Heerenveen

Wow.  I hadn't realized it's been so long since I last wrote.  I've just sort of been living life; trying to get a bike, for one (obtained!) and trying to figure life out (what to do next, etc).  The bike needs a name (right, AR?).  I should take a picture of it today and show you.  I was going to get W. to take a pic with me and the bike, but he's a bit busy these days, so there's low opportunity.  No matter.

Last weekend we went to Heerenveen to their museum.  The city was 'closed' as it was a Sunday and not their Sunday to be open, so it was pretty desolate.  Seemed pretty, though, and would like to go back sometime.  Sorry, this'll be a repeat for those who've seen on Facebook.  As usual, click to enlarge.

We're not sure what this building was, but it serves as a restaurant now (and possiblly hotel? I don't know what's upstairs).  Date on the building is 1640.

Church.  Unknown name or faith (though I'm guessing Catholic or Anglican as it had a rectory attached (not shown)).  

Walking through town waiting to catch the train.. and bam.. there's a windmill.  It used to mill grain (grind into flour).  It's out of commission now.  

Beautiful flower-covered bridges.  

It continues down the street and on other bridges.

Even the pigeons are relaxed.  This place cracks me up.

At the museum we learned about Ferdinand Domela Nieuwenhuis (1846-1919).  A very interesting man who stood out very much in his time.  A Lutheran preacher-turned socialist-turned anarchist, he lost the faith, started fighting for workers rights and then started fighting everything else (he was an anti-militarist and didn't believe in war and even openly discouraged giving kids war toys -guns, etc).  He was the very first Dutch socialist elected into Parliament, wrote in various papers, published a book and the museum had his entire library contained; it was so fabulous.  Books on psychology, anarchy, literature (even in English!), religious works (Bible, New Testament, etc).  It was so extensive.  To be that close to books that old... oh boy did I want to get my hands on them.  They'd be priceless.  (If you're unsure what I'm referencing, I collect old books of a certain nature, pre-1940).  He seemed like a really interesting, full-character sort of man.  If people agreed with him or not (there was even a copy of a note of insulting terms against him, someone who did NOT like him at all), his funeral brought about an entire town.  Hundreds of the working class came out to pay tribute to a man who fought for 8 hour days, breaks, needed rest, etc.  He had a good heart.

I got my health insurance card!  Go me!  So now I can go see a GP, chiropractor and I thought about seeing an accupunturist.  My parents are seeing one and can't say enough good about it.  The sky's the limit (or that.. whatever my card will cover for the remainder of the year).

Well, W's slowly starting to wake up and I should get moving and start the day.  Sorry it's a long post.  Hope everyone's having a good week!

My Precious Collection

Let me preface this post by mentioning my collection of old poetry books, anything pre-1940's (don't ask why that time in history, just something random I selected many years ago).  Or, what was old poetry books, now growing into selective pieces on psychology and medical.  

The medical was added today (AR, you're going to love this).  I obtained The People's Common Sense Medical Adviser by R.V Pierce M.D ~ completely scanned by someone, if you were interested ("One of the staff of consulting physicians and surgeons at the Invalid's Hotel and Surgical Institute, and President of the World's Dispensary Medical Association").  The present edition I have was published in 1895.  Upon further research, it seems to be missing the first couple of pages inside (picture of author, minor book introductory, table of contents) but I don't care :)

I've flipped through it and it's quite interesting, listing some sketches of the Invalid's Hotel, apparatuses used in rehabilitation and even some slightly coloured plates (even if they're only 3 or 4 colours) of cell matter, anatomy and tons of testimonials (complete with picture of the person making the testimony!) etc.  His talk of "the weaker sex" is interesting (not) and feels everything can be cured by Dr. Pierce's Favourite Prescription or the Golden Medical Discovery (this last link mentions it, but also includes a bit of history about the author).  It goes without saying that "cure-alls" from this time period are complete hokum (it's even said he was an impostor) but it's an interesting read, nonetheless.  Millions bought into it at the time.

I love having a piece of history in my hands like this. I'm not sure what it's worth (I saw someone listing it on kijiji for $125) but it'll be a great addition to my collection, of which I'll take a picture of later to show you.  For now, I've included a picture of said purchase.... 

And what did I buy it for?  

One dollar.