All about Overdinkel

Hoi Bas here....how's it goin'...I mean going (Mom's Texas accent is catching)?! Ok, ok, I give up...all of Mom's friends want to know about Overdinkel, so I decided I'd give you a tour...Bas style.

Overdinkel apparently dates back to the middle ages, Overdinkel was first found in the record books in 1200. That's too many years for me to count in dog time. Up until the 1890's it was a farming community, then in 1907 became a full fledged village. Prior to and after World War 2, Overdinkel was prospering in textiles until the demise of the industry. Overdinkel is in the Overjissel providence and Twente region. You know that region, the one with the Champion FC Twente soccer team...little shout out for my Twente friends there.

Anyway, let me show you around town. You think people went crazy over FC Twente winning their first championship, check this out there's one whole street in town Orange..getting ready for the world cup. They love their voetball here.

Next we have Hoofdstraat, English translation...Main street. Down Hoofdstraat there are 2 grocery stores, a bakery, 2 hair salons, a bicycle shop, car dealers, drugstore, and my absolute favorite place... Pet's Place...best pig's ears in town.

Just off Hoofdstraat is my favorite park. Now you have to be careful here...this is where the first ninja bunny attack occurred. Gotta a bit dangerous lately with those bunnies, but I keep a watchful eye..trust me. This park also hosts the weekly Wednesday market which Mom loves. Fresh fruit, veggies, cheeses, olives, fish, and nuts.

The great thing about Overdinkel is there are plenty of places for a guy to take a nice, relaxing walk. There are two parks within walking distance and a couple of forest areas.

Then there's the country too, can't miss that. Although, you do need to be on the lookout there are ninja bunnies, kamikaze ducks, and a pigeons armed with torpedoes...if they catch you off guard...you're in a world of trouble. If you look around you'll see some big animals that look like really big dogs, but they're really cows and horses...be careful not to get them confused..I can only imagine what a cow would do if you brought it into the house at night.

Back in the town you'll see this wonderful bandstand (at least that's what Mom calls it)...it's really nice, but I keep waiting for the parade...don't parades usually end at the bandstand...oh well.

We go a little farther and you'll find my street. Which I think it's time to head inside and catch a little snooze..being a tour guide is exhausting. Catch ya'll (there's Mom's Texan again...she's a bad influence) later!!!

Ok, all feet in....curled up......ahhhhh......zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

Bas's Excellent Adventure!!!

Hoi, Bas here...Ja, Ik ben terug!!! Did ya miss me? I see Mom kinda hijacked the blog, well don't worry I'm taking back over.

So wondering where I've been...well, I took a little vacation, you see my human Oma passed away and my Dad and Mom had to be with her and help the family, it's very sad, but I know she's up there watching out for us all now. While they were away I got to stay in the local hotel. Let me tell you they were charmed by me instantly at the Dierenhotel Hazewinkel in Oldenzaal....and who isn't. They were so charmed by me I immediately became the party coordinator...my job ...to make all the other dogs play with me....woohoo..that I can do. I have to admit I was a little confused when Dad left me in my room alone, but then I poked my head out the little door leading outside and I knew why I was there..to get all the other dogs to play. What can I say, I'm just a party animal. While I was there, I got a great manicure and a wellness check...I'm in great shape. After a few weeks, Mom came and picked me up and despite how much fun I was having...I was really glad to see her. I couldn't help myself I jumped up and gave her a big ol' kiss. Then I showed her the door and even opened it for her. Once we got home, I immediately got back to work. So much catching up to do, seriously, I don't think anyone did a thing while I was away. Mom and I took a walk...and no one had updated the news in the park I think since I'd been gone. I had to stop at every tree and bush along way and update leaving the latest news bulletins.

Well, after our walk we visited the dierenspecialzaak Pet's Place here in Overdinkel where I got some more pigs ears and new bone. I deserved it especially after all the work I did posting the news. I did learn a few things while I gone...I have increased my will power 100%. You can see in this photo...the cookie is right in front of my face...and I ignore it..,I'm a good boy.

Of course, sleep is what I do best. I'm even teaching Dad how to sleep on the floor. You humans don't always appreciate the art of sleep...and it is an art form. I feel it is an art to be explored...and I explore it as often as possible...I'm a sleep connoisseur if you will. Speaking of which it's about time for me to do some more exploring, so I'll say goodnight for now... but I promise the blog will kept up better now that I'm back in action.

Ps. Don't forget to check out my buddies at Dierentehuis Oost Twente.....

www.dierentehuisoosttweete.nl

Howdy Ya'll!!!!

Okay, Texans do not actually say "Howdy", but we do say "ya'll". This is a little introduction to this blog and me ... and of course, Bas.

I'm originally from Fort Worth, Texas ( "Where The West Begins ")... just about 30 minutes from Dallas (remember the TV show). Lived most my life there. I moved a little throughout Texas in the last few years also went over the border to Oklahoma (what was I thinking-Texans and Okies do not like each other) for the last few months. I worked for many years as a corporate trainer, training bartenders, servers, and cooks for the Olive Garden while bartending and serving myself. Olive Garden is a 700 + restaurant chain in the U.S., but I left it and everything else behind. Through a dear friend I met a wonderful Dutch man, fell in love, and decided to uproot myself and move to the Netherlands.

My route here was quite the adventure on its own. I decided to fly out Christmas Day from Tulsa, Oklahoma ... wouldn't ya know it .... it was Tulsa's first ever Christmas Eve blizzard. After spending most of the early morning hours trying to get a taxi to the airport I finally arrived. I got checked in, called Joost to let him know I got to the airport, then sat down with my laptop for a few moments. I could not help but notice the U.S. flag waving proudly outside the very window of the terminal. It was at that moment that everything really hit me. I was leaving my country and everything I knew behind. Everything I had was packed into 2 suitcases and one small briefcase. I admit the tears started a little, but I felt better when I remembered I was starting a whole new life. Well, wouldn't you know it the first flight was delayed 20 minutes ... cleaning the runways. Finally got on board, then another 30 minute delay .. the copilot could not find his bag. Got into the air and arrived in Chicago, ran to the next terminal to head to Philadelphia .. only to discover it was delayed. Left Chicago got to Philadelphia late ... again ... ran to the Amsterdam flight only to find out it was already gone ... wonderful. As I started back to the ticket counter to find out what to do ... a lady stopped me at the terminal desk. After a few moments, she handed me a ticket and get on the flight said "over there now". Which prompted me to ask .. "where am I going?" I'm going to Spain ..... my next question ... and how to I get to Amsterdam from there?! Anyway, without even finding out about my luggage or anything really I boarded the plane for Spain. I called from the plane (my cell was already dead by now) and let Joost know what was happening and that I'd be late. By the way, do not use those airline phones ... 20 euros for a minute. Got to Spain, found my way to the terminal for Amsterdam on ... got it .. and finally was actually heading to the Netherlands. I arrived at 14:45, supposed to be there at 8:05. Went to the luggage pickup ... and found my wonderful Joost looking through the window as I waited for my bags. Bags? Ummmm .... still in Philadelphia, I think .... waited, no luggage (finally got them almost 3 weeks later). Gave up and just left the arrival center, but all was good cause my Joost was there with a teddy bear, a smile, a kiss, and hug ... I was home.

First of all let me say, Overdinkel is very charming and quaint, but everything is so small here. The streets, houses, kitchens, .. everything, but hey, less to keep clean. I've been slowly learning my way around Overdinkel, Losser, and even a bit of Enschede. I'm volunteering a few hours a week at a local animal shelter ... something I used to do in the States. I'm slowly adapting to my new environment and the purpose of this blog is to chronicle my adventures. Joost and I got a new dog, he's a 4 1/2 year old named Karabash, named Bas. He is the biggest, most loveable Goofball I've ever seen. He'll be telling you about his adventures on this blog as well.

Well, that's all for now. Next time I'll tell you about my adventures in cooking, Texas, Southern food with a Dutch twist ... lol.