HODGEPODGE JANUARY 23

1. What's a winter memory you treasure (can be from any winter in your lifetime)? 

That's not a question for me, as I hate winters. I drag myself through the winter months as best as I can, but I can't remember anything that would have brought me joy. Perhaps as a child on a slide.

2. Tell us about the last time or a recent time you were caught up in red tape. Does it send your frustration level off the charts or is it something you've come to expect when dealing with any sort of bureaucracy?

After the death of Rick I had to deal with bureaucracy, it made me mad, it was so stupid you had to fill out countless forms with the same questions, collect papers and send them to the various administrations. In short, the last time I had murderous thoughts was when I received another letter after 2 years and should pay a fine because I was driving with the license plate of a deceased person. I then exploded and told the tax guys that it wasn't my fault but that of my insurance company. 3 days later I got a new license plate.

3. Do you eat/like fish? Do you cook fish at home? What's your favorite fish dish? Ever been ice fishing? 

Oh yes, I like eating fish, my favorite one  is a fresh trout that has just been caught. I have had the best trouts at the Lake Garda  where Rick comes from. I have never been ice fishing ! Only the thought makes me shiver !

4. Did you watch any of the US President's Inauguration coverage on Monday, Jan 20 ? On a scale of 1-10 (with 1 being not at all and 10 being very very) how interested are you in politics in general? Do you follow/keep up with/ get involved with local politics ? 

Yes I watched the whole show on BBC, Trump is certainly a good business man, a bad diplomat and no politician at all. I don't know why, but he, the man, (not the politician)  makes me laugh. The best was the hat of Melania, when he tried to kiss her and nearly sprained his neck. 

But I am not interested in politics never have been and I have never voted. In Belgium I was not allowed because I was no Belgian, in Germany I was not allowed to vote because I didn't live there, the only country where I could vote but didn't know anybody was Italy, because I became Italian by marriage. In 1969 it was the law that you got the nationality of your husband, today it is not possible anymore. 

5. What's the coziest thing you own and what makes it so?

I think it is the room here in "my" castle. I've made it my refuge, cozy, warm, with all the things I love, and my little cat Rosie to keep me company. When I close the door I'm in my own kingdom, where I feel very comfortable.

 

 Rosie

6. Insert your own random thought here. 

I wonder how long this foggy weather will last. Now I have to inhale a product for my lungs, wearing a sexy mask ! 

I hope this gives me my strength back, so that I am fit for spring !