Phil's Diary 1
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8.17.09 I am happy to state that the Colver Gallery website now has entries in all categories listed in the sidebar to the left. I continue adding to each category... As far as attracting visitors to the website, I sense it's going to be a difficult process. We'll see.....The Colver Gallery & Studios are an integral part of our home.

11.30.09 Adding art work to the website is ongoing and we now have a reasonable selection of art and photos on the website.

2.12.10 Since my 1983 bicycle trip through parts of Provence in southern France when I met my wife Dominique in Avignon, I have been going to Europe every year sometime solo but mostly with my family: Dominique and kids: Thomas, Charly and Anne. Dominique's parents live near Le Thor in the Vaucluse east of Avignon. Generally, we go the month of June and it's always such a culinary and special experience that it's hard to return, even to Aspen.

Last month I spent several days in Amsterdam and Paris looking at art, taking photos, enjoying new and favorite pubs and eateries and becoming part of and absorbing life in these two cities. As always, there were surprises.The first and perhaps foremost was having my wallet picked on the tram at Leidsè Plein the first evening in Amsterdam. Then, the devilish fun started as much of the next day or so was spent reporting my theft to the Amsterdam police, replacing my credit and ATM cards, surviving financially, etc. For me, never again my billfold in a back pocket, now it's always slid down tight in my front 501 pocket.

The evening after and before Dominique was able to wire money, my cash totaled about 35 euros. Starting the evening, I had an Amstel draught at Café Hoppe and, with it cold and snowing, I walked along Spuistraatat to Lucius Restaurant where I was reading from the menu attached to the inner door when the door opened and a guy asked if he could help. It was waiter Mel Vet who said, when I told him of my predicament, come on in, we'll take care of you. I believe Mel, Donny and David were working that night. Yes, they took great care of me as I had, as my usual since then, wine, salad, mussels, fries and dessert. They also gave me directions to the nearest police station and insisted I make a police report, which I did, and that report became very helpful when dealing with my credit card provider .