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.

99 finito

I was working again today, and we have mostly regulars in the cafeteria. Oldies fit enough to move around (well, sorta) and during the last two years I have learned what most of them order. Mind you, they are not all that predictable, if it's hot like today they move from hot tea to icetea or to icecream.

Anyway, when you walk in through the entrance there is a table where you can write your condolences to the last person who died. Up until now I have never known any of them, 'cause they have never been visiting the cafe. I have never been to the top floors, but I understand that's where all the really sick people are.

Today I passed the table, but didn't recognize the person, so I didn't sign.

Later in the afternoon the ladies at the table, reserved for the regulars, told me that a regular had passed away. The guy who always had his two daughters visiting, along with an entourage, loving rose wine. I took great pleasure in serving them, they were always easy to please (as long as there was enough wine), and I marvelled over that a guy his age still was enjoying his alcohol.

The reason I didn't recognize his picture at the entrance, was that he apparently was vain, he had chosen a picture from when he was quite a bit younger. It made me smile. I mean I didn't smile that he died, but I smiled 'cause I think that when a 99-year-old still is vain, it gives me hope. Hope that one can still live no matter what age.

A white Zürich

I was up at "my" mountain again the other day, and there is one thing that disturbs me. Not the tallest building in Switzerland (so far), 'cause that is not disturbing the skyline, but another "chimney" being built.

I thought it was another attempt to build flats for rich people getting a 360 view of Zürich (but without balconies for obvious reasons, we don't want people falling out "accidently"), but I learned it wasn't. It was for...drumroll please...flour!

I had to ask twice, since I thought I misheard, but no. Seemingly Coop bakes all their bread for Switzerland in a bakery next-door, and they needed a flour mill. I guess they threatened to move all their business to another location, since the people voted for this building. I better get that citizenship soon, 'cause I would most certainly have voted no.

And enlighten me. Why can't a flour mill be smaller and broader? Why does it have to be like the tallest building in Switzerland? Does the flour have to fall down, instead of being transported horizontally?

I'm seriously thinking to stop buying bread in Coop. This is just not on!

Whistle

I got a whistle the other day, and not from any construction workers, who anyway have that in their job description, but from a passing car.

They probably didn't see my face :).

Luzern

I went outside my comfort zone to Luzern yesterday to visit some friends, who moved there recently. At the time they told me about the move, I didn't really get why they wanted to leave Zürich (well, outskirts of Zürich), but now I understand.

They live in a very central location with the best view I've seen in a long time (outside Zürich I mean). And Luzern seems to be a cute and lively city.

So it was a really nice evening with catching up, good food and nice company, except for an odd thing that happened. We were all asked to sit in a row, and wait for the pilot to take off. Very weird indeed. But at least I got a seat in the smoking section.

Small

I bought new underwear today and it was remarkable. Ok, it's a bit remarkable that I buy any type of clothes at all, but mostly it was because they were in a small size! I looked at the medium and realized that they would be too big, as indeed my old underwear already is.

I haven't had a small size since a patch in the 80's when I had some eating issues, but now I'm healthy and come in a small size! Well, at least buttwise.

Bikes and entertainment

I have just had the most entertaining day in a very long time. My biking guests arrived late last night. It was a young woman I haven't seen since she was a little girl, and her friend, a gentle young man.

They had biked all the way from Kiel in north Germany to Zürich. Amazing. I mean, that somebody would even think about such an undertaking. I am faaaaar too comfortable for something like that.

And they didn't seem to have planned it too well, as I would find out today. But yesterday evening we had a really nice time catching up on stuff from my hometown, and how their lives look today, as well as mine, until the wee hours. I'm afraid I might have bragged a bit about my new sporty lifestyle :). I am so proud of myself I cannot shut up about it. Except I would never bike!

Then today we had breakfast at around 10 o'clock and they were planning on leaving around 12 o'clock. Ha! First they had a lengthy discussion about where to go next. Take the train from Zürich to Como, then bike on to Milan, or go directly to Milan, but they wanted to say that they biked all the way to Italy. And then which day to fly home, tomorrow, Friday or Saturday? They were like an old married couple, but with a warmth between them. "But I want to...", "No, it's better we do...." and on and on it went. Hugely entertaining, especially since I stayed very far away from having an opinion.

At the same time they spread all their stuff (now less smelly since we ran a washing machine last night) out on the floor in the living room. Good thing there is lots of space. Omg, there was a lot of it I tell you. But amazingly in the end they managed to pack all of it up, minus the tent that is now residing in my basement. Anybody in the market?

Then they went on to book the flight home, and one minute it was on Friday ("so we will stay one more day in Zürich"), and the next minute it was booked on Thursday, which is tomorrow ("so we'll have to leave today"). And then there was the issue with the bikes. The airline couldn't house two bikes so they would have to go on separate flights, or they could take a chance at check-in, but then what would happen if they were denied? Another very lengthly discussion, including numerous phone calls with the airline. I wasn't laughing out loud, but very hard on the inside. I must remember to invite more young disorganized people.

Halfway through I realized there is no way they will leave soon, so I decided to make lunch with what I had at home. No way was I leaving to go shopping, and miss the fun. I also packed them sandwiches, cookies and a chocolate bar. Nobody can say that I don't remember what it was like being young and poor. But they were so grateful, so I was just happy to help.

Anyway, after almost six hours since wake-up they left, heading for the main station in Zürich, and nobody can predict what will happen after that. However, if it's one lesson I take away from this visit, it's that everything will be fine in the end. Even if you're not very organized :).

Helpful?

My cats are really helpful. Yesterday when I was preparing for my night guests I made up the bed, and made it look pretty I thought, while shooing one of the cats away. She wasn't as helpful as she thought as I had just rolled the bed free from cat hair.

Five minutes later it looked like this, with the other cat rolled into the sheet. Hmmm.

Back in the saddle

Guess what I did today :) ? But I really have to up my fitness level. A mere ten minutes of trotting and my mouth is like the Sahara, absolutely no saliva left. Still, it was a lot of fun.

Biking through Europe

I am in contact with a friend of my mothers. She is obviously quite old, but still fit as a fiddle in her head. We communicate by email several times a week, and share details of our lives.

Now, she has a grandchild that is a bit crazy. Currently she (the grandchild i.e.) is biking through Europe with a friend. That's why I think she's crazy. I mean, there are trains, aeroplanes and all other means of transporting yourself, but she and her friend have chosen to bike! Through Europe!

Ah well. I have offered them my guest room, a shower and a free meal, and so they are coming here in the next few days. They are now "halfway to Basel".

Sometimes I think there is still hope for the youth.

Gelatine

I had some blueberries left, and decided to make a jam. Before, when I did strawberry jam, I just cooked them together with sugar and a bay leef and that was it. I thought it was good, but a friend gave me a jar of jam that was, how shall I put it, a bit more together.

So this time I added a gelatine sheet. Nothing happened. Added another one. And no change. So in the end I added all of them, maybe ten sheets or so. Now I wonder if I will end up with a thick mess.

And after I googled, and found out that gelatine is a mix of animal by-products, and that it should've been soaked in water beforehand. Hmm. I still have a lot to learn cookingwise.

Kids everywhere

I don't understand this urge to procreate. Is it to show that your genes are so good that they need to live on "forever", or is it just because most other people do it? I don't get it.

Tonight I was invited to my neighbours. They are leaving the building to move to a more child-friendly place. I knew it! After they told me they were going on vacation in a very small vehicle, I knew that they were gonna come back pregnant. And right I was. Number two is on its way.

And while there another neighbour rang the door. Another one preggie! I cannot believe it! What is it with "my" house that makes people wanna infect it with little people?

Personally, if I were to rent an apartment, I would choose older people, or perhaps a gay couple, a more stable renter. Not a straight couple in their 30's. So far three of them have broken up, and one are moving on with a kid and another one on the way.

I guess we have to rename it from the "divorce flat" to the "kid flat". Hmmm.

Kidneys ok

I had a real scare the other day. Woke up in the middle of the night with backpain. Two spots in the lower back were really sore, and I thought that's it. Now my kidneys are packing in, and no more white wine for me. Catastrophe!

But phew! Turns out the kidneys (thanks google) are located higher up, and the cause was probably just that I had slept in a weird position for some reason.

My beloved cats

Not even the cats like the heat, but they do enjoy my cool granite floor.

And they do like each other, like when the wee one licks the other. It is important with hygiene.

Just peanuts

First I went off potato chips, that I used to love, and now I seem to be off peanuts. I dunno know if it's in my head, but when Denner changed the brand of peanuts from a red bag to a blue bag (cannot remember the brands) it just didn't taste the same.

Mind you, it's probably for the best. Neither of them are very healthy anyway.

Local shop

It's good to feel noticed. The other day I was in my local shop and the woman behind the counter asked me if I needed cigarettes. I declined, since I had at home.

Today again, she was making a smoking gesture like a question, and yes, I wanted to buy ciggies today. She then pointed to her brain, like it was engraved in there what I smoke.

Very nice that she takes pride in her work for the locals. It only took her two years to remember :), with me being there like 3-4 times a week!

2 shades of grey

I don't mind getting older, the opposite actually, since I find that I have learned a lot in life, like that I care less about minor issues, and that I'm happy about the small things in life. Smelling the roses type.

I actually love it. No stress, no career, enough sleep, healthy eating, good friends and two loving furry companions.

Life couldn't be better except for one thing. I have discovered not only one, not only two, but plenty of gray hairs! Gray hair to me equals grandma. Not that my grandma wasn't great, she was, but still. I am now gonna look like her?

Well, fortunately I am blonde, so it doesn't really show that much (here's me hoping). And there is always a remedy to be bought in Coop :).

Figs

One fig, two figs, who knows what is going to happen next?

Rain detector

I seem to have my very own rain detector in the house. Whenever it is about to rain (much too seldom this summer if you ask me), my little cat hides behind the washing machine. She's not allowed, since it's a bit difficult to hoover behind it, but she detects upcoming rain much earlier than I do, so I cannot stop her. And closed doors don't work in this home.

Just found her there, and cannot wait for some rain. Will cool it down for the night I hope.

My very own strawberries

There may not be many, but they are way sweeter than any you can buy in a shop.

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.

Living the life

This summer is indeed incredible. Day after day after day with just sunshine. And now the heat is bearable, it's that close to 40°C I cannot take.

Was out on the lake again today with a friend. Swimming, updates on our respective lives and some good food. A Greek salad (one of the few good things coming out of Greece lately), a fabulous fruit dessert and of course some delicious wine (house wine what else?).

Yes, life is very good at the moment.

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.

Cruise on the lake

Was out on the lake today with a friend, it was beautiful out there and perfect temperature. About 30°C in the air and 22° in the water. A bit of wine, a few bites of water melon, radio Zürichsee and some cig. Life cannot possibly be better than that.

So I was swimming. Second time in I kinda kicked off the ladder a bit quick and hurt my toe a little on the engine. Nothing much to worry about.

When I came up I told my friend about an accident I had in school, where I jumped off the rim of a swimmingpool and cut my achilles heel, so much that I had to have it stitched later in the hospital. But the thing was I felt nothing while in the water.

And while I was telling him I was taking a pic of him sitting there enjoying the sun and the company (I presume), when he all of a sudden was telling me: "you're bleeding". And indeed I was.

History repeating itself. I felt nothing in the water. And it wasn't a big injury, it was just I had no plasters in the boat, so I had to sit with my foot up high pressing a napkin for ages!

And in the middle of it all a wasp decided to stop by, and I'm terrified. It's like a real phobia. So there was I on one foot, waving a towel around like a mad woman, and the passing boat thought I was waving at them, so they waved back.

Anyway, finally the bleeding stopped and I decided to have another swim. Not a good idea. Another ten minutes of pressing and holding the foot high. Ah well. All in all it was a good day.

Bloodsucking bastards

Another disadvantage with this hot weather, is that I sleep with the window open, and that has consequences. I have mosquito bites all over my body. Scratch-scratch-scratch. It's making me a bit crazy.

But I try not to think of it. I mean, imagine sleeping peacefully and at the same time being sucked dry of blood from an insect. Not funny.

In the forest

I was out doing the vitaparcours round this morning at 7.30. I woke up early because it's so friggin hot still, with all of July being between 30-40°C, the heat sits in the walls of the house.

I wasn't completely alone, there were a few dog people and another few runners out there. But I noticed one thing, they all seem to have professional gear, like clothing bought in expensive shops just for sports.

I run in a pair of swimshorts for men, that I bought in South Africa many years ago (why mens shorts? 'cause I couldn't find any for women), socks and a top from H&M and shoes for 20 francs.

Guess what I'm saying is, sports doesn't have to cost a lot, and that I'm now only 1.9 kg's away from my new goal weight. Proud!

National day

Since I'm not yet a Swissie, I have to celebrate that I'm if not accepted, so at least registered as a Zürich citizen.