Too much Coffee ?

My girl-child took the early train from Zürich to spend the day
with me, we met-up in town, and made a bee-line for the
nearest Coffee Bar. We drank loads of coffee, enjoyed
lunch together, and talked the hind legs off a donkey.
While we were drinking our coffee in the garden Restaurant,
the Sparrows were having a ball in a nearby water fountain, in
fact, some of them are so tame and cheeky, they flew right onto
our table to give us the goggle, but every time I reached for
my camera they took flight.
This little guy's just had a bath, click on to see.
Another garden Coffee Bar, another water fountain, this is a
statue of a monkey eating a bunch of grapes.
My naughty and over excited child in the make-up Dept. Completely
out of control!

Still trying to keep cool

People have been warned about the dangers of swimming
in the river, such as the continuous water traffic and the
strong under current, but every Summer, people take the
risk to go for a cool dip. Click on the pic to see the fishing
huts along the river bank, and note the oil tanker pass-
ing by in the background.





This is the Birskopf river, which flows directly into the Rhine, the water
was wonderfully cool, and Fuji had a whale of a time playing
in the water and digging holes in the stoney sand along the edge
of the river, but she was careful not to go in too deep.
It was another stinker today with temps of 32°C in the shade, we headed for the
Rhine river in search of a cool breeze, we parked the car and had to
walk just a bit to get to the river, when I saw this lovely lilly pond, I
stopped to take a pic.

Good bye my friend, it's time you Go!

While Mr. CC was at work this morning
I took the time and baked a Sacher cake
when he came back we ate a light lunch,
had one last cuppa and left the house. I
knew exactly what I wanted to shop for,
but Mr. CC had no idea. (he he he)
Let me tell you something here, this man
has a cupboard full of trousers, but the
LOVE OF HIS LIFE is an old pair of jeans,
frayed at the bottom and really, it's seen
better days, but will the man listen to
reason?
Will the man see his trousers flapping in
tatters? NO!
I have argued, begged and pleaded with him not to wear those scruffy's, all the more
reason for him to defend those war torn things, by saying "Nothing wrong with my jeans"
or "It's my best pair" or "But these are sooo comfortable!"

I practically dragged him into the shop, Oh! he doesn,t mind shopping, as long as no-one
touches his jeans!
Now, this is where you gotta be crafty!
I pretended to shop for myself, but slowly and ever so gently I waltzed him
over to the Gents Dept.
While he wasn,t looking, I sellected a few pair of jeans in his size and style, and caboodled
him into the changing room.
Before he realized what was happening, I purchased two pair of spanking new jeans.
Before I continue with this sad and sorrowful tale, I must tell you, the man has 3 pair
of jeans hanging comfortably in his cupboard - Black, light blue and stonewashed,
those guys are just good moth feed!

Now you must be saying "Is this woman to be saved? Why buy more jeans , when
he keeps running back to the old Glad Rags time after time again!"
When we returned home, I hemmed both the beauties, and when my work was
done, I told him to "SIT AND WATCH!"
I took the scissors and started snipping..............!

Tea Time

AUSTRIAN SACHER CAKE.

Ingredients.

140gr margarine (room temp)

130gr dark chocolate (I prefer the light chocolate)

6eggs - seperated

140gr sugar plus 35gr icing sugar

18ogr flour

pinch of salt

vanilla essence

Method.

Beat together the margarine, icing sugar, salt and

vanilla essence.

Add 1 egg yolk at a time.

Melt the 130gr chocolate over a pot of boiling water.

Add the melted chocolate to the butter mixture.

Beat the egg whites and gradually add the 140gr sugar.

Now add a little of the flour, then again the egg white

mixture, untill all the flour and egg white is mixed in, but

gently fold in.

Butter a 24cm or 9 1/2inch cake pan, pour the cake

mixture in, with a flat knife, smooth evenly.

I used 2 cake pans 19cm or 7 1/2inch.

Place the cake pans in a preheated oven, on the

center rack, 160°C for 30min.

When using the 24cm cake pan, it will take a little

longer to bake, when the cake has cooled, you will

have to cut it through the center. (don,t like this

version)

Heat about 200gr smooth apricot jam, and spread it

between the 2 cakes - leave it to cool and settle

just a little - leave the rest for the top of cake.

Now melt 300gr dark chocolate, when melted, beat well

until smooth and glossy.

Decorate the cake with the chocolate.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

To melt the chocolate

I bring a little water to the boil

place a glass dish that sits just above the water,

if the glass dish touches the water,

THE CHOCOLATE WILL CURDLE!

Compliments

I found this joke about Van der Merwe, he is Paddy in Ireland
and a Redneck (?) in the USA.



Van's English was not so delicious and he had a date with a very English girl on the Saturday night. He was very nervous about it and asked Mike, who's English was a little better than his, what to do.
"Ag Van, it's easy" replied Mike "Just give her lots of compliments." Old Van thought this was a great idea.
The date went very well..so well in fact that his date said "Van, you are the coolest guy I've ever met!"
To which he replied "Ja, thanks hey, you not so hot yourself."

A Royal Visit

I simply couldn,t resist this one!


Van der Merwe is invited to have lunch with the Queen. While sitting at her table he says to her: "Jis you know Queen you have got such a nice house, and you know Queen your clothes are so nice and you know Queen your food is bakgat!" The Queen gets pissed off with this Queen bit and says to Van. "Mr Van der Merwe, you should not be calling me Queen this and Queen that the correct title is "Your highness". Van says, " ..jis that is unbelievable, my brother's name is also Johannes and he is also a queen!"

Ever Wondered Why?

Why the sun lightens our hair, but darkens our skin?

Why women can't put on mascara with their mouths closed?

Why is it to stop WINDOWS 98, you have to click on "start"?

Why is lemon juice made with artificial flavor, and dishwashing
liquid made with real lemons?

Why is th time of day with the slowest traffic called rush hour?

Why isn't there a mouse-flavored cat food?

When dog food is new and improved tasting, who tests it?

You know that indestructable black box that is used on air-
planes, Why don't they make the whole plane out of that stuff?

Why don't sheep shrink when it rains?

Why are they called apartments when they are all stuck together?

If con is the opposite of pro, is congress the opposite of progress?

If flying is so safe, why do they call the airport the terminal?

It's Friday! Happy Friday!

What a relief, we're starting the day with
a pleasant temperature of 25°C, what a
relief after sizzling days with temps of
38° and more.

Why do blondes have TGIF on their shoes?
Toes go in first.

It would be wonderful to wear respectable
foot gear again, but with the recent Volcanic
temperatures, my feet are under the im-
pression - Oh goody, we're on vacation again!
I'M GONNA BURN MY CHINESE FLIP FLOPPERS!

Why do Mexicans eat beans every day?
So they can take a bubble bath at night!

Nothing to beat a long soaking bubble bath, but
please, not by this heat, and as body care is
my top priority, I now find myself in deep
water here, because my skin tissue has
gone AWOL, after constant water bombardments!

Before I can enjoy this Friday, I must first get
my weather beaten bones in gear,
So,
That's all the stuff and nonsense - for now!

Computer Talk

Log on - Make the braai hotter (bbq)
Log off - The braai is too hot
Monitor - Keeping an eye on the braai
Download - Get the firewood off the bakkie (Van)
Hard drive - Trip back home without any cold beer
Floppy disc - What you get lifting too much firewood at once
Keyboard - Where you hang the bakkie and bike keys
Window - What you shut when it's cold
Screen - What you shut in the mosquito season
Byte - What mosquitoes do
Bit - What mosquitoes did
Megabyte - What mosquitoes at the lake do
Chip - A bar snack
Micro chip - What's left in the bag after you have eaten the chips
Modem - What you did to the lawn
Dot matrix - Old Jan Matrix's wife
Laptop - Where the cat sleeps
Software - Plastic knives and forks you get at the KFC
Hardware - Real stainless steel knives and forks from Checkers
Mouse - What eats the grain in the shed
Main frame - What keeps the shed up
Web - What spiders make
Web site - The shed or under the Veranda
Cursor - The old bloke who swears a lot
Search engine - What you do when the bakkie won't go
Yahoo - What you say when the bakkie does go
Upgrade - A steep hill
Server - The person at the pub that brings out the lunch
User - The neighbour who keeps borrowing things
Network - When you have to repair your fishing net
Internet - complicated fishnet repair method
Netscape - When fish manoeuvres out of reach of net
Online - When you get the laundry hung out
Offline - When the pegs don't hold the washing up
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
With the compliments of GPSA

Here,s something different

You Are 18% Evil

You are good. So good, that you make evil people squirm. Just remember, you may need to turn to the dark side to get what you want!

How Evil Are You?

I had a good laugh about this one, try it, you

could learn something about

yourself.

Black and blue Xmas

Blogger is having another go at me, for the last few

days I,ve been waiting patiently for this Dude to

allow me JUST ONE PICTURE ON THE BLOG

But no, he's moody again, very nasty little guy

he is indeed.

If by tonight, I still can,t upload any pics, I,ll pack

my bags, I,m leaving, I,m moving out, this marriage is

over! Finished, can,t stand this guy called BLOGGER

any longer.

I want to share this funny story .

Christmas of 1997, a couple of my Dad's friends decided to cut down their own tree. Upon returning home, the husband was covered in pine pitch, so he started a shower while his wife began to decorate the tree. If only it remained that simple... Mid-shower, the wife let forth with a huge scream bringing the husband bounding down the stairs wearing nothing but suds. She was pointing under the sofa, shrieking "A snake! A huge black snake crawled out of the tree and slithered under the sofa!" The husband quickly began his manly-man duty, and got on hands and knees and crawled under the coffee table to get a better look under the sofa. Meanwhile, the wife sprinted outside to get some help, and released their Labrador Retriever from his pen. The dog ran inside the open back door and into the living room. Upon spying the husband in his awkward position, the dog did what any dog with an ice-cold nose would do when meeting someone. Feeling this glacial greeting, the husband (already on-edge determining the whereabouts of a snake) convulsed and bashed his head into the bottom of the coffee table, knocking himself completely unconscious. At this point, the wife returns to the living room to find her husband unresponsive, sprawled on the floor. Thinking that he somehow has received some sort of bite, she immediately calls the paramedics who arrive in record time. As the two EMTs are getting him dressed and strapping him into the gurney he begins to come to. He tells them what really happened, and they are still laughing as, on their way out, the snake decides to make a return appearance and slithers out from under the sofa. One of the paramedics is so frightened that he jumps back, letting go of the gurney. The husband spills out onto the floor, breaking his wrist. The snake, somehow, gets away.

Relatives of yours?

A couple drove down a country road for several miles, not saying a word. An earlier discussion had led to an argument and neither of them wanted to concede their position. As they passed a barnyard of mules, jackasses, and pigs, the wife asked sarcastically, "Relatives of yours?" "Yep," the husband replied, "in-laws."

An Awful Lot of Coffee in Brazil

I wake up every morning, I look in
the mirror and I see my reflection
growling back at me, there's only
one cure for that, get that wonderful
aroma of coffee floating through the
air, and then to enjoy the very first cup
of the day - sure to chase the nasty
demon away.

The conversation flows freely, while having
a Cappuccino with your new found friend.

Opening your shopping bags and showing
off your new and "just purchased" pair of shoes
during the Kaffee Klatsch.

What could be nicer than sipping a delicious
ice coffee in the Hotel where you spend your
Summer vacation.

A slice of mouth watering chocolate cake won't
taste half as good without the coffee.

Friday evening over a special candlelight dinner,
but to complete that perfect meal, we'll need
a little Expresso or perhaps an Irish Coffee.

When the bitter cold of Winter is out to
freeze the blood in your veins, then it's time
for a Kaffee Kirsch.

What is so magical about a cup of coffee we simply
can,t do without it?

My price Tag

An email from THE KATT BOX and tagged by Ramblings of a Single Mom

1. What is your full name now? O Psychic N°1 - friends call me

screwloose.

2.What colour pants are you wearing? Camel color worker

pants.

3.What are you listening right now? Travis - The invisible

band.

4.What was the last thing you ate? Grilled crickets and Batwings

5.Do you wish on stars? I speak strictly to the moon.

6.If you were a crayon what color would you be? Deep purple

7.How is the weather right now? 40°C and I,m not kidding!

8.Who's the last person you spoke to on the phone? O Psychic No2

9.Do you like the person who sent this to you? Coochee coo, I mean yes.

10.How old are you today? Are you out to ruin this friendship?

11.Favorite drink. Ginger beer, but not available here, I,m

dying of thirst!

12.Favorite sport. Bat clubbing.

13.Hair color. Red as the moon, nah, only kidding, dark brown.

14.Siblings? None I,m aware of, if so, please contact me, please!

15.Favorite food? Sweet & sour Peking duck - if batwings are out

of stock.

16.What was the last movie you watched? Nightmare on Elm street.

17.Favorite day of the year? Am I allowed to skip one question?

18.What was your favorite toy as a child? A box full of Dinky

toy cars, Mom wanted a Son, I turned into a tomboy.

19.Summer or Winter? Summer naturally, no bats during

the Winter months.

20.Hugs or kisses? Fishing for info, Huh, Huh?!

21.Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla, Hmm, could that be nice

as a dip for grilled crickets?

22.Do you want your friends to email you back? Ofcourse,

what are friends for?!

23.Who is most likely to respond? After *this* that

remains to be seen.

24.Who is least likely to respond? After *this* I,ll be home alone.

25.Living arrangements? I,m a flat dweller, I want my housie back!

26.When was the last time you cried? Is that what it was? I thought

my eyes were perspiring!

27.What is under your bed? Pandora's Box.

28.Who is the friend you have known the longest? Wendy, my

long suffering friend, since we were teeny boppers.

29.What did you do last night? Censored! But contact me later.

30.Favorite smell? Freshly cut grass and too many to mention.

31.Favorite TV Show? Eastenders on the BBC and everything

to laugh about.

32.Happy in life? Happy with my better half, but definately

not happy about where I,m living, there I said it.

33.What are you afraid of? I refuse to go in a roller coaster.

34.Plain, buttered or salted popcorn? Just a little salt please.

35.Favorite car? The Maibach, but only in my dreams, I don,t

have that kind of cash.

36.Favorite flowers? Forget-me-nots.

37.Number of keys on your keyring? 3, the house, the letterbox

and the key to his heart.

38.How many years at your current job? Too many to mention.

39.Favorite day of the week? TGIF!

40.What did you do on your last birthday? Spent a few days in

Strasbourg - love the French Cuisine- especially the grilled

frog legs!

41.How many cities have you lived in? 3 cities and 3 countries.

42.Do you make friends easily? Not as easily as some people,

but I,ve known my best friends (far away) for many years.

Pennies from Heaven

How many times have we seen money lying
on the street, and how often do we pick it up?
"Oh, I can,t be bothered picking up a 5cent
piece, not worth the effort" we say, and
we move on.
I know someone in SA who simply couldn,t
resist picking up a coin lying on the street.
I do remember the huge glass vase sitting
on her kitchen shelf, and in no time that
vase was filled to the brim with copper
and silver.
When she took the vase to the bank, she
collected almost Rand 300.

Years later, here in our town, I remember on
three occasions when the *Light of Fortuna*
was brightly shining down on me

I was doing the *walkies* with Pooch one
afternoon, when I found a note neatly
fold up and lying on the street in front of me,
200 French Franc.
Those were still in the good ol' days when
each country had their own currency.
I remember thinking "WOW! XMAS IN JULY!

Then it happened again as I made a hurried trip to
the Post Office, as Pooch was waiting faithfully
for my return, I sprinted home.
It was a Glorified Wonder that I did not step
right over the 20 Swiss Franc note lying
right in front of my feet.
The best was yet to come, when I got home, I
"inspected" my find, but I remember
thinking to myself "This note is very thick"
as I opened the note, out popped another
20 Franc. Once again I thought, "Wow, I
could get used to this!"

I was getting accustomed to the *Face of Fortune*

Then it happened again one Saturday mor-
ning , just as I got into the car, there was a
10 Franc note (once again neatly fold up)
lying next to the car, just off the sidewalk.
I think some guys never even missed the money
from their back pocket (neatly fold up)

But, the little *Fortune Light* is flickering dimly,
there's not a lost and forlorn paper note any-
where in sight!

Think Water, Keep Cool

I,ll Do a Little Dance

Due to the suffocating heat in our town, and
in our neighboring countries here in Europe,
I,ve been sitting "tight" for days on end.
We desperately need a bit of rain to cool
off, and I need to get out of my four walls again.
If this does not happen soon, I will be
changing my name to *Kermit the Hermit* but
I doubt if ol' Kermit leads such a Crabby life, at
least the old Crab gets to see the other fish in
the Ocean. Aaaah! think cool Ocean!
I have stayed indoors for a solid week
because,

I will not risk getting involved in the
Citizens rumble at *Fight Club*
It,s too darn hot for rounds in the boxing ring!
and

Over the past 3 weeks, Bulldozers are destroying
our streets and Bobcat machines are demolishing our
tramlines (reasons known only to those responsible
for the chaos)
Our town looks like a *War Zone*
so
A trip into town means *Boots are made for walking*
It,s too darn hot for walkies in booties!
I have something in common with my pooch,
I prefer my ears flapping in the breeze - if you please!

If the sweltering heat takes it's toll, and I
lie with legs in the air - like a frightened de-
hydrated chicken, will anyone be so kind
as to toe-tip me aside and off the road?
so

Until this awful heat packs it's knap-sack
and move back to the Sahara Desert - where it belongs,
I will remain like a Hermit - indoors!

To bring on the rain, plan A, failed miserably,
it is time for plan B.

I,ll be waiting for the Cosmic Moonrays tonight
to do a *Kokopelli* dust cloud dance around
the livingroom Cactus, I could speed things up
with a little music.
Now where did I leave my little wooden flute?!

Catch of the Day

Only recently, keewee, at keewee's corner, spent their
vacation in Juneau, and many wonderful pictures later,
this is what I found in our local newspaper today.


Here is a picture of the
US Senator standing on the
bank of the river Kenai after
she caught a 28kg
*Königslachs* King Salmon.

Click on picture to enlarge.
This one definately didn,t
get away.

It's sooo hot here.

Did anyone say HOT ?
It's cooool in here!!
The Big Fan could earn a packet doing
heavy duty overtime .

My hair is burning and my face is melting away.

It feels like my T shirt's sprayed with Super Glue.

The wall is so hot, the Ivy creeper's just
curled up and died.

Our house flies are all down with the
Tsetse Fly Disease.

I walk in one direction, but the sandals on my
feet has a mind of it's own.

Pooch gets harassed with shouts from
the trees "Over here! over here!"

The steering wheel is so hot, I can drive with
two fingers.

Why bother to cook in the kitchen when
frying on the car bonnet is completely
free of charge.

The birds are eating ready to go BBQ worms.

OH PLEASE!
COULD WE HAVE THE SUNSHINE WITH
A LITTLE LESS SUNBEAMS?!

MANGO CHEESE CAKE

I was surprised to hear this
product is not available in the USA.
If my statement is incorrect, I
humbly apologize (I read it
on a website, only yesterday)
MEDIUM-FAT CHEESE CURD.
Perhaps another ingredient is used
for this recipe.
This recipe is dead easy, and I,d
like to share it with other members of the
"sweet tooth club".

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Mango Cheese Cake
Crush 200gr Petit Beurre cookies
With the fingers, work in 60gr margarine, till cookies resemble crumbs.
Place into a fatted DEEP glass dish, 22cm or 81/2inch, and press down.
Mango Cheese Curd Filling.
500gr medium-fat cheese curd
180gr creme fraisch
120gr sugar
1 pkt of vanilla sugar or a few drops of vanilla essence
4 eggs (seperated)
425gr tinned mangoes
30gr corn flour
METHOD
Seperate the eggs
Combine the curd, creme fraisch, the egg yolks
and the sugar.
Blend in the corn flour and vanilla essence.
Now add the pulped mangoes (I mash mine with a fork)
Beat the egg whites till stiff and add to the filling mixture (I use
only 4 tablespoons)
Blend in gently
Pour the filling mixture into the deep glass dish.
Place in a preheated oven 170°C and bake for 1hour and 15minutes.
Sprinkle with icing sugar and a 1/2 cup of crushed cookies(optional)
when cheese cake is completely cooled.
Chill in fridge for 1 hour before serving.

Daylite Robbery

I had one hour left before I picked my
children up from school.
It was just another scorching hot day, so
driving with open windows was my best
option.I parked the car, made sure all the
windows were closed and dashed into the Mall.

The idea was to give them both a sweet treat
after lunch.
Somewhere in the Mall was the most delight-
ful Bakery shop, with mouthwatering little
cakes and tarts to choose from.
Time was flying, and only a 1/2 hour left before
school ends.

I made my KILL in the Bakery, and hurried back
to the car.

The heat was rising, and before driving off, I
opened both front windows - once again

A pit stop at the fruit shoppe, and I would
fetch the children.

I REMEMBER seeing the candy striped cake box sit-
ting on the seat next to me, just waiting to be
devoured by little mouths.
I closed my window, locked the car and sprinted
into the fruit shop.

I REMEMBER thinking "I must hurry back before
these cakes start walking by themselves" The heat
was incredible!

I FORGOT to close the other window - where the
cakes were still sitting tight!

As I got out of the car, I REMEMBER seeing a row
of coloured kids hunched against the wall next to
the fruit shop.
I spent - nothing more than a few minutes away.

In the meantime - still unknown to me - the
candy striped cake box, plus the cream cakes,
made the Houdini act!!

As I unlocked the car, I turned around, saw the
row of kids still sitting against the wall, and
laughing uncontrollably.
Once again I opened my window, and that's
when it hit me like a light-ning bolt!

The pretty little cake box - no longer graced the
seat next to me.

I FORGOT TO CLOSE THE OTHER WINDOW!!

My cakes were GONE - NICKED
SWIPED, from right under my nose, in a
matter of minutes!!

This happened to me in South Africa, many full
moons ago, and many candy striped cake
boxes later!

Bad Bad Blogger

TI PLINK - TI PLINK - TI PLINK!!
Left Right left......
Today I bounced to and fro like a table
tennis ball, and even fell off the table a few times.

So, at 3pm I sat down to blog, but bad blogger
had bad vibes -- all day long!
I was intimidated and terrorized!
But determination kept me harpoon-ed to
my seat - in vain!
"One picture, only one picture please!" *beg beg*
Blogger wasn,t obliging,
Blogger had the blues!

Time to relax

After the recent supermarket drama, the lack of sleep
due to the noise after the world cup final, plus the
daily dose of crazy city stress, I decided it was time
to get a grip and chill out.
Yes, even the old forgotten and mildew carpet
lying in the attic looks a shade brighter than me
with frazzled and frayed nerves, so we shut the door,
and left it all behind us.
A drive through the country side in Germany, was just
what the doctor ordered!













On the way we found this pretty water fountain.






We stopped here for coffee.We passed the vineyards in the idyllic village of HALTINGEN.We discovered a picturesque little town called MäRKT
and this caught my eye - an old vine vat used as a flower bed.
A typical double storey German house.

Al Capone is alive and Well

We all need a daily supply of fresh dairy products
from the grocery store, so a quick visit, and out the
shop is all it takes.
Sounds very simple - and so it should be.
But once again, there's a strong resemblance between
shopping and a shoot-out in the streets of old
Chicago.

PICTURE THIS.

Yours truly waiting in the queue (with small basket)
Italian lady waiting in queue (with trolley, loaded)
Outta nowhere, appears an elderly man, and parks
himself neatly and most comfortably in front of our Mamma Mia!
DONNER UND BLITZEN !!!!!
Wrong move!!
Yours truly stands rooted to the floor - waiting for the
electric lights to turn on, and within seconds, the sparks
were flying!
To attract his attention, the Italian lady rammed her trolley
against his boney FLIP-SIDE.
No pain (inflicted from the South side) was going to move
this man out of the queue.
Our lady shows the stamina of a TRUE BLUE SICILIAN
MAFIOSO MAMMA!!!
The villain doesn,t move! (He,s waiting patiently to board the plane)
The angry shouting of the queue members grow louder by the minute.
THE VILLAIN STILL DOESN,T move!!
Yours truly has a try.
The villain has an ADAM ANT ATTITUDE!!
Italian lady turns to me (for more help or is it my complexion?!?!)
Yours truly was now snuggly nestled in an ITALO VENDETTA!!
"MA, DON,T BE ANGRY, I,VE JOINED THE AL 'SCARFACE' CAPONE GANG!"
Is it over yet?? NO NO NO BASTA!
Not with Italian blood on the front line, it isn,t.
Abusive words were flying through the air, and remained
stuck to our ears with the help of Southern saliva!
"PORCO!"
"PAZZO!"
"STUPIDO!"
Villain still wouldn,t move!
Mafioso Mamma's done with talking, and takes out an
imaginary machine gun, if it was FOR REAL, he would have
been a dead villain!
I stood cemented to the floor, then I laughed out loud, but
turned away so angry Mamma wouldn,t see.
After all said and done, I was facing a machine gun!!

I have always admired the Italian people.
But, after today's incident, the Grafitti's on the wall

DON'T MESS WITH THESE PEOPLE!!

Three Cheers for Blogger!

Four attempts later,
Blogger gave the OK to
the spider picture!!

A Touch of Wilderness

With one foot in the city, and the rest of me
hanging about in the BOENDOES Wilderness to
overseas bloggers, I,m forever digging and
nose-ing for strange, weird and amusing things
of interest.
But, I,d never win the Nobel prize, not with
my discoveries -- it,s just not enough!
People wanna see more, SO DO I!
Nevertheless, I try my "velly bestest"

A few Sundays ago we went TREKKING through
the French forest in search of PRIZE WINNERS.

Forever Faithful was at my side, and although she
is a JAGDHUND - huntingdog, she wasn,t any help at all.
Instead of whispering - quietly in my ear "Don,t move,
it,s over there, let,s check it out from the other
side!"
She gives chase and SPOOKS away, whatever it was!

I was fortunate to discover a spider's web, but
it looked more like a spider's nest to me.

Down on my knees I went, but it wasn,t low enough,
so I threw myseld face down on the ground, biting
the dust in the process. (Yeah! I can still do that, the
biggest TOMBOY, this side of the moon)
I said to Mr. CC "Stand back, don,t anybody move,
just get a good grip on the dog!"
Then I took the pic.

OK! I know what,s going through your head after read-ing this!!

THERE'S A CRAZED BLOGGER ON THE LOOSE!!!

Crazed and on the loose -- NO!
ONLY BOENDOES BALMY!!

A Bird's Eye View.

"At long last I get a chance to show myself, Trllll, tweeet!
I,m a smooth faced, long legged snow white canary, but
let,s not talk about snow here, I come from the
Fiji Islands -- Canary Islands?? Oh, whatever!
You wanna see a natural -- have a closer look, Trlll tweet tweet!
They call me Yogurt, and I,m full of the joys of Spring (that
also includes Winter) Tweet tweet tweet! Baby, do I sing! Trrrr.
I,m the best yodeller this side of the Swiss Alps, and my
popularity in the neighborhood is ever increasing (but, some
humans just can,t appreciate a good looney tune) Tweeeet!

Tweet tweet tweet!!
I tawt I taw a puddy tat!!!
No, it,s not the cat, it,s only that troublesome busy-body,
that annoying lump of dogbones, tweeet!
Always in the thick o' things, and loves to be the
centre of the main attraction, Tweet tweet tweet!!

Well, I guess my little show is over, but as you see my
help is needed here, and because
I,m as fast as Speedy Consalez in his line of work,
I will complete my blog story for the day, and on that note, it,s
time for me to fly."

THAT'S ALL FOLKS!!!! Tweet tweet Trlllll.

ITALIA OLE' OLE' OLE'

What a World cup final!
The Italians went totally mad last night after the
final game, and winning the world cup.

They came zooming down our street in cars and on foot,
cheering singing and shouting.
The sound of car hooters were honking loudly through
the early hours of the morning.

I feel like "Death warmed up" to say the very least.

As all hell broke loose, Mr.CC was fast asleep (the man is a sound
sleeper)

I was feeling pretty aggravated because sleep wouldn,t find
me, and after another hot and "nice" day in the forest, I was
ready for bed. (At school we were taught not to use the
word nice unless we speak of sweeties!)

At 1am this morning, I was forced to leave the comfort
of my bed, so I staggered through the dark Apartment and
made my way to the kitchen to pour myself a glass of cold
soda water - and went out onto the balcony.

People were waving the Italian flag and at the same time
sang Italian songs in a high volume, to match any Dolby
sound system.

While I was watching from my balcony, I felt the soft
fur of Pooch brushing my leg - she was checking up on
me again!
She gave me that look "So come on, back to bed for you, you
know I can,t sleep when you,re not around."

So I followed Shorty back to the bedroom.

At 2.30am, I could still hear the noise from the street, and
somewhere between 2.30 and 2.45am, I finally fell asleep.

If you come across the figure of a Zombie slumping in your
direction, PLEASE STAND ASIDE!!
It,s only me - a tired blogger suffering from lack of sleep!

Peaceful gone Barking Mad?

Dornach-Arlesheim is a 30minute drive away from where we live.

So we packed the dog in the car, and took the drive out of the

city to enjoy the peace and quiet of the Birsig river and

whatever the forest has to offer.

The Sounds of Silence was pure bliss! Away from the noisy cars

buses and motorbikes.

Fuzzy bear was beside herself with excitement, she

knew she was being let out of her cage, and she behaved

exactly like that.

We parked the car, and made our way through the overgrown

forest.

On a few occasions we saw people with their dogs, but

today Pooch thought the forest belongs to her, and she

greeted everyone with an excited bark.

Two people were walking ahead of us on the

pathway, along with their 3 humungous dogs,and

instead of showing a little fear and respect, Pooch

behaved like a football hooligan!!

The little dog's excitement was getting the

better of her, and acted as though she had completely

taken leave of her senses!

A cool dip for a hot

headed girl.
Ever tried taking a

photo of a forever

energetic Dragonfly?

Click on the picture to

see a larger version.
Ruins of the Dornach

Eck, dating back 1499.
Peek a boo!

Come on, come on!

You guys are so slow!

German Apple Tart


125gr margarine (room temperature)
1 egg
220gr flour
5ml baking powder
70gr sugar
grated rind of 1 lemon
a drop of vanilla essence
pinch of salt
Mix ingredients together till it forms a smooth dough.
Place in refrigerator - let it rest for 30minutes.

4 to 5 large apples
4 to 5 teaspoons sugar
a handful of raisins
juice of 1 orange
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Peel and chop apples in small pieces, place apples, juice of
1 orange, 4 or 5 teaspoons sugar, raisins and spices in a sauce-
pan, bring to a boil, until the apples are cooked.
( I like to add the honey before the apples are cooked)
Leave to cool.

Roll out the dough on a floured surface, and place it in a buttered
glass dish, (22cm or 8inch)
Spread a little smooth apricot jam over the dough.
Place the cooked apples into the dish and bake at 180°C
( in the centre of oven) for 30 to 35minutes.
Sprinkle with icing sugar (when tart is cool)
Enjoy with fresh whipped cream.

Sugar and Spice, and all things Nice.

We spent such a lovely afternoon in Germany, and

took many pictures of almost everything of

interest. I wanted to SHOW and TELL.

But everytime we CLICKED, the view was swamped

with people, there was music and laughter and every-

one was enjoying the carefree afternoon.

At some places the air was filled with the aroma of

grilled German sausages.

There was ice cold beer straight from the barrel - for that

BIG thirst!

Cakes and tarts GALORE!

I was haunted by the lingering smell of vanilla - long

after we went home.

So, I decided to bake a German Apple Tart.

Festival in Germany

It was a lovely
afternoon in Germany,
at the "Day of the
Youth" Festival.
No problem for this clown,
he had a ready smile and
pose for us.
A fun filled day with lots
of activities.
Lots to eat and drink!

Water Fountains

This is the Basilisk, the
winged dragon, seen all
over our town.
I like this one with the
child and alligator.


This is one of the
fountains in our street.

Beware of the Cobblestones !

After my visit to the Bank this morning, I made my way
down the road for a few "bits and pieces" shopping.

I noticed an elderly lady walking in front of me, she then
stopped to look at something in a shop window, as I passed
the lady, I noticed her lace up shoes and the light rain-
coat she was wearing.

As today is much cooler than the past couple of days, with only a
few scattered clouds, and an overcast sky, perhaps we,ll get
a little bit of rain later this evening.

I remember thinking "This lady's ready for rain, and I don,t
even have a brolly with me."

I overtook the lady and there must have been a distance of about
1/4 minute between us, when I heard this heavy dull sound be-
hind me, and I looked back. I think she got her foot caught in
one of the uneven cobblestones on the street, and , she fell!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Now I feel the need to explain something quickly, I am not a neurotic
or an overly nervous person, who flinches at every sound behind
or near me. Not at all!
I come from the Deepest Darkest Africa (snigger)
Always be watchful!
Be careful where you go!
CAUTION IS THE ORDER OF THE DAY!
It is simply a part of my African Heritage.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

There was this lady (with the lace up shoes) lying
sprawled in the street!
I rushed over to her, and asked if she was OK!
I thought perhaps I could help her back onto her
feet.
Then I saw the blood, pouring from her head!
Her hair was mottled and wet, and the street was marked with
her blood.

I took flight into a nearby shop and asked the shop assistant to
get help because someone was hurt.
At first she showed me a blank expression, and at that moment
my legs felt quite shaky.
I told her to get an ambulance quickly, there was an elderly person
lying in a pool of blood on the street.

I raced out the shop, only to find the lady lying there in a daze!
I had a few words with her, but I think she was suffering from
shock.

Her shopping bag was lying to one side and the contents were
scattered all over the street.
Her glasses were broken and covered in blood.

I told her to relax and stay calm, the ambulance is on
it,s way. She looked at me but said nothing.

Due to the unexpected and sudden scare, I must have
looked as pale as a ghost, and felt drained.

When the ambulance came along and lifted her onto
the narrow stretcher, I made myself busy by collecting her shopping
bag and replacing the items.

I picked up what was left of her glasses, and placed it
into her bag. When I moved towards her, just before she was
transported into the ambulance, one of the Medics took the
bag from me.

I just had enough time to say good-bye and wished her well.

Thank goodness for fountains with fresh water all over
Switzerland, because I had to clean the blood from
my hands, and I was in a desperate need of a drink
of water.

35°C

Although we have a tram stop near to our home, I prefer taking
a walk downtown.
I had a few errands to make, and as the morning was still fresh
and cool, I got my act in gear before the sun was going to beat
the blazes out of me and the rest of us.

I always pass through the SPALENTOR, a fortified gate (1370)
which marks the end of an old city.
Further along the way I will also pass the University and
the University Hospital, and three minutes later I will
be in the heart of town.

In Europe the Summer holidays have just begun, and most people
have grabbed children and luggage to exchange their hum drum
life for a chill somewhere on a gorgeous beach.
With so many people gone away, a few hours in town should
have been a quiet affair. WHAT WAS I THINKING?!
Almost every Dept. store in town was having a 50% sale, and people
were going BALISTIC!

I came to a halt at a cosmetic counter, only to find the ladies
kicking up a storm in search of the desired colour in lipsticks.
Like proud Bantam roosters, they were digging and
scratching to find the last corn!
My trusted friend (my sixth sense) sprayed me with danger
signals, so I slipped away quietly

I could not imagine myself involved in a Cockfight - in a Dept store -
in the heat of the day!!!

At High Noon, we received Cosmic rays from the sun, and the
good citizens of our town was perspiring profusely!!

Ignoring the warning signals, I went into another store and headed
for the Lingerie Dept.

I spotted a few nifty Summer Pj's, and I moved closer to admire the
pretty lil' things.
Minding my own shopping business and trying to find my favorite
colour and correct size, I was suddenly "piano-ed" out of
the way by a Kwik size XXXL lady shopper.

The hot and sticky breathing down my neck, from a male
shopper just the other day, was one thing, but the risk of
receiving a sudden blow from the Tank size lady was another!
I whimpered silently and FLED!

Before my sixth sense decides to leave me to my own devices, I
decided it was time to go home.

A large part of our town is under construction, bulldozers
and tractors have taken possession of the tram lines, somewhere
was a bus stop and a bus to transport me back home, but instead
of searching (and running into more trouble) I decided to walk
back home. (no problem on a cool or snowy day, but don,t forget
the heat now)
With the sun on my back, trying to burn away whatever it can,
and not even a hint of a cool breeze, I marched on!
It was the longest 15min. walk of my life!

When I opened my front door, I received (my usual) physical abuse
from my dog, assaulting me with gratitude for returning home.

But it felt sooo good, and it was far less dangerous than the
abuse, given for free, down town.

I can,t help wondering why can,t we have a laid-back atmosphere.

I can,t help wishing to be like THEEE AMIGOS from EEEEL PAASO
DOOWN MEXICO WAAY!!

Lost in Orbit

There's nothing wrong with being overly cautious
when going to the Supermarket, ESPECIALLY WHEN IT'S MONDAY!!

Although my shopping list was short, I had no intention of
lingering longer than necessarily.

I was amused by a few customers with strange behaviour.

I took the escalator which leads directly into the Supermarket
area. Behind me I heard a grumbling/mumbling sound of
someone who was in a "neck break" hurry to overtake
us on the stairs in motion (an act of suicide?)

I was about to enter through the automatic swing gates,
when a woman shopper came charging like a bat out of
hell to get past us and through the waist high gates before
anyone else gets a chance.

I,m not a slow moving female Earthling, but this lady was like a
highspeed hydroplane!! I think she simply disintegrated, I never
saw her again.

I walked down to the "Bakery Bin" for my favourite bread - each
loaf individually packaged.
Standing next to me was another lady shopper, and she was
shaking the "living daylights" outta each loaf of bread!!
What on Earth was she plotting? was she sending secret wake
up signals to the sleeping little loaves?!?!

On the way to the Dairy products, was yet another customer
who was heavily involved with a "one man band" conversation! and
believe me she was pretty uptight about her story.
The tomatoes were lying snugly in my shopping basket, and
definately not in front of my eyes, so I couldn,t see her in-
visible companion!

This was getting way too much for me -- for one day -- for a Monday
morning!

So I headed for the tills, and whilst waiting patiently in the queue, I
felt this sudden rush of hot and sticky air embracing the back
of my neck. As I turned around to see who was responsible for
my sudden discomfort, I almost kissed a total stranger, he was
standing so close behind me ------ Gosh! wasn,t it hot enough
for him?!

Will somebody please CLICK ON THE ARROWS TO MOVE THIS
SPACESHIP!!

I wanna go home.