Absolutely Anything Else

HU:

Video on the National Day fireworks.

Click here (Euronews).

It could fit more, but it only allowed 16 at the time. - @SimCityAT
Does it have batteries as well for overnight?
If this is in Wales, what about generation on cloudy days?

I am wondering about winter here in usually blue skies Hungary. - @fluffy2560

He has batteries in the roof above the garage, cloudy days aren't any bother, it still works and saves. He is very much old school and doesn't waste, turns off everything when not using it, like the TV on standby. He always switches off.

We've only used gas (for hot water) since we switched yesterday; electric usage from the Grid is NIL.  Our system still generates on cloudy days, just not as much; our batteries store enough to make up for the shortfall.

We've only used gas (for hot water) since we switched yesterday; electric usage from the Grid is NIL. Our system still generates on cloudy days, just not as much; our batteries store enough to make up for the shortfall. - @Cynic

Oooo.....

How many kW is the battery and how long do you think it would last if there were many cloudy days?

Keen on the operating/real life details!

We've only used gas (for hot water) since we switched yesterday; electric usage from the Grid is NIL. Our system still generates on cloudy days, just not as much; our batteries store enough to make up for the shortfall. - @Cynic
Oooo.....
How many kW is the battery and how long do you think it would last if there were many cloudy days?

Keen on the operating/real life details! - @fluffy2560

2 x Sunsynk W-Series 5.32kWh Battery 10.6kWh of Battery Storage (C&P from the brochure) - link to picture; you can string up to 32 together for a maximum of 340kWh; they reckon they are good for 15 years of normal domestic use.

We have 11 AIKO-A445-MAH54Mb/2S 445 Watt panels on our roof; 11, we could have gone for 12 but for a ventilation pipe on the roof; if you're interested, when they take the scaffolding down, I'll send you a picture of the bits.  The roof is south facing and has no obstructions (like trees or other buildings) to inhibit the light fall.  I did have to teach the sales rep how to read a map as he seemed to think the top of a picture is always North.

How ours works is the solar panels are drawing light (they don't need sun, but it improves performance if it's sunny) from dawn to dusk, it uses that light to recharge the batteries which power the house, then when they are full, it sells what's left to the Grid, if we should happen to get down to 10% of battery capacity, to save the batteries, it switches back to mains supply automatically; consensus from the engineers who installed it for me is that on a good day, they get £10 quid p/day from the grid for the excess they sell on, they have never got down to anywhere near 10%.  To give you an idea of the efficiency of the system, £10 is if every day is sunny; UK weather reduces that to an average of 3 quid, so for the year, they reckon I'll get just 1k back in cash, which should pay for my gas bill.

Then, we got our new Skoda Elroq car last week; because of Government subsidies for using EV, I save a lot of money that I used to spend on petrol (we used to fill up once a fortnight - £84 a time, so approx £4.5k p/year) - a full charge costs approx £25, but I only have half the range of my old petrol car, so like for like £50, so I save approx £2k p/annum; I charge this at home using an outside wall mounted Hypervolt Home Pro (link) with a 10m tethered cable - cost just over £1k for supply and installation, gets fitted a week, next Tuesday); with that I can reach all the parking spots around my house, but only charge 1 car at a time, more cars would need more hardware.  This is wired to the Octopus electric network, simply because I earn more selling electric to EDF than they charge from Octopus, it would be nuts to charge the car from my own solar batteries.

The whole thing is controlled via the Internet (so, that's a must), my input is from an app (Sunsynk) on my phone, I can't tell you more because it's the bank holiday here and my app isn't set up yet.  There is an LCD screen on the face of the Inverter which duplicates the app.  There is also an LED display showing battery on or off and of the battery fill status.

All in, (not including the cost of the car which was due an upgrade anyway) it's cost me approx £11k, it should pay for itself in 4 years, then it's profit as there are no running costs apart from what I need to do myself (so keep the system clean, it has no servicing requirement).

We've only used gas (for hot water) since we switched yesterday; electric usage from the Grid is NIL. Our system still generates on cloudy days, just not as much; our batteries store enough to make up for the shortfall. - @Cynic
Oooo.....
How many kW is the battery and how long do you think it would last if there were many cloudy days?

Keen on the operating/real life details!  - @fluffy2560
2 x Sunsynk W-Series 5.32kWh Battery 10.6kWh of Battery Storage (C&P from the brochure) - link to picture; you can string up to 32 together for a maximum of 340kWh; they reckon they are good for 15 years of normal domestic use.
We have 11 AIKO-A445-MAH54Mb/2S 445 Watt panels on our roof; 11, we could have gone for 12 but for a ventilation pipe on the roof; if you're interested, when they take the scaffolding down, I'll send you a picture of the bits. The roof is south facing and has no obstructions (like trees or other buildings) to inhibit the light fall. I did have to teach the sales rep how to read a map as he seemed to think the top of a picture is always North.

How ours works is the solar panels are drawing light (they don't need sun, but it improves performance if it's sunny) from dawn to dusk, it uses that light to recharge the batteries which power the house, then when they are full, it sells what's left to the Grid, if we should happen to get down to 10% of battery capacity, to save the batteries, it switches back to mains supply automatically; consensus from the engineers who installed it for me is that on a good day, they get £10 quid p/day from the grid for the excess they sell on, they have never got down to anywhere near 10%. To give you an idea of the efficiency of the system, £10 is if every day is sunny; UK weather reduces that to an average of 3 quid, so for the year, they reckon I'll get just 1k back in cash, which should pay for my gas bill.

Then, we got our new Skoda Elroq car last week; because of Government subsidies for using EV, I save a lot of money that I used to spend on petrol (we used to fill up once a fortnight - £84 a time, so approx £4.5k p/year) - a full charge costs approx £25, but I only have half the range of my old petrol car, so like for like £50, so I save approx £2k p/annum; I charge this at home using an outside wall mounted Hypervolt Home Pro (link) with a 10m tethered cable - cost just over £1k for supply and installation, gets fitted a week, next Tuesday); with that I can reach all the parking spots around my house, but only charge 1 car at a time, more cars would need more hardware. This is wired to the Octopus electric network, simply because I earn more selling electric to EDF than they charge from Octopus, it would be nuts to charge the car from my own solar batteries.

The whole thing is controlled via the Internet (so, that's a must), my input is from an app (Sunsynk) on my phone, I can't tell you more because it's the bank holiday here and my app isn't set up yet. There is an LCD screen on the face of the Inverter which duplicates the app. There is also an LED display showing battery on or off and of the battery fill status.

All in, (not including the cost of the car which was due an upgrade anyway) it's cost me approx £11k, it should pay for itself in 4 years, then it's profit as there are no running costs apart from what I need to do myself (so keep the system clean, it has no servicing requirement). - @Cynic

I'm very interested in this technology.   I agree, has to be Internet connected.

£11K is do-able for us but it's awkward as an installation which would probably push the price up maybe another £3K.  South facing is the problem.  Our largest roof area faces North so that's out.  We'd have to have two sets of panels.  Possibly 6 on the East and South and possibly another 6 facing South on a large wall.  All on angled brackets.   I think ~6kW is sensible.

When we built the house, we actually built in the conduits for solar so we're in reasonable shape in one  way.  I also allocated the inverter and battery spaces.   Deliberately, these are in the cellar area which is directly below the main switchboard/consumer unit so wiring should be somewhat easier and hidden.  We already included the circuit breakers in the switchboard.

The electricians might have different thoughts about it because we have multiple electricity meters (we have the normal meter and the "white" meter for off-peak).

We'll need to rebuild the East and South facing walls area as it's wood panelling and it will need replacing with composite and possibly strengthening of the wooden and wall parts with metal supports to support heavy panels in case of high winds.  We get a lot of gusty winds and sometimes torrential rains.  I had thought about a wind turbine.  One of the neighbours has a wind turbine.  He used to have panels in his garden on a tracking mechanism but he's recently moved them all to his roof.  Makes much more sense.

It might sound overly ambitious but I'm thinking I could do most of this work myself apart from the final connection to the grid which would be legally the utility company's responsibility.  It might be a bit much with the heavy lifting and I'd need a helper but technologically, it should be well within my capabilities.  On the other hand, it'd be a lot faster and less hassle to get someone else to do it.

This is a big thing now here for warehouses

This is a big thing now here for warehouses - @SimCityAT

Yes, there are transparent panels now which are rather nifty.    The big issue with data centres (AI and otherwise) is cooling and water.   A single enquiry in ChatGPT uses like 0.5L of water.  Water is going to be a serious problem by 2030/40s.  All the processors are chucking out heat like crazy.  The best place for data centres in my mind is somewhere like Iceland - "low cost" geothermal power and cold weather ("free cooling").   Hungary has loads of thermal but no-one is investing here for data centres as far as I know. Elsewhere, big box chain stores are incrementally leaving (Bricostore -French DIY chain went and the latest is Zara - fashion chain etc).  All of those places have massive roof areas suitable for panels.

I am really quite concerned by our own power usage.  Here at Fluffy HQ, we're profligate users with no controls on our consumption. It's beginning to look loopy.  It's mainly all IT equipment left on.   I've been considering installing a WiFi enabled meter in the switchboard to see what we're really using day to day.   I estimate it could be between 2 and 4 Kw/h.  That's just madness.   We should be more efficient.

BTW, there's also a trend for "balcony" panels.   Here, a lot of people live in apartments (same as Austria).  It looks to me like it should become compulsory or at least given considerable breaks.   Maybe it is already. 

I should say this has been discussed before - my view is that the government doesn't want self-generation via solar because it needs to pay back billions of soft loans from Russia over the Paks nuclear power station.   This is ignoring how much more efficient solar panels and wind generation have become over the years.  They want us to buy nuclear generated power and not to be more independent of the grid.

I saw quite a lot of those wall mounted panels in Holland recently; they also have a lot of fields turned over to it, and practically every farm building I saw is solar panel equipped.

We used savings to pay for the installation, but there are special finance deals (I guess Government sponsored) available.  My original idea was to try and offset the dreadful things happening to the economy here in the UK and find things that would improve our monthly finances by reducing our outgoings - power was a very obvious thing as we seem to have absolutely no control over how much they can charge us.

I saw quite a lot of those wall mounted panels in Holland recently; they also have a lot of fields turned over to it, and practically every farm building I saw is solar panel equipped.We used savings to pay for the installation, but there are special finance deals (I guess Government sponsored) available. My original idea was to try and offset the dreadful things happening to the economy here in the UK and find things that would improve our monthly finances by reducing our outgoings - power was a very obvious thing as we seem to have absolutely no control over how much they can charge us. - @Cynic

Yes, quite right too.  They should use the buildings properly. 

I've always been dismayed that many new buildings do not have car parks under them and houses do not have 3 floors and cellars (especially true in the UK).  When I first went to Germany, every building residential or office I seemed to be in had an underground car park.  Over here, it can be so cold in winter, parking in an undergound car park is a no brainer. Sure it cost money, but it clears up the streets for greenery and outside living space for people.  Parking is a massive problem in the cities. God forbid someone in a wheelchair or using walking aids has to navigate badly cars parked on the kerb. A helper would be needed if anyone is blind (like one of my neighbours). 

We're a bit subsidised here on power - it's a political ploy and rather cynical.   We probably pay half what a UK house of the same size and occupancy pay.   It's OK now but it wouldn't change our political persuasions.  A lot of countryside Hungarians will be easily swayed by it.  But then again, a lot of them would sell their entire families souls for a sack of potatoes (and have done, literally, it's an old story).

Hate to change the topic from solar panels to nuclear blowout.

I really give up on people.

Still trying to convince my bro to run for his life.

Well, hop for his life.

I know allot of people have odd families but this one SIL is out of her mind.

The scary thing is she comes off as a sweet retired kindergarten teacher with 2 masters degrees.

Not sure what they are in, self destruction and sadomasochim.

She does not even know how to pay her bills! My brother has a restraining out against him but she visited him in his hotel , gave him thousands of bucks to pay her bills; 6 weeks while he was locked up she let them slide!!

I swear, she is dangerous; He seems addicted to her which is a huge concern.

Her poor little teachers pension is only $7,000 per month and she needs help!!

When she forced my bro out a couple years ago so she could spend her inheritance without interference, it was not the paltry $300,000 more like $800,000 in 6 months time!

I am blown away how reckless she is.

My brother said she is taking about 30 different medications, pain, axiety and hormone, what a combo, nothing to worry about.

Not sure how these doctors can live with themselves handing out pills like candy when actually a person might need mental care instead.

Oh, well, just to think how nice they could be living anywhere other then overpriced Ca;

We went to the farmers market on Saturday; I am sick as a dog now, some guy was coughing all over and of course he got in my face.

I think I saw my hairdresser looking at the used clothing pile we always check out when we are there.

My husband said it was not him but I am, pretty sure it was; A guy about 6 feet 2 to 4 inches tall, in his 70s, about 220lbs. Wearing, do not laugh, black and white stripped pirate tight pants  with yellow Doc Martens, a PacMan T shirt with a black leather studded jacket on. My guy usually now wears his hair short and blonde, used to be long dreadlocks in blonde, This guy on Sat; however had short blonde hair but a long fringe colored bright green and pink. Pretty sure it was my guy; I was about 30 yards away and was afraid to go over to him!

Mr. Fluffy, have a very nice and safe trip to Africa .

Hate to change the topic from solar panels to nuclear blowout.I really give up on people....Mr. Fluffy, have a very nice and safe trip to Africa . - @Marilyn Tassy

I should give up on people too. 

After so many organisational gymnastics, my trip was cancelled by a bean counter.   It might get reinstated shortly.   They said my travel costs too much but now they've forced a cancellation, the potential costs are even higher. 

Penny Wise, Pound Foolish!

I wish I had $800K to blow.  Or even $7K a month on a pension.  That's a whopping amount.  I am in the wrong business.

I saw quite a lot of those wall mounted panels in Holland recently; they also have a lot of fields turned over to it, and practically every farm building I saw is solar panel equipped.We used savings to pay for the installation, but there are special finance deals (I guess Government sponsored) available. My original idea was to try and offset the dreadful things happening to the economy here in the UK and find things that would improve our monthly finances by reducing our outgoings - power was a very obvious thing as we seem to have absolutely no control over how much they can charge us. - @Cynic
Yes, quite right too. They should use the buildings properly.
I've always been dismayed that many new buildings do not have car parks under them and houses do not have 3 floors and cellars (especially true in the UK). When I first went to Germany, every building residential or office I seemed to be in had an underground car park. Over here, it can be so cold in winter, parking in an undergound car park is a no brainer. Sure it cost money, but it clears up the streets for greenery and outside living space for people. Parking is a massive problem in the cities. God forbid someone in a wheelchair or using walking aids has to navigate badly cars parked on the kerb. A helper would be needed if anyone is blind (like one of my neighbours).

We're a bit subsidised here on power - it's a political ploy and rather cynical. We probably pay half what a UK house of the same size and occupancy pay. It's OK now but it wouldn't change our political persuasions. A lot of countryside Hungarians will be easily swayed by it. But then again, a lot of them would sell their entire families souls for a sack of potatoes (and have done, literally, it's an old story). - @fluffy2560

Totally agree with the lack of building/planning nonce in the UK.  We had no experience of ever living in the UK, but had a friend who was an architect.  One trick we learnt from him was to plan to add a floor (so, in our case, to rebuild our attic) and apply for planning permission for that, but then not do it; once planning permission has been granted and the work started, that's it in perpetuity; our plan was to stick some dormer windows up there and a few partition walls, in the end we just put a floor in, making it one big space (that we don't use), but it adds to the value of the house and any new owners can just carry on if they wish.  In the end, we built on the back of the house at ground floor, so an office for me and a mud/washing/drying room.

Totally agree with the lack of building/planning nonce in the UK. We had no experience of ever living in the UK, but had a friend who was an architect. One trick we learnt from him was to plan to add a floor (so, in our case, to rebuild our attic) and apply for planning permission for that, but then not do it; once planning permission has been granted and the work started, that's it in perpetuity; our plan was to stick some dormer windows up there and a few partition walls, in the end we just put a floor in, making it one big space (that we don't use), but it adds to the value of the house and any new owners can just carry on if they wish. In the end, we built on the back of the house at ground floor, so an office for me and a mud/washing/drying room. - @Cynic

Good to have professional advice.  Wouldn't have known that.

Over here, I think we get permission for 5 years and then it expires.  There's a weird bit here.  We can have an illegal building and if it's there 10 years, it becomes an officially recognised building with retrospective planning permission.  It's probably in recognition that they cannot be everywhere, rarely do inspections and some places are just too far away and hidden for the authorities to come across without someone (usually neighbours) informing on the illegal builders.  Mainly these illegal builders are just building sheds on their holiday home land. 

I want to renovate my brick shed as I've said a few times - new roof, doors and windows.  I am not sure I should even apply for permission as it was illegally built in the first place.  I think I should but is it compulsory?  No idea, need a professional.  I can get someone to draw the plans and they can tell me.

Totally agree with the lack of building/planning nonce in the UK. We had no experience of ever living in the UK, but had a friend who was an architect. One trick we learnt from him was to plan to add a floor (so, in our case, to rebuild our attic) and apply for planning permission for that, but then not do it; once planning permission has been granted and the work started, that's it in perpetuity; our plan was to stick some dormer windows up there and a few partition walls, in the end we just put a floor in, making it one big space (that we don't use), but it adds to the value of the house and any new owners can just carry on if they wish. In the end, we built on the back of the house at ground floor, so an office for me and a mud/washing/drying room. - @Cynic
Good to have professional advice. Wouldn't have known that.
Over here, I think we get permission for 5 years and then it expires. There's a weird bit here. We can have an illegal building and if it's there 10 years, it becomes an officially recognised building with retrospective planning permission. It's probably in recognition that they cannot be everywhere, rarely do inspections and some places are just too far away and hidden for the authorities to come across without someone (usually neighbours) informing on the illegal builders. Mainly these illegal builders are just building sheds on their holiday home land.

I want to renovate my brick shed as I've said a few times - new roof, doors and windows. I am not sure I should even apply for permission as it was illegally built in the first place. I think I should but is it compulsory? No idea, need a professional. I can get someone to draw the plans and they can tell me. - @fluffy2560

One thing I forgot to mention was the advice to get Building Regs to sign off on the start of the work.

We were lucky with work on the houses in the UK, extensions etc.... My dad's brother is a qualified architect and electrician. So had mates in the trade, and also rewired our house; come to think about it, he also did my grandmother's.

We were lucky with work on the houses in the UK, extensions etc.... My dad's brother is a qualified architect and electrician. So had mates in the trade, and also rewired our house; come to think about it, he also did my grandmother's.

- @SimCityAT

I was thinking the ideal family trades family would include say lawyer, a doctor, a builder, a carpenter, an electrician, a mechanic,  a cop, a business person, hairdresser, hunter but what else?

One thing I forgot to mention was the advice to get Building Regs to sign off on the start of the work. - @Cynic

We don't have those people in the same way.   They don't come around to check.

The plans have to go to the local government building department who give the permission. 

When it comes to occupation, they don't usually come out but ask for photos to show it's done properly. 

Then they give you a certificate to say the house can be occupied.

Then it's just done!

In my shed case, we're planning new wall and velux windows, doors and a roof so this going to look different to the shed that's there.  We already brought water, drainage and power to the place so it's a short hop which could make it on the verge of being habitable.   I was planning to install a loo and sink but I think this possibly is where I cross the line from shed to house and get into a planning issue.   I wasn't thinking of installing anything like a shower or anything like that.  Not that it would be difficult to do when everything is there. 

Hate to change the topic from solar panels to nuclear blowout.I really give up on people....Mr. Fluffy, have a very nice and safe trip to Africa . - @Marilyn TassyI should give up on people too. After so many organisational gymnastics, my trip was cancelled by a bean counter. It might get reinstated shortly. They said my travel costs too much but now they've forced a cancellation, the potential costs are even higher. Penny Wise, Pound Foolish!I wish I had $800K to blow. Or even $7K a month on a pension. That's a whopping amount. I am in the wrong business. - @fluffy2560

Makes my crazy to think his silly so called smart educated wife got a mortgage for her second vacation home in AZ and has not paid off their Ca. condo.

All that money wasted on interest!

That money could be working for them. Do not ask me though, I am just a dumb ,hairdresser, casino dealer after all! Good grief, schooling and having a brain are two different things!

I will go back to my own lane, not worth upsetting myself over other people dumb moves.

Teachers in the US are always saying they do not make enough money, getting over $84,000 a year to stay home retired is good to me.

How much is enough anyways?

Sorry about the cancelled trip. Pack your bags, no, do not pack your bags, would make me upset.Getting hot again in the next few days, wish I could go to the spa, that was the plan but I still feel sick.

Darn!

Makes my crazy to think his silly so called smart educated wife got a mortgage for her second vacation home in AZ and has not paid off their Ca. condo.
All that money wasted on interest!
That money could be working for them. Do not ask me though, I am just a dumb ,hairdresser, casino dealer after all! Good grief, schooling and having a brain are two different things!
I will go back to my own lane, not worth upsetting myself over other people dumb moves.
Teachers in the US are always saying they do not make enough money, getting over $84,000 a year to stay home retired is good to me.
How much is enough anyways?
Sorry about the cancelled trip. Pack your bags, no, do not pack your bags, would make me upset.Getting hot again in the next few days, wish I could go to the spa, that was the plan but I still feel sick.
Darn! - @Marilyn Tassy

$84 grand a year is a pretty good retirement income.  It's substantial.    One could have a super luxury retirement on that.  My eventual retirement income will be nothing like $84K a year. 

We often hear in the UK about the Ontario Teachers Pension Funds buying into businesses there as investments. They always seem flush with funds.   Must be something about teachers income. 

Mrs F's parents were teachers.  They didn't have anything like that as income in retirement as far as I know.  They actually retired and went straight back to work for extra money.    Like many Hungarians, asset rich, cash poor.

I actually thought I'd never be able to retire.  Not properly anyway.  But now, despite all the best intentions about doing stuff, I find myself at 65 now with health concerns which are going to slow me down.   

My bags are on hold just in case we come to an agreement.  Next "window" for travel is the weekend - Saturday or Sunday. I've put it back on them - come up with acceptable travel arrangements and I'll be on the plane.

It is such a scam to tell people to wait to enjoy life until they retire.

Many people do not make it or if they do, their health is so shot they can not travel or do not care to.

My hubby,s half sister here in Hungary was a teacher at one of the universities, she taught chemistry.

On weekends she cleaned homes!

My old friend Teri who had brain cancer taught at a Washington state collage, she taught dental hygiene;

I never knew what she pulled in,had started out as a dental assistant and later got the teaching gig.

Our mutual friend in Vegas, the handicapped lady paid for Teri to fly to Vegas ; I was in town and we had one last hoopla at the Vegas friends home.

Later she told me her feeling were hurt because Teri did not seem to concerned that she had bought her ticket; Teri was going on and on about her financial advisor!

Like her money was special but other peoples could be spent without a care.

Poor Charlene being on disability yet buying organic produce and all sorts of healthy foods for Teri,s visit; She wanted her friend to have only the best and healthiest things because she cared.

Seems she over cared.

No news from my bro, he was suppose to have his car returned by his wife yesterday so he could drive himself to the doctor, the bank and to a court date.

Since he has not written, I am wondering if he is back in the hole without his phone?

My son who is not expert in relationships told my bro 10 years ago to get away. He listened for a bit, was able to save money then went back to his wife;

Even with all her income plus his income they can hardly save a penny. She is out of control.

Anyone in their right mind would of snapped ages ago.

I have no idea how generous SSI is for my brother with his disability but pretty sure Ca; prices are too high to stay there as a solo agent.

His wives 2 younger sons from her second husband are users too.

One is now living in her AZ condo for free and the other thinks he is an up and coming movie star in Hollywood.

The entire family is delulu!

It is such a scam to tell people to wait to enjoy life until they retire.Many people do not make it or if they do, their health is so shot they can not travel or do not care to.My hubby,s half sister here in Hungary was a teacher at one of the universities, she taught chemistry.On weekends she cleaned homes!My old friend Teri who had brain cancer taught at a Washington state collage, she taught dental hygiene;I never knew what she pulled in,had started out as a dental assistant and later got the teaching gig.Our mutual friend in Vegas, the handicapped lady paid for Teri to fly to Vegas ; I was in town and we had one last hoopla at the Vegas friends home.Later she told me her feeling were hurt because Teri did not seem to concerned that she had bought her ticket; Teri was going on and on about her financial advisor!Like her money was special but other peoples could be spent without a care.Poor Charlene being on disability yet buying organic produce and all sorts of healthy foods for Teri,s visit; She wanted her friend to have only the best and healthiest things because she cared.Seems she over cared. No news from my bro, he was suppose to have his car returned by his wife yesterday so he could drive himself to the doctor, the bank and to a court date.Since he has not written, I am wondering if he is back in the hole without his phone?My son who is not expert in relationships told my bro 10 years ago to get away. He listened for a bit, was able to save money then went back to his wife;Even with all her income plus his income they can hardly save a penny. She is out of control.Anyone in their right mind would of snapped ages ago.I have no idea how generous SSI is for my brother with his disability but pretty sure Ca; prices are too high to stay there as a solo agent.His wives 2 younger sons from her second husband are users too.One is now living in her AZ condo for free and the other thinks he is an up and coming movie star in Hollywood.The entire family is delulu! - @Marilyn Tassy

Delulu seems to be catching on everywhere.   My trip to Africa is delulu .  I am not sure delulu means delusional but it should.   Apparently there's solulu (solution) and trululu (truth).   I didn't know about trululu.

I'll have to ask my advisor on the right usage.  She's doing a course on English language teaching right now.  She can earn money doing online English teaching.   I'm in awe of her abilities.  She could do Spanish, Hungarian, maybe Italian and probably basic Korean.   Some people eh?  At least Mrs F and I did something good. 

Anyway, the people sending me to Africa have gone into silent mode.   They made it so difficult for themselves and put themselves in a silly position.  Previously I'd been to the same place multiple times with other companies and we never had a problem with anything like that.  But those other companies had people who could make decisions directly and not constantly refer things up to higher management.  Current contacts at the company asking me to go are "jobsworths" it seems.  I don't know if you have that expression in the USA.  Doing something on their own decision making is more than my "job's worth" is the idea.   I've agreed with my direct colleagues in the team we'll just carry on home-working until HQ says there's a solution.  It's in danger of turning into a fustercluck (that's my new word for today and I'm milking it).  As we're on slow time, I think I'll take the dog walkies.  I should call it "thinking time" perhaps. Slow-time sounds like I'm not doing anything much.

Sounds like a muddle over there in the USA.  People seem to have a lot more money than they let on.  One thing is that you need money to mount a defence to any charges.  It's like freezing people's assets and bank accounts but then they cannot hire lawyers or live.  It would be against having a right to a fair trial.   So giving his car back, phone and access to his docs and funds has to be the right answer.   

BTW, I told my relative to try and claim half his soon to be ex-wife's assets. Maybe that could work in the USA.  She's got money and practices hocus-pocus BS "medicine" without a licence (US: license).  He's got nothing.  He was adamant it wasn't going to happen.  But I said, you can just use it as leverage.  It's clear the house has to be sold and the funds split.  Just needs valuation and she can buy him out.   But he can argue he helped her career.  But he didn't seem to think it was worth pursuing.  He's not thinking tactically.  Divorce can be like war and once has to plan for the worst and hope for the best.  Maybe one can move the pieces in one's favour to up the settlement.

I was saying to a friend of mine yesterday that I hadn't seen or spoken to my ex-wife in 20 years.  In difficult circumstances, this must surely be the way.  We've got two kids together so at some point we'll have to converge on something.  If our eldest gets married - it's on the cards - we'd have to see each other. But maybe not.   Our other, younger one in Canada, we already know is going to tie the knot in September.  For them it's administrative really.  Been together for ages.  I've told all my kids never to waste money on fancy weddings.  Just spend it on themselves.  It's the modern way. Get shacked up, live together for years, then pop down to the government office to put the rubber stamps on the relationship.   If people are together, then they're together anyway.

Being out of control might be medical.  Apparently I'm a grumpy old git in my mid-60s.  I think possibly I can agree with that. I certainly have far less patience for BS than I used to.

Meanwhile, Mrs F's uncle is on his last legs.  He had a stroke a few years back.  Now he's in decline in the hospital.  He cannot walk, talk or swallow.  He's not coming out of there so it's time to say goodbye.  It was a bit of a sad thing or could have been.  He's got 3 kids - one in Hungary, one in Switzerland and one in the USA.  The Euro ones have no problem on travel.  The USA one feared leaving as there was no green card and they wouldn't be let back in due to Trumpist policies.     But we've just found out there is now a green card (finally) so it's less likely to be refused entry or deported but no guarantee in the destablised USA. Married to a US citizen, no kids but has a dog with more rights.  When the green card was applied for, they said there was no capacity to issue the document.  Despite being there for at least 10 years.  But suddenly it's OK.  I have no idea.

I'm making Jamaican "Rundown" Curry this evening.  I had a tin of Jamaician spices which should be used up.  I also have some hot sauce from the Caribbean.   Looks fast according to the recipe - only 40m to make it. Serve with plain rice.  Maybe chop some bananas on top when serving.  Don't know why it's called Rundown.

We are rundown ATM;

I am getting over a flu and my husband just picked it up.

I worry more when he is ill then when I am.

Have to get a chicken and make some ,Jewish penicillin.

One thing I liked about being a games dealer, any sort of mix up, confusion etc. just call the floorman/person over and let them handle it in 30 seconds;  Sometimes players were not happy but it was not up to me.

Being a hairdresser, often people would come in with terrible fried hair and want a nice smooth look.

The old saying in hairdressing is, we are Beauticians, not Magicians!

My bro got his van back, paid some fines, has to see a probation officer, went in, the guy was not there! System working like clockwork!

He saw his doctor, got a script already for a new leg! What a strange script to get! The old one is rubbing and making a sore spot.

They want to have my bro do community service with CalTrans! Idiots, that is working cleaning up the roads, just like on Better Call Saul when he was sent on the clean up crew .

He can not stand that long or do that, they will have to find something else for him to do.

My wild sister got a DUI, they had her work in a thrift shop, the crap they spray on the clothing sent her into a near asthma attack and she got a rash all over her body.

They sent her instead to help in the front office of a grade school.

While doing her community service at the school a father came in to complain about a kid bothering his kid; He was swearing up and down in front of students in the office.

Everyone was so quiet and afraid of him. No one said a thing. Except my sister who chewed him up for swearing in front of children. Gosh I miss her, she was tough when needed to be. She was not getting paid and did not even work there.

My bro will contact a company who helped him find a nice apt; when he was a single dad. Hopefully since he is handicapped they will help again.

His dumb wife is just realizing now she put them both in harms way. She wants him to help her at home but how can he with a restraining order out? Insane logic or lack of it!

Sorry about the uncle, it is so sad to see one getting close to the end.

All the money in the world can not give another day, well I take that back,David Rockefeller had 8 heart transplants!!! That take a few coins to do.

Not sure what to say about green cards, it often comes down to who is working the desk that day, what their mood is and how they interpet the rules.

If in doubt, I guess a nice long zoom call would be safer?

Trump sending out the National Guard into US cities is scary enough.

I am very disappointed in the US right now.Have little to no connection to that place any longer.

Feel sometimes like there is no country for me.

Everything seems so shallow all about money and clout.

I wonder if it is older age waking me up or if it is a new reality, most people are having a hard time, at least the ones I know.

Yes, delulu does mean delusional, most people live in delulu land.

Have to correct myself, Rockefeller only had a measly 6 heart transplants.

6 of one, half dozen of the other.

Have to correct myself, Rockefeller only had a measly 6 heart transplants.6 of one, half dozen of the other. - @Marilyn Tassy

Only 6?  What was he doing with his life?  Minimum is 8.

Anyway, it didn't save him in the end.  Grim Reaper is waiting for all of us. 

I suppose he could have his head reserved in liquid nitrogen ready for a brain transplant. 

What use would be someone like that - from another century - now?  It's already like dystopian sci-fi every day.

It could be like one of those Faustian pacts - the devil brings you "health" but makes you a cockroach!  Oy vay!

I was watching Musk launch his rocket this morning and I was day dreaming if Musk will make Donny a special offer to launch him into space, preserved, ready to come back when aliens find him.   Oh, damn, sorry Donny the guidance system has actually sent you into the sun to be vaporised.  Ooops.

I mention it because there was speculation on some Reddit forums over the bruising on Donny's hands visible in recent interviews.  One contributor seemed to think it was a sign of imminent death.  Unfortunately not.  I reckon it was simply for a canula.

We are rundown ATM;I am getting over a flu and my husband just picked it up.I worry more when he is ill then when I am.Have to get a chicken and make some ,Jewish penicillin.One thing I liked about being a games dealer, any sort of mix up, confusion etc. just call the floorman/person over and let them handle it in 30 seconds; Sometimes players were not happy but it was not up to me.Being a hairdresser, often people would come in with terrible fried hair and want a nice smooth look.The old saying in hairdressing is, we are Beauticians, not Magicians!My bro got his van back, paid some fines, has to see a probation officer, went in, the guy was not there! System working like clockwork! He saw his doctor, got a script already for a new leg! What a strange script to get! The old one is rubbing and making a sore spot.They want to have my bro do community service with CalTrans! Idiots, that is working cleaning up the roads, just like on Better Call Saul when he was sent on the clean up crew .He can not stand that long or do that, they will have to find something else for him to do.My wild sister got a DUI, they had her work in a thrift shop, the crap they spray on the clothing sent her into a near asthma attack and she got a rash all over her body.They sent her instead to help in the front office of a grade school.While doing her community service at the school a father came in to complain about a kid bothering his kid; He was swearing up and down in front of students in the office.Everyone was so quiet and afraid of him. No one said a thing. Except my sister who chewed him up for swearing in front of children. Gosh I miss her, she was tough when needed to be. She was not getting paid and did not even work there.My bro will contact a company who helped him find a nice apt; when he was a single dad. Hopefully since he is handicapped they will help again.His dumb wife is just realizing now she put them both in harms way. She wants him to help her at home but how can he with a restraining order out? Insane logic or lack of it!Sorry about the uncle, it is so sad to see one getting close to the end.All the money in the world can not give another day, well I take that back, David Rockefeller had 8 heart transplants!!! That take a few coins to do.Not sure what to say about green cards, it often comes down to who is working the desk that day, what their mood is and how they interpret the rules.If in doubt, I guess a nice long zoom call would be safer? Trump sending out the National Guard into US cities is scary enough.I am very disappointed in the US right now. Have little to no connection to that place any longer.Feel sometimes like there is no country for me. Everything seems so shallow all about money and clout.I wonder if it is older age waking me up or if it is a new reality, most people are having a hard time, at least the ones I know.Yes, delulu does mean delusional, most people live in delulu land. - @Marilyn Tassy

Sorry to hear about your "rundown".  I know we've discussed it in the past, but it's really worth keeping up with vaccinations.  Flu vaccine will be coming up soon.  Why take the chance?  Shingles vaccine must be in play too.

I read up on Run Down recipe wise and it's a Caribbean and African term for cooking stews in coconut milk.  Cook it long enough and it goes thick.  Didn't notice it do that when I was cooking last night.  But the Rundown means it thickens up.  Not as interesting as I thought.

I think the problem with the Uncle is that no-one knows how long it will take. I know from experience people can seem "not as bad as one thinks" but really they are at death's door.  My MIL took about 3 months to expire after yo-yo-ing between the house and hospital.   Just the crap builds up and the body gives up.  I told Mrs F to pass on the word that they should get around his bed asap.  The USA kid is now coming over for 2 weeks since the green card is issued now.  About time.  It's not like the person is working picking fruit and has been on charges of insulting TACO or Shady  or on social media trashing the USA.  Instead, that one is a specialist and qualified PhD (but not a medic) working in the labs of a very well known Boston hospital, leads a suburban life with US SO and small dog. 

TACO seems to be annoying everyone these past days.  I just read of interference in Iceland.  And meanwhile, all his kids line their pockets levering the tainted brand of Trump.  It's like the Kennedys without the bad luck genes.   The National Guard thing is part of Trump's takeover plan.  He cannot succeed in the time available.  But maybe DC will become a state, then he won't have the power.   King Donny might get the power if SCOTUS proves it is sufficiently his *itch.

How can your bro do any litter picking or stuff like that?  Maybe he can drive the community service van?  Or work on admin in a homeless or old folks centre.  Whatever!   I doubt they'll make him do anything to threaten his recovery.  He'd be able to sue them into the ground.   Seems like people have all sorts of hidden little things going. 

I only know one person who got a DUI. This was many years ago. He'd been out on the booze, went back to his apartment, snoozed it off a bit, then realised his car was parked in a time limited area, went to move it and the cops nabbed him!  He was British and he and his car were in Germany. Germans kept his licence and sent it to him covered in stamps. He just told the UK he'd lost it and got a clean replacement!  Did nothing to him as there was no exchange of data years back, then there was and now we're back to no exchange post Brexit.

Germany is not a place to ever get into trouble; I swear even looking sideways there upsets someone.

Talk about an anal society!!

I do hope the visit from the US based child is great for both father and son.

So sad, hard to really think too deeply on it because it does get emotional.

Sooner or later it happens to all of us.

I told my bro to not worry, they have to give him a easier community service job or he could just show up in his wheelchair and see how that goes!

No one can force him to endanger himself. Seems the system needs to improve, he went to see his PO and they guy will not be there till next week!Of course if my bro did not show up, he would be the bad guy.

My sister was lucky she only got busted one time for DUI;

My mom too; Sad thing with my mom getting busted was the timing;

Her husband had just died a couple weeks beforehand, she found out she had breast cancer and had undergone a radical surgery with her heart stopping on the table; Got home and went to a Howard Johnsons restaurant/ social bar  with a GF to celebrate life!

It was an easy breezy ride home, just one street down and a left turn to her home.

The cops in our town used to be cool but this time the bastards followed her home and arrested her after she parked her car in her driveway.

She did say they seemed super ashamed seeing her still with her surgical bandages on. Almost like they wished they could have a redo and not bother her.

The good thing is after that she never drove tipsy again. became more of a home drinker;

I got myself together  walked to the local Adli and got a nice GMO free chicken. soup is on the stove, hope it heals us up quickly.

Chicken soup helped.

We feel slightly better today.

It does seem like once a person is in a cycle of  bad luck, it keeps coming.

My bro went to court yesterday. His probation office has not be assigned to him yet! Come back again in 2 weeks.

So he goes back to his hotel room.

Sees about an inch of water all over the floor.

Checked to make sure he had shut of sink off, he did.

They guy upstairs from him had a seizure and hit his head on the toilet, broke it; That is where the leak came from.

So police, fire dept; ambulance all come to the hotel; He was given another room.

Not sure what condition that poor guy is in though.

When my bro was busted, he had $10. cash on him;

When he left they gave him $3.00. He asked where the rest of the money was and the cop told him he did not know, maybe he was charged for TP!

Last tie years ago he was wearing 8 rings when arrested. 3 went missing when he was let go. One was his $500; wedding ring. The CO was decent and looked at the tapes when he was booked; He got all his rings back but WTH, cannot trust the cops at all.

I have lost faith in society.

Chicken soup helped.
We feel slightly better today.
It does seem like once a person is in a cycle of bad luck, it keeps coming.
My bro went to court yesterday. His probation office has not be assigned to him yet! Come back again in 2 weeks.
So he goes back to his hotel room.
Sees about an inch of water all over the floor.
Checked to make sure he had shut of sink off, he did.
They guy upstairs from him had a seizure and hit his head on the toilet, broke it; That is where the leak came from.
So police, fire dept; ambulance all come to the hotel; He was given another room.
Not sure what condition that poor guy is in though.
When my bro was busted, he had $10. cash on him;
When he left they gave him $3.00. He asked where the rest of the money was and the cop told him he did not know, maybe he was charged for TP!
Last tie years ago he was wearing 8 rings when arrested. 3 went missing when he was let go. One was his $500; wedding ring. The CO was decent and looked at the tapes when he was booked; He got all his rings back but WTH, cannot trust the cops at all.
I have lost faith in society. - @Marilyn Tassy

Another muddle!  Doesn't sound like such a nice place for your bro to hang out in.   If that guy hit his head on the toilet, he must have been seriously injured.  Knocked out for sure.  And over there, ambulance would cost a bit but what can anyone do?   Cannot leave him there or dump him on the street.   People have to render assistance I suppose. I know in some countries, it's legally required.

Surely the cops take an inventory of the possessions and receipt with the list to the inmate to keep?  How can the cops keep his $7.   That could be vital for someone.  Incredible any cop should be so petty.

Germany is not a place to ever get into trouble; I swear even looking sideways there upsets someone.Talk about an anal society!!I do hope the visit from the US based child is great for both father and son. So sad, hard to really think too deeply on it because it does get emotional.Sooner or later it happens to all of us.I told my bro to not worry, they have to give him a easier community service job or he could just show up in his wheelchair and see how that goes!No one can force him to endanger himself. Seems the system needs to improve, he went to see his PO and they guy will not be there till next week!Of course if my bro did not show up, he would be the bad guy.My sister was lucky she only got busted one time for DUI; My mom too; Sad thing with my mom getting busted was the timing;Her husband had just died a couple weeks beforehand, she found out she had breast cancer and had undergone a radical surgery with her heart stopping on the table; Got home and went to a Howard Johnsons restaurant/ social bar with a GF to celebrate life!It was an easy breezy ride home, just one street down and a left turn to her home.The cops in our town used to be cool but this time the bastards followed her home and arrested her after she parked her car in her driveway. She did say they seemed super ashamed seeing her still with her surgical bandages on. Almost like they wished they could have a redo and not bother her.The good thing is after that she never drove tipsy again. became more of a home drinker; I got myself together walked to the local Adli and got a nice GMO free chicken. soup is on the stove, hope it heals us up quickly. - @Marilyn Tassy

I think if your Mum had run into her house, locked the door, the moment she saw the cops, they couldn't have followed her in without a search warrant surely.   They could have just walked away or given her a warning. If she was on the driveway, then it's a bit dodgy they got her on her property.  We've had cases in the UK where cops followed someone home, the driver saw them, rushed inside. Nothing the cops could do more.  Not right though to drink and drive. Just don't!

PO sounds the same as the UK - overworked and absent.  I guess the process will go on.  But yes, wheelchair sounds good ready for litter picking.   I think they'd say go home for today.  They cannot put him in danger.

I was trying to avoid mentioning too much on the US green card visitor to the father.   Didn't give away the gender or too much of the location.  Just in case the Trumpists have some beef with it.   Obviously if they pour resources into it, the immigration nazis could work it out.  But for what?  Oh dear, I've dobbed myself in there. 

Meanwhile, apparently the National Guard in DC is now on litter picking and gardening duties.  The Parks Department was reduced from 200 to 20 and cannot cover all the work.  So the National Guard is doing it as they don't have much to do.  I had to laugh about it.   I also laughed about Trump saying Soros is a massive enemy.  Chanelling Orban.  The Soros dude is 95.  Trump doesn't have long term worries about him and his involvement with the Democrats.  Just such BS.  I don't think I can stand it.  Better things to do like maintaining my sanity.

Mrs F got some plums at Aldi and I wondered what I could make with them. Apparently plums were used as a sauce during Elizabethan times.  I found a very old recipe.    Chicken is cooked in the oven with chopped plums and during that process, the plums turn into a sauce.   Unfortunately I've eaten most of the plums now so I'll have to ask her to get some more.

I also saw another similar chicken recipe using a rare fruit called a Medlar.  Weirdly, that's only edible when it's rotten! Don't like the sound of that.   It's an obscure fruit but comes from further over towards Central Asia.  I wondered about how to grow one in the garden.  Looks rather difficult to cultivate and the weather and soil here might be a bit difficult.

Mrs F got some plums at Aldi and I wondered what I could make with them. Apparently plums were used as a sauce during Elizabethan times. I found a very old recipe.  Chicken is cooked in the oven with chopped plums and during that process, the plums turn into a sauce. Unfortunately I've eaten most of the plums now so I'll have to ask her to get some more.

- @fluffy2560

Now I don't know why, but this has kept me laughing all morning.

Mrs F got some plums at Aldi and I wondered what I could make with them. Apparently plums were used as a sauce during Elizabethan times. I found a very old recipe. Chicken is cooked in the oven with chopped plums and during that process, the plums turn into a sauce. Unfortunately I've eaten most of the plums now so I'll have to ask her to get some more.  - @fluffy2560 Now I don't know why, but this has kept me laughing all morning. - @Cynic

Pleased to have assisted in bringing some amusement to Yorkshire!

I couldn't help eating the plums.  They were there and kept calling to me.   Like Sirens.

Here's the recipe for Elizbethan Chicken with Plums (sort of BBC) - James Martin apparently.

It gets funnier, there's creamy leeks to go with it.   

This recipe uses juniper berries so I'm going to have to raid Mrs F's G&T botanicals.

Read that description of Medlar fruits - they didn't have polite names for it.   The Shakespeare section gets into it.  Makes you think. The Tudors were a strange bunch but had a sense of humour it seems.

In 2024, 8.5% of the EU population were unable to afford a meal containing meat, fish or a vegetarian equivalent every second day. 🍽

Highest shares in:

Bulgaria (18.7%)

Slovakia (17.1%)

Romania (16.3%)

Lowest in:

Cyprus (1.2%)

Ireland (1.8%)

Portugal (2.5%)

Learn more 👉

https://ec.europa.eu/.../products.../w/ddn-20250828-1

In 2024, 8.5% of the EU population were unable to afford a meal containing meat, fish or a vegetarian equivalent every second day. 🍽Highest shares in:Bulgaria (18.7%)Slovakia (17.1%)Romania (16.3%)Lowest in:Cyprus (1.2%)Ireland (1.8%) Portugal (2.5%)Learn more 👉https://ec.europa.eu/.../products.../w/ddn-20250828-1 - @SimCityAT

That is really shocking to me.   

Makes me think that we are quite lucky here at Fluffy Towers.

We obviously live a very different life from a significant minority.

I say that but that's at the moment.  It could change at the drop of a hat.

Makes me wonder if I should feel guilty planning recipes in these forums.

Do not feel guilty for living your life the way you want to.

We all go through things in life and no one should judge who,s is worst.

I see it as my ancestors pulled themselves up for the benefit of future generations;

We do not come  from wealth, only exception was my grandfather but he was disowned at age 14 so that pot of gold dried up a long time ago.

Being an expat means we have already given up something.

It is hard to believe so many countries find it difficult to eat a full course meal.

Shops like large Tesco have a shelf full of discount meats and produce.

Just have to know when to go shop.

They are usually meats that take some time to cook and need prep but it can be done if needed;

I think many people who complain do not want to put themselves out and cook at home.

One should only eat a piece of meat no larger then the palm of their hands as it is.

I know, it seems harsh but growing up with a single mom, well she was a single mom for a couple years before remarriage, we witnessed how mom could make one chicken turn into several meals for 5.Lots of soup and noodles,rice in soup but always a side salad and some fruit. She would also line us up before bedtime and make us take a huge spoonful of cod liver oil! No wonder I had nightmares!

A Sunday roast was never wasted, hash was made with the left overs and the dog enjoyed the bones.

I did see a post about 10 villages in Hungary where some people have as little as 102 Euros a month to live on. IDK, how that works out, must live with shared spaces because no one can make in the west on that much.

My husband has bought himself Medlar fruit in the past. He likes it, I think it tastes like mush. Too many seeds inside and sort of glue like texture.

We bought plums at the farmers market last Saturday; 400 forints per kilo.

I just made some jam out of what was left over.

Nothing goes to waste if possible.

Getting back to not eating right, in the 1930s in Penn. My step dad around age 8 used to dig in trash cans looking for food; His Irish father worked as a coal miner and would spend most of the family money in the bars. His mom who was Czech was not in good health. She had 8 children and was sickly. If she cooked it was just something boiled on the stove.

He said she used to make a soup she called, garbage soup. All the left over bits and pieces of everything tossed in a soup pot and that was it.

It gave him character growing up like that. Hard working always had food in the house, never wasted a thing but never said we could not have second portions if we ate it; The biggest crime was to waste food.

In fact when he dated my mother he would bring her flowers and candy and 2 huge bags of groceries!

Do not feel guilty for living your life the way you want to.We all go through things in life and no one should judge who,s is worst.I see it as my ancestors pulled themselves up for the benefit of future generations;We do not come from wealth, only exception was my grandfather but he was disowned at age 14 so that pot of gold dried up a long time ago.Being an expat means we have already given up something. It is hard to believe so many countries find it difficult to eat a full course meal.Shops like large Tesco have a shelf full of discount meats and produce.Just have to know when to go shop.They are usually meats that take some time to cook and need prep but it can be done if needed;I think many people who complain do not want to put themselves out and cook at home.One should only eat a piece of meat no larger then the palm of their hands as it is.I know, it seems harsh but growing up with a single mom, well she was a single mom for a couple years before remarriage, we witnessed how mom could make one chicken turn into several meals for 5.Lots of soup and noodles,rice in soup but always a side salad and some fruit. She would also line us up before bedtime and make us take a huge spoonful of cod liver oil! No wonder I had nightmares!A Sunday roast was never wasted, hash was made with the left overs and the dog enjoyed the bones.I did see a post about 10 villages in Hungary where some people have as little as 102 Euros a month to live on. IDK, how that works out, must live with shared spaces because no one can make in the west on that much.My husband has bought himself Medlar fruit in the past. He likes it, I think it tastes like mush. Too many seeds inside and sort of glue like texture.We bought plums at the farmers market last Saturday; 400 forints per kilo.I just made some jam out of what was left over.Nothing goes to waste if possible.Getting back to not eating right, in the 1930s in Penn. My step dad around age 8 used to dig in trash cans looking for food; His Irish father worked as a coal miner and would spend most of the family money in the bars. His mom who was Czech was not in good health. She had 8 children and was sickly. If she cooked it was just something boiled on the stove.He said she used to make a soup she called, garbage soup. All the left over bits and pieces of everything tossed in a soup pot and that was it.It gave him character growing up like that. Hard working always had food in the house, never wasted a thing but never said we could not have second portions if we ate it; The biggest crime was to waste food.In fact when he dated my mother he would bring her flowers and candy and 2 huge bags of groceries! - @Marilyn Tassy

I think that's quite good to come with groceries.  That's what was needed.  It's much more sensible than trash.   

It's like Xmas presents. I was given some smelly stuff (was it hint?) but I said, I really want some welding rods or a new chain for my chainsaw.   Really practical or waste my time.  No brainer.  I did get welding rods one year but I'm still waiting on spare parts for my chainsaw.  Mrs F knows now knows to buy me practical things.  I got a tool boxes set on wheels last year.  It's so nice, the toolboxes I keep in my office and not in the shed.

I discussed the Medlar with Mrs Fluffy and she's not keen for the same reasons you said.  I only came to it as I was reading about the plums.  She said she doesn't like it much for really the same reasons as you described.  Mushy, seedy and not that great.  But apparently makes good jam.  Not that I can eat jam but I could eat some kind of dish so long as there's no sugar in it.    Medlar trees seem to be a bit difficult to get.  Mrs F wants to get me an Acer tree (it's a type of Maple) but they are very pricey.  I was thinking of a Japanese one.  We're a bit limited on space.  However, she got me another exotic grass for the garden the other day.  I've been collecting exotic grasses for a while now.   This new one is red with very straight leaves (totally vertical).  I've got a few varieties - zebra grass, pampas and chives.  Yes, if people don't know, chives are actually a grass.  And tasty too!  Great with eggs.

Meanwhile, I'm going to be doing the Elizabethan chicken in plum sauce tonight.   We're all organised for it.  All the ingredients are bought, the spices are available and by this evening, the assembled faces will be ready for stuffing. I like the idea of trying out ancient recipes using the easily available ingredients of the time. Like culinary history.

We didn't call it Garbage Soup but we had a similar idea.  We called it Mixed Up Soup.  My mother used to save anything uneaten. I DO NOT mean off the plates, I only mean what was unclaimed in the saucepans etc.  Then she'd freeze it.  Then she'd defrost it sometime later,  put it all together in one saucepan, whizz it up, maybe add a few embellishments and then serve.  Believe me, it's some of the best soups I've ever had.  It could have anything in it altogether  from roast beef to fish, carrots to mashed potato or pasta.  I've inherited that idea from her.   It's something Mrs F  had never heard of - even saving the food for another day was not on her radar.  I don't know why but I guess her mother never told her to do it or food was easily obtainable, it could be just thrown away.  She was surprised I wanted to do those things.  I mean, a lot of times, there's another meal for one or two.   I guess coming from a relatively large family, one learns these techniques to food efficiency.  We never had cod liver oil though!

My brother (RIP) had a different technique.  He would be off camping doing scientific work in remote places, prospecting and mapping for minerals. He'd cook absolutely everything in one pot.  So his baked beans, egg and even peaches would go in there heated on a mini camping stove.  His argument was it saved washing up and reduced carrying water.  He was a practical guy.

Annual inflation at 2.0% in the euro area in July 2025, 2.4% in the EU.

Lowest in:

Cyprus (0.1%)

France (0.9%)

Ireland (1.6%)

Highest in:

Romania (6.6%)

Estonia (5.6%)

Slovakia (4.6%)

Learn more ➡️  europa.eu/!jbtnTM

Annual inflation at 2.0% in the euro area in July 2025, 2.4% in the EU.
Lowest in:
Cyprus (0.1%)
France (0.9%)
Ireland (1.6%)
Highest in:
Romania (6.6%)
Estonia (5.6%)
Slovakia (4.6%)
Learn more ➡️ europa.eu/!jbtnTM - @SimCityAT

Says much about the disfunction of HU at 4.6%. 

If HU joined the EU, it'd probably cut inflation considerably and immediately.

Hate to change the topic from solar panels to nuclear blowout. - @Marilyn Tassy

Dragging this back to the extremely important topic of solar. Seems to be working fine; just charged the car overnight; 80% full which is the Škoda recommended charge for day to day use, cost £2.71. Scaffolding goes on Monday.

To add - just got our latest energy bill since solar £12.98 (for gas (hot water) only, no charge for electicity).