Pretty drab really, but getting older means the magic kinda disappears. And all that heavy food, sugar, alcohol etc... makes me queasy.
But on the other hand, I do like the anticipation, the formality and the tradition about the whole thing.
The day is 2 minutes longer now, which is good, but that also means that the fly/mosquito season is coming back.
You can't win really.
Such a long time since I was here. And already a year since I stopped working. Will be an old age pensioner soon - which means liable for the state pension also.
Things to watch out for in July :
- TdF
- Wimbledon
- new kitchen
- Uefa
- trip to Holland
Also I've got to decide if I will make the effort to go trekking in Norway.
Back home after a lazy trip. 30 degrees Celsius in the Med, 5 degrees here, raining, windy, crap.
It took 3 flights, and 14 hours to get to Tel Aviv. Delays in Germany, a very light spattering of snow and everything almost ground to a standstill.
And the bloody paperwork to get into this place! 2 pcr tests, 2 different online forms and then you get a little piece of paper which you can keep in your passport. It's not a permanent stamp, because apparently there are some countries which will not allow you in if you have an Israeli entry stamp. Reminds me of the South African entry permit I once got... A passport stamp on a sticker which could be removed afterwards. Russia will have to do the same soon I suppose!
I'm 3 weeks into this, and I'm still coughing like a coal miner. It's a real pain in the ass!
On top of that I find out that baby is on serious medication and seeing a shrink. She didn't reply to my mails, texts and voice mail messages, it was her partner. About fucking time someone considered that the girl has a father, and her 1 1/2 year old child has a grandfather.
On top of THAT there is a war going on, not all that far away from here. It is affecting me more than I ever expected, I just think that some strong neighbours would help me if I was attacked? So where is the no fly zone, where is the fighter jet support for Ukraine? It's so cynical... send Stinger missiles but let them do the fighting themselves. EU and NATO are cowards, so fuck them. But fuck Putin first.
I was in Kiev many years ago. It was about this time of the year, lots of dirty snow shovelled aside, cold and damp. Not much of an experience.
Protesters against the government's strengthening ties to Russia were ongoing downtown, I remember thinking they were tough to be able to stay out all night!
The government was eventually overthrown, Crimea was annexed and now Putin has invaded the country.
What a mess! War in Europe. And all the rhetoric about standing by Ukraine.. It's bullshit! Some bank accounts have been closed, but it seems a paltry response to me. I know some Ukrainians living here, they must be very worried about the situation.
I am now a victim of covid 19. Woke up Saturday with a bloody hangover, except I wasn't hung over. It got worse, with coughing and a little fever.
I'll work it off, I say. Splitting logs with an axe. Eejit, I was knackered after 30 minutes. Sunday I was tested positive, and have been mostly in bed since. Getting better though, but my African trip is gone, I can't get my corona passport back until next week, that's too late.
It had me worried though, I thought I was getting old...
Woke up with a headache. Nothing really strange there, but the timing was all wrong. It was 3.45, and I was wide awake.
I felt bad, called in sick and am now looking out the window at glorious sunshine. On a weekday!
I am so looking forward to retiring, with all my projects I am going to be a very busy man.
I really notice the extra daylight hours now. Was home today at 5, still in time to let the hens out in the garden. They love that so I hurry home for them! But I enjoy this too..
Mrs is visiting her girlfriend in Copenhagen... A night off for me! Already the music is on, the wine is chilled and I know my schedule. But it'll be OK when she returns tomorrow 😊.
I have to give the cat some 'snacks', otherwise I can do what I please!
