CURRENT MISSION

Travel, Learn, meet people, walking this path with the hand of my friend.

ABOUT ME

Please Note: We have not yet been "Verified" because we're still waiting for the code-card paid our cash April 2009 it is now March 2010???

I am still recovering from a life as a high-school teacher; retired June 2008. I have, with my partner Debbie, traveled to visit our 'roots', mine in Holland, Debbie's in Ireland.
Music figures in that we both love to 'sing, play music and learn to be friends' (There is a song in that!) I play guitar, both six and twelve string. We have written a few songs. We love to go sailing, anchor in some secluded little bay and go for walks on the islands. Then perhaps after dinner pull out the guitar and play a tune or two. I have been very active in the No-Nuke movement in Manitoba where the powers that be were experimenting with burial of waste in 'solid rock'. Guess what happens to rock when you heat it . . . well maybe not here right now.

PHILOSOPHY

We believe in unconditional living and giving, life of mindless love and laughter. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. We have three kids/young adults, 20, 25 and 31 years and a grand daughter of 10, which keep us hopping, energized and young.

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

This update is the first act of participating in this venture and I'm sure many and much more to come. Hell, this is only the first day that I've had time to spend on this and only the second day of life with CS.Org

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

It has only just begun. Though I have already participated in Manitoba. I remember hosting a troupe of six journalists from France who were documenting their trip from New York city to Alaska overland for some French magazine. Remember when this thing was done on hard-copy? You paid your few $$ for a massive list of names and addresses of hosts all over the world indicating their availability, notice required and phone numbers???

Interests

Friends, family, sailing, music, reading,sewing, costume design, herbal medicine, gardening, nature, construction design, metal and wood work, simple/healthy food, wine, smoke and good people . . .

• singing
• design
• dining
• wine
• instructor
• walking
• electronics
• gardening
• shopping
• reading
• traveling
• socializing
• coding
• music
• guitar
• sailing
• teaching
• medicine

Music, Movies, and Books

Our favorite author is probably Wilbur Smith. We love reading historical fiction with authors such as Jack Whyte and Bryce Courtenay. Jelle has been a long-time executive of the Victoria,B.C., Folk Music Society. We have no bounds with music other than it must be music not just noise. We love all the arts, dance, theater, improv, poetry. We don't own a T.V., instead we read or rent the occasional flic; "PS I Love You", many of Denzel Washington, Ashton Kutcher, Robert Ludlum action flics. But once again our minds are always open to anything new and exciting. Currently reading the Eagle series by Jack White.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Oh god I have seen so many! The one thing, and it keeps repeating, is that as a teacher, you have all these awkward 'know-it-all-why-don't-I-leave-home-while-I-still-know-everything' teenagers come into your room and four years later they leave as responsible young adults giving you a big hug and a thank you. Or you meet them years later and this person comes up to you at the gas-pump, gives you a pat on the back and says, 'The best, most helpful thing I ever learned in school was in your class- how to work with my hands'

Teach, Learn, Share

We are both avid sailors. Jelle is a CYA certified sailing instructor. Jelle has taught shop; wood, metal, plastics, electrical/electronics technologies. We would like to learn more music . . .