R.I.P. Sweet Dido Boy

 Our sweet and vocal Bandido or Dido as we used to call him went to be with his favorite kitty fur sis Sacha, who got hit by a car on June 17, 2013

We had to let him go this morning as he barely was eating and so weak...

Dido with his Mamita, he was her favorite... That face!

February 5, 2008 Dido to the left—he was the talker!

Sacha his favorite kitty fur sis could stand on her hind legs.

Also taken on February 5, 2008—Dido with his tongue out... photo taken bij Dutch friend Mariëlle.

February 7, 2008 Dido with his velvety silken fur. But he even shows tiger stripes in the sunshine.

He had a white cross on his chest and some white hairs on his throat.

March 22, 2010 Dido napping on the down duvet with his Papi...

March 23, 2010 Dido looking like an Egyptian Sphinx...

August 16, 2010 on top of our car inside garage...

December 23, 2010 Sacha and her kitty brother Bandido on top of the duvet cuddling each other...

Sacha was the 3rd born and Dido the final one of five.

Before embracing each other—Dido did thoroughly WASH Sacha...

Guess he could have eaten her alive!

Cute and alert Dido on August 16, 2011

Overlooking the pond area...

May 27, 2012—what pet beds? 

Dido prefers a shallow box..

June 27, 2013 Dido with his cuddle bear...

October 14, 2007 when I tried on my wedding dress, holding Dido

April 3, 2015 holding Bandido

Wore those pants for Thanksgiving but of course did NOT fill them up like here.

My weight is still 44 kg or 97 pounds—like Dido struggling to survive...

February 13, 2016 Dido with his bouncy mouse...

March 28, 2016 Dido on the left with his kitty brother Spooky on bolstered kitty sill pet bed.

December 4, 2016 Dido had something with his throat and got hoarse and cried... ←click link for short video

September 29, 2017 with Bandido boy

WISH those pants would fit like that again...

July 30, 2018. On Friday at vet's visit, Amanda discovered a Mammary gland tumor on Dido

BUT over the weekend the tumor opened up and I had to call her for help.

She said to put a gauze on and tie it around his shoulder and then cover with a onesie.

Did make one from a silk knit sweater's sleeve from Pieter...

Slept with him in the kitchen on the floor—on sleeping bags + duvets—that calmed him!

Surgery was on July 31st and this is August 2, 2018

April 3, 2021 Dido up close with his tongue out...

October 28, 2022 we started giving him more tiny meals per day and also goat milk but we did not manage to nurture him back to good health...

June 18, 2023 after my 2nd surgery Dido became my loving and loyal kitty nurse

July 4 on the sofa in the living room—Dido my constant companion—they sense when we're in pain!

July 16, Dido with his tongue out but next to me as a body guard...

August 1, with me in the veranda behind screen door—on the oak stool with soft blanket.

Dido had to be near me!

Always talking to his human parents...

November 27, around 22:00 Dido's final night and he opted for sleeping next to me underneath the down duvet...

November 28 at 0:43 under the down duvet and next to my cotton flannel pajama... So sweet!

Dido sure felt loved and secure and I've told him that he is going to meet his fur sis Sacha soon.

At 1:27 when I came back from the bathroom... he was still on his side feeling so safe and warm.

Dido on my lap at 8:58 this morning...

Dido had a final sunny morning... 

This is 10:23 and Amanda the vet could not make a house call today so Pieter did take him inside the wicker pet carrier and he held him while he got his shot.

Amanda thought it was cancer that did him in, he had one lump on the side of his chest and what grew inwards?

Two days short of 16 years + 8 months.

Born on March 30, 2007 at our home and died peacefully on November 28, 2023 around 11:00 AM

Pieter buried him near the other kitties and one of the Mexicans helped him with that, they just arrived to do the lawn.

Pieter had weighed him inside his Angel bag and he was 3.5 kg.

R.I.P. Sweet Dido Boy!

Related links:

A New Angel | Katie Isabella mentioning our Dido to the Cat Blogosphere—THANK YOU!!!

Bandido "Dido" Forever | The Cat Blogosphere with Memorial Graphic...

In Memory of Dido | Meezer's Mews and Terrieristical Woofs

Bandido aka Dido OTRB | Power Of The Paw blog 

OTRB friends for November Bandido, Julie and Laz | by Power of the Paw

Dido | mentioned by Our Rainbow Friends 

 Dido mentioned in center bottom on the sideline of The Cat Blogosphere ←click link

Bandido mentioned 2nd from bottom, right in Remembering our Friends, Loved and Lost during 2023 ←click link

R.I.P. Sweet Barty Boy | previous post by me and we had to let him go on October 28, 2020

{R.I.P. SACHA GIRL} | previous post by me

{Our 2 Inseparable Feline Siblings SACHA & BANDIDO} | 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

Written Compliments and Book Reviews for my Pieter — I

 It sure is nice to get some written compliments from former students and/or book reviews!

Despite all odds, you took pain to pen the guidance. Greatest Consultant, far greater in Humanity.

May GOD shower my Good deeds on you.

Both of us have no PAY MASTER

Very good Article in this Pandemic, I live by the rules which I learned at the Mushroom school CCO in Horst, Netherlands. It was the best school I ever visited, here it was where I learned not only about Mushrooms. But also how the environment where we live in works, including pests and diseases and how to deal with it.

Wanna thank you for the wise lesson you taught us there in Horst at the CCO. Also I can only recommend everybody to read your books. They are really great!

Pieter's reply: 

Thanks for your meaningful comment and indeed in whatever I've taught, I tried to do the very best to explain the matter and no–nonsense. Sure, I also am a strong believer in the natural antagonsim!

I've already read it, it's the best book in the world!!

Pieter's reply: 

Thank you! It often gets called the 'Mushroom Bible'...

Sir just now I get the copy of modern mushroom growing 2020 hope that this would be a great guide for my mushroom growing life. I will refer through this and making improvements in growing, if there is any doubts in this I will go through with you sir. 

Thank you for making this 'bundle of great experience'.

Thank you Amazon for this wonderful Bhagwad Geeta for mushroom growers

Dr Vedder is a world class mushroom grower and trainer. I was so happy to see that Amazon was able to get me this wonderful bible for mushroom growers,

Hi Mariette, I am Ravi Balraj, who was in Pond's India. We always remember your excellent training skills.

I still have my notebook where I had jotted down your valuable advices on mushroom growing. And clearing our doubts. Even to this day, those were the days I learnt the maximum on mushroom growing.

You have contributed much more than your books for the mushroom world.

We all reference your books for anything on mushroom growing & many growers will continue to do so.

You are the best teacher

I am to know that you got gift from Pond's India. Pieter, known for his practical knowledge and his wonder book, I possess.

Great love and regard for both of you.

May God bless both of you.

Please send photo of Pond's gift, I want to have a look.

My reply: In good daylight I will but we better first polish the silver...

Be patient!

Never be weak thinking that you be alone but always stick to thinking

That you alone are enough...!!

Congratulations sir.

Happy 94th birthday

Pieter Vedder sir Grand Father of mushrooms

Pieter's reply: Thank you and yes, being the Grandfather of Mushroom Growing sounds right...

I am such a big fan of yours sir that I cannot tell you.

Pieter's reply: 

Thank you and it is always good to hear that I've meant something to others. May our book still help many for making a living in mushrooms! Did it with all my heart and soul...

After Fred Atkins, Mr Vedder sir you took the mushroom industry to a greater height. 

Pieter's reply: 

Thank you and I owe a lot to Mr. Fred Atkins and I counted him among my very special friends: Fred Atkins' book Mushroom Growing To-Day helped Pieter Solve Yellow Mold & False Truffle Problem ←click link

This birthday message comes 

Deep from within my heart

For everything that you do

And all the wisdom you impart.

I'm ever so grateful

To have somebody like you

Who can educate me

As wonderfully as you do.

Happy birthday to you (2023)

Review on Good Reads:

★★★★★ Loved it, so much wealth of knowledge

Thanks for this profound book you wrote for us. It's a real enchiridion; I'll keep it with my treasure books so I can always have a quick view of questions, difficulties, or discussions. Thank you so much for the lessons which I could learn from you.

Thanks for the profound book you wrote. I'll use it as an enchiridion to skill up my knowledge. Thank you for all the lessons you taught me.

Pieter's reply:

That is the main reason why we wrote and self–published our book. To share our knowledge with others. Hoping you use our handbook often!

Hi Mr. Vedder, I would like to wish You a Merry Christmas, and thank you for all your knowledge, and sharing it by books, videos, audios, etc. 

I have been working since 2005 in mushrooms when I was at the university, and the only one book available was yours.

Since that time starting as an entrepeneur, until now as a mushroom farm owner, it has been so helpful as an engineer in mushroom production, communication with workers, organization, etc. all your help and your wife's too.

I really want to thank you for all development and knowledge in mushroom farm, for all of us, that learn everyday from you!!!

Merry Christmass!!!

Hello Mr. Vedder,

Once upon a time I had the privilege of being taught by you to become a good mushroom grower in the late 70's and early 80's. I have been working in this world for about 25 years. First 8 years as a manager of the tunnel company and then 15 years on my own mushroom farm.

So your knowledge transfer has really helped me. I would like to thank you for that and I look back on a nice period where you taught us the trade in a skillful and humorous way.

We spoke again at the Mushroom Days in Grubbenvorst after you went to the USA.

By chance I came across your name on the internet, hence this message.

Hope all is well with you?

From Limburg I greet you.

Former pupil Jan

As you say, not every farmer can invest huge capital on high–tech equipment. We need to help the farmer to have good yield with less money.

Pieter's reply:

That is so true, even nowadays and that's why I still explain the BASICS in our book! Also both of us have always done our consulting work, based on QUALITY which is market value, instead of just high yields...! A BIG mistake would be an incentive program for the managers (even consultants) based just on kilograms but not on quality, which translates into market value!

Looking forward to receiving the book I ordered.

Pieter's reply:

Hope you meanwhile received it. We were 5 days without Internet so I reply late...

Hello Mr. Vedder, I wanted to tell you that I was able to read the last book you wrote on mushroom cultivation, what a great work, every day I admire your work more.

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 links:

{Part XVI of Husband Pieter's Trip to East Asia - Taipei, Taiwan} | previous post by me with great complimentary letter at the end

{Part III of Husband Pieter's Trip to India - Maharaja Amarinder Singh, Patiala Punjab} | previous post by me with written letter from Maharaja

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!

modern mushroom growing 2020 harvesting | previous post by me

1982 Sinden Award for Pieter at The Hotel Majestic, Harrogate, England | previous post by me about PRESTIGIOUS AWARD IN THE MUSHROOM INDUSTRY

September 9, 1969 Grand Opening practical Mushroom Training Center in Horst | previous post by me

SOME VIRUS FACTS AND QUESTIONS | previous post by me

Grateful to Friend Gil for Capturing Pieter's 93rd Birthday | previoius post by me about Pieter's 93rd B'day

Happy Reunion with Swiss Kuhn Family & United States Consulate for our Permanent Visa | previous post by me