Hart & Soul

07 Jan 2011 • 609 views
 
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photoblog image A Christmas Present

A Christmas Present

 

Astrid surprised me on Christmas day by driving me to Kinderdijk, 16 miles from home.

  It was like heaven on earth...19 windmills all in one spot and my first time there with snow.

 

Kinderdijk, Netherlands, 25 December 2010.

 


A Christmas Present

 

Astrid surprised me on Christmas day by driving me to Kinderdijk, 16 miles from home.

  It was like heaven on earth...19 windmills all in one spot and my first time there with snow.

 

Kinderdijk, Netherlands, 25 December 2010.

 


comments (62)

Wow, a whole row of windmills Ginnie, what an amazing sight. Lucky you smile
Ginnie: I felt like I was the luckiest person in the world that day, Ellie. Thanks.
Superb view. Quintessential Netherlands.
Ginnie: Definitely quintessential, Graeme, even if most places don't have this many windmills in a row. Thanks.
Cold serenity...
Ginnie: Exactly, Larry. Thanks.
  • Aussie
  • a very flooded Rocky
  • 7 Jan 2011, 04:37
Terrific row of windmills, what a nice surprise.
Having another white xmas is on my bucket list.
Ginnie: It was one of the best surprises of my life, Aussie. Thanks. Having another white Christmas is definitely worth a spot on a Bucket List. Go for it.
  • sherri
  • United States
  • 7 Jan 2011, 04:52
It's beautiful in the snow. I take it they don't bother clearing the roadssmile Nicely processed, Ginnie.
Ginnie: Thank you, Sherri. That's actually the main canal on which all the windmills sit. It had ice on it that day and could be walked on (but too rough for skating).
  • Paule
  • US
  • 7 Jan 2011, 05:06
Beautiful windmills.

Paule
www.paulepictures.com
www.paulepictures.com/blog
Ginnie: They are even better in real life, Paule. Thanks.
With all the snow it looks very stark and bare. You'll have to go back in Spring and take the same shot then.
Ginnie: I'll have to see if I have a similar shot from spring or summer, Sheila, but we will definitely go back, regardless. It's so nearby! Thanks.
  • Peter
  • Canada
  • 7 Jan 2011, 06:26
Windmills in the snow...what else could you ask for Ginnie....superb shot.....petersmile
Ginnie: It was the perfect gift, Peter, which tells you I could not have asked for more! Thanks.
  • Astrid
  • Netherlands
  • 7 Jan 2011, 06:56
That is a fabulous picture and a likey to me, I am still smiling when I think back to that day, we have so many great memories there.
We just go back at least once a season and take pictures.
Maybe one time we can go there to catch the sunrise...... smile
Ginnie: It may be my favorite image from that day, MLMA. HARTSTIKKE BEDANKT voor jou cadeautje! I'll never forget it. smile Yes, one day we'll catch the sunrise...or sunset!
the only windmills i've ever seen are the gardening ones lol (small) tho there's a gardening center in Richmond with a large windmill, not this large tho, you're so blessed, what a sight to see, thank you for sharing with us smile and as far as the POV on my picture, i was just sitting at the end of the table!
Ginnie: I know I am so very lucky, Elaine, to be around so many windmills. I wonder if I was a windmill in a former life?? grin Thanks.
  • Chris
  • England
  • 7 Jan 2011, 08:14
Astrid told me she was going to do that Ginnie, I knew you'd love it. The picture is a delight
Ginnie: She sure was good at keeping it a secret from me, Chris. I love it! Thanks.
  • Fokkio
  • The Netherlands
  • 7 Jan 2011, 08:15
So beautiful! I have never been there, but I must go sometime. Great composition.
Ginnie: If ever you go, Fokkio, please let us know. Maybe we could meet you there. that would be fun. You'll not be disappointed! Thanks.
  • Chantal
  • Nederland
  • 7 Jan 2011, 08:44
You must go back in summer time at night, when they are all lit up
Ginnie: Definitely, Chantal. That's the one time we haven't been!
  • Mark
  • Great Britain (UK)
  • 7 Jan 2011, 09:04
Lovely view, very 'old world'
Ginnie: This is what I love about Europe, Mark, and Holland in particular! Thanks.
Beautiful picture Ginnie, it looks magicalsmile
Ginnie: It doesn't get more magical for me, Bill, than this, at Kinderdijk! Thanks. We would love to take you there some day.
  • Theys
  • Belgium
  • 7 Jan 2011, 09:51
Here is a topic that I like, very beautiful realization Ginnie
Ginnie: It doesn't get much better than this place, Roland! Merci.
Clicked on to this Ginnie and its just started to snow.
Ginnie: Awww. Pure magic, then, Mick. It's been rainy here, I'm afraid.
  • anniedog
  • United Kingdom
  • 7 Jan 2011, 09:58
Could be a scene straight out of an old Dutch Master. Very special to have seen it with so much snow.
Ginnie: It was the best gift Astrid and Mother Nature could have given me that day, Ingrid. Thanks.
  • Chad Doveton
  • Where latitude and longitude meet.
  • 7 Jan 2011, 09:58
Windmills AND snow, does it get any better?
Ginnie: Not as far as I'm concerned, Chad. Winter and always Christmas! smile
Wow, a great location and a well composed image, that leads me to those fabulous windmills. I'd want to visit this place often Ginnie smile
Ginnie: We've been 3 times alread (together), John, and will go back often, I'm sure. It's almost in our backyard! Thanks.
  • grapf
  • Germany
  • 7 Jan 2011, 10:39
this is the Netherlands, like we would imagine it smile Such a nostalgic view!
Ginnie: Exactly, Grapf! Exactly. Thank you.
  • Philine
  • Germany
  • 7 Jan 2011, 11:28
Oh, wat voor een fijn cadeautje voor de molen-liefhebster Ginnie dat Lief-Astrid heeft verzonnen met Kerstmis! En jij heeft een mooie winter-foto eruit gemaakt! Ik kan de sneeuw zien en voelen- brrhh- oh, het is erg koud -terwijl hier de sneeuw is aan het smelten!
Ginnie: Now you know why I was so happy, Philine. It doesn't get much better than this! Hartstikke bedankt.
Very cool image of windmills in the snow. I love the way you framed the scene with the trees and the way the windmills recede into the distance! Lovely.
Ginnie: Thank you smilekindly, Doug. It was heaven for me that day!
Very lvely! It has got a painterly feel that I like a lot!
Ginnie: Thank you, dear Marion. This was heaven for me that day.
I think snow makes any scene magical (not that this needs much help!)
Ginnie: Especially when the snow is fresh, JP! Thank you kindly.
A lovely image of a great day out for you Ginnie. I was looking at a touring holiday that would take us here in the summer but I think we will stay this side of the water in the end.
Ginnie: If ever you come over, please let us know. We will take you there ourselves, Brian. smile
  • sil
  • Italy
  • 7 Jan 2011, 14:52
Ooooh! Love this one, Ginnie! Wonderful shot and view.
Ginnie: Thank you, dear Sil. It was heaven for me that day!
All this snow must be quite an experience for you Ginnie..The shadows really add to the picture..Beautiful shot.
Ginnie: I grew up in snow as a child in Michigan, Ron, so this brings back many memories. I've missed it! Thanks.
Winter Wonderland with Windmills,
its a lovely sight smile
Ginnie: You wopuld be in heaven there, Linda, as I was. Thank you.
Great image, Ginnie!
Ginnie: Thank you kindly, Tom.
  • Daisy
  • Belgium
  • 7 Jan 2011, 16:07
Dit is een schitterende foto! Ik wil ook eens naar Kinderdijk!! Misschien dit jaar wel eens...
Ginnie: Hartstikke bedanke, Daisy. You will love Kinderdijk...no place like it on earth! I hope 2011 will be your year.
I'm sorry if these days I do not follow you as usual, but there will be better days, Ginnie, this one is awesome as always
Ginnie: Please take care of yourself and don't worry about me, Fabrizio. I know you will come when you can. Thank you!
  • k@
  • France
  • 7 Jan 2011, 18:17
As if the windmills were made out of those woods - so lovely ! And the perspective & line-up are so beautiful (may i ask who's Astrid i already read the name quite often here ?) Have a good w-e, both of U**
Ginnie: Thank you, Karine. This is a magical place. Astrid is my Dutch wife. I moved here from America at the end of 2009 and we were married on 5 Feb. a year ago. I'm lucky Holland is a country that acknowledges same-sex marriage. Thanks for asking (especially now if you're not sorry you did!). smile
  • Mroy
  • United States
  • 7 Jan 2011, 19:18
Like a kid in a toy store! I'd like to see your face lit up after seeing all these. And all to yourself too.

Props to Astrid.
Ginnie: It's so funny, Maria, but you would have seen a 65-yr-old kid! And Astrid would vouch for that. smile Thanks.
What a beautiful sight, Ginnie. I love windmills!
Ginnie: Thank you, Pam. I can't think of anything more soulful!
  • Andy
  • USA
  • 7 Jan 2011, 21:41
Wow beautiful!! This must have been an amazing experience to see all these! So cool!!
Ginnie: It doesn't get much better than this for me, Andy! Thanks.
wonderful view and processing ginnie
Ginnie: Thank you, kind sir.
Ginnie, that's absolutely gorgeous!
Thank you for showing us another hidden gem in NL.

We have very few windmills in Kent, England.
Historically, most of them are related to the brewery industry.
Ginnie: Windmills for brewing beer...now that would be something, LC! smile I could see Belgium using them that way...the country of beers. Most interesting. I had never heard of that. Thanks.
  • Frida
  • Sweden
  • 7 Jan 2011, 23:18
Seems to be an amazing place. Really beautiful in winter.
Ginnie: It's a place for all seasons, Frida. I'm just glad I finally saw it with snow. Thanks.
All lined up just for you Ginnie.
Ginnie: One does indeed feel they're there just for them, Les. It's magical.
That certainly looks like a magical country.
Ginnie: It's definitely magical for me, Michael!
  • Rob
  • United States
  • 8 Jan 2011, 06:02
19windmills, what a sight! I truly wish I were there.
Ginnie: Start saving your pennies, Rob, and make a point to come over some day. You won't be disappointed.
I bet this is a windy place wink....it sure is a beautiful place wink
Ginnie: HA! All of Holland is windy, Aksel. grin These mills here are mostly for controling the water level. Thanks.
Un encuadre con vistas preciosas.

Saludos
Ginnie: For me it doesn't get much better, Bernardo. Gracias.
Ik hou van je inlijsten. En deze opeenvolging van molens, het is mooi ...

(Google is mijn vriend)
Ginnie: You are such a sweetheart to translate this to Dutch, Olivier. Too bad I don't speak or write it as well as English, even though it's the language where I now live! But I must say I am also learning a bit of French because of you who write me in French. grin Merci, Bedankt, Thanks.
  • CherryPie
  • Great Britain (UK)
  • 8 Jan 2011, 11:53
It looks delightful, I love your perspective smile
Ginnie: Thank you kindly, Cherie.
  • Oscar
  • Germany
  • 8 Jan 2011, 11:59
I like the snow. is fantastic
Ginnie: It sure made the day, Oscar! Gracias.
  • Krunal
  • India
  • 8 Jan 2011, 12:38
those windmills are awesome. I love your framing and the tones are just beautiful.
Ginnie: Thank you, Krunal. I can never see too many windmills! smile
  • tede
  • France
  • 8 Jan 2011, 14:33
It's really too good Ginnie, a wonderful shot. Nice day.
Ginnie: It's to die for, Tede, as far as I'm concerned. smile Merci.
What a fabulous capture Ginnie. Definitely a Netherlands postcard!
Ginnie: Thank you, Richard. You're so sweet. Merci.
Superb, Ginnie, simply superb. Astrid knows exactly what kind of surprise you'll treasure; very smart.

I wonder if the all 19 of the windmills are of equal distance from one another.
Ginnie: Thanks a million, Beverly. Astrid definitely knows me inside and out, which is most humbling and gratifying!

The canal in this image separates the windmills from each other, some on both sides. It would take some doing to get all of them in on one image but my header on my other blog has 13 of the 19:
http://www.ginniehart.blogspot.com/
  • rian
  • United States
  • 9 Jan 2011, 00:58
wow, it sure is a beautiful place.. especially on winter.. nicely done.. smile
Ginnie: For me, Rian, it's a place to die for. smile Thank you.
  • martie
  • United States
  • 9 Jan 2011, 04:24
What a fantastic surprise! This is beautiful. I trust you had a great Christmas and that 2011 will be perfect!
Ginnie: Thank you, Martie, and yes, a fantastic surprise. Thanks for stopping by. HAPPY NEW YEAR and the best of 2011 to you and yours.
Like an old postcard, great composition. I love it. A+ VAL smile
Ginnie: Thank you, dear Valérie. Merci.
  • scarlet
  • Netherlands
  • 9 Jan 2011, 16:55
I only have 1 word: stunning!
Ginnie: You're most kind, Scarlet. Hartstikke bedankt.
Very beautiful. The windmills I see around here are for pumping water for cattle or for generating electricity. Your windmills are so much more like a work of art.
Ginnie: Anything this old IS a work of art, Mark. It's a heaven on earth for me! Thank you.
priceless
Ginnie: Thank you, Heather!
  • george
  • Ireland
  • 10 Jan 2011, 16:27
A lovely surprise from Astrid, it's such a wonderful location - and I would imagine that on CHristmas Day you had it all to yourselves.

Nice one!
Ginnie: Astrid does know me well, George, which was the fun of this special day. The nice thing was no one was there to take the parking fees for those of us who were there so it was a free entrance. Many of us were there for a nice walk but it wasn't over-crowded. It was just perfect. Thanks!
  • Didier
  • Belgium
  • 10 Jan 2011, 17:39
I love them too. Your color treatment is perfect (I wonder how you achieve it so well)! Cheers.
Ginnie: You're very kind, Didier. I use CS3 to process my images, using both the Multiply layer as well as B&W and sepia. It always allows a bit of the color to come through, which I've grown to like. Thanks for your vote of confidence!
Love it love it love it! The first time I saw windmills (real Dutch ones in Holland, not in a fairy tale theme park) it was a blistering-hot day, and I nearly had a heat stroke, and there was no shade in sight. This wintry scene is such a relief! I would want to look at all 19 if I were there now!
Ginnie: Thank you, Patrushka. You would love this spot in Holland. It's totally enchanting.
  • Ray
  • Thailand
  • 12 Jan 2011, 09:01
Well...you certainly made the most of this opportunity, Ginnie...and, I am glad you did!
Ginnie: It totally made my day, Ray. Thank you.
  • Quark
  • Europe
  • 24 Feb 2011, 06:34
Holland as Holland issmile)
Great composed photo ! !
Ginnie: One of the greatest countries in the world, Quark. smile Thanks.

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