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Bicycle Infrastructure Continuity 12

Bicycle Infrastructure Continuity
Artist’s rendition of the proposed revitalization of Queens Quay in Toronto – from Waterfront Toronto This past Sunday my family congregated at my place to join me for our annual bike trip & picnic. There were a total of 8 people pedaling, plus my daughter and my dog. We pedaled a total distance of 40 ...

Future Bicyclist & Cargo Bikes 34

Future Bicyclist & Cargo Bikes
Photo of baby Sofia (Day 1) by James D. Schwartz / The Urban Country You may have noticed that The Urban Country has been quiet this week. Between supporting my wife through labour and then subsequently learning how to care for our newborn child, I have had my hands quite full. Our future bicyclist Sofia ...

Cowboys Stadium: Everything is Bigger in Texas 5

Yesterday I attended a Dallas Cowboys football game at the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. I am by no means a football fan, nor would I have attended this game under any other circumstance than the fact that my father is turning 60 years old and he has never seen the Cowboys play in ...

Majestic Garden 2

A few weeks ago Han, Tom and I went out to Wisconsin to visit my Dad and Step-Mom. It had been 2 years since I had made it out to visit my Dad’s place. We had a great time doing outdoor activities most of the weekend since he lives out in the countryside alongside the ...

I salute you father

The one person who has consistently motivated me to stay physically active is my very own father. He is probably one of the most fit 57-year-olds ever. If I even wanted to be close to keeping up with him, I’d have to train extremely hard, and he’d still be able to out-run me. He lifts ...

Stay strong Grandma 1

I’m writing this knowing that today will probably be the last time I see my Grandma before she closes her eyes and goes to the heavens. Although this is a very difficult time for the whole family, I’m comforted to know that she is at peace with herself. She told me last week not to ...

Loving your family 3

Here are some interesting facts from the movie “March of the Penguins” care of Malcolm. It’s amazing how dedicated Penguins are to their family. – at the end of March (end of summer), walk 70 miles inland to mate, lay egg and raise baby– find a mate when they arrive (each year)– lay egg, mother ...

We’ll always remember you Opa

On Wednesday, October 29th, 2003, one year ago today, my Opa (Grandpa) passed away peacefully in his sleep in his 77th year. His name was Cornelis (Case) Veldhuizen. He had a very profound impact on my life. I spoke at his funeral, and I wanted to share my words from that day last year. “Over ...