Absolutely Anything Else

I suppose with current food prices, it would be a nice calling card to buy groceries for a date rather then blowing it all on one dinner out.

My step father was very practical. Very handy as well;

Used to pull out the engines on a used car, fix them himself, clutches, everything at home.

Fixed his own motorbikes too.

he kept a record of all oil changes on every car, made notes on things he needed to look into at a future time etc.

Fixed his own roof , did plumbing, mom used to change broken windows herself, paint the house inside and out.

He is rolling in his grave if he could see what his 2 children have been up to.

So disorganized.

It is the saddest thing that he died young before he could teach them anything from his experience.

Really though if someone is not willing to learn even a great teacher can not help them.

My brothers wife just showed up at his hotel yesterday with their dog. Then she was freaking out because she saw a van with tinted windows; She said they are following them and they are not suppose to be seen together! What? She is the one breaking her own restraining order, what can he do?

He had to tell her he doubted someone hired a PI to follow them around, if so , she did it herself!

A Mexican couple in the room next to his were having a loud argument. My crazy SIL said she should call the cops on them!!! Her solution to everything is call the cops? Her name is not Karen but you would think so!

I had no clue she was so out of her mind. I would of encouraged my bro to escape a long time ago if we had known.

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). - @Cynic

Has it made that much difference is such a short amount of time?

I'm looking at my bill now and it's impossible to understand.  I thought I'd use it to compare but it's mostly gibberish.

I suppose with current food prices, it would be a nice calling card to buy groceries for a date rather then blowing it all on one dinner out.My step father was very practical. Very handy as well;Used to pull out the engines on a used car, fix them himself, clutches, everything at home.Fixed his own motorbikes too.he kept a record of all oil changes on every car, made notes on things he needed to look into at a future time etc.Fixed his own roof , did plumbing, mom used to change broken windows herself, paint the house inside and out.He is rolling in his grave if he could see what his 2 children have been up to.So disorganized.It is the saddest thing that he died young before he could teach them anything from his experience.Really though if someone is not willing to learn even a great teacher can not help them.My brothers wife just showed up at his hotel yesterday with their dog. Then she was freaking out because she saw a van with tinted windows; She said they are following them and they are not suppose to be seen together! What? She is the one breaking her own restraining order, what can he do?He had to tell her he doubted someone hired a PI to follow them around, if so , she did it herself!A Mexican couple in the room next to his were having a loud argument. My crazy SIL said she should call the cops on them!!! Her solution to everything is call the cops? Her name is not Karen but you would think so!I had no clue she was so out of her mind. I would of encouraged my bro to escape a long time ago if we had known. - @Marilyn Tassy

Yes, food is far more important.  It does show sensitivity to people's needs.  Valuable.

Your step Dad is a man after my own heart.  (And your Mum!) I am sure we'd have got on like a house on fire as I like fixing stuff and mostly I like DIY especially if it goes well.  We don't have land enough for doing proper car repairs and fiddling about.   I have to look at replacing the timing chain on my hobby car. I can hear it's sloppy and clunking - it's stretched. It's about time, 220K Km.   But in winter time?  Be impossible to hold the tools in the cold and I'm getting too old to lay on the ground.  Just getting the parts will take 2 months at least. Some copy parts from China, some from the USA (really a problem now).  I am considering asking my Ontario daughter to assemble original parts into a care package ready to forward to me. 

Here at Fluffy Towers, we don't even have a garage to put the cars in.  My shed cannot be rebuilt as a garage as it was illegal anyway.    That really grates on me but nothing we can do about it.  I covet my neighbours land as they have a considerably larger plot.  He's a grumpy old guy on his last legs.   And the other side, they could die any minute too. Neither seem to be going fast enough.  Bit of a day dream,  I wouldn't mind buying their house and knocking it down to build a properly  large garage cum shed to keep all my cars, projects and junk in. I could just gut their house and make it into a proper car place. I am sure the neighbours would be revolting.  Many of them are. But they can buzz off.  I've already got it in for them because of their giant trees.

Sounds like your SIL is losing the plot.  Maybe he can reason with her to remove the restraining order.  Could seem like a tall order. Probably that was a put up job by her lawyers.  He could argue there's a chance of reconciliation.  Optics are everything. Perhaps they could go to counselling at least to present a way of leveraging dropping charges and stopping all legal process.  Saying that, maybe he needs to get into an anger management course and she needs to be checked for psychiatric issues perhaps even dementia for having such paranoid PI delusions.   It could be sold to the  judge just for optics.   They can say they are getting help for their relationship even if they continue apart.     Of course, I know nothing but it sounds more rational to see a stab at reconciliation than what is going on now. Cheaper too!

I have  to say I did a lot of reconciliation things, including counselling with my ex-wife.  It was useless.  We just didn't like each other any more and had different wants and needs.  Looking back, we were young and foolish. She was bookish and I wanted to get into some action. But we do have two kids but we just didn't have any interest in the other person by the end.  That said, she got married again 20+ years ago, had no further kids and I'm here married to Mrs F with two kids and we've been together 30 years now.  So we're good in own ways so perhaps over the long term, I suppose I can say it worked out OK.  I think we'd be arms length suspicious but polite if we met. We're different people.

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). - @Cynic
Has it made that much difference is such a short amount of time?
I'm looking at my bill now and it's impossible to understand. I thought I'd use it to compare but it's mostly gibberish. - @fluffy2560

In as much a zero charge for electric since the Solar went live; the only charge has been for gas  There are also the apps you get as part of solar which show you what happened and when.  EDF issue a monthly energy statement - lots of cost data in it, I also have an app on my phone that tells me about the solar system performance, The Smart meter is also useful as it shows historic power usage.  but you have to wait for the invoice for the app data to refresh.

You do need to do a bit of hunting to learn what the different terminology means.

Car power usage/cost is a part of the EV power App, I charged up at my daughters as ours doesn't get fitted until next Tuesday; she sent me charge report this morning.

In as much a zero charge for electric since the Solar went live; the only charge has been for gas There are also the apps you get as part of solar which show you what happened and when. EDF issue a monthly energy statement - lots of cost data in it, I also have an app on my phone that tells me about the solar system performance, The Smart meter is also useful as it shows historic power usage. but you have to wait for the invoice for the app data to refresh. You do need to do a bit of hunting to learn what the different terminology means. Car power usage/cost is a part of the EV power App, I charged up at my daughters as ours doesn't get fitted until next Tuesday; she sent me charge report this morning. - @Cynic

Sounds like it'd be gobbledygook there too. Too many suppliers and too many apps.

But things are a bit different here.

The system in HU is to estimate your monthly use at year end, then do a net bill for over or underpayment for the 1st month of the year, then go forward monthly in the 2nd month of the year with the average monthly estimate. 

Looking at our bill, we're 20% over their average estimate for past 24h periods and about 8% over over the year.

We're heavy users with almost no self-control.  Kids leave lights on, lots of electric devices, loads of computers left on and IT kit, electric cooking, airco left on and windows open etc.  It's all a bit mental.  Trying to control our usage is likely to be a disciplined first step rather than try and install solar to meet demand of excessive and wasteful usage.   That'd be step two.  Step three must be the electric car.   Discipline in teenagers is the same as herding cats.

Mrs F and I are considering disposing of our diesel car.  Nothing wrong with.  Just no-one uses it.  Not enough anyway.

I read the FiT (Feed In Tariff) news here.  Some weird rationale for low FiT and effectively trying to stop people installing domestic systems.   They seemed to be saying it's all to do with Ukraine.  Really? Why? Must be Hungarian logic.   I wonder if the Russians are leaning on Hungary (via the nuclear station) as Hungary exports lots of electricity to Ukraine.  Retribution for Ukraine destroying the oil pipeline.   Who knows what is going for sure.

BTW, the Elizabethan Chicken with Plums turned out to be very nice.  The leeks were good too.  Worth a thought if stuck for something to make.

I am looking how to make a Plum and Apple pie.  I'd like it to be a very old recipe. I've got this thing here now about Tudor recipes with hearty ingredients and nothing artificial or with added sugar.

They have cooking channels on U tube that feature Tudor era recipes.

It is a holiday weekend in the US, Labor Day.

My Vegas friend said her neighbor had a party till 1am. He does that 2 to 3 days per week.

He is a renter. I told her to tell the HOA,she said they tell who is complaining and she is afraid to let the guy know it is her.

3 strikes and he should be out but so far no one has complained.

I asked her to collect complaint names so she is not alone but nada.

Just saw an news report that in some villages in Hungary you need to be approved before you can move there or buy anything.

People without a job, criminal record etc.are rejected by the community.

Sounds a bit medieval but then again...

  My nice SIL told me she and my deceased brother told the younger bro to get away last time his wife arrested him.

I just found out she pulled this stuff back a few years ago.

He is addicted to crazy town.

The system is so unfair.

He was charged with destruction of property.

He has one leg and his balance is not good; He bumped into a cabinet and a $10. glass candlestick broke.

His son witnessed the entire thing but the police would not listen to him, only the wife.

I just hope this time around he escapes clean.

BTY, not sure what or how they make those fake legs but he already needs a new one.

My Vegas friend is funny, she saw a leg for sale online problem is it was for the wrong side!

Seriously buying a used leg online!

They have cooking channels on U tube that feature Tudor era recipes.
It is a holiday weekend in the US, Labor Day.
My Vegas friend said her neighbor had a party till 1am. He does that 2 to 3 days per week.
He is a renter. I told her to tell the HOA,she said they tell who is complaining and she is afraid to let the guy know it is her.
3 strikes and he should be out but so far no one has complained.
I asked her to collect complaint names so she is not alone but nada.
Just saw an news report that in some villages in Hungary you need to be approved before you can move there or buy anything.
People without a job, criminal record etc.are rejected by the community.
Sounds a bit medieval but then again...
My nice SIL told me she and my deceased brother told the younger bro to get away last time his wife arrested him.
I just found out she pulled this stuff back a few years ago.
He is addicted to crazy town.
The system is so unfair.
He was charged with destruction of property.
He has one leg and his balance is not good; He bumped into a cabinet and a $10. glass candlestick broke.
His son witnessed the entire thing but the police would not listen to him, only the wife.
I just hope this time around he escapes clean.
BTY, not sure what or how they make those fake legs but he already needs a new one.
My Vegas friend is funny, she saw a leg for sale online problem is it was for the wrong side!
Seriously buying a used leg online! - @Marilyn Tassy

I've heard that about some HU villages needing to approve new residents.  For some reason I think it's like the protected areas or heritage villages.  Not certain.

How can anyone spend 3 days a week partying?    That sounds really dodgy and exhausting.  Maybe there's more going on, like a drug dealing den. 

A $10 candlestick is hardly important.   He could say it was an accident as he's wobbly.  There's a witness and presumably that'll put an end to it if it's in front of a judge.  What a waste of everyone's time. Was it his candlestick anyway or joint property?  Doesn't really matter, case should be dismissed as it's trivial.

I wonder what the previous owner of  the secondhand leg is now doing?  Hopping?  Maybe a new one has arrived and it's spare or it's a leftover.  The owner could have moved on to a better place. I guess it's like all those wheelchairs, zimmer frames and walking sticks that are left over when someone passes.  No-one wants them and they are very hard to dispose of.   My Dad's electric scooter went to Ukraine.  That's supposedly.  No-one knows the real truth.

So I made the fruit pies and they are very nice.  The use of red wine to steep the fruit beforehand, then to reduce on the hob is a revelation.  It introduces a massive richness to the entire affair.  No sugar is needed.    I find a lot of online descriptions of recipes are a bit flowery. YT I never thought about.  Just get to the point already!   I made a mistake in my mini pies. I used puff pastry. It was very stupid. I should have made my own.  It's not very difficult and I think it'd be nicer.   One of my recipes needs Quince or Greengage  That'll be really impossible to find.  I have Greengage in the garden but it's not producing fruit.  It's an unruly plant and prolific but fruit, nope.  Maybe next year.

In as much a zero charge for electric since the Solar went live; the only charge has been for gas There are also the apps you get as part of solar which show you what happened and when. EDF issue a monthly energy statement - lots of cost data in it, I also have an app on my phone that tells me about the solar system performance, The Smart meter is also useful as it shows historic power usage. but you have to wait for the invoice for the app data to refresh. You do need to do a bit of hunting to learn what the different terminology means. Car power usage/cost is a part of the EV power App, I charged up at my daughters as ours doesn't get fitted until next Tuesday; she sent me charge report this morning. - @Cynic
Sounds like it'd be gobbledygook there too. Too many suppliers and too many apps.

But things are a bit different here.

The system in HU is to estimate your monthly use at year end, then do a net bill for over or underpayment for the 1st month of the year, then go forward monthly in the 2nd month of the year with the average monthly estimate.

Looking at our bill, we're 20% over their average estimate for past 24h periods and about 8% over over the year.

We're heavy users with almost no self-control. Kids leave lights on, lots of electric devices, loads of computers left on and IT kit, electric cooking, airco left on and windows open etc. It's all a bit mental. Trying to control our usage is likely to be a disciplined first step rather than try and install solar to meet demand of excessive and wasteful usage. That'd be step two. Step three must be the electric car. Discipline in teenagers is the same as herding cats.

Mrs F and I are considering disposing of our diesel car. Nothing wrong with. Just no-one uses it. Not enough anyway.

I read the FiT (Feed In Tariff) news here. Some weird rationale for low FiT and effectively trying to stop people installing domestic systems. They seemed to be saying it's all to do with Ukraine. Really? Why? Must be Hungarian logic. I wonder if the Russians are leaning on Hungary (via the nuclear station) as Hungary exports lots of electricity to Ukraine. Retribution for Ukraine destroying the oil pipeline. Who knows what is going for sure. - @fluffy2560

Sounds about right.  You could say the same about most products with a supporting app.  There's only the wife, myself and Boris at home these days, so we don't use much; it only stood out because our grid supplied electricity went from not much, to zero overnight.  We've begun winterising the house in preparation for winter; all the sunscreens are down cleaned and put away, the blinds in the Velux windows are open; the scaffolding comes down tomorrow, then the EV charger on Tuesday.  Oh, and I got a new(ish) PC.

Sounds about right. You could say the same about most products with a supporting app. There's only the wife, myself and Boris at home these days, so we don't use much; it only stood out because our grid supplied electricity went from not much, to zero overnight. We've begun winterising the house in preparation for winter; all the sunscreens are down cleaned and put away, the blinds in the Velux windows are open; the scaffolding comes down tomorrow, then the EV charger on Tuesday. Oh, and I got a new(ish) PC. - @Cynic

Sounds like major investments at Casa Cynic.   I'll have to wait for the lottery winnings to be deposited.   I could start turning off the kids power to their rooms and then plead ignorance.  Kids will get around things.   They are quite inventive.

Winterising is something on the cards here but in true HU fashion the weather is mostly predictable.  MId-October, there will be a big sudden switch from Indian summer to cold and darkness.  Only the dog will be happy what with that big furry coat.  So we've got months to get organised.

It is a little sad it's September tomorrow.  Summer freedoms over and back on the grindstone. Here in HU, school starts again.  All that staying up late and lazing about is at an end.  It's going to be very difficult the first few days to get back in the groove. 

Sounds about right. You could say the same about most products with a supporting app. There's only the wife, myself and Boris at home these days, so we don't use much; it only stood out because our grid supplied electricity went from not much, to zero overnight. We've begun winterising the house in preparation for winter; all the sunscreens are down cleaned and put away, the blinds in the Velux windows are open; the scaffolding comes down tomorrow, then the EV charger on Tuesday. Oh, and I got a new(ish) PC. - @Cynic
Sounds like major investments at Casa Cynic. I'll have to wait for the lottery winnings to be deposited. I could start turning off the kids power to their rooms and then plead ignorance. Kids will get around things. They are quite inventive.
Winterising is something on the cards here but in true HU fashion the weather is mostly predictable. MId-October, there will be a big sudden switch from Indian summer to cold and darkness. Only the dog will be happy what with that big furry coat. So we've got months to get organised.

It is a little sad it's September tomorrow. Summer freedoms over and back on the grindstone. Here in HU, school starts again. All that staying up late and lazing about is at an end. It's going to be very difficult the first few days to get back in the groove. - @fluffy2560

Certainly is; we've reached that stage of our lives where you need to get ready for getting older, so a mobility scooter is on the cards for next week and then after we finish tidying up/finishing off the solar related stuff; of which I'm not impressed that you can't recharge a mobility scooter from the EV plug, the bathroom is next on the list for refurbishment; the idea is that we won't be faced with major upheaval in our lives when we are the least able to deal with it.  With the current lot of politicians in power for the next 3 years, it didn't seem to make a lot of sense in saving money for the sake of it, so we discussed it with the kids and decided to sort the house out for retirement and do what we could do to protect our pensions.

The PC is my sons-in-law's old one; he makes and sells them as a hobby and had just upgraded his system, so I got his old one; my old one was working fine, but was not W11 compatible.

Sounds about right. You could say the same about most products with a supporting app. There's only the wife, myself and Boris at home these days, so we don't use much; it only stood out because our grid supplied electricity went from not much, to zero overnight. We've begun winterising the house in preparation for winter; all the sunscreens are down cleaned and put away, the blinds in the Velux windows are open; the scaffolding comes down tomorrow, then the EV charger on Tuesday. Oh, and I got a new(ish) PC. - @CynicSounds like major investments at Casa Cynic. I'll have to wait for the lottery winnings to be deposited. I could start turning off the kids power to their rooms and then plead ignorance. Kids will get around things. They are quite inventive. Winterising is something on the cards here but in true HU fashion the weather is mostly predictable. MId-October, there will be a big sudden switch from Indian summer to cold and darkness. Only the dog will be happy what with that big furry coat. So we've got months to get organised.It is a little sad it's September tomorrow. Summer freedoms over and back on the grindstone. Here in HU, school starts again. All that staying up late and lazing about is at an end. It's going to be very difficult the first few days to get back in the groove.  - @fluffy2560 Certainly is; we've reached that stage of our lives where you need to get ready for getting older, so a mobility scooter is on the cards for next week and then after we finish tidying up/finishing off the solar related stuff; of which I'm not impressed that you can't recharge a mobility scooter from the EV plug, the bathroom is next on the list for refurbishment; the idea is that we won't be faced with major upheaval in our lives when we are the least able to deal with it. With the current lot of politicians in power for the next 3 years, it didn't seem to make a lot of sense in saving money for the sake of it, so we discussed it with the kids and decided to sort the house out for retirement and do what we could do to protect our pensions.

The PC is my sons-in-law's old one; he makes and sells them as a hobby and had just upgraded his system, so I got his old one; my old one was working fine, but was not W11 compatible. - @Cynic

I get it.  Preparing for older life is something which has been on my mind.   What I hadn't anticipated is getting health conditions which have long term impact.  Mobility mainly. I don't have to tell you about that obviously.  I thought nothing would happen until way past 70.  Got that wrong.  No wonder I don't bet at casinos or on the gee-gees.

Windows 10 (W10) becoming EoL (End of Life)  is a PITA.  There used to be a way around it - to install W11 - but Micro$oft took away that option.  There is another way to do it but I haven't got around testing it properly.   The primary problem is the new'ish Trusted Platform Module (TPM). It's for security issues (some of them probably made up by M$).   It's a hardware feature now demanded on the motherboards but really, hardly anyone seriously needs it.  Many good brands like Dell had this for some years - I updated Mrs F's machine to W11 just recently.  But other known brands don't and the laptops are perfectly good except for the TPM being not there.   

However, there is a way to fool it.  Your Son-In-Law will know - install a Virtual Machine (VM) to host a VM of W11 with a Virtual TPM.  Not all laptops will be capable of supporting VMs properly but many are - at least the last 10 years they should be OK - but not the very very low end machines with low end processors.  Probably within the next 2 weeks, I'll be in a position to actually test this on my own kit.   I say two weeks because I'm moving a very large amount of data off a load of disks on a server onto a consolidated device.  I'm talking Terabytes.  It takes literally days to get the data off those disks.  I'm  watching it now.  It's shifting 3TB in literally 24h or longer.

If anyone has an Apple machine, they probably do this already - run W11 in a VM.  It's all normal for Apple.  I know almost nothing about Apple machines and keep away from them. I've used them but I'm far more familiar with Windows and bigger machinery.

Around 145,000 photovoltaic plants produce solar power in Lower Austria. But the boom brings not only climate protection and innovation, but also safety risks; 27 fires have been documented since 2019. Experts have analysed how different PV systems burn in three controlled experiments. Wrongly laid wires and connections or non-certified components: small errors in installation can have fatal consequences. During the construction, you should choose an authorised electrical company, pay attention to the right materials and regularly maintain the installation.

Around 145,000 photovoltaic plants produce solar power in Lower Austria. But the boom brings not only climate protection and innovation, but also safety risks; 27 fires have been documented since 2019. Experts have analysed how different PV systems burn in three controlled experiments. Wrongly laid wires and connections or non-certified components: small errors in installation can have fatal consequences. During the construction, you should choose an authorised electrical company, pay attention to the right materials and regularly maintain the installation. - @SimCityAT

That doesn't surprise me. 

A lot of electrical installations here and in AT are bodge jobs. 

I had to argue with my electrician to install Residual Current Devices (RCDs) (US: Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters or GFCIs) in my house when it was wired. It was an all new installation.  He didn't want to do it.  Didn't see the point but I had to really insist.  I hope he makes it compulsory in his work. RCDs save lives.  It's mandatory in new builds the UK and has been for years.  Same with smoke and CO alarms.  Should be mandatory in all buildings.

The other thing he didn't do was install a ground rod for my shed.  I had to do it.

I saved my crutches from when I had knee surgery. Never know...

First used them at age 12 for IDK, a month or so; Full knee dislocation from slipping while playing tennis.

Then at 15, 21 and 10 years ago post surgery. I hate them!!!!

Being young does not mean you can not get hurt.

I have hidden them, hate even looking at them.Hubby at least looked at the heater yesterday, that is a start to winter prepping;Might be easier to fly south.

Noticed the kiddies holding mommies hands and walking to school this morning; I am not envious!!

Never liked school much after the 5th grade. Too dull with boring teachers.

I always took on school jobs to not feel trapped and bored. Safety guard, Girl Scouts, cafe helper, sold cartons of milk and collected the money, made change etc.  Library helper.Only job I disliked was when the teacher made me be a Nazi, gave me a pencil and paper and left the room for a smoke, chat break.

I was suppose to write down the names of any student who got up, messed around or spoke.

I always turned in a blank sheet of paper, mama did not raise a fool!

Guess I had a good girl image before HS at least.

Talk about side jobs in the home and being bored. My Vegas friends condo is very organized and everything looks picture perfect. She keeps coming up with jobs for her husband even though it is a small place.

She had him put up tiny lights on the ceilings, every 7 inches he had to put in small nails.

Finished the job, did  not like the look, made him take them all down and now they have to patch and paint the nail holes!

I know my husband would use the hammer on me if I did that to him! Poor thing, can not keep herself busy enough.

Yes, my bros wife is losing the plot. All her old teacher friends tell her she is too good for my bro, they have no clue how mean she is and how unorganized she is.

My bro threw all her AZ bills in the trash, his name is not even on the property!

She had not made a condo payment for over 2 months! He said he no longer cares, he is living in a motel as it is.

She owes over $10,000 for 2 months! They are living rather a high lifestyle to my mind.

I could and do live on $10,000 or so a year here in Hungary and never feel anything is lacking.

Nothing is fully paid off after 15 years together. It is shocking  to me.

She expects my brother to pay her bills and his own no idea where she spends her money.

He is done, I hope he sticks to his guns, he owes her nothing after being treated so poorly.

My husband thinks she has another man in her life, would not be surprised.

The US legal system is crooked, once they get you in their net, they never let you go.

I saved my crutches from when I had knee surgery. Never know...First used them at age 12 for IDK, a month or so; Full knee dislocation from slipping while playing tennis.Then at 15, 21 and 10 years ago post surgery. I hate them!!!!Being young does not mean you can not get hurt.I have hidden them, hate even looking at them.Hubby at least looked at the heater yesterday, that is a start to winter prepping;Might be easier to fly south.Noticed the kiddies holding mommies hands and walking to school this morning; I am not envious!!Never liked school much after the 5th grade. Too dull with boring teachers.I always took on school jobs to not feel trapped and bored. Safety guard, Girl Scouts, cafe helper, sold cartons of milk and collected the money, made change etc. Library helper.Only job I disliked was when the teacher made me be a Nazi, gave me a pencil and paper and left the room for a smoke, chat break.I was suppose to write down the names of any student who got up, messed around or spoke.I always turned in a blank sheet of paper, mama did not raise a fool!Guess I had a good girl image before HS at least.Talk about side jobs in the home and being bored. My Vegas friends condo is very organized and everything looks picture perfect. She keeps coming up with jobs for her husband even though it is a small place.She had him put up tiny lights on the ceilings, every 7 inches he had to put in small nails.Finished the job, did not like the look, made him take them all down and now they have to patch and paint the nail holes!I know my husband would use the hammer on me if I did that to him! Poor thing, can not keep herself busy enough.Yes, my bros wife is losing the plot. All her old teacher friends tell her she is too good for my bro, they have no clue how mean she is and how unorganized she is.My bro threw all her AZ bills in the trash, his name is not even on the property!She had not made a condo payment for over 2 months! He said he no longer cares, he is living in a motel as it is.She owes over $10,000 for 2 months! They are living rather a high lifestyle to my mind.I could and do live on $10,000 or so a year here in Hungary and never feel anything is lacking.Nothing is fully paid off after 15 years together. It is shocking to me.She expects my brother to pay her bills and his own no idea where she spends her money.He is done, I hope he sticks to his guns, he owes her nothing after being treated so poorly.My husband thinks she has another man in her life, would not be surprised.The US legal system is crooked, once they get you in their net, they never let you go. - @Marilyn Tassy

I'm not doing much DIY at the moment.  Partially just cannot be bothered and the other thing is my back and hips.  Things don't seem so important when things hurt.   I did replace two light bulbs last night while the others were watching some "Love Island" thing on Netflix.  I couldn't stand it so I had to find something to do.

How come the bulbs went at the same time?  Well, not true, we noticed them at the same time.

And besides I've got work now.  Looks like I'm aiming for an African lift off in about 3 weeks.   It'll fly by and I should be ready.  I'll speak to the "boss" later today after she cleared off on holiday and didn't tell anyone.  That's why I don't like working.  People causing me grief is responsible. No wonder I have mildly crotchety demeanour in the work place.   Unusually,  I am wondering if I should take a walking stick to Africa.  Just in case.

Life in CA seems complicated. She should make some payment on the AZ condo. Even if it's just a few thousand. Show some willing and progress.   If she doesn't they'll repossess it and she'll have to pay more - lawyers fees, back payments, this that and other fees,  blah-blah.   If she's on a good pension, then she should pay her bills and live within her means.  Everyone has to except politicians and criminals and the Teflon Don. Does she have some kind of mental health issue? Or drugs? Booze?  Or quite possibly someone else is involved.  That's a bit optimistic. It sounds like she got some mental problems to me.  Maybe your bro was the only stability in her life?  And with him gone, she's careering down a mountain.   Just speculating.

Yes, kids are back to school.  That means the trams, buses and metro is going to be all blocked up during certain periods.  Our lad is on his way back from his first lesson of the new school year.  Mainly it'll be books, organising timetables, lockers, friends etc.  Tomorrow it starts for real.   I was expecting our lad to be grumpy due to lack of sleep but he seems quite reasonable.  Won't be long before he's 16 and in theory, could leave school and be responsible.  It's not clear to me he's showing any sign of that. In the UK, he could join the Army.    Unlike the other one who - for some reason - has taken to cleaning windows in and outside the house.  Now that's a definite WTF is going on?

I'm considering making some more Tudor fruit pies.  This time with own pastry.  Maybe I'll do that in the late afternoon.

BTW, today, 1st September is the first day of Autumn (US: Fall).  It's official!  I heard it on the radio so it must be true.

p.s. just as I finished this post, we had a power cut.  Our house power tripped out.  Possibly we were saved by the RCD.  Yet another mystery of life in HU.

They sell folding walking sticks, easy to travel with.

My cousin was feeling a bit off when she came from the US to Poland. She brought a large sort of cane with a seat built in.

Very clumsy but she could sit in line at the airport or anywhere if her leg started up.

She gave it to me since it was too much and she did not want to lug it back to the states.

It could be handy for fishing, seeing a standing room only concert, I kept it but dang, it is ugly.

We tend to hoard stuff like that, never need it but when you do, it is good to have ready.

Can tell fall is here, the sun hits our windows at a different angle, going to get darker and darker.

I should watch frilly shows like Love Island , my husband loves watching 90 day fiance. people are so dumb on those shows.

I watched a few shows about torture in the middle ages and the fate of criminals during those dark days.

Last night I could hardly sleep after watching a show about Gyorgy Dozsa, the Hungarian hero of peasants.

My God the upper class can think of some very disturbing ways to stay in power!

We almost bought a flat near the park on the street named after him.Glad we passed on it otherwise I might not ever sleep again.

Yes, that SIL is cra, cra; The scary thing is she was a school teacher for IDK, 30 plus years! Home school!!!

My sister in Minn; just bought new tires for $600! Her car is not even worth that much!

My husband used to bug me about being like my sister and buying $400. tires , now $600; I will never live that down.I think her car is over 25 years old, a Japanese compact car;

Another reason I could never consider living with her, money comes and goes like water in her house.

I would think calling an Uber in bad weather would be cheaper overall.

I just read they will be opening up a Popeyes in Budapest this fall! I wonder if the employees with have the same classic Popeye work ethic as in the US? They always forget to put something in your take out order and always act rude, the food is good though. I will give it a try even though we never eat fast food.

They sell folding walking sticks, easy to travel with.My cousin was feeling a bit off when she came from the US to Poland. She brought a large sort of cane with a seat built in.Very clumsy but she could sit in line at the airport or anywhere if her leg started up.She gave it to me since it was too much and she did not want to lug it back to the states.It could be handy for fishing, seeing a standing room only concert, I kept it but dang, it is ugly.We tend to hoard stuff like that, never need it but when you do, it is good to have ready.Can tell fall is here, the sun hits our windows at a different angle, going to get darker and darker.I should watch frilly shows like Love Island , my husband loves watching 90 day fiance. people are so dumb on those shows.I watched a few shows about torture in the middle ages and the fate of criminals during those dark days.Last night I could hardly sleep after watching a show about Gyorgy Dozsa, the Hungarian hero of peasants.My God the upper class can think of some very disturbing ways to stay in power!We almost bought a flat near the park on the street named after him.Glad we passed on it otherwise I might not ever sleep again.Yes, that SIL is cra, cra; The scary thing is she was a school teacher for IDK, 30 plus years! Home school!!!My sister in Minn; just bought new tires for $600! Her car is not even worth that much!My husband used to bug me about being like my sister and buying $400. tires , now $600; I will never live that down.I think her car is over 25 years old, a Japanese compact car;Another reason I could never consider living with her, money comes and goes like water in her house.I would think calling an Uber in bad weather would be cheaper overall.I just read they will be opening up a Popeyes in Budapest this fall! I wonder if the employees with have the same classic Popeye work ethic as in the US? They always forget to put something in your take out order and always act rude, the food is good though. I will give it a try even though we never eat fast food. - @Marilyn Tassy

The sun is still beating down on us here.  It's really warm again. 27C. And with big windows, we have to keep the blinds down and if we need light, it's either airco or blinds half down.  Somehow it seems a lot warmer now than it did when it was in the 30s.   

I've got a collapsible walking stick which I inherited from my Dad and I planned to give to the MIL but she never was able to use it.  Now I find myself considering it. Sounds a bit dangerous having a collapsible walking stick.  Like a prop for Charlie Chaplin. I am not sure if I am overdoing it - like taking the kitchen sink.  Mrs F and I went walking in the woods with the dog around the Rocket Base in Biatorbagy (Iharos Hill).  It was hard going with steep inclines, switchbacks and quite a rise in elevation (maybe 100m).  We both had to stop sometimes. I have a heart monitoring watch and it was getting a bit high now and then so we took a few breaks.  If my heart rate gets above about 145, I start to feel sick.   I think the body is trying to tell me something.  Normally it's about 60.  To be healthy, one needs to go over 120 for at least 20 minutes a day. I don't think I do that every day.  I didn't have a single stick on our adventure but I did have my Nordic walking poles. I find them useful to stop me losing my footing.  It's like another leg.  There's a joke in there but not sure exactly what.   It also seems to be part of older people's uniform - comfy shoes and Nordic poles. I got the poles in Aldi.  We see a lot of people doing the same.

I cannot believe I actually watched some Love Island rubbish just in passing as I was doing other stuff a the same time and I began to know who the people were and who is with whom.  And how they are getting on.  It's on Netflix. I cannot remember the name of it - Love Couples UK or similar.  It must be incredibly cheap to make as a TV programme.  Just to fill the broadcasting hours.

$600 for 4 tyres sounds about right for a decent brand.  it's at the high end.  Second hand tyres can be had here easily enough and I am sure it's possible there.  Should easily have been able to come in around $60-80 a pop. Perhaps the tyres are as a result of getting a job at Walmart?  How did that work out in the end?  Maybe she could have got a discount on Walmart tyres.

We can pay less for tyres here but they are all Chinese ones with odd names.  We'd pay maybe 30K HUF for recognisable Korean brands like Hankook or maybe 40K for something like Goodyear.  We only buy All Season tyres now.  They make the car use a bit more fuel than Summer tyres but we don't have to change them or buy two sets.   That's a real nuisance.  We've got a set of brand new steel rims in the shed for our car but no tyres on them. I had thought of putting winter tyres on them and swapping out but decided against it.  We've got the original summer tyres that came with the car but I think we'd be wasting our time putting them on.   We'd have take off the alloy wheels and put the steel ones on and do a load of swapping about.  It's to save the alloys from rough conditions, snow, ice and salt.   But these past winters have been mild enough not to need such measures. 

My hobby car would need chunky 4WD tyres that probably cost maybe $250 a pop for a typical brand.   I bought a complete set of new tyres including rims for EUR 400 from a guy in Austria.  They were spares because he'd scrapped his car. WTF?  Like sacrilege. Clearly not a fan of older, near vintage old timers.   What was wrong with him?!  The tyres are a bit bigger than the original tyres but it's no problem, my speedo will over read by 5% due to the different size but it's fine.  Over read is better than under read.  Passed the 2 yearly test easily as it always does as I treat it like a baby - it gets an awful lot of attention.  Hobby classic cars are usually intensely maintained - far better than throwaway daily driver cars.  I can bore the socks off people with my knowledge of that particular vehicle.

I've never heard of Popeyes.  Apart from the cartoon and movie with Robin Williams in it.  I've actually been to Popeye's village in Malta. It was the film set and now it's a visitor attraction.   I cannot remember when we last had a fast food dinner.   At least several months ago.   This morning I've made Red Thai Spicy Soup.   It should be healthy as it's heavy on the vegetables.  This one also has chicken in it.   We got the Thai sauce at the Chinese shop. Very tasty.  Mrs F squeezes lemon juice into it.  Interesting, never thought of that.

BTW, in the UK, we used to have shooting sticks - like a kind of walking stick and seat.  I am not sure they'd let them on the plane these days.  Here's what they look like. I am sure these exist in the USA too and is like the one you mentioned.  The pointy bit they won't like at airport security.

It is the eldest sister who bought the tires.

The younger ones car overheated months ago and she has she has not even bothered to start the car up!

Walmart? It has not happened, not sure if they dumped her or they just hired as back up if ever needed.

I told the older sis to force her to work, even picking up dog droppings!!

They actually have a co; in the US that will come once a week or more to pick up your dog dropping from your yard!

The younger one picked up a nasty fungus on her arm and the plasma place will not allow her to donate; Gross, I think her body is screaming no more donations,  the skin reaction is from not getting proper vitamins just removing everything and not putting anything back into her system.

Sounds like a mad house to me!

I could never live with either of them.

Back in 1978 for about 6 months my son and I lived in my mom,s house. I paid rent for my own room and bath. I paid my mother to babysit too while I went to beauty collage. My husband was finishing up things on Maui and we left first to the mainland.

I treated myself to an expensive beauty foundation. I wanted to put my best face forward since going to school one had to look the part. I always think it is best to look like you already have the skills, job and then just slide into the role. Never understood people with messy hair, sloppy clothing and no make up on working in the beauty field.

Look the part, life is an act in many ways so play your part.

Well, I kept the foundation in my bathroom cabinet; About a week on I saw the bottle was empty!

I flipped out, asked my mom who had been using my stuff; Of course it was silly Cindy; At age 11 she was putting i t on, taking it off, putting it on again until she used it all up.

I told my mother it was not cool, mom just said, you know Cindy watch your stuff.

It should of been nipped in the bud back then.

Whenever we visited moms house, my husband would leave his wallet in the car, no one trusts Cindy.

I have no idea how my elder sister puts up with it.If I was there, the cops would know us by our first names by now!

I only ate at Popeye,s a handfull of times but it was good. Cajon style chicken, with buscuits and honey.

They are known for hiring rude, lazy workers who forget orders, chicken is good enough to put up with double checking your bags before leaving. Hmm, Cindy might like working there!

I have a vintage Popeye cookie jar that I would not mind selling. 1961, one tiny chip on the lid that can not be seen; Bought it for $5. at a boot sale in the 70,s. Can fetch up to nearly $400. now but average quick sale is $95. With my luck I will be lucky to get my $5. back!

Thai red soup sounds very tasty.

I am not very good a making Asian dishes. Like them though.

Was thinking back on tires.

In the 80s a good friend of mine was a tire connection.

Her father and uncle owned a huge tire store in the San Fernando Valley.

All the cool FM radio stations ran their adds.

Pos A Traction Tires. Got a brand new set of Michellin,s from her father for about $100. for all 4.

Too bad her cousin embezzled and they had to close down.

They make buko bank when they were open.

She lived with her father in a very lovely big house in the Hills of Sherman Oaks, pool spa, maid etc.

We worked together at Carltons salon. Pretty girl of 18 who looked like a red headed Marilyn Monroe.

She would get her dads credit card and shop on lunch break spending more in a day then she earned in 2 weeks.

Must be nice.

She got married to a guy from SA and 2 weeks after the wedding filed for divorce. I asked her why did she bother getting married, rich girl answer, she wanted to find out what it was like!

Her father had some OCD issues, big time ones.

Everyday after work my friend had to wash the kitchen floor even though they had a maid come in once a week.

The fridge was empty and no one cooked at home but her dad had issues with cleaning.

She had me tip toe into his room to see what she was on about.

He had a huge bathroom but he never used it! He was so paranoid over making a mess that he used the shower outside by the spa!

Great for awhile in business but afraid of dirt or a slight water stain on his mirror.

Anyways, it is always nice to know someone in a business, those new tires were a sweet deal.

Thai red soup sounds very tasty.I am not very good a making Asian dishes. Like them though....She got married to a guy from SA and 2 weeks after the wedding filed for divorce. I asked her why did she bother getting married, rich girl answer, she wanted to find out what it was like!Her father had some OCD issues, big time ones.Everyday after work my friend had to wash the kitchen floor even though they had a maid come in once a week.The fridge was empty and no one cooked at home but her dad had issues with cleaning.She had me tip toe into his room to see what she was on about.He had a huge bathroom but he never used it! He was so paranoid over making a mess that he used the shower outside by the spa!Great for awhile in business but afraid of dirt or a slight water stain on his mirror.Anyways, it is always nice to know someone in a business, those new tires were a sweet deal. - @Marilyn Tassy

The Thai Red Spicy Soup was rather nice.  It's all about the sauce really and that's out of a pot so it's not like the other ingredients subtly change the entire thing.  One could use dog food or breakfast cereal and it'd be dominated by the Thai sauce spices etc.  I am thinking of trying a 2nd attempt at fruit pies but I'll do my own pastry as I said before.  Mrs F came back with another bag of plums.  Looks like I have no choice but to do something with them.

That thing about your friend's Dad reminded me of Howard Hughes.   He was apparently very OCD and needed medical help but that's the thing.  He was so rich he could find anyone medical to support his claims or beliefs.   He was quite a character of his time - the oil drilling equipment,  the Spruce Goose, film-making and Jane Russell's underwired bra (supposedly she never wore it). Clearly a guy of diverse if sometimes misapplied talents.  And apparently mentally connected very differently to the rest of us.

It's kind of interesting these kinds of people have any success.  How does one sell that?  Crazy genius?  That's too kind.   I'm thinking of Elon Musk who clearly has some mental complications going on.  At one point I actually began to feel sorry for him as I thought he was going through a mental breakdown.  But having thought about it far too much, he doesn't deserve any sympathy.

My immediate instinct is to help people and society if I suddenly found myself almost omnipotent.  I'd vote for world peace.

I've said it before, I'm no fan of Micro$oft but at least Bill Gates is at least trying to do something useful with his money like find a cure for malaria.   And donating to the UN.

Don't really get the idea Hughes did or Musk is doing any such thing for the world.

Image of Jane Russell - not sure if she's wearing her HH designed bra here in a still from The Outlaw (a turkey filmed by Hughes but not a box office bomb):

And the movie:

Jane was a huge pin up gal in WW2 for American troops.

IDK, as a women I think she has a bit of a male energy about her, her face is sort of rough with too many angles.

If you do a deep dive into conspiracy theories, they would say she was a tranny.

I love Thai food but have no idea how to make it.

These days foods that are too spicy do me in.

I forced my husband to cut my hair today, I must honestly say he is better then 90 percent of professionals;

He scares me at times because I have to remind him every so often to only cut with the tips of the shears, to try and lift it a few degrees off of my neck as he tends to snip me once in awhile but overall; ,no hanging bits like most hairdresser leave here in Hungary.

I go over it after he is done with my little tricks like C sections and using my thinning shears here and there. He always tells me to go into a salon but I just hate going in so much;

I hate thinking of spending 8,000 or 12,000 plus on a cut when I know my hair is so easy to do.

Yes, Howard Hughes was a bit cra, cra. They have many buildings in Vegas with his name on them.

Jane was a huge pin up gal in WW2 for American troops.IDK, as a women I think she has a bit of a male energy about her, her face is sort of rough with too many angles.If you do a deep dive into conspiracy theories, they would say she was a tranny.I love Thai food but have no idea how to make it.These days foods that are too spicy do me in.I forced my husband to cut my hair today, I must honestly say he is better then 90 percent of professionals;He scares me at times because I have to remind him every so often to only cut with the tips of the shears, to try and lift it a few degrees off of my neck as he tends to snip me once in awhile but overall; ,no hanging bits like most hairdresser leave here in Hungary.I go over it after he is done with my little tricks like C sections and using my thinning shears here and there. He always tells me to go into a salon but I just hate going in so much;I hate thinking of spending 8,000 or 12,000 plus on a cut when I know my hair is so easy to do.Yes, Howard Hughes was a bit cra, cra. They have many buildings in Vegas with his name on them. - @Marilyn Tassy

Yes, she was apparently hot in 1943.   Not so hot now.   I do agree she had more angles than a Tesla Cybertruck.  A very ugly vehicle but Jane Russell had other attributes.   There's speculation that Mrs Obama and Mrs Macron are transgender but it all seems like nonsense to me since they have children.  They didn't grow their kids in a box.

I really should get my hair done if I'm going to do a job somewhere. I dunno though, I could argue it's religious or ethnic to have it messy.  It's the backwards through a hedge look.  It's how the Anglo-Saxons groomed themselves.  Grizzled and undone but with more than one bath a year. 

Took the invention of soap to improve people's hygiene.  I am amazed how important soap is to society and health.  I read in a book that they Romans smeared olive oil all over and then scraped themselves with sharp blades.  That was like the equivalent of getting "washed" back then.  I suppose they smelled like rancid olive oil afterwards.

Howard Hughes I am not sure should be remembered fondly.  Every time I see the letters HH I think of (Heil) Hitler.   H is the 8th letter of the alphabet so 88 is a sign for Adolf.  Also a lucky number in China.  I was on a construction site run by the Chinese and some people were wearing hard hats with 88 on them.  And I don't think they were secret fascists.  They were hoping the 88 would ward off those dropped hammers and flying bricks.

Superstitions run deep in many cultures.

88, just like 666 stay away from even thinking about them.

My great aunts were superstitious. Pour salt over your shoulder, spin 3 times and toss a bean, something like that.

My mom used to make us do the salt thing, crazy but what can ya do?

Oh, yes do not walk under a ladder, well that is common sense really.

IDK, most women have to tell their husband they need a salon day, I have to ask him to help me instead.

I just can not bring myself to go into a salon. Spent too much time working in them;

I feel the vibes as soon as I walk in and get uncomfortable.

Can read the room with all the big egos and the entire set up of the salon.

most clients do not notice the small things I do. How clean is their station, how clean are their brushes, did they rinse long enough etc.

Drives me crazy, it is a test even before they get started on cutting.

I watch all of it, how they approach a cut, how clean their sections are or not etc.

I section my own hair, make extra tiny sections so my husband does not lose control or direction.

I swear the clean up is hardly needed, while most cuts I have had in Hungary require me to comb though at home and snip off tags they left by being sloppy and not going through the cut when it was dry.

I never get too excited about any haircut until I go home, wash it and see how it falls.

Easy to force hair into place but seeing it fall in a natural place is more important. Sort of the Vidal Sassoon way of cutting.

The blow dry does not empress me they can cover up allot of mistakes with some spray and heat.

If you want a nice hairdresser who is friendly, speaks English as an Ozzy and has allot of cutting experience, I would recommend my guy he works now I think in the 6th district. Louis Varga, can find him online. I have misplaced his number. Stopped going to him when I got ill and got busy. he is popular with the Spanish speaking community as well.

See, he is not even a Hungarian hairdresser, that says allot!

My Vegas friend has taken yet another hard fall. IDK, she must be doing things too fast.One day she is going to crack her skull.

I see allot of documentaries  on the Turkish bath houses they have in Topkapi palace.

I do not fully understand how they actually washed up. They poured bowls of water on themselves or had someone help them do that but they wore high shoes and wrapped their bodies in silk wraps. Never saw an actual tub where they could sit in or considering  how advanced they were with running hot and cold taps, why not have a shower? I know they put lye or some harsh chemical on their hair all over their bodies and scrapped it off with shells, yikes that could be  dangerous in the wrong hands.

My husband used to go to the Rudas around age 9 with his uncle. men only days.

He said after the waters they would be wrapped in hot towels and lay down in a quiet room for an hour or so, they even got beat slightly with branches of some tree?? Sounds a bit kinky to me!

Sounds about right. You could say the same about most products with a supporting app. There's only the wife, myself and Boris at home these days, so we don't use much; it only stood out because our grid supplied electricity went from not much, to zero overnight. We've begun winterising the house in preparation for winter; all the sunscreens are down cleaned and put away, the blinds in the Velux windows are open; the scaffolding comes down tomorrow, then the EV charger on Tuesday. Oh, and I got a new(ish) PC. - @CynicSounds like major investments at Casa Cynic. I'll have to wait for the lottery winnings to be deposited. I could start turning off the kids power to their rooms and then plead ignorance. Kids will get around things. They are quite inventive. Winterising is something on the cards here but in true HU fashion the weather is mostly predictable. MId-October, there will be a big sudden switch from Indian summer to cold and darkness. Only the dog will be happy what with that big furry coat. So we've got months to get organised.It is a little sad it's September tomorrow. Summer freedoms over and back on the grindstone. Here in HU, school starts again. All that staying up late and lazing about is at an end. It's going to be very difficult the first few days to get back in the groove. - @fluffy2560 Certainly is; we've reached that stage of our lives where you need to get ready for getting older, so a mobility scooter is on the cards for next week and then after we finish tidying up/finishing off the solar related stuff; of which I'm not impressed that you can't recharge a mobility scooter from the EV plug, the bathroom is next on the list for refurbishment; the idea is that we won't be faced with major upheaval in our lives when we are the least able to deal with it. With the current lot of politicians in power for the next 3 years, it didn't seem to make a lot of sense in saving money for the sake of it, so we discussed it with the kids and decided to sort the house out for retirement and do what we could do to protect our pensions.The PC is my sons-in-law's old one; he makes and sells them as a hobby and had just upgraded his system, so I got his old one; my old one was working fine, but was not W11 compatible. - @Cynic

I get it. Preparing for older life is something which has been on my mind. What I hadn't anticipated is getting health conditions which have long term impact. Mobility mainly. I don't have to tell you about that obviously. I thought nothing would happen until way past 70. Got that wrong. No wonder I don't bet at casinos or on the gee-gees.

Windows 10 (W10) becoming EoL (End of Life) is a PITA. There used to be a way around it - to install W11 - but Micro$oft took away that option. There is another way to do it but I haven't got around testing it properly. The primary problem is the new'ish Trusted Platform Module (TPM). It's for security issues (some of them probably made up by M$). It's a hardware feature now demanded on the motherboards but really, hardly anyone seriously needs it. Many good brands like Dell had this for some years - I updated Mrs F's machine to W11 just recently. But other known brands don't and the laptops are perfectly good except for the TPM being not there.

However, there is a way to fool it. Your Son-In-Law will know - install a Virtual Machine (VM) to host a VM of W11 with a Virtual TPM. Not all laptops will be capable of supporting VMs properly but many are - at least the last 10 years they should be OK - but not the very very low end machines with low end processors. Probably within the next 2 weeks, I'll be in a position to actually test this on my own kit. I say two weeks because I'm moving a very large amount of data off a load of disks on a server onto a consolidated device. I'm talking Terabytes. It takes literally days to get the data off those disks. I'm watching it now. It's shifting 3TB in literally 24h or longer.

If anyone has an Apple machine, they probably do this already - run W11 in a VM. It's all normal for Apple. I know almost nothing about Apple machines and keep away from them. I've used them but I'm far more familiar with Windows and bigger machinery. - @fluffy2560

Solar update - all done, I'm just in the process of fitting some weather protection over the inverter and batteries; EDF assure me it's not required as all the items are in weatherproof containers, but a rain canopy on the wall over the kit will make me feel I've done all I can.

Now the scaffolding has gone, it looks good.  It's overcast here at the moment and I'm getting >500W of power into my inverter, of which 400W is being used by the house, 100W is going to recharge my batteries which were at 55% capacity this morning, once they are full (assuming it stays overcast, another 3ish hours), it then gets sold to EDF.  EV charging is now installed, we have a Hypervolt unit installed on our house, with a 10m tethered charging lead which reaches where we park our cars.  We've signed up with EDF's EV tariff, basically 9p p.kWh from midnight to 5 am, 24p p/kWh outside of that and the app controls the vehicle charging to benefit from the cheaper rate, we plug it in, but nothing happens till midnight.

Solar update - all done, I'm just in the process of fitting some weather protection over the inverter and batteries; EDF assure me it's not required as all the items are in weatherproof containers, but a rain canopy on the wall over the kit will make me feel I've done all I can.
Now the scaffolding has gone, it looks good. It's overcast here at the moment and I'm getting >500W of power into my inverter, of which 400W is being used by the house, 100W is going to recharge my batteries which were at 55% capacity this morning, once they are full (assuming it stays overcast, another 3ish hours), it then gets sold to EDF. EV charging is now installed, we have a Hypervolt unit installed on our house, with a 10m tethered charging lead which reaches where we park our cars. We've signed up with EDF's EV tariff, basically 9p p.kWh from midnight to 5 am, 24p p/kWh outside of that and the app controls the vehicle charging to benefit from the cheaper rate, we plug it in, but nothing happens till midnight. - @Cynic

This sounds exciting.   Interesting to hear power is still coming in, even with overcast weather.  I was surprised to hear the inverter and batteries are not inside.  The space I have is in the cellar so it's not weather affected.

I've had outside lights which they swear are waterproof (standard used is IP65) but constant dripping rain soon killed it off.  Had to replace it.

Presumably your batteries were at 100% at the start of day, then used nothing from them in the day, then overnight it dropped by 45% to left over 55% due to base overnight in darkness usage - fridge, TV, lights etc.

That's quite a price difference on the EV overnight vs daytime.  You'd actually think daytime would be cheaper as that's when the sun shines, assuming it's "green" energy.  Wind blows all the time. I know people would be out and about and sitting at their desks etc, using their laptops, using the washing machine etc.   Just made me think, so much solar would be production, surely there's a surplus during daylight hours. But I suppose they idle other production dynamically.

Solar update - all done, I'm just in the process of fitting some weather protection over the inverter and batteries; EDF assure me it's not required as all the items are in weatherproof containers, but a rain canopy on the wall over the kit will make me feel I've done all I can.
Now the scaffolding has gone, it looks good. It's overcast here at the moment and I'm getting >500W of power into my inverter, of which 400W is being used by the house, 100W is going to recharge my batteries which were at 55% capacity this morning, once they are full (assuming it stays overcast, another 3ish hours), it then gets sold to EDF. EV charging is now installed, we have a Hypervolt unit installed on our house, with a 10m tethered charging lead which reaches where we park our cars. We've signed up with EDF's EV tariff, basically 9p p.kWh from midnight to 5 am, 24p p/kWh outside of that and the app controls the vehicle charging to benefit from the cheaper rate, we plug it in, but nothing happens till midnight.  - @Cynic
This sounds exciting. Interesting to hear power is still coming in, even with overcast weather. I was surprised to hear the inverter and batteries are not inside. The space I have is in the cellar so it's not weather affected.
I've had outside lights which they swear are waterproof (standard used is IP65) but constant dripping rain soon killed it off. Had to replace it.

Presumably your batteries were at 100% at the start of day, then used nothing from them in the day, then overnight it dropped by 45% to left over 55% due to base overnight in darkness usage - fridge, TV, lights etc.

That's quite a price difference on the EV overnight vs daytime. You'd actually think daytime would be cheaper as that's when the sun shines, assuming it's "green" energy. Wind blows all the time. I know people would be out and about and sitting at their desks etc, using their laptops, using the washing machine etc. Just made me think, so much solar would be production, surely there's a surplus during daylight hours. But I suppose they idle other production dynamically. - @fluffy2560

Our panels are the latest which do not need sunlight, just daylight is enough; that said, sunlight produces more power, the benefit of these is that you are never without a power source in daylight hours, it's just the amount that varies.

We were going to put them in the attic, then having discussed it with the 2 engineers who installed it, they told me of future requirements for a fire suppression system in loft installations that may become a retrospective requirement for house insurance purposes; the Government can (and does) normally not like retrospective actions, but they can't force the Insurance industry to provide financial cover without underwriting it themselves, and after Grenfell, everyone is twitchy.  I decided that should I for any reason want to get to them in a hurry (the emergency cut-off is alongside), with my medical condition, I wouldn't want to try and get up in my loft when it mattered, plus the EV charging has to connect to it, which is a lot of power in an area I can't easily get to.  We don't have a cellar.  Now, it's a single encased wire that runs down a corner of the house to the area where we keep our bins, so all the nonsense is in one area, and we can put some plant pots in front if it bothers us later on and best of all, the regulators aren't going to get excited.

Batteries are never at 100%, it knackers the batteries (both house and EV's) to continually recharge them to 100%.  I have excess capacity, so ours are set at 80% and they should last me for a long time; I think the lowest my batteries have gone to overnight is 55%, so 25% of the capacity is used keeping the fridges, freezers, internet etc working when we're asleep.  The house runs from the batteries all the time; you can set it to run from the mains and sell everything to the grid, but economically, it's better to sell your excess.  There are people who sit at home flicking from one to the other, I'm not one of them.

Power demand is greater during the day, that's when people are up and about and using appliances.  What causes issues is when the power sources don't function effectively; so, no wind affects wind turbines, overcast affects solar, wars affect oil and gas and of course, politicians can wreck the whole thing by farting at the wrong time.  The UK has the highest electricity prices in the whole of Europe and there are no controls in place to stop it, the opposite is the case, so solar is gaining a lot of customers over here at the moment ............... mmmm.

BTW - I get paid 24p per kWh for energy I export to the Grid.

.....Our panels are the latest which do not need sunlight, just daylight is enough; that said, sunlight produces more power, the benefit of these is that you are never without a power source in daylight hours, it's just the amount that varies.We were going to put them in the attic, then having discussed it with the 2 engineers who installed it, they told me of future requirements for a fire suppression system in loft installations that may become a retrospective requirement for house insurance purposes; the Government can (and does) normally not like retrospective actions, but they can't force the Insurance industry to provide financial cover without underwriting it themselves, and after Grenfell, everyone is twitchy. I decided that should I for any reason want to get to them in a hurry (the emergency cut-off is alongside), with my medical condition, I wouldn't want to try and get up in my loft when it mattered, plus the EV charging has to connect to it, which is a lot of power in an area I can't easily get to. We don't have a cellar. Now, it's a single encased wire that runs down a corner of the house to the area where we keep our bins, so all the nonsense is in one area, and we can put some plant pots in front if it bothers us later on and best of all, the regulators aren't going to get excited.Batteries are never at 100%, it knackers the batteries (both house and EV's) to continually recharge them to 100%. I have excess capacity, so ours are set at 80% and they should last me for a long time; I think the lowest my batteries have gone to overnight is 55%, so 25% of the capacity is used keeping the fridges, freezers, internet etc working when we're asleep. The house runs from the batteries all the time; you can set it to run from the mains and sell everything to the grid, but economically, it's better to sell your excess. There are people who sit at home flicking from one to the other, I'm not one of them.Power demand is greater during the day, that's when people are up and about and using appliances. What causes issues is when the power sources don't function effectively; so, no wind affects wind turbines, overcast affects solar, wars affect oil and gas and of course, politicians can wreck the whole thing by farting at the wrong time. The UK has the highest electricity prices in the whole of Europe and there are no controls in place to stop it, the opposite is the case, so solar is gaining a lot of customers over here at the moment ............... mmmm. - @Cynic

This is good information.  I hadn't thought about the insurance issues.  I doubt they've thought about them here at all.  We do see a lot of house fires here.  And many people don't have insurance.  Hard to believe but yes, it's true.  And they don't have alarms, fire extinguishers or fire blankets.  I have all that. I'm nothing if not paranoid.  Or well prepared.  One or both of them.

We could put the batteries in the roof but they would be so heavy, I'd be worried about them appearing suddenly on a lower floor.   The cellar means they don't have far to fall. I also could put them in my shed.  I already have buried underground conduit between the house and shed.   I also forgot about the 80% battery charging thing.  Yes, that would need to be workable too.

I always forget people put the kettle on when it's footie half-time and it's the adverts for Coronation Street (it's a soap opera for those that don't know).   

There are a lot of interconnectors across Europe, including that huge new one from Norway.  UK is buying their surplus hydro I believe.   I've never understood truly why the price of hydro, solar and wind changes much at all.   It's light, rainy and windy every day and once the kit is in, it's generating with little maintenance.  No way it's linked that directly to the price of oil. 

BTW, randomly due to Google and solar installations, I found Alderney has major power problems. OK, it's not part of the UK but they are going to "nationalise" their power company.   You'd think they'd be totally solar with a giant battery bank.   They are hiking their unit prices by something like an additional 50p a KwH due to needing legal means for litigation against their government.  Ouch!

This is good information. I hadn't thought about the insurance issues. I doubt they've thought about them here at all. We do see a lot of house fires here. And many people don't have insurance. Hard to believe but yes, it's true. And they don't have alarms, fire extinguishers or fire blankets. I have all that. I'm nothing if not paranoid. Or well prepared. One or both of them.
We could put the batteries in the roof but they would be so heavy, I'd be worried about them appearing suddenly on a lower floor. The cellar means they don't have far to fall. I also could put them in my shed. I already have buried underground conduit between the house and shed. I also forgot about the 80% battery charging thing. Yes, that would need to be workable too.

I always forget people put the kettle on when it's footie half-time and it's the adverts for Coronation Street (it's a soap opera for those that don't know).

There are a lot of interconnectors across Europe, including that huge new one from Norway. UK is buying their surplus hydro I believe. I've never understood truly why the price of hydro, solar and wind changes much at all. It's light, rainy and windy every day and once the kit is in, it's generating with little maintenance. No way it's linked that directly to the price of oil.

BTW, randomly due to Google and solar installations, I found Alderney has major power problems. OK, it's not part of the UK but they are going to "nationalise" their power company. You'd think they'd be totally solar with a giant battery bank. They are hiking their unit prices by something like an additional 50p a KwH due to needing legal means for litigation against their government. Ouch! - @fluffy2560

There was nothing I could find that said whether such things need additional Insurance cover, so I spoke to our Insurer and was basically told there was no specific additional cover requirements above and beyond whether the current sum insured was enough to cover the house with the new items fitted and that there was a requirement that all the regulatory building regs were covered and signed off in writing (ours is); it begs the question as to whether DIY instals would meet that requirement (I don't know, I didn't go down that rabbit hole); my only involvement is going to be placing a canopy over the top of it to protect it from the elements.

As for a cellar, I've lived in houses in Germany that had cellars, a few had water ingress issues, my advice would be to think about whether yours could flood.

This is good information. I hadn't thought about the insurance issues. I doubt they've thought about them here at all. We do see a lot of house fires here. And many people don't have insurance. Hard to believe but yes, it's true. And they don't have alarms, fire extinguishers or fire blankets. I have all that. I'm nothing if not paranoid. Or well prepared. One or both of them.
We could put the batteries in the roof but they would be so heavy, I'd be worried about them appearing suddenly on a lower floor. The cellar means they don't have far to fall. I also could put them in my shed. I already have buried underground conduit between the house and shed. I also forgot about the 80% battery charging thing. Yes, that would need to be workable too.

I always forget people put the kettle on when it's footie half-time and it's the adverts for Coronation Street (it's a soap opera for those that don't know).

There are a lot of interconnectors across Europe, including that huge new one from Norway. UK is buying their surplus hydro I believe. I've never understood truly why the price of hydro, solar and wind changes much at all. It's light, rainy and windy every day and once the kit is in, it's generating with little maintenance. No way it's linked that directly to the price of oil.

BTW, randomly due to Google and solar installations, I found Alderney has major power problems. OK, it's not part of the UK but they are going to "nationalise" their power company. You'd think they'd be totally solar with a giant battery bank. They are hiking their unit prices by something like an additional 50p a KwH due to needing legal means for litigation against their government. Ouch!  - @fluffy2560
There was nothing I could find that said whether such things need additional Insurance cover, so I spoke to our Insurer and was basically told there was no specific additional cover requirements above and beyond whether the current sum insured was enough to cover the house with the new items fitted and that there was a requirement that all the regulatory building regs were covered and signed off in writing (ours is); it begs the question as to whether DIY instals would meet that requirement (I don't know, I didn't go down that rabbit hole); my only involvement is going to be placing a canopy over the top of it to protect it from the elements.
As for a cellar, I've lived in houses in Germany that had cellars, a few had water ingress issues, my advice would be to think about whether yours could flood. - @Cynic

When we built the house, we built "French drains" around the base of the cellar that drain into a soakaway a distance away.   The chances of it flooding are quite low as we're on a hill.  Famous last words but it's a good point. 

I think what I could do is install it myself and then get it certified/signed off by an electrician.  I've done designs and concepts of plenty of electrical installations but I don't do it on-site work every day like the on-site electricians.  There's some other remedial work to do as well.  So it'll need subcontractors and a cherry picker.

Bit of a rant here....

My problem here is explaining to people what I want them to do.  When we had the gas heating installed, I thought I was clear what I wanted. I'd full researched the solution and I knew it was available in HU.  In typical fashion he nodded like he knew.  I showed him the brochures.  However I received something else at the end.    It was because I told the heating guy I wanted controlled manifolds (for our partial underfloor heating) where there is a central controller.  These are powered heads on the manifold (distribution centre) which can be set to specific temperatures. What we ended up with was an upstairs and a downstairs area controller.   Absolutely not what I asked for.  I looked at the controller he used and yes, it could have worked.  But he wired it differently.  I gave up when I tried to tell him what he did wrong - he didn't get it, didn't understand and had never seen such technology apparently.   So now what happens is that our underfloor areas are "uncontrolled" for temperature (via the manifold thermostat).  It's grated on me for some years.  I'll probably have to do it myself.  Like much here.

It's generally true here that workmen try to do what they want, not what one needs or asked for.  It's like, let's bodge it and no-one will notice.   Had the same with the bannisters - these are welded stainless steel installations.  When I saw what they did I thought they were taking the piss.  I had to say, come on, what do you think? That's acceptable? And their boss spoke good English!  We had the same boss guy back to do our patio barriers in the same style  and he got it immediately.  He knew what was wanted and we were satisfied with the result.  It was his workers who all had screws loose.

BTW, I had to argue about the French drains.  The builders didn't see the point but I blinking well know how it works and had to insist.  I also had the same issue with landscapers insisting on tiny rodding points for drains.  Nope, I want to see our waste through a manhole cover.   I can then get a jet wash down there if it gets blocked.  Be doing it blind otherwise.   

Don't start me on the metal supports for our patio. I am not sure the buggers painted them when concreting them in the ground.  We'll find out when it rusts through!

Rant over!

Superstitions run deep in many cultures.88, just like 666 stay away from even thinking about them.My great aunts were superstitious. Pour salt over your shoulder, spin 3 times and toss a bean, something like that.My mom used to make us do the salt thing, crazy but what can ya do?Oh, yes do not walk under a ladder, well that is common sense really.IDK, most women have to tell their husband they need a salon day, I have to ask him to help me instead.I just can not bring myself to go into a salon. Spent too much time working in them;I feel the vibes as soon as I walk in and get uncomfortable.Can read the room with all the big egos and the entire set up of the salon.most clients do not notice the small things I do. How clean is their station, how clean are their brushes, did they rinse long enough etc.Drives me crazy, it is a test even before they get started on cutting.I watch all of it, how they approach a cut, how clean their sections are or not etc.I section my own hair, make extra tiny sections so my husband does not lose control or direction.I swear the clean up is hardly needed, while most cuts I have had in Hungary require me to comb though at home and snip off tags they left by being sloppy and not going through the cut when it was dry.I never get too excited about any haircut until I go home, wash it and see how it falls.Easy to force hair into place but seeing it fall in a natural place is more important. Sort of the Vidal Sassoon way of cutting.The blow dry does not empress me they can cover up allot of mistakes with some spray and heat.If you want a nice hairdresser who is friendly, speaks English as an Ozzy and has allot of cutting experience, I would recommend my guy he works now I think in the 6th district. Louis Varga, can find him online. I have misplaced his number. Stopped going to him when I got ill and got busy. he is popular with the Spanish speaking community as well.See, he is not even a Hungarian hairdresser, that says allot!My Vegas friend has taken yet another hard fall. IDK, she must be doing things too fast.One day she is going to crack her skull.I see allot of documentaries on the Turkish bath houses they have in Topkapi palace.I do not fully understand how they actually washed up. They poured bowls of water on themselves or had someone help them do that but they wore high shoes and wrapped their bodies in silk wraps. Never saw an actual tub where they could sit in or considering how advanced they were with running hot and cold taps, why not have a shower? I know they put lye or some harsh chemical on their hair all over their bodies and scrapped it off with shells, yikes that could be dangerous in the wrong hands.My husband used to go to the Rudas around age 9 with his uncle. men only days.He said after the waters they would be wrapped in hot towels and lay down in a quiet room for an hour or so, they even got beat slightly with branches of some tree?? Sounds a bit kinky to me! - @Marilyn Tassy

Superstitions are just amusing, I don't think any of them are supposedly to be taken too seriously.  Or common sense as you say.   

We invent our own here at Fluffy Towers.  Previously I had these theories/thoughts that if a country's name began with M, we'd never travel to it.  It's not true of course. We've been to countries beginning with M.  And the other one was if we bought a guide book for a country before we travelled there, it would jinx our travel and our trip would be cancelled.  It's obviously not true. 

But that other one I wrote about before concerning countries we went to falling into civil war or conflict does seem to be true.   As I said back then, others I work with have noticed that as well.  Like we're all in league with the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.   Obviously it's nonsense but you know, if I noticed and others noticed, then maybe just maybe something is going on.  Not because of us, just because of similar circumstances in these places possibly.  I don't want to over think it or change my name to Damien.

When the apocalypse comes - as it must - I will have to have learnt how to make soap beforehand. I don't think it's too difficult.  Giant business empires were founded on soap - Anglo-Dutch conglomerate Unilever for example - makes of Persil and numerous other brands we use daily.   I'll run the bath house in the next Mad Max universe.  Everyone needs a bath sometimes, even grumpy beardy evil cult leaders, dripping in leather, waving swords riding hogs.

As we've talked about before, the Rudas was supposedly a gay hang out.  I suppose it was all relatively benign back there and kept innocent but possibly had some interest for your hubby's uncle.  Not in your hubby but others hanging out there for the visuals.  The whacking with the branches, I think the Finns do that.  I have been in a few saunas. I used to go to a spa near the town I lived in when I worked in Germany. It was nothing to write home about but it did give a bit of lightness when one came out.  Or was it relief and blood pressure returning to normal?  I used to combine it with bike riding.  Ride to the spa, hang out, ride back again.  Hilly too but I was in my mid-30s then so invincible.

BTW, if I didn't say before, there's an article about the very large caves and cave diving system under Budapest.  It's all connected up with the water system and presumably the old spas will link up.   I'm seriously considering  the idea of diving there.  Click here to read.  There's also video about it.  Worth reading and watching the video (with subtitles).

As for my hair, yes, I think I could do with a tidy up.  What I'll do about it, I don't know. I am blessed with a lot of hair still at 65 but OK, it's not like it was when I was a kid.  It's thinning out a bit here and there. I guess it was inevitable.   My mother had fantastic hair.  Lush and dark.   Luckily  our daughter is the same, she's got it in spades. It's really thick, dark and profuse. Our son's head is similarly productive.  They should make the most of it.

Maybe your friend needs more grab handles.  One of our kids put shampoo or some other slippery substance on the shower floor.  I had to try and wash it off as it was a death trap.  But that's kids for you, no thought about consequences until maybe mid-20s.  Their frontal lobes have not developed so they don't think things through.  Meanwhile, I have grab handles in the shower.  Mrs F was so against the handles but I like them.  In fact, I'm going to insist from now on.

My husband was only 9 so he had no clue what what going on inside the Rudas;

It was commie days so being gay was a crime that could get you locked away or put in a funny farm.

His uncle from stories was extra handsome and all the ladies wanted to go out with him;

He however was not very interested in any of his sisters friends .

I met him when he was in his 80s so can not judge his looks;

He was interesting though, a real communist to the end.

Caused allot of verbal fights with my FIL who had different views.

Uncle was such a big party member and true believer that he threw his party book in the faces of the local community because he thought they wasted the peoples money on him.

They moved him out for months near the great market hall into a flat while the party remodeled his old apt; in the 5th. He needed it, he did not even have his own bathroom in the old flat.

He was upset though said he was old, had gotten used to the way his flat was and hated to see the waste.

He knew everything about herbal teas and herbs as well as what waters to sit in and for how long for all illnesses. Rudas expert.

He never married or had children. He left his flat to his niece, not really fair to others in the family who were closer to him by blood, like his sister, my MIL.

I am angry as heck with my SIL; My brother said he spent the night in his van and checked out of the motel, it was getting pricey; He pent over 8 hours yesterday running from one agency to another to find housing he can afford in Ca;

His leg is sore, had to go to the hospital because it was bleeding. He should be resting not running around town because his wife is insane. No infection, yet that is. They gave him antibiotics just in case.

She is playing weird games with him, contacting him then saying she should not talk with him. I told him not to delete her crazy messages in case he needs to show them later in court. She has to be one of the most selfish people alive; When he was in the ICU, I let her BS pass thinking she was just upset; She would visit him, fight the doctors for him then not visit him for a week and take herself out to dinners, the beach etc.

Now I know she has a split personality.She even told my bro she might contact her ex from 20 years ago to help her pay her bills, not with money but write out the bills. Teacher, God help us!

The ex who was suppose to be gay but I have found out he put her in the hospital 2 times during their marriage; Man she can trigger people!!

I asked my brother if he can see the judge and get out of Ca; far away from crazy lady.

They have courts in every state.

I never miss the US but right now being there would be useful.

I would defo help him as much as possible. This far away, my hands are tied.

His wife had surgery for A fib with her heart, I sort of wish the worst for her, only way he gets out alive and sane.

I am actually just indifferent to her medical issues, could care less.

I am an empath but once I give up on someone that is it. She crossed the line too many times.

All I can say is she is super lucky my other brother and sister are not alive because I know exactly what they would do.Not pretty possibly not legal either!

I wish he would hire a lawyer for himself.

He is afraid to go back to jail, said without a leg in there, he will die; Have to be able to defend yourself when locked up in the US.

My son had a DV with his Hungarian wife, I am so sick of women playing the poor me card, usually they are the trouble makers, go too far, make someone lose their minds then play victim.

His wife was a nightmare, I did feel good when I went to court with my son and the guard called me over to let me know I should not feel bad; She sees it everyday, green card wives making false claims so they green card is not revoked.

Men get set up so easily, it makes me dislike my own sex when they abuse the system and lie.

What ever happened to just walking away without drama?

Surprised the weather is hot again.Debating if we should pull our winter clothing out yet or wait.

This year is passing so fast.

Hair, it is such a personal thing, one reason I never enjoyed doing hair.

Some people expect a total new image just from one hairstyle.

Can never make everyone happy. Sounds overly emotional but the few times I loved doing hair were the few times I had a cancer patient in my chair.

They wanted one last shorter cut before chemo started. They always were so happy to go shorter and see thicker hair even if it lasted for a month only.

Sometimes it takes a month or more, chemo is over with, then the hair falls out.

Some people have so much hair, they really need to be charged for 2 cuts at a time!

My husband was only 9 so he had no clue what what going on inside the Rudas;It was commie days so being gay was a crime that could get you locked away or put in a funny farm.His uncle from stories was extra handsome and all the ladies wanted to go out with him;He however was not very interested in any of his sisters friends .I met him when he was in his 80s so can not judge his looks;

I am utterly sure your hubby was being looked after in the correct way when at the Rudas.  People had proper thinking of right and wrong back there.

But Uncle could well have been gay.  Look at Rock Hudson.  My mother was devastated to find out he was batting for the other team.  He'd been a idol.  Hell, even I liked him and his acting.  I suppose it doesn't mean anything now to be out  but back then it would have been scandalous and destroyed him.  Apparently Rock was an extremely professional actor. Knew his lines, took it all massively seriously, respected all the cast members, crew and did his job.

He was interesting though, a real communist to the end.Caused allot of verbal fights with my FIL who had different views.Uncle was such a big party member and true believer that he threw his party book in the faces of the local community because he thought they wasted the peoples money on him.They moved him out for months near the great market hall into a flat while the party remodeled his old apt; in the 5th. He needed it, he did not even have his own bathroom in the old flat.He was upset though said he was old, had gotten used to the way his flat was and hated to see the waste.He knew everything about herbal teas and herbs as well as what waters to sit in and for how long for all illnesses. Rudas expert.He never married or had children. He left his flat to his niece, not really fair to others in the family who were closer to him by blood, like his sister, my MIL.

That's one of those things - a young communist has a heart and and an old communist doesn't have a head. Total cliché but with a lot of truth in it.  As you get older, you get cynical and grumpy.   I'm experiencing being p***ed off today.   I'm afraid I'm dealing with interns or naïve people in my job.  I have to continuously remind myself I'm 65 and should not get excited or upset about nonsense.  Someone else can do that. I wish the interns were replaced by people who know what they are doing. I suppose everyone has to learn. Just wish it wasn't on my time.

I am angry as heck with my SIL; My brother said he spent the night in his van and checked out of the motel, it was getting pricey; He pent over 8 hours yesterday running from one agency to another to find housing he can afford in Ca;His leg is sore, had to go to the hospital because it was bleeding. He should be resting not running around town because his wife is insane. No infection, yet that is. They gave him antibiotics just in case.She is playing weird games with him, contacting him then saying she should not talk with him. I told him not to delete her crazy messages in case he needs to show them later in court. She has to be one of the most selfish people alive; When he was in the ICU, I let her BS pass thinking she was just upset; She would visit him, fight the doctors for him then not visit him for a week and take herself out to dinners, the beach etc.Now I know she has a split personality.She even told my bro she might contact her ex from 20 years ago to help her pay her bills, not with money but write out the bills. Teacher, God help us!The ex who was suppose to be gay but I have found out he put her in the hospital 2 times during their marriage; Man she can trigger people!!I asked my brother if he can see the judge and get out of Ca; far away from crazy lady.They have courts in every state.I never miss the US but right now being there would be useful.I would defo help him as much as possible. This far away, my hands are tied.His wife had surgery for A fib with her heart, I sort of wish the worst for her, only way he gets out alive and sane.I am actually just indifferent to her medical issues, could care less.I am an empath but once I give up on someone that is it. She crossed the line too many times.All I can say is she is super lucky my other brother and sister are not alive because I know exactly what they would do.Not pretty possibly not legal either!I wish he would hire a lawyer for himself.He is afraid to go back to jail, said without a leg in there, he will die; Have to be able to defend yourself when locked up in the US.

Surely other inmates in the slammer wouldn't try and do over your bro when they see him with one leg.  Why would anyone shiv him? Unless he's in a gang, looks like he's in a gang or has anger management issues.  Keep your head down, mouth shut and don't interact with anyone.  Surely that's survival mode.  Maybe the SIL has a brain issue if she's had heart problems.  Perhaps restricted blood flow to her noddle?  Anyway, sleeping in vans with bleeding legs isn't going to help him. He could easily die there.   Can he hit up the wife for some cash so he can clear out and leave her to it? I hate to say it, but can he join the others in MN or wherever they are?  Or would it be like a refugee camp?  Take the dog along to make it more interesting.

My son had a DV with his Hungarian wife, I am so sick of women playing the poor me card, usually they are the trouble makers, go too far, make someone lose their minds then play victim.His wife was a nightmare, I did feel good when I went to court with my son and the guard called me over to let me know I should not feel bad; She sees it everyday, green card wives making false claims so they green card is not revoked. Men get set up so easily, it makes me dislike my own sex when they abuse the system and lie.What ever happened to just walking away without drama?

I'm not surprised.  Marriage breakups bring out the worst in people.  There's a phase of arguing, sniping and guerrilla warfare.   I think there needs to be a period of separation, little contact, but everything else stable, especially if kids are involved.  They still need to be looked after. People are so incredibly unreasonable in love and hate.  Both sides of the same coin.  Just humans.  If it ever happened to me (again), I'd try and do everything in a very civilised way.  Not that right now any of that is on the cards.   One thing I know is that I'm not giving up any of my property because I feel sorry for anyone.  Been there, done that. And suffered!

Surprised the weather is hot again.Debating if we should pull our winter clothing out yet or wait.This year is passing so fast.Hair, it is such a personal thing, one reason I never enjoyed doing hair. Some people expect a total new image just from one hairstyle.Can never make everyone happy. Sounds overly emotional but the few times I loved doing hair were the few times I had a cancer patient in my chair.They wanted one last shorter cut before chemo started. They always were so happy to go shorter and see thicker hair even if it lasted for a month only.Sometimes it takes a month or more, chemo is over with, then the hair falls out.Some people have so much hair, they really need to be charged for 2 cuts at a time! - @Marilyn Tassy

It's going to be 30C again all day and for the next few days. It's 31C on the weather station.  We've got the airco on.  And once again, it's 15.30h and by 16h, it's going to be lunch time.  WTF?  Since when has 16h become the new lunch time?    We've had to get the sun blinds out again. It's far too hot - again. I'm doing gardening for 30m a day but only after about 17h-17.30h so it's not too warm.   No rain either!  Ground is looking hard again. Difficult to pull weeds up.

BTW, looks like the "in-line" editing and quotes work again.  Oy vay!

I am trying to help my brother with my limited means and advice.

he and his wife are the type who overspend and never think about tomorrow.

My cousin in NM hit me up asking how the family can help him.

None of us have extra to pay for lawyers, fines etc; that are not ours.

I sent him names and numbers of a few divorce lawyers near him, some work pro bono.

I asked him to see if the court will allow him to leave Ca; for Minn.

My eldest sister could put him up until he found a suitable place of his own. Even suggested the crazy halfie takes a Gov; course on home care for the disabled and gets paid to help him a few hours a day or whatever he needs.

I looked online at monthly rentals near him, sort of over priced in Ca; Looked at small one room detached homes for one person near him; Sent him the link, gosh if needed I would even live in them;they are all fixed up and under $1,000 a month in a nice area.

My deeased sister, Myra would have already found him a lawyer and everything possible available to him. She had connections and knew the system. She would of even filed a report on my SIL for not leaving him alone and filed a counter restraining  order on her. Believe me, although she was not a lawyer , she could fool anyone with her skills, make them think they were about to be sued or get arrested, all legally too.

I really miss her semi evil but smart ways.

IDK, loyalty to family is a huge thing with us.

Not that we all agree but as they say, blood is thicker then water.

Went to the farmers market today.

Not hot at all with the slight breeze in the air.

Yesterday was real summer like but today feels like a shift.

IDK, it is very difficult for me with my brother; I never wish harm on anyone, even those who deserve it but I feel she has crossed the line way too far. I can only see him breaking free if her heart goes out.

She is toying with his emotions and that is just plain evil.

I did not know she had him locked up when a few weeks ago I sent her BD greetings; Chicken, S@@@her, she did not answer me; Now I know why. I want so badly to let her know what we all feel about her, even my other SIL dislikes her and thought she was a snob but I do not want to show our hand just yet.

My brother is breaking my heart with all that he has gone though this past couple of years, actually since he met his wife!

If I had known sooner,things might of taken a different turn.

I would of invited him to Hungary alone or done something to let him know he does not need her in his life.

I feel she has a plan to steal everything from him.

Yes, if her A Fib starts up again , so be it!

I am trying to help my brother with my limited means and advice.he and his wife are the type who overspend and never think about tomorrow.My cousin in NM hit me up asking how the family can help him.None of us have extra to pay for lawyers, fines etc; that are not ours.I sent him names and numbers of a few divorce lawyers near him, some work pro bono.I asked him to see if the court will allow him to leave Ca; for Minn.

It's very difficult I imagine.  Surely the charges against him must be so minor - the candlestick? -  especially if he's out and about.  Surely he's not going to get time for that?  It sounds absolutely like a total waste of time for the courts, the cops and everyone else, including his wife.  Maybe she agrees to get $5 from him and drops the charges.  Bonkers.

My eldest sister could put him up until he found a suitable place of his own. Even suggested the crazy halfie takes a Gov; course on home care for the disabled and gets paid to help him a few hours a day or whatever he needs. I looked online at monthly rentals near him, sort of over priced in Ca; Looked at small one room detached homes for one person near him; Sent him the link, gosh if needed I would even live in them;they are all fixed up and under $1,000 a month in a nice area.

CA in my mind, which has no information on CA, would make me think it's really expensive there.  But yes, why not get the halfie on the job?   My Dad used to get government money to look after my mother.  It wasn't much and they had pensions from their work and the government that between was enough to survive.  They could run a car, run their apartment, go out sometimes for lunch.  They used the help money to pay for cleaning every 2 weeks and some on call helpers.   My mother simply couldn't see any more and was so deaf, it was like she was isolated in her own body.  She also could hardly walk.  Not a nice way to go.  It was her birthday a few days ago.  She would have been 97. RIP. 

My deceased sister, Myra would have already found him a lawyer and everything possible available to him. She had connections and knew the system. She would of even filed a report on my SIL for not leaving him alone and filed a counter restraining order on her. Believe me, although she was not a lawyer , she could fool anyone with her skills, make them think they were about to be sued or get arrested, all legally too.I really miss her semi evil but smart ways. IDK, loyalty to family is a huge thing with us.Not that we all agree but as they say, blood is thicker then water.

I dunno, the adage that "you cannot choose your family but can choose your friends" applies!   In the UK, we'd say your sis had a bit of brass about her.  I don't know where it comes from but it's putting on a show to take on someone - not physically - but really means whether you had the cojones or not!

Went to the farmers market today.Not hot at all with the slight breeze in the air.Yesterday was real summer like but today feels like a shift.

I was gardening. It was with a fresh wind blowing. I was very happy about it.  Bit of goldilocks weather really. Not too hot and not too cold.  But still like 25C.   I don't really go anywhere these days.  Just dog walking. I don't even bother going to the shops.   Mrs Fluffy does all that.  I cannot really think of anywhere I need to go.  Might go to Obi as I have a gift card to spend and I would like some yellow spray paint.  Seems hardly worth driving to Obi to get it.   Spending fuel and it's not that important.

IDK, it is very difficult for me with my brother; I never wish harm on anyone, even those who deserve it but I feel she has crossed the line way too far. I can only see him breaking free if her heart goes out. She is toying with his emotions and that is just plain evil.I did not know she had him locked up when a few weeks ago I sent her BD greetings; Chicken, S@@@her, she did not answer me; Now I know why. I want so badly to let her know what we all feel about her, even my other SIL dislikes her and thought she was a snob but I do not want to show our hand just yet. My brother is breaking my heart with all that he has gone though this past couple of years, actually since he met his wife!If I had known sooner,things might of taken a different turn.I would of invited him to Hungary alone or done something to let him know he does not need her in his life.I feel she has a plan to steal everything from him.Yes, if her A Fib starts up again , so be it! - @Marilyn Tassy

Honestly, and I know nothing, but it all needs to calm down.  I mean it sounds like escalation of whatever it is going on between them.  They really should go for counselling, individually and when they've done that, together.   It might work and it might clear the air between them.

I know from my own sessions, that there are ways of talking to people.  I'm not expert but I was told stuff like not saying, "You are a horrible selfish person", but turn it around, "I feel like my needs are not being considered".   The you bit is what riles people up so inverting to I and own feelings is less confrontational.   

Just musing.  Imagine how people negotiate peace treaties.  But on a small scale.

My brother was having some cleaners come in once a week and he was getting food deliveries 5 days a week due to his disability.

His wife had the cleaners come even when he was in jail!!

I would report her if I could!

IDK, if they are still cleaning since he is not there any longer.

I am angry to think that over the years thousands of small children were left in her care.She has bad judgement and I wonder how many innocent children she messed up mentally by playing head games with them. A person does not crack in a day, it must of taken years to get as far as she is.

I remember the few evil teachers in my young years and names usually escape me over time. Mrs. Go, hated her, 2nd grade, cat eye glasses and all. Even at age 6 or 7 I would call her Mrs. Go to Hell in my head every time she spoke , screamed and bitched about a child. She was very unfair with us all.

It will work out one way or the other, just painful going right now.

My bro and his wife did go to counselling.

She is a control freak, she is 6 or 7 years older , got herself a boy toy but now, the goods are damaged.

I have her number, she wanted a tall good looking younger husband but now he has seen better times.

IDK, how she views herself but she needs to clean her mirror!

I am not sure it will come in mail to everyone over age 65 with an address card but the gov.is giving out vouchers soon till Oct.15 . Worth 30,000 each.

Our neighbor mentioned it to my husband awhile ago but he told her whatever. Suppose to have filled out an online form to receive the voucher, but never know, the mailman might just drop it off.

Orban,s way to fight inflation.

Not sure we will get them or not. No biggie but who turns down free money? If we do not take it, some gov.office worker will.

The last few years they sent out a letter to take into city hall and get a 20,000 forint voucher for food.Never had to apply in the past.

It will be a nice surprise if we get them.

I was considering going and getting a few lotto tickets. Not sure I want to bother or not.

I saw that my zodiac sign has allot of problem gamblers. Not me, just goes to show you can not believe in horoscopes.

Cut my husband hair this morning.  Saved a few thousand forints once again. It is more about the convenience then saving anything.He dislike going into a barber salon just as much as I dislike a salon visit.

My brother was having some cleaners come in once a week and he was getting food deliveries 5 days a week due to his disability.His wife had the cleaners come even when he was in jail!!I would report her if I could!IDK, if they are still cleaning since he is not there any longer.I am angry to think that over the years thousands of small children were left in her care. She has bad judgement and I wonder how many innocent children she messed up mentally by playing head games with them. A person does not crack in a day, it must of taken years to get as far as she is.I remember the few evil teachers in my young years and names usually escape me over time. Mrs. Go, hated her, 2nd grade, cat eye glasses and all. Even at age 6 or 7 I would call her Mrs. Go to Hell in my head every time she spoke , screamed and bitched about a child. She was very unfair with us all.It will work out one way or the other, just painful going right now. - @Marilyn Tassy

Teachers rule the roost in the classroom. What they say goes.  But as soon as they are outside in the real world, some can go off the rails if the cards they are dealt are different.  In other words, they get their own way 100% of the time in class.   Mrs Fluffy's parents were both teachers.  In fact, a lot of the relatives were teachers.  Or chemists.  Anyway, they had a way of looking at things which wouldn't work in the real world.   It was a most peculiar life to me.  Kids you know are everywhere.  When I was a kid I never associated the teachers with having an outside life, family or doing anything which wasn't teacher'ish.

If someone makes a complaint about using government money they weren't entitled to, there will be a ton of bricks falling on the perp's head.  That kind of thing is really enforced in my own country. Be payback time if someone was really that vindictive. 

I am not sure I could bring myself to grass on people I know.  Even if I saw my neighbour burying her husband in the garden, I'm not sure I could call the cops.  Ok, take that back. Maybe I could on one neighbour as he's not exactly been friendly.   I could tell the neighbour's family to sort out what happened to the hubby while pointing to the mound of earth. 

Now I'm having a mini morality and ethics crisis on where to draw the line.  I should stop thinking, it's Sunday, and stick to gardening, DIY and dog walking.