Monday, April 22, 2013

Monday April 22, 2013 Dutch Masters

To all of the Best Dutch Masters in The United States;
   Thank you all for sharing this phenominal experience and trip.
   Thank you for the Pandora Charms. I will put a picture on the blog when I learn how, really soon. I will kep the card and your words for me forever.
   My heart is full of joy, gratitude,thanks for the great time. I know I hiccuped a couple of times,thank you for understanding and jumping in to help, all of you. You are amazing people,designers,friends. I will always remember you and this trip. The yellow tulip will be in the classroom in a special place to thank you when you come to class and visit me. I will see it every day and relive the advanture with deep gratitude for each of you
   Love AA

Friday, April 19, 2013

Thursday ,April 18,2013

   We were up and on the bus early to travel to the float barn to design on the floats for the 66th annual flower parade car floats. The bus took us on a delightful drive through the country side,telling is about his country for 45 minutes to Sassenheim.
   The float barn was full of the sweet fragrance of all spring bulb flowers. The flowers are cut from the bulbs,and not uses. The bulbs are then sold on the market.The flowers are grown for the bulbs.
It was wonderful,just wonderful.
   There were lots of  designers workers,visitors and very important people,as thy will love to tell you.
This is a mini Rose Bowl parade ,sort of. The pictures on Facebook page Koehler trip will give you a nice look at our assignments and creative work.
   Jacqueline brought us all lunch,thank you for that Jacqueline and Claus.
   We left the barn for Amsterdam. Amsterdam is open Thursday evenings until 9:00. We split in many groups. Dawn,James and I went off to look at flea rackets ,local selling places,all fun spots. We walked and walked and walked and walked,ate some and walked more. It was so windy,but NO SNO W.
   The bus ride to the hotel was quiet and relaxing.

Wednesday April 17,2013

Today ,April 17 is my sweet daughters birthday. Happy Birthday Crisi with all of my love.

   On the bus,all on time at 9:30am for coffee at school.
   The instructor today was Erma Mus. Erma demonstrated the morning with European style centerpiece,some chair design .
   After another delightful lunch we entered the design area to make the design. The afternoon was filled with creative renditions of the demonstrated deigns. Every one was very creative,learning and sharing.
   There was an afternoon break each day. I am anxious that my students know that some places give breaks....they do not know that in my classes...oops. Now thy want a kitchen and lunch area at K&D. We ,at work ,have wanted that for years.
   We went back to the hotel for free afternoon.
   Many of the students bring their deigns to the hotel with them. Many took the hand ties to the Senior high rise apartments close to the hotel to share. Some gave  theirs to passerby,the bus driver,the hotel,staff at the school,the town is full of flowers.
    Els stopped by for a few minutes,Dawn gave Els her deign. They were both delighted ,giving and receiving flowers.
   Els and I went for tea,to share precious time together. We could of talked forever. I all of a sudden after setting down became very relaxed. I went to my room,to organize ,and reorganize my luggage. I sat on the bed, laid down and slept or a coupe of hours. Felt great.

Monday, April 15

   The Continental  Breakfast at the hotel was very good...so European...
   The bus arrived at 9:am,we arrived at the school at 9:45 , had coffee.
   The class began with Jacqueline welcoming everyone,telling about the schedule . She introduced us to our instructor Petra van der Veen is charming. She demonstrated the remaining morning European Hand Tied designs, many styles and techniques,in and out of armatures .
   There is a lovely bar and eating area on site,with an outdoor patio for fresh air and sun. Again it was a bit overcast ,and around 65 degrees. Lunch each day is included in the cost which is always homemade so sandwiches,great bread and drink of coffee,tea,milk juices.there are Dutch cookies and cheeses.
   After lunch the students helped divide the products for the practical part of the lass.They all began with the same products and ended with beautiful custom designs. they each experimented with the styles and flowers provided which were so fresh and beautiful. At 4:00 we rushed to clean up, jump on the bus for the hotel. The structured part of the trip was over for one day,they were on their own. The students split in many groups,different Mose every day. They all made instant friends with each other.

Friday,April 19,2013. Dutch Masters Tour/ Class

WOW is the one word to tell you about our trip.
I will begin at the airport in Minneapolis .We began gathering before 10:00am for the 1:00 flight to Chicago,O'Hare
. It was a marvelous reunion and meeting of friends new and old.Stories,laughing and of coarse eating...we are florists first!
   The flight took off on time ,easy flight to Chicago. We left our plane,had to leave the secured area into the train to the International terminal. Jenni bought her Mountain Dew in Minneapolis as they do not sell it in Holland.She had to give it away to go through security again...She did it with good humor.
   We meet Kae,Jan,Audrey in Chicago ,left on time for Amsterdam. The seats were cozy. It is easy for me to sleep, which I did most of the way. Also thank goodness for Yoga. I think I used a couple of positions that are not in the practices.
   Arrival at Schiphol Amsterdam airport was  sweet and so easy. We departed the plane,picked up our luggage. Some exchanged money,others picked up their per ordered travel tickets. I called the bus company,which picked us up about 15 minutes after we called . We went directly to the charming hotel in Aalsmeer,unloaded. All of our rooms were ready for us. We arrived at the airport at 6:45.ten minutes early. We checked into the hotel around 8:45 am . The hotel is lovely,with a restaurant right on site. It is as close to a bed and breakfast as can be without calling it that. It is small enough to be personal and homey,large enough to give privacy.
   10:30 am we all meet in the lobby to walk about 400 meters to the dock to meet Hank. EZ Flower grower , Matin is the president which we at Koehler &Dramm buy flowers from gifted and sponsored the canal boat trip for our group. There were two boats,seating 16 people each. Jacqueline and Els Hazenberg meet us at the hotel to walk with us and talk the tour. It was a bit overcast,sort of chilly and wonderful. Hank and Maryann were our drivers, both native in the area gave a play by play for us,pointing out the cultural,horticultural,floricultural highlights. Again charming.
   We traveled through the canals,where the lilac are growing.We stopped at a grower where they treated us to great coffee and treats.We received a tour from the seed to the shipped product. The fragrance was astounding,color from the fresh new green of the plant o the open white,purple and lavender colors and varieties.Many varieties of  precious Lilac and Holly were growing in the fields.
   When we returned everyone went their way. Some into Amsterdam,other walked around Aalsmeer,some went to eat and others to bed.


Friday, April 12, 2013

April 12 Dutch Masters

Good Morning before,
   Be sure to check in to your flight today at 1:05 PM, 24 hours before the flight departs from Minneapolis for Chicago. The site will give you instructions how to do this. You may print your ticket or wait until you are at the airport.
   For you first international travelers and a reminder for anyone: Go into the airport at any of the Delta doors. Go to a kiosk,enter your passport in the machine. There are always friendly Delta people to help you. Then take your ticket and luggage to a counter person to check your well marked luggage. Do not lock your luggage as they sometimes open them to check and break the lock.
   Pack any liquids in a tight zip lock bag, squeeze the air out of the bag so it will not pop in the altitude.Do not pack good jewelry, leave it all at home. Do not pack computer or any expensive equipment. Carry it with you.
   Carry on one set of undies, your meds,snacks, anything you may want or need if your luggage is misplaced.
   The weather in Amsterdam is to be 66 on Sunday. Hooray.
   Go to the security line, it moves fast. Have your ticket and passport out.Meet you at the gate.
   In Chicago we change planes,there is plenty of time. We will meet out of the plane away from the line of other people departing. Then we will go to our gate.I suggest you find your roommate and do the buddy system as it will be a challenge for me to find everyone. Remember the flights will not wait for anyone,use your time wisely. I cant make them keep the doors open.
   Once in Holland,we will depart the plane,go to luggage carousel,collect our luggage ,meet at one place. We will all go to the Coach area together, call the company which will pick us up for the hotel.
   They serve meals on the flight from Chicago to Amsterdam,and snacks to pay for,coffee,water,juice. There will be a pillow and a light blanket.Drink lots of water,walk around to keep flex able and your blood working good. Stretch out often.Be patient with everyone,all of the "other" travelers. Sometimes people are anxious ( none of us) and display it in various ways.
   This is my first experience of not traveling with a group. I am used to being alone.Ask me what you like. I may not have the answer ,I will find it.
   This is also a time for us to meet and enjoy a variety of people with the same passions.You are my friends,it is nice to share you with each other.I am a plane sleeper, there are movies,many things and people. Make this your adventure,go out of your boundaries,have fun, experience the journey with joy. If you don't feel well,or have a headache, ask for help, never suffer alone. Someone may have the tools to help us.
   See you tomorrow. I will be the one with a big yellow tulip bigger than my head.
AA

Sat, 13 Apr 2013

13Apr2013

13Apr2013

1 day from departure MSP ► ORD : DL 3419



FLIGHT STATUS: ON TIME Depart: 1:05 PM Arrive: 2:31 PM Economy (T)
09C
View Seats Operated by: Pinnacle DBA Delta Connection STEP UP TO ECONOMY COMFORTEnjoy more legroom and Priority Boarding for as low as $9.

Get it now. Find Sky Club Locations:Minneapolis-St Paul Intl O Hare International Airport AIRPORT MAP MSP ► ORD BAGGAGE & SERVICE FEES FLIGHT TIME: 1h 26m Status: Confirmed Meal Service : No Meal Service *In-Flight services and amenities may vary and are subject to change.About your Aircraft:Canadair (Bombardier) Regional Jet 900 and Challenger 890 MILES FLOWN: 333 ON TIME % : 74

Details Details Layover in Chicago-Ohare, IL 1h 39m


Sat, 13 Apr 2013

13Apr2013

13Apr2013

1 day from departure ORD ► AMS : KL 612



FLIGHT STATUS: STATUS NOT AVAILABLE Depart: 4:10 PM Arrive: 6:55 AM This flight arrives - Sun, 14 Apr 2013. Coach (R)
View Seat

Thursday, April 11, 2013

April 11 #2 Dutch Masters


Hi,
   Message from Jacqueline this morning. AA

Hi A,

The rooms have private bathrooms with shower and toilet.
ATM machines are in town near the hotel. The hotel does not have one. ATM machines are mentioned in the brochure is sent you.
There are some hot spots in the restaurants in Aalsmeer but not everywhere.
Boerma Instituut(r) has free WiFi and hotel Aalsmeer also has it since February.
We also have a Facebook page www.facebook.com/boerma.instituut and for our bar www.facebook.com/CafeDeMijnen also has one.

With friendly regards,
Jacqueline

Wednesday, April 10, 2013

April 11 Dutch Masters Tour

Oh My, it is almost here, we are almost there.
 I called Verizon, my phone server . the number to call Verizon to talk to someone about service out of the country is 1-800-922-0204. You will ask them to activate your SIM card . They can do it over the phone,activate for a month at a time. Mine starts on midnight of April 11.
I also purchased the Global Data Package for $25.00 for the same time period.This way I can call in Holland and to US.It allows me to e mail. To text when out of the country is additional  50 cents to send and five cents to receive. Calls are $2.49 a minute.Remember this is my server, you will need to check yours.
To purchase a Mobil HotSpot is $20.00 for hook up and $50.00 for service. I asked the young man what he will suggest for his mother to purchase, he said definitely the $25.00  the Global Data Package.
I sent a note to our contact in Holland and asked questions about wifi in the hotel and school. If there is and if there is a cost and what that cost is. I also asked about free wifi at cafes.
There are ATM's all over Holland. I also asked if there is one at the hotel or near.
Keep reading and asking questions.
AA

Art in Bloom Project 2013

Hi everyone,
   WE are well on the way to making this a great Institute of Floristry Art In Bloom project.
   A few years ago I visited Latvia where I was involved in a street carpet festival in Ventspils, Latvia. There were 25 at least street carpets 10 meters x20 meters. Each followed the set theme for the cities annal celebration. It was amazing and fun working as a grout on this huge project. There were 15 countries in the competition.I was also one of the invited judges and no my country did not win that year.
  I wanted to do something like that here at home. MIA was willing to give KDIOF a chance to create on the front step of the MIA. That's right right out in front for everyone to walk by and enjoy. In the past we have had amazing ,creative and fun displays.Thank you to all that have been involved throughout the years.
   The Institute of Floristry is the sponsor,the students, florists anyone that wants to help is welcome. Tris is your chance to work on a very large design/project with others. To meet, enjoy,learn from and have fun.
   Marge Jacobson and Mary Andler are the co-chairs last year and this year. Wonderful talented designers, Thank you both for heading the project.
   We are making a HUGE hand tied bouquet. The mechanics are almost finished. This part will be delivered on Wednesday morning to the MIA front. We will water the foam,and begin placing the flowers. This is where you can be of great help.Mary and Marge will send out a sign up sheet with instructions. You respond to them, not me when you can come to help.We will post the times when we have that information.
   Your name and shop name will be included on the card that is displayed on the bouquet.
   This will be a follow the leader, anyone will be able to help from beginners to established designers and business owners.
   Do something larger than life with us.

April 10----I am giddy inside

Hi,
   I received a note from my friend Els that lives in Aalsmeer,she reported the weather is supposed to be warm and sunny on Sunday...we cannot bring the warm weather with us, we can surely flock to it !!! She may join us on our boat cruise on Sunday. Els is a celebrated designer worldwide, AIFD, she teaches each year at the Teleflora Education Center in Oklahoma,and is delightful and brilliant! You will really enjoy her.
   Even if the weather is to warm for us,run to the store to buy some of those handy hand warmers. They are wonderful. A couple of weeks ago in DC I put one under my belt in the back, on top of my shirt. It kept me warm on my lower back throughout my body. Then it slipped in the activity of walking and bending into my rear,down my leg ,into my boot....not on purpose. I then started the process on the other side. New type seat warmer.
   Give your friends and family the blog site address to follow our trip. Jeni has offered to blog the trip for us, with pictures. She has many talents, some others she may want to share with us.
   Mark your luggage well. Lets have a little contest on how well, unique and creative we can mark our luggage...go for it...there will be a prize.
   More tomorrow.
AA

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

April 9 #2 Dutch Masters

Remember your voltage converter.
Dress in layers
Enjoy the entire process as an adventure.There are opportunities, not problems.
AA

Dutch Masters. April 6

Hi Everyone,
   I have been reading about traveling to Holland in April. Here are a couple things that I  want to share.
   Bring instant coffee. Sometimes there is coffee in the rooms one cup.if you like a hot cup of coffee,hot chocolate or tea and sweetener ,you will have it when you want.
    Add rain geer/jacket and warm waterproof shoes/boots, and umbrella.For sure bring warm socks.
    I have a big carry on bag,one article suggests a smaller back pack for touring,walking and class.
   You may want ear plugs for the plane or when you want to sleep on the bus or anywhere.
AA

April 9,Dutch Masters Tour

Good Morning,
   The following information is from the EZ Flower that is sponsering our boat ride.

   I have booked a boat, leaving 200 yards from your Hotel.




He will be waiting and leave the dock at 11.00 am, the skipper is Henk van Leeuwen who will give you a nice tour.



The trip will be approx until 13.00.



If you ask at the hotel directions to the “ Praamplein”, what is right in the center of Aalsmeer, they will know.



You can not miss the boat, there is a sign on the waterline.







You will stop at a grower who will have coffee and maybe some good pastry.



I hope the weather will help, the boat is open !!!

A mesage about the hotel:
There are hairdryers and there is no coffee pots and coffee in the rooms. Guests can ask for a water boiler at the reception.


There is coffee and tea in the school before class and in the coffee break in the afternoon, not during lunch time.

See you in a few short days.
AA


Monday, April 8, 2013

April 8 Dutch Masters Tour

Good Morning ,
   We are less than a week away from our trip-hooray!!!
   I was reading in some travel information that if you want coffee in the hotel there may or may not be some in the room. Don't take the chance, there is always hot water , bring some instant packets of coffee, tea and hot chocolate if you like. You can always purchase some in country .
   Wear comfortable shoes and bring warm socks. It is still a bit chilly there with some rain,to help the flowers grow).Rain boots or shoes, cloth ones are warm but do soak up that moisture.
   A back pack for short day trips or trips to the class and working on the car parade.A light rain jacket,umbrella may also be a good idea.
   I will be at the gate at the airport around 11:00. I will bring with be a big paper yellow tulip for those of you that don't know me.
   Remember to pack what you can carry. If you have a bad arm,leg,hip we will help you carry yours so pack what you want to be comfortable.
   Hope all of you have connected with your room mates, to say hi.
   Remember you are not obligated to do anything with the group. If you want to skip a class or tour just let me know. This is your trip,if you want to sleep in one morning,you will want to find the best way to met with us when you like.
   When the bus says we leave at a specific time, for example 9:00, that means that the bus door close at 9:00, we will depart at 9:00.We will not hold the bus, we pay extra for any of that.
   A reminder, we will depart our plane in Chicago for the non stop to Amsterdam. Be sure and check the flight and boarding schedules so you are there on time.Bring some ear plugs, snacks,empty water bottle,any meds ,slippers,shawl ( if you are chilly)computer/ipad,eye cover.Bring any comforting thing you like for an overnight flight. I sleep easily on planes so that is where I will be.
   When we arrive in Amsterdam we will all pick up our luggage, meet at one spot then call the bus company to pick us up. Make your luggage well, bright,big, noisy. Whomever has the best marked luggage will never loose it.
   Keep your eye on your purse/bags all of the time. NEVER HANG ANYTHING OVER A CHAIR! I always put the handle of the bag around my leg if I am setting. Be aware all of the time without being paranoid.
   I have 2 pair jeans, three t shirts,t sport shirt,one warm sweater,one rain jacket,1 zip up sweatshirt jacket,rain geer,small backpack,fanny pack,hat,2 pair tights,2 tops, 1 pair shoes,walking shoes and clothes,ear muffs,jammies,thats about it for clothes.Then make up-meds-undies-candy-necessities.
   You are allowed one free check bag, one carry on and a purse--a big purse!!
   Travel in comfortable clothes, something easy to maneuver in the small bathrooms.Carry a toothbrush with you just in case and anything you may need for one day in case your luggage is delayed.
   In the picture of the hotel room there was a hair dryer. I will check to See if that is so and tell you.
   More later.
AA

Tuesday, April 2, 2013

April 2,2013 Dutch Masters Tour

Hi Everyone,
   Update: Our flight leaves from Minneapolis  # 612 for Chicago Ohare at 1:05 PM,arriving in Chicago at 2:31 PM.
               Our flight # 265 leaves Chicago for Amsterdam at 4:10 PM, arriving in Amsterdam at 6:55 AM Sunday, April 14.
              We will pick up our luggage ,meet at the coach pick up site,call the bus company when we are all gathered with our luggage. Please read the communication that was sent about the bus company and our pick up requirements. We will go to the hotel. It is early so some rooms will be ready, some will not. The ones that are not the hotel will keep them safe while we walk a short distance to the boat dock where we will take a river cruise.
             If you have motion sickness, but a SEABAND , or ask your doctor for a prescription or find something over the counter. It is a river cruise, there will not be high waves.
             After the cruise ,2 or 3 hours, we will go back to the hotel, check in. The remaining of the day is free time for you.
             Please read through the pamphlet that was sent to you for the daily schedule. The bus company will tell us when we must be on board, any wait time we all must pay additional, so we will not wait...please be early.
             You are not obligated to attend any classes or tours. You have paid for them, no refunds. If you rather take a tour or stay in the room or anything please let me know. This is your trip,I want you to have the time of your life. The schedule is set for anyone that wants to join in.
            I mentioned before, this is not a fashion time, for me. I will be wearing the same clothes many times,clean undies...Bring what you can carry/drag up a hill for 20 minutes. We are not going up any hills, it is an example travel companies suggest.

April 15--Class starts at 10:00, over at 4:00.
April 16--Flower Auction-7:30-8:45
April 16--Kukenhof--11:15-4:30
April 17--Class--10:00-4:00
April 18--8:30-4:30--Designing on cars for Parade
April 19--Class--10:00-4:00
April 20--Car parade
April 20--Leave for home 4:50PM--arriving 7:05PM

   Find your passport---call credit card company--refill prescriptions--but sun block and heavy socks, maybe ear plugs, SEABAND,munchies for trip.

Always, Ardith