Amsterdam

While attempting to take just the right picture of a canal in Amsterdam, I stepped backward one too many times and fell down a narrow staircase, breaking my digital camera. Luckily, we had my old fashion 36mm on hand. Sadly, that means this is the last round of photos for quite some time as purchasing and developing film, at the rate I take photos, is about as pricey as just buying a new camera.

In Amsterdam we spent the majority of our time wandering the quaint streets in the Jordaan district, admiring all the bicyclists and wishing we could pedal around the city (if I ever retrieve the photos on the digi cam we have some great pics of very interesting bikes). We ate lunch at an Indonesian fast food restaurant, which was excellent and had deserts at the Puccini Bomboni Chocolate house.





We visited local markets selling cheese, dried fruits, flowers, and household junk.



We stood in line for an hour to visit the Anne Frank House. The week before the trip we spent our evenings re-reading the diary, which inspired my journal writing as a child in addition to my interest in world affairs and human rights. As an adult I am filled with awe at the insights and depth of character held by a 13 year old girl. Walking through the Secret Annexe, for me, was a much anticipated and overwhelming, life experience.

Tulip Mania

The tulip fields are beyond description and everyone should try to make it to Keukenhof Gardens while the tulips are in blooom at least once. Since a picture is truly worth a thousand words...

Holland v. the Netherlands

We spent my birthday celebrating in (chose your preferred name of country from the title above). The tulips were in bloom, the weather beautiful, and we left the country wanting to purchase bikes . Here are some pictures from the small town of Kinderdijk, which is world famous for its network of 19 windmills built circa 1750.

I Love Paris in the Springtime

Ruby Tuesday

We happen to think Ruby is about the greatest name there is, and loved singing the Rolling Stones classic to her since she was born. But little did we know just how many great songs had been written about our little girl! Just the other day a good friend gave me the heads up to a 1995 Rancid hit, "Ruby Soho" and ensured me it was a masterpiece. I was not disappointed. So, we decided it was time to make a Ruby Soundtrack, and for those of you who enjoy iTunes, check out these great odes to our little girl. Ok, most of them might pre-date her by just a bit, but we'll never tell her that! So here is her Soundtrack, carefully selected and placed in proper playing order: (And by the way, she shakes her booty to number three!)

1. Ruby Soho....Rancid
2. Ruby...Kaiser Chiefs
3. Ruby Blue...Roisin Murphy
4. Ruby...The Apples in Stereo
5. Ruby, Don't Take Your Love to Town...Cake
6. Ruby With the Eyes That Sparkle...Cold Mountain Soundtrack (instrumental)
7. Ruby...Camille
8. Ruby...Ahmad Jamal
9. Ruby...Utah Carol
10. Ruby Dear...Talking Heads
11. Ruby Baby...Bjork