The lavender house

Last week I was invited out to dinner with a group I hardly know. Some of them I've met before, but far from all. It was nice. We were in a Mexican restaurant, and enjoyed strawberry drinks, lots of dip with guacamole, beans, sour cream and salsa, as well as fajitas with meat and shrimps. Followed by a lovely Baileys icecream.

I mingled with a gardener and I learned a lot about plants and turtles! When I described where I live he immediately knew where, "it's the lavender house"! Indeed. But I think most people know the house where I live because of my lighting, the purple windows.

Then again, lavender is purple, isn't it?

The blind cow

Yesterday I was having an almost out-of-body-experience, having dinner at the blind cow restaurant in complete darkness. It was really pitch dark in there, I couldn't even see my hand holding it in front of my face.

Me and my guest entered the dining area, walking through a black curtain, holding the waiters shoulder who effortlessly led us to our table. He was blind of course. He was very helpful guiding us to the chairs and explaining where everything was on the table.

I started to explore by feeling the rim of the table towards the other end, and was very surprised when I felt another person! I cackled nervously and kept my hands to myself the rest of the evening.

It was very interesting to eat without seeing anything at all. I had a mixed salad as a starter and identified various sorts of lettuce, an egg, some nuts, tomato and celery. At least I think that's what it was.

All around us we heard people talking and I still today have no idea what the room actually looked like. Very weird.

When the main course came in we got company, a couple sitting next to us and we had a nice conversation with them. Funny that, to talk to people and you have no idea what they look like. Turned out to be a couple, 25-years-olds, who had a lot in common with my friend. It felt good since I had invited her and I wanted her to have a nice evening.

Later, after dinner, we were again led outside by our charming waiter and were able to see each other. The guy was much smaller than I had imagined from his voice.

The main course was nothing to write home about, but I would anyway strongly recommend a visit. I think it's good to get a feeling of what it is to be blind. But a feeling is all you get, I don't think anybody who isn't blind can really understand. Nevertheless, try it!

A little shopping spree

So I did go shopping today. First I bought a pair of jogging pants, I mean proper ones. I used to powerwalk/jog in old mans shorts, that I bought in South Africa (urgently needed something to swim in) a long time ago, so well invested money, even though it was full price. Ouch!

Then I found a skirt for 5 francs (yippee!) and two sweaters for the price of one. As well as a pair of tights in another store for a whopping 17 francs! H&M used to sell tights for like 3 for 10, but not anymore. However, they are very slimming and for that worth its price.

Slowly but surely I am expanding my wardrobe, and for once this evening my guests will see me in something new. I wonder if they will notice?

No shopping spree

I had a lunch date in the city today, and thought that I'd finally get around to go shopping for clothes while there. Most of my stuff is falling apart from wear and tear, and to be honest, aging. Fashion has never been my thing, and every time I walk into a clothing shop I get pain in my back and feel an urgent need to get out and have a ciggie.

But I did try. However, I had to visit a friend who works in the city and who wanted to go for a drink (hey, when did I ever say no to that?), and I had to check on the boat. And then conveniently my tram arrived, and I immediately postponed the shopping for tomorrow.

At least I came home with a brand new pair of shoes (50% off!!) and a purple powerband. It's one of these thingies you work out your arms with (am trying to avoid bingowings). The guy in the shop looked a bit funny at me, when I told him I wanted a purple. Apparently there are different colours for different strengths of the band. Purple is strong in case you're interested. Personally I think colour is more important than functionality ;).

Divine evening

I was hanging with church people yesterday evening, and one thing that struck me was that they are no better than "normal" people, i.e. antireligious. Of course I knew this, but still, it's easy to think that "Jesus-lovers" are obliging to the bible, always doing the right thing.

But the matter of the fact is they have struggles with relationships, weight, work and what have you, just like most people do. Myself excluded mainly because I don't fit in two of the categories and the third I have taken care of:).

For example one woman with an approx weight of 90 kg's was wearing such a short skirt it hardly covered her buttocks. An unfortunate outfit to say the least. One man was loudly talking about him and his wife going to therapy to make the marriage work (annoying his wife and the three other people around him that heard his monologue). Another guy was on stage telling a story about him losing his work, and (I guess, cannot be sure since it was in Swiss German) how Jesus saved him. Yawn.

Then they were playing "I'm going to see the king", and I remarked that Switzerland is not a monarchy, which I thought was hilarious. And for once my friend got the joke, and slapped me on my arm.

But the food was totally ok, bami goreng and a buffet with desserts. The chocolate mousse was divine :).

Wildlife on a Sunday morning

Was out doing a vitaparcours round this morning (well, morning and morning, but still, most people greeted with a "morgen" so I guess it was). And I saw animals. First an older man on a wagon behind a horse. Why? Have no idea. Aren't you supposed to transport something if you go on an old-fashioned wagon drawn by a horse?

Then I was doing a light jog and saw a man with two leashes, and as I was glancing at the "dogs" my head kinda twitched and I looked again. You know the way it does when you expect something and it turns out to be something else, and it takes a split second to realize what you've actually seen. A man walking two goats on leashes. Wtf? Wish I would've had a camera with me.

After that I saw an ardenner horse, at least that's what I think it was. It could've been a shire, the biggest horse in the world, but I'm pretty sure it was just an ardenner. Big, bulky and with giant hooves walking majestically through the forest with a man on his back.

It made me remember when a friend and I were riding together on an ardenner, belonging to her grandfather. We were maybe 10 or 11 years old, and were riding bareback. No helmets or any safety equipment. Those were the days. But then the horse felt it was tired of two little flies on his back and decided that going back to the stables was the name of the game. So he galloped back, and the two of us, probably weighing about 10% of what he did, together, had no chance.

But we weren't hurt physically, but I guess our pride took a hit.

This and that

Nice day. I was working serving the elderly their coffees and cookies, today it was Berliner. This Donut-like cake-thingie with jam inside. It was appreciated. I cuddled with the two visiting cats, and had the pleasure of serving also two of my friends who came for a surprise visit. I also ran into a new friend of mine, and we compared health progress. My tooth is now healed. Fingers crossed!

Then we went to see my friends new apartment. I just love seeing how everybody else lives, and it is especially interesting to see an empty flat, 'cause I know it'd look different if I would've furnished it. But I so look fw to their housewarming. They have a great view of the city, and something I'm jealous of. An open fireplace on the terrace!

Then a quick drink at my place, and now I'm baking cookies. Lemon is todays theme.

Sweet dreams

Was having a picnic tonight at my mountain again. However, this time we didn't go into the forest but stayed on a bench in the sun. It is getting colder and darker, but this year I am not complaining. This summer was amazing in many ways, but too hot, so I am actually feeling I had enough and am now looking forward to colder temperatures.

And to sleep not waking up in a pool of sweat is nice!

Bowling with the bar

The first time I bowled I got alcohol-poisened. It was almost 20 years ago, and my company back then had a do for about a thousand employees. And no, it wasn't their fault I drank too much, but the red wine they served was a cheapo, and I had too much. Plus I had to wear ugly shoes. That was the only time in my life that I didn't get to work the next day.

But forget the alcohol poisoning, that's a whole different story. This evening I was invited to an evening with some people I don't know too well. We were bowling. So I signed up, got the (still ugly) shoes and started to play. Since nobody else signed up on my team I thought "the bar" was nice enough to play with me, and because of that I kept on playing until I got to "the".

Aha, Theresa and Barbara just signed up. The bar. I get it. And...drumroll please...guess who won! And it's funny, the only time I thought about it, and got a lighter bowl designed for women I shot a zero. When I decided to just go for it, I hit a strike. Well, at least once.

28°C

If I look at the weather forecast I think today was the last really hot day this year. On one hand I'm happy about it, since sleeping in a bedroom with 28°C is not comfortable. I mean, me waking up at 6 o'clock is not on. And when the temp creeps up towards 40°C in the afternoon, come on, it's uncomfortable.

On the other hand, the evenings are fantastic. Like tonight, sitting outside, having a picnic in the forest, and enjoying not only the food but also the temperature. "Only" 28°C. Which means 28°C can have a different impact, depending on when and where.

And it was funny, we were sitting there in the middle of "my" vitaparcours round, watching people passing by jogging or walking (I was doing the exact same thing in the morning), while we were enjoying a cold platter of ham, coleslaw, cheese and bread. Oh, and it's wine in the fancy glasses in case you wondered :).

Then we played with the dog, and it got me up to almost 14,000 steps today. A good day. And a happy one.

I'm like a wine, better with age - wishful thinking :) ?

In my postbox today was an invitation. It was from the neighbours, the wg next door. Wg is like when you share a flat between a number of students/young people. They had the same party last year, and wanted to make it a tradition. Me likey very much.

But the invite was confusing, it said to start this evening but the actual party was tomorrow. So I responded via sms to say I'd be happy to stop by tomorrow. Got an immediate reply saying "it's tonight". Indeed. I could see people on the lawn drinking beer, but thought it was people coming to stay for the weekend, and that it was a pre-party.

So I went there. Was greeted warmly by the only person I know there, but afterwards felt very much out of place. I didn't know anybody, and all of them were in their 20's. How did that happen? How did I get so old?

Anyway, I chatted with a few people (the treats I brought were very much appreciated!), had a drink and few ciggies and then left. But I did tell the only person I know there that don't think about the volume of the music or the noise. I may be older than them, but I still appreciate to hear people having fun.

Out in the blazing sun

Doggie spent the day with me, and because of the heat we didn't go out much. Just a quick round up the street and back. Felt a bit bad about it, so in the afternoon we (read I) decided that we were gonna walk and meet the owner. Not entirely sure it was a good idea.

But we walked up the hill, then over the hill, then alongside the hill, and then eventually down the hill and all in about 37°C, mind you in the shade, and we walked mostly in the blazing sun. Think I must have lost several liters just in sweat.

Fortunately doogie could take a dip, whereas I was considering the same, but decided against it. The well was about 30 cm deep.

Along the way we passed a field with an interesting sign. When I saw it I looked around, thinking I hope they don't come out in the afternoon. Scary!

And then we passed a small river and doggie was

at it again. I was jealous. One and a half hour of walking in this weather is nothing I would recommend.

Out

I was out with doggie today and only a stones throw away from my flat there is this view over most of Zürich. Very peaceful sitting there, sucking on a ciggie and watching over "my" city.

Then of course I had to inform doggie that pooing wasn't allowed in the container. She obliged.

White trash

I may be a smoker, but I am not as filthy as some people. Look at this place! They cannot even be bothered to kill the cig and move their probably fat asses 3 meters to the bin.

Busy day

Busy day. Most of all, it was a relief to have a day with some rain and a bit cooler. In the morning I was jogging with doggie, and in the afternoon we walked all the way to the boat. With just a short stop for swimming. Not for me though.

But as soon as we got to the boat, I was. Dipping i.e. You're not allowed to swim around where the boats are for good reasons.

Then I had a fight with a wasp. It was a really intensive fight with me shouting and trying to kill it with a towel. It was in my face, in my hair and wouldn't leave me alone. And I HATE wasps. All through the rather long fight I could hear people laughing, but at the time I didn't care. When I finally got the bloody thing killed I looked up and saw half of Japan staring at me, all of them with a smartphone in their hand. Guess I'll be a youtube-wonder now.

But it was bliss to get out on the lake and swim. 27°C in the water and a mere 25°C in the air. Fabulous!

Later in the evening I had two men here to fix my tv. Apparently we've gone digital here in Switzerland, and I couldn't care less since all my tv consumption is done through the computer, but I took pity on my visitors and ordered a free device. They were here to install it.

I can't help but thinking some things are gender-related. Put two men together with one device and they'll never give up until it works. But it took some time. Like hours. However, now I seemingly have many more channels than before (none that I would watch though), and yet another remote control, not to mention a very ugly cable hanging down from the telly.

Not all new things are for the better.

Overweight kids

I was in the forest running (intervals - half running - half powerwalking) this morning, and I wasn't alone. There are always people jogging, running or doing various exercises. And they all seem very fit. Mind you, I realize that they look fit because they are out there exercising.

The other day I was dog-walking and I saw a group of kids coming with their teacher from the forest, maybe 10-12 years old and almost half of them were overweight. What is wrong with the parents? Don't they see that their offspring will have problems later in life? And what do they feed the kids these days?

Trust me, I know how hard it is to lose weight, but I learned that staying normalweight is to do a lifestyle change, not a diet, not cut out everything, but to try and eat as healthy as you can (eat your friggin greens kids!) and to move your body. Nothing should be forbidden, but an awareness about what you put in your belly will have to be burned off somehow.

I thought this problem only (more or less) existed in the US and Britain but it seems to have come to Switzerland too. Makes me think that weightloss coaches is a coming-up profession. How sad that is.

Ze Swiss Stonehenge?

Today when in the forest I saw a sign inviting people to hear about the monoliths in "my" forest. To be honest, I haven't seen any stone formations when walking/jogging around there, so I am curious.

Will definitely join, and see what this is all about. However, I have no expectations that it'll be a groundbreaking revelation that will send archeologists and other interested parties to "my" mountain. Just as well. I'm happy to let it stay as is, including the bambis but excluding the shoulder-woman.

In the forest the mighty forest

As my problem has become a little bit smaller, I was out running again today (ok, when I say run I mean powerwalk/jog but actually more jog than the other). Had to do it really early, yesterday it was 38°C and it's gonna be hot again today.

It started out very nice. As I was jogging all of a sudden I looked up and saw a deer just 3-4 meters from me. It was standing so still so I was confused thinking, is it a statue? Then I stopped and silly me started to softly talk to him, just like I do with my cats. He took a couple of jumps and hid behind some trees, but I could still see him and he looked back at me. They must be really used to people. A beautiful sight.

Then something really strange happened. I was jogging along and stopped at a station to do the exercise. A woman running behind me came up to me and said "excuse me, but I saw you running with the weights and your left shoulder is higher than the right". WTF?!? Then she continued to run, but stopped again saying "but just a little". I was stunned. What an odd comment.

Yes I know that my left leg is a little bit longer than the right one, some millimeters or maybe half a centimeter. It's been like that my whole life and has never bothered me. But apparently it bothered her.

Saw her again at the end when we were both drinking water. She smiled and said goodbye, whereas I glared and considered saying "excuse me for not being symmetrical", but I didn't. Instead I ran past her hoping she got a good look at my unsymmetrical self.

Out and about

I realized that when you're out and about and really pay attention, you see a lot of interesting things. Like today, when doggie and I took our afternoon walk we (well, I) saw two lizards making more of them. At least I think it's what they did. The male and more colourful one was biting the female on the back, which I figured was the lizzie way of making foreplay. But I tell you what, if a man would've done that to me, I would've bitten his head off.

Frequently I also see groups of very little human beings, being out with their teachers, and I think to myself that it must be the worst job in the world. Being in charge of unruly, screaming, loud and disobedient kids must be a nightmare. Much worse than being a truckdriver, which was my No 1 worst-job-in-the-world before.

So it warms my heart when we meet other doggies. Today we saw an absolutely adorable 12-week old German shepherd puppy with that woolly fur that youngsters have. Totally cute!

I shall miss doggie, who's off on vacation now for two weeks. Not sure the cats will though :).

Early bird

I was out for a walk really early yesterday. I know, it's weird to get out of bed early on a Sunday, but I seem to have lost my rhythm a bit. More often than not, I go to bed early, with the result that I wake up early. This is definitely a new pattern to me.

Anyway, so there I was at 7.30 in the morning walking in the woods (surprisingly enough I wasn't alone) when I spotted a small group of youngsters (well, maybe 20-ish) sitting around at a table, at an open area and I thought to myself that it was a really strange time for a picnic.

Then I looked again, and realized that the table was full of bottles. Aha! Considering some of them were wrapped in blankets and looked like they were sleeping, I figured that had had an all-nighter in the forest. And I had to smile. Not too many years ago I would've been one of them, rather than joining the walking/jogging group at 7.30 on a Sunday morning!

With one big difference though, I would've taken the garbage that didn't fit in the container with me! Filthy people!