Absolutely Anything Else

This is annoying, if temporary,  news:

EU countries agree temporary €3 flat customs fee for small imported parcels

I don't think it'll stop the deluge.  I ordered a new watch strap for my smart-GPS enabled fitness watch, 7 EUR delivered from China on AliExpress.  EU receives 12 Million packages a day! 

Would EUR 3 stop me buying?   Nope!

Had our water meter changed today;
My hubby gets so stressed about these mandatory updates.
The gas and electric companies change out the meters at their own expense.
Not so with the water co.
Guess it is 38,000 forints more on our next bill.
The guy was nice and fast .
Went afterwards to Tesco to buy groceries for the weekend.
Rather busy for noon on a Thursday, too many holiday shoppers.
Came out to our car and my husband had a hard time opening up the boot, trunk.
Looks like some jack A@@ jimmied it.
Nothing inside to steal worth a thing;
What sort of scumbag wants to steal from a 30 year old car?
My hubby fixed it in about 4 mins but the idea of it bugs for sure: - @Marilyn Tassy

They say they have to swap them out to calibrate them.  I am not convinced by it.   I would think they could do all digital meters, powered by the flow of water with a long lasting battery.   They send out the person to read the meter but they could just scan it from outside or remotely.

People will steal anything.  Years ago here in HU they burgled our crappy car - stole about 20 Ft for the car park and my fire extinguisher.  They ripped out the lock from the door.  Caused $100 damage for $5 worth of stuff.  Might as well have left the doors open.  When I lived in The Netherlands, people left their cars open so they didn't get damaged by drug addicts trying to steal car radios.   My brother had a convertible and to get in it, they slashed the roof.  They were able to get in that way but they still didn't get the radio out.

I remember when ovens were simple
- @SimCityAT

I see it's got WiFi.  You could cook from your smartphone.  Our fridge is WiFi enabled.  I tried to change the freezer temperature and it wants a password.  Like I bloody well know what that is.

My bros latest held back by a month letter arrived to my cousin.

Holy cow!

He was being shipped out to the state prison from the country one as he wrote.

A bit of info from both places.

Of course they tossed out everything he had, shampoo, toothbrush etc; He had to fight to keep his shoes, medical ones that cost him $500.

He got to keep his leg and walker but they gave him a prison wheelchair to use;It is bright yellow and has writing on it saying,Mobility Impaired; Just in case all hell breaks out they will not shoot his head off for not hitting the ground fast enough!!

I would love to see the writers of shows like Orange is the new Black .Let them spend time before spreading fairy tales around!

His county cell mate, the insane 65 year old Mexican who claimed he owned a casino but had no money on his books,went nuts on my bro before he was moved;

My bro his a real kind hearted  person and shared everything he bought from the jail store with his cell mate, chips, candy bars etc.

One night the guy went bold and just started going into my bro stash; My bro stopped him but from a wheelchair it was not really an even match. He said he slept with his eyes open all night long and asked to be moved the next day.

At least for now in state prison he has his own cell, even though they give him one thin blanket and he is freezing .

I am going to suggest he starts his own U tube channel when he gets out;

What it is like as a handicapped person in prison.

Maybe some eyes will be opened and the system will change? Yes, dream on!

My bros latest held back by a month letter arrived to my cousin.
Holy cow!
He was being shipped out to the state prison from the country one as he wrote.
A bit of info from both places.
Of course they tossed out everything he had, shampoo, toothbrush etc; He had to fight to keep his shoes, medical ones that cost him $500.
He got to keep his leg and walker but they gave him a prison wheelchair to use;It is bright yellow and has writing on it saying,Mobility Impaired; Just in case all hell breaks out they will not shoot his head off for not hitting the ground fast enough!!
I would love to see the writers of shows like Orange is the new Black .Let them spend time before spreading fairy tales around!
His county cell mate, the insane 65 year old Mexican who claimed he owned a casino but had no money on his books,went nuts on my bro before he was moved;
My bro his a real kind hearted person and shared everything he bought from the jail store with his cell mate, chips, candy bars etc.
One night the guy went bold and just started going into my bro stash; My bro stopped him but from a wheelchair it was not really an even match. He said he slept with his eyes open all night long and asked to be moved the next day.
At least for now in state prison he has his own cell, even though they give him one thin blanket and he is freezing .
I am going to suggest he starts his own U tube channel when he gets out;
What it is like as a handicapped person in prison.
Maybe some eyes will be opened and the system will change? Yes, dream on! - @Marilyn Tassy

At least your bro is getting some attention.   I've always got the impression people who have a screw loose - like the Mexican - end up in the klink because of mental illness and insufficient public services for that.  No medication and no attention.   No wonder people go postal.  Some people may just be evil but I expect that's very few.   That public defender needs to go back to law school.

We had a hardened criminal called John McVicar in the UK.  He was very angry and violent.  Anyway, he ended up in prison I think for a series of armed robberies.  He rebelled continously against the system.  Eventually, in an attempt to rehabilitate him, he was put in a jail unit that was more "open" and didn't seek to punish.  It changed him supposedly and he wrote his autobiography.   In the end, he was released and his autobiography was turned into a film which starred Roger Daltrey (of the Who) as McVicar.  It impressed me at the time because the way the prison system could try alternative methods.  It looked like time and effort changed McVicar. 

It is of course a movie, so it might have been wrong how it was portrayed.  But I liked the movie.  It looked pretty realistic to me.

Sad news from Brentwood, Ca;

The actor, director Rob Reiner and his wife were murdered.

Seems their son stabbed them to death!

Hard to believe they raised a nutter and never knew it.

I watched a film last night staring Alan Arkin from 1978.

Titled, The Other Side of Hell.

A man put in a prison/hospital for the criminally insane.

He volunteers to enter to get help for depression but soon discovers they give no help at all.

It was a good film.

Yes my bros public defender does have to go back to law school, maybe his calling is more in the fast food industry?

Everyone wants to be a lawyer or doctor but most do not have the calling, just the vision of wealth and status.

My bro joked that the guy could not even match his suit!

Sad news from Brentwood, Ca;The actor, director Rob Reiner and his wife were murdered.Seems their son stabbed them to death!Hard to believe they raised a nutter and never knew it.I watched a film last night staring Alan Arkin from 1978.Titled, The Other Side of Hell.A man put in a prison/hospital for the criminally insane.He volunteers to enter to get help for depression but soon discovers they give no help at all.It was a good film. Yes my bros public defender does have to go back to law school, maybe his calling is more in the fast food industry?Everyone wants to be a lawyer or doctor but most do not have the calling, just the vision of wealth and status.My bro joked that the guy could not even match his suit! - @Marilyn Tassy

Alan Arkin was a great actor and very underrated.  But he always seemed to get good roles and work.   

I did read about the son, Nick being arrested.  Presumably for stabbing the Reiners seniors to death.  I didn't know them from TV acting but I certainly knew his directing credits. Such a diverse set of movies - everything from Spinal Tap to When Harry Met Sally.  Incredible range.

I always thought one would never see a poor lawyer.   But if he couldn't match even his clothes, where was his commitment?  Half-assed.  I often hear of people studying things like Embroidery at Podunk Uni, American Samoa and then  going to Harvard to study law. I mean come on, what kind of selection criteria leads to Harvard for law?  A parent with deep pockets probably.

I know our daughter would be able to study law if she absolutely had to but doctoring, no way, she's too frightened of blood.  There's a name for that - hemophobia.  I always thought one needed a selection of skills from a load of kids: doctor, lawyer, construction engineer, mechanic, plumber, carpenter and electrician.  That'd cover all the support services one might need in one's dotage. I wonder if I missed some of those.  Perhaps they could double up on skills.  Or get shacked up with the right ones.  If only I could interview their partners.  One of the partners I know doesn't know how to use a hammer drill.  Bit of a fail straight away.

My cousin married a doctor and he seemed to have his finger on his in-laws health every second of the day.   He was able connect my brother with top notch brain surgeons.  Even Mrs F's mother had a medical doctor cousin but she seems to have become a politician.  Not really any use asking there.

I'm pretty much winding down for Xmas.  By Thursday 18th December, one last chat with the colleagues, then  I reckon that's it for this year. I won't return to the fight until w/b 5th January earliest. We're not going anywhere.  Be here as usual trying to catch up.    One of my colleagues has gone on a tennis camp to South America!   He'll be (literally) phoning it in.   

I have a list of stuff to do like clearing the cellar up.  Just this afternoon I was repairing the wooden case of an concertina.  Not what one might expect anyone to be doing.  I also made a loaf of bread in the breadmaker and it came out OK. I sprinkled pumpkin seeds on the top but I did it at the wrong time.  The machine was letting it rise and I didn't know it'd do another cycle of mixing.  So the pumpkin seeds are now spread throughout or perhaps even sunk to the bottom.  Oh well, something to think about for next time.  The bread was alright though. It'll make good toast.  Warm bread is always a bit moreish but I am only allowed one slice in any say, 3h period.  Otherwise too many carbs.   

Tomorrow, I'll work on the concertina case again as the glue will have dried - but why repair it?  Not sure, it was possibly my grandfather's.  I cannot play it.  Never saw him use it either.  Dates from late 1800s.

I also watched McVicar, the movie - made by "The Who Films".  Lots of solid British actors and a litany of ancient cars in it I remember my parents driving.  Made in 1980.

Tuesday, maybe I'll have a go at some car repairs. I was out there today but it was so cold, I gave up.  Just a bit of maintenance.  No rush. 

Yesterday was my BD.

Did not do a thing!

I just was not in the mood to go out even to buy a cake.

One more BD down the drain!

I am not into celebrating anything these days.

Maybe, just maybe having a grandchild would be worth the effort but otherwise, no, do not care.

Not like me at all, I used to get so excited about these so called, big days.

Now I see them as just  pain, something to get through.

You really should check out the tv show All in the Family with Rob Reiner as Meathead.

It has some very funny moments.

Grew up watching it every week.

It is a real shame what happened, very sad for his other children.

Addiction is horrible, I am sure their son spent time in different rehabs over the years.

Now his life is over as well.

What a sad legacy for a well known family of actors.

One of my deceased sisters BF,s was a personal injury lawyer; That is how they met, he was handling a case for her. Never will forget his name, Johnnie Walker.

He wanted to get married but she said no; Later he went out with an office worker from the law firm and sent her to law school after marrying her;

My sister could of easily been a lawyer. She could of been just about anything really, super smart and adaptable person.

From walking the runway to driving a 16 wheeler truck, she could do anything she set her mind on.

Too bad she never really cared about much other then having fun.

Yesterday was my BD.Did not do a thing!I just was not in the mood to go out even to buy a cake.One more BD down the drain!I am not into celebrating anything these days.Maybe, just maybe having a grandchild would be worth the effort but otherwise, no, do not care.Not like me at all, I used to get so excited about these so called, big days.Now I see them as just pain, something to get through.You really should check out the tv show All in the Family with Rob Reiner as Meathead.It has some very funny moments.Grew up watching it every week.It is a real shame what happened, very sad for his other children.Addiction is horrible, I am sure their son spent time in different rehabs over the years.Now his life is over as well.What a sad legacy for a well known family of actors.One of my deceased sisters BF,s was a personal injury lawyer; That is how they met, he was handling a case for her. Never will forget his name, Johnnie Walker.He wanted to get married but she said no; Later he went out with an office worker from the law firm and sent her to law school after marrying her;My sister could of easily been a lawyer. She could of been just about anything really, super smart and adaptable person.From walking the runway to driving a 16 wheeler truck, she could do anything she set her mind on.Too bad she never really cared about much other then having fun. - @Marilyn Tassy

Oh congrats on your birthday.   I'd say not down the drain but another year survived.  After so many birthdays, they all blur into each other anyway.  Bit like Christmas.   All looks the same!

Talking of grandchildren, my daughter in Canada reported craving spicey soup.  Now, one wonders about what that means.  On the other hand, it could mean she was hungry.   The word craving is rather strong.

A lawyer called Johnnie Walker.  That must have led to plenty of jokes when he was a kid.  But it's not as uncommon as one might have thought.  We had a radio DJ called Johnnie Walker in the UK. RIP him. I used to listen to him doing like the Top 10 countdown.   He had nothing to do with the Whisky as it wasn't his real name.

I suppose your sister was living her best life.  People are happy even if others would like the same opportunities.  My bro had a GF who was really nice and we all thought she was great.  But he wasn't enamoured.  He had eyes for someone else.   We were all surprised and disappointed when he stopped with her and took up with is obviously the love of his life and they are now married.  Just them, no kids.  Seems to be satisfying enough for them and that's obviously good.  But we really liked the previous GF. 

I was out and about today.  Went to Aldi petrol station, OBI (a useless shop, wasted my time) and to Auchan to buy lots of dog food for Xmas.  I was thinking about the car wash but it's too cold.  Makes no sense.  I think Thursday we'll have more chance.  I also started some "Xmas" shopping - some cables, some electronics and a camera for my new bird box I am designing.  I have to get that finished before Spring.   

I wasn't going to buy any presents but Mrs F has some now bought from Auchan - she'll be having a very merry Christmas, possibly asleep on the sofa after one or two G&Ts.

Yesterday we headed out later then we usually do and last min; my husband changed plans so instead of walking to one shop we hoped on the tram over to Lehel Piac.

It was so cold out, I wore a short jacket thinking it would be a quick trip. Freezing cold for me, 119 lbs. of skin and bones with little insolation on me.

So glad when the trolly showed up.

The piac was not too crowded considering the holidays are so close.

Fish vendors were busy, looks a bit early to me to be making fish soup for Xmas. 3 days and forget it.

Looks like almost all the veggies stall are now run by Asian vendors. Strange, why have the Hungarian locals given up on being food vendors?

Had dinner late, about 4:30, gave me a tummy ache eating so late; Like old people 3 pm is dinner time!

I now know why in the states the restaurants always have so called, Early Bird specials for seniors from 1 to 3 pm.

Digestion slows down so much.

Not buying any presents this year, I dislike going through the left over pickings in shops.

Thanks for the BD greetings; I sometimes wish my BD was in summer so we could plan a fun day out swimming , having a BBQ or a outdoor day.

Mid Dec; is not exactly made for fun outdoors in the city.

Another one bites the dust!

My Vegas friend told me all the news on that Rob Reiner murder, I think she believes I live in another world where we get no news from outside the bubble.

18 times in rehab, any normal families child would of been locked in jail with that guys issues.

Seems like another spoiled brat to me.

I know that tv star Danny Masterson was in the same prison as my bro for awhile, Delano, he has since been moved. Surprised he did not get some sweetheart deal as he should of been in the club, the Hollywood club. Guess he was just a B actor and not on the A list?

It is a sad situation but after days of hearing about it it is too much.

People get murdered everyday and are forgot the next day.

Yesterday we headed out later then we usually do and last min; my husband changed plans so instead of walking to one shop we hoped on the tram over to Lehel Piac.It was so cold out, I wore a short jacket thinking it would be a quick trip. Freezing cold for me, 119 lbs. of skin and bones with little insolation on me.So glad when the trolly showed up.The piac was not too crowded considering the holidays are so close.Fish vendors were busy, looks a bit early to me to be making fish soup for Xmas. 3 days and forget it.Looks like almost all the veggies stall are now run by Asian vendors. Strange, why have the Hungarian locals given up on being food vendors?Had dinner late, about 4:30, gave me a tummy ache eating so late; Like old people 3 pm is dinner time!I now know why in the states the restaurants always have so called, Early Bird specials for seniors from 1 to 3 pm.Digestion slows down so much.Not buying any presents this year, I dislike going through the left over pickings in shops.Thanks for the BD greetings; I sometimes wish my BD was in summer so we could plan a fun day out swimming , having a BBQ or a outdoor day.Mid Dec; is not exactly made for fun outdoors in the city.Another one bites the dust!My Vegas friend told me all the news on that Rob Reiner murder, I think she believes I live in another world where we get no news from outside the bubble.18 times in rehab, any normal families child would of been locked in jail with that guys issues.Seems like another spoiled brat to me.I know that tv star Danny Masterson was in the same prison as my bro for awhile, Delano, he has since been moved. Surprised he did not get some sweetheart deal as he should of been in the club, the Hollywood club. Guess he was just a B actor and not on the A list?It is a sad situation but after days of hearing about it it is too much.People get murdered everyday and are forgot the next day. - @Marilyn Tassy

I don't know who Danny Masterson is but maybe if I saw him.  I Googled and he's a convicted rapist apparently.  Well, won't be missed.  If he did it, he deserves prison - 30 to life it seems.  Maybe he could share predator tips with Donny - 💩 - and many in the Hungarian government.   That's torn it, I'm under surveillance now.

Mrs Fluffy was saying there's a bit of strange turkey shortage. I think it's a bit early to get a turkey. Maybe 2 days before the big day.  The fish thing we were discussing if we should have some or not. I like fish soup but the bones will put us off.   Mrs Fluffy says we have fish in the freezer so perhaps we should use that up before trying to buy fish off the market.

I don't know about the Asians at the market.  I haven't been to Lehel for years.  Mrs F used to work nearby so I'd pick her up and we'd go home together.  We lived in Buda near Arpad Hid back then.

We know from our local Vietnamese shop, they work all hours and usually have their entire family on the job. I cannot see that working for Hungarians.  They'd be squabbling all the time.  I admire their industriousness in Asia.  We could learn a lot from them!

I put the wood burner on and now it's a sauna.  We have so much wood, I thought I'd burn some but all it does is heat up the area about 3m from the actual burner.   It's just brutally hot next to it.  We could end up opening the windows to cool it down.  That makes such perfect sense (not).  We have a low setting - limits the oxygen - so it burns the wood but not always with the flames showing which is part of how it seems "cozy".   Complaints have started now over the sauna and so we'll let it go out.  By tomorrow, it'll be cold. The ash goes in the compost heap.

BTW, I was looking on Amazon UK and I thought, I could buy this and that but then I looked on AliExpress and the items I wanted were 1/2 to 2/3 price and that included delivery, flown in from China.  I've even started buying car parts.  I saw like 50 EUR for a sensor for the car but I can get a compatible one on Alixexpress for 17 EUR.  I can buy 3 x sensors from China for the same money.   I reckon the car part sellers here are just doing like me and buying them in from China but charging Western prices.  Complete rip off.

I never followed Masterson. Just saw the news when he was arrested years ago.  He was in, That 70,s Show, a weekly tv show set in the 1970s. I never watched it.

Yes, some things made in China are good, some are so, so. Bought items from Temu a couple times. Hit or miss.

Mostly we buy little household gadgets from them.

My Hilo friend wrote me; Man, would love to spend a couple of months in Hawaii again!

This grey weather is a bit of a downer.

She has invited us over many times. My husband dislikes being a house guest so not going anywhere for now.

My eldest sister made me laugh at how silly and lame halfie is.

They were watching some movie where a women left her handbag out and a strange looked through it.

Halfie speaks up saying, I would NEVER do that!!

Just a few months ago she left her wallet on the bus and someone stole it!

Her memory is short!

I never followed Masterson. Just saw the news when he was arrested years ago. He was in, That 70,s Show, a weekly tv show set in the 1970s. I never watched it.Yes, some things made in China are good, some are so, so. Bought items from Temu a couple times. Hit or miss.Mostly we buy little household gadgets from them.My Hilo friend wrote me; Man, would love to spend a couple of months in Hawaii again!This grey weather is a bit of a downer.She has invited us over many times. My husband dislikes being a house guest so not going anywhere for now. My eldest sister made me laugh at how silly and lame halfie is.They were watching some movie where a women left her handbag out and a strange looked through it.Halfie speaks up saying, I would NEVER do that!!Just a few months ago she left her wallet on the bus and someone stole it!Her memory is short! - @Marilyn Tassy

Masterson, nope, drifting into obscurity. I read up on him.  Wasn't worth getting to know him.

I do agree, many of the Chinese things are very hit and miss.   Sometimes you get good stuff and other times, it's rubbish.  My view is that it's a gamble.  If a Chinese thing costs 1/3 of the price, then you could buy 3 x the number of items and by chance, perhaps one of the items would be good. 

I'm OK with the trash weather right now.   I was in Africa and it was pretty warm. So a bit of coolness is fine for now.   Besides, time is really flying. I think we'll see 2026 rushing by and by the end of February, it'll be Spring like.

I spend the afternoon watching German and American newsreels of WW2.  My friend and I watch them in parallel and discuss what we see.   I should have been doing something else more useful. It was too dark to do car repairs. One has to start early.  Tomorrow is another day.

Maybe your sis and halfie are like a version of the Golden Girls?   I am not sure that works but one must be positive!

Our HU daughter is having a little "do" with a few friends (5 of them) so Mrs F and I are being turfed out to wander the streets aimlessly.  Our son has gone to his friends house. We've decided on Chinese food - somewhere unknown for now.  Probably Pad Thai. We'll filter back in after we've stuffed our faces.  The only excited one is the dog - fresh faces and importantly, smells for her to get sniffing and attention seeking.  For her, we know it makes scents.  See what I did there?

Getting the old heave hoe from your own home;

We know the feeling.

Our son had us leave once a week so he could have his alone time with his wife;

It included him taking an hour soak in the tub by himself.

He did work hard and we understood he needed to relax.

Just felt sort of odd sometimes to be told to get out.

My friend in Hilo was treated by her son to a short vacation on the Island of Lanai.

Just the two of them, he is a doctor in Honolulu.

I told her I am so jealous!

She told me she is jealous of me having a husband.

Poor gal, a 2 time widow.

You really never know what goes on in peoples lives.

The outside does not always match reality.

Rob Reiner,s family comes to mind.

She is a lovely person a yoga instructor; very much a Hippie personality full of kindness.

She has Lupus but with her natural living and lifestyle it is mostly under control.

She has even started giving western dance classes.

Each class is 6 weeks long so she meets allot of people.

She said most of the class members seem to be lesbian couples!

OK, guess country dancing is a thing?

I took dog  training classes with my Doberman.

Did 2 beginner levels.

Wanted to keep training him in a class setting.

Saw the deeper the training got the more the extreme owners came out.

Serious people, gays, tough stern  types of people.

I quit, figured he was good to go as long and he did not pull his lead and came when we called him.

He learned more then that but he defo had the basics down.

My 2nd cousin and her husband are seriously into dog training. They travel around the US doing those sort of amazing dog type shows.

Have 3 dogs they show,a room full of medals and ribbons; They throw huge party,s for each dogs BD. Make customs for them to wear for holidays. It is really over the top.

Strange that a married couple would be so extreme.

They even hire pro s to take their photos! Take them out boating and swimming.

I do not get it,just too much.

My mom had a older friend who was crazy about her dogs too.

My father lived with this older couple for years as a boarder.

He told us she feed her husband hamburger while the dogs had prime rib and steaks.

One dog passed away and the lady invited my mother to the funeral.

It was full on, not a carefully wrapped body put in the backyard but a real funeral in a funeral home for pets, music softly playing, photos of the dear departed, a white coffin with silk pillow under it,s head; Graveside services after the viewing.

My mom was the only mourning. Gotta support your friends I guess.

In some cases if a person is told they are being treated like a dog, it may not be a bad thing!

Walked to Lidl today.

The city seems quiet except for tourists.

Not much traffic and although the store is always busy, it was not horrible.

Guess it is duck for the holiday meal.

Thought about stuffed cabbage but the duck was an easy choice.

For 2 old people we seem to always be buying food.

Hardly need as much as we buy.

Reminds me of my mother who still cooked for an army long after everyone flew the coup.

Not sure what our son and DIL are doing in Japan but it is not really a thing there. Max everyone goes to KFC.

The latest with the Rolling Stones is Keith of all people said he can not go on to do a 2026 tour!

He was always ragging on other band members to tour but he is the kill joy  now.

Just turned 82, yes they really should of quit a good decade ago if not even sooner.

Sort of strange to see the people I grew up with now retiring and kickin it.

He says he has too much arthritis in his hands, yes can believe that.

I guess when you are that wealthy, turning down a tour that could of enriched you a few million is not a big deal.

Walked to Lidl today.The city seems quiet except for tourists.Not much traffic and although the store is always busy, it was not horrible.Guess it is duck for the holiday meal.Thought about stuffed cabbage but the duck was an easy choice.For 2 old people we seem to always be buying food.Hardly need as much as we buy.Reminds me of my mother who still cooked for an army long after everyone flew the coup. Not sure what our son and DIL are doing in Japan but it is not really a thing there. Max everyone goes to KFC.The latest with the Rolling Stones is Keith of all people said he can not go on to do a 2026 tour!He was always ragging on other band members to tour but he is the kill joy now.Just turned 82, yes they really should of quit a good decade ago if not even sooner.Sort of strange to see the people I grew up with now retiring and kickin it.He says he has too much arthritis in his hands, yes can believe that.I guess when you are that wealthy, turning down a tour that could of enriched you a few million is not a big deal. - @Marilyn Tassy

We had the aftermath of the little party here to contend with.  I was hiding in my office until about midnight and when I came out, everyone was gone apart from one and he was staying over.  I think it was related to the last bus.  So they all cleared off in a group.

Mrs F and I went to Pad Thai last night and then to Starbucks afterwards for coffee.  Surprising at 21h, it was still busy with last minute shopping stragglers.  Pad Thai was 9000 HUF for two (eat in, including drinks) and yet the Starbucks was 3000 HUF for two coffees. It seems disproportionately expensive at Starbucks.

Mrs F and I might go to the shops on Monday - no way I want to be where there are too many people.  If we go in the day, probably it'll be empty.  A lot of people will have gone places yesterday or will do over the weekend.  I am not surprised the city will be empty.

The turkey is a problem now.  We don't have a freezer that is big enough for a turkey.   So maybe we have to store it somewhere else. It'll take 2 days to unfreeze.  Mrs F was advised to go to Tesco early as possible on Monday to get one as they'll all go during the day.   Meh.   I heard some people are going for goose.  That's really expensive.

We were planning to go dog walking but our guest had to be taken to the station in town so that's stuffed up me and the dog.  I was waiting around but it's not going to happen and soon it'll be dark soon.    If we don't get the dog out to do its thing, it starts misbehaving due to boredom.   Usually it chews up stuff and digs holes in the garden.

Maybe Keith Richards should retire. I think Mick is the same age.  Look at Phil Collins, he's singing from a chair.  He's got no chance of drumming.  They could move into producing or doing side gigs like hotels or restaurants or appearing on TV as panellists.  I mean, at 82, you've done your time and really no-one should have any expectations.

I cannot think anyone would go for KFC on Christmas Day.   Dreadful!  I had - by accident - a KFC a few months ago and it was not the best.  In fact, it was awful.  Put me right off.

I am proud to say, I have never gone to Starbucks. Not even when a Vegas dental office was handing out $5.gift cards to go there.

I make one short espresso in the morning and that is it. 3,000 for a coffee! Yikes you can buy premium and make it at home for less then that.

I suppose it is a thing now days.

As teens we were guilty of spending hours in coffee shops.We friends would hog a booth and sip coffee for hours. The wait staff really put up with us, we always tipped but not enough to hog a booth for hours.

We pulled our coins and went.

It just does not feel like the holidays this year.

Not in the mood for it at all.

Never really liked it as a young person either, just an excuse to get together with family and over eat and drink.

I was happy to host a big party at our home in Ca.on holiday; My mom did not cook for once, treated her instead;

We roasted both a large turkey and a whole goose.

Had about 12 people over.

Why have a big house if you do not host sometimes?

My husband used to make his own Baggli because the only place to buy it in Ca was Otto,s Market. Otto charged an arm and leg too.

This year we are practical, just bought pastry from Lidl.

I usually do not eat much of it and my husband enjoys his sweets.

Poppy seed is my fave but they never add raisins.

Guests who overstay their welcome, not fun.

I remember back in the mid 80s as HU guy overstayed and spent the night at our apt.

I was a bit put off. The reason being he was the first Hungarian we met, my sis and I.

He was coming onto me but  although he was very good looking, he was not my type. I do not like casual meetings very much.  I did not like his vibes.He went for my sister as I shut him way down.

Fine, they dated for awhile but he was as I suspected, an a@@.

He did a few things to my sister that pissed me off and I did not want him even around ;let alone in my home.A good 10 years had passed, he was visiting from Canada , I figured if he can afford to travel, he can afford his own hotel room.

Think he had temper fits, once threw dinner on the wall because it was not what he wanted. My sister left the food on the wall for weeks! She said she served bird seed after that. Never cooked for him again.

He did not ask to stay a second night, I think he read my face and decided against asking.

End of an era, well I have always gone with the group who say, No Jones, No Stones.

After Bill quit , it was really over.

Poor dog, my Max would get destructive too when bored. I had to get him a rain coat as he wanted out rain or shine.

KFC we tried after  a busy day with not wanting to cook. It was not as good as we remembered.

I had wanted to try the Popeye,s in the West End Mall.

Maybe someday, not really in my plans right now.

I do not recall seeing frozen or fresh whole turkey,s at Tesco.

Only at some farmers markets.

Perhaps our Tesco is not a large one.

Their housewares dept. is small too.e usually salt our birds a day or two ahead of cooking.

Rinse them out and the meat comes out very tender.

I do not recall seeing frozen or fresh whole turkey,s at Tesco.
Only at some farmers markets.
Perhaps our Tesco is not a large one.
Their housewares dept. is small too.e usually salt our birds a day or two ahead of cooking.
Rinse them out and the meat comes out very tender. - @Marilyn Tassy

Mrs F went to Tesco and Lidl early this morning and could not succeed.  She managed at Auchan.  This is a fresh bird, not frozen.  It's got a sell by date for 27 December, so we won't need to freeze it.  We're planning on getting the vegetables tomorrow.

Tonight I'm doing Elizabethan Chicken with plums.  One of my signature dishes.  Probably have it with something vegetable and not carbs.   Plums were unusual to find.  The dish calls for creamy leeks but haven't seen leeks in a while.

UK:

In pictures: Druids descend on Stonehenge to mark winter solstice

Looks like good fun. 

I am proud to say, I have never gone to Starbucks. Not even when a Vegas dental office was handing out $5.gift cards to go there.I make one short espresso in the morning and that is it. 3,000 for a coffee! Yikes you can buy premium and make it at home for less then that.I suppose it is a thing now days.As teens we were guilty of spending hours in coffee shops.We friends would hog a booth and sip coffee for hours. The wait staff really put up with us, we always tipped but not enough to hog a booth for hours.We pulled our coins and went. It just does not feel like the holidays this year.Not in the mood for it at all.Never really liked it as a young person either, just an excuse to get together with family and over eat and drink.I was happy to host a big party at our home in Ca.on holiday; My mom did not cook for once, treated her instead;We roasted both a large turkey and a whole goose.Had about 12 people over.Why have a big house if you do not host sometimes?My husband used to make his own Baggli because the only place to buy it in Ca was Otto,s Market. Otto charged an arm and leg too.This year we are practical, just bought pastry from Lidl.I usually do not eat much of it and my husband enjoys his sweets.Poppy seed is my fave but they never add raisins.Guests who overstay their welcome, not fun.I remember back in the mid 80s as HU guy overstayed and spent the night at our apt.I was a bit put off. The reason being he was the first Hungarian we met, my sis and I.He was coming onto me but although he was very good looking, he was not my type. I do not like casual meetings very much. I did not like his vibes.He went for my sister as I shut him way down.Fine, they dated for awhile but he was as I suspected, an a@@.He did a few things to my sister that pissed me off and I did not want him even around ;let alone in my home.A good 10 years had passed, he was visiting from Canada , I figured if he can afford to travel, he can afford his own hotel room.Think he had temper fits, once threw dinner on the wall because it was not what he wanted. My sister left the food on the wall for weeks! She said she served bird seed after that. Never cooked for him again.He did not ask to stay a second night, I think he read my face and decided against asking.End of an era, well I have always gone with the group who say, No Jones, No Stones.After Bill quit , it was really over. Poor dog, my Max would get destructive too when bored. I had to get him a rain coat as he wanted out rain or shine.KFC we tried after a busy day with not wanting to cook. It was not as good as we remembered.I had wanted to try the Popeye,s in the West End Mall.Maybe someday, not really in my plans right now. - @Marilyn Tassy

You're not missing anything at Starbucks.  Others like Costa are just as good.  But it's $5 a cup.  That's insanely expensive but there's no end of people willing to pay up. Including us it seems.    Discussing this with my eldest, we decided some years ago that we'd have Starbucks names.  So we use these names when saying our names that they write on the coffee cups at these coffee shops.   I've chosen an Irish name and my eldest has a German one.  I don't know if anyone else has a Starbucks name.  I doubt we are the only ones playing that game.

Our HU daughter's friend stayed over but he cleared off after breakfast.  I think it was fine and I said, do come back as he spoke reasonable English and asked good questions.  A lot of them speak reasonable English but they don't know the slang and I use a lot of it. 

We were at Aldi earlier on and I saw some charging/data cables for our phones.  Blimey, 3000 HUF each. I misread the label and thought it said 445 HUF each which would have been OK.  Well, no way, we took it straight back for a cash refund.  Luckily Aldi don't argue on refunds.   We managed to get leeks, nutmeg, a few other things including sugar free ice-cream.  Who'd have thought nutmeg is Muskatnuss in German? Luckily it had it in Hungarian on the back so we were certain it was correct.  Nuts of a Muskrat doesn't quite have the same attraction as Nutmeg.  Oh no, that's Muskrat, wrong thing.

I wouldn't have minded seeing the Stones when I was a lot younger.  I was quite  a fan but I don't think I'd bother now.   And the cost of going is prohibitive.  I have seen Genesis here and The Wall (Pink Floyd) and Cats early this year.  It was OK but none was great and memorable.  Rained heavily during The Wall and was freezing.  Never again outside.    We thought about seeing The Weeknd but that's a problem - never comes to Hungary so it's a drive to Munich or maybe Vienna.   Mr Weeknd says Budapest doesn't have stadiums large enough for him.  Apart from being right, he fell out with the government I believe.  So meh, Austria isn't so far away.

Never been to Popeye's.  Maybe we should just try it out one day.  Going to the town is not my idea of fun really.

We took my HU BIL to see Pink Floyd in S;Ca; when we invited him for a US visit. Think it was in 1984 or 85.

Had him try some , smoke? cracked me up, he must of told his wife when he returned to Hungary because everyone sees us as some sort of dangerous people.

They forget we treated him to a 6 week long free trip with concerts, SF, San Diego, Disneyland and Vegas to name a few things.

Gifts for all and anything he asked for within reason to eat and drink.

No, people like to focus on the things they do not like;

My HU SIL is a huge disappointment anyways;

Met her when I was barely 23 and she was 30 or 31.

Saw her as a wise cool person. Wrong again, Marilyn!

She was cruel to my MIL, always wanted money to even stop by and check on the old gal.

Talked crap about us behind our backs.That gets me more then anything.

If I have an issue with someone, I tell them to their face or let them know somehow, no games, please;

In 2000 I had some very minor laser skin rebuffing in Budapest.

Think it cost $500. I saw it as an investment because I worked so up close with the public.

Now, come to find out she told everyone who would listen that I had plastic surgery!!!

What an idiot!

Smiling to my face while stabbing me in the back.

My motto now is be kind to all, until it is time to tell them off.

Kind to all, trust no one.

I even call out doctors for doing the wrong thing in a polite way so they do not call the mental cops out but still.

Told the surgeons assistant here that I had liked her but the news she was telling me was a huge no and at that moment I hated her. Words just came out without a filter.

Come to find out my gut was right, they wanted to do surgery when it was not needed.

Off topic, again, really no topic here.

Glad you found a turkey. Fresh is good,going to salt up our duck today it is a trick my MIL taught me.

We went to Penny Market yesterday; Planned on walking there but saw the car and decided it was a bit chilly outside.

Drove instead.

They had red cabbage for super cheap, 189 a kilo. It goes nice with poultry. Saw fresh cranberries at the great market hall; Way too much, nearly 2,000 for a small amount.

There is a vendor there who sells papaya.

Would love some but he asks 3,500 to 4,000 for a half of one !

Used to just pick them up on the ground or the trees for free.

Was thinking this morning about the Xmas ,s when we swam in Hawaii, surfing Santa.

Want to go there but know it has to be a one way ticket because once I am there, I can not leave.

My husband does not drink coffee or alcohol.

No reason for us to sit outside a cafe and have drinks.

When my cousin visited and after dinner we treated everyone for a drink on Vaci Utca at Anna,s, my husband had water!

Sort of a kill joy , he used to drink till he passed out as a young man in Hungary.

I suppose that was about the only thing young people could afford to do back in commie days?

To be honest, when I finally got to see the Stones for the first time , in 1972 I believe it was, I felt they already were old.

Would of loved to have seen them sooner but at that time they had not toured the US for years;

If not for my buddy, Lisa, I would not of scored a ticket; It was sold out because everyone wanted to go.

Played at the Forum, a very large stadium.

We had decent seats not great but good enough.

I barely remember most of it, Lisa and I spent the entire time laughing and smoking.

Mick looked like a silly wind up doll to us.

Now, hate to think of what he looks like!

We took my HU BIL to see Pink Floyd in S;Ca; when we invited him for a US visit. Think it was in 1984 or 85.Had him try some , smoke? cracked me up, he must of told his wife when he returned to Hungary because everyone sees us as some sort of dangerous people.They forget we treated him to a 6 week long free trip with concerts, SF, San Diego, Disneyland and Vegas to name a few things.Gifts for all and anything he asked for within reason to eat and drink.No, people like to focus on the things they do not like;My HU SIL is a huge disappointment anyways;Met her when I was barely 23 and she was 30 or 31.Saw her as a wise cool person. Wrong again, Marilyn!She was cruel to my MIL, always wanted money to even stop by and check on the old gal.Talked crap about us behind our backs.That gets me more then anything.If I have an issue with someone, I tell them to their face or let them know somehow, no games, please;In 2000 I had some very minor laser skin rebuffing in Budapest.Think it cost $500. I saw it as an investment because I worked so up close with the public.Now, come to find out she told everyone who would listen that I had plastic surgery!!!What an idiot!Smiling to my face while stabbing me in the back.My motto now is be kind to all, until it is time to tell them off.Kind to all, trust no one.I even call out doctors for doing the wrong thing in a polite way so they do not call the mental cops out but still.Told the surgeons assistant here that I had liked her but the news she was telling me was a huge no and at that moment I hated her. Words just came out without a filter.Come to find out my gut was right, they wanted to do surgery when it was not needed.Off topic, again, really no topic here.Glad you found a turkey. Fresh is good,going to salt up our duck today it is a trick my MIL taught me.We went to Penny Market yesterday; Planned on walking there but saw the car and decided it was a bit chilly outside.Drove instead.They had red cabbage for super cheap, 189 a kilo. It goes nice with poultry. Saw fresh cranberries at the great market hall; Way too much, nearly 2,000 for a small amount.There is a vendor there who sells papaya.Would love some but he asks 3,500 to 4,000 for a half of one !Used to just pick them up on the ground or the trees for free.Was thinking this morning about the Xmas ,s when we swam in Hawaii, surfing Santa.Want to go there but know it has to be a one way ticket because once I am there, I can not leave.My husband does not drink coffee or alcohol. No reason for us to sit outside a cafe and have drinks.When my cousin visited and after dinner we treated everyone for a drink on Vaci Utca at Anna,s, my husband had water!Sort of a kill joy , he used to drink till he passed out as a young man in Hungary.I suppose that was about the only thing young people could afford to do back in commie days?To be honest, when I finally got to see the Stones for the first time , in 1972 I believe it was, I felt they already were old.Would of loved to have seen them sooner but at that time they had not toured the US for years;If not for my buddy, Lisa, I would not of scored a ticket; It was sold out because everyone wanted to go.Played at the Forum, a very large stadium.We had decent seats not great but good enough.I barely remember most of it, Lisa and I spent the entire time laughing and smoking.Mick looked like a silly wind up doll to us.Now, hate to think of what he looks like! - @Marilyn Tassy

My sister had a facelift about 10-15 years ago. As I will have mentioned, it cost a bundle but she just looked weird to me.  Like a badly made copy of herself with a constant look of surprise.  And now, she looks the same as she did before.  You cannot fool gravity as the face sinks over time. 

I had thought about plastic surgery for myself.  The bit above my eyes is sagging and not evenly.  So it's like my right eye is going to be obscured by the dropping skin.  Not the eyelid but the bit above slightly below the eyebrow.  I wondered if it just made me look more distinguished and wizened.   In my line of work, grey hair is revered so if I tried to look younger, I'd be less credible.  So will I do anything, I doubt it.

Today we're having fish - seems to be an local idea to do that.  I'm aiming for parsley sauce but Mrs F has said she doesn't know how to make it.  In the UK, parsley sauce is traditional with fish.  So I've had to Google that. It's hardly difficult to make.  I don't think people in HU know about parsley sauce.  My BIL is expected this afternoon.  Haven't seen him for at least 3 weeks so be OK to see how he is.  Mrs F's parents are gone, so are mine.  My siblings are spread out in the UK, I'm here.  Two of my kids are far away - one in the UK and the other in Canada, so it's WhatsApp tomorrow.  Other two are here - one lounging on the sofa and another asleep.

I also don't drink but I'm expecting something to happen and it'll be good if it does so I'm having a shot of vodka if that occurs.  If we had some sherry, I'd have some of that as it's more traditional.  I didn't mind sitting in Starbucks, mainly because it was different to sitting at home.  I was never a convinced drinker or smoker but did both but I just felt I had to stop.  Too much booze was messing me up the next day and smoking I was pushing my luck.  It was all stress related.  Remove the additional stresses and try to calm down and carry on!

I'm looking at the concerts (on Eventim in HU and Ticketmaster DE) and I cannot see any of them inspiring me.  Richard Clayderman.  WTF?  I thought he was dead.  And I don't like him anyway.  Someone called Helene Fischer.  Who is she?  Apparently she's a singer of German traditional songs.  Err...no..   I think if I want a hit of some hits, I'll choose Radio X Classic Rock.   I don't think I could stand watching a concert for 3 or 4h.  I could maybe manage 1h.

Apart from all that, I'm shopping for car parts - thermostat and antifreeze and I just bought some fans for my IT gear.  I'm also looking for a switch for a heater for the bathroom.  All the things I couldn't do previously due to work intrustions.   How exciting!

Cooked our duck yesterday, did not want it to go off being in the fridge too long uncooked;

Had salt on it for 2 days, really did help make it very tender.

Will be eating that for days...

One little bird lasts us forever.

Parsley sauce sound nice, never had it. I wanted Salmon but next time.

I feel bad for my bro in the hole. I wonder if they will serve turkey sandwiches or ham; or just more pasta?

My heart is breaking for him. I can not enjoy myself knowing someone is suffering, family or friends.

At least I am giving my poor husbands ears a break and not talking out how mad I am every hour or two.

I do hope his wife chocks on some turkey today!!

No plastic surgery for us either, I just get angry when someone spreads lies, I have good strong facial bones and no double chin, why mess it up now?

Time hits everyone some sooner then others.

My husbands wealthy friend, he married a very rich HU lady, they are multi millionaires in dollars, not forints!

He had plastic surgery and even in his photos he looks weird.

Never could stand the guy myself; He was a so called, pretty boy all his life.Blonde and fair.

He tried dating my sister once, she told hi to f off as he was a bit aggressive and he just could not believe he was rejected.

Punk, husband invited him to our wedding as he borrowed another HU guys Jag to drive us there;

His then GF an American from Boston came too. She saw super sweet and just average looking. No idea what she saw in him as his ego is off the charts.

Oh, well never seeing them again if I can help it.

Met his ex HU wife in Honolulu, she was nice but older then hi. He moves up with each lady he marries. Guess this one is rich enough to keep.Such a snob! I got mad when we were invited to a July 4th party, I knew the deal, I was the token American. No thanks.

I hate it when people flaunt their wealth anyways.

Xmas music concert? No thanks, sounds boring.

I hated it working in a salon or casino over the holidays.

Bing Crosby in the background every hour on a loop!

Boxing day.

I used to think boxing day was a day in the UK where everyone sat around watching the fights!

IDK, in my family the fights usually were on the 25th!

Hope everyone had a nice holiday.

We took a walk in the city park.

Intended to watch the ice  skaters but they were resetting the rink when we arrived.

Getting ready for the evening skaters.

There was a small but cute German fair going on with amusement rides.

Watched people screaming for a bit.

I will never go on those things, even for free.

Took 2 to 3 tokens per ride; Each token cost 1,000 forints!

2,000 to 3,000 forints to get dizzy and ill?

Needless to say at those prices, only a few riders went on.

Perhaps in the evening it got busier?

Took a nice walk, feed the birds left over pastry.

Got too cold for me so that was it.

Took some photos, I stood up on a table for one shot, the police came down the road at that time. My husband told me, in the old days, I would of gotten a ticket for abusing property!

It is lovely outside today, sun is out.

Might take another walk around, should be quiet today.

Boxing day.I used to think boxing day was a day in the UK where everyone sat around watching the fights!IDK, in my family the fights usually were on the 25th!Hope everyone had a nice holiday.We took a walk in the city park.Intended to watch the ice skaters but they were resetting the rink when we arrived.Getting ready for the evening skaters.There was a small but cute German fair going on with amusement rides.Watched people screaming for a bit.I will never go on those things, even for free.Took 2 to 3 tokens per ride; Each token cost 1,000 forints!2,000 to 3,000 forints to get dizzy and ill?Needless to say at those prices, only a few riders went on.Perhaps in the evening it got busier?Took a nice walk, feed the birds left over pastry.Got too cold for me so that was it.Took some photos, I stood up on a table for one shot, the police came down the road at that time. My husband told me, in the old days, I would of gotten a ticket for abusing property!It is lovely outside today, sun is out.Might take another walk around, should be quiet today. - @Marilyn Tassy

I think it was always traditional sports days on Boxing Day.   In  the UK, it's generally when sales starts.  Some shops open and people try to grab a bargain.  Or at least what they think is a bargain.   It's hardly worth going to the shops these days - best to just go to look at the goods, then look it up online.

We were waiting for better weather before going out.  I saw it was going to be sunny today but low temperatures so I think we'll be off to the forest with the pooch.  If there's a hint of sun, it's almost impossible to park. We'll do it soon as it's likely to cloud over this PM. I hope my back holds up.  It was particularly bad this morning but it always is when I get up.

BIL is expected today for lunch.   Tomorrow, Mrs F's other brother, his wife and oddly, the brother's MIL and Mum are coming as well.  I might as well stay in bed as it's an all Hungarian affair.  I sit there, grabbing 10% of the conversation.  For me, it's boring.  Yesterday, I was leaning (lightly) on my son to speak English.  I am continuously stunned that he apparently cannot speak English to me.  We've always spoken mostly English at home.  Our daughter is about 100% fluent in both languages and very good in two or three others.  Same upbringing, same environment, one is near perfect and quite possibly only 30% for the other.  How does that happen?  The gap in our daughters language is just lack of technical vocabulary - she used the term "dilution liquid" but what she meant was solvent.

Anyway, my electrical work here at Fluffy Towers is delayed.  Found out I lack some parts but perhaps I can get  some early next week.   I suppose I could carry out my master plan in the shed which is to tidy up.  What a mess but it's so cold, I don't feel enthusiastic.   I'm getting messages packages will arrive tomorrow (!!) and next week.  Maybe this will work out.  No sign of my car spares (coming from Berlin). Too cold to use them anyway!

Had to sit, my digestion is acting up.

Perhaps last nights duck did me in? I swear one tiny bird lasts the two of us a good 4 meals.

Was planning on fixing some beef steak today but not sure now.

I am done with sitting in on long Hungarian conversations. Does me in.

Did that way too often over way too many years.

I think I would have an easier time learning Japanese then Hungarian.

Hate to say it, the sound of Hungarian gets me it is one of the rough sounding languages. Not nice on the ears like French is or even Italian;

My SIL, has a soft voice and our old neighbor did but most HU speakers sound like they are angry to my ears. My SIL,s voice may be soft but her words are sharp.

Once my sister invited about 4 HU guys to a meal at her place. I was there and my hubby too.

They all knew some English, not great but OK at least give it a try. No, they kept talking in HU like she was a waitress or a paid worker;She removed all the food off the table and told them all to leave!

Gosh, I do miss her at times, she was something else.

Some people can just pick up on things like languages faster then others.

IDK, I am starting to think I am missing a screw not knowing more Hungarian. The thing is, I really do not want to talk to anyone really, had friends, never going to replace them at this late date. Too much effort with little reward.

I figure if I ever need to speak Hungarian on a serious level, I will have to buy one of those language translators.

My son says he cooks Japanese now,that would be interesting.

I feel I may move there someday if I find myself a widow.

Like being near my son, we get on good, both see the world the same way. His wife is fine with me too. My husband dislikes her for a few reasons. IDK, no one is perfect, she is quiet , I like that.

You can sit in a room with her for hours and she will never say a word unless you talk first.

My husband finds that creepy, I find it nice.

I thought it may be chilly outside, at least it is sunny.

Hope we see more sunny days around here.

The cold is tolerable as long as the sun is out.

Reminds me of Colorado, cold but sunny. Well it was much colder there then in Hungary.

Hope the dog walk is good, not too crowded.

I wish we could get another Doberman; I miss having one around.

Too late for us, I no longer could control a 100 lbs bundle of energy.

Plus IDK if I am sticking around for the next 10 to 12 years. Hate to kick it and leave a pet behind.

Reminds me of our old neighbor in Ca. He walked his Great Dane all the time. We often crossed paths on our dog walks; The guy was about 70 and said that was going to be his last dog because he did not have another decade for himself.

The guy reminded me of my bro, he also was a mechanic for American Airlines; he and his wife would fly to Germany about every 2 months and board their Dane.

He walked the dog very carefully and slowly because he was afraid the dog would have a heart attack.

The dog was only 5 or 6 years old but Danes only live on average about 8 years.

Weird to see a young dog who needed to be treated like an old one.

Backs, I have an inversion table in storage but here in HU I brought a bar and inversion boots.

Honestly have not hung upside down for almost a year now;

Found I am not as flexible as I was. Have to stand on a chair and swing one leg up near my head and hook the boot onto the bar, then swing up the other leg into the bar.

I can not swing my leg up by myself any longer.

Use a rope to pull myself up after a 4 to 5 min; inversion and have to swing my leg out of the bar and put it on the chair and then swing out the other leg: Like doing the splits in the air while hanging upside down. It is also great to do sit ups while upside down.

Can call my husband to help but just do not do it.

He is afraid I will hurt myself.

I found out though that even just hanging from your shoulders for at least one min; to 5 mins is just as good for the spine; You can even put your feet on the ground and lift them up when needed.

Like a chin up bar.

I do that and sometimes my back snaps, feels great.

Used to do shoulder stands but that puts allot of pressure on the neck.

Had to sit, my digestion is acting up.
Perhaps last nights duck did me in? I swear one tiny bird lasts the two of us a good 4 meals. - @Marilyn Tassy

I started to have a few issues as well, but I decided it was down to work stress and overeating.

I'm on holiday so the former is a non-issue at least for the moment, and I'm rubbish at sticking to diets so that's a no go.

However, I have found a diet I can stick to because there are no actual rules - just guidelines.

Breakfast has turned into light food, as has lunch and dinner.

Snacks are out of the window save a bar of chocolate that takes me several days to get through.

When it comes to rice, I've started using a Chinese rice bowl and cooking far smaller portions. Soft drinks aren't self-banned, but limited to one every time I fancy it - that's been one every couple of weeks.

It was hard work at first, but now I find I can fill up on a third of what I ate before.

The smaller the portion, the less my stomach wants the next time, and the better I feel.

My fly in the ointment is coffee - I love the stuff.

Had to sit, my digestion is acting up. Perhaps last nights duck did me in? I swear one tiny bird lasts the two of us a good 4 meals.Was planning on fixing some beef steak today but not sure now. I am done with sitting in on long Hungarian conversations. Does me in.Did that way too often over way too many years.I think I would have an easier time learning Japanese then Hungarian.Hate to say it, the sound of Hungarian gets me it is one of the rough sounding languages. Not nice on the ears like French is or even Italian;My SIL, has a soft voice and our old neighbor did but most HU speakers sound like they are angry to my ears. My SIL,s voice may be soft but her words are sharp.Once my sister invited about 4 HU guys to a meal at her place. I was there and my hubby too.They all knew some English, not great but OK at least give it a try. No, they kept talking in HU like she was a waitress or a paid worker;She removed all the food off the table and told them all to leave!Gosh, I do miss her at times, she was something else.Some people can just pick up on things like languages faster then others.IDK, I am starting to think I am missing a screw not knowing more Hungarian. The thing is, I really do not want to talk to anyone really, had friends, never going to replace them at this late date. Too much effort with little reward.I figure if I ever need to speak Hungarian on a serious level, I will have to buy one of those language translators.My son says he cooks Japanese now,that would be interesting.I feel I may move there someday if I find myself a widow.Like being near my son, we get on good, both see the world the same way. His wife is fine with me too. My husband dislikes her for a few reasons. IDK, no one is perfect, she is quiet , I like that.You can sit in a room with her for hours and she will never say a word unless you talk first.My husband finds that creepy, I find it nice.I thought it may be chilly outside, at least it is sunny.Hope we see more sunny days around here.The cold is tolerable as long as the sun is out.Reminds me of Colorado, cold but sunny. Well it was much colder there then in Hungary.Hope the dog walk is good, not too crowded.I wish we could get another Doberman; I miss having one around.Too late for us, I no longer could control a 100 lbs bundle of energy.Plus IDK if I am sticking around for the next 10 to 12 years. Hate to kick it and leave a pet behind.Reminds me of our old neighbor in Ca. He walked his Great Dane all the time. We often crossed paths on our dog walks; The guy was about 70 and said that was going to be his last dog because he did not have another decade for himself.The guy reminded me of my bro, he also was a mechanic for American Airlines; he and his wife would fly to Germany about every 2 months and board their Dane.He walked the dog very carefully and slowly because he was afraid the dog would have a heart attack.The dog was only 5 or 6 years old but Danes only live on average about 8 years.Weird to see a young dog who needed to be treated like an old one.Backs, I have an inversion table in storage but here in HU I brought a bar and inversion boots.Honestly have not hung upside down for almost a year now;Found I am not as flexible as I was. Have to stand on a chair and swing one leg up near my head and hook the boot onto the bar, then swing up the other leg into the bar.I can not swing my leg up by myself any longer.Use a rope to pull myself up after a 4 to 5 min; inversion and have to swing my leg out of the bar and put it on the chair and then swing out the other leg: Like doing the splits in the air while hanging upside down. It is also great to do sit ups while upside down.Can call my husband to help but just do not do it.He is afraid I will hurt myself.I found out though that even just hanging from your shoulders for at least one min; to 5 mins is just as good for the spine; You can even put your feet on the ground and lift them up when needed.Like a chin up bar.I do that and sometimes my back snaps, feels great.Used to do shoulder stands but that puts allot of pressure on the neck. - @Marilyn Tassy

Hard to say about indigestion but I know yeast products which includes bread are not good for acid reflux. I wouldn't try and remotely diagnose you knowing your previous diagnoses/history. 

I used to drink Bavarian Weizenbier sometimes which is wheat beer but Mein Gott, does it make me sick. It's like congeners in red wine or things like whisky.   Stopped that and much better.  No alcohol is helpful.   But oddly, my essential tremor should be improved by drinking alcohol, even if it's a glass of wine.  I'm not even drinking that, so untested and I really don't want to get back on the booze.

I must say hanging upside down on a table sounds rather attractive to me. It'd stretch the rubbery bits in my spine which might improve my back issues.  I received a "massage gun" which our daughter got me for Xmas. It's quite good.  Chinese (what else?).  Charges up using USB (mobile phone type socket). 

Mrs F and I were walking in the forest at Szepjuhaszne (one of the stations on the Children's railway). We park there and do a loop around the hill (Hárshegy).  It's not that far - about 2.55km with hills - but it still takes 50 mins as I cannot go so fast.  I'm puffing more than I used to.  The doggy loves it but she went bonkers as usual and rolled around in something horribly smelly.  She's banished to the garden until she's licked herself clean.  Mrs F took a bit of a tumble on a tree root.  I'm usually the one falling over.  She's fine, just surprised.  Didn't hit her head or anything but got a bit muddy.   

On the way around there, we met a spaniel doggy.  I was wondering about what kind of pooch could replace our Goldie.   It's a much smaller dog but Mrs F says they are highly strung.   I would never have a great Dane - that's insane. It's a horse.  Nor would I have an "aggressive" doggy.  I am not that optimistic about our Goldie as now she's got some lumps and skin issues at her joints.  Day to day she seems fine.  She's not that old, only 7 but I wonder if she'll make it past 10.  We're on watchful waiting on her to see how the lumps develop.     A spaniel is about half the size of our Goldie.  So that's cheaper foodwise but I don't know if we can cope with a puppy so maybe we'll get one 1 year old but get her into training immediately.  It's a plan but others here are complaining I'm planning for our Goldie's demise.

Today is my SIL's (Son-in-Law's) birthday.   I suppose he'll be having a cake with my daughter in Ontario.  Big snow there.  The return to classic Eastern European freezing cold and sunny weather is most welcome.  Mrs F says it's snowing further West.  I was surprised.  No sign of snow here.  And 6C.   

As I type, there's a lot of Hungarian going on next door.  I just drop by now and then to hear what's going on.  I should make the effort to learn more Hungarian.  There's more chance of me learning Hungarian than the UK rejoining the EU.   I really should get on with it so I could ask for that HU passport.  Then it'd be easy to move around the EU.

BTW, we had duck today.  I could hardly eat it.  Not that it wasn't nice. My meds stop me eating.   That's diabetes for you.   I did however get to lay on the sofa in a food coma so not all bad.

God help us

God help us
- @SimCityAT

That is really daft! But his alternative facts are becoming normalised now.  He can say anything outlandish and people will just let it wash over them.  It does however keep him as the laughing stock of the world, albeit one with a finger on the nuclear button.

God help us
- @SimCityAT
That is really daft! But his alternative facts are becoming normalised now. He can say anything outlandish and people will just let it wash over them. It does however keep him as the laughing stock of the world, albeit one with a finger on the nuclear button. - @fluffy2560

He does seem like a clown but yea, he has his finger ready willing and able.Have to take him seriously.

IDK perhaps he was tripping and recalling the days before the US broke away from the UK?

1492 in his mind?

God help us
- @SimCityAT
That is really daft! But his alternative facts are becoming normalised now. He can say anything outlandish and people will just let it wash over them. It does however keep him as the laughing stock of the world, albeit one with a finger on the nuclear button.  - @fluffy2560
He does seem like a clown but yea, he has his finger ready willing and able.Have to take him seriously.
IDK perhaps he was tripping and recalling the days before the US broke away from the UK?
1492 in his mind? - @Marilyn Tassy

I think he doesn't seem like a clown, he actually is a clown.   And he's absolutely transparent.  I doubt he's got the cojones to launch a nuclear strike and maybe someone is going to stop him.  Not all the military is staffed by sycophants.

I don't think Donny's got any excuse for not knowing his history.  1492 was of course the discovery or better, invasion, of the Americas (by the Spanish).  It's a bit laughable to label it discovery as the natives were already there.

1776 is the date he should have been thinking of.   2026-1776 = 250.   It's hardly difficult.  But for him, quite clearly, it was a calculation too far.  I'm not American of course but I do know much history.  And I know not from school but real interest. Namely, family tree tracing:

My niece and I have been on the Family Tree these holidays.  We've traced to 1620 now on my father's name.  We follow normally the female line in the UK but, why not do both sides.   We're reached a point where there's a split at 1850 approximately and suddenly people start appearing in the USA - mainly in Pennsylvania.  That's of serious interest as they are all in or close to the area where William Penn lived in the UK.  William Penn gives his name to Pennsylvania.   I'm speculating my ancestors left the UK for the Americas as they could have been Quakers.   

That's one set but we've also found records of people being sentenced to Transportation - presumably to the Colonies.  I always thought that would mean Australia.  But maybe it includes others.

That is very interesting to know your roots so far back.

I know my fathers side was pretty much located in SE Poland, former part of Austria/Hungary going back to the 17OO,s probably further then that but can only see the tree with actual names and birth dates around that time.

American roots, Native American and I suppose some from the slave trade since I recently found out we have 8.2 percent Sub African DNA, Over 4 percent of that being from Nigeria.

I swear, I would probably make people mad if I claimed to be black! They would say I am pulling their leg.

I do have soul however... Opps, that is probably not a PC thing to say!

I can not however dance!

I am just kidding around everyone has an interesting background with both good and bad actors in their history.

The strangest thing I found in my sisters DNA test was the 10 percent Norwegian we have.

Where did that come from?

I know the Vikings explored in eastern Europe, perhaps that is it?

@fluffy2560

@fluffy2560
- @SimCityAT

He will stall until his dying breath.

He is on the list, might even be on the top of the list!

@Marilyn Tassy

@Marilyn Tassy

Republicans want you to work until you die.

@Marilyn Tassy
Republicans want you to work until you die.
- @SimCityAT

Who doesn't have a health problem at 65?   No-one gets away with with being health issue free post-late 50s.

Shapiro is one of the MAGA looney people.   If it's the same guy, he was born in 1984.  So he's early 40s.  That's the slight downhill side of anyone's maximum superpower.    Obviously he's going to change his mind but it'll take 20 years before the idiot knows what is really going on.   In the meantime, he'll cause damage.  What a d**khead!  Listen to your elders clever clogs.

According to Wiki, he's a cousin of the marvellous Mara Wilson who was Matilda in the Roald Dahl movie of the same name. A fabulous movie although I am reluctant to say anything good about Roald Dahl himself.    She's an outspoken member of the LGBT community.   IMHO, all good.   

I cannot imagine them getting around the table for a friendly family dinner.