Running Errands in Leiden...

When Jimmy needed more supplies to finish Bootjuh’s floor, I tagged along for a cycle ride into Leiden. Along the way, I noticed these interesting cupids and skateboarders.

After picking up his supplies, we parked our bikes and took a walk around my favorite canal.

As we walked towards the farmer’s market, we caught sight of a reflection of the De Valk Windmill...

...on the unusual backside of the Museum de Lakenhal.

We caught quite a dramatic sunset on our cycle ride home.

 

Celebrating Inauguration...

After all of the insanity that surrounded the domestic terrorist attacks at the US Capitol on Janary 6, we were worried that there could be further attacks during the inauguration on the 20th. What a huge relief that all of the events went off without a hitch and how cool that we could share the special day with the girls and Grandpa. The speeches were inspirational and gave us much hope for a brighter future. 

Despite the rudeness of the former occupants of the White House not to greet the Bidens, I’m sure that Joe and Jill could feel the collective positive energy from around the globe flowing towards them. 

Much like the night in November that the US Presidential Election was finally called. we celebrated with our next door neighbors after Joe Biden was sworn in as the 46th President on January 20. Martijn supplied the laser light show and sparklers... 

...and we supplied the bubbly.

Clearly we didn’t always stay distanced, but we were pretty good when the camera wasn’t pointed at us. 

We once again proudly wore our Biden Harris shirts and I wore pearls in honor of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Miracously, after four years of fitful sleeping, I started sleeping better that night.

 

Like a Dutch Landscape Painting...

Especially fascinating on that hike around Voorlinden were the incredible reflections in the canal near the Belted Galloways, who were in the large field in front of the museum. I couldn't help but think that these moments of changing skies (of which there were many as I wanted to photograph the area from every possible angle) were like those moments that inspired Dutch landscape painters. 

 

Exploring Around Voorlinden...

A few weeks later, Sally, Kati and I walked again in Wassenaar, starting at a different point and heading towards Voorlinden, a private modern art museum what we have never visited. I was happy to see Belted Galloways. which always brings back good memories of North Carolina. 

In front of the closed museum, we spotted these brightly colored metallic mushrooms.

Further along the property, we spotted even more Belted Galloways.

Along the back of the property, which was entirely fenced in, were the dunes.

The birds weren't thrilled about Kati walking through their woods.

On yet another walk, we headed towards Meijendel, the largest contiguous dune area in South Holland.

I really appreciated being in an area that I hadn't visited in years. Somehow we even managed not to get lost. 

It might be hard to tell, but this was actually a pretty steep and sandy hill. Of course, Kati ran down it, but Sally and I also managed to get down without any trouble. 
 

What a Difference the Season Makes...

I couldn't help but notice that things looked quite different in late January than on my previous visit to the same area in mid-May, so thought it would be interesting to show the contrasts. In the first one, the sculptures that were once in the open....

....were now completely covered. Hope our previous bad behavior wasn't a factor in that decision. 

A much bigger shock was seeing that this lush green tree that we actually stood inside to have a sweeties stop...

...was now a barren lump of branches. Winter can be harsh in Holland.
 

Walking in Wassenaar...

In late January, it became too cold and windy to walk in the dunes. Instead, Sally took me and Kati to the woods of Wassenaar for a change of pace.

It was cool sharing with Sally much of the path that Veronica and Brett set for us when we hashed there way back in mid-May.

While I used to cycle in this area years ago to go to Darlene's to scrapbook, this was the first time that I actually walked past the Kasteel de Wittenburg. Dating back to 1899 as a private estate, it opened as a hotel and events venue in 1963. 

Across from the castle was this sweet sculpture of a young girl collecting Easter eggs.

It was surprising to see that Santa was still hanging out in front of this mansion in late January. 

A silver lining in the craziness of the pandemic was that I could spend extra time with Sally since her job was essentially on hold while the BSN was operating virtually.

 

More Singelpark...

On one leg of the route, we ran into several objects of art. The Cage, made in 2017, apparently depicts the Pilgrims' difficulty dealing with the freedoms of Leiden. They had to emigrate to stick to their faith.

Human Boundaries was even more thought-provoking: a watchtower depicting those in Berlin next to the Berlin Wall during the Cold War. 

It's probably not easy to see, but there were several green parakeets on this tree plus one cat that was stuck near the bottom branches.

Further along on the walk, we came across this large owl scultpure...

...in front of these windows with cool reflections. 

While I often photograph this windmill, this was a rare opportunity to catch some birds as well.  

I've also taken several photos of this wall along the National Museum of Ethnology, but I think this was from a better angle.

Speaking of angles, this was a cool angle of the canal...

....and of my sweet dog.