I have a confession to make....

I'm going to steal Bas's blog away for just a bit.

I'm almost always asked two questions since I arrived here in the Netherlands. First, how do you like Holland? Answer: Love it, weather's great, people are nice, it's been a great experience so far. Second, don't you miss America? Normally my answer is 'not really', I miss some things mainly food (still haven't had a jalapeno),TV, and such. This week, however, is a little different I have to confess I am missing the good ol' U.S. of A quite a bit.

See it's the week leading up to one of my favorite holidays...July 4th, Independence Day...America's Birthday, if you will. All through the week there will be tips on where to go for firework displays, Bbq'ing ideas, and parades on both local and national news broadcasts. It's the week you can show your pride in being an American just as loud and proud as you possibly can. July 4th itself is usually a fun day. Huge firework shows at night, baseball games and patriotic movies (like 1776, Independence Day, The Patriot) all day, and lots of parades, bbq's and picnics. Just a great day to celebrate.

But why do we celebrate this day....we don't celebrate so much the day as the meaning of the events of the day. In 1776, a committee formed called Congress signed and delivered the Declaration of Independence...declaring ourselves free of the governing rule of Great Britain. This congress took a great risk since they were in essence committing treason. This day represents freedom and courage. The freedoms we have fought and died for and the courage it took to do so. The freedoms that have allowed us to make mistakes and at the same time become world leaders. We aren't perfect, in fact we can be arrogant, rude, emotional, ignorant, and obnoxious, but we can also be very caring, sympathetic, kind, and there to lend a hand when needed most. Sometimes we're late to the party (World War 2) but once we get there you can't stop us. Right or wrong, Americans have conviction in everything we do. You can knock us down, push us down, but you will not keep us down.

Our freedom and courage won't allow us to stay down. I will never forget Sept.11, 2001 not just because of the events of that day, but how we as a nation reacted. Now I know everyone will point to the Afghan and Iraq wars, but what I'm actually talking about is the emotions that were brought out. I remember going to work on Sept. 12th, after listening to nothing but conflicting and frightening news reports the day before...I walked into work got started...everyone there was quiet and sad that day and didn't really want to be there, then a song came over the radio..."God Bless the USA" (Proud to be an American) by Lee Greenwood...we all stopped what we were doing and just stood there listening to a song we'd heard so many times...that day it just meant a bit more. Some of us were almost in tears, all of us felt a pride well up inside us. Almost like getting a shot of adrenaline we all got back to work with less sadness, talking more, and most importantly, with meaning. I realized quickly that you might beat us down, but we're going to get back up. For 30 days, by order of the President, the flag was flown at half staff to mourn those lost...I remember the first day they allowed the flags to be raised. I was driving down the street and saw our flag waving high and proud..it had never been more beautiful...what was funny was you could see that I wasn't the only one reacting...in virtually every face I saw there was pride showing through.

This is why July 4th is one of my favorite holidays. The signing of the Declaration of Independence is what gave us the freedoms and courage to be ourselves, be proud, and always get back up.

On July 4th, I will no doubt be thinking about the baseball game and fireworks and I will miss them. At the same time, I know that my American heritage is what gave me the freedom and courage to do the things I've done in my life...including moving to my new home...The Netherlands.

Yes, I have a confession to make...I'M PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN!

Bas's Beach....No Bunnies Allowed!!!

Wow, what a week or two actually. I don't even know where to begin. Well, here goes. First thing that happened was I woken up rudely one morning by this very loud noise in the backyard. Now this was a bit scary because no one knows what was in that jungle...I say was because it's no longer a jungle. Turns out that noise was a mini bulldozer (or minicrane) clearing out the jungle. After a few hours all that was left was one big pile of weeds and dirt. Dad's friend Mark Elferink, who by the way can be hired to do this for you, controlled the giant beast as it removed every single weed...then I watched as a big ol' tractor took the jungle away.

Now I wasn't too sure about this at first, but I did make an initial inspection then went back inside. A day or two later Mom made me come out while she worked and I discovered my new talent....DIGGING! I am an expert excavator and I didn't even need training. I dug myself a little hole (Mom calls it a ditch) on the side by the fence and it is absolutely perfect to lay in. I truly enjoy my job, everytime Mom goes out there I race out to help her. The best news though is all my hard work will be rewarded. Mom and Dad have decided that my favorite digging spot is going to be turned into my own private beach...No Ninja Bunnies allowed of course. Mom figures if she puts down some sand that maybe I'll only dig there and ignore her veggie garden....silly human. But then again, a nice sandy beach of my own for summer...OH YEAH!

Mom says grass will going in too along with lots of veggies and something about a BBQ....hmmm...sounds like my clean up skills may be needed as well pretty soon.

Now I said things have been exciting. I wasn't just talking about my beach. There's a new resident in Overdinkel. Last week, Mom and I watched a calf being born. Cute little guy. We've been watching out for him, as well as my new little foal buddy. Cute little baby horse that loves to run and bounce. Also met a new little pup that I had fun knocking over with my nose....those young pups are easily entertained.

Well, that's been my week. Been a pretty busy one. As soon as my sand goes in for the beach I'll make sure you get some pics. Now all I have to do is find a speedo that fits.

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

To You From Failing Hands We Throw The Torch Be Yours To Hold It High

The words above are engraved on one of the walls leading to the cemetery for US soldiers who perished while fighting in the Netherlands, primarily during the failed 'Operation Market Garden'.

Honestly, I've always considered myself to be a World War 2 history buff, but no books, no films, documentaries could ever capture the reality that hits you in the face when you actually visit one of the cemeteries. The magnitude is overwhelming when you look across the virtual sea of more than 8000 crosses.

The first thing you see as you enter the monument is the diagrams and explanations of the battles themselves. The next thing you see are the 1700 names engraved in the stone walls lining both sides. The names are representative of those that were never found to bury. You walk around to the entrance of a tall monument and discover small room for prayer and contemplation. As you exit this room that when the overwhelming magnitude of the cost of war hits you. That's when you see a green lawn leading up to the American flag and on each side of this long field....rows and rows of crosses.

I remember several years ago when I had the good fortune to go to Hawaii, I was so excited that I was finally going to see Pearl Harbor...where everything started for the US. When you enter the Pearl Harbor Memorial on your way to the Arizona, the park rangers and US Sailors escort you first to a theater where you watch a film on the war and specifically its start...the surprise attack by the Japanese. As you watch this film, you slowly realize you're not really watching a film....you're actually watching footage that was shot during the attack. You almost have to look away as you see the ships and sailors in such peril. After the film, they take you by Navy ship to the Arizona itself. You can hear 'Amazing Grace' in the background as the ship docks. You also notice the sailors who guard the memorial as well as the sailors from the ship salute each and every time the ship arrives or exits. A salute that shows what true respect is. As you walk over the platform above the Arizona you start to look over the sides and start to realize what you are seeing. You watch the small oil droplets that are still rising to the top almost 70 years later. That's also when you realize there are men still trapped inside that ship. Overwhelming. You look at the wall with all the names of those resting inside the ship. Overwhelming.

Yesterday, I had that same overwhelming feeling looking across the sea of crosses. People say it makes you appreciate your life when you see something like this...that would be an understatement. It makes you appreciate just being alive to see it and understand it. Not to mention appreciating the liberties and freedoms we have and even more so those who have fought to give them to us. Must admit I swelled with pride and appreciation upon hearing 'God Bless America' being played as we left the cemetery.

Cooking in the Netherlands

Let me just say that I have found cooking to be a bit of challenge. You would think cooking would be one of the simpler things to get used to being in a new country, but nope.

I considered myself to be a decent cook back in the States, here I'm just surviving and learning so far. I often have trouble finding the ingredients I need for certain old favorite meals. Such as my Grandpa's 100 year old Chili recipe....I can't find a jalapeno to save my life. For that matter, any of the actual chile peppers I would normally use. I've tried twice unsucessfully to make it. First time was ok, second time....well, let's just say the Fire Department should've been called. I found some red spanish peppers at the market. Took a bite of one, decided it wasn't that spicy so chopped about .5 kilos up and put them in the chili.....OOOPS!!! Little did I know they get much hotter as they cook. Now I'm used to spicy foods, but even I couldn't handle that. Never in my life have I thrown away leftover chili...until that day.

My Mother taught me some old recipes she called "Po' folks meals"...inexpensive simple meals...my Mom was a teacher and didn't have much time for cooking, etc. This aren't fancy dishes, but simple and oh so good. Even those haven't tasted quite the same. I swear the spices are just slightly different.

On the upside though I am learning to cook a little Nederlands meals like stampot and such. And I've been doing some of my old recipes with, what I call, a Dutch twist. I bought several seeds so I can grow some peppers including my beloved jalapeno plus a few other veggies and herbs so hopefully by the summer I can really make some chili and maybe a few of the other things I miss.

While I love being here I will admit I sure miss my Mexican food (mmmm...fajitas & pico de gallo), Cajun food, BBQ and country fried steak....lol. Have a feeling that by the end of summer, I'll have figured out a way to make it all here.

Editorial Comment by Bas!

Why are small dogs & their bosses so angry? I mean seriously, I need to know. Every little terrier, shih tzu, or other little dude that comes near just seems so angry...all the time. Is this another form of racism...do they hate me cause of my size? Today I was out walking Mom and out of nowhere this little jack russell terrier comes running up yelling at me. Me being the one to take the high road (and not stoop to his level....hehehe...I'm funny) I simply tried to diffuse the situation by calmly giving him a little poke with my nose. Well, that didn't work...he got even angrier...so angry that I thought he was having some kind of seizure or something. So always up to date on the latest life-saving techniques I employed a restraining measure. I put my big old paw right on his head and held him to the ground till his owner arrived to help. This seemed to do the trick...he stopped barking...but, of course, his chin was pinned to the ground. Oddly enough, his owner didn't seem too appreciative of my first aid...even she was angry..about what I have no idea. Maybe it's cause her dog forgot his leash so she didn't have a way to follow him. I always make sure my Mom has a leash, sure wouldn't want to her to get lost or hit by a car. I just don't get these dogs that take their bosses out without a leash. Mom would be lost without hers, she'd never find every tree, bush, rock, twig, or leaf in Overdinkel without me leading her to them.

Well, I've said my peace now onto something more positive. The Dierentehuis Oost Twente has several new buddies for you to adopt. The first two are little terriers...don't worry they're not angry...they are Dolly and Rascal. These 2 lovebirds would love a home together. You know how much love one dog can give imagine what happens with two.

Speaking of giving love, is there no better love than a teddy bear?! Meet Oldenzaal's newest teddy bear...he's part Rottweiler , part Bloodhound, and all teddy bear. He's big and ya gotta be strong to handle him, but he'll make it worth your while. Meet Hazes at the Dierentehuis Oost Twente.

That's it for now. Catch ya on the flip side.

Bas