So, we're back from our vacation. We've cycled to Schiermonnikoog and then back to Westerzand (near Groningen) where we took the train back from Grijpskerk to Enschede because we ran out of days. It was 312,55 km in total, actually a bit more but one day I forgot to turn on the km-counter. I think it adds some 10 km (it was a resting day with short trips).

We had a lot of headwind the whole trip, with even a serious storm on Tuesday, but we went through it all. I have kept a journal (in Dutch) which I will digitalise and put online somewhere this week. I'll post a link to it when it is finished. I also still need to work out last year's journal....

Yesterday I celebrated my birthday (I'm 23 now) for the family. My grandparents and aunt from mother's side where there, my parents and brother and Matthijs' parents and brother. I asked for money as presents, since I'll be having a car in September and I need some things for that (like a navigation system). But I received some real presents as well. 'Real' meaning that it had wrapping around it. A parking disc, a windshield cleaner, some chocolate, a nice plant and two fantasy books (first books of 2 series).

I also received a birthday card from my grandparents of father's side, an e-card from Suus, an e-card from Care2 (one of my e-mail accounts), and a happy birthday festoon from Pearle (customer relations...).

We had lots of home-made cake and pie, salty nibbles, toast and soup for dinner. After the party there was a lot to spare. But I don't think that Matthijs' flat-mates will have a problem with the cakes. ;-)

But alas, all things come to an end and today is just another working day. And I should really get to work, the deadline is still pressing and coming closer (1st of September).