Absolutely Anything Else

If I have to make ranking, Turkish Airlines, Luxair, Air France, Sri Lankan Airlines (business class), Swiss Airlines, Lufthansa, KLM, British Airways., At the start of my career it was only business class, after they saved on this (rightfully so).

Thursday 23rd April:

St George's Day!

Should be a national holiday back in England

Just did my online food shopping. My god it's got expensive. Thank you Trump.

Thursday 23rd April:
St George's Day!

Should be a national holiday back in England - @fluffy2560

St, Andrew in Scotland is a holiday.

I just redeemed a Netflix voucher. I had my VPN set to America. It now asks you to put a postcode in. I thought, shit, oh well, the only one I remember is Beverly Hill 90210, it worked.

Holidays 'very likely' at risk as EU warns of 'crisis'

The EU has warned that Europe is in a "very serious crisis" as aviation fuel stocks start to run low due to the war in Iran and people might have to change holiday plans this summer.

"Unfortunately, it's very likely that many people's holidays will be affected, either by flight cancellations or very, very expensive tickets," Dan Jorgensen, the EU energy commissioner, told Sky News.

"Even if we do everything we can do, if the jet fuel is not there, then it's not there."

Jorgensen added: "[Currently] it is primarily a crisis of prices and not yet a crisis of supply, but unfortunately we cannot be sure to prevent a crisis of supply, especially on jet fuel in the future, if the crisis continues."

The International Energy Agency has warned that major supply issues could occur in the next five to six weeks.

Airlines are already taking steps to reduce demand: the Lufthansa Group, one of the biggest airline groups in Europe, has announced the cancellation of 20,000 flights in the coming months. Other airlines are increasing ticket prices on long-haul flights to cover the increased cost of fuel.

"If we had peace tomorrow and the Strait of Hormuz opens, I think we will manage without that happening, but I have to say that even in the best-case scenario the price crisis will still last for quite some time," Jorgensen warned.

"Gas infrastructure has been ruined to a degree that will take years to rebuild and this means for months and maybe years yet we will see much higher prices than we had before this crisis started."

The head of Italy's Civil Aviation Authority told Sky News that people should consider spending their summer holidays in their home countries.

"In the past petrol prices have reached and exceeded more than $100 without any significant side effects on air travel but this time, the psychological effect is having a destructive effect on passengers," Pierluigi di Palma warned.

"It is best to recommend holidays nearby, rediscovering beautiful places in our country.

"For those who still want to risk taking a long trip, it's a good idea to consider special insurance that can provide reassurance regarding a guaranteed refund in the event of a delayed or cancelled flight."

The EU has announced measures to try and limit the effect of an energy crisis, including plans to speed up the use of renewable energies and incentives for households to install clean energy supplies like heat pumps and solar panels.

The EU is also encouraging member states to reduce tax on electricity in the hope it will persuade more people to buy electric vehicles.

https://news.sky.com/story/money-live-c … t-13040934

Holidays 'very likely' at risk as EU warns of 'crisis'
The EU has warned that Europe is in a "very serious crisis" as aviation fuel stocks start to run low due to the war in Iran and people might have to change holiday plans this summer.

"Unfortunately, it's very likely that many people's holidays will be affected, either by flight cancellations or very, very expensive tickets," Dan Jorgensen, the EU energy commissioner, told Sky News.

"Even if we do everything we can do, if the jet fuel is not there, then it's not there."

Jorgensen added: "[Currently] it is primarily a crisis of prices and not yet a crisis of supply, but unfortunately we cannot be sure to prevent a crisis of supply, especially on jet fuel in the future, if the crisis continues."

The International Energy Agency has warned that major supply issues could occur in the next five to six weeks.

Airlines are already taking steps to reduce demand: the Lufthansa Group, one of the biggest airline groups in Europe, has announced the cancellation of 20,000 flights in the coming months. Other airlines are increasing ticket prices on long-haul flights to cover the increased cost of fuel.

"If we had peace tomorrow and the Strait of Hormuz opens, I think we will manage without that happening, but I have to say that even in the best-case scenario the price crisis will still last for quite some time," Jorgensen warned.

"Gas infrastructure has been ruined to a degree that will take years to rebuild and this means for months and maybe years yet we will see much higher prices than we had before this crisis started."

The head of Italy's Civil Aviation Authority told Sky News that people should consider spending their summer holidays in their home countries.

"In the past petrol prices have reached and exceeded more than $100 without any significant side effects on air travel but this time, the psychological effect is having a destructive effect on passengers," Pierluigi di Palma warned.

"It is best to recommend holidays nearby, rediscovering beautiful places in our country.

"For those who still want to risk taking a long trip, it's a good idea to consider special insurance that can provide reassurance regarding a guaranteed refund in the event of a delayed or cancelled flight."

The EU has announced measures to try and limit the effect of an energy crisis, including plans to speed up the use of renewable energies and incentives for households to install clean energy supplies like heat pumps and solar panels.

The EU is also encouraging member states to reduce tax on electricity in the hope it will persuade more people to buy electric vehicles.

https://news.sky.com/story/money-live-c … t-13040934 - @SimCityAT

I am seriously concerned by this.  I'm on the plane tomorrow to the UK and I've also got a flight in May and potentially very long haul out to Asia-Pacific (AP) in June or July for work purposes.  I really do not know how this is going to work out.  My alternative is to try and go via Canada but this is really problematic as it usually involves passing US territory which I want to avoid like the plague.  Not that the US is after me, I just don't want to take any risks with their mercurial ways. My other alternatives are via China or Singapore.   Prices have really shot up everywhere and put pressure on budgets. I hedged quite a bit for flights but it's effecting everything in the supply chain - rental cars, hotels, food, just everything.   

Mrs F was talking about holidays in Italy whale watching.  It's her 60th this year.  I suggested flying to Corsica but now I'm considering driving or us going to Croatia instead.  That was met with derision as no whales in Croatia.  When we first discussed this, I thought she meant going to Wales.   Fine by me.  A couple of weeks around there, no problem.  But now I know it's the large mammals and not Snowdonia and Ffestiniog railways. 

BTW, in the UK, the British government has INCREASED road taxes on electric vehicles.  That looks really foolish now.  How much squeezing can people take before the pips squeak. 

Over here in HU, no idea yet but cars are not cheap anyway.  We have a diesel car at the mechanics now.  One has to wonder if it's worth getting it fixed - they haven't done much about it and we're not pushing them to repair it.  As a diesel it's very economical.  On the other hand,  our petrol car is much newer but uses more.  And my hobby car, that's a gas guzzling monster but is what you want in the winter around here - permanent 4WD, chunky gripping tyres, heated everything and fantastic off-road or on snow performance.   Having three cars here seems a bit ludicrous. Even the one I have in the UK I wonder about.

@fluffy2560

@fluffy2560
- @SimCityAT

Blimey!

If I have to make ranking, Turkish Airlines, Luxair, Air France, Sri Lankan Airlines (business class), Swiss Airlines, Lufthansa, KLM, British Airways., At the start of my career it was only business class, after they saved on this (rightfully so). - @cdw057

My brother who was a airline mechanic for over 35 years swore by major airlines opposed to one in 3rd world countries; Their safety standards are higher in 1st; world countries even though nothing is perfect.

He worked for Flying Tigers, another airline then did over 30 plus years with American.

I only flew with American once for free for a job interview, their tickets are a bit higher then some other airlines.

Not sure why I chose United last trip but it was a decent flight, a Dreamliner, had 2 empty seats next to me, laid down across the seats, had extra tray space, the women in front of me did not put her seat back; It was fine, my niece and SIL loaded me up with muscle relaxers and a bit of gummy bear! I was flying for sure!

25 April

It's ANZAC day.

The holiday, also known as the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps Day, commemorates deceased soldiers from prior peacekeeping and military campaigns.

Unlikely to be remembered in HU. 

We have to wait until the Sunday closest to 11 November (Remembrance Sunday) to remember at all those Allied soldiers of WW2/WW1 (including my father who passed in 2023 a the age of 99). 

My brother who was a airline mechanic for over 35 years swore by major airlines opposed to one in 3rd world countries; Their safety standards are higher in 1st; world countries even though nothing is perfect.He worked for Flying Tigers, another airline then did over 30 plus years with American.I only flew with American once for free for a job interview, their tickets are a bit higher then some other airlines.Not sure why I chose United last trip but it was a decent flight, a Dreamliner, had 2 empty seats next to me, laid down across the seats, had extra tray space, the women in front of me did not put her seat back; It was fine, my niece and SIL loaded me up with muscle relaxers and a bit of gummy bear! I was flying for sure! - @Marilyn Tassy

You'd think they'd design those planes to allow laying down on a row if it's unoccupied.  Usually it's really lumpy.  But even in Business Class, it's really uncomfortable.  It doesn't matter how much I pay, it still hurts my back.  For that kind of money, they should give my back and legs a massage and I don't mean the one with a happy ending.  I wonder if a gummy bear would help me with that. 

I remember Flying Tigers.  What a great name for an airline!   Airline names make no real sense and could be dodgy.   Wizzair could be Whizzair.  Like I'm going to take a Whizz.  Oh dear.   And Ryanair, why?  Tony Ryan has long gone. People do come up with good nick names - British Scareways,  Dan Dare (used to be an airline called Dan Air) etc.

Flying Tigers. What a great name for an airline! Airline names make no real sense - @fluffy2560

The flying tigers were American volunteer fighter pilots flying to defend China from the Japanese.

After the war, they started a freight airline and it went on from there.

I gather it's not good to mention the above history these days.

HU:

We've received a letter from EON (power company) saying we'll have no electricity for up to 8h (!!!) on 15 May.  WTF?

According to the letter, they are replacing a transformer.  Again.  It blew up several months ago and was replaced.  And they neglected to remind us about the trees bringing down the cables due to heavy snow.

I don't get this.  They should have two transformers for this area from two different directions.  Basic redundancy.

They should be giving us a refund.  No offer of that.

Looks like I'll have to get the generator out.

There was a house meeting yesterday in our building.

We did not attend and did not notice it was even going on;

The last couple of years we old timer owners just gave up and not longer give a vote.

Sick of the manager, he needs to go but doubt he will ever volunteer to quit.

Makes too much off of the dozen or so buildings he manages.

He no longer answers phone calls, have to drop him an e mail.

His GF does the books, or cooks them rather!

Looks like he gets paid  over 2 million per year to manager our building that times 12 is rather nice for doing nada.

He bills for stupid repairs we never notice and what we really would like is some fresh paint;

There was a house meeting yesterday in our building.We did not attend and did not notice it was even going on;The last couple of years we old timer owners just gave up and not longer give a vote.Sick of the manager, he needs to go but doubt he will ever volunteer to quit.Makes too much off of the dozen or so buildings he manages.He no longer answers phone calls, have to drop him an e mail.His GF does the books, or cooks them rather!Looks like he gets paid over 2 million per year to manager our building that times 12 is rather nice for doing nada.He bills for stupid repairs we never notice and what we really would like is some fresh paint; - @Marilyn Tassy

Obviously we have to paint our own house as we're "the managers".   

But really it doesn't even need to be considered for 3 years as it was all new 7 years ago.  10 years good to check and tidy up.  I do have to fill in some holes from previous work from some cabling we needed installing for the front gate bell. 

Any holes, we could end up getting wasps or similar in any gaps.  Insects get everywhere.  We have some kind of giant ants in the front garden.   I think we might have pine martins around as we noticed some odd animal scat in the garden.  Definitely not the cat or dog.  Pine Martins destroy your car.   We have a special spray for it BUT we've been told, one of those toilet blocks you hang on the edge of the bowl will soon chase them away.  Lot cheaper than a special spray.  Some insects like solitary bees we don't mind.  They are harmless.  My Dad was an apiarist and knew a lot about bees and I've inherited his bee stuff except the equipment.

I was idly looking at apartments in the UK in case I win the lottery and what kills you are the maintenance charges.  UK system of leasehold property is just criminal.  My parents leased apartment had so many charges and conditions on it, if they'd missed a payment, they could have been evicted.  Just incredible and a totally unfair system.  Leaseholds will end in the UK.  People moving into blocks will get a share of the freehold.

I'm on training today but I've hit a roadblock which will take some reading.  So I'll have to figure that out.  But in the meantime, I'm thinking of making some kind of spicy sausage soup. 

Love the air fryer for lazy days.

Toss in some potatoes with some spiced up chicken, side salad and a bowl of soup and that,s it.

My Vegas friend bought a condo, I guess it is about the same size as our flat here in Budapest.

hers however was designed to be functional, not some chopped up version of a former middle class persons large flat.

She paid about $150,000 cash but still pays over $300. per month for her HOA.

Of course yesterday,s house meeting will include a rate hike of BS. They pay over  100,000 per month for a cleaner to wipe down the stairs with hypo! Something does not add up, scammers!

I heard now that we have a new PM Hungary MAY go to the Euro     and prices for property will drop like a lead balloon.

IDK, just keeping an eye on that for now.

Our funky old 125 year old wreck of a flat is worth more then my Vegas friends place although hers is nearly perfect.

She even has a swimming pool which is empty all the time.

No club house here or hot tub!

Lottery, I am almost done with that. Nothing for a long while, not even money back on investment.

My luck, I will win millions of bucks 2 days before I kick it!

Speaking of bug spraying, funny enough my Vegas friend woke up around 3 am to find her crazy neighbor outside spraying for roaches. She even sent  me a photo she took from her ring camera!

He was drunk on his butt and spraying everywhere. Wish I knew how to post photos from my E mail, super funny.

Now she has to spray to make sure all his buggers do not invade her condo.

Love the air fryer for lazy days.Toss in some potatoes with some spiced up chicken, side salad and a bowl of soup and that,s it.My Vegas friend bought a condo, I guess it is about the same size as our flat here in Budapest.hers however was designed to be functional, not some chopped up version of a former middle class persons large flat.She paid about $150,000 cash but still pays over $300. per month for her HOA.Of course yesterday,s house meeting will include a rate hike of BS. They pay over 100,000 per month for a cleaner to wipe down the stairs with hypo! Something does not add up, scammers!I heard now that we have a new PM Hungary MAY go to the Euro   and prices for property will drop like a lead balloon.IDK, just keeping an eye on that for now.Our funky old 125 year old wreck of a flat is worth more then my Vegas friends place although hers is nearly perfect.She even has a swimming pool which is empty all the time.No club house here or hot tub!Lottery, I am almost done with that. Nothing for a long while, not even money back on investment.My luck, I will win millions of bucks 2 days before I kick it!Speaking of bug spraying, funny enough my Vegas friend woke up around 3 am to find her crazy neighbor outside spraying for roaches. She even sent me a photo she took from her ring camera!He was drunk on his butt and spraying everywhere. Wish I knew how to post photos from my E mail, super funny.Now she has to spray to make sure all his buggers do not invade her condo. - @Marilyn Tassy

Well, they do say about property that the value is determined by 3 things:  Location, Location and Location.

I remember being in Russia.  One could buy a house there for about $7K or less.  The big problem was of course that it was in Russia.  And who wants to live there?  At the moment, nobody except perhaps former members of the Fidesz government.

Maybe the neighbour was spraying because that's when the roaches come out - at night.  And they can move really fast to get out of the light. 

I read that if you put a zoo worth of animals of different types on Mars, the roaches would survive the longest.  Really tough things.  All the others dead instantly. But perhaps roaches, 1h only or less.  It's really cold on Mars and they like heat. 

Anyway, yes Tisza are probably going to go for the Euro but I don't expect it in this parliament but I do expect it to be formerly planned within 2 or 3 years but actual swap over, probably north of 2030, perhaps 2032.  I think going to the Euro quicker would be very popular with the majority of voters just now.   And of course, it'll be really convenient to no longer have the HUF and incompatibility with everyone else. 

Anyway I'll be an old geezer and probably not care much. To get there, I'd need to have sufficient lottery winnings to not care about anything! 

As for dinner, I dunno.  I did the spicy sausage soup for lunch.  Was OK but nothing particularly special.  I used red Thai flavouring/paste as I couldn't be bothered to look up a paprika recipe for Chorizo etc.  Nice bit of Spanish nosh on the patio/deck would go down well on a spring/summer day.

HU:

1st May (Friday) is a public holiday and everything will be closed.

HU:
1st May (Friday) is a public holiday and everything will be closed. - @fluffy2560

.... and Austria

EU anti-waste law: New laptops sold in Europe must now use USB-C chargers

EU anti-waste law: New laptops sold in Europe must now use USB-C chargers - @SimCityAT

I don't think USB-C is that reliable.  Mechanically it's quite weak.

And the cables we get from Kik fail far too quickly.  I've got about 30 of them, ready to go to recycling.

Long weekends are too long.

The next  door neighbor , some renters who just popped in one night around 11pm seem like they can not handle time with their family.

No one lived there for years and as we all are adults in this part of the building it came as a shock to everyone that they had a crying baby.

Saw the baby the other day, A 4 or 5 year old girl!!

The boy is about the same age, brat that he seems to be.

Our gay neighbors upstairs came to talk to us about getting rid of them, as did a semi blind man who lives kitty corner to them. The women living on the other side of them is 95 percent deaf, lucky bird!

I just go in my room and shut the door or turn on my rock music if the kids are acting up;

Thankfully they are gone during the weekday afternoons, so far at least.

The house meeting last week had them brought up to management.

The family is trashy, dad was screaming last night at his kids, now again, he must be a drunk and long weekends do him in.

My husband said it will be hard to get rid of people with brats. The district bought the flat and rented it to them, probably like a welfare case thing?

IDK but sooner or later someone is going to call the cops on the dad for screaming.

We like to stay out of it, husband like the air left in his tires.

Seriously thinking of moving if they do not leave within a short time.

Very unfortunate for all people without ear shot of them.

Poor kids though, can tell they are being set up to be losers from the get go.

One reason being a renter is better then being an owner, you can pick up and leave when your contract is up.

That would be within ear shot, they should put these families into family units or out in the boonies away from humans.

That would be within ear shot, they should put these families into family units or out in the boonies away from humans. - @Marilyn Tassy

Noisy neighbours are one thing but really stupid ignorant ones are worse.

My neighbour from the land dispute still does not talk to me. He was determined not to give up the land he had pinched from us.   But he's about 80 so I guess he's not long for the world considering how many times we've seen ambulances there.  Anyway all resolved land wise but he's still sulking years after the event.  His son and the son's GF wave and say hello so they are OK.  It's just him.

That would be within ear shot, they should put these families into family units or out in the boonies away from humans. - @Marilyn Tassy
Noisy neighbours are one thing but really stupid ignorant ones are worse.
My neighbour from the land dispute still does not talk to me. He was determined not to give up the land he had pinched from us. But he's about 80 so I guess he's not long for the world considering how many times we've seen ambulances there. Anyway all resolved land wise but he's still sulking years after the event. His son and the son's GF wave and say hello so they are OK. It's just him. - @fluffy2560

His ego was hurt it seems.

Some people have to be right even when they are wrong.

If he was cool, he would bring over a bottle of wine or palinka and say he made an honest mistake and he wants to bury the hatchet, not in your back either!

I feel a tiny bit sorry for the children next door, already set up to be losers. Ran into the mostly deaf neighbor living on the other side of them today.

She said they came to her place to help her hang up her curtains for smokes!

Not sure if it was a pack or two or a carton.

Desperate people like I thought.

I would never let them in, might take away more then my peace.

Finally got my blood drawn this morning, loads of people in line but it went allot faster then last week;

Walked on Vaci Uta afterwards, so much pollen in the air though.

Looks like it is about swimsuit season again.

Bought a new suit in Vegas but  most shops did not have a large selection out yet.

Got lucky in Vegas with shopping;

Could not find a swimsuit anywhere I went;

Drove by a store close to where I had some bank business;

Jumped in, found one, only one in my size too;

Went to Express store in a nice outdoor mall in Vegas with my neices.

Wanted a new pair of dark wash jeans; Like the way Express jeans fit me but not willing to order from the states and pay customs and postage.

Big sale in the store for selected items; Looked, $98. dark wash Express jeans, one pair only size 2 regular.

My size!! Discounted to $42. gave my son,s e mail address for another discount, walked away with them for less then $32.

Love me a deal!

That would be within ear shot, they should put these families into family units or out in the boonies away from humans. - @Marilyn Tassy
Noisy neighbours are one thing but really stupid ignorant ones are worse.
My neighbour from the land dispute still does not talk to me. He was determined not to give up the land he had pinched from us. But he's about 80 so I guess he's not long for the world considering how many times we've seen ambulances there. Anyway all resolved land wise but he's still sulking years after the event. His son and the son's GF wave and say hello so they are OK. It's just him. - @fluffy2560
His ego was hurt it seems.
Some people have to be right even when they are wrong.
If he was cool, he would bring over a bottle of wine or palinka and say he made an honest mistake and he wants to bury the hatchet, not in your back either!
I feel a tiny bit sorry for the children next door, already set up to be losers. Ran into the mostly deaf neighbor living on the other side of them today.
She said they came to her place to help her hang up her curtains for smokes!
Not sure if it was a pack or two or a carton.
Desperate people like I thought.
I would never let them in, might take away more then my peace.
Finally got my blood drawn this morning, loads of people in line but it went allot faster then last week;
Walked on Vaci Uta afterwards, so much pollen in the air though.
Looks like it is about swimsuit season again.
Bought a new suit in Vegas but most shops did not have a large selection out yet.
Got lucky in Vegas with shopping;
Could not find a swimsuit anywhere I went;
Drove by a store close to where I had some bank business;
Jumped in, found one, only one in my size too;
Went to Express store in a nice outdoor mall in Vegas with my neices.
Wanted a new pair of dark wash jeans; Like the way Express jeans fit me but not willing to order from the states and pay customs and postage.
Big sale in the store for selected items; Looked, $98. dark wash Express jeans, one pair only size 2 regular.
My size!! Discounted to $42. gave my son,s e mail address for another discount, walked away with them for less then $32.
Love me a deal! - @Marilyn Tassy

I'm probably repeating old ground but apparently the old geezer is still plotting to "take his land back" but of course, it was never his land. It was ours and the fence was in the wrong place.   Nobody lost and no-one gained what was on the deeds.  Simply the boundary moved.  Well, he can carry on plotting and wasting his time.  He cannot take it with him - maybe the ambulance will take him one final time.   We think the previous (deceased) owner of our house and him knew it was wrong and they just agreed not to bother and a bottle of palinka was exchanged.   But like I was going to let him have about 30m2 of our garden for a bottle of palinka? Had he never heard of one's home is one's castle?   We'd fight to the death for that 30m2.  As it turns out, our surveyor found the other neighbour on his other side owes the old codger 14m2.   Well, there we are, the land registry giveth and the land registry taketh away.  Amen.

I was looking for electronics and Google'd HU sites like argep.hu or arukereso.hu.  Sure, they have the items, but it's 50% of the price to have it sent from China via AliExpress.  No wonder stores are suffering.  Why would I pay, say 20 EUR when I can pay 10 EUR, including postage and taxes?  That said, I did buy a replacement chainsaw chain at my local chainsaw store for 6800 HUF.  I could have got it cheaper online for 5000 HUF but the 1800 HUF delivery meant it wasn't worth waiting. I could buy it immediately ready for tomorrows fun and games.

Glad the medical things worked out.  I was debating with Mrs F if we should take the dog walkies and in the end we did.  It took me a full 20m more to do the standard circuit.  It's all a problem of the hips and knees and I had to take some breaks on the benches.  I hope a bit of exercise would get the hips and knees lubrication going.  I just wonder if I'll be semi-paralysed tomorrow.    The dog seems happy and I guess that's all that matters in the long run.

Fire horse year.

I know I am a wood horse, 1954.

Anything to do with fire could be dangerous, that much I know.

I do not follow the zodiac think it is sort of a religion of sorts. In many cases though it tends to ring true.

My ex BIL and his brother were smart guys, one was studying dentistry at UCLA and my BIL had several masters degrees in chemistry and was still working on higher degrees when my sister had enough of supporting him through years of school.

Their mother however read her horoscope every morning and would not leave her home if the stars were out of whack.

Form of witchcraft.

IDK if we should go on with any medical tests our doctor has ordered or not.

Why look for problems?

Suppose to get a chest X ray for my coughing, think more rads I get the worst it is.

Had enough for 4 lifetimes already.

I suspect the use any medical information against a person as it is.Why give them more ammo?

Fire horse year.I know I am a wood horse, 1954.Anything to do with fire could be dangerous, that much I know.I do not follow the zodiac think it is sort of a religion of sorts. In many cases though it tends to ring true.My ex BIL and his brother were smart guys, one was studying dentistry at UCLA and my BIL had several masters degrees in chemistry and was still working on higher degrees when my sister had enough of supporting him through years of school.Their mother however read her horoscope every morning and would not leave her home if the stars were out of whack.Form of witchcraft.IDK if we should go on with any medical tests our doctor has ordered or not.Why look for problems?Suppose to get a chest X ray for my coughing, think more rads I get the worst it is.Had enough for 4 lifetimes already.I suspect the use any medical information against a person as it is.Why give them more ammo? - @Marilyn Tassy

Yeah, that advert will get deleted.  Firehorse or not.   It's been reported and the moderators will take action.  No free adverts on here.

I've never benefited from the zodiac.  They are always written as so generic, they could fit anyone's circumstances at any time.   

I always attend my medical appointments.  I do agree sometimes, I wonder if I should but I've always got the idea to cover any eventualities just in case something is actually wrong.   You never know what obscure things might be going on and not attending ups one's risks.   

Mrs F and I were discussing during our dog walking session how badly designed we (humans) are - my hip and my knees aren't so good, but it would be good to have spare parts.   We really need a the lizard gene so things grow back so there wouldn't be a problem if the hip goes wrong - take it out and a new one sprouts in its place.   

There's a dystopian movie about clones lives - it was quite good if a little morbid.  And an interesting take on rights of clones.  Plot is clones actually are not people and are simply walking spare parts.  But we see the world through the clone eyes and it's not too good.  They lose bits as time goes on - an eye here, a kidney there.  Some clones want to rebel as they are just as thinking as the originals but they really do not have enough information or connections to organise themselves.   I think it's more a thought experiment movie, certainly not Sci-Fi.  Worth seeking out.  The movie is called Never Let Me Go.  I should post that in the movie thread.

I think aside from some areas of the world having questionable nutrition  and lifestyles hundreds of years ago, that over all people were physically stronger generations ago.

I see so many young people about who look unhealthy.

In 10 to 20 years they will be a real mess.

Sitting all day long at jobs is not healthy.

Looking down at a cell phone for hours on end is going to wreck their spines;

Might be a good thing to learn to be a chiropractor, going to need them soon enough.

Had our X rays done yesterday, went really quickly.

Not sure what is next on the agenda, Ultrasound or EKG?

I feel fine, just the doc was pushing us to get check ups.

No reason to worry about aging. If you wake up everyday, can take care of yourself, walk up stairs without heavy breathing then all should be good.

I do tend to see similar behavior in different zodiac signs; Try to brush it off but they are there.

Libra for sure are confusing. Grew up with 3 of them and my hubby is one. Sweet as can be one moment then the next they are moody.

Aquarius as our son is is really from another world. No emotions, loves everyone and hates everyone at the same time.Thinks they are the smartest person in the room too. They may be actually.

I am a Sagittarius, we will just walk away if we do not like something without giving it a second thought. Speak before thinking and come off as rude at times. Funny, will laugh before crying even at the wrong time. Too blunt with words.Honest to a tee and impatient with stupid rules and people.

Scorpio like my jail bird bro is, will get revenge even if they put themselves in danger to get it.

My mom was a Leo,never left the house looking sloppy, commanded respect by her actions, loved to be the center of attention at times but would do anything for those she loved. Always a trusted friend who would put herself out to help someone if she cared about them.

Never went out of her way to bother anyone, she had no time for petty things.

I think aside from some areas of the world having questionable nutrition and lifestyles hundreds of years ago, that over all people were physically stronger generations ago.
I see so many young people about who look unhealthy.
In 10 to 20 years they will be a real mess.
Sitting all day long at jobs is not healthy.
Looking down at a cell phone for hours on end is going to wreck their spines;
Might be a good thing to learn to be a chiropractor, going to need them soon enough.
Had our X rays done yesterday, went really quickly.
Not sure what is next on the agenda, Ultrasound or EKG?
I feel fine, just the doc was pushing us to get check ups.
No reason to worry about aging. If you wake up everyday, can take care of yourself, walk up stairs without heavy breathing then all should be good.

I do tend to see similar behavior in different zodiac signs; Try to brush it off but they are there.
Libra for sure are confusing. Grew up with 3 of them and my hubby is one. Sweet as can be one moment then the next they are moody.
Aquarius as our son is is really from another world. No emotions, loves everyone and hates everyone at the same time.Thinks they are the smartest person in the room too. They may be actually.
I am a Sagittarius, we will just walk away if we do not like something without giving it a second thought. Speak before thinking and come off as rude at times. Funny, will laugh before crying even at the wrong time. Too blunt with words.Honest to a tee and impatient with stupid rules and people.
Scorpio like my jail bird bro is, will get revenge even if they put themselves in danger to get it.
My mom was a Leo,never left the house looking sloppy, commanded respect by her actions, loved to be the center of attention at times but would do anything for those she loved. Always a trusted friend who would put herself out to help someone if she cared about them.
Never went out of her way to bother anyone, she had no time for petty things. - @Marilyn Tassy

I looked at the LV Arts and Crafts web page.  Quite a nice interesting business.  And your friend Susi looks really elegant.   I am intrigued if she owns the vets' practice as well - it says it's a non-profit.

Anyway, yes, you are right about the cruises.  It's a bit annoying as you only get a few hours in each town.  You can only do 1 or 2 things.  Trying to do too many things absolutely screws you up as it's all a dash before the ship leaves.   Still, it was only the second cruise we'd been on.  The first was from Miami and Caribbean in the mid-1990s and the second was around the Med in 2024.   The thing about it for the Med, it was actually cheaper to go on the cruise than say rent an apartment in say Spain for 4 people plus 4 x flights for 7 days.  All food and drink included!  We departed from the cruise terminal at Genoa, Italy.   We drove there and it took about 8h or so but we had an overnight inbound to the port as we had to be much earlier than a departure from HU would allow.  We had really nice pizzas in some restaurant around the hotel. It was very pleasant indeed.  Like a local country place.    The cruise company took care of our car while we were away.  We could actually see the car from the ship.   We didn't have any dressing up at all.  We don't do that anyway - we're all crocs, T-shirts and shorts.  It was cafeteria style dining and eat and drink as much as you want - we bought "all in" drinks tickets.  We didn't see any shows whatsoever although we planned it, we never managed to do it.  What else is there to do on a ship?  It did have a water park, the kids liked it. It got to the point at the end when we all want to get off!  I wanted to look at the technical areas on the ship but you could only see a video on the cabin TV.   It was nice generally - we had a balcony and could sit outside. Bit crowded for 4 people but we only slept there really.

I'm also a Leo - supposedly stubborn yet loyal.   People say I'm typical Leo but who knows, I don't know any others as such but I'm on the cusp with the next one - Virgo.  Not sure what effect that has.

I don't think I could be a chiropractor.  I'd be messed up standing on my feet all day rubbing people's backs, shoulders,  legs and so on.  I am being told by my healthcare advisor (my gym going eldest daughter) to improve my core strength.  It's hurting at that hinge  at the base of the spine between the spine and the pelvis - L5 and S1.  All the stress is on that joint for twisting and turning.  I think it's degenerative issues in the disc but MRI shows a small split in it.   It must be rubbing on the nerve.   But one thing on that, we've got a chiropractor now in Budaörs (used to be a Russian bank).  I have wondered about going there to see if something they can do. I did it before but it wasn't a proper solution.

I can do 3 or 4km (about 2 miles) walking without collapsing in a heap but I am so much slower than I was 2 years ago.  My fancy sports watch shows me that I am slowing down.  A dog walk on the same route now takes me 20m more than it did.   I think I just need to go more often to try and get the inside of joints lubed up more.

I'm working on my mushrooms this arvo.  I've had to make an extra long drill so I can drill 40cm+ through the centre of logs. I (hard) soldered a drill bit to a metal rod so it's now a good 60 or 70cm long.  After that, I need to do a bit of tidying up with the chainsaw around the bases/tops plus some chiselling to get the bark off.

At least I don't have any actual work to do. I can spend time on these things.   Our 2nd car is at the repairers and it needs a lot of work.  I really need a job to pay for it.  It used to be I had to have a job to support my dentist but now it's such that I need to have a job to support the mechanics.

Mushrooms, I admit my first thought were magic ones!

I wish to buy a mushroom growing kit if I ever see one again for sale.

Yes, Susi is a trip, very conservative but down to earth.

She taught many of y yoga classes even made me a DVD years ago to use on my travels.

She would hold raffles in the classes to give away T shirts etc; made it fun;

She used to be like 80 lbs and a ballet dancer. She can still do extreme yoga poses like the Scorpion.

She is a Sag as well, no messing around with her, straight to the point.

Yes she also started the animal rescue. Sir,s animal rangers.

Her first Mastiff was named Sir. The rescue is in his honor.

Cool gal, I have few friends but those I have are interesting people, at least I think so.

Mushrooms, I admit my first thought were magic ones!I wish to buy a mushroom growing kit if I ever see one again for sale.Yes, Susi is a trip, very conservative but down to earth.She taught many of y yoga classes even made me a DVD years ago to use on my travels.She would hold raffles in the classes to give away T shirts etc; made it fun;She used to be like 80 lbs and a ballet dancer. She can still do extreme yoga poses like the Scorpion.She is a Sag as well, no messing around with her, straight to the point.Yes she also started the animal rescue. Sir,s animal rangers.Her first Mastiff was named Sir. The rescue is in his honor.Cool gal, I have few friends but those I have are interesting people, at least I think so. - @Marilyn Tassy

Mushrooms indeed.

I've only ever tried the wacky baccy (marijuana) but it was eons ago when I was in my 40s and before that as a teenager and just a couple of spliffs.  The last time in my 40s, I realised I didn't like it at all and haven't done it again.  We were living near Amsterdam and we had a visitor who insisted.  It was just horrible.  Steer clear of that sh*t.  No need to do that to have a good time.

It was an odd name for a dog - Sir.  I suppose the other one was called Madame.  But I think the hospital must be doing good work as it says Non-Profit.

Anyway, I was chopping and drilling my mushroom seats.  With some foresight, I covered them up as I intend to spray paint them with wood preservative tomorrow.  And yup, it rained for a bit.  So they are actually dry ready for the paint.    The wood isn't very good.  I had to glue some bits together as they split.  I don't think they will last more than a couple of years.

Mrs F was mega happy with the rain as the plants really needed it.  All that activity has tired me out a bit.  I ended up laying on the sofa for a couple of hours. 

I too always thought the name Sir was a bit much.

Never met the dog but heard he was a service dog who used to fly onboard with Susi between Vegas and her home in Hawaii.

She did well for herself, home in Vegas and in Hawaii.

Sold the Hawaiian home when her long time BF got ill.

Very interesting life she had led.

Always on the go.

Yes, I am a light weight now, niece gave me a gummy for my travels and I only took half of it.

Afraid to get, crazy by myself.

My hubby never touches that stuff any longer.

No drinking, smoking or anything.

Actually those gummies do not cost much at all in the states. Think she said it was $15. for a 10 pack.

You do need an ID so of course they have a record of who is buying.

I love gummie bear candy, think the gummies with a kick cost less!