Sonntag, Februar 18, 2007

The Big Parade!






February 18/07


Too bad, think the event is on the verge of getting out of hand,too many people, "giving" the drinks away is attracting the masses. Landfrau took flight, after strangers started to take over the bar,and cleaning the cups they might as well do by themselves then too. I hope that with those crowds milling around,no one walkes away with the "piggy bank". Well, not my concern.


Anyway, the pics give a picture!

Mittwoch, Februar 14, 2007

Valentine's Day


February 14/07 4:45 p.m. The Weather Pixie: Niederrhein


To whom does this concern??

Don't complain, this is not nice
in the bathtub of my life
you will remain as hero of retiring
always my favourd duckling!

and,for all you Germans. the translation:

Jammer nicht,es ist vergebens,
in der Wanne meines Lebens
bleibst Du auch als Held der Rente

immer meine liebste Ente!

Montag, Februar 12, 2007

Look, our Midget!


February 12/07 The Weather Pixie: Niederrhein

Now, is'nt it cute? And what a relief, it will not outgrow us during our lifetime and no hurricane will take hold of it. Have considered today to give it some company later on in spring.But right now looking forward to the world's smallest and most famous mardi -gras parade in Schweinheim and you will meet Landfrau there as the most famous bar -tendress, come have a look, I am my best own customer, provided the weather is cold enough that I want to dig into hot spiced wine. -
Was a hard day today,not only housecleaning,the monday score,but cooking lunch for our "boss" (grandson),whom granddad picked up at school, since mummy still had been on the road back home from a skiing holiday,where she had her skies pinched. Alas,shit happens. And then my help was needed in mathematics,boy, I am out of practice! get the result of 13,by using only the number 4 for calculation ,you are allowed ( ) calculation,like (4+4+4-4) etc. ,so lets see if you are smart, good luck!

Dienstag, Februar 06, 2007

Carpe Diem

February 06/07 The Weather Pixie: Niederrhein

Landfrau must use the nice weather, worked my little (gloved) fingers off, to get the front garden spick and span. We BOUGHT a new tree,a change to taking them down and having them blown away.Well ,actually it's a kind of a shrub, pine, very attractive, and the gardener will plant it ,hopefully, Saturday. Till then it sits in the nursery with our name tag! -
Yes, our garden really looked a mess,after the storm and the tree actions, would have been shamefaced to let a strange gardener in. He might have decided we are not worth such a nice new tree-shrub. Of course it will have to pose for me and my camera!
And it is not for friend dog to pee on!!

Sonntag, Februar 04, 2007

It works.....

February 04/07 1:58 p.m. The Weather Pixie: Niederrhein

..and even tells the truth, the weather pixie. Amazing,those little gadgets. Dog and me had enjoyed a long walk along the riverside, passed by the riding stables on our way back, this nice smell of horses, hmmm,I'm still addicted to . It is enjoyable to chat with former riding friends and to "meet" my horse's former friends. But,such is life,past times are past times and lost friends are lost friends. Always looking ahead, right now to cooking a leg of turkey with vegetables(mangold) and boiled potatoes,yummy!-

8:11 p.m. - food has been verry good!! Full tummy! -
And there has been a terrific sunset tonite, next time I shall try to think about taking the camera.
And Germany beat Poland in the Handball-worldchampionships 29:24, had been out with the dog and met not a soul, a whole nation glued to the televison - We are definetely adorable,us Germans,eh?

Samstag, Februar 03, 2007

To keep you up to date!

The Weather Pixie: Niederrhein

February 03/07 - so you can check our lousy, or nice, weather!

Still no winter arround here.Now I do not want it anymore.

Dienstag, Januar 30, 2007

Are you an ELVIS- Fan?

SoloSong's Elvis Jukebox - There you go, Elvis the Pelvis - it's great!

....and,while you listen, here something to look at , a little promotion, it
is a fun piece,right for folks who like to travel

Chain(Saw)-Gang

January 30/07 4:31 p.m.

You hear them all over our little village, the chain saws,cutting down trees in danger to fall,cutting fallen trees and trees into pieces for firewood. We have been lucky, that our daughter took most of our wood, would have been a shame to leave it for robber gardener,who would have charged us on top to get rid of it. There is also quite some wood lying around at the riverbanks, the next flooding might take care of that,although we might be lucky this year, not so much snow in the mountains and therefore not so much water from melting. It has turned quite warm again for this time of the year, above zero (C°) ,but grey skies, no sunshine. That has to come from the heart, which is not always so easy.
Dog and me had been taking a walk to the ferry landing this morning, the ferry is not running, yearly maintanance,so it had been peaceful and quiet and we could enjoy our view. Pic is promised for one of those days,when the sun decides to peek out! -

And now I will havwe to venture out again, dog is pestering me and right he is,otherwise we will walk by the moonriver (always again a terrific song, and such a sweet voice!).

Freitag, Januar 26, 2007

Mad,mad,mad...

January 26/07 9:33 p.m.

...at the computer system, musicload worked fine for downloading(paid for - mind you) music,suddenly - zilch - . Talked to two hotlines, brother, I love that, and got an e-mail full of instructions I'm lost at. All I managed is to deinstall ourMedia Player, latest version,and then I had none.Took me quite a while to figure out how to re-install,uff!!! -Well, what the heck, it's a machine after all, might scream for help tomorrow ,our neighbour is good with computers. - Weatherwise we got some snowflakes, imagine, but by now the stuff has turned into rain. We might have icy roads tomorrow,but we don't have to venture out far. And...
getting used to "naked gardens". There had been a loss of 28 Million trees by the storm in Germany ,don't think they counted ours.

Montag, Januar 22, 2007

Go for Gold!

HillaryClinton.com - Video

January 22/07 8:00 p.m.
It is time for a change and why not a lady with experience in the White House! Landfrau keeps her fingers crossed for Hillary.


NorahJones.com

NorahJones.com

January 22/07 5:04 p.m.
A very nice link to enjoy, have not "gifted" you with music for a while.
Norah Jones is one of my favourite singers.

Sonntag, Januar 21, 2007

Oops, there goes another One!

January 21/07 3:47 p.m.

Grandson has been picked up by daughter No. 2 and has been on the phone already, forgot his softball, always leaving something behind, that kid. The James Bond last nite had been a dissapointment for both of us and since our satelite - dish has also suffered from the storm we had a big choice of "snowy" channels. But we have been rewarded with a life show today, the next one of our big trees, a cypress tree in the kitchen garden, started to move in a very funny way. So we decided to call the diligent helpers,the local fire brigade. They decided,that 12 meter- tree had to go and so we had front row seats from our "tower" (attic) windows to watch the action. They left about 4 meters and now it looks like a funny kind of bush sitting in the corner. By now I think, the squirrells will put a jynx (or whatever its called) on us, this has been their main residence. Places in the two previous trees taken down had been like vacation homes. We might decide to cover our gardens with concrete and paint them green, then all we need is a scrubbing broom,lots of detergent and an occasional paint job.
That's the way the (soft)ball bounces!

Samstag, Januar 20, 2007

I -do-not-like-it


January 20/07 6:58 p.m.

....if other dogowners pester me with stories about the "brightness" of their dogs. Met a lady during my walk tonite, now, since we took the same direction and, Landfrau beeing a polite person, I could not avoid listening to her endlesss recitation about her dog catching mice. Even my ironic "that it must be cat's genes" could not stop her. O.K.,did not punch her nose (would have loved to) but said that I had to turn around. So on our way back, dog and me, could enjoy the sight of a red gleaming dark sky,with the flashing lights from the airport across the river Rhein and the brightly lit starting planes. B e a u t i f u l! - River is carrying quite some water, some of the shoreline has been flooded already. But that hapens every year,so there is nothing to worry about yet.
Man of the house is sitting in starter position to pick up grandson No. 2 (the smaller one) for overnite room and board. Me, I already got orders to watch a "James Bond" movie with him later on, am I ever looking forward to that! Never mind, grandma's duties. And - as long as I am not matching the above lady, when he asks me for a bedtime - story, I shall count my blessings!

Freitag, Januar 19, 2007

Kyrill - The Big One

January 19/07 3:49 p.m.

Boy, that has been some bugger of a storm last night and it is not quite over yet,if I look out of my window,trees are moving in occasional gusts again. But last night had been hellish and we were mighty glad,that we had made the decision to take the fir tree down lately,it would have been a goner for sure. Our neighbours from across the street called the fire brigade to take one of their trees down, which might have landed plum upon the street. There were lots of damages in our village as to trees,roofs and houses, fortunately no casualties. But around Germany there had been ten and more in other European countries. One little girl, two years old, had been slain by a door. A little life, phhf, extinguished just like that, on account of a stupid storm. -
I have the bad feeling, that there will be more super- gaus of nature, since our weather really has gone haywire,next there will be floodings again, on account of the heavy rainfalls. And if you take into consideration that it is partly homemade by mankind and that there are still governments without insight and unwilling to workout plans against such catastrophies,one could throw a tantrum fit.

Poor Planet Earth!

Donnerstag, Januar 11, 2007

Good Guy with white Hat

BUSH'S IRAQ STRATEGY
More Blood, More Money, More Doubts

130,000 US soldiers haven't been able to bring peace to Iraq. Now George W. Bush has admitted his error -- and is sending in a further 21,000 troops. The US President is thus almost completely ignoring the recommendations of the Baker Commission. By Georg Mascolo in Washington (Spiegel Online - International / Jan.11/07)

January 11/07
There he goes again, Baby Bush, on with his personal venegance. 21.000 troops are not people playing in his league, where they are coming from, sacrifice is an honour and never mind, what comes later in regard to families and so on. Him and his likes are safe and sound and he can continue the game of the good marshal sent by God.

Mittwoch, Januar 10, 2007

Second Life

January 10/07

This is weird.......got hold of an article in our daily paper (computer site) about a program called "second life". Of course curious Landfrau wanted to know more and got into investigating matter and, if you ask me, this is like Mokitown for grownups. You get a doll and dress it(and this is you now) up (let's call them Ken and Barbie from now on) and then you roam around and meet other Kens and Barbies and, according to the report, have an abudance of fun together. You even can have sex, if you push a key, you get an erection. Mind you, you are now Barbie and you meet Ken, prime body,full of mucles,young, spirited - and whats hiding behind? An old fat leech with no hair. Same goes for Barbie,could be an ugly hangdog hiding behind that beautiful creature. - Of course this also could open doors for cunning people. Imagine Ken and Barbie know each other in real life and are, lets presume, secret lovers, then of course they could have a lot of fun together, all it takes is to tell each other the fake names .But then,making love, might be a bit frustrating,having to push keys.
And - so is said - you can make real money, now thats an intriguing subject, walk out of a game a millionaire, for that, I would turn into Barbie too!

So, have I gotten you interested? Just push the hyperlink and see for yourselves.

Samstag, Januar 06, 2007

Year without Horse


January 06/07

Since 1976 this will be the first horseless year for the family. Some of you already know, some might have asked themselves why there has been no more mentioning of the oldie-horse. Sad story, oldie has been sent to horse heaven in October 06. Really had not the nerve to talk about it for quite a while, and dog and me still miss the old rascal, while roaming the river banks, thats what we loved most, the three of us. Somehow picturing he might still be gallopping along with us, up there in horse heaven. He has been a good horse,brave and honest, he has been with us for almost 19 years.-
Don't miss the stables,not my world anymore.



Last pics of Little Lander - Hannoveranian Gelding

Freitag, Januar 05, 2007

Breakfast - not at Tiffany's

January 05/07 2:59 p.m.

Now, this morning, Landfrau had prepared breakfast (actually like each and every morning EVEN ON MOTHER'S DAY!) and had, like every morning, her solitairy meal - waiting for the companion would upset day's schedule too much - but, miracles happen,companion joined me at the table. Then I cleared and cleaned away all the things, and then companion complained, that breakfast was gone and only a spick and span table left. Turned out, that he did not have a bite to eat yet. Well, told him, that even in first class hotels, breakfast matters are cleared away at 11:00 a.m. Now someone will wither away for sure.
Had to be on the run then, first with the dog and then to pick up my Durangos (cowboy boots) at the shoemakers. Shops around here close for lunchtime, anyway, most of them, you think we would be living in the deepest South of Spain and it was siesta time. Now, for my poor boots, they for sure are falling apart, bought them at a Santa Fe, N.M. - store 6 years ago, think I will have to return soon to my dream place. Any reason is a good reason!

Mittwoch, Januar 03, 2007

One More Tree - Story


January 03/07 5:50 p.m.

So, yesterday, Landfrau had been de-treeing the living room and all the deco things, like angels and santas ,had to hit their boxes for another 11 months. But now, look for yourselves,friends, is'nt that still a great tree? Now, I'm considering

1st. : selling it to Russia with love ( still 3 days left, since the Russians celebrate after the Georgian Calendar, Jan.7 and little Father Frost, who brings the presents in Russia,might still be short of a tree)

2nd.: putting it into the empty corner,left by the fir tree. - Only, how to preserve it? Must stay green and keep its needles! Spray? Paint? whatever.-

Well,just a little joke, but I am happy to hear, that I had a leaning tree companion in far away Houston! But knocking over the tree with ornaments - That has been overdoing it, my friend! Mutual agreement,never listen to the tree critics , next X-mas,we do it our ways!

And remember, only 11 months and 21 days left till X-mas! (Now -cross my heart, I won't go on with that).

January - Progressing

January 03/07 10:55 a.m.

In a hurry, in a hurry but....You like bad blogs? ( in the way of mean!)
Then,have fun!

Montag, Januar 01, 2007

First Day of more to come in 2007

January 01/07

....and New Year's resolutions:
1. loose weight
2. loose weight
3. loose weight
4. don't forget to put out garbage cans!

Ugh, nothing harder to cope with than a succession of good days! -
Last day of last year has been spent eating a marvellous buffet at our country hotel at the ferry landing and then taking in a play (comedy) in a little theatre downtown Düsseldorf. Have not really been taken by the play (after a movie with Dustin Hoffmann), outdated plot for our time and the actors have not been so great either.-Well, man of my life liked it better than me, which was good, since I had given him the tickets for a Christmas present.
And at 3:30 a.m. we had a phone call from some kids, trying to sell us 5 kos. of pudding and, after our inquiry,where they were calling from, telling us first Hungary and then Irak. Since their number showed on the display, I called this morning a very surprised mother and we had a laugh together. Told her though, things like that can fire back, if you reach the wrong address.
So, this morning, dog and me had a very wet and windy walk, not nice for the beginning of the year.
But all those good wishes from family, friends and fans for the New Year had been nice,a big T H A N K S to all of you and so long for today!

Sonntag, Dezember 31, 2006

HAPPY NEW YEAR -- 2007!

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!!!!!

from ..........L A N D F R A U

......and enjoy the cute link, just touch the HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Sonntag, Dezember 24, 2006

DECEMBER 24 2006

It's Christmas......

so, to everyone out there:


Merry C H R I S T M A S!
Frohe Weihnachten!

Wishes...wünscht the...die LANDFRAU

Freitag, Dezember 22, 2006

Santa - reborn / X-mas tree - kicked over



December 22/06 4:22 p.m.

See for yourselves,the Santa - puzzle has been solved, but...Landfrau, just to stay in mischief, knocked over the X-mas tree. Started to trimm it last nite and my critic claimed, that it was not sitting straight in its holder. So Mrs. Perfect tried to adjust it and ,well, pushed "the wrong button", over it went, against the lamp, the window and drapes. Fortunately only two sets of strings had been put on and some bows, nothing breakable yet. One string however snapped and I fixed it with isolation tape, having made the wires blank first (suppose a hair- riser for every engineer!). - Anyway,light is on again. Tree looked a bit beat up ,however. But now, that is has been adorned up to its teeth, think that it does not show any more. Judge for yourselves and remember....only 2 days till X-mas!

Montag, Dezember 18, 2006

Brainstorm-Housecleaning

December 18/06 9:08 p.m.

Why did I have to run across the German expression"innerer Schweinehund" in another blog, and wrecking my brain ever since for the proper translation? - Owner of blog also had been very helpful, but no satisfying solution found. - Now today, hateful
Monday - cleaning (no brains needed for that- so can be used otherwise), ran across "Nasty inner self",which of course is still a little tame for the "pigdog" but will have to do and I hope both of them, the "innere Schweinehund" and the Nasty Inner Self" will keep their mouths shut at least till after Christmas.


...and, since I'm into the breaking loosing spell, I broke my little Santa last nite. Was about to kick the about one hundred peaces into the garbage can, but the still intact head looked at me with such sad eyes,that since then I'm running around with sticky glue on my fingertips and am trying to puzzle him together every free minute, and my "nasty inner self" is giving the garbage can more and more the eye.

Sonntag, Dezember 17, 2006

Before - After




December 17/06 2:00 p.m.










....and inbetween.
Or, how to "ugly" up a garden. Just contact us ,we are experts now. After the Pine had to go,(had given reasons before), folks have been pestering about the Fir tree ,like - it will go with the next storm -its without support now - man of the house had been glued to the window,as soon as a little wind was blowing, so, to make a long story short, robber gardener struck again (told him though, to be more moderate this time - Mengenrabatt (deduction for frequency),well,we shall see.

Now, good ideas about new plants to be put into the empty corner are highly appreciated. No Saguaros,though!

And remember - only 7 days till X-MAS!!!

Dienstag, Dezember 12, 2006

CARAVAGGIO

December 12/06 8:20 p.m.

This really exclusive exhibition had opened in Düsseldorf- Kunstpalast Sept.09/06 and ever since we have been telling ourselves, that we have to see it ,for sure! - Dateline January 07 - so, today Landfrau said: no more excuses! And imagine: we did it, and..it really has been worth it, its breathtaking to look at those brilliant oevres, hundreds of years old, and painted by a very dubious character who on top of that died a mysterious death. -

Coming home, our new coffee/espresso machine had been delivered, and I am not so sure yet, if I am really
happy with it. Still kind of miss my good old coffee maker.

And tomorrow the fir tree will have to go, then I will put some before - after pics in my blog and you can judge for yourselves, how boring our garden looks. Really have to think of something attractive - and big enough - to plant in spring. Now we live with so much more light in our living room and you see every damn speck of dust, a housewife's nightmare!

Montag, Dezember 11, 2006

A Christmas-Miracle!


December 11/06 12:32 p.m.

Never give up, this morning I found my so painfully missed childrens book (and the story I will supply in my next post) at a place I had been looking first and at least a dozen times! - So, this up to now not so nice day is saved and maybe my little (X-mas) guardian angel did some work for me.- Thank you! -

Mittwoch, Dezember 06, 2006

My Dentist and my X-mas Panic

December 06/06 6:30 p.m.

I have mentioned her before,it is a lady and lately she has been coming across with the most funny things. Will not go into the story, when I got the caps for my implants (a fortune in my mouth) and she wanted to show them to me before putting them in for good and dropping them,stating very dryly "hope they are not broken" - they were not,fortunately, anyway, think she is increasing in her actions. - Must tell you first, that Landfrau has terrible difficulties, not to gag during treatment, just to look at the cotton pads to be put into my mouth, gets me going. So,my friendly lady has a dozen tricks or so to stop me, like I should turn my feet, first the one,then the other, to one side and the other side,etc. - Now today she suddenly yelled," grab between your legs, grab between your legs", which really startled me, never had heard of that trick. As it turned out, she had dropped a "red stick" (think it has beeen a Q-tip with desinfection) between my legs and did not want to retrieve it but, I presume, was afraid,my pants might get ruined. After that I started to have such giggle fits, that I heaved from laughing, not from gagging and after I could talk again, told her why and she was very embarrased,but her nurse laughed her head off. So much for my dentistLADY,and now you know, why I put such emphasis on transferring that it is not a guy. -

Well, after that pleasant session I did some Christmas-shopping and slowly but surely am feeling better, some cookies baked and some presents bought.-

And then doggie got a raincoat, fed up with wet, smelly dog in the house, he is very proud of it!

So, hope you did not meet any Krampusse today, even if you deserved them!


Dienstag, Dezember 05, 2006

Grandson,Antlers and X-mas-Cookies!

December 05 /06 9:10 p.m.

Last weekend our grandson showed up with an antler headdress, complete with jingle bells,looked like Rudolf, the rednosed reindeer, the red nose missing ,though. Told him that there still was a tag attached to the device,and got the reply, that it did not belong to him. When I asked, whom it belonged to, he said,its yours and you have to wear it next time walking the dog. I will come along with the camera and then I will take shots - no not of grandma wearing antlers,- but of the stupid faces of the people looking at me, so he said. - Great kid?
To please him , I baked some X-mas cookies,tried a first time in my life a readymade dough (had my doubts though,when I tasted a piece), well , they looked great when they came out of the oven, but the smell and the taste,completely horror-ugh. Even the dog, who is "human food- crazy",refused them. So the goodlooking patch landed in the garbage can and the belief of my grandson in my cookies is destroyed. Up to then he had claimed,that mine tasted so much better than his mom's. - But today I baked the real McKoy, after my Mom's recipe,very time consuming and difficult task, but worth it.

So, folks and fans, have a nice Nicolaus Day tomorrow, don't let the Krampusse get you!

Sonntag, Dezember 03, 2006

Not X-mas,E A S T E R!!(egg hunt)

December 03/06 00:14 a.m.

Too upsept to sleep, think I'm going bonkers. The past day has been one of the missing things. First I could not find part of my X-mas decorations, o.k. no special value, replacable. Then daughter No. 1, who hade been visiting and staying overnight, asked for a special Children's book, belonged to Landfrau ,when she was still a kid, kept in high value, vanished... had been looking in the house from attic to basement, no book, other of getting all dusty and disgusted,no success. Then, beeing invited for dinner at friends place, a bracelet, I wanted to wear, a goner. Great, in for another midnight hunt.There at least, found it, had slipped behind the couch in my room. so.. I hope the spell is broken and I am not yet in for the Alzheimer league, at least, there you meet new people every day.

Freitag, Dezember 01, 2006

Bad Santa



December 01/06 7:50 p.m.

X-mas panic setting in! Only 23 days left till Christmas - help!!!!

Montag, November 27, 2006

Santa and Crowd!


November 27/06

To straigthen things out for my "across the ocean" friends, we have an abundance of Xmas ghosts (?) milling around. First there is....NIKOLAUS

Celebration in Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Switzerland

In Germany, Nikolaus is usually celebrated on a small scale. Many children put a boot, called Nikolaus-Stiefel, outside the front door on the night of December 5 to December 6. St. Nicholas fills the boot with gifts, and at the same time checks up on the children to see if they were good. If they were not, they will have charcoal in their boots instead. Sometimes a disguised Nikolaus also visits the children at school or in their homes and asks them if they "have been good" (sometimes ostensibly checking a book for their record), handing out presents on a per-behaviour basis. This has become more lenient in recent decades.
But for many children, Nikolaus also elicited fear, as he was often accompanied by Knecht Ruprecht, who would threaten to beat, or sometimes actually eat the children for misbehaviour. Knecht Rupert furthermore was equipped with goatlegs. In Switzerland, where he is called Schmutzli, he would threaten to put bad children in a sack and take them back to the Black Forest. In other accounts he would throw the sack into the river, drowning the naughty children within. These traditions were implemented more rigidly in Catholic countries such as Austria. In highly Catholic regions, the local priest was informed by the parents about their children's behaviour and would then personally visit the homes in the traditional Christian garment and threaten to beat them with a rod. In parts of Austria, Krampusse, who local tradition says are Nikolaus's helpers (in reality, typically children of poor families), roamed the streets during the festival. They wore masks and dragged chains behind them, even occasionally hurling them towards children in their way. These Krampusläufe (Krampus runs) still exist, although perhaps less violent than in the past. In the Czech Republic and Slovakia, Mikuláš is often also accompanied by an angel who acts as a counterweight to the ominous Knecht Ruprecht (čert). In Slovenia Saint Nikolaus (Miklavž) is accompanied by an angel and a devil (parkelj) corresponding Austrian Krampuss. In Luxembourg "Kleeschen" is accompanied by the "Houseker" a frightening helper wearing a brown monk's habit. In Croatia Nikolaus (Sveti Nikola) who visits on Saint Nicholas day (Nikolinje) brings gifts to children commending them for their good behaviour over the past year and exhorting them to continue in the same manner in the year to come. If they fail to do so they will receive a visit from Krampus who traditionally leaves a rod, an instrument their parents will use to discipline them.

Pretty frightening, that guy and entournage. Could traumatisize your kid for a lifetime (in fact,younger daughter claims, he did) and then we have a softer version...
THE Christkind ,
which presents itself mainly in catholic ,i.e. southern German areas. Cute little angel with wings, flying around, depositing the gifts on Christmas eve.

And last but not least there is the good old WEIHNACHTSMANN, that's the guy, who most resembles the American Santa, but he does not slide down the chimney and has no sled either,just little helpers,like angels and dwarfs. He also appears on Christmas eve and with some families Christmas day morning. -Often a relative or the man of the house himself acts as the Weihnachtsmann, knocking at the door and handing out the presents.
Problem with that guy is, he is crowding the city beginning early December,and every halfways smart kid from latest the age of 4 starts wondering why there are so many of them. First doubts about his excitance are planted.

Now,hopefully, Landfrau has put some light into the confusion,and remember...
only 27 DAYS TILL X-MAS!!!

Sonntag, November 26, 2006

Sunday-Blogger

November 26/06 1:46 p.m.

Must have been an uninteresting week, no entries, seems my life boils down to home chores,the necessity of shopping and long dog walks. Oh,yes, the pine tree is down, ugh, for me "gewöhnungsbedürftig", which means that I have get used to it. No other choice anyway. We keeled over backweards,when we got the invoice from our gardener, there is still a fir-tree left, which everyone keeps predicting,that it will be blown down by the next storm,unprotected as it is now without the pine. Well, this job will have to go to the wind, then insurance will have to pay and we do not fill the pockets of robber-gardener.
- "Had to" get up at 8:00 a.m. this morning, breakfast visitors,brother - in-law (Paris) with wife and sister-in-law, dog and me only had a short run,managed to have everything ready at 10:00 a.m.,diligent little Landfrau! , but now they have left and I am thinking about, what to do with the remaining Sunday,paint for the change again for a bit (bought some new canvas last week) hang around the compi (should not!!),read my very good book, over which I fall asleep in bed every night, or stick my i-pod into my ears and run with the dog,which I think I will end up with, weather is turning nasty again, love nasty weather.

And folks, remember X-MAS IS A'COMING!!! (28 days left!)

Sonntag, November 19, 2006

News about God!

November 19/06 3:37 p.m.
Neues von Gott --> - found at "Die Welt"de Nov.19/06
Laut „P.M“-Magazin liegt die Wahrscheinlichkeit, dass es Gott gibt, bei 62 Prozent
(according to P.M. Magazine the possibility,that God excists,lies at 62%)


Kein gar nicht mal so schlechter Wert für Gott. Seine Existenz ist somit bedeutend sicherer, als dass Madonna Britney Spears heiratet, jemand das Web 2.0 kennt oder die große Koalition gut findet. Nur die Wahrscheinlichkeit, dass Deutsche Winterreifen aufziehen, ist größer. Na, da arbeiten wir noch dran. Ansonsten: Chapeau, Gott.

free translation:

Not such a bad value for God. His excistence is herewith by far more real, as that Madonna marries Britney Spears, someone knows the web 2.0 or thinks approving of the Great Koalition. Only the p0ssibility,that Germans put winter tires on their cars, is bigger. Well, we shall work at that. Otherwise: Chapeau ,God!

Samstag, November 18, 2006

Disco-Fever




November 18/06 2:54 p.m.

Believe it or not, these 2 oldies have been daring an outing in one of Düsseldorf's very fashionable discos, located in the Media Harbour. - How come? - well ,a promotion event presenting the new MINI (we are registered as Mini-owners, my beloved car!).Only there were so many other Mini-owners milling around, that you only spied people, no disco! Anyway, Landfrau has been able to grab a couple of drinks and some food and managed to push her way through the crowds (had my companion safely parked in a seat),even got a glimpse of the new car - keen! - But we did not outlast the gathering till 2:00 a.m., countryside, peaceful and quiet has been streching out its arms for us. So much for our "nitelife".

And above two pics of the "without people" disco.

Donnerstag, November 16, 2006

Spring in November

November 16/06 5:02 p.m.

Everyone is talking about the weather today, so I must join in! A very comfortable 19°C has been measured around here. There have been even warmer places in Germany. Doggie and Landfrau enjoy long walks, we are really picking up! -
The garden is a mess, next week we are going to have our big pine tree taken down, the needles are getting ahead of me, can't cope anymore, there is more to live,than keeping the garden clean! But I know,I shall miss it, so will the squirrels.Well, bygones are bygones, such is life.

Montag, November 13, 2006

Buffalo Roundup - Düsseldorf Style


November 13/06

Buffalo roundup ?? - Now really, thats what kind of reminded me of, in regard to crowds,gathering to watch an event.
Airbus A 380 test landed at Düsseldorf Airport, arriving from Toulouse at 11.00 a.m. yesterday morning. 100.000 people milling around at the airport, all the roads and highways in the vicinity plugged, and thousends of smarties (like us) watching from the dike. We had privileged seats, so to say, as we live right across the airport. So we watched the landing live on the computer screen and the take off at 3:00 p.m. outside. Apparently Landfrau seems to need an addional goodie lately at events, this time the dog lost me (not me the dog!). Took him along and he did not take notice - had to sniff around - that I went right to the banks of the river,where no trees obstructed the view,anyways, he just started running like the devil, to catch up on me, no yelling or whisteling could stop him, he was gone. Did not worry too much, since he knows his way around, and I certainly did not want to miss the plane on account of dog hunting. But when I arrived at home, no dog, and no man of the house including bike. - So,just to be on the safe side, I took my bike to go (drive) looking, no dog, no man of the house. -
To make a long story short, when I arrived home after an hours search ,there they were, both of them. Turned out, the dog found his master, but was not quite able to transfer, that he had lost me. A time consuming thing, fortunately with a happy ending. - The A 380 must have been back in Toulouse at that time.

Samstag, November 11, 2006

|Art by Simon Christen|

Art by Simon Christen - Cute birds!

Touch it,it's a link!

November Blues

November 11/06 2:20 p.m.

Now we have it, real nice rainy (contradiction?), hazy, grey,our November weather. Thinking about fitting things to do, to get me out of this November blues, where I only keep thinking of losses, regrets and hurt feelings. Walking the dog this morning did not help - and I forgot to take my i-pod along - stupid.
So now, I will
heat up my sauna
switch on my sunbench
and mix myself a bucket full of margarithas (eh, little joke)

and then it will be Carribian - feeling in my basement.
Oh,yeah, music of course, but have not made my choice yet, definitely not Bach!

Freitag, November 10, 2006

About 6 more weeks left....

November 10/06 7:20 p.m.

Nature this year is not so eager to show signs of upcoming winter. My friends, the wild geese, are still populating their favourite river bay and the only "real" turning of leaves is the one in our backyard-garden. Doggie is still sniffing his little nose off after bitches in heat, but alas, listen all of you with a sweet tooth, X-mas -sweets are to be had in abundance,and Landfrau buys them all the time and there must be someone eating them! Probably Santa,to fatten himself up for his chores.
Slowly but surely X-mas panic is setting in , Santas helper has no idea whatsoever in regard to presents to buy , food to cook and so on. Isn't there that cute little song "I hate Christmas?"

Donnerstag, November 09, 2006

My Indian Summer


November 09/06 10:29 a.m.

Here it is,my own personal Indian Summer! Nice? I think so.

Mittwoch, November 08, 2006

Down with Baby-Bush!

(SPIEGEL-online)
The Republicans' defeat in the House of Representatives is a disaster for George W. Bush. His political heirs now must distance themselves from him as he spends the next two years trying to define his legacy.

I firmly believe that history will portray Bush as not only the worst and most dangerous president of the United States but one of the most dangerous opponents of peace in the world.

So, get going ..HILLARY!!!

Samstag, November 04, 2006

The Goose IS cooked!

November 04/06 8:02 p.m.
.....and it will be "slaughtered" tomorrow nite! - With dumplings, chestnuts (glazed) red cabagge and homemade applesauce. -
Does Landfrau deserve a medal?

Freitag, November 03, 2006

The Goose is(not yet) cooked!


November 03/06 10:08 p.m.

Friends,friends, are you ever lucky, no politics yet!
No, I'm going to talk about my upcoming slavery of frying (not a stork,but) a goose. To me it seems almost as big. Have to pick it up tomorrow morning at our farmer, have seen the herd walking about all summer long and fortunately do not know, which one was supposed to be ours. Its our traditional family dinner for Martinstag,The day is celebrated in the evening of November 11 in Flanders, parts of the Netherlands and the Catholic areas of Germany . Children go by the doors with paper lanterns and candles, and sing songs about St. Martin and about their lantern in return for a treat, very similar to the American tradition of Halloween.Only they are not dressed in costumes ,but they sing nasty songs,when they dont get anything,you see, a united world. Often, a man dressed as St. Martin rides on a horse in front of the procession.
In recent years, the lantern processions have become widespread even in Protestant areas of Germany , despite the fact that most Protestant churches do not recognize saints as a distinct class of believers from the laity.
The food traditionally eaten on the day is goose. According to legend, Martin was reluctant to become bishop, which is why he hid in a stable filled with geese. The noise made by the geese betrayed his location to the people who were looking for him.
Late punishment,now they are eaten! In our little village almost all the houses are decorated with lanterns and St.Martin rides in front of all the kids and the music,singing songs about St.Martin and afterwards coming to the homes for treats.

So, our "feast" will be Sunday nite, the correct date of Martin's Day is November 11th,only it is always a problem with the marching music, it is so much in demand,since every little part of town has its own St.Martin's parade, the biggest one of course beeing in Düsseldorf, but I would not say it was the nicest one, too big.
Last year I had that big lump on my head, my horse had knocked me against the wall of his box, this year its lumpless cooking, which at least is something,no?

Mittwoch, November 01, 2006

My first Love!

November 01/06 7:20 p.m.

Landfrau does not have so many amusing things to talk about now-a-days, so let's venture again into the past a bit. My first love ( actually not the "very first one", him I lost at the age of 5, when fate separeted us, he moved away) I really have been smitten with. He has been definitely a little womanizer,dark hair, dark eyes and olive skin ,well, kind of grown up lost "kiddie"(see above!) love, and I had been so proud, he choose me as "his girl", it lasted for about 3 dates, then he showed me the cold shoulder, up to now I do not know why, probably the next cutie to be conquered. I really sobbed my little eyes out and what made it even harder,my mother showed no sympathy whatsoever,laughing and telling everyone about my desaster. -
Now my brother has been meeting the guy occasionally and he still is inquiring about me and if I still had that beautiful "golden" hair, my brother says, I do, I think touches of grey are definetely showing. Told my brother, he should tell him - that he broke my heart! -
Still, a soft touch for "dark boys" has been left over from that time of beeing sweet fifteen! (hope, man of my life will forgive me,hihihi).

And,next post friends, it will be politics again, I warn you!!!

Dienstag, Oktober 31, 2006

Na, dann...


October 31/06

Happy Halloween!!!!!!

















And actually it's Reformationstag much more serious and valid now and forever!

Samstag, Oktober 28, 2006

Here they are again!



October 28/06 3:32 p.m.





Our screaming friends! - Every morning we hear them, when they fly over our roof towards the river. So today Landfrau ventured out with her camera. We are starting to have our usual weather for this time of the year, grey in grey, last week we had lunch outside in a Rhineside restaurant, blue skies, sunshine and over 20 degrees Celsius. Unbearable! I's so nice to have it back the way we are used to, this time of the year. (little joke, friends) . And next week the cold is supposed to come up. Anyway, it is still nice and warm for the World Ski Cup at downtown Düsseldorf , and that is no joke!

Sonntag, Oktober 22, 2006

Another QUIZZ...QUIZZ....QUIZZ



October 22/06 4:00 p.m.

Fullfilling wish of faithful readers, here it is ...ANOTHER QUIZZ!

Let's see, if you have done your homework. Precise description of location of building,please!
And the winner gets, as always,free choice of picture postcard, personalized!
So, good luck!

Samstag, Oktober 21, 2006

My Month of Losses

October 21/06 7:53 p.m.

Stepped onto my $ 500 Chanel-sunglasses today, but really full power. Possessions are a burden. - My other loss I will not talk about, too personal and still painful. - It helps to be pragmatic. A little, anyway.

AAADD

April 12/07 9:45 p.m.

What a day today! (must admit, not my brainstorm)


Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder.




This is how it manifests:
I decide to water my garden.As I turn on the hose in the driveway, I look over at my car and decide my car needs washing.As I start toward the garage, I notice that there is mail on the patio table that I brought up from the mail box earlier.I decide to go through the mail before I wash the car. I lay my car keys down on the table, put the junk mail in the garbage can under the table, and notice that the can is full.So, I decide to put the bills back on the table and take out the garbage first.But then I think, since I'm going to be near the mail box when I take outthe garbage anyway, I may as well pay he bills first.I take my check book off the table, and see that there is only one check left.My extra checks are in my desk in the study, so I go inside the house to my desk where I find the can of Coke that I had been drinking.I'm going to look for my checks, but first I need to push the Coke aside so that I don't accidentally knock it over.I realize the Coke is getting warm , and I decide I should put it in the refrigerator to keep it cold.As I head toward the kitchen with the coke, a vase of flowers on the counter catches my eye--they need to be watered.I set the Coke down on the counter, and I discover my reading glassest hat I've been searching for all morning.I decide I better put them back on my desk, but first I'm going to water the flowers.I set the glasses back down on the counter, fill a container with water and suddenly I spot the TV
Remote Control . Someone left it on the kitchen table.I realize that tonight when I go to watch TV , I will be looking for the
remote control , but I won't remember that it's on the kitchen table, so I decideto put it back in the den where it belongs, but first I'll water theflowers.I pour some water in the flowers, but quite a bit of it spills on thefloor.So, I set the
Remote Control back down on the table, get some towels and wipeup the spill.Then I head down the hall trying to remember what I was planning to do.At the end of the day:the driveway is flooded the car isn't washed,the bills aren't paid,there is a warm can of Coke sitting on the counter,there is still only one check in my check book, I can't find the
remote control ,
I can't find my glasses, and I don't remember what I did with the carkeys.Then when I try to figure out why nothing got done today,I'm really baffled because I know I was busy all day long, and I'm really tired.I realize this is a serious problem, and I'll try to get some help for it, but first I'll check my e-mail. Do me a favor, will you? Forward this message because I can't remember to whom it was sent.

Freitag, Oktober 20, 2006

Super "Sounds of Jazz"


October 20/06 8:33 p.m.

...and very uncomfortable chairs for oldies! O.K. considering, the church, where the concert took place in a kind of side wing, 3 stories up (you would have never guessed, beeing in a church ), is an old lady of 150 years, you could not expect streamline comfort. But the concert has been worth it, first time in my life, that I heard a didgeridoo in a jazz concert. But - boy, those old guys really kept going, it has been a show. Wolf Doldinger, incidentely, is a friend of my brother in law, so of. cse. we got to talking, but that's not the issue.We met my sister in law at the concert, and afterwards had a nice glass of wine in a bistro across from the church together. Later on we found out, that our two cars were the only ones left in a garage,housing normally about several hundred cars. SPOOKY!! - So much for the "world capital" Düsseldorf.

Well, venturing out, is worth it once a while (not only to "stuff" yourselves).

Donnerstag, Oktober 19, 2006

Now,is'nt it great?

October 19/06 5:25 p.m.

Women know your limits

A hit among all my friends - and - this cute woman is visiting a jazz concert tonite! Hope not to mix up my brains, cheerio!

Mittwoch, Oktober 11, 2006

Here are the missing Goodies!




The panoramic view needs no explanation,or? - Then you have the "Blaue Wunder"(the blue miracle) and a view from the river Elbe upon one of the castles,the "Schloss Albrechtsberg".




Missing out on Putin







October 11/06 8:56 p.m.

No joke, you have been reading right, Putin had been staying at our hotel in Dresden! Only, the day he arrived, we had to leave in the morning. And I am not so sure, that I would have been so keen on seeing that man, in the opinion of many people responsible for the murder of that brave journalist Anna Politkowskaja. - But this post is not supposed to be about politics, but a great time spent in Dresden. The pictures just give you a glimpse about the beauty of this city and its adjoining countryside. Fortunately our hotel was right at the side of the castle (not quite finished yet) and all the other important sights to see. We had a concert the first night in the world famous "Frauenkirche", an organ concert - Bach - terrific sound of that organ, but, to be honest, without the wish to visit that church, which would have meant a lineup for hours, Bach would not have been my choice,neither that of about two thirds of the audience,my guess. Must admit, that I'm not such a great fan of this type of serious classical music.Or, profanely, no vibes! -
Since we had to take a very early flight the day of our arrival (which we almost missed, the taxi central office forgot us,let us stand in the dark in front of our home, imagine!) our room had not been ready, so we had breakfast in a neighbourhood bistro, very nice, sitting outside, with a view upon the Frauenkirche and the huzz and buzz of the people milling around. Next to us on the right, two American girls were sitting and on our left table,two Russian guys were having a beer. Would you have imagined something like that 20 years ago? you bet not.
The next day we had the address of a very friendly and educated taxi driver (thanks, brother M!) who took us on a tour around the city and into the countryside, Sächsische Schweiz,(freeclimbers paradise -our taxidriver did it) several castles and Festung Königsstein. We crossed the "Blaue Wunder" (blue miracle) the bridge,which had been painted green and then out of some chemical reason turned into the colour of blue. All in all we had been on the road for about 8 hours,but it really had been worth it.
Last day we ventured into taking the tram to the famous milkshop - I just love to go by tram in strange cities! - always a little adventure! The place had been packed with people, every tourist bus, serving Dresden, stops there and all the people, including us, drink buttermilk! - After that, my travel companion was deflated (like a balloon), so he spent the rest of the day spying out of the window (we were lucky, first floor windows right above the entrance), and Landfrau rushed off for some more culture,i.e. a marvellous exhibition of paintings (from Monet to Mondrian) , all pieces out of former privat collections of rich Dresden citizens - beginning 20th century. There were hardly any people visiting the museum, probably all lining up for the Frauenkirche.
At night it was our Galadinner,which I will try to copy in,to make you envious, of course!
Next day pleasant flight back home and pick-up by daughter No.2 and grandson, nice!

Blogger is a bugger, wont take any more stuff to copy in, so I will add a 2nd. one, just with the missing pics and the menue.

Donnerstag, Oktober 05, 2006

There They Are!















October 05/06 8:56 p.m.

Gee, there they are, our messengers of cold days to come, St. Martin's day, Nikolaus day and finally Christmas are looming in the air. The leaves will start to turn, my painter's eye just relishes those colours of autumn, a little glimpse gives the picture of the sunset,taken around the corner by the man of my life. Fall I just love, I love the smell of wooden fires in the air, the fog in the morning and the sun breaking through. And the river seems to be steaming. But - for today I love the upcoming trip to Dresden,I am all excited. And tomorrow a good friend from Berlin is coming to join us for lunch,and my bag is almost packed, a task I just hate! Well, as we Germans say: NO PRIZE WITHOUT SWEAT! - Till next week, folks....

Dienstag, Oktober 03, 2006

HELPLESSNESS

October 03/06 7:15 p.m.

Spiegel- online Oct.3./06
Bush wanted Americans to focus on how dangerous Saddam Hussein was, and not on the obvious consequences of starting a war in the Middle East. Now, he wants voters to focus on how dangerous the world is, and not on his utter lack of ideas for what to do about it.

No comment needed.