zondag 8 juni 2014

Along the towpath



































The day before I left for England, my friends Fleur, whom you may know from the blog In de Polder, and Anita, invited me to a day out. I arrived early, so that Fleur could show me her garden, which is absolutely beautiful. I have seen the garden several times now, but it never seizes to amaze me. It's what I dream of. To have chickens, far reaching views, fruit trees and lots and lots of flowers. It really is perfection! What makes it extra special, is that Fleur doesn't live too far from Rotterdam, but it feels as if your miles away from town. I haven't posted many photo's this time, but if you would like to see more, please visit Fleur's blog or have a look at an earlier post I did on the garden.

After a cup of coffee and a slice of home made cake, we stepped on our bicycles and cycled along the old towpath to Schipluiden, where we visited a quirky vintage store. Which was paradise to a vintage girl like me :-). You can even have tea in the garden occasionally. At the end of our ride whe had lunch at Op den Hodenpijl, a lovely restaurant with a beautiful orchard to sit in. The food is all home made and home grown, so really good! I can recommend it to you.

Anita and Fleur, thank you once again for a lovely day. I enjoyed every minute of it!

Happy week ahead!

Love,

Madelief x



















68 opmerkingen:

  1. Dear Madelief,

    What a wonderful day out you had with your two friends. The kind of day which blows away the cobwebs and leaves your smiling from ear to ear! BEAUTIFUL pictures as always. It's so good to catch up with you.

    Warmest wishes,

    Stephanie

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  2. I just love the photos...Thanks for sharing all these SPECIAL moments!

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  3. That looks a wonderful day out with Fleur and Anita. Fleur's cats look as if they were showing you around too! It is always interesting to see slightly different views of Fleur's surroundings. It is amazing it is so close to Rotterdam! The vintage store and lunch look so good too. Sarah x

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  4. Wat een gezellige tocht met Fleur en Anita, wel een frisse dag aan jullie jassen te zien? Wat een prachtige tuin heeft Fleur toch, dat willen we toch allemaal...en dat huis erbij! Echt genoten van je foto's, lieve groetjes

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  5. Love this.. it all looks so green and lush!

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  6. Ik heb twee keer moeten lezen want ik dacht eerst dat het in de UK was. ZO mooi.
    Bedankt voor de schitterende foto's.

    Prettige zondagavond,

    Brigitte

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  7. Wat woont Fleur daar toch prachtig!! Uiteraard heb ik dat al heel vaak op haar blog mogen zien en zijn jouw foto's daar nog eens een nadrukkelijke bevestiging van. Zo landelijk en zo kleurrijk haar tuin...dat is voor velen en voor mij ook een droom. Erg leuk om te lezen dat jullie met elkaar een heerlijke dag hebben gehad!

    Veel liefs, Ingrid

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  8. Ziet er prachtig uit, en zo te zien hebben jullie een fijne dag gehad...

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  9. Oh my, Madelief. What stunningly beautiful photos today. I dream to visit such a place. Of course, the magnificent cats in the first few photos drew me right in. How lovely are they. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful day you had. Hugs, Deb

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  10. LUGAR VISIVELMENTE ENCANTADOR.DAR VONTADE DE ESTAR AI.FELIZ SEMANA AMIGAS.VALÉRIA.

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  11. Wat leuk zo'n uitje....je hebt genoten dat zie je aan de foto 's...leuk hoor....geniet maar lekker is goed voor je...liefs van mij....x!

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  12. lovely photographs, lovely post, ive been catching up xx

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  13. How nice of your friends to take you out on such a wonderful tour! Thanks for sharing the photos with us!
    Barbara

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  14. That is so charming--I would live to bicycle along there. The picture of the orange cat against the blue door is gorgeous.

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  15. Dearest Madelief! I just came in from gardening in my three gardens, and now I am enjoying the beauty of Fleur's world. There is nothing like being out in nature, is it! I love that you just get on your bikes and are able to peddle on down alongside such a gorgeous view, then off to a vintage shop. We too have a lot of water here; we have many lakes that connect and we have a lovely creeks that runs all through the city. I took photos yesterday!

    My friend, your world is magnificent. I adore you and your view of life, and I send you a great big hug across the miles. HAPPY GARDENING! Anita

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  16. Dear Madelief - this post conjures up a cornucopia of vibrant colour, prettiness and a happy day spent with your friends - even the ginger cat compliments the blue painted door. I am pleased that you all a lovely time together.

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  17. Oh my. Such beauty. The garden is so charming and the countryside breath taking, and the ladies are beautiful. You must have a wonderful, nice to see your smile.

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  18. Everything is picture perfect! And what thoughtful friends to plan such a special day.

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  19. Wow! These photos are fantastic! That whole area is fantastic. I haven't visited your site lately, but plan to go back and read (and see more) soon. I will also go over to your friend Fleur's site. Thanks so much for sharing this!

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  20. Prachtige foto's Madelief en heerlijk om wat met blogvrienden te ondernemen. Ik ga vlug ook eens op Fleurs blog kijken, ben echt benieuwd naar de tuin nu ;)
    Marian

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  21. Wow Madelief, what a wonderful time with the ladies. You all look so beautiful and had so much fun. The place looks so surreal. I like the views and riding the bicycle all around the town. So much fun.

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  22. Hoi Madelief,
    Ja ik ken het blog van Fleur, ben daar een stille volger... prachtige tuin heeft zij inderdaad, dat is steeds weer genieten. Ook de omgeving waar ze woont... heerlijk...
    Jullie hebben een heel leuk en gezellig uitje ervan gemaakt, mooie winkel en dito omgeving... Verrukkelijk...
    Ik wens je een heel fijne dag,
    Lieve groet,
    Mirjam

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  23. Wat hebben jullie een heerlijk fietstochtje gemaakt! We willen het nog wel een vergeten maar wat is Nederland toch prachtig. Jullie lunch ziet er ook verrukkelijk uit!
    Ps ik heb ook nog genoten van je vorige posten. Vooral ook je post over Rotterdam vind ik prachtig. Echt schitterende foto's! Fijne pinksterdag! Groetjes van Aleta

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  24. Ein Traumtag!!!! Wunderschöne Landschaft, die Katze könnte ich direkt mitnehmen :-))), ein Laden, wo ich vermutlich ewig hätte schauen können und ein Restaurant 100% nach meinem Geschmack! Danke für die schönen Impressionen!
    LG
    Tinka

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  25. Beautiful, I really enjoyed these photos. The ginger cat against the blue door is a brilliant picture, I do love the way you find colour in everything.

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  26. What a wonderful way to spend time with your friends! xx

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  27. Stunning photos again and that vintage shop looks very interesting!

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  28. What a perfectly lovely post. So many wonderful photographs - beautiful and interesting. Thank you for bringing something fresh and inspiring to my computer screen this morning. Imogen x

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  29. Bekend terrein voor mij! Mijn ouders voeren er altijd rond met hun boot. Dus memories, memories..
    Groetjes,

    Hetty

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  30. A wonderful mood is in your photos, dearest Madelief - country-feeling and colors and the Dutch flair, that we like so much! And the pretty red cat reminds me to Lestat, the cat of our neighbours (The poor cat-boy died last week...)
    Lots of Küschelbüschel-hugs, Traude

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  31. Un jardin, même tout petit, c’est la porte du paradis
    un jardin aux multiples couleurs
    c'est merveilleux , tout est lumière
    et un chat couleur d'or
    quel régal de parcourir votre blog
    tendresse
    edith (iris)

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  32. I just love that handsome ginger cat, what a beautiful area to live :) xxx

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  33. What a lovely, lovely outing! :) and, Madelief, may I just say that I deeply admire your countries good use of the bicycle! :) Also, I love seeing the pictures of your country - both of nature, your lush gardens and your architecture. It's something that I'm sure you appreciate but are, also, used to but, for us who live elsewhere, it's utterly charming! Ironically, when I first moved to Vermont, everything was so quaint and storybook looking - now, it's all just 'run of the mill' - I'm so used to it. And, yet, I still deeply love it and always, always, always think that it's so beautiful! :)

    Wonderful images and wonderful fun! :)

    xxo

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  34. Dearest Madelief,
    Incredible that near Rotterdam you find such a quiet and idyllic towpath with homes alongside!
    That creates a very special atmosphere indeed and for biking it is super.
    You found some nice shopping for your vintage craving and healthy food to eat.
    Enjoy your 2nd Pentecost day; we do not have such luxury here in the USA. Neither for Christmas nor Easter...
    Hugs,
    Mariette

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  35. Madelief, what a fine day you had visiting with Fleur and Anita! Riding bicycles through such nature, seeing pretty little buildings, enjoying tasty refreshments...all this obviously brings happy times.

    I've been clicking over to view The Polder for several years now, and continue to be amazed that such a natural setting does actually also have a distant view of a very large city.

    You all are wonderful ambassadors for the Netherlands! xo

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  36. Such a gorgeous post Madelief, it really makes me want to visit your part of the world. It really does look truly stunning. It looks like you had a lovely day too!

    Have a super week!

    Vanessa xxx

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  37. Hi Madelief, I love seeing your photos it gives me such an insight into your lovely country and the city of Rotterdam, really lovely photos. Sharon x

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  38. hoi madelief wat ziet dat dagje met je vriendin fleur er gezellig uit leuk stadje ziet er heel cosy uit zoals de britten dat zeggen mooie foto s ook erg sfeervol de foto met de rodekater is prachtig springt er echt uit met de zee groene kan erg mooi hoop dat jullie fijne dag hadden groetjes leon10

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  39. What a beautiful day that must have been - the bike ride, the lunch, the company! Your images are beautiful and give a wonderful sense of your visit.

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  40. Precious Madelief! I just got home from one of my final end of the school meetings, and I find your comment! HALLO! Thank you for coming by again, and YES! I am enjoying myself in my gardens. Yesterday, it was a gorgeous and perfect day. My husband and I took a five mile walk by the lakes; there was a lovely fog in the morning, then we came home to garden. I went to be perfectly and happily exhausted! I also took photos of an area near us where there is a beautiful creek and because of the massive amount of rain we've had, the creek is SO LUSH! I must email you a photo so you can see it!

    Sending you a tight American hug across the ocean miles! XOXOXO

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  41. I'm in LOVE! What a gorgeous place . . . the house, garden, town . . . looks so comfy and cozy and peaceful!

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  42. Wat is Nederland toch een schitterend land, deze post is echt SUPER genieten.
    En ik had nog nooit gehoord van Schipluiden (ja ik schaam mezelf)
    Ik zag het op je instagram, echt mooi...wat een pittoresk plaatsje.
    En de rust van de tuin en de omgeving, ook mijn complimenten voor Fleur, zal nog even op haar blog spieken ;)
    Bedankt weer voor je mooie foto's :)

    Fijne week en lieve groet, MJ

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  43. Hello Madelief, What a beautiful day, a good lunch, friendship and a bike ride along the towpath.

    Hope your week is special

    Helen xx

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  44. What a wonderful day! The ginger cat reminds me of a series of books I read when I was little, 'Orlando, the Marmalade Cat' and his tabby wife, Grace.

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  45. Hi Madelief,
    What a wonderful day you must have had......it is a very special and beautiful place!
    Love the photo of the town on the canal and of you and your friend with your bikes.....actually I loved them all!!!

    Looking forward to your Cotswold pics too.

    Take care,
    Carolyn

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  46. Dear Madelief,

    How wonderful your day out with your friends looks - cycling in the countryside must have been beautiful.
    Lovely to see you and your beautiful photos - how charming the village and the canal is and the sweet cats.
    Enjoy the week
    hugs
    Carolyn

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  47. Dat was een heerlijk fietstochtje en Fleurs huis en tuin zijn altijd zo gezellig. Wat boffen we toch dat we dichtbij en in de stad zoveel mooie plekjes hebben.
    Groetjes, Janneke

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  48. WAT een heerlijke dag was dat voor jullie ook voor ons om te zien!
    En die poes voor die blauwe deur!!!!!! WOW!
    En jij weer even heerlijk bijgekletst met 2 lieve dames!
    En nu op naar je Engeland foto´s...................
    liefs
    Lia

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  49. Ha Madelief! Ik zie het nu pas! Dank je wel voor de prachtige foto's die je in mn tuin gemaakt hebt! Het ziet er zo door jouw lens weer erg mooi uit! Het was een gezellige dag; moeten we nog eens doen!
    groetjes Fleur

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  50. Love the big ginger cat sitting on the sewing machine! i think he is planning a project ?!
    bestest daisy j xx

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  51. PS..Ik heb je foto's even geleend hoor ; op mn blog; ze zijn zo mooi! Liefs Fleur

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  52. It looks like the best kind of day, and such a beautiful place to spend time with friends.

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  53. HI !! I love your blog !! Yo su have a new follower from Chile
    Angelica

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  54. oh goodness gracious madelief, i am green with envy, what a gorgeous day in a gorgeous place. and your photos, truly beautiful my friend.

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  55. Helemaal geweldig woont je vriendin daar!
    En wat n gezellige dag zeg!
    Veel plezier in Engeland!
    Lieve groet,
    Nicole

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  56. Dear Madelief,
    What a beautiful, picturesque and peaceful region! Although I live in the countryside with far reaching views, I´d love to have some kind of farmhouse with a big garden, old fruit trees and lots of snail eating chickens one day! I envy your friend for this lovely home and surrounding. It´s really unbelievable that it is not far from Rotterdam. I can imagine that you enjoyed every minute of this wonderful day out! Thanks very much for the beautiful pictures!

    Liebe Grüße, Bärbel

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  57. Was für herrliche Bilder, liebe Madelief, so ein wundervoller Ort.........malerisch und voller Romantik! Mein absolutes Lieblingsbild ist das mit den Kühen................schön wie ein Gemälde! Vielen Dank, für diese wundervollen Impressionen und traumhafte Sommertage,

    bis bald, herzlichst Jade

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  58. What a lovely day on the countryside! Beautiful pictures...I would love to go there...
    Have a great week and take care.
    Love,
    Titti

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  59. Looks like a beautiful place, what a lovely day with your friend! The ginger cat is lovely too xx

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  60. Hello Madelief!

    We are just starting to discover the canal ways around where we are now living and we've decided the best way (so far) is by bicycle. Though for leisure I think on foot would be better.

    Have a lovely weekend,

    Nina x

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  61. Your photography is stunning! What a lovely day.

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  62. Hello Madelief,
    It looks like you had a really fab day with your friends - and how clever to get that cat to sit and pose for you!!
    Hope you have a lovely weekend,
    Liz x

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  63. Wat zijn er toch een hoop mooie plekjes in Nederland en wat hebben jullie een gezellige dag gehad! Pascale X

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  64. Oh my - I was right with you...cycling along the tow path and ringing the bell on my bike as we went along! I have not been to your part of the world for years but I remember the cycling very well indeed - and skating on a frozen lake too.
    This time of year is simply the best for flowers don't you think? I love it and cannot drink in the floral bounty fast enough
    I hope that you have a lovely sunny, garden filled weekend. Thank you for calling in too
    Best wishes
    Jenny

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  65. Everything is so lush and green... what a slice of Heaven on Earth! Thank You for taking us along Virtually!

    Blessings from the Arizona Desert... Dawn... The Bohemian

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  66. That looked a wonderful day out Madelief! It reminds me how much I enjoy visiting Holland, having had several holidays in your country over the years, travelling all over. Thanks for sharing it with us!
    Gill xx

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  67. Such a lovely day out and your photos as always are such a joy to look at. I really, really want to visit Holland...and you have also made me really wish I had a bike too!
    Marianne x

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  68. Hello Ladies, Hello Kitties, Hello Roses, Hello LUNCHTIME! Mmmmmm!

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Thank you for your lovely words.