Van Gils Blogs

Last weekend I went to Groningen with Eva for a concert by EmmyLou Harris. We left rather early on Friday morning after dropping off the kids at school / daycare. Taking the train to Groningen was a breeze and we had plenty of time to chat on the way over. Unfortunately we couldn’t check into our regular hotel (Martini Hotel) yet. Instead we dropped off our luggage and went shopping.

After checking in later that day we went out for Mexican food and then went over to the concert hall for a great show. The show started with a few tracks by Kimmie Rhodes who had an excellent set. She even played some Townes van Zandt songs. After she left stage, EmmyLou came out with her new band. She played old songs and new, as well as some covers. I haven’t been able to find the tracklisting online yet, but I’ve heard songs by the country gentlemen, memphis bluegrass band, Gillian Welsh, Townes van Zandt and many more. She even sang a gospel song a capella, without amplification. Awesome!

Unfortunately my grandmother passed away last week at the age of 84. She had been in and out of the hospital for a while, yet still seemed very positive on the future. Therefore we were unpleasantly surprised to hear that her health was going for the worse so rapidly. I hurried back to Tilburg last week (20th) to say my goodbyes. Just in time as it turns out as she passed away on the 21st.

Last Thursday we went back to Tilburg for the funeral. Pastor van den Berg (see this website) held an excellent ceremonie which really touched our hearts. The church was full of people, the music was well chosen and the sun made it a pretty day to go. We hope oma ‘ll rest in peace.

I was pointed to the Peter Principle today… better get a hold of that some time