Wiese Windmill: Happy 75th Nick

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Happy 75th Nick

May Days Birthdays - 21 Nicolette, 22 Jarrod, 23 Nick, 29 Heather Anniversary - 21 Nico and Stacy '94

Yes, Sunday May 23th was Birthday- number 75! Nick had a nice day. All the kids called. (NICKs favorites - Steak-chocolate cake-strawberries-boating)

Friday, Jenny and Janine brought over a card and gift certificate to Longhorn Steak House. Joni and family brought dinner over to the camper Saturday night. Sunday evening, Jenny and family asked us over for chocolate cake and homemade vanilla ice cream. yumm Our son, Nico (Nicolaas) brought a couple quarts of strawberries to the house - home grown from his backyard. Nicki and family in DC are taking us on a cruise. Janine and family are in FL. Both families called to wish him a happy day.

1 comment:

Jan and Diny said...: Dear Nick and JoAnn
sorry that we did 'forget'about your 75 th birthday!

So many things to be gratefull for that God gave you in your family and friends.
love,
Jan and Diny; June 3, 2010 at 6:12 AM

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Windmills

Most people know that the windmills have to some extent, built the country of the Netherlands. In fact, an old Dutch adage says “God created the earth, but the Dutch created Holland.”

Without the mills much of the land drainage could not have taken place. Mills were also used for grain milling, saw milling and in fact for a number of industrial purposes.

During World War II certain resting positions and ribbons on the sails etc.were used to signal secret messages to confidants and members of the resistance to warn people in hiding of raids.

The reason why I chose the Windmill to be the name for our blog is because traditionally the mills have been a means of communication. The mills speak a language which can be read from the position of the sails.

Basically, there are four positions: celebration, mourning, short resting, longer resting. In each position the sails are slightly tilted one way or another so people will know what is happening in the miller’s life

1. Celebration – birth or wedding position top sail at 1 on the clock

2. Mourning – death or funeral position top sail at 11 on the clock

3. Short rest or ready for work position sails in plus or cross ( + )

4. Longer rest – perhaps a vacation, illness position sails in ( X )

The sails of the windmills are often decorated with garlands or flowers for the occasion. Some millers mount a star on the mill at Christmas time.

Click here for a complete windmill database.