FOUND a Pieter treasure from November 2018

 When I made a sale on eBay and had to prepare the Giovanni Raspini 925 silver Angel charms for shipping, I reached inside the TOP drawer of my Raphael Angel box...

Had this box made by an Atlanta Holland Club member; Paul Van Witteveen from Gainesville, GA from Italian Florentine wrapping paper.

Three drawers and I kept those silver charms in the bottom drawer but for whatever reason I reached for the top drawer...

Open Raphael Angel box...

But what I found in the top drawer was an emotional treasure!

My beloved Pieter's handwriting...

Sealed...

Dear Mariet

35+ years together!!

What is it that brings 2 people so inseparable together?

I don't know the answer exactly; in my opinion, it is one of those mysterious, complicated, possibly supernatural influences. 

Whatever it may be; we have found each other; two people with different personalities, ideas (and age) but also with many similarities. Some traits sometimes clashed with each other, but the love between the two of us always turned out to be stronger. 

With this in mind, I've always loved you, and that hasn't diminished over the years. 

We lived together for over 13,000 days; in general, sunny days with the occasional rain shower to keep things fresh. 

I still love you very much girl. Both of us are not such overly 'sweeties', not exactly such soft romantic types; we are too level–headed and too rational for that. We may not say often enough that we can't miss each other, nor do we kiss enough, but when we say something like that, it comes not only from our lips but from our hearts. 

I hope to be able to live with you for many more days; Our life together was, and still is, the result of the 'something' that brought us together. There will come a time when we will have to say goodbye to each other, but even then this 'something' will continue to exist.

Beyond doubt!!!

November 2018

your Pieter

Had to sit down and tears rolled freely as this was such an unexpected treasure!

Related link:

My Pieter went to Heaven on April 30 | previous post by me

Sorry Antónia, accidentally deleted it.. but rewrote it.

Kitty Tiggy Tiger brings her Writer Papi a PEN

 On February 23, Tiggy–Tiger managed to find a pen for her writer Papi... Yep, she jumps on Papi's secretary desk and looks for one!

Searching on her Papi's secretary desk...

She did this all the time, even when we were in bed, loudly she came with her pen for Papi...

Since her Papi's passing she has not done this anymore!

May 14 Tiggy–Tiger batting her big mouse around...

4,500,000 Pageviews on my Humble Blog

 Just earlier today, while I was napping, I missed the actual 4,500,000 Pageviews but never mind.

Yep, there are 90 views over...

This month is not even half over but last month was high 

LOTS of visitors and also in regard to my Blissful Relationship with Pieter J.C. Vedder

THANK you ever so much for your support! 

Related links:

4,000,000 Pageviews on my Humble Blog | previous post by me on December 26, 2023

{999,999 Pageviews on my Humble Blog} | previous post by me on July 3, 2014

{2,000,002 Pageviews on my Humble Blog} | previous post by me on January 5, 2017

{3,333,333 Pageviews on my Humble Blog} | previous post by me on August 26, 2021

May 10, 2024 Pieter J C Vedder's Memorial Service | previous post by me

My Pieter went to Heaven on April 30

 

This photo I selected for his obituary as it embodies him so perfectly!

A happy and humble man 

Pieter J.C. Vedder SCIENTIFIC PIONEER in Commercial Mushroom Cultivation and Education passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at his home.

Pieter was born on april 29, 1929, in Duiven, the Netherlands during the Great Depression, the youngest son of three. He was baptized the same day in the Catholic St. Andreas Church of Groessen. There he was a member of the Church choir, from his youth on.

The war years left a deep impression on Pieter's entire life. Being evacuated and finding the house half bombed when they returned home, as well as the glass greenhouses in shards. Pieter's Dad grew peaches, plums, grapes, and tomatoes under glass.

Pieter played the accordion for the recording of a spoken letter to his two brothers who were deployed in Indonesia during the national revolution.

Training partially interrupted for his military service, from 4 October 1950 to 1 February 1952. Graduated in 1957 with university education in Wageningen, for horticulture and horticultural engineering, with excellent grades. Pieter also had a degree in teaching.

In 1957 he became assistant A of the Research Station for Mushroom Cultivation.

In 1961 he published his first publication Modern Mushroom Growing; 5 more editions followed.

In 1962 he became an instructor and head of the Education Department and was involved in the establishment of the Center for Mushroom Cultivation Education.

Pieter's Dad died on April 21, 1967, so he knew that his youngest became principal!

By 1978, his book had been translated into 5 languages and was called a unique achievement by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Directorate of Agricultural Education. Total of 9 languages now and has been called the MUSHROOM BIBLE.

Pieter was very active as a Committee Member for Youth Affairs, in the municipality of Horst.

Also, as Chairman of Youth and Nature

Member of the Board of Housing and Management, Venray–Horst region

Member of the Dean's Financial Committee of the Deanery of Horst

Member of the Diocesan Financial Commission Limburg

Pieter was a member of the Rotary Club Venray, since May 11 of 1976 and President Rotary Club Venray 1978/1979

Honorary President Rotary Club Royal Forest of Dean in U.K. 1978/1979

Rotary member Montebelluna, Italy

Rotary member Dublin, Georgia and Paul Harris Fellow 1996/1997 now Honorary member for several years.

In 1982, Pieter received the Sinden Award from the Mushroom Growers Association in the U.K.—the highest accolade in the Mushroom Industry.

Worked for Campbell Soup International as Vice President Training and Development from August 1983 to March 1989.

People to People Citizen Ambassador in March/April 1987. Pieter, being a world renown mushroom expert, got chosen for joining a group of 10, to visit Universities, lecturing and making field trips on behalf of the Mushroom Industry. His employer Campbell Soup did fully cover his expenses.

Head of the Technology Division at Fungi del Montello in Italy from 1 March 1989 to February 1990.

Dieng Djaya in Indonesia from 1 March 1990 to April 1992 and until 2001 as a consultant.

International Consultant with partner Mariette from 1992 to 2004 and only then time for our own house and garden. Pieter played the Es–trumpet and trombone while in the military. Pieter also played the organ for the Catholic Church, and he played the accordion. Music was one of his hobbies, as were photography and gardening. He also loved cycling and did so on his E–bike until April 7, 2024

In 2020, we together self–published our book 'modern mushroom growing 2020 harvesting' for print on demand worldwide. In this way, Pieter's intellect has been preserved and thousands more can benefit from it. Quite proud that it is listed in the U.K. as a university textbook.

Thus ends an intensive but very humble life, focused on Commercial Mushroom Cultivation Education and also a life of always being there for others and often pro bono. We both have always been very committed to lifting the stigma around leprosy, something Princess Diana did so intensely. A biblical disease of people who have no voice. We visited the same leprosy hospital near Jakarta, Indonesia that Princess Diana did visit and helped raise funds for those voiceless.

Pieter was a great supporter and board member of the local Heart of Georgia Community Concert Association and the Dublin Association of Fine Arts, Inc. Under his leadership and diplomacy, the two merged.

Pieter's Dad died in 1967 and his mother in 1989. Middle brother Toon in 2006 and eldest brother Thé in 2012. He has an adopted daughter Liz Vedder in Rotterdam, The Netherlands and foster daughter Anita Anggraeni in Semarang, Indonesia. His goddaughter and niece Myriam with daughters Sanne and partner with great–great niece Bobbie, Lotte and son Auke, and niece Judith (Hems) and great–niece Nienke.

His wife of over 40 years, Mariette VandenMunckhof–Vedder

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday May 10, 2024 at Dublin First Methodist Church.

Stanley Funeral Home and Crematory/Dublin Chapel has charge of the arrangements.

Related links:

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

Our Final Easter Together | wrote my final letter to Pieter...

Silver Clock and Oak Wall Clock repaired by Pieter | earlier letter to Pieter

Pieter's Music Booklet from WWII Era | how Pieter learned to play his first accordion

Our Final Easter Together

 On March 31, I did sing in the Chancel Choir and we had a little Orchestra accompanying us.

So we had to practice all together at 10:00 AM and since we have only one car, Pieter came along.

After Mass, around 1:00 PM we took some pictures and as always the case—Pieter already had hung his Jacket and released himself of his tie...!

Pieter looks rather frail, his weight went down.

Pieter captured me next to our Easter bouquet from sweet friend

Feeling very happy!

Wearing my Escada leather skirt and shoes.

There are not many clothes I can wear, as at present I am only 96 pounds (43 kg) instead of my usual 116 (52 kg)...

Try to do my very best but it is not sticking!

During Mass at 11:30 AM I suddenly became very emotional and tears were welling up.

Did manage to not let them roll down my cheeks but twice I had to blow my nose...

Later I learned that exactly at that time my most favorite brother–in–law had passed away. He suffered from bone cancer.

My ESP was once again kicking in and I felt it.

On April 1, I wrote this letter to my Pieter...

Dublin, April 1, 2024

Dearest Pieter,

During Easter Mass, tears came to me when I saw you sitting there—how much longer? You get so out of breath from climbing stairs. It's frightening to think that you're slipping away like that. My Pieter, my rock and great help for the past year after accident.

Because of the enormous pain, I was certainly not the nicest conversation partner! My humor appeared to have dried up and the pain was unbearable. You felt powerless... But you kept me alive by feeding me what you prepared.

Suddenly the roles reversed! It hurts so much to see your elderly sweetheart struggling and I couldn't change it. Praying, a lot of praying, for strength and to be able to spend some more time together. Cycling together if I can still manage that... At least I want to take care of the laundry again. You're already doing too much outside! In bed you breathe very difficult—frightening.

Both of us are still too often exhausted. Reading makes me calmer, but the pressure of many things causes stress. Glad we have the trust almost complete! Before it is too late, I want to tell you that I still love you dearly and am proud of you. I have emphasized that pride often enough in my blog! A rare great love and it hurts to have ended up in the rag basket like that. Neither of us wanted this! Someday we will be together again without physical discomfort—our souls. It's going to be hard to ever having to live without you... 

I will fight for our cats, but I want to be with you again as soon as possible!

Your eternally loving L.L.

Pieter has read this letter several times and he said one thing to me in regard to this:

You have exceptionally keen senses. Nothing escapes you and in terms of hearing you never miss anything. 

You have a memory like an elephant and you are as sharp as a tack—mentally acute. 

In combination with your other characteristics, that is very special and that's why I loved you so dearly...

Indeed a Blissful Relationship!

Bring Flowers of the Fairest to Mary in the month of May | mention by Father Seán of Dublin, Ireland and Pieter worshipped Mary whole his life...

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

4,000,000 Pageviews on my Humble Blog

 It just so happened on December 23 that I was getting close to 4,000,000 Pageviews on my Humble Blog...

What an impressive figure of 3,999,999 around 21:00 o'clock!

Six minutes later it showed this 4,000,000

For whatever reason, my Pageviews for November and December were HIGH...

Not being tracked from my own browser!

For other bloggers that want to track their Pageviews—this Blogger Tip:

In Layout click on Add a Gadget

In Add a Gadget click on Blog's stats.

Mine is showing 'vague print' meaning it is already in use!

Thank You Visitors for Reading my Writing and Viewing here.

It also shows that original content is being appreciated!

Related links:

{999,999 Pageviews on my Humble Blog} | previous post by me on July 3, 2014

{2,000,002 Pageviews on my Humble Blog} | previous post by me on January 5, 2017

{3,333,333 Pageviews on my Humble Blog} | previous post by me on August 26, 2021

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