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.

Control freak

Have a friend coming to visit me for a few days. He is due to arrive this evening. Earlier he phoned to inquire about my apartment number. Haha, apartment number in a house with four flats? Plus he's been here before.

I had forgotten what a control freak he is. This'll be interesting the next few days, since I'm not a planner and take the days as they come.

Stuff

Was visiting a couple with a kid today. When they were new parents they said that their kid wouldn't be spoiled, and not have too many things. HA!

50 shades of blonde

The last couple of times I washed my hair I noticed a different shade of blonde on my right side. I think it might have to do with me having a slightly different hairdo with less hair on the right.

It better not be friggin gray!

The perfect handbag

Friend suggested I might wanna get a new handbag, and he might be right. I think this one is just perfect for me.

Spring is coming, I'm sure

A week ago I felt spring in the air, then the snow came back, but I am still hopeful. You wanna know why? My left elbow has dry skin, so dry it's cracking, but only in winter. It doesn't matter how much creme or oil I put on it, it's dry.

But now my elbow is soft as a baby's bottom, and that without any ointment. Yes, spring is coming, I can feel it.

Plus my legs are shaved and my feet tended to. I am so ready for a spring and summer on the lake!

Mañana

Had a good time today meeting my friends who moved to Spain. Only they called like 10 minutes before they were to arrive, way to give me some notice, but fortunately I had some cinnamon rolls in the freezer.

But it wasn't about food, it was about catching up and understanding why they like it so much in Spain. They love the climate, spend most days on the beach when not working, learning Spanish and becoming a part of the little community where they set down the poles.

Getting to know new friends, eating out a lot 'cause it's too cheap not to, and enjoying the leisurely lifestyle. Even appreciating the lack of order we have here in Switzerland, and coming to terms with the mañana-way of doing things.

Good for them I say. I wouldn't trade Switzerland for anything, but it just goes to show, we're different. And they still have their house here, just in case they change their mind.

Cooperation

You know, it's very easy to dismiss people you do not like, and only hang with people that you do like. But life isn't like that, and sometimes it pays off to go the extra mile and extend a hand.

I cannot believe I'm saying this, but it feels good doing so. Especially when I know it's gonna be good for me in the end :). I have something to gain, and I didn't get an enemy.

Yes, pat on back. And it didn't even feel like prostitution!

Downhill

Got a call today. My aunt broke her foot. Not by doing sports or anything, but by walking outside her house getting the newspaper. This is not a good sign, considering she's 82 years old.

She cannot even walk on crutches, but is currently in a wheelchair.

There are few times I wish I would be in my home country, close to those I care about, being able to help, and this is one of them. But fortunately she has kids, grandkids and great grandkids (great grandkids, is that even proper English?) to help her, so all I can do is being supportive from a distance.

And considering she has a really sharp tongue, just like me, I'm not sure it'd be a good idea for us to share living quarters for more than a night or so.

Nevertheless, she's been more or less around for my whole life, so I wish her a speedy recovery!

I am always right

Me wrong? Not often if you ask me :). I have friends, a couple, who moved to Spain some time ago. I gave them six months over there, then I was certain they were moving back. They proved me wrong.

But today they called me. Back in Switzerland, but only for two weeks. We're gonna meet up soon, and I so wanna ask them why they want to stay in Spain, and not come back here. I wanna know why I was, I don't wanna say wrong, but perhaps slightly incorrect in my judgment.

Ok, the Spanish food is better than ze Swiss, but otherwise, what can possibly be better than Switzerland?

Party bladder

Had a friend over today, and we were cooking as you saw on the previous item. We had drinks. Many of them. First the strawberry with bacardi razz and crushed ice, then a bottle of red, then we went out and had plenty of more white wine. And he never went to the toilet!

During this time I had been probably three times, and as we all know, once you start, you have to keep on going. He never went.

In the end of this evening I was worried, felt uncomfortable on his behalf (how stupid is that?), so that when just before we were leaving he rose and disappeared downstairs to the bathroom I felt relieved. Finally he was going.

I know, I shouldn't worry about these things, but there you go. I'm thinking of getting a hobby.

The making of a lasagna

And then "my" chocolate souffle, not the best, not the worst, but a first.

Spring feelings

Spring is in the air!

I won!

Had forgotten to check the euromillion ticket I purchased for 6 francs last week, so was pleasantly surprised when I went to the kiosk today and they told me I'd won! The whole sum of 29.80! Cause for celebration for sure, and a start for my farm.

Then I was in the post office today, and they asked if I was interested in Swisslotto, which apparently can give 10 mill, I felt a winning streak and invested 5 francs.

Watch out farmers, you may be in for some competition!

Nostalgia

I seem to be into this nostalgia lately, where I see something on telly or hear something and it makes me remember my youth. Oh dear, does that mean I'm getting old? Yes, but never mind.

Anyway, this time I remembered a party. I must've been around 15 and we were invited to a friends place, her parents were gone for the weekend. Not a good thing when you're in your teens, since the place ended up in shambles. People who were not invited came around, and it got out of hands.

I don't think I added to it, but it was crushed windowsills, vomit, and towels used as toilet paper. Not a pretty sight at all.

I remember coming back the next day helping to clean up, and spent an hour just trying to get the guest toilet clean. But as I remember my friend didn't get reprimanded, either that, or she had really nice and forgiving parents.

I shall remember this when my niece gets into her teens. Borrowing my apartment? No way unless you have a death wish. Inviting me to participate in the party? Oh yes!

Stand up toilet

I was watching this program about people trying to change their lives by spending a summer on the countryside. Which is all fine and dandy, and spending time with goats, or running a b&b is all commendable, if it wasn't for the complaints about lack of luxury.

It made me remember the charter trips in my youth, where in Italy and Spain they had toilets which were basically a hole in the ground. And the toilet paper was kinda oily, and didn't absorb any liquid whatsoever.

I was told it was very hygienic when complaining (by men), but I wonder how hygienic it was when your urine splashed up on your feet and legs.

Guess it's new times now. People complain about different things, like when the iphone doesn't work or when the shop doesn't provide all the exotic ingredients you were planning for your dish.

Myself, I am looking forward to the movie about Kon-Tiki. There's a real adventurer for you. I bet he didn't care about toilets or any sort of luxury.

Push to tomorrow what you can do today

When I got my back pain I cursed myself for pushing things to do forward. Important things, like cleaning off the balcony and shaving my legs.

Yes, I know, you're laughing but having a clean balcony that is welcoming to tread onto is important to me. I want a nice cozy feeling when out there. And yes, I had already cleaned off the moss and cat hair, but it needs to be hoovered and scrubbed properly. But as it turned out, it was probably good I didn't do it, since it snowed a couple of days ago. Again.

With regards to my legs, I recently started to wear shorts again. Which I do most of the time at home, when it's not freezing outside. And looking like an Italian on the lower legs is not a sexy feeling. Fortunately I do not have dark hairs, but still. Not a good feeling, should a hunk happen to ring my door.

I think tomorrow is a leg day.

Fit as a fiddle

Today I woke up and felt almost back to normal again. Have used 8 painkillers out of the box I got last Sunday, 2 left. But just in case I got another 10 from the pharmacy today, so now I am prepared should it happen again.

It's a great feeling to be able to move around without having constant pain. Not saying I'm not feeling it anymore, but it's far from the stab of pains I had by just getting out of bed.

And it makes you really tired being in pain all the time. I slept as soon as I could find a semi-comfortable position.

But nevermind that now, it's bygones. Now I am back in force!

Just goes to prove, who needs doctors? They charge you an arm and a leg, send you for more expensive tests and you end up getting healed without their help. Guess I'm a bit disillusioned from having worked with them for four years.

Masterchef

I have been watching three seasons of US Masterchef, love the show, but since the fourth season isn't out yet I came across the first season of Australian Masterchef. And it struck me how different they are.

In the US every contestant says "I'm gonna win this" even though they are crap at cooking, in Australia they are more modest and more down to earth.

I think that if I had to leave Switzerland, Australia would be my next choice. I like the modesty, the less aggressive attitude to life, and in the show, more coaching than dissing approach.

I have been visiting both the US and Australia, and for living, down under would definitely be my choice. Warm welcoming people, and ok, it does help that they have a great climate and a charming accent, but still. I prefer the accepting, positive thinking to the more American fake openness.

Still, Switzerland wins so I'm staying.

Asphalt is the shit

Was talking to a friend today, who gently suggested taking walks in the forest, avoiding the asphalt, what with my back and all. I'm sure she wasn't serious, knowing me.

However, I am currently snowed in on "All creatures great and small", and am watching it every day on youtube, where some kind person uploaded it.

I'm seeing myself having this big farm with animals like cats, dogs, donkeys, horses, cows, chicken, goats and what-have-you. A big staff taking care of it all of course, a cook, a driver, a foreman/woman, people to work on the fields, a vet, cleaning help, a lawyer to deal with the legal admin, and me in the middle, bossing people around. Ha!

A dream? Yes of course, but not when I've won the euromillion.

And naturally it has to be located close to the city and the lake. Plus that I can throw some business in the direction of my real friends, and my ass to those who aren't.

What a great dream!

Toilet deluxe

I am always generous to myself, and my close ones, and the closest ones are furry. Today I went shopping for a new toilet. The deluxe variant as they said in the shop.

It has been sniffed on and approved of by both cats.

Plus it's black and grey and fits very nicely with the rest of the design.

Hollywood boulevard

Friend of mine came across this guy today on Hollywood boulevard.

Oh, am I glad I live in the real world.

Plants and food

While I'm standing up watching tv I am enjoying a plant I got from a friend a week ago.

And a raspberry spunge cake I baked.

Annika 95

Fucketyfuck. Woke up at three this morning with excruciating pain in my lower back. Could hardly get out of bed, but finally rolled out and tried to walk around. It gets better when moving.

45 minutes later it was a bit better but not good, so searched my drawer and found one pill left in a box, a pain killer, best before 2010. Goes to show how often I use drugs.

3,5 hours later I could finally go back to sleep, mostly because of exhaustion. The cats however were delighted to be able to go on the balcony and play in the middle of the night.

So todays walk wasn't up the hill, it was into town to a pharmacy that's open on Sundays. So now I have stocked up on pills, in case it gets bad at night again.

I have also checked on youtube which exercises to do, and one of the reasons for this condition is apparently sitting too much, so today I have been walking or standing all day, moving my hips around and looking funny I'm sure. Good thing I have strong legs. And that I live alone.

Packing up

Omg, was standing in the bathroom today, not moving around when a sharp pain hit my lower back. Like being stabbed with a knife, not that I know what that's like. The acute pain subsided after a few seconds, but I am still sore. Horrible feeling that, when the body starts packing up.

First I thought it was my kidneys saying thank you and goodbye, but turns out they reside higher up in the body. Plus they should be well exercised by now!

Ah well, after consulting with my friend google, I know what to do. Exercise. Tomorrow there shall be a long walk up the mountain. Where they happen to have a restaurant with a great cheese plate. I always believed in combining work and pleasure.

Trust your nose

Yesterday I had some food, that had stayed a bit too long in the fridge, but since I don't like wasting, I heated it up anyway. Halfway through though I thought it tasted a bit funny, and threw the rest away.

Today, more than 24 hours later, after having eaten normally in the day, I vomited my heart out. So conclusion is, I should've trusted my nose after smelling the food before eating it.

I shall have to stop being so cheap, or perhaps starting to plan my eating better.

Gas

Despite my smoking, I do have an excellent sense of smell and tonight I smelled gas. Since we run on electricity in this building I was alarmed. Went out on the balcony, and realized that the "new" neighbours downstairs were grilling. At least that's what I figured. Lights were on, and there was a faint aroma of grilled meat.

Which is all fine and dandy, I like the feeling of having people around me who enjoy life. If it wasn't for the gas smell. Well, I guess you cannot have it all.

I think next week I start playing the euromillion, and when I win, I will buy the whole building and choose who gets to live here. Ha!

Hells angels

Later the same evening a fairly new friend surprised me. First of all, she turned out to be a bit of a party animal, which was totally unexpected. Second, she disappeared in the middle of the evening out.

I, always worrying about my friends, went to look for her, only to find her chatting vividly with what I thought was a Hells angels member. Always quick to judge me. Turned out he was an accountant, and a measly 19 years younger than her. Well done girl!

I always said that if you want to feel slim, go out with a fat person. Equally goes for beauty, if you want to feel fab do not go out with a beautiful woman. You'll be put in second place. And what is even more irritating, I don't think she was even that interested.

I can only stand back and admire her, and I don't say that often. And maybe, just maybe, I'll put in some more effort next time out. Mind you, not for HA wannabe, but because I should perhaps try harder. And be thankful for that we do not have the same taste in men :).

R.I.P

Last Saturday we had a wee party, starting off with a cheese pie and salad (one friend is a vegetarian and thus difficult to cook for), and of course some fine bottles of wine.

But the friend in charge of the salad, decided to do some toasted bread crusts to put on top of the greens. Fine idea, but questionable execution. I got my vintage toaster out of the cupboard (notice the orange manually operated buttons!), plugged it in and went back to the table. Guess what he did? He cut the untoasted bread first, then put it in the toaster! This can only be called male logic. It was a miracle we managed to get at least some of the crusts out. R.I.P my toaster.

Disappointed

Perhaps I'm overly sensitive, but I don't like it when people say one thing, then don't deliver. When they prioritize away something they said mean a lot to them. Sorry, can't be more specific at this point in time.

But what I like even less, is people who I thought I could trust. I told this person about a personal disappointment, and how badly that affected me, and then he promptly does the same to me. Shame on you! There shan't be anymore invitations to my place for you.

Spain in the old days

Continuing on this consumer business, the program went on to talk about education, training and courses. And how nowadays people are cheated, paying loads of money and getting nothing in return.

Made me remember a course in Arguineguin many moons ago. Fantastic course. In those days it was cheaper to send employees abroad than to go to a course locally. A whole week in the sun. Classes in the morning, well morning and morning, 9-12 if I remember. Then lunch and a leisurely afternoon in the sun, following more classes from 17-20.

Then dinner and partying all night long. I seem to remember ties tied around foreheads, people looking pink from all the sun and dancing until dawn.

But don't get me wrong, I think I learned a lot there, formed relationships (ah ok, that guy was maybe a mistake, he kept on sending me letters), but most importantly, I learned I was good. This was in the early days of my career, and I wasn't sure of my abilities. This trip taught me I knew more than I realized.

Never had a lack of confidence since.

Greed

Am watching this consumer tv program again, and this time it's about all the extra charges put on top of ads. Like if you want to escape the winter and travel south, the ad might say "experience exotic Africa, from 500 francs" or the likes. Nothing to say how many tickets are available, or the charges added before the final price is set.

Reminds me when I bought the Dyson. It was a basic price, an admin price (all ok there) and then there was an optional charge of 4 francs for "transportation insurance". I'm not saying 4 francs is a lot, but it made me wonder. Doesn't the company have a responsibility of delivering a shipshape product to me? Do I have to pay if they don't? But of course I caved in and ticked the box. I mean, what if I would be getting a faulty product and I hadn't paid the 4 francs?

Nah, I think they fooled me. And 4 francs times a lot of customers eventually becomes a lot of money. And I don't like the feeling of being fooled.

Ungrateful bastards

I have come across a lot of ungrateful people in my days, and these days I guess that's what to be expected. Nevertheless, I don't like it. That is not the way I was brought up. And I'm not talking about overly excessive thanks. I'm talking about a simple "thank you" through an sms, an email, a phone call or in person "thank you" for something I did or said.

I have a perfect example. Some friends of mine travelled to a foreign country for a wedding. Beforehand they had paid into a bank account (the wedding couple asked for a contribution for their honeymoon...which if I can inflict a comment here...don't go on a honeymoon if you can afford it yourself!). So they went there, spent money on travel, hotel and whatever comes with, only to get a card later on saying "thanks for spending the wedding with us". No thanks to the contribution, no personal touch.

I know exactly how they feel. Been there myself.

I'm a man!

Tonight I was invited for dinner with the neighbours, and I was hoping for a grill (since I don't have one) and I got it. Fabulous. And I ate a whole aubergine! Eggplant my ass, it tasted more like banana, but I like bananas so no complaints there.

Neighbour told me a story about when his company registered him being on maternity leave. His namn is foreign and so was interpreted by HR as being a woman. This makes me wanna start a story on HR in general, and according to my opinion they are not the sharpest knives in the toolbox, but let's leave that for another item.

Anyway, he was registered as being on maternity leave, and his boss vouched for him, being not. And when HR "after a deep investigation" (here I got the vision of him having to drop trou to prove himself), finally got it right, HR caved in. And decided he was probably a man after all.

It's interesting, me having been in the IT business since "forever", it never ceases to amaze me how stupid people can be. IT is a tool, a way to communicate, a method of keeping information, it is NOT a reason to be stupid.

But I'm happy to know he's a man. With a wife and two kids and all.

Butt acne

A couple of weeks ago I got a big acne thing on the inside of my left butt cheek. Very irritating, and I tried to treat it the same way I do with face acne. A good click of soap on it. Didn't help, even though I kept on applying it.

This morning I woke up, and when walking to the bathroom I felt uncomfortable. Turns out there is a big acne thingie on the inside of the right butt cheek, just opposite of the left one. Friggin irritating, since they meet every time I'm taking a step.

Imagine me, walking with legs apart, and trying to look normal. Not a pretty sight.

So now the heavy artillery is coming out. Toothpaste! As I tried to explain to the cats, "I'm smelling mint from my butt, but don't worry. It'll be fine soon".

I hope!

Eggs

I was brought up with the belief of not wasting anything, and even though nowadays I can afford much more than I could being young(er), that view lives with me.

The other day I was making aoili, thus using only egg yolks but not the whites. So was left with two egg whites. What better to do than meringue? Only recipe held four egg whites, so now I'm left with two yolks. Guess I'm having egg yolks for breakfast tomorrow.

The meringue? Still in the oven.

Fun fun fun

Finally friend woke up and sent me the pics from last Sat. I wanna go again! Soon!

Eco and bio and stuff

Am watching a tv program about consumers, and tonight they were talking about apples. Some apples have plastic labels on each apple, and the question was why. Had to do with regulation apparently, bio has to be marked. No mention of what the plastic labels do to the environment.

Makes me wonder, remembering a comment earlier about bio being organic or whatsit. Aren't all apples growing on trees? How can it be more "bio"? Yes, I can understand if you spray apple trees with some chemical to make them grow bigger or stay good longer, but still?

Nah, I'm not convinced about this bio shit. And besides, with all the chemicals in the world today, why try to avoid it? I embrace it, and I'm sick a lot less than my friends. Chew on that, people!

Coy - moi?

Friend brought a dessert wine today, and when she saw I liked it she asked "would you like me to bring another bottle?", I looked at her coyly and said "if you insist". No need to let her know that I never say no to vino.

This is the same person I met a few years ago at the bottle bank, while I was getting rid of the last weeks trash. Clink-clank-clink-clank and so forth. She doesn't drink, or at least hardly ever. I felt embarassed. For a long time after I was looking over my shoulder while bringing empty bottles.

At least tomorrow she cannot complain. She was there, and if I meet her then, I shall remind her. In case she has forgotten after several glasses on wine!

Birthday dinner

Threw a dinner tonight for four beloved friends. It's a deal since a few years that I cook on her birthday, and she cooks on mine. This time I invited some more friends, since I sincerely believe in the more the merrier.

As a starter I served three different kinds of homemade bread, and an aoili. Never did an aoili before, and it was really stinking of garlic, but judging by the speed it went I think they liked it.

Then we had a dish with cod fillet, dill, tomatoes, a sauce made of mascarpone and caviar, and the idea was to put shrimp on top until I learned that one of the guests don't like it. So served it on the side. This guy is really difficult with food. But hey, we're all allowed to have a weakness or two. Served with rice and peas.

And the non-drinker had pink champagne (thanks E, your bottle is now a goner!), white wine and dessert wine. I feel good about that, showing somebody who is inexperienced with alco that a small amount can also be fun. And a dessert of course.

Yes, it was fun. And perfectly acceptable to leave already at 23.00 on a Wednesday.

Spain

I have a friend who has retired. But he still likes to travel. So tomorrow he's taking the wife with him, leaving the country and going to Spain for a month. Good choice. Better climate, the best food in the world if you ask me and golf. Golf leaves me cold, but the rest I buy.

But the funny thing is, he was starting to pack a week ago. Washing clothes, planning and worrying whether the apartment they rented had a washing machine or not.

This from a guy I used to travel with, at a time where we packed in the morning just as much as we needed for the days we were away. At least I did. I still remember 9/11 when the company I worked for forbid travel, and I had to go out and buy a shirt. Had only packed for one night.

But I'm sure he'll relax once there. Spain is not an under-developed country. You can still buy all the things you need there.

And I'm certain he'll have a lot of use of the garlic press he's bringing. Despite that he cannot cook.

Back to the 1800's part II

So the other week the water disappeared for half a day, and tomorrow the electricity will be gone for two hours. At least ewz had the decency of telling us beforehand.

Well, we got the info but the why is still a question. Why are they cutting off electricity? Probably something to do with the fact that most of my street is dug up. New pipes, this glassfiber thing or whatsit.

Let this be the last time I have to live in the dark.

Out

I don't go out that often anymore, but I did on Saturday. Wow, I had forgotten how fun it could be! Mental note, must go out more often.

It helped that it was Fasnacht and a lot of Guggenmusik in the city. And it was fun and surprising to meet an old flirt. I was even dancing!

Pics are missing, at least until friend can figure out how to transfer the pics he took to his computer. Even I, with old-fashioned equipment, know how to do that :).

Audit

My auditor was visiting today. Yes, I know, normally I'd go visit her, but we know each other since years and it's nice when she comes around having a coffee and cookies and a chat. And of course to pick up the papers she's auditing.

Anyway, had to laugh when she said "Annika, I woke up last night and thought about your pension". Haha, even I don't do that. Turns out there is some stuff I haven't paid that I should, and she worries about it. Ain't that sweet? So I promised I'd think about paying that, whatever it was.

Personally I am more interested in all the cash I'll get back from the authorities, having overpaid taxes. Carpe diem is more my view.

Angel

Hahahaha, got an sms this morning sent to "my angel". Needless to say it wasn't for me, but now I know how a friend of mine is communicating with his many girlfriends.

He will never hear the end of this.

Back to the 1800's

Neighbour is having some work done, I think it's the same we had, installation of glass fiber pipes. However, their workers messed up and broke the water pipe, resulting in neighbour having a flood and we in the neighbouring houses practically no water. Just a little trickle from the tap. And this of course before I had showered.

So to cheer myself up I went shopping. A brand new scale! It is meant to be used for baking and cooking, but since it goes up to 5 kg's I thought I'd weigh the cats. Now comes the challenge of them standing still on a tiny area. Ha, I know who's gonna win this!

Crazy plant

I dunno what's going on with my mega-plants. They were re-planted some half year ago, new soil, new pots and everything and I was expecting them to have a bit of trouble adjusting to the new environment. But today, when inspecting it I realized there are flowers! In February! While it's still snow outside! It's gone bananas.

I think it's the smoke they like.

Spooks

Have borrowed a lot of seasons of the English series Spooks, and although it's exciting and you never know who you can trust or not, there is one thing that irritates me. Every time you get to know one of the main characters, he or she gets either killed, retires, has to go into a witness-protection-program or just disappears due to the "cannot-cope-syndrom".

It's a pity, 'cause otherwise there are good stories and plots that make you think about how much you do not know and what goes on up there in the political stratosphere.

I, however, am happy to stay where I am and live a normal life. Probably a good thing, since I'm a pretty bad liar.

Bio shit

I was baking bread again today. Another type, which needed an ingredient I hadn't used before, well at least not here in Switzerland. And since I didn't know the name (forgot to google), I searched the Coop shelves with a comb. Found it. But only one with a bio stamp. I hate bio.

First of all I don't exactly know what it means. Second, it sounds like hocus pocus, and is twice the price of anything else. Third, how can you know it's more healthy than "normal" products, I mean, where is the proof? And fourth, Bro's wife favours it.

So I wasn't happy buying it, but the bread turned out all right. I think I will spend the rest of my life searching for the same product without the word "bio" stamped on it. If I wasn't so busy!

Less is more

Was watching a program on how to run a cafe. Made me think of all the hotels I've visited in my lifetime. There are plenty. But I tell you what, gimme a small family-run hotel or B&B over a big hotel chain any day.

Of course it has to be clean, hold a semi-comfortable bed (no bed other than my own is fully comfortable) and serve coffee in the morning.

I know, the big chains have a breakfast you'll die for being hungover, but not at the time they serve it. Brunch for me is from 1pm and forward, and when you travel that's a luxury you don't have.

I especially remember a small personal hotel in Valby, just outside Copenhagen, where I was staying almost every week for nearly half a year. It was a place where they knew my name the second time I checked in. They had 14 bedrooms, and the breakfast was fresh and just enough. They knew my favourite room, and had no problems with me bringing the rest of the wine with me to my room after having dined there.

Also, I remember a B&B outside Cape Town. I think it was in Franschhoek (if you can be arsed to search on the blog, I'm sure you'll find it). There we got up late, came out to the terrace and were promptly asked by the manager what we'd like for breakfast. They did everything, and we just had to ask. Fabulous.

Yes, I like the personal approach, rather than the "I'm-trained-to-be-friendly-to-guests". So in this case, less is more.

Partytime elsewhere

Went to a birthday party on Saturday. You know I love to host parties, but once in a while it's nice not having to be responsible and to just enjoy. It was a lot of fun.

However, it was a little bit disturbing to see the notice on a board at the entrance, talking about weaponry.

But since I'm here blogging about it, it turned out to be fine.

We got well-fed with lots of sorts of spaghetti, and a great dessert table.

I also met some youngsters, one who should really be a model. A young guy with a sixpack. Unfortunately I didn't get a pic of that.

And a semi-young couple who wanted to get a room.