Date: Fri, 6 May 2011 22:27:47 -0600 From: dnrock@rock.com Subject: Photo 26 Photo by: dnrock(dnrock@rock.com) 25: Europe 2 Over the next twelve days we aware on our usual heavy schedule. One nice thing about Europe is nothing is very far away. Not like the US or Canada where everything is far apart. We could visit two or three major cities in a long day and we did. I was able to get all the usual tourist type photos imaginable. The gardens in Copenhagen, canals in Amsterdam, cheese factories. One of my favourite was the New Cathedral in Delft. Castles on the Rhine and Berlin ..... Every room in the Adonis house was stuffed with people. All the young boys and often Shelley were resident in the ball room on the third floor. This included our two singing friends Wilson and Eddy who were accompanied by Eddy's voice coach, a well know singer named Harold from the Minneapolis - St. Paul Opera company and Alexandria's mother a world class concert violinist and Eddy's big brother Richard. The singers were giving a performance at the Concertgebouw and we were front row guests. I could hear them off and on when we were in town running scales and singing together. They were to sing solos, duets, with the Amsterdam Children's Choir a part of the Utrecht Cathedral Choir School. As we were dressing for the concert, Jonas made the rounds making sure we all had our black ties properly tied. He has gotten quite good at this. Jason and I thought it quite funny. He would come barging into a room, in his usual unannounced manner, gain your attention, inspect, adjust and march off to his next inspection. He had the most trouble with David who had no experience with this kind of dress, but they seemed to both approach the problem with lots and lots of humour, much giggling and Klass' hardy laughter. Most of the Adonis brothers were sharing rooms. This is a very large home but with all the guests, Jason still ran out of bedrooms. Veronica was some impressed and a bit concerned that the brothers had to give up their privet space for us. I assured her they did not mind, knowing full well they probably would be sharing even if we weren't visiting. I would have thought she would have figured that much out on her own, but she didn't seem too. I was getting a little lonely for my boy and I was sure he need some attention from his man. Knowing the young boys as I do I'm sure they all shared the same bed, sort of like camping but inside. It took three limos to get us to and from the venue. Many people recognized Jonas and Shelley, you could see they wondered why deaf children were attending a concert but were to polite to say anything. That did not stop them from getting autographs. We took our seats. We were a bit early and our singers were a bit late but it would all work out I thought. Harold and Virgina went back stage with the singers. Everyone performed very well. They sang many classical pieces and each boy soloed with the choir and then on their own. They also did several duets. The last piece was called From the Heart-Friends Forever. The Program did indicate Jonas' and Shelley's names as part of this last piece; I thought perhaps they would do a walk on or something like that. Wilson and Eddy stepped forward, Wilson speaking in Dutch and Eddy in English. I know Wilson had a command of languages but his Dutch sounded to my untrained ear as being perfect. "The last piece on the program is called "From the Heart-Forever Friends", it is a tribute to our friends Jonas Sanders and Shelley Abitsford. You may know they are deaf so we ask them to sing along with us, as a way of sharing in our joy and pleasure of performing for you." Jonas and Shelley came out to thunderous applause. The front row was in the lead of course. "Look at that Eddy, they got a bigger hand then we did and they haven't done anything yet." Wilson spoke and signed. Shelley and Jonas kissed in their now patented pose to an even a greater ovation. Shelley signed and Wilson translated in Dutch, Eddy in English. "You have just been upstaged by your silent partners." This got a long round of laughter from everyone, the choir was also clapping and laughing. This is fun and it was obvious these young people were sure enjoying it. "The Choir, Eddy and I want to substitute our encore with this last piece we hope you understand. Jonas do you sign DSL?" "Not well enough to sing but the words should come up on the screen above the stage." He signed the boys spoke. Shelley signed, we want to dedicate this to all the deaf children everywhere and to our great friends Jason Adonis and Eva Heit for making our visit to the Netherlands possible and for inviting the four of us to participate in their wedding next month." "The wedding will be on the top a mountain in Alberta, Canada and it is even higher then the notes Wilson and Eddy can reach." Jonas added, stretching his arm up as high above himself as possible. Again much applause and whistling. My boy sure is a showman and he just loves being on stage. Come to view it, so does Shelley. "The happy couple is sitting in the front row." Eddy added pointing to us. I could see Jason just wanted to crawl under the seat but was to large or its to small. Wilson was gesturing for them to stand up, the other three joined in. Eva garbed his hand and pulled him to his feet. They turned to the audience and gave a brief wave again to more thunderous applause. Shelley and Jonas had their eyes fixed on the Choir Master that is how they would know when to sign each word or phrase. He raised his arm, Vergina and Harold began to play a brief intro. They sang five songs with only a pause for applause between them: Fame, from the musical of the same name, Only You, Unchanged Melody and the Brian Adams songs Straight From the Heart and You Can Depend On Me, oldies but goodies, words that the kids could easily sign, and melodies Harold could arrange for violin and piano. Wilson and Eddy signed along with Jonas and Shelley and the choir did its background thing. It was a wonderful success. The joy and pride on the faces of our four little friends and on the choir was even more wonderful then the sound, which was outstanding to say the least. Instead of the curtain coming down it stayed up when the house lights came on. The children in the choir all mobbed our four, shaking hands and hugging. It took hours, well it seemed like hours, for us to clear the building. In the lobby Wilson, Eddy, Jonas and Shelley were autographing programs and copies of the book. Herman had the brothers arranged behind them, directing traffic and trying to keep the lines moving. That worked until the other performers showed up, after that complete and utter chaos. Brad, Trevor and I worked the cameras overtime through the whole thing but I think the singing shots will be among the best. Brad taped the performance while Trevor and I worked the still cameras. Linda, Mats and Veronica along with translation help from the brothers saw to model releases. Bob and Margaret tried to talk to the press. David was sticking close to his dad who was introducing him, Drew and Sandra to many people. He must know as many people as Mats. By the time we were ready to leave the Stienhouer grandchildren and a whole group of kids from the neighborhood were gathered around. David had abandoned Klass and was in the middle of his neighborhood friends. He was easy to find, about the only black face in that group. Jason invited everyone to his place for cake and ice-cream. Apollo's traveling art exhibit, that another Jasonism, was on at the Rijksumseum and now that the music critics knew about the connection between Wilson, Eddy and the "Friends Forever" they would have lots to write about. Jason I know, was hopping the social pages would find their story more appealing than his; but with Eva answering questions about their wedding plans I was not so sure. Mats seemed to have them under control, as much as one ever has reporters under control. My back was turned to Jason as I was talking to a number of people, some who we had met earlier in the week. Out of the corner of my eye I saw a flash of movement. Jason whirled around bringing his right cross into play. I had my camera in action just about as fast as his punch. Just like taking wildlife I thought. Fortunately Herman was in a position to block his punch deflecting the blow. It did not land, it would not have landed anyway, as Drew and Eddy had moved on the fellow and he was already on the floor and I am sure in some pain and certainly in shock. I did not know Drew was so adapt at the marital arts but he seemed as skilled as Eddy, whose reputation has preceded him, with us anyway. Shelley picked up the remains of his tape recorder which flew out of his hand landing on the floor. I assumed this was a member of press core that had done or said something to offend my friend. Jason is one of the gentlest most controlled people I know. One of the "rent-a-cops" came close to her but thought better of getting involved as the PPI staff instantly materialized out of nowhere. The reporter was now completely surrounded by the Adonis brothers. They are all big strapping young men and if you are on your back and they are standing over you that must be a very uncomfortable feeling. Most of the other adults cut them off from the children and the public that were still in the room. Richard Big Chief-Andersen was holding Eddy back and Klass had Drew by the coat, preventing them from doing any more damage. A number of other journalists were standing off to the side as Shelley handed the parts to Margaret. I noticed the PPI guys putting their hand guns away. Margaret came into the circle handing him the parts and helping him up along with Will. "Margaret Trend," she said, "I'm the principal press agent here, that was a stupid thing to do and if you ever touch one of my clients again your burnt toast, do I make myself perfectly clear?" In the mean time Veronica and Mats were talking to the other reporters still present. I don't know what they said but this incident never got reported or even alluded to. Jason later told me the reporter did not like his no comment answers about the cost of his impending wedding and when he turned away the fellow put his hand on Jason's shoulder. ...................... "Okay, Ziggy who is on the train and who is flying," Jason asked.? "Jonas, Eddy, Richard, Trevor, Wilson, Eric, Drew, Klass, David, Sandra, Shelley, two of Herman's men, Harold, Virginia and Will, are to fly with Johan and Ed. I didn't think we could keep the kids off the Challenger even if we wanted to and besides you and Veronica need a break. (he turned to me) Bob, Margaret, you and Eva, Brad, Linda, Jason, Veronica, Mats, me, Geoff, Stan, Herman and one of his man, are on the train. We pickup Reinhard, that's Eva brother, in Paris." Stan has arranged for you and most of our other guests to be put up at the hotel just down the street and we, including Mats and Herman would all stay at our townhouse." "Well Ziggy that sure sounds good to me. Neither Veronica or I have ever slept on a train before, in our own bedroom that is. Thank you." We had a number of appearances in Switzerland hitting all of the major cities and a few of the smaller towns in between. Our kids went along with all the other young people on a grand bus tour of the Bern area. Bern is a very lovely city it is situated in a wide open valley with high mountains. With its old-venerable sandstone buildings, historical towers and the 11 incomparable fountains. Bernie is the greatest witnesses of medieval town construction in Europe. That's what they told me, I am no expert but it sure looks good. The townscape is practically unchanged for centuries, they told me that too. It does have a UNESCO world heritage classification. Bernie is also the seat of the Swiss government. Let me put it in perspective I was in the place for less time then Amsterdam, Paris and London each but doubled the number of photographs I took of all three combined. In addition to the Bear PIts, the Bear is also the cities symbol, the River Aare is Bern's green artery: ideal for summer dips. The river snakes round the Old Town and offers plenty of room for recreation. Bern is not only a World Heritage Site but also embraces modern movements of architecture and design. The Museum of Fine Art houses the world's largest collection of Paul Klee works. Einstein developed his special theory of relativity in Bern, and Tobler created his world-famous Toblerone chocolate. Bet you didn't know that, did you and I just love Tobler, well any good chocolate. Jonas sure likes it too and I wonder why he is my boy. Concert hall and municipal theatre stuff like that are all in one central place. In fact that is a lot like Calgary, only way older. The kids sure had a good time taking the tour bus Jason arranged for them to visit all these things. The ladies had a great time shopping and Brad and I just took pictures. Being alone for a while also gave us a chance to play butt tag. We returned to the hotel which was just down the street from Jason's. It is quite a place all by itself. Old and stately but first class, large rooms and very grand. Brad slipped a finger in to massage my prostate, grabbing my shaft with the other hand, engulfing my penis in his mouth. He bobbed his head up and down swiftly, tongue working the head at the top of every stroke, letting it slide along the under side on the return. I arched his back, grabbed Brad's blonde head, and came. Brad took all I dished out, and kissing me, all over my body. I shuddered, and Brad just hugged him gently, smiling. After a bit, I asked, "What would you like to do?" "I want you," Brad smiled back. "Any time any place," I said, as he rolled over. Brad was absolutely rock-hard, his ample boyhood straining at it's very skin. He lubed my rear well, doing the one-two-three finger stretch first, and then quickly putting on a condom. He entered me easily, and slowly sunk to full-depth. I loved to be mounted by Brad. Brad kissed my back, neck, head, and pumped as slowly as he could, considering he was nearly coming before he ever penetrated me. "Oh damn," Brad proclaimed. "Go man, go in all the way and give me all of you." Brad plunged deep thrust after deep thrust, and finally let loose with a groan that seemed to come from his feet. He slammed home deeply and for the last time, and I could feel the pulsing spasms of Brad's swollen penis, pumping squirt after squirt of hot ejaculate. It was I who first regained his composure, Brad was weak and could barely laugh effectively. "Damn you," he wheezed, and he hugged tight. Our refractory period did not take all that long. I had already applied lube, and simply put Brad's feet over my shoulders and slid into this beautiful boy. Brad was saying, "yes", and "oh man", and "yeah Apollo", rolling his head around as I built up speed. I was sure I had the angle right to ensure Brad's maximum pleasure. I was to coming closer. I could feel the head of my penis roll across Brad's prostate. "Oh man, OH OH OH OH ..." Brad quietly exclaimed, as his -cock ejected volley after volley, over himself and me shortly before I filled my condom letting him feel each plus in his butt. .................... The pre-wedding party was something else. Stan and Mats had out done themselves. Brad and I were running photo duty but we did not need model releases this time. Brad again ran the video and I took care of the stills. We were to make sure and get shots of all the guests and of course our hosts. Things were organized down to the second and every detail had been thought through and looked after. The hotel staff served with precision and the food was cooked to perfection. Jason and Eva did the reception line thing welcoming everyone who came in. Stan made sure everyone had a name tag, Trevor also helped with the photography until he was needed on the stage. Ziggy called everyone to their assigned tables, every place had a name tag and people were mixed up so they would all get to know someone new. The only exception was for the deaf crew we put Margaret with Shelley and Jonas with Bob. Ziggy was the master of ceremony for this event. "Welcome to the party. We are here to honour Jason Adonis and Eva Heit, our oldest brother and so far only sister. They will be married on ..." He announced the program. "First we eat, second we have an unusual presentation that is designed to honour and perhaps embarrass our honoured couple, third the Adonis brothers with the help of a few friends will entertain you and we hope Eva and Jason, forth we party." He looked at his watch and signalled. The food began flowing, in minutes everyone, all 300 or so were served. His special presentation was something Brad and our Bellingham backup worked on for weeks. We were sent clips and stills putting together the whole thing. As soon as the first course was delivered the large screen TVs, placed around the room came to life and Helga's face appeared, "I am Helga van Witt, I have been Jason's nanny and house keeper for over 27 years..." She told everyone what a difficult child he was and what a delight Eva has been since coming to work for Klass. "Now you children behave yourselves and be sure and eat all your vegetables." Everyone else followed, Klass, the brothers, Eva's parents and siblings, Aunts, Uncles, managers and friends, everyone but Jonas and Shelley. Many of the most memorable were from children like Darko and Penny. Most of these people were unknown to me, for example I have no real idea who Darko or Penny are and not speaking German or French very well could only get a vague idea from the clips but that didn't matter. After the plates were cleared and while coffee was being served Ziggy introduced the entertainment. With Harold, Richard and xxx joining the brothers in the band. Wilson and Eddy sang along with the band. They were good too. Ziggy had introduced all the entertainers and made some brief comments between songs. Jonas and Shelley were sitting with Jason and Eva proudly sporting their badges of office. I know they could not hear but they responded to the showmanship and often Wilson would sign the words for them. They did a whole range of love songs from the 40's through today. Ziggy called J & S up and they performed the same five songs with Eddy and Wilson, the others providing a course. "Please welcome, fresh from their command performance in Amsterdam "the four sopranos" Jonas Sanders, Shelley Abitsford, Eddy Anderson and Wilson Kirk-Roe." When they finished some stage adjustments took place. Ziggy called Eva and Jason up. Eva and Shelley were seated on a pair of high stools. Eva was dressed in a white low cut gown and Shelley in a frilled but not over little girl white dress. Eva had her initial pendent around her neck and Shelley her new diamond and emerald neckless. Jonas, Wilson and Eddy had tuxedos and the brothers and Jason were dressed in usual crested blazers. Virginia had a lovely long evening gown in light blue and Harold wore a tux. Jonas signed and Ziggy translated. They must have rehearsed this as Ziggy is not that good at ASL. "It is traditional for the best man and maid of honour to make a speech about the bride and groom. Shelley and I are making a little change in that. Before we do I just want to say Jason and Eva have touched our lives and we will never the same again. They have touched the lives of everyone in this room and none of you are the same. Eva, Jason, thank you and please don't ever stop doing what you do. Now Jason please sit at the piano, you and I are going to sing a tribute to our ladies. You can cary a tune right?" He pointed, Jason sat, Jonas stood next to the piano bench on the audience side. Ziggy was translating in English, French, German and Dutch, so their was a kind of dramatic pause between thoughts. Now Jason doesn't have all that good a voice but the arrangement was simple, and he can sing. Jason began to play as the others all hummed and joined in at the appropriate time. Jason sang and Jonas signed another Brian Adams song. (Everything I do) I Do It For You. Fortunately for him he is a huge Brian Adams fan. Jason calls him the little kid from Vancouver. If anyone wondered why my two kids were picked to stand up with the couple, I guess they wonder no longer. We sure had that figured out as soon as Jason asked us. Everyone was hooting, clapping and hitting their glasses with cutlery. That is a signal for the men to kiss the ladies. Ziggy tapped Jonas on the shoulder and signed something. His face turned bright red and he looked up at Jason. He nodded and they crossed the stage to give the ladies a big and long kiss. Not the little kid kiss they do so often. Jonas kissed Shelley the same way he kisses me. If I was a lesser man I would be jealous. Eva bent down and kissed Jonas on the forehead, now he turned even redder. Jason took Shelley's hand and bending forward kissed it like one would see an old movie from the 1930's. Shelley giggled. It was their turn for a speech, their public was demanding it. They did not say to much except to thank everyone for honouring them by their attendance. They also thanked their families for all the support and for putting on such a wonderful party. The clanking of the glasses began again. Jonas saw that and signed to Jason, "you always tell us to do the right thing. It's the right thing to do." Ziggy translated and before he got the words out the audience in four languages chimed in "Its the right thing to do." So they did the right thing and cleared the stage. Ziggy announced a short restroom brake. The professional musicians would take the stage in a short while and dancing would begin. After the first dance with each other Eva and Jason made the rounds to every table. The under 14 group assembled in one area and had their own sub-party with the boys trying to act grown up and dancing with the young girls. The over 14 under 30 group was partying full out that included Bard and Linda. Bob did very well on the dance floor he just let the girl lead, something he learned to do when we were in high school. When we arrived at the Adonis house for breakfast Klass was holding court in the dining room greeting everyone and making all kinds of jokes. Frau Talg, the housekeeper obviously had lots of help in the kitchen. We were being served a Calgary Stamped style breakfast: eggs, pancakes, sausages, baked beans, bisects and beverages. This is quite different from the typical European fair, so everyone was coming for a taste of Canada. It seemed like all 300 stopped for a last good by. They had people everywhere in the place. All the children were trying to out do each other with their adventures and stories, Klass was sitting on the floor in the middle of all those kids acting very much like one of them, if the truth were to be told. Wilson was translating for Shelley and Jonas, everyone was laughing and having a gay old time. Jason and I found ourselves trapped in the library while the young ones were spreading exaggerated tails of how one or the other of us rescued or helped them. To hear David tell it Drew single handily secured Treasure Island just to liberate him and Darko made it sound like Eva, Ziggy and Jason did the operating to repair his hearing. Harold and Klass got the children to form up into a choir and sing. This time it was Drew singing to Sandra and Jonas to Shelley recreating their performance from the night before. Sandra was sitting under Jason's mother's portrait and damn if she didn't look just like her, something that did not go unnoticed by the ladies and us graphic artists. I think Drew did as good a job as Jason did, almost, his tones are more alto and tenor, Jason's more gravely. But being so young and cute it didn't matter all the girls and some of the young ladies instantly formed a huge crush on the boy and a gross case of Sandra envy. We had many more miles to go and appearances to attend before school was to start in September. I called Derek to seek his help in arranging everything for us in Vancouver. He assured me all would be taken care of. Fred and Freda were busy taking crash ASL courses at the school so they would be ready for Jonas and Shelley.