Those who feel Happy with the HAPPINESS of OTHERS

 Just a short post with a great quote as moral compass...

Our Gardenia inside a creamware cachepot from Wedgwood Cream Color on Cream Color

~

Those who feel happy with the happiness of others, possess a wealth without borders.

Prof. Dr. Frans Daels

Flemish physician and politician 1882–1974

Related links:

{Gardenia Dream} | previous post by me with more photos, also from the crocheted lace table topper

{GARDENIA PASSION} | previous post by me showing also the cachepot in detail

{Gardenia by Royal Albert and our Garden Gardenias} | previous post by me

{Our Gardenias in the June Rain} | previous post by me

{Our Gardenias} | previous post by me

{My Towels with Knitted Lace} | previous post by me

{May 22 Gardenia by Royal Albert and blooming Gardenias in Baccarat vase} | previous post by me

{Floating Candles with Jasmines and Roses} | previous post by me

{The Boston Tea Company} | previous post by me

Mary The Most Powerful Woman in the World

In the December 2015 NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC, Mary was on the cover...

She is also well known in the Koran, named Maryam (Mary) and is the holiest woman mentioned.

She is a direct link between Christians and Muslims.

How the Virgin Mary Became the World’s Most Powerful Woman ←just click for reading the full story.

Perfect for her Feast of Immaculate Conception on December 8

Mary has been Patroness of the United States of America since mid–19th century.

Already in 1584, one of the U.S.A.'s first Catholic Churches in Jacksonville, Florida—Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, was dedicated to the Immaculate Conception.

Both of us have been fortunate for having been there a few times, see below post.

Wishing you also a Blessed Advent Season!

Related link:

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

{W.A. Mozart Composed this Heavenly Mass in C, K 167 at Age 17} | previous post by me about Basilica of the Immaculate Conception in Jacksonville, FL

9/11 BOATLIFT—EVERYONE HELPED EVERYONE—MORALLY THE RIGHT WAY TO GO

Did any of you know about this story of civic heroism? 

9/11 of 2001...

An ARMADA of HEROES that ONLY followed THEIR MORAL COMPASS!!!

This video got uploaded on September 7: BOATLIFT, An Untold Tale of 9/11 Resilience. I feel that I have to share, as the media never did bring this out. Tom Hanks narrates the epic story of the 9/11 boatlift that evacuated half a million people from the stricken piers and seawalls of Lower Manhattan. This evacuation in only 9 hours, was one of the largest and fastest in history- far fewer (300,000) were evacuated from Dunkirk, France during WWII over 9 days...

Produced and directed by Eddie Rosenstein. Eyepop Productions, Inc.

Quote: A hero is a man who does what he can. - Romain Rolland

Related links:Tom Hanks Narrates 'BOATLIFT,' Honors Untold 9/11 Story Of Mariner Heroes (winningreview.wordpress.com)The Unknown 9/11 Story (pochp.wordpress.com)Forgotten Story of 9/11: World's Biggest Boatlift (newser.com)Boatlift: More Rescued by Sea after 9-11 than at Dunkirk [video] (speedofcreativity.org)

{Foster Daughter Anita on the Other Side of the World}

It has been FIFTEEN years now, since we last went to Indonesia for work... And also it has been SEVEN years, since Anita last did stay with us here in Georgia/USA and traveled with us to The Netherlands and to Germany...

Never easy for staying in touch as they are 12 hours ahead of us.

Only 11 hours in summer time...

When Anita is already starting her day, we are still left in the dark...

Even Europe is still asleep!

To the left of the red word Anita you can see Jakarta, Indonesia's capital and she lives near Semarang

We always did fly in to Jakarta and on to Yogyakarta which is on the south coast of Java.

Semarang is on the north coast, as you can see here above...

That's where we are, in Georgia/USA and we're just tiny people on this big world and far apart but oh so close at heart!
Anita always has been a loyal and loving daughter; touching her Mama's heart when needed most.
When I lost my Mom, she was with me through it all in thoughts and prayers—she supported me big time.
From my legal 'step-daughter Liz Vedder' not a single word...

Liz obviously follows a different moral compass.

May God bless Anita, manyfold and I leave all other things into His hands!

Thanks for your visit!

Related links:

{Anita Anggraeni our Foster Daughter} | previous post by me
{Our arrival in Jakarta, Indonesia} | previous post by me

{The Most Valued TEN-Letter Word... "FRIENDSHIP" - Maintain it}

We have come to the final Quote, now containing TEN Letters...

One that is very dear to all of us and does nurture our soul.

The Most Valued TEN-Letter Word... "FRIENDSHIP" - Maintain it

YES! Let us ALL cling to FRIENDSHIP and be an ANGEL to someone...

Just like this angel does on the silver alphabet letter F

the "F" is one to wear as a charm on a necklace or hung on a silver keychain (available at my online boutique as well) on a tote or handbag.

This Italian Giovanni Raspini 925/100 silver Alphabet Angel "F" is available for only USD 33.25 with FREE shipping within the USA

Alphabet letters are available at Spectrenoir ←just click.

Related links:

{The Most Selfish ONE-Letter Word... "I" - Avoid it} | previous post by me

{The Most Satisfying TWO-Letter Word... "WE" - Use it} | previous post by me

{The Most Poisonous THREE-Letter Word... "EGO" - Overcome it} | previous post by me

{The Most Used FOUR-Letter Word... "LOVE" - Value it} | previous post by me

{The Most Pleasing FIVE-Letter Word... "SMILE" - Keep it} | previous post by me

{The Most Spreading SIX-Letter Word... "RUMOR" - Ignore it} | previous post by me
{The Hardest Working SEVEN-Letter Word... "SUCCESS" - Achieve it} | previous post by me
{The Most Enviable EIGHT-Letter Word... "JEALOUSY" - Distance Yourself From it} | previous post by me
{The Most Powerful NINE-Letter Word... "KNOWLEDGE" - Acquire it} | previous post by me

{The Most Powerful NINE-Letter Word... "KNOWLEDGE" - Acquire it}

We're almost at the finish of TEN...

This is a mighty one as we all can acquire it for as long as we live!

The Most Powerful NINE-Letter Word... "KNOWLEDGE" - Acquire it

This is indeed one of the very BEST!

Let's cling to the K of KNOWLEDGE, just like this angel does on the silver alphabet letter K

the "K" is one to wear as a charm on a necklace or hung on a silver keychain (available at my online boutique as well) on a tote or handbag.

Alphabet letters are available at Spectrenoir ←just click.

Related links:

{The Most Selfish ONE-Letter Word... "I" - Avoid it} | previous post by me

{The Most Satisfying TWO-Letter Word... "WE" - Use it} | previous post by me

{The Most Poisonous THREE-Letter Word... "EGO" - Overcome it} | previous post by me

{The Most Used FOUR-Letter Word... "LOVE" - Value it} | previous post by me

{The Most Pleasing FIVE-Letter Word... "SMILE" - Keep it} | previous post by me

{The Most Spreading SIX-Letter Word... "RUMOR" - Ignore it} | previous post by me
{The Hardest Working SEVEN-Letter Word... "SUCCESS" - Achieve it} | previous post by me
{The Most Enviable EIGHT-Letter Word... "JEALOUSY" - Distance Yourself From it} | previous post by me

{The Most Enviable EIGHT-Letter Word... "JEALOUSY" - Distance Yourself From it}

There are a few more important quotes by letter number and this is one we ALL have dealt with at some time in our life...

The Most Enviable EIGHT-Letter Word... "JEALOUSY" - Distance Yourself From it

Only if we have a name, starting out with the letter J, this Giovanni Raspini 925 Silver Alphabet Angel standing on the "J" is one to wear as a charm on a necklace or hung on a silver keychain (available below) on a tote or handbag.

Indeed, great for spicing up your handbag!

Don't you LOVE this Giovanni Raspini Charms & Co 925/1000 Silver Key Ring in Medium from Italy?
You might have some silver charms already...

You can buy this Medium Key Ring for only USD 21 with FREE Worldwide Shipping...
Comes like this in its famous signature blue box.

Buy Now button, to purchase this Italian 925 Silver Key Ring
SORRY, ALL SOLD OUT...

It is also a great way for wearing on your belt loop with several charms.

Shown are the Giovanni Raspini 925 Silver Key Rings in Medium so you get an idea of their 30 mm diameter.

Other Alphabet Letters are available at Spectrenoir ←just click.

Related links:

{The Most Selfish ONE-Letter Word... "I" - Avoid it} | previous post by me

{The Most Satisfying TWO-Letter Word... "WE" - Use it} | previous post by me

{The Most Poisonous THREE-Letter Word... "EGO" - Overcome it} | previous post by me

{The Most Used FOUR-Letter Word... "LOVE" - Value it} | previous post by me

{The Most Pleasing FIVE-Letter Word... "SMILE" - Keep it} | previous post by me

{The Most Spreading SIX-Letter Word... "RUMOR" - Ignore it} | previous post by me
{The Hardest Working SEVEN-Letter Word... "SUCCESS" - Achieve it} | previous post by me

{The Hardest Working SEVEN-Letter Word... "SUCCESS" - Achieve it}

As we are adding up letters, we have now come to: The Hardest Working SEVEN-Letter Word... "SUCCESS" - Achieve it.

That indeed requires hard work and perseverance for achieving SUCCESS in whatever endeavor.

Let's cling to it, just like this Angel is doing here to the silver charm S.

A nice addition to a handbag around a silver keychain or as a charm on a necklace.

Sorry Sold Out...

Giovanni Raspini 925/1000 silver Alphabet letter 'S' is available for only USD 33.25 and free shipping within the USA!

There are also other silver alphabet angels available at Spectrenoir ← just click.

Related links:

{The Most Selfish ONE-Letter Word... "I" - Avoid it} | previous post by me

{The Most Satisfying TWO-Letter Word... "WE" - Use it} | previous post by me

{The Most Poisonous THREE-Letter Word... "EGO" - Overcome it} | previous post by me

{The Most Used FOUR-Letter Word... "LOVE" - Value it} | previous post by me

{The Most Pleasing FIVE-Letter Word... "SMILE" - Keep it} | previous post by me

{The Most Spreading SIX-Letter Word... "RUMOR" - Ignore it} | previous post by me

{The Most Spreading SIX-Letter Word... "RUMOR" - Ignore it}

A great quote about some bad habits and sadly The Most Spreading SIX-Letter Word... "RUMOR" - Ignore it.

"RUMOR" - Ignore it

Try to look at the more Angelic part of life and let go of RUMOR as such.

Like seen here on this Italian silver Giovanni Raspini Charm, with alphabet letter "R" and Angel for wearing your Name's First Letter.

Other Alphabet letters are also available at Spectrenoir ←just click.

Related links:
{The Most Selfish ONE-Letter Word... "I" - Avoid it} | previous post by me
{The Most Satisfying TWO-Letter Word... "WE" - Use it} | previous post by me
{The Most Poisonous THREE-Letter Word... "EGO" - Overcome it} | previous post by me
{The Most Used FOUR-Letter Word... "LOVE" - Value it} | previous post by me
{The Most Pleasing FIVE-Letter Word... "SMILE" - Keep it} | previous post by me

{The Most Pleasing FIVE-Letter Word... "SMILE" - Keep it}

Another great quote with international meaning: The Most Pleasing FIVE-Letter Word... "SMILE" - Keep it.

It sure has tremendous value and it is FREE for giving.

Yes, let us try to KEEP IT!

That sure does make any face more Angelic and Happy.

Like seen here on this Italian silver Giovanni Raspini Charm, with alphabet letter "S" and Angel for wearing your Name's First Letter.

Sorry, Sold Out...

This Italian Giovanni Raspini 925/100 silver Alphabet Angel "S" is available for only USD 33.25 with FREE shipping within the USA: 

Other letters are also available at Spectrenoir ←just click.

Related links:

{The Most Selfish ONE-Letter Word... "I" - Avoid it} | previous post by me
{The Most Satisfying TWO-Letter Word... "WE" - Use it} | previous post by me
{The Most Poisonous THREE-Letter Word... "EGO" - Overcome it} | previous post by me
{The Most Used FOUR-Letter Word... "LOVE" - Value it} | previous post by me

{The Most Used FOUR-Letter Word... "LOVE" - Value it}

And here is maybe THE most important Word, in whatever language!

It happens to be in English The Most Used FOUR-Letter Word... "LOVE" - Value it

Yes, LOVE does bring out the most Angelic qualities of a human being and I dare to say, also in our pets as they sure know how to love unconditionally!

So let's cling to that like this Angel is straightening its back against the L... Would again make a lovely gift this silver charm.

This Italian Giovanni Raspini 925/100 silver Alphabet Angel "L" is available for only USD 33.25 with FREE shipping within the USA:

Sorry, sold out...

Other alphabet letters are also available at Spectrenoir ←just click.

Related links:
{The Most Selfish ONE-Letter Word... "I" - Avoid it} | previous post by me
{The Most Satisfying TWO-Letter Word... "WE" - Use it} | previous post by me
{The Most Poisonous THREE-Letter Word... "EGO" - Overcome it} | previous post by me

{The Most Poisonous THREE-Letter Word... "EGO" - Overcome it}

 Here is another quote about the Most Poisonous Three-Letter Word... "EGO" - Overcome it.

We better let go of this "EGO" and become a more lovable person!

That makes us a little more 'angelic'

Like seen here on this Italian silver Giovanni Raspini Charm, with alphabet letter "E" and Angel for wearing your Name's First Letter.

Buy this 925/1000 silver 'E' alphabet angel for only USD 33.25 and FREE shipping within the USA:


Other alphabet letters are available at Spectrenoir ←just click.

Related links:

{The Most Selfish ONE-Letter Word... "I" - Avoid it} | previous post by me
{The Most Satisfying TWO-Letter Word... "WE" - Use it} | previous post by me

{The Most Satisfying TWO-Letter Word... "WE" - Use it}

One more quote that is so valuable and even more so right after Valentine's Day we should remember this; year round. Also as a family or as a team with colleagues or in sports. 

Yes, keeping our Moral Compass pointing in the right direction is a healthy thing!

We better adhere to The Most Satisfying TWO-Letter Word... "WE" and Use it!

That makes us a little more 'angelic' when clinging to the "W"...

Like seen here on this Italian silver Giovanni Raspini Charm, with alphabet letter "W" and Angel

Alphabet letters are available at Spectrenoir ←just click.

Related link:

{The Most Selfish ONE-Letter Word... "I" - Avoid it} | previous post by me

{The Most Selfish ONE-Letter Word... "I" - Avoid it}

We just start a period of the year where our Moral Compass could use some cleaning and attention...

Here a very inspirational quote:

The Most Selfish ONE-Letter Word... "I" - Avoid it

So very true in many ways!

We better let go of being Selfish!

Instead, we try for becoming a little more 'angelic' when clinging to the "I"...

Like seen here on this Italian silver Giovanni Raspini Charm, with alphabet letter "I" and Angel

Buy this 925/1000 silver 'I' alphabet angel for only USD 33.25 and FREE shipping within the USA:

Look for other available charms at Spectrenoir ←just click.

{205 Countries Visited - Welcome Mayotte & Message to Incognito Relatives}

Already on September 13, the 205th Country Visited my humble blog - Welcome Mayotte!

Mayotte is a little Island, West of Madagascar and belongs to FRANCE.

My Dutch relatives, that visit me Incognito, I do wish PEACE!

Mom is in heaven... please find solace by her last words: 'Oh wàt zijn ze lief allemaal!' or 'Oh what are they all sweet!' 
Such a blessing to have this on video...

No, we were not crazy for toting cans with dinosaur soup & cast iron muffin pans for our nephews. We loved them and still do!

Related link:

{Mom Lived 16 Days Short of Her 91st Birthday} | Previous post by me with added message to my relatives...
{Airline Baggage Weight and Campbell Dinosaur Soup} | Previous post by me about carrying cans of dinosaur soup and heavy cast iron gifts for our nephews.

{Airline Baggage Weight and Campbell Dinosaur Soup}

Thinking about HOW much we have carried inside our suitcases over the years... it is hard now for bringing anything besides your clothes and toiletries for the total allowed baggage weight of 1 piece of 50.5 lbs or 23 kg at present. We did the lion share of our travel on KLM and back then it was 2 pieces of 70.5 lbs or 32 kg each! In the mid 90s when flying from the USA to The Netherlands, we did even have CANS of CAMPBELL DINOSAUR SOUP + CAST IRON DINOSAUR MUFFIN PANS as a gift for our Dutch nephews...

Courtesy of Campbell Cares is this original photo from such a can of Dinosaur Soup.

Thanks guys +Campbell Soup Company your courtesy is highly appreciated!

Having been both International Consultants, we did spend a lot of time aboard KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

Just slightly tagging behind husband Pieter's total Mileage...

We always have valued KLM's Royal Dutch Airlines Courtesy Card!

Above is the one we had in Italy, while working and living there, just like we had before in the USA.

And again, continuing with our Royal Wing card in the USA...

We had so many benefits because of that.

Getting an upgrade to Business Class whenever Economy got fully booked.

Being allowed to check in at the Business Class counter, even with others that traveled with us.

Making use of the Business Class Lounge, we also did on the way over to the USA when all 4 of us used the Van Gogh Room at Schiphol Amsterdam Airport.

Mom & Dad even got an upgrade to Business Class, just like I had, when flying to Amsterdam from Atlanta, USA in May of 1987.

Mom & Dad sat in two seats next to each other and I shared a seat with a widow traveling back home after having stayed with her ailing brother in the USA.

Always easy for getting out of the roomier chair instead of sitting with 3 or even 4 passengers in narrow chairs.

But the Coach Class did allow Two (2) pieces of 70 pounds / 32 kilograms each!

Can you imagine?

That's how we could afford to travel with One (1) piece filled with gifts and things for relatives and friends.

Can you imagine the anxious recipients upon our arrival?

We even did carry: 2 Cast Iron John Wright Co dinosaur pans each 8 - 10 pounds

There was snow upon arrival in The Netherlands, on March 2, 1995 and we did tote all this weight into the train, with 2 stop-overs along the way.

Muscle power...

Hand delivered on March 8, 1995. Our 7 and 5-year old nephews loved their Dinosaur soup!

Were we crazy or what?

This is unthinkable for present time travel with its luggage weight restrictions!

{Writing a Thank-You-Note and Acknowledging a Parcel Received}

For sure most of you have received over the years some meaningful and touching Thank-You-Notes, hand written for a gift received, or for something else special.

Example of hand written thank you note on Cotton Crane & Co. Stationery...
In the front you see my Montblanc travel fountain pen.

LOOK: this beautiful Thank You note we received in the mail on Friday, October 4, following a dinner that we hosted for sweet friends. This is such an incredible thank you note, with a sweet personal touch...

Dear Friend Pam's Grandmother actually hand tatted these lovely thank you cards...
They are the most precious thing I've ever seen!
Such labor of love...

Even the back of the envelop showed a lovely tatted pink flower...
It got a bit smudged by handling in the mail but what a lovely presentation!
~♥~
Below is another example of ready printed thank-you notes, also in Cotton Crane Stationery

My husband Pieter receives the monthly Rotarian magazine; being a long time Rotary member himself.

In the September issue of 2013, there was a nice article about Writing Thank-You Notes...

Below post you can also read it in full screen mode.

Much obliged

Writing thank-you notes is hard. Too bad

By Paul Engleman

Expressing thanks is a fundamental social skill and should be a simple task..

The best way to do this is by a hand written note!

~♥~

We often have sent parcels from the USA to The Netherlands for family and friends and most of the time we never got even notified when they arrived...

Only after we called, following a long wait and worrying that maybe the parcel got lost... (God forbid) we got the statement: 'Oh yes, we received that a long time ago...' 

Except for brother Martin, who always right away picked up the phone and told us very excited: 'Wish you could have seen their faces...' when my niece and nephew unwrapped things that got delivered in the mail.

Is this only both of us, or are there more examples out there, where acknowledging a parcel/gift in the mail did never happen?

Whenever we ourselves received anything in the mail, we hastily grab the phone to let the generous sender know that things arrived in good order and that we're very pleased with them.

With Germany we do have excellent back and forth rapport but not so with The Netherlands.

However, some of my clients from The Netherlands did follow up and let me know they received my parcel. 

That too is very courteous and it is more the exception than the norm!

Some very touchy notes I received from happy customers, from Australia and from the UK also.

Is this culture related? Or are people's morals and standards lacking...?

Both of us have always followed our moral compass!

What are your thoughts on this subject?

~♥~

ISSUU - September 2013 vol2 by Rotary News India | On page 16 here you can find the same story from above - just click to open below. It will fully enlarge for easy reading. Just click Esc to exit full screen mode. 

{Happy 89th Birthday Dear Mom}

Wishing my dear Mom a Happy 89th Birthday on February 12! She is quite a hero for still going strong after almost 5 years of kidney dialysis. You can read more in my previous posts about her, below... 

• Mom taught me how to love, love my human Parents and love my heavenly Parents. How sweet it always was when she came to my bedroom, to see if I got tucked in well, together with my sister Diny. She marked my forehead with a cross and said her sweet prayer: Danke Lieve Heerke, danke Lieve Vrouwke, danke engeltje zoet die ons Marietje bewaren moet. Thank you Dear Lord, thank you dear Lady Mary, thank you sweet Angel who must wake over our Marietje... With that prayer by Mom, I felt so loved and so fuzzy that in no time I was in dreamland! 
• Mom taught me how to care for others, how to cook, how to love flowers, how to do fine needlework.
• Mom taught me how to uphold myself and for wearing good, decent and supporting lingerie. She repeated what her Mom always taught her: Wie zijn eigen bewaart, die bewaart geen rotte appels. Those that keep their own do not keep bad apples. 
• Mom taught me how to keep the sun from damaging the face, she covered up with an all cotton headscarf, while working the fields. Smart woman as till today her face is soft and a lot younger looking than her actual age. So glad I too always covered up with a wash cloth when at the pool or wearing a hat at the beach. Thank you Mom!
• Mom taught me the love of ginger and I recall as a young teen, staying up late and baking her a surprise ginger cake on her birthday! Got reprimanded by Dad for not being in bed, I cried but it was worth it. Mom loved it!
• Mom also taught me to LOVE those diamond shaped nougat blocks with chocolate covered. I always would bring her one home when I was dating and going to a fair where they got sold.
• How Mom could put a spring in my step as I did smell her home cooked delicious tomato soup when we came walking home from school for lunch. No one could sautée onions better than Mom. She also used sautéed onions with her green beans and her ribs were so yummy with sautéed onions and tomatoes... Her apricot pie baking was something out of this world! 
• Mom kept an exemplary MORAL COMPASS—passed down by generations of strong women.
• With love I did bake and cook for you during your four stays with us here in the U.S.A. and also giving a High Tea in your honor for some ladies... Short video where at 1:23 you can see the tea/coffee table in her honor here in Georgia: Pieter J.C. Vedder squeezes lemon over Popovers for Mom & Dad & High Tea in Honor of Mom in Georgia ←click it.

Here in our living room we are together; framed forever in silver. Mom's is with roses...

I still can hear your voice when you exclaimed that those pictures were the most precious gift you ever received... 

We went together to the next city for this photo shoot, when you and Dad were staying with us in the USA.

That will forever remain a wonderful memory, as there are so many others!

Thanks Mom and Happy 89th Birthday from your American daughter.

Related links:
{The Little Black Dress & My MOM} | previous post by me
{Mom's 4th Dialysis Anniversary} | previous post by me
{Like to see my own Everlasting Silver ROSE?} | previous post by me
{MY VERY FIRST BLOG AWARD} | previous post by me, listing 10 points about me...

Mom got called MOVIE STAR for once she was the CENTER of ATTENTION! | later post with video

{4th of July Speech given by my husband Pieter}

Worthwhile sharing this speech by my husband Pieter, given to the people of Laurens County, prior to the fireworks.

The 4^th of July 1994

The United States and Georgia State Flag on July 4th 2002
Those weeping ilex trees are no more...

Thanks for the kind introduction; now you know almost all about the two of us. For the introduction of a speaker a typical question always is, what is exactly your title? In a certain booklet we found that there actually is no prouder title then to be an American citizen. Although the weather is not cooperating too well, today we have something really important to celebrate as you all know, we celebrate Uncle Sam's 218^th Birthday; the birth of this great nation.

In the introduction you have heard that we are new Americans, although we came to this country already in '83. My wife's love affair with the U.S.A. started in April of '83; her very first visit to the New World. Some Campbell Soup people taught her at that time some history by visiting Rockford, MI, where president Ford grew up. They thought maybe she was homesick and thus they brought her to Holland in MI.

Holland Michigan on the shore of Lake Michigan

She was not homesick but just absorbing all she could about this fascinating new world. One of the highlights was the visit to Chestnut Street in Philadelphia; to the Independence Hall; the home of the Liberty Bell, a shrine of patriotism for all Americans. There we learned more about Life with a capital L and also about Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.

Pieter with  our foster-daughter Anita, in 2004 in front of the Liberty Bell

View from the Hershey hotel in Philadelphia where we stayed

  The next day we flew to Dublin, GA and there we fell deeper and deeper in love with the New World.

From Camden, New Jersey we flew on the Learjet from Campbell Soup to Dublin, Georgia on Saturday, April 23 of 1983
Wearing my red Campbell jacket...

So in August of '83 we came to live here. This was our pursuit of Happiness. Last year (1993) we got our American citizenship and since then we can say: we are Dutch by birth and American by choice and we are proud of both. There are a couple of reasons for that pride. Maybe you didn't know but the Dutch, of any nation, have the longest uninterrupted friendly relationship with the U.S.A. and for sure we like to keep it that way. It was on Nov. 16 in 1776 that the ford on the Dutch island of St. Eustatius in the Caribbean returned the salute from the American warship Andrew Doria, as it entered the harbour. This was the first salute by a foreign power to the flag of the U.S.A. of America. As the history books say: this was a very courageous action by the Dutch and it enhanced the diplomatic credibility of the U.S.A. It also gave a strong boost to the moral of the revolutionary troops. So, today it is 218 years ago that the U.S.A. has been founded. In the Dutch tradition, Birthdays always are important events, often celebrated with an all day open house, birthday gifts etc. A good question, not only for us but for all immigrants could be: why did you come to the U.S.A? What did we expect to find here what we eventually didn't have in the country where we lived before? Although a lot of things have changed since then, the answer will be more or less identical to what brought the founding fathers to this part of the world over 200 years ago. The most important reason for them was the freedom and the space to live in the broadest sense. The freedom to believe in God in different ways; the freedom to have your own opinion, the opportunity to develop yourself up to the limits etc. On this Birthday we should never forget that the founding fathers and after them numerous immigrants have for sure not chosen the easiest way. They didn't find a paradise; they just found a place with almost unlimited opportunities but they had to be explored. Very important also is that their freedom was based on a strong moral and on personal responsibility. That, in combination with hard work, made this country into what it is today; in our opinion the best country to live in. We have a number of good reasons to make this statement. As you perhaps know, or picked up from the introduction, for our job we traveled, and still do, all over the world and lived in several countries We lived in Dublin from '83 through '88 and after that in Italy and Indonesia. We more and more discovered what a great country the U.S.A. is to live in; we got homesick and looked for every opportunity to return. With O'Henry contribute our share in what the founding fathers once started. They worked hard to develop this country, made it prosperous and a better place to live. They installed and maintained high moral values, based on a strong believe in God. They've shown the world that they could handle their freedom. Our forefathers didn't contribute frivolous gifts to this country. So, let's celebrate this Birthday of our nation not only with a spectacular firework but let's wrap up a big box for Uncle Sam, containing: A huge amount of humility, a lot of tolerance, respect for each other and patience, the most of integrity and compassion and a strong will to share freely with others.

Thank you  Founding Fathers.

Happy Birthday Uncle Sam; we love this country. May God bless this nation and all of us.

Pieter J.C. Vedder

Also for today, Happy 235th Birthday United States of America!!!

Related link:

Flying Over Our Home and Campbell Mushroom Plant that Pieter Designed | later post by me

Husband Pieter's 1994, 4th of July Speech | later post by me with actual video of speech