It was raining in Geel this morning
You can’t have my cake or eat it either, Niki!
You can’t eat the Eurasian Magpie, either…
Or the Eurasian Collared-Dove…
Or the Eurasian Jackdaw..
Or the cute Common Chaffinch!
“What? Are you just going to let me starve?”
Herman took me to aother old church this morning.
There were several of these locked, grated grottoes around the outside of the church with lighted votive candles inside them.
A man driving a small utility truck filled with lighted votive candles in the back stopped and said hi to us and explained to Hermin in Flemish that his job was to keep the candles lit. He had done it for ten years and loved the job.
Nike was watching for us to return from his bed in the garage.
I got back in the late after noon, and returned the rental car. Then we went straight from Enterprise car rental to Trivia at the Irish Pub. There were a couple of Golden Retrievers that came to Trivia Night. The white one really like me, and I had to pet it most of the time. It would put it’s head in my lap when I stopped petting it.
Tristan snuck a picture of me petting the dog. We are not supposed to use phones while a trivia round is in play.
Off Center & Not Even 
You seem to be a pet magnet Tim. 😊
They seem to like me. Thanks, Brad.
Welcome home, Tim! That cake Niki wanted looks like a meal in itself! Did you mention what breed he is? Those blue eyes are incredible. It’s hard to look away from them.
Niki is a Blue Point Russian Blue cat, also called Pika Blu.
Thank you for answering my question. That breed is new to me.
This is a good AI explanation: Blue-point Russian Blue cats, sometimes called “pointed Russians” or Pika Blues, are rare variants with white/cream coats and blue-grey points (ears, tail, face) caused by recessive Siamese genes, rather than the standard solid silver-grey. Though not accepted in show rings, they share the same affectionate, intelligent, and quiet personality as standard Russian Blues.
Thanks for the additional information!
You are getting around, Tim! I am glad you got to spend more time with Herman and Niki.
Herman said to tell you hi. We had a great time.
Hi Lavinia. I had a great time and really enjoyed the company of Tim!
I was great he actually got to visit you!
Timothy, hats off to yah. You are something else. Email yah over the weekend. Looks like you had a great time
Thanks, Shey. Herman and I had a great time together.
It sure looks like you did.
I really enjoyed spending the 2 days in your company, Tim. Niki also misses you and was wondering when you would show up this morning…
Enjoy your next 2 trips in Europe, my dear friend!
our dog Freyja misses him too. It’s very funny. He is popular with the pets for sure.
I’m a pet heartbreaker. Kitty dream maker, puppy love taker. No messin’ round for me! Thanks, Tristan
It’s almost like he can talk to the animals, just like Dr. Dolittle. It was funny to see how fast Niki became friends with him…
I had a wonderful time. It was really special to meet you and Niki and spend some time together. Tell Niki I miss showing up to see him. Thanks, Heraman.
I’m loving the architecture and the churches, and of course the cats, dogs and birds!
Thanks, Tiffany. I’m happy I can share them with you.
Lovely photos!
Thanks, Dawn.
That was a grand tale and photography again Tim. Yo read Niki’s expression purrfectly!
Thanks, Inchy. NIki is an expressive kitty.
I’m in love again. Hehe!
[…] Someone knocking at the door. Somebody ringing the bell. A few days ago Tim payed me a visit. Tim and I have been following each other on WP since January 2013. Feel free to check out Tim’s eclectic blog, Off Center & Not Even, at https://offcenternoteven.com. You can also find his rapport about the great time we spent together in following 2 blog posts: https://offcenternoteven.com/2026/04/01/germany-to-belgium-in-a-spanish-car/ and https://offcenternoteven.com/2026/04/02/back-from-belgium-gone-to-the-dogs/ […]
Clearly animals approve of you which goes a long way in my book. More beautiful pictures. Rain offers different opportunities but just as good, I often think. I hope Trivia went well!
It was not the team’s best night for Trivia. But it didn’t matter, because they won the first-quarter round, and their scores will not be counted again until the finals in December. Thanks, Yeti.
Another batch of wonderful photos……..makes me long for the days when my husband and I did a lot of “across the pond and far away places” traveling. Too old for that now but memories last forever. Thanks for sharing your time with Herman and Niki. I know you all had a GREAT visit! I’ve followed Herman’s blog for years and just signed up to follow yours……my cat Teddy and I are at http://onespoiledcat.wordpress.com.
Pam
Thanks, Pam. I’m following you now, also.
Dogs are a good judge of character. I dare say it, but I couldn’t spend time with anyone who is not fond of animals. Your blonde friend is gorgeous 🐾 Interesting job, that candle lighting fellow. I’m always amazed at how churches in Europe are meticulously maintained. I’m in Western Canada. The maintenance of a church is the responsibility of their congregation. As such, with dwindling attendance, many fall into disrepair and some have to be closed. Enjoyed your post! Cheers 🌸K
The same is true for many churches in the USA. In Germany and Belgium, there are usually two churches, often more in every town. There are a few that are not in the best repair, but most are well maintained. Thanks, Kelly.
I NEEDZ ZEE CAKE ZUPED HUMIN!!!
That’s what they all say. Thanks, Brian.
Aww, Niki is so gorgeous, isn’t he?
He is gorgeous and so friendly. Thanks, King and I.