is a hole in one of its petals...
Another bud to the left, soon to open up...

Related links:
{Gardenia Dream} | previous post by me

Sunday, May 15, 2022

Pieter Built our Greenhouse

 Never actually showed you how our greenhouse came about...
Of course, husband Pieter built it himself and I helped.
First the foundation got built.
Pieter had built the roof part together and I helped him lifting it on top of the aluminum frame!
Just the two of us... 😉 on Wednesday, November 17, 1993
Good team work!
Thursday, November 18; proud greenhouse builder! Putting the aluminum Alcoa parts together.
This was a gift from Krijn Leendertse, Voskamp.
We had to move to Pennsylvania at that time so now it finally got build!
Monday, November 22nd, Pieter was in a happy mood, doing something that he'd done before, as a young man.
Immediately after the war, Pieter worked for a few months in greenhouse construction, glazing in his area.
Pieter's Dad, after WWII bought two greenhouses in the West of The Netherlands (Westland area) due to urban expansion they had to clear. Pieter and his brother Toon did break them down and carried them to the road. Lots of water ways where no truck could go! Pieter and Toon had to cross a narrow bridge.
They had stuffed wood wool in their jacket, to support their shoulder! Also for carrying the iron rods and ledges.
Final segments...
We're getting there!
We almost got a greenhouse...
Friday, November 26 we have a greenhouse!
First resident for winter...
Inauguration...
Yep, it is DONE!
Plant table is done!
More residents got moved inside...
A Minimum–Maximum thermometer hangs down on the left near planter.
Another wood trail as a walkway towards the greenhouse.
Let the weekend begin!
Only 8 years later, on Tuesday, April 17 of 2001 Pieter did rebuilt the greenhouse with the help of my Dad.
Somewhat bigger this time!
Pieter dug up the entire foundation and built it all new, from scratch.
Mom is watching as Pieter is caulking.
Dad standing in front of the greenhouse, wearing a Campbell cap and one of Pieter's old work shirts.
Did you notice our roses?
We always have had electricity in our greenhouse as well, for our heater in winter time.
Pieter installed it all.
Thursday, April 19, 2001. Being creative... 
I was weeding and did serve some Dutch rusks with chocolate flakes and coffee.
The wheelbarrow with the old greenhouse door on top functioned as a table 😜
So happy for having archived all those photos...


Related link:
{Fall & Winter Preparations} | previous post by me where Pieter added brick patio and addition 
{SHATTERED Winter Dreams...} | previous post by me where addition got shattered...
{New Heater for Greenhouse} | previous post by me

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MARIETTE'S BACK TO BASICS © 2009. All rights reserved - Text and images may not be copied for distribution or sale.

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