Monday, July 28 - Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Monday - Wow!! Rain, rain, rain. It rained most of the night, I think and then poured all through the morning and didn't let up until about 3:00. It was a cleaning day for us, so we weren't too bothered, just couldn't mow the grass.

When the rain finally stopped and the sun came out, we ventured out in the car for grocery shopping. We don't usually use the car, but our long list meant that the bags would be heavy. We hit just about all the food stores in Soest: both organic stores, the butcher, looked at fish at the fishmonger's store, and finished up at Albert Heijn's (the main grocery store). 

Along the way, we stopped at The Proef for espresso and sparkling water. Shawn, the friendly, young, chef told us about the flooding in the stores. During the storm, water was standing in the street and cars drove by, made waves that came into the stores. The storm drains worked as well as those on Anna Maria Island - not. The staff kept busy using the squiggy to push the water out. Their basements had standing water and part of the false ceiling next door came down because of a leak in the roof. But, everyone seemed to be in a good mood.

Back at the house we enjoyed lamb on a stick, some rice, and sauteed zucchini. We are ready for Frank and Lynda to appear.

Tuesday - Today's main objective was to pick up Frank and Lynda Adamson at Schipol Airport. We arrived in plenty of time and even though I parked farther away in the parking lot than Linda wanted me to, the walk wasn't that bad.

They were in pretty good shape, just a little sleepy. We drove over to Lage Vuursche for pancakes to fortify them.

Frank and I ate pancakes.

My Linda had the traditional Dutch ham and egg sandwich. 

And, Lynda Adamson ate an omelet with lots of stuff in it - leeks and cheese.

Everyone seemed happy with their selections. We sat outside. The day was bright and sunny with a bit of a breeze.

Then, it was time to take them to the house for a nap. I took the opportunity to mow the lawn - 5 minutes. 

Later in the afternoon, everyone was ready to walk downtown for an espresso. We introduced them to Shawn and The Proef. Check out the tatoos in the background.

On the way back to the house, we stopped at the fishmonger and bought a combination selection that was on sale. The portions were designed for two people, but it was plenty for all of us.

Frank and I enjoyed a vodka and the girls used some Prosecco to help them fix the fish. We ate outside and enjoyed our feast.

Lynda was able to figure out how to hook up her MacAir to the TV and we watched pictures from their recent Alaska tour. Beautiful landscapes of a glacier, water, snow-capped mountains, a moose, and lovely gardens: Butchart just north of Victoria, British Columbia. We watched a movie: "Two Weeks Notice" starring Sandra Bullock and Hugh Grant and then off to bed for all of us.