On letting balloons free – part 2

This is the part where I explain, in my own way, what I was doing (and why) last night. *** For 3 days, a “wall of glowing balloons on sticks” was put up accross the city. They blocked roads, filled pavements and generally got in the way. People would probably normally have complained about the […]

On letting balloons free

I set this balloon free 🙂 I was one of 8000 balloon free-set-ers 😉 The Berlin Wall is history – for the second time in 25 years 🙂 More tomorrow when I’m not so asleep

On walking not driving

DB isn’t a natural walker. He says his legs are too short. He’d rather drive. I used to walk or cycle all over the place when I lived by myself, but since moving here I have allowed myself to become lazy. Naja, as a by-product of my many problems and consequent doctors’ visits, we have […]

On balancing the books

I’ve just spent a very pleasant hour or so balancing our finances in a programme called YNAB. If you don’t know what it is, Google it. I’m not sure how useful it is yet, but it’s pretty coloured and congratulates me when I get the numbers to match up. Shame I can’t get the rest […]

On glass spirals

I have somehow earned the reputation for being good at making glass spirals. It started when I was practising for the Meister exam. The man who would become my current boss, but who was back then my ‘coursework’ supervisor told the president of the German glassblowing society that I had a fascinating technique but produced […]

On enforced relaxment

When I lived in a shared house, years ago, we only had a shower. The bath had been disconnected and was full of plants. I used to long for the chance to have a bath. Now I live in a house with a bath, I wish we had a shower. Between those houses I lived […]

On unfinished business

They’ve been working on the corridor where I work for months – at least 6, maybe longer. They bashed a hole in the wall and took out a door or two. Apparently they joined a couple of rooms together. Whatever. It was noisy and dusty and I hope they’re nearly finished. Today, they painted over […]

On keys and quays

– or the risks of being too tidy – I love DB’s mum. Apart from generally being an awesome lady, she’s DB’s mother, and responsible for 50% of his genes. She’s one of the only people I know, who can cook and serve 10 people dinner without the kitchen looking any different to before she […]

On swans and water policemen

When I think of November weather, my first thought is “grey” followed by cold, fog, drizzle, wind and rain. Today is the 2nd of November. It was 17 degrees (C ). The sky was blue and practically cloud free. DB and I went out in the boat. There aren’t many more enjoyable ways to spend […]

On improvisations on a swede

I found a swede in my local supermarket last week. That is a big deal here in Berlin where people generally don’t eat them. Anyway, I didn’t eat it last week because I wasn’t home in time to peel, chop, boil and mash it before my DB died of starvation. Yesterday was my chance. I […]

On getting back on the wagon…

..or train, depending on preference. I am back on the train to work after nearly two weeks sick leave. I’m not sure how much better I am than before, but anyway. Here I am. Not much has changed. Getting up early is still awful. The train is marginally less full – I have a seat […]

On love and [lack of] money

DB put his* latest bank statement down, looked at me with his big puppy-dog eyes, sighed and said: I still love you, you know, even if I am broke .. Well that’s a relief.. 🙂 [Edit: *as opposed to ‘our’ or ‘my’. This is brokeness I’m not responsible for…]

FROGS!! :)

    Added later: DB told me to remind anyone thinking of making/having their own barrel pond, that they have to get the frogs out of it in autumn before it freezes and take them to the closest lake. Thank you for being kind to the wildlife near you.  Â