I found my sofa

So went to Ikea today in order to browse and get inspiration, and managed to get out only paying some 50+ francs (and one of the things was 45 francs). Not bad! And it was stuff I really wanted.

But what I fell in love with was a black leather sofa, 3-seated with a side thingie and a separate sorta side cushion. And when the guy told me it was 20% off if I order it two weeks from now (if I have an Ikea family card - which I incidentally have since today) and to top it all off, free delivery, I decided! Yes, too good to pass on.

Unfortunately it turns out the sofa is a tad too long for the space I have allocated, but not to worry, it comes with a 2-seater too. Very comfortable and fitting the style I have in my flat. And long enough to sleep on, should I have more than one overnight guest.

But I did get yelled at. After I finished the first round, paid, and got out, I realized I had more than an hour before I was gonna be picked up, so went for a second round, looking at "my" sofa again and picking up more information. When I passed the cashiers desk with my bag, I was told I wasn't allowed to go through Ikea twice. Even though I offered to show him the receipt. I wanted to say "I was just in there to pick up more information on a fairly pricey piece of furniture you idiot", but refrained from doing so. Nice as I am. Most of the time.

And I ate. Meatballs with mashed potatoes and lingonberries. Lovely. 5 francs for 10 meatballs, which is a bargain, but when I realized that a softdrink cost 2.50 (half the price of the meal!) I got a bit irritated. So even though the whole meal incl drink cost me 7.50 I felt cheated. Funny that. And I don't care if it's horsemeat in the balls.

So now I'm gonna have to go back, order my sofa, get the 20% discount and free delivery sorted in a couple of weeks. Exciting times!

Ikea

Going to Ikea tomorrow. Not that I need anything in particular, but want some inspiration. Plus I do like the food in the restaurant there. Will go in the afternoon, hoping that there shall be no kids and their screaming Mums.

Wish me luck!

Clean

My cleaning lady had to cancel due to a private tragedy, which is perfectly understandable. I am just impressed that she had the wits to call me and tell me about it. But there you go, she's like me. A commitment is a commitment, and if you cannot deliver you inform.

But it left me with a dirty apartment, and so I had to act. This morning I was up at the crack of dawn (well, depends on when you think dawn is), grabbing the hoover, the mop, the dusting thingie and whatsit. I even cleaned the toilets!

I feel very proud of myself, and have a sense of accomplishment. I can do it!

But it was exhausting, I have to admit that. And I'm glad I am not a professional cleaner.

My cats are here!

Had some friends over yesterday for a Mexican, and it made me think. Not over the Mexican mind you, but over how people interact with each other. And no, the fizzy wine wasn't Mexican, but oh-so-good.

Now, the man from yesterday is the boyfriend of a really good friend of mine. I have met him maybe ten times over a few years. Yet I know very little about him. And I was thinking whether it's because my friend and I always chat, never stop talking around him, not giving him a chance, or whether he chooses not to share.

Probably a little of both.

But that's ok, as long as my friend is happy. And I am happy too! She brought the painting we did on New Years. Not the Eve, she corrected me, we did it on the 1st of Jan...yes after the 12 o'clock cheering. And I found the perfect place for it! Was going to-and-fro about where to put it, but finally realized that the cat-food place is right for it. Showed it to my own live ones, but they were indifferent. Hmmm.

All we need to do now is to sign it. Picasso, eat your heart out!

Nostalgia

Got an email from my old neighbour in Copenhagen. She had gone back for a nostalgia trip and sent me some pics. Brings me back to the days when we had a pre-drink at my flat, then decided it was too much bother to take the bus, and called for a cab to go into town.

This is where we ended up most of the time. A place which was unpretentious, with live music and a lot of fun. Plus a very goodlooking waiter. The link now suggests there is an outdoor area, which didn't exist back then, and sadly no sign of the goodlooking waiter, but I'm sure it's still good.

Copenhagen where I lived for exactly three years. Yes, it was good times. I can recommend it.

 

Zürich - my city

Took a walk today, it's beautiful now when all the flowers and trees are blooming.

On the top of the mountain there is a restaurant, with a fab cheese plate. Which I enjoyed tremendously.

A one way ticket to Mars

I read in the news that a voyage to Mars is planned, and that you now can apply to be one of the participants going into space.

As I understand it roughly 10K people have applied, and will be evaluated over a number of months. As many men as women will be allowed. Which all sounds good and equal.

But has anybody ever thought why all these people are applying in the first place? Since it is a ONE WAY TICKET?

They're all ready for the psych ward if you ask me.

Change of personality

I don't know what came over me today, but I've been cleaning. So not like me. Especially not cleaning out the drain in the main shower. Yikes!

Can you imagine the stuff that was in there after using that same shower for 3,5 years? Yes, exactly. It wasn't pretty. I think it was mainly my own hair, wrapped in some grayish gooey, stinking like hell. I used a screwdriver and a pincer to yank it all out of there, and to get the water flowing again.

Then I puked my guts out. Charming.

Then the kitchen got a makeover, not the normal day-to-day cleaning after cooking but properly cleaning all the surfaces and dusting. Ok, this is something I do from time to time, but still.

And now I'm busy taking out all the shelves from the fridge and cleaning them with washing liquid, like scrubbing. Not like they were really dirty, but I guess it was a year ago or so I did it last. And I have thrown away old stuff, you know cans and shit that clogs up the fridge with time. It's now very tidy and I can see exactly what is in there.

Me a cleaner? Who would've thought.

Baby blog

My neighbours have a new baby. It's nothing like the last one, who was attention-seeking (still is..."Annika, come on the balcony with me, look at this (turned out to be a dead insect), bla-bla-bla"). This new one is lovely. Quiet, gurgling, smiling, and sleeping in a crowd that is loud.

If I would have chosen to have kids, this one would be it. Unfortunately I've heard you cannot give'm back if you don't like'm.

And she has a blog.

Size does matter

Was having a fag on the neighbours terrace, and I must say, they could've chosen a bigger table. 80m2 of terrace, and this is all they could come up with?

Fortunately one of the new neighbours is a judge-like, like she clerks for one of the higher courts in Switzerland, and judges in courts dealing with domestic stuff. Excellent!

So when I am right, and a neighbour wrong, she can judge. And it's all up to who bribes the most. Yes?

The full Monty

So, finally after five months living in "my" house the new neighbours had a housewarming. Both of them.

Everybody showed up. No wonder, since we all were very curious about how they live, and none of us are prone to say no to a free meal. And free drinks.

And upon my request we were invited to see every room in the flats. The full Monty. And the older I get, the more I read into how people choose to live. The things they have surrounding them, and the design they prefer. Indeed a sign I'm getting hmmmm more mature.

But it's funny, the party started at 4pm and I arrived as one of the last 10 minutes later, and it was mayhem. Maybe there's something to be said about dust-collecting carpets (and also absorbing sound) 'cause it was loud. But good loud if you know what I mean. And it wasn't like any neighbour was complaining, since they were all there.

And it was nice to see that they adore cats!

Officers but no gentlemen

Here in Switzerland we have an army. Not a navy mind you, that would be an oxymoron having no seas.

Tonight I went for a few drinks in my usual place, and to my surprise a few men wearing army uniforms were going for it, like their life depended on it. Of course I'm referring to dancing.

But it's good to know, should Switzerland get attacked, that at least the officers can dance.

How I know they weren't gentlemen? One of them grabbed the ass of the woman he was dancing with.

Hairwash

I wash my hair every three days. I have done so all my life, up until a few years ago when I started to test. I stretched to four days, and even five days once, but then I felt a bit eek so stopped.

But what I noticed is that the hair, at least my hair, is much more cooperative when a bit dirty. Not that I use spray or mousse or anything to enhance it, but it lays there where I combed it.

Makes me remember my Dad, when he had spent three weeks in the army doing a training, and the delight he felt when telling me how dirty he was, 'cause he knew how disgusting I found that.

I guess he had a point. Nowadays we wash and pimp ourselves far too much. We wash away the protective fat, and use fake smells/aromas to feel good. I believe in water and soap, and the drawer I have in the bathroom still filled with perfume from up to ten years ago is the proof.

Gimme a smelly man anytime. One that smells of fresh sweat, and is for real.

Temperature

When I bought the plants for the balcony this week I was told that some plants cannot survive a temperature below 5°C. No probs I thought, while I got out some towels just to be sure.

When checking the temperature for tonight one website told me it would be 0° tonight. Bullshit. It is now 18.7°C on my balcony, and there is no risk for zero at night.

Every time I check a website for weather, it is almost always wrong. I should've gotten an education for a meteorologist. Being wrong most of the time and still get paid, yes why didn't I do that?

Fleischkäse

Most of the time the name of food gives you an indication what it consists of, like meat, fish, pasta or potatoes. Not so much with "fleischkäse", which literally translates into "meat-cheese". Trust me, there is no trace of cheese in fleischkäse. Which disappointed me sorely when I first came across it. I love cheese.

So it took me many years before I started to like it. Had it not been for the false declaration of contents, I probably would've eaten it long before.

But nowadays, thru media, I have understood that you can never be sure of the meat you buy. It can consist of any other mammal that you thought. Labelling is one thing, true content another. And all companies are blaming somebody else.

I might have to ask the neighbours with the garden below my balcony, to buy a pig, a sheep and a cow and to arrange for a pond with fish. But then I would probably be so attached to the animals, I couldn't see them killed.

However you turn, your bottom is at your back. If you get my drift.

High waist please

My search for shorts went on today. It took me all the way into town to H&M. And guess what? All the shorts are low-waist with no way of hiding the Michelin-tyre that seems to have parked itself on my belly. The other option were jeans-shorts, all looking like they'd been worn for 20 years, and if I'm gonna buy jeans I'd like to wear and tear them down myself thank you very much.

This is all very disappointing, so disappointing I had to spend the whole afternoon with a neighbour on her terrace drinking wine and eating icecream, while improving on my tan.

Why does life have to be so difficult?

Colours on the balcony

A day of exes

Today in the city I spotted one of my exes. It was weird. I hadn't seen him for years. But he looked the same. I did try to wave, but he didn't see me, and he was with a woman so I refrained from jumping in front of him, shouting "I'm back!".

Then on telly this evening I saw a fling I had decades ago. To be honest I am not sure it was him, since he looked old, (ok considering it was about 30 years ago we met I might have aged a wrinkle or two too) but I do remember the surname and the business he was in, so either it was a brother or him. He was funny back then. We met in Spain. He carried me on his arms. Funny the things you remember.

All you need is a trigger. Maybe I should write a book, instead of wasting my time blogging?

Sechseläuten

Sometimes I think ignorance is my middle name. I knew it was Sechseläuten today, but I didn't realize it started so early. I thought it was the "Böög"-burning at six o'clock that was the big thing, but it turned out to be starting much earlier than that.

Actually already when I was on the lake, there were marching bands and animals and people everywhere. I, true to form, went to my fav place, had a seat in the sun with some friends and watched all the parades from there.

Each unit consists of a "Sumpf", which I believe is an expression for an old-fashioned profession, like baker, chimney sweeper, blacksmiths and the likes. Even some Swissguards participated this year, clad in their traditional orange and blue uniforms, originally designed by Michelangelo.

Boat time

First time on the boat this year! Fortunately the cover had held its fort, and there was no sign of any unwanted entries like birds and such.

Took me ten minutes to clean out the front (it's where sometimes water finds its way in and linger...hence a bit dirty), then I raced out on the lake. Well, raced and raced, it's hard to do with 8 horsepowers, but I got out there.

It's a fabulous feeling of freedom. Nobody to bother you, except for the ferries, other passenger ships, pedal boats, sailors and what-have-you. Today I didn't go that far, was just taking the boat for a spin (and yes hurray, engine started on the first try), but still. It is fab out there.

Money-grabbing church

So yes, yesterday I went to church. My very religious neighbour talked me into it. She has been onto me for the last half year "just come with us one time". And yes, in a weak, very weak, moment I promised. Promises are to keep.

After a measly five hours of sleep I went with them. It was hallelujah and jesus and god and worship and open your heart, and somebody who got cured from schizophrenia and I dunno what. And very loud music, for me who suffered from a slight hangover.

Then they welcomed 51 new members to the church (what? do people not have anything better to do than to go to church? surprising), and they signed like an affidavit, to state bla-bla-bla and I promise to contribute financially to the church. AHA! Now I get it. No wonder they are fishing for new converts.

When walking back with my neighbours we were coming across cyclists, and my friend didn't move to let them pass since it is forbidden to bike there. I told him to open his heart, haha I'm so funny. He responded "my heart is only open for pedestrians". So much for religion.

Nah, this thing is not for me. Never gotten any help from any sort of god, so I stick to my own beliefs and my friends. They will help me when things get tuff.

From winter to summer in one go

I don't check the weather sites very often, I use the method of looking out the window, so this morning took me by surprise. 23°C and sunshine! Fabulous.

Too bad I had agreed to do something I really dislike this morning (especially after 5 hours of sleep!), but since I was promised a barbecue afterwards I had agreed. Must've had a weak moment.

But it was great to spend an afternoon at the neighbours, sitting on the balcony sipping water (!) and yes, then wine, and have a grill. I never tire of this view.

Cow theme

Today I got a present, as a thank you for something I did. And as it turns out it was cows!

Not in metal, but for salt and pepper which is something I didn't have. And black&white, fits perfectly with my design.

Folded toilet paper

I haven't come across folded toilet paper since last I stayed in a hotel (and to be honest, not since I fired a cleaning woman some two years ago). I really don't understand the hype.

So tonight when I went to the bathroom I was a bit stunned to see it again. When questioned the owner admitted she likes it 'cause it means the toilet is clean. Aha. Interesting, as in interesting having a cow in your bedroom I guess.

But I'm not the one to diss somebody else's tic, so after I finished my business I folded it up again.

Moving salad

So the dinner tonight was vegetarian. I am not opposed to veggie food, but let's say I'm a bit cautious. But it was good, salmon with salad and a potato gratin of some kind, it was great. But I'm not sure what the thingies were she put in the salad.

I did eat them though, after I checked they weren't moving.

There is a cow in her bedroom

I love diversity. I love it when people like different things, and have other thoughts than mine. Mind you, it doesn't mean I won't question them, but I do enjoy when people have other opinions than I do.

Tonight I was shown around a house, and was told that "don't be scared when you see the cow in my bedroom". What? A cow in a bedroom? I was intrigued.

Turned out to be not a live one, but one built from left-over metal. All I could think about to say was "it looks interesting" and "it is unusual".

Which is true. It is both unusual and looks interesting. Enough said.

The Uetliberg-tunnel

I have a relatively new friend, who doesn't know me well. This evening he was picking me up, as we both were invited to another friend of ours for dinner. We agreed that he would drive.

He gave the impression that he only needed our addresses and that he would program those into his gps. Haha. I took a seat in his car, and he handed me a whole bunch of papers. Google-maps. On paper.

Now, I have absolutely no sense of direction. I can maybe read a map, but not if it says "go 220m, then turn right onto whatsit-street". And it also said 6.5 km, which apparently meant the total of distance travelled, when I thought it meant how long to still drive.

So we ended up in the Uetliberg-tunnel. I heard about this tunnel when it was built a couple of years ago. I had never been in it. It is long. Especially when you have to drive thru it. And then back.

But we got there. Eventually. And it was worth the hassle.

Mooooh!

I don't go out very often these days, but today I gorged into a gigantic burger. It was yum! And I drank beer! Since I lived in Holland I don't drink beer, except for on very special occasions. A couple of Corona's and a large burger. And a catch-up with a good friend.

Yes, today was a good day.

Balcony table

Woke up this morning with anxiety. The table I picked out in the shop for the balcony was too big. I just felt it. My balcony is not that large, and how often do I have guests having dinner out there? Five times tops in one summer. Besides, I have a smaller round table as an addition when needed.

Fortunately it came in a smaller size, which is perfect. And it still holds four plates if needed.

And friend came through, not only did we go shop together, but he assembled the table too. What would I do without my friends?

Next year I will party

Had a friend over for dinner tonight, telling me about the big party he's planning early next year. The budget, the restaurant, the guest list, the arrangements and on and on he went. Finally I asked in a little voice "am I invited?", and he answered no. Haha. He wouldn't dare not invite me, would never hear the end of it.

But he did warn me. Said he will say a few words about every person at the party. Whereas I thought he would take the opportunity of humiliating me (made me already create responses he would not want his family to hear), he told me he would mention "my first home in Zürich". Hmmm.

Yes, he did rent my guest room in my old flat.

And no, I won't get emotional.

My feet have shrunk

Found flip-flops today, but of course they didn't have my size, 37. But as it turns out 36 was enough for me, very soon I can start shopping at the childrens department. Too bad my body didn't shrink with the feet.

Half a tablet

I was watching a consumer program the other day, and they had investigated the tabs you use for dishwashers. Turns out the result was the same when using just half a tablet.

In this program the tabs tested held 16 grams of the working substance, and only half did the job. When I checked the tabs I use they hold 20 grams of the so called working substance. I am just about to run the machine with half a tab. Cannot wait for the result.

The only thing that could be wrecking this up is the hard water here in Zürich. I'll let you know.

Shopping failure

Went shopping today, had 6 things on the list (yes a list this time) and came home with one of them. Not a real success.

I was looking for flip-flops, since I walk around in them daily at home. All they had were thick ones with a lot of bling-bling, costing from 20 francs and up. I don't want that. I want simple, cheap flip-flops for home usage. The search goes on.

I did find a balcony table though. Have now measured and think it'll be perfect. All I need now is transport, which shouldn't be too difficult to arrange. What are friends for?

Also looking for a book and napkins. Found napkins in the 1-franc shop in Oerlikon. White colour, but what can you expect in a cheap-shop? But I did find two plastic smallish containers for 2.50 for both. Bargain!

The fabric for my bar stools was a no. I am not paying 59 francs for one meter. It'll be cheaper to buy new stools.

And finally I was looking for a new pair of shorts, and all I could find (ok, did only try one shop) was these teeny-tiny buttock-short shorts. Not fitting a woman of my calibre. Where do grown-ups buy their clothes?

But to my delight the plant shop was already open, and according to the saleswoman these flowers are easy to handle (just water) and are perennial and will survive a winter. Time will tell, but they look oh so pretty.

Youtube

I think my most favourite website these days is youtube. They have a lot of movies and series out there for free, and what I like most is that you can shut down in the middle of something you're watching, and the next time you open the same session, youtube knows where you were and just continues. No commercials and shit. It's fab.

This is too good to last.

Bar stools

I have four bar stools, vintage Ikea. They are very comfortable. However, after all this time some of them have gone a bit, how shall I put it?, not so good anymore. The fake leather is cracking. I dunno, but wouldn't you expect them to last longer than 25 years? I did. Friggin bad quality these days.

Anyway, so I had to ask somebody I know to sew new tops for them. All I gotta do is to find some fabric (yes, I think purple would do it :), and have her create some magic. To be continued.

Perception

I have a friend I'm skyping with on a regular basis. It's not like we have profound discussions all the time, but we share little things in life, like what's going on today.

The other day I told him that Denner had "Aktion" on chicken legs. Five big ones for 5.90 francs, which I thought was a bargain, and I told him I was cooking them as we were speaking.

His somewhat surprising question was "do you eat them all in one meal?". Hmmm. I dunno. If I would eat five big chicken legs in one meal I would be a definite contestant for the Biggest loser surely.

And no, the answer is no. Those legs lasted for two days, incl lunch and dinner.

But it made me think. Do I look like a person who'd eat five large chicken legs in one meal? I better up my exercise. Hmmm.

Tap water

I like the new initiative, promoting people in bars and restaurants to order tap water (as well as at home I guess), since Zürich water is the best. I got a leaflet in one of my fav restaurants Apfelkammer, where I recently had the opportunity to have an excellent meal. And yes, I love steak tartare.


Think of all the cost is saves - not to mention the favourable impact on the environment, drinking perfectly good tap water instead of bottled ditto - production, transport, storing, disposal and what-have-you.

Yes, this is something I will definitely support!

Cold

Time flies. Have neglected the blog for a little while. Had a friend visiting from Australia for a few days, and we had a bit of an emergency in the building.

Over Easter the floor started to feel cold. Floor-heating is the only source of heating in the building, but at first I didn't think much of it. The next day it was really cold, and I asked the neighbours if they'd experienced the same. They had.

On Easter Monday also the water was cold. Ice-cold.

On Tuesday I called the maintenance guy, who came to have a look and told me it was a major problem. Turned out it was major, 'cause he didn't have a friggin clue what to do with the heating pump. Fortunately the heating company did, so at around six in the evening the water was hot again, and slowly the floors started to get warm.

When we moved in 3,5 years ago we all complained that the water didn't get very hot. I mean, it was warm enough but not hot-hot. The maintenance guy told us it had been looked at, and that it was working as expected.

Now, all of a sudden, after the repair of the heating system the water is boiling! Fabulous. I knew there was something wrong with the pump from start. And it had to take a break-down to fix it.

Never too late as they say.