Lieve Mariet — Dear Mariet

 

Horst, November 24, 1989

Friday evening 8:00 PM

Dear Mariet,

I've just come off the phone and so we've already exchanged most of the news but there's always something to say. My beautiful fountain pen is empty and I don't have any cartridges with me, so I have to use the ballpoint pen again. Indeed, calling Germany is a difficult matter, either you are not in the room (at least that's what they say) or the line is cut off or something. 

So we'll just wait until I can tell you everything in person on Saturday afternoon and listen to how you have fared in these 2 weeks. I think it's good that you have a free weekend and don't come back and forth to Horst. At least this way you get some rest and you certainly deserve it. Up so early every morning (5:00 AM) and in action all day and in a different language. Nice fax from Barbara and Max; So you see that real friends always know where to find you, I hope we can meet before we go, so we can catch up. 

It's strange that I hardly thought about Italy all week. Of course, there were all kinds of things to do so that a) the day is relatively short and b) the funeral also took away another day. I am happy with the successful slides of Fransman from Heijen; I know Camsco is interested in that. Of course I hope that travel, mushroom farm visit and seminar go well, I will try to catch up with you on Thursday evening (around 15:00 your time), if it works out; otherwise a day later. If I have time in Chicago, I'll write Hank Young a note, although with such a group of old acquaintances in the neighborhood, it won't give you many free evenings. 

Hopefully you like the stuff I bought, I've used all my trading talents (if I have any). For a mixer tap set (thermostatic) with shower, we have to look around a bit (possibly also in Italy) and otherwise we can take it with us in January.  I'm going to update the diary a bit sweetie, so you'll have to make do with this. Goodbye darling from me, all the best and see you on Saturday. Goodbye sweet of me, your Pieter

Allerliefste Pieter — Dearest Pieter from Rechterfeld, Germany

 Those years were not easy for us, Campbell Soup did not allow me to work for ANY mushroom company within the USA. They did not want to educate their competitors.

SO, I flew solo to Germany for a 2–week training at a big and modern mushroom farm, run by one of Pieter's former students. 

First I stayed at a hotel and then I stayed at the manager's home, the former student Jan Koopmans and his lovely wife Henriette.

One booboo I've made when friends were seated around our dinner table and they asked where I slept in Germany. Spontaneously I replied: Oh, I slept with the manager...! A lot of laughter of course as it ought to be I slept at the manager...

Rechterfeld is in the north of Germany in the Municipality of Visbek, close to Bremen.

Had to drive some 2.5 hours from my Parents' via Interstate.

Mariet if you are hungry, in the pan are still 'Nudeln'. Warm up nicely. Yogurt, fruit etc. refrigerator | fruit basket. In other words, search and take what you feel like. Greetings Henriette

Sadly this sweet lady is no longer with us as she succumbed to cancer...

Fond memories!

Rechterfeld, 16 May 1988

Dearest Pieter,

It's 2:45 p.m. and I'm home since 2:05 p.m. Home alone. Upstairs I changed clothes, put on the Ghurka shorts that I also traveled in yesterday (2.5 hours and no faster than 145 km/h). There was a sweet note ready for me, I'll stop it by then you'll know right away how I have it here. 

Yesterday I went to bed at twelve o'clock... We didn't eat here until around ten o'clock. There were 3 guys from the compost/tunnels with a beer around 17:00h. Arrived here, unannounced. Jan was digging in old clothes and Henriette was disturbed while sunbathing. 

They came to talk annoyingly about "raise", the 1st time they ever dared to come to Jan's house, he keeps his distance. So I could sit on the terrace at 6:45 pm. At 8:15 pm Böging (for me) and a little later Hermes the harvest master arrived. Böging was and is on holiday, I don't know how long. 

This morning at 5:15 am I got up and made coffee (Henriette had put it in last night) and ate a jam sandwich and a "cap" with cheese and slice against it. Delicious German bread, as well as the yogurt that's in front of me right now! So I do survive!! Do you want to call Pete Tyre that his desired albums would cost $50 instead of $15 if available!! I called Wim de Boer on Sunday and so I didn't arrange anything... Mother gave me 85 guilders for our birthdays!! She was happy with the bouquet, she would take it with her to the needlework today, so they could learn from it.

Dad and Mom were very sweet. We talked a lot and visited the fields with Dad before leaving... They also thought I was tanned. Martin was at home and he had already finished the yard tiller at Thé's. Thé was so delighted with it. That was sweet too. He didn't want anything for it because you had helped him with the lens... But you only had to tell Thé what Martin would like, you know that better than I do (in the field of photography, for example). So, my Noodles are almost done... Jan was happy with his mug and Henriette with the pewter Volendam set from Daalderop. They asked if you were coming too, but I said it wasn't possible this time. Next time? They had a key made for me.

This morning I worked well deliberately. That computer is a great help. Explain this later. 

The weather is beautiful! 

Yesterday Gert also came, we drank coffee together + cake. Gert walked along to carry the stuff into the car! She wanted to ask me something. When I would be back home to decide together with all the brothers and sisters if and what we do for next 40th wedding anniversary on February 25, 1989. If they have a wedding anniversary. I have arranged for Sunday evening. They wanted to do without Bets etc, but I'm still bringing my baby with me even if it's to lay you down somewhere nearby to rest. Gert was still so white, even after a day's work in the garden. 

So, now I have Noodles in my belly... After this letter I do the dishes and then I drive to Visbek to the post office. It was strong east wind here on Saturday, so if it is still there, this letter will arrive quickly by airmail! On the plane I sat next to a guy from Epe near Zwolle, a computer man. A lot on the road, his wife also comes along every now and then. He asked me how old I was, reminded him of his sister he said. Like two drops of water, even the way of talking and the "loud shrill voice". Yes he said, that's because my sister is married to an older man (57 yrs and she's 33 yrs) who doesn't hear very well on one side anymore... I said, my husband is also a little older and doesn't hear so well on the "other" side either. Coincidence? He was already an adult at 14 years old, he said. His father (an alcoholic who came home once every two years) was then and still is missing... He had attended an International School, was very good at English and had also lived in Africa. 

We chatted a lot until after dinner and he sweetly tucked in (his sister...) with my blanket. I slept well until 7:30 am. "Brother" already had an orange juice ready for me on his tray table... Not disturbed me but therefore had asked for something. He was also very attentive to the man next to him who had a hearing aid. He asked for another "real" pair of Business Class headphones. No, said the stewardess, they don't fit... He politely insisted and said why. Received it and then also thanked nicely. This way you still meet nice people every now and then. The carrying bag of the clock broke just as I was stalling it at the top... It just didn't fall on a passenger!! I said "sorry". He said I'm still alive. Yes, because it went past his head... Then a couple of men helped me stow. The man next to my "brother" was a sexologist, also internal medicine, who went to Tanzania for 2 weeks as an American authority on AIDS.  

Also interesting conversations, although I couldn't follow everything (without a hearing aid...)! At Schiphol Airport I wore that rotten clock in front of my belly, that red Bi-lo bag gave off on the sweatshirt but that has already been washed out. Clock is also gone though would be getting healthy again. It was on the card that she had already been there 2 times. Will you please bring the key? Then we leave it in Horst until September. Until she runs well!

Saturday evening I walked to church with Thé. Dora had to look after Marion again... Mom said she does that because otherwise Marion calls a lot... What confidence! I saw Marion only for a short time, she had to go to a competition. She generously gave me hugs! She hadn't picked up the framed cat yet, Dora had forgotten to tell her! She just never listens, it turns out. The new Dean was visiting Thé after the 8:30 PM mass. He asked me all kinds of questions about the USA and the church. I caught up with that "brat" from Kerkrade. He hoped to meet me again, had to look him up at the presbytery... Will have to show up sometime, wearing my Ghurka! 

Tonight I'll be on time under the down duvet! Tomorrow afternoon Henriette and I have been invited by one of those boys to eat ice cream. They asked "Fräulein"(Miss) if I was going to go water biking with them... So I didn't look old and tired after all in my Ghurka and Uncle Bo's sweater...

Dad read something from his USA diary, a whole book. Now I know that I favor my Dad in that regard! Good memory and very much in detail and also feelings put on paper. Better than in that nice letter we received... So in hindsight, it was positive.

He means it from the Mississippi!! He would love to go back. And now the cauliflower on that parcel of land (you know) has also failed with the drought (it is blowing from the wind now) because he can't sprinkle there...

There were many (40) loaves of bread in the church and I asked Thé if Derix could advertise in the church... Didn't get an answer, looked at me punishingly! I don't care anyway... Christ is quite fond of humor, and besides, Thé doesn't know that a person doesn't live by bread alone... He later confessed to the Dean that he sometimes felt more Calvinistic than Roman Catholic. 

In Berkele Heem at the reception I had a long talk with Tiny van Wegberg Sanders (from the Afhang) who lives in the front of the Schoolstraat. She was quite nice and asked where I slept. At my parents', I said. That was a good conversation for any clarification! People do turn around. There had also been a fire at the C.C.O. Tunnels or something + classroom... Then the "Doekoen" has made Dublin and the C.C.O. both "hot"... 

So, now it's 3:45 p.m. My writing lump hurts. Do you think of my diary? Hopefully everything arrives with UPS, white rayon blouse, black and mocha t-shirt and silk dressing gown to wear in Italy...

I have a 910 kg Audi 80. You remember, the one with the stoma... A whole new ass is on it. The trunk was hard to close, so I'll stay away from that! Mother gave me a pack of coffee and tea! She hadn't written anything because I came. Poor you!! You have a mean Mother. Now I'll make it up to you. Lots of love and goodbye. Time flies. Maaike xxx

Brief Geschreven in Hotel Napoleon, Ohio—Letter written at Hotel Napoleon, Ohio

Op Dinsdag 23 februari begonnen...

February 23, 1988

My dearest Mariet,

What do you do when you're sitting in a hotel room in Napoleon, Ohio and there's still a request from your wifey to put some thoughts on paper? My idea was always that this was more or less superfluous; that our relationship was so proof that you already knew everything about me. You know girl, men just think much more rationally and you think more with your feelings. 

I'm never quite sure how long I've known you. Did I get to know you when I first saw you at the C.C.O. with your pigtails? 

Same self made dress but no pigtails here... But that is how I applied for the job at C.C.O.

~

Did I get to know you when you worked at the C.C.O.? I don't think so, at least that wasn't the Mariet I know now and see almost every day in front of me. For me, the real Mariet started to live when Dean Akkermans was buried (he died on Saturday, March 22, 1980). His funeral was on Wednesday, March 26 of 1980.

Although we didn't "have" anything (as it is called) in that period, there was no going back from that day on. Only you know how we both struggled to suppress our true love for each other; we now know that I wouldn't have been able to do that, even if I had immigrated to the Fiji Islands. It was hard to detach ourselves from everything we had so many years ago. Now, in retrospect, it seems as if that past life had barely existed, or there is a kind of frosted glass in–between, making everything seem a bit blurry and far– away. Still, I thought I loved Thea and Liz a lot at the time, I just didn't know what real love is at the time; I only learned that from you later. 

Because I didn't know it myself, I can hardly really blame the other person, something you haven't learned or experienced is difficult to put into practice. In any case, it seems as if you have always been there or I have known you all your life. I also find it typical that the relatively large age difference appears to have practically no influence on the harmony in our lives, if at all. It may still come, but now we both feel practically the same age (or young?). I also think it's typical that you don't have to tell the real friends around you what the relationship between the two of you is really like; They seem to see that, at least that's what we're often assured. Is that the "body language" that others (at least some of them) understand very well? 

Actually, I don't think it matters that much what others see and think of us; We know how deep the feelings between us are and always have been. Some, especially in our family, seem to have some trouble believing or accepting that we really are that crazy with each other. I think that's partly because they rarely see us in our real "normal" situation, but always "visiting", with the added pressure that some people put on you. Perhaps there is even some jealousy at play at times. Anyway girl; they were and are the happiest years of my life, although we did feel the pressure on us in the first years. 

When we had the Green Card in our possession, we finally could buy back the home from Campbell Soup.

That was in 1985. 

After the Rotary lunch at 2:30 p.m., Pieter signed our mortgage deed for the house; fixed interest rate at 12.5% over 15 years. 

Paying alimony and also for the Royal Academy for Pieter's adopted daughter who studied abroad, so no tax benefits, was a tough thing to do but we managed for five years for her study and lifelong support for his ex.

~

If you can both be very happy even in such a situation, that means something. We have both gotten to know each other to the bottom of both of our souls, through many hours of "pillow talk" and conversations during long car rides, walks etc. We know everything about each other and as you often say; If one of us were to suddenly disappear, we have nothing to reproach ourselves for; we know everything, everything said. What I also appreciate about you is the fact that you have rarely, if ever, complained that you were alone a lot or far from home or things like that. You know how to help yourself and that gives me the confidence that you can also help yourself in the future, if I am no longer there. A lot of people in Dublin, but also in many other countries, think of Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Kashmir etc., love you. I am proud that you have gathered so much love from true friends around you; you do make it easy for them to love you, you're just a sweet little girl with a big warm heart.

Not that you are blind to all the tricks that people around you play, or naïve, no you still try to finally see the positive in it. They must have the patience to get to know you. What I've also always really appreciated about you, girl, is that you've never tried to put Thea, or anyone in our family, down, on the contrary, you'll still stand up for them if you feel that they wouldn't be treated fairly. It's a pity that Liz in particular disappoints us so much, but maybe one day she will see that. In any case, I also know that you are not once in the church (any church) without praying for the restoration (or continuation) of the good relations between everyone. I know you are deeply religious, as we both know what God and religion mean. It is a pity that "the church", as a bureaucratic institution, makes it so difficult for us, although it doesn't matter much anymore; we know what it's worth.

Honey, I've told you a thousand times; I love you dearly and I know you love me too. I once asked you if you wanted to follow me, anywhere. You did, and perhaps, or possibly I must ask you again. Actually, I don't even have to ask. I know...!

I hope that we will be able to live together for a long time. We both find life very worthwhile and I even have the impression that we are going to attach more and more value to the quality of life, while other things are losing some of their importance that may have seemed more important in the past. Sweetheart, life with you was so good that I wouldn't trade it for anything else. I will try, for as long as it is in my power, to be good to you, as you were and are to me. My little girl!! It is difficult to capture such a rich life in a few words in such a short space of time. One day we'll write a book together...! Your Pieter 

February 25, 1988

Already in April of 1980 Pieter went for Campbell's to Napoleon, Ohio.

From my Pinterest Moral Character board

Allerliefste Maaike—Dearest Maaike

Dag Schat, je Pieter

Saartje nog steeds geen moeder... Groetjes en pur van beiden!

Tuesday evening May 13

Dearest Maaike,

I was surprised to find a note from you in the mail again, this time with the help of Uncle Bo. It is also very nice to express that my soul is dried onto this ink, only Maaike can write something like that. There was also a card of Jan and Myriam, who appear to have been on holiday somewhere in the Dolomites. We will copy them sometime; today Dr. Bagnasco called that he would really like to have us there for a few days. There was a nice new hotel in Montebelluna and we should definitely use it, he thought. Coincidentally, there was also a nice, long letter from Annelies today, nothing bad, and she wrote that they didn't like Oversteyns anymore and that they would much rather that I came again. They were very keen to pay the costs, Bagnasco said, so we wouldn't have to bother Campbell. I thought my Maaike would like that, she loves Italian stuff so much; like Madras! (leather boots)

They would have preferred us to stay for the weekend as well. Do you want to order the tickets at the travel agency in Venray; e.g. Monday morning departure from Düsseldorf to Zurich and Wednesday afternoon from Zurich to Venice and e.g. Saturday (or Sunday) whatever you want, from Venice to Düsseldorf. Wring them out well as far as the rate is concerned, but I can leave that up to you. Often they have a rate where the wife can go for half price or e.g. a Saturday in it or something. Isn't that nice? Today I have been busy again. The course is going well, I thought; quite a nice group. Today they wanted to leave a little earlier to shop in Dublin, possibly to Macon. Mike had organized that. I was then able to take the Ford to Firestone for a lubrication and also went to the dry cleaners. By the way, the stain has not been removed. At home I immediately gave your Ford a wash; in the garage they thought she deserved it. 

I had hoped it would rain clean, but nothing; not a drop has fallen yet, although it is always threatening. 

Then I picked the snow peas and blanched them and put them in the freezer, picked some strawberries and gave the Indian lady behind us some lettuce, she was amazed at everything that grew in our garden she said. Then I replaced the small fluorescent lamp in the kitchen under the sink (the entire fixture was broken) and immediately placed a dimmer switch in the living room so that you can temper the light of the large Oisterwijk lamp while watching TV (or something else). She's burning on a low burner now. There was also a note from Mother today with mainly Fair news and some anxious noises regarding the move. You know, girl, that you shouldn't transplant old trees anymore, they don't catch on so easily, especially in Horst. With a little washing up, tidying up, watering flowers, writing, etc., the time is up quickly and you hardly have time to look into the newspaper. Will be worse next week.  The course ends at 12:00 on Thursday and my flight to Toledo leaves at 16:45. Not much time to pack, let alone to go to Joke. I have to talk to Mike again to see if he can't fill that morning so that I have a little more space. The other day my flight from Toledo (OH) arrives at 18:00h, so plenty of time, if everything is normal. Tomorrow I'll try to get you on the phone, if you're reading this it's already a thing of the past. I'm going to sleep girl, lots of love and greetings to everyone. I hope you had a great day!! A very big kiss darling and see you soon. Bye baby

Your Pieter

Saartje still not a mother.

Greetings and pur from both!

Pieter on February 22, 1986 holding Saartje (left) and her brother Spooky the neighbor's cats.

We never knew their names—if they had any... But Saartje got pregnant.

Lieve Pieter—Dear Pieter

Horst, May 12, 1986

by Tristan

Dear Aunt Mariet and Uncle Pieter.

How are things going in America? With me it's fine. Uncle Pieter, are you alone?... Are you also writing a letter back? And I want to ask if you want to send a church.

(considering that Tristan just had turned 8, one month prior to this typing...).

Dear Pieter,

Just finishing a letter from Tristan. He asked for a drawing of our Dublin church. He is full of the 1st communion etc. 

Had a very nice, quiet relaxing trip. Slept and landed at 10:10 am. Quickly out and quickly the suitcases and at 10:45 am already in the car. Harry was already behind the glass, so we saw us right away. At half past one via Veghel etc. (beautiful spring blossoms) in Melderslo. At 1:15 pm I called mom and dad until 13:45 hrs, good half an hour. They just didn't get it. Dad talked about a hundred things. Then after half an hour Harry took me home. He himself went in first. Mom said that I had been on the phone for half an hour... And Harry: What will that cost? She's definitely homesick, Mom said... Then Dad saw me sitting in the car and saw water burning! They were surprised.

I had coffee and Piet bought for me two bunches of white flowers from Zanders for Mother's Day. At 17:30 Dad drove me to Berkele Heem. Mother had a visit from an elderly woman from the Herstraat?? She left. She had all kinds of boxes in the room because of the move this Wednesday morning. She looked a bit 'older' in the face since November. Her eyes and all that. She wasn't surprised at all! Is Pieter here too, she asked. No, this is a surprise for the two mothers and tomorrow a communion celebration. In the family, she asked. No at Ellie Smits'. I told her to say hello to the rest. Thé was still to come. After 10 minutes we left because Dad was waiting in the car. Ironed at home to be able to go decent looking to church and then called Ellie at 20:00h. She was happy and surprised and so was Tristan. In the tub and at 22:00h to bed. On the old electric under–blanket of yours! Blessed. 

Up at 8:30 am and dressed. Coffee and pie from Mother's Day (home-baked) and at 9:30 Jeu came to pick me up. At 10:00 am the children had to be at the Dean's in the garden for pictures. Picked up by Jong Nederland (Young Netherland) with music and into the church. Jan Smits also had a daughter and Peter and Rita Verdellen had a son. Haven't seen the Dean in person yet. A very nice mass and last week of the Weisterbeek school 20 and 45 of the Doolgaard school now. Going home for coffee etc. Tristan had chosen Chinese dinner and Jeu picked up everything. Easy too. Had a spring roll. Ellie's family came, and later Jeu's. The baby of Moniek of José (Ellie's sister) is now 2.5 and just like a doll! You just have to see her, you will be sold in no time... 

 It's nice to see everyone like this. I've known them all for 21 years, so it's like my own! Ellie liked that too because I'm like one of them and you always felt left out about it... You know what she means. But indeed 3 years is different from 21 years! There was too much food as always!! And Grandpa and Grandma also had to swap because of Thea's son also doing his first communion! So double up. I stayed upstairs for the night. Tristan was so happy that I stayed over. At about 1:00 am I went to bed. Slept well and woken up by the kids, that's nice. Up at 9:30 a.m. Tristan goes to school at 10:30 am. I've helped Ellie vacuum and mop downstairs. At 11:30 am we picked up the kids from school. Together we attacked a second large cold dish platter... That was over! Now in the afternoon just finishing this letter at a wobbly table.

Tristan wanted to give us tadpoles to take home! They are here in the bins in front of the window.  Went shopping some more. Haven't called anyone yet and haven't been to Venray. It will be fine. 

Tonight maybe to Dora, when Thé is home... Dora had grumbled to Mom about me at the market the other day. Because of Marion etc. what I had said. And she had also complained that Marion had had to tote around the yarn last year... Poor child if you have to listen to that now.

So, that's the news so far.

Are you sleeping well?

There is now a faint sun, dry but around 15°C.  

Will you bring some of my rubber bands? They are in the bathroom in a pouch next to your toiletry bag. I still have some, but I forgot about them. I had also forgotten the grey half slip dress. It's in my drawer with the underwear. 

So if you please get that ready. 

Is your new sweater already here? And the shorts? It's not a very short one though. Did you also get the white Bermuda shorts from the dry cleaners? 

Please do bring that mini jam jar as well, what is in the kitchen on the cutlery box.

And is my new sweater already here? Also take a good look in the front porch and on the terrace to see if there is a package. Now that the garage is closed, I don't know where UPS is putting it. 

Oh yes, if you want to call Rekha for those plants, her number is in the kitchen above that phone with those papers.

Did you swim yet?

Well, let's end. Some chatting and then there's coffee 2:40 p.m.

Lots of love from your little one

She's doing well!

Ellie had just seen Liz. Oh what a beauty that is! So Dad be proud.

And Thea looks good too. She spends a lot of time with the wife of butcher Wijnhoven, who also has problems... For the sake of the children, they stay together. She also had two such beautiful daughters. My nice white blouse is getting too tight... Put on the gray one yesterday after Mass! Too bad about the Fl 369 but good for me! I was nicely tanned. 

May 11, 1986 St. Lambertus Church in Horst during 1st Communion

Maandagavond 10 uur – Lieve Maaike—Monday evening 10 o'clock – Lieve Maaike

Kom je zo?

Will you come soon?

Tot spoedig ziens etc. Je Pieter

Monday evening 22:00 on May 12, 1986

Dear Maaike,

It's a bit later than I thought it would be, but I still want to tell you a few words, since yesterday. The North & South has ended, quite dramatically; I think it's neatly on the tape so you'll have to check it out in due course. I was up early this morning, woke up a few times but still slept well. How does my girl sleep in Horst (or Melderslo)? You're also missing something. Today I had a long phone conversation with Bob, I offered my condolences for his mother (who was only 67). We couldn't agree on the computers on the various farms; the discussion will continue on Friday, May 23. 

Oh yes, yesterday I asked Jeannette at the tennis lesson if the books had done anything for Jack. She said "well" as if she had had three turns in a row. Jack is already feeling much better apparently. I was home nice and early today and so I was able to paint the garage doors (until just now). I've almost paralyzed myself, never knew that such a piece of a door also has so many sides. I'm proud of it now, I think it's neat. 

As soon as I have a camera going again, I will take a few pictures of it; also for Harry, after all, it is also for a large part his work. Was he happy with the lens, let's just say that he is now equipped better than I am. I hope I get my lens back soon and that it is okay again. The cats (of the neighbors) don't know what to do with the situation yet, they are crying in front of the door. Later, when I was painting, they were almost in my neck. Saartje is still walking around. 

We still don't have any rain although it is a bit threatening and the sky is a bit cloudy. It was a bit less hot today, but the salary still came, so we will manage it for a few more weeks. We live quite cheaply like this, every now and then a can of soup and and I'm neither spending it on dishwashing liquid. 

How was the surprise on Mother's Day, they certainly looked up. Did it work with the phone call (called Mom & Dad from Harry's for a long time and they thought I'd be homesick...). By the way, I'll have to ask Timmermans for a bigger car than the Simca Horizon; I have to pick up 3 + the luggage + me, that seems a bit tight to me. I'll give them a call tomorrow. And have you had a good time the past few days. I hope you enjoyed it, so really a few weeks of time for yourself and a bit of strolling around in Horst and the surrounding area. Jeannette asked if she had to do laundry for me but I told her that the manual was on the machine and that I would be fine. 

When you get this letter, I'm about to arrive there, because we have to go a day earlier. I can leave the suitcases at the airport in Atlanta, that's what I asked. And now it's time to go to bed, I do miss you, the house has become a bit empty without you, but that will soon change. Hello sweetheart, say hello to everyone and a very big hug from me + a firm kiss before going to sleep. Bye my dear Maaike who I love so much, 

Your Pieter 

See you soon etc.

FORUM at Mushroom Conference — Last Surviving Pioneers | my post about Pieter's Open Forum role

Pieter in his Burberry Tuxedo at Spawnmate Banquet

Lieve Maaike — Dear Maaike

Groetjes van Saartje en Spooky de buurpoezen die bij ons zijn... nog niks!

Schat van me

Greetings from Saartje and Spooky, the neighbor kitties who are with us... nothing yet!

Sunday evening 8 PM.

Dear Maaike,

I don't know why, but now that I'm sitting here writing, the notes from the drawer keep popping up in my mind. That is how our romance started at the training college. I would slip a little note in the locked, top drawer which had a slit for doing so. Then I put a pencil across Pieter's desk—indicating he had mail! As I arrived half an hour early, this gave me a good time frame for doing so.

Perhaps your sweet note from yesterday also contributed to this. That note really did something to me, to get someone to say that she loves you very much.

Of course I've known that for some time, but I'm not used to something like that being confessed so spontaneously. I also found the note in the drawer and I thought that was sweet too, including Bram. Of course I miss you, but I still think it has its good sides to be separated for a few weeks; then it's not all so self–evident, then you know how to appreciate it even better. Glad you traveled so well, actually still a miracle that I drop you off on Friday evening and that you get another phone call the next day that my girl is safe and sound in Horst, The Netherlands.

By the way, I waited at the exit from the I–285 to the I–75 until the stately blue Jumbo came over. I saw the tail taxiing to the runway on the road (at 20:10) and then I thought; I can also wait until take-off. Because of the wind direction, everything went up in the air where they normally (usually) land. In my mind's eye, I saw you sitting in a row in a chair somewhere. That did affect me quite a bit! Now I'm writing with Brahms and Dvorak in the background. Worked hard yesterday and today. Yesterday morning I first completely did hoe the garden; nice and early, then it's still chilly. Then I turned the sprinklers on and started on the garage door. I had primed the inside of the glass openings first, and then I cut the panes, with a small special device, a kind of scratch knife ($4.50).

This went fine, it's a lot of hard work to get that stuff through (in the right place at least, I couldn't afford a break because I only had just enough. I put them in with a thin layer of white sealant and then the pre–painted slats over it. Then I repainted everything around the windows. When I went to get paint, the representative from Pittsburg Paint was just at W. Supply. He heard that I was discussing with John what color I want to take. He then went with me to look at our house and he thought that there was only one good combination for our house, namely. Colonial white with green. He advised me to do the garage door with that, then you could judge it on a larger level and if you like that color we can buy the rest, the number is registered. I'll try to get the door painted, at least the glass is neatly in there.

 It was disappointing for the cats, they jump against it a few times. I put the box on Kay's freezer and gave the pillow away with the garbage. Today I made the slats against it inside and also primed it. When I got to the church at 9:50 this morning, neatly dressed with cans and Sister Support, Mass had just ended; Apparently, the starting time had changed. No one noticed anything, I said I forgot to take the cans out of the car... The intention was there anyway. Then I first went to school, preparing the slides etc. for tomorrow. I had the paint off my fingers just in time to play tennis. Everybody asked where is Mariet. Father John knew exactly this morning, so he has a good memory. It was hot to play tennis, I lost my fluids today. (By the way, I'm now replenishing it, I had found a large bottle of apple juice, it's going to go empty, you can bet on that, belly or no belly.

It is now almost 21:00 and still 21°C.  In a moment the North and the South starts, I wanted to sit down for that. Darling from me, send warm greetings to everyone, lots of love to you and have a good time and I also love you so much that I didn't go to the moon with you but to America, and I have never regretted that. Goodbye sweetheart, your Pieter

Kitties that ADOPTED US link to post about Saartjes kittens born 3 days after Pieter posted his letter...