pyjamamel

Up the duff...

2011-04-28T23:11:00.000+02:00

How did that happen? Am very, very up the duff ... due date is on Monday... It is all quite surreal, really.

A pointless random ponder:

2011-02-11T16:54:00.000+01:00

They don't call kangaroos "Springenlangschwänzigentier", so why do they call a platypus a "Schnabeltier"? der Schnabel: the beak, or bill. das Tier: the animal. (note to self: must refrain from challenging The Caspi Man with these pointless observations while he is doing his german homework... deep breath, bite tongue.)

I love a sunburnt country...

2011-01-26T13:25:00.000+01:00

A land of sweeping plains, Of ragged mountain ranges, Of droughts and flooding rains... and where they make ads like this... (mmmm...lamb...)

Oh, boy, has Germany changed me...

2010-11-03T14:21:00.000+01:00

Last night, I found myself deciding to melt some Schmultz (which is pretty much just pure rendered pork fat) through some sauerkraut to have with dinner. And it was good...

Kann Kind... (wish it started with a C)...

2010-09-29T10:48:00.000+02:00

So, The Caspi-Man has started school. First School Day I had been anticipating and dreading this day in equal measure. Anticipating? Because, well, because it is one of life's important milestones, right? Dreading? Because, well, because: a) it means getting up early and to school ON TIME (by 8am), every single school day. b) the end of spontaneously heading off on random

Must learn not to leave him unattended with my computer:

2010-09-28T11:03:00.002+02:00

Bound to come in handy...

2010-08-27T00:12:00.001+02:00

I have just learnt that Nauru, the world's smallest island nation, was held by Germany from 1888 to the outbreak of WWI in 1914, at which point it was seized by ... guess which country?

As a general rule-

2010-08-24T12:45:00.000+02:00

many Germans like to make fun of their Dutch neighbours for their caravan-ing ways. (In some circles this is a national past-time.) If they're not making fun of them, then they'll be complaining about them clogging up the autobahns during peak holiday times with their mobile homes. I find this attitude a bit rich when one considers that the Deutsch population supports 4 (yes, FOUR!!) specialist

Random rants and confessions:

2010-08-24T09:29:00.001+02:00

This morning, in defiance of my Australian conditioning, I left the water running while brushing my teeth. (It felt very, very naughty.) One thing we do not have here is a water shortage. It has been torrenting down all morning. (I keep checking to see if the Caspi-man is developing gills.) I think I am turning into a koala. I am sprouting grey, wirey, tufts above both my ears. While this is

Culinary terms, as applied to our household:

2010-08-11T22:27:00.002+02:00

Free Range:Anything not consummed at the table. Can often be found, in a deconstructed state, under the cushions on the sofa. Calorie controlled:Any edible substance in limited supply that has to be shared with Papa. Locally sourced:Whatever happens to be currently residing in our fridge or pantry. Organic:Anything that moves of its own accord. Genetically modified: Any substance provided by Oma

It's NOT brain surgery, I'll have you know...

2010-08-05T21:50:00.000+02:00

except, of course, when it actually IS. In which case - I have discovered that the first thing that you should say to your neurosurgeon is: "I want to give you a piece of my mind" ... haha... hmmm... The Ger-Man recently went and got himself a brain tumour. As far as brain tumours go, it was a fairly good one. It was called a hemangioblastoma, benign, and in a good position for complete

Oh, this picture needs a worthy caption...

2010-07-23T21:10:00.007+02:00

It is a hippo, and if I am not mistaken, he is packing a bottle of beer, and is wearing what very much looks like a SS helmet:(And, I can confirm, the yellow road sign behind his head warns of Kangaroos.)Just to put him in context, here he is hanging with his mates:We found him prominently displayed at the 2010 Kirmes... and we are still not sure what to make of him...note: okay, a few people

Shamelessly Cheating on Catching up...

2010-07-18T00:05:00.010+02:00

on my blog by using random facebook status updates from the last few months... (I think I may have done this before...) 30 March at 22:30pjmel asks does anyone else remember the song from the Goodies that goes: "String, string, string, string, everybody loves string!" ??? ('Cause that's what's been going through my head- earworm style- except I've replaced the T with a P...)

Sat. morning egg-head breakfast.

2010-07-17T21:47:00.003+02:00

All photos and some of the creations by The Caspi-Man ...

Um, no, no I don't ...

2010-06-29T22:38:00.003+02:00

Sorry, C & A, I really DO NOT *heart* this at all. Not even if it is only €6.Even The Caspi-Man wouldn't *heart* it ... as he has a heart and is still saying: "Mummy, I wish we hadn't beaten you 4-0... I wish we'd beaten you 4-1..."

What WAS he doing on my computer?

2010-06-26T08:39:00.001+02:00

Well that bloody sucked...

2010-06-13T23:09:00.001+02:00

and I'm not even just talking about the game, or the fact that The Caspi-Man had firmly pledged his alliance to Germany, but also the long walk home through the centre of Düsseldorf being THE ONLY ONE dressed in green & gold... GER 2 - AUS 1

I have just coined a new word...

2010-05-08T13:24:00.002+02:00

"Unbelievabloodyble". Very practical in its application. Have used it at least 5 times so far today. And it is fun to say! Go on - try it! (Unless your name is Caspi-Man...)

My Darlink sister is -

2010-05-08T13:03:00.002+02:00

UP THE DUFF!!Actually... she's had a bun in the oven for about 37 weeks.Obviously I am a bit behind in my posting here...

While we're on the subject of Easter....

2010-04-06T22:02:00.004+02:00

My first ever attempt at Hot Cross Buns produced a batch of hot cross scones. My 2nd batch was far more successful. On advice from my father (the baker) - use at least a third more yeast than you think... and double the sugar... and never get it started in milk -regardless of what the recipe says. (Guess what my recipe said?) Milk contains acid that yeast doesn't like.. always use warm water. Ok

Weddings, rain, and crocuses...

2010-03-26T16:00:00.007+01:00

I am attending a wedding today. And it is raining in a melancholy way. The guests are all happy, and smiling, and the bride radiant... (she is Australian and carries sunshine in her soul) ... the groom dashing and charming (he is German but was raised in France). The official ceremony took place this morning, and the reception will be this evening.It is amazing how many Australians end up in

My life according to Ella Fitzgerald...

2010-03-17T07:30:00.000+01:00

Yet another random time waster that came to me awhile ago... the rules are: Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, answer these questions. Pass it on to 15 people you like and include me (not to be too presumptuous...) You can't use the band I used. Try not to repeat a song title. It's a lot harder than you think! Repost as "my life according to (band name)" Pick your Artist: Ella FitzgeraldAre

Back to school!

2010-03-16T14:49:00.011+01:00

Last week, in an attempt to reduce the emerging (and ever growing) chasm between my and the Caspi-Man's ability in the spoken german language, and to overcome my pidgin tendencies, I returned to language school. For the next two months, for four hours every morning, I will be (once more!) struggling with the nuances and mysteries of German grammar. Well, actually, I do that pretty much everyday

I have just learnt ...

2010-03-01T20:42:00.001+01:00

that it's not just cyclonic storms that get names here ( Xynthia passed Düsseldorf yesterday arvo and wrecked much havoc)... but so do ALL meteorological lows AND highs... WHO, I wonder actually gets to name them? And, are they subjected to the same rules and regulations (here in Germany) as humans - who must submit names for state approval to ensure they don't give their

Word of the day:

2010-02-28T23:03:00.002+01:00

(die) Marotten.Quirks. Or idiosyncrasies. Rhymes with the German word for carrots. (No, not Möhren, the other word...) Bound to enhance my daily exchanges!

Cold rainy days ...

2010-02-22T20:11:00.004+01:00

spent home from Kindergarten ... baking biscuits...

Tomorrow...

2010-02-08T15:01:00.002+01:00

I'm going to Paris. Paris, France... for 3 glorious days!I shall eat escargots, wear a beret, and visit art galleries. I will try to remember something (anything?) from my 3 years of high school French -where I didn't do German - because when, in my life, was I ever going to NEED GERMAN?????? (And besides which, the french class got to go to a French restaurant once a semester.)Actually, I will

GODAMMIT! Wish I thought of this...

2010-01-26T22:30:00.000+01:00

very original idea for a 5 year old's birthday party... A behind the scenes look @ Düsseldorf International Airport!The invitation was in the form of a boarding card, we went on the sky-train, and then met our guide who took us all on a special bus across the tarmac, in front of planes, (pilots waved at us), and past all the small jets, and fire trucks, and then we saw police helicopters land,

PyjamaMELODRAMATIC!

2010-01-22T14:04:00.000+01:00

In a fit of "the pen is mightier than the sword" inspiration - I attempted to illustrate a moment of intense personal frustration by symbolically slitting my wrists with a ball point pen. (Haha! That made my point!) After I'd scrubbed my forearm clean of the ink evidence - my good friend Tamzinite - highly amused by my antics - decided to plaster my wrist with this quote: "it's the truth even if

HOW DID THIS HAPPEN?

2010-01-20T08:35:00.014+01:00

We've returned from high summer in Oz, to sub-zero temperatures here in Deutschland and the magic of snow... and as I downloaded photos from various apparatus, I was struck by a sudden realisation: I seem to be raising one of those pretentious twats... The sort that thinks it's completely normal to surf through the summer, snowboard in winter, and who very much intimidated me when I was in my

So, a few weeks ago ...

2009-12-09T17:31:00.001+01:00

a few of the Ger-Man's work colleagues (who were visiting from distant, foreign lands) decided to give the Caspi-Man a present. A large box - all fancily wrapped. The Caspi-Man gleefully unwrapped it...How, um, ... seasonal.The Caspi-Man LOVED it!Later that night, when I went in to check that he was indeed asleep, turn off his light, and straighten his covers, I discovered he had managed to drag

I'm dreaming of a humid Christmas!

2009-12-07T19:04:00.003+01:00

Just like the ones I used to know...In a mere 2 days we're making a seasonal pilgrimage to the land of Oz, to celebrate Yuletide with beloved friends and family. It has been 3 years since our last Australian Christmas... and there is much I am looking forward to:-Sun-Beach-prawns, moreton bay bugs, oysters, lobster & mud crab-people who understand all the verses of six white boomers! -watching

Something (else) I'd never considered in raising a bi-cultural child...

2009-12-04T14:50:00.011+01:00

Guess which one of the following options the Caspi-Man believes?There is a man called Santa Claus who will bring him a present!There is a man called St Nicholas who will bring him a present!There is a man called the Weihnachtsman who will bring him a present!There is a man called Father Christmas who will bring him a present!There is an entity called the Christkindl who will bring him a present!

Spring in November...

2009-11-20T10:44:00.005+01:00

that's what the locals are saying... and it's true... Three weeks ago I planted a variety of bulbs in our window boxes in anticipation of tulips and crocuses - come March. They're sprouting now!While, it has been grey, damp, and autumnal - the temperatures have been mild... this morning the sun is actually shining and it is predicted to reach 18 degrees. That's almost as warm as Summer.

Never-

2009-11-18T22:03:00.005+01:00

put a candle inside your head...You may end up looking like this:(Very scary.)

Word of the day:

2009-11-16T13:09:00.007+01:00

(der) Schnözel.English translation: (the) snotty-nosed-little-upstart.Ahhhh... sometimes the german language can be so wonderful concise, a single word where as it takes four in English.

Aimless Random Ponderings...

2009-11-16T12:16:00.002+01:00

that have popped into my head while killing time, waiting for the chimney sweep ... who left a notice in the mailbox saying he'd be coming today between 12 & 3 and I'm actually quite excited because that means I'm guaranteed to have good luck today (because here in Germany it is considered good luck to see a Chimney sweep ) and god knows, I need all the luck I can get at this point on a gloomy,

Shamelessly Cheating on Catching up...

2009-11-05T18:13:00.012+01:00

on my long neglected blog ... by way of some random "FaceBook" status updates that have been made since my last post here! (Consider it a 'cheat's' twitter... and I've not included comments.... 'cause some of them may have reflected badly on me.... sigh...)August 16th:PJMel: summer street festivals (it's not just all beer and wurst you know!)August 19th:PJMel's off to share oz inflicted english

On reflection...

2009-08-13T10:15:00.003+02:00

if your child has had a late night and wakes up tired, grumpy and moody, it is probably not a sensible idea to let him stay home from Kindergarten. No matter how much he begs.It stands to reason that if he's too whiney and whingey to be at Kindergarten, then he is without doubt, way, way, WAY too whiney and whingey to be at home!(Yet another lesson learnt the hard way...)

Brilliant things about Germany No.227

2009-08-12T18:38:00.000+02:00

The refreshing honesty and lack of 'choice' when it comes to the purchasing of "feminine hygeine products". 'Cause, let's face it - how much choice do you actually really need?Clearly, german women are not fools to be seduced by packaging when it comes to the marketing of such necessities.You'll find no 'limited release' fancy boxes in this seasons colours for them. ('Cause really, who's meant to

Weather update...

2009-08-12T16:14:00.014+02:00

It's been raining, today. A lot.

WTF???

2009-07-28T08:30:00.001+02:00

I hereby withdraw any ambition I may have at any stage held to be a dedicated follower of fashion:Crap picture I know, but see here, the white splotches of paint on these (new for sale) pants? Apparently, they're MEANT to be there! (Also on display for sale were denim jeans similarly adorned.) I repeat ... WTF? ? I'm sooooooo over the current trend of dressing like hobbos. Never, in humankind's

Day 1 of week 2 of Kindergarten summer holidays...

2009-07-27T21:32:00.002+02:00

And may we present the flower, the laid tree, the green rabbit (with carrot), the blue whale, the yellow giraffe-necked creature, red rat and hybrid snake.Works in Plasticine. We have also baked, swam, painted, playgrounded (yes, that is too a verb), and thrown more tantrums than all the world's red-headed sportsmen and diva popstars combined. I think we might need an organised summer program...

SCANDALOUS!

2009-07-24T09:12:00.000+02:00

Usually, I try to maintain a live and let live approach to life - but I've just discovered something that threatens to turn me into an angry fundamentalist... IS NOTHING SACRED???They've made a movie of "Where the wild things are".I repeat, IS NOTHING SACRED?(Am a tad curious though how they've managed to stretch a feature length film out of a 20 page book, while in any way maintaining the

Feeling masochistic...

2009-07-23T22:36:00.003+02:00

After years of procrastination, waiting for a rumoured (but not yet materialized) reciprocal agreement policy, I have finally embarked on what is sure to be the unmitigated torture of legitimately acquiring my German drivers license (gasp for breath).Yep, I am about to 'swap' my Aussie one for a Deutsch one.I must point out that the term 'swap' is a tad misleading as, while in essence, the

Evidence of cultural differences No.354

2009-07-15T10:34:00.005+02:00

WHY OH WHY can't super market cashiers here PACK your purchases like they do elsewhere??????? And WHY, Oh WHY do they feel the need to speed race your purchases over the scanner? IT'S NOT A RACE PEOPLE! Meanwhile, I'm stuggling to ensure the potatoes aren't squashed on top of the eggs, the Caspi-Man's not shoplifting Kindersurprises, and scrambling to find my wallet.I'm happy the cashiers get to

Feeling wretched...

2009-07-03T09:50:00.010+02:00

as I've lost the most sentimental and valuable items I own, in the most ludicrus of circumstances.Diamonds ARE NOT for ever. They are until they get lost.And despite registering them with the lost and found office, putting up posters offering rewards, and employing the most dedicated of search teams, they've not turned up... :-(

Brilliant Things About Germany No. 226

2009-06-20T22:10:00.003+02:00

That often it can surprise you with the unexpected... even when doing a routine shop at the local supermarket.Yesterday, for the first time ever I encountered THIS at the cooked meat counter. Apparently it's called "Spanferkel". And it's spit-roasted pig. Where I come from - people tend to spit-roast the other end...

Wickie (pronounced Vicki) & the strong men...

2009-05-12T19:23:00.012+02:00

Wickie's father is the leader (chief? president? nominated head?) of a clan of vikings. Wickie appears seasonally @ 7pm on KiKa (Kinder channel) and is hugely popular in our household. I'm not sure who enjoys Wickie more - the Caspi-Man or the Ger-Man. Suffice to say that the Ger-Man's been enjoying Wickie for longer.In the first episode of the first season of Wickie (produced several generations

Thank you Deutsche Bahn for making me chuckle...

2009-03-31T23:43:00.007+02:00

The German Rail high speed trains, or ICEs (Inter City Express) as they're locally known, are rather impressive, and go rather fast... and in every 2nd class carriage they have changing LCD displays, in English & Deutsch, to inform passengers of important things such as the current speed (especially when it hits 300kms/hr), the date and time, up coming stations, and helpful reminders to not

Brilliant Things About Germany No.225

2009-03-26T21:52:00.002+01:00

It is very easy, and perfectly legal to buy clinical contact lenses over the internet.Without a prescription. And for cheaper than what you pay for the "gap" (ie. the bit not covered by private Australian health insurances).I am sure that this would not be considered 'brilliant' by optitricians anywhere, but from where I am 'looking', it is pretty damn convienient.

Full Moon?

2009-03-11T21:54:00.007+01:00

Well, we're back from Oz, over the jet-lag and (almost) back into the routine (that we'd never really mastered in the first place).The Caspi-Man didn't sleep well last night. He hadn't really eaten much of his dinner,and protested loudly when denied copious quantities of 'bedtime' lollies. He declined a 'bed-time' milk, sulked through his bed-time story, and accused me of being a"BAD, BAD MUMMY"

Well... Who knew?

2009-02-11T05:27:00.005+01:00

Driving in the car on the way home from the beach with my Darlink Sister, listening to rather eclectic mix of '80s music, when on comes the Divinyls' track: "Pleasure and Pain"."You know," says Darlink Sister, "I always used to think the words were 'please don't ask how I've been getting on' .""What? They are - aren't they?""No, it's actually - " Please don't ask me how I've been getting off."Cue

Let's learn from the wombats people!

2009-02-10T21:03:00.004+01:00

I strongly believe that it should be mandatory for all homes in rural Australia to have deep purpose built cellars (away from the main dwelling which could collapse on them).Burrowing creatures survive bush fires, as well documented in the Caspi-Man's "Wombat goes walkabout" book.With the south of the country a hellish inferno, and the north completely underwater, (Australia has always been a

I've no idea who penned this list-

2009-01-30T19:53:00.005+01:00

that my 'total bastard friend' Tamzinite forwarded to me- but I think I know where they're from!You know you're Australian if:You know the meaning of 'girt'.You believe that stubbies can either be worn or drunk.You think it is normal to have a Prime Minister called Kevin.You've made a bong out of your garden hose rather than use it for something illegal such as watering the garden.When you hear

It's been a good day!

2009-01-21T18:51:00.003+01:00

In much the same way as Kevie has managed to restore my faith in, and my hope for, the future of my “mother-land”- I would like to thank America for giving us Obama, whose speech had me blubbering, and is helping restore my faith in, and my hope for, the future of my world...And how cute was that hat Arethra was wearing?

Raindrops keep falling on my head...

2009-01-19T22:09:00.001+01:00

because even though we've just had the "Christmas of the Umbrella" (which saw no less than 3 new umbrellas join our household) I still forget to take one with me when I go out.The sub-zero temperatures have subsided and the magical snow morphed into mush, then slush, and now things are just sodden and grey...The Caspi-Man & a few of his posse - last weekend.

Am thinking a party might be in order.

2009-01-16T23:11:00.002+01:00

The Shopping List (version 1):

2009-01-16T22:19:00.004+01:00

Needed to make sure I put it somewhere where I won't lose it... as I seem to be loosing things quite a bit lately. [My black winter beret, phone numbers, and most annoyingly - my memory... have looked everywhere- but it hasn't turned up yet. Bet it's in the same place I put my sense of humour... that's gone missing too...]1. Eucalyptus Oil.2. Lucas' pawpaw ointment.3. BIG bottle of vanilla

One day far off in the future -

2009-01-07T11:36:00.008+01:00

the Caspi-Man might be saying: "When I was a child, I had to trudge through snow to get to Kindergarten...." But right now he's saying: "No Mama, I don't want my gloves on ... I need my hands free to make snowballs that I wanna throw AT YOU!!" To be honest, I'd choose minus 7, and lasting snow fun anyday, over 5 degrees and sleet...

New word of the day:

2009-01-07T11:22:00.000+01:00

Gesocks.english translation: rif-raf(bound to come in handy).Just don't ask how I came by it ...

"On the twelth day of Christmas

2009-01-04T15:39:00.009+01:00

my true love showed to me,that temperatures will reach a high of minus seven degrees..."Here is Düsseldorf's weather forcast for the next 5 days:brrrrrrrr. I repeat, brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

Thanks to the Dutch -

2009-01-04T10:51:00.004+01:00

we have frog legs in the fridge, crocodile steaks in the freezer, and industrial quantaties of kangaroo flesh.It was our first international trip of 2009. (Admittedly - an international trip of just 25 kms! But still...)There is a supermarket in Venlo, Netherlands, that has a remarkable reputation in these parts (mainly for cheap coffee, Gouda and seafood). It is called "Die 2 Brueder Von Venlo"

Another random ponder....

2008-12-28T20:54:00.006+01:00

How is it that humankind has managed to produce the 'lego city' series, and yet cannot manage to provide the world with safe, clean energy & food for all??Clearly, our best minds are being somewhat distracted!(And, while we're at the 'random' pondering - how did it actually come to pass that so bloody much of the 'lego city' series has come to live with us?? I swear, next year it's all gonna be

Brilliant Things About Germany no.224

2008-12-22T19:46:00.002+01:00

The "Seasonal Fridge Extension". Aka "The Balcony". Aka "The Window Sill". Or (if you have one) - "The Garden". Whatever it is called, storing your fresh 6 kilo Turkey, chilling the bubbly, beer and cream torte - (and other Christmas treats) never seems to be a problem.

"Deck the halls with -NO! NO! Olli !!!!!!"

2008-12-21T21:09:00.007+01:00

Last week was the Caspi-Man's 4th birthweekend. (Yes, LONG birthWEEKEND. Why have just a birthDAY when international timezones, and local superstitious customs, mean the festivities can last soooo much longer?)THE CASPI-MAN IS NOW FOUR and had no less than 3 parties to celebrate it.I should note here (for the official record) that only one of these parties was his actual 'birthday party'. (

a high of "0 degrees" today...

2008-12-17T22:15:00.003+01:00

and they predicted snow on ALL the weather reports.What we got, though, was 0 degree rain...How is that possible?????

The Ger-Man said -

2008-12-09T22:59:00.005+01:00

that this picture of Olli, that the Caspi-Man and I had photoshopped to adorn this year's Christmas Cards, could be viewed as "undignified"... To which, I said:Sorry, firends and family. But sometimes these things have to be done...

Bad rhymes...

2008-12-09T22:54:00.002+01:00

Sleet, Sleet - go away,And don't bother coming back another day!(But, Snow - you're welcome to come stay... at least for the next three weeks or so.)

I reckon

2008-12-03T20:16:00.009+01:00

someone at the Kindergarten is gonna stage an intervention soon...'cause (thanks to my English lessons) - there are now about 20 young German kiddies fluent with Rolf Harris's Six White Boomers. (Well, fluent with the chorus. And they like to sing it very loudly.)I'm such a cultural ambassador! ;-)

The Christmas Markets -

2008-11-29T21:48:00.007+01:00

in Düsseldorf have officially opened.And, I'm beginning to sense a recurrent theme:Christmas 2006: (Caspi-Man on green tractor) Christmas 2007:(Caspi-Man on blue/yellow tractor)Christmas 2008:(Caspi-Man on blue/yellow tractor)To be fair - he also likes the fire-engines and the little areoplane. And, I must admit I quite like the Glühwein stand next door.

No emails today!

2008-11-20T08:38:00.005+01:00

Last week, my mother, (hi mum!) forwarded an email to almost everyone on her contact list that said:No Emails Today!Something has crashed on my computer.And the mouse is missing!Cute, huh?But this week, this has started to happen:The mouse is still there, but you wouldn't believe the google searches that have occurred, and my opening page is now a "syntax error"....

Brilliant Things About Germany No.223

2008-11-17T21:25:00.003+01:00

The KINO.As in Cinema.Or, more precisely - the cinema candy bar.Not because it's more reasonably priced than those in other countries (because, just like other countries- it most definitely is not!), nor because it has such a great range of snacks (although the nachos with guacamole or cheesey dip rate a mention), but rather- BECAUSE YOU CAN BUY GROG to drink while you watch the movie.Even when

Peace, Love and Tolerence...???

2008-11-10T21:46:00.004+01:00

When, Brother-In-Law Barry told me this morning, that there'd been a biff-up between monks in a sacred christian church in Jerusalem - I didn't believe him."Nah," he said, "It's true. It really happened. Look it up on You Tube."So I did.And ... here's what the BBC News had to say:"Israeli police have had to restore order at one of Christianity's holiest sites after a mass brawl broke out

To the 'brav'- 'Sinne' is a 'Gift'...

2008-11-08T10:00:00.002+01:00

Beware, English speakers, of thinking there are short-cuts to understanding Deutsch. Sure, many words have similarities. Common roots and all that. Butter, Milch, Tee & Kaffee can be deduced quite easily (even first thing in the morning- over breakfast).Infact, many, many words ARE the same- just pronounced with a German accent.But then, there are words like the above. Words that can lull you

A few BIG FAT LIES about parenthood:

2008-11-03T21:39:00.005+01:00

Some would call them "myths" - but that would be an euphemism. They are lies!BIG FAT LIE #1: Breast-feeding helps you to lose weight.Perhaps this is true for some, but after enduring the Caspi-Man spending the last 4 months of his gestation compacting my stomach (in a manner I can only describe as akin to gastric stapling) I was thrilled, after the birth - to be able to finally fill it again. And

Pub sign

2008-11-03T12:32:00.006+01:00

This came to me via an email from The Godfather (aka Uncle G in Sydney) and even though it riled me (bloody sexist stereotypes, perhaps?) - it also made me laugh... .Sign reads:* Husband Creche*Is he getting under your feet?Why not leave him here while you SHOP!!Free creche, just pay for his drinks!

No crying over spilt milk, please.

2008-10-27T21:43:00.007+01:00

The Caspi-Man wanted "pink milk" as a "bedtime drink".(It's a Charlie & Lola thing.)A bit of ice-cream & red food colouring and he was sorted.But then he wanted Olli to have pink milk too.He knows that regular milk is not good for Olli. I stood firm - I WOULD NOT be colouring cat milk for Olli. (Once certain lines are crossed - heaven knows where we'll end up.)So the Caspi-Man decided that he'd

Brilliant things about Germany No. 222

2008-10-21T23:57:00.003+02:00

The Kindergarten.Where your child DOES behave. And if it stays over lunch - it WILL use cutlery and chew with its mouth shut.These things, alas, do not happen in the home... not even if you use threats, bribes, and/or positive role modeling. Attempts to create the same "peer" atmosphere by inviting 3-4 of the said child's friends over for a meal - also doesn't work. (You'll just have 4 times the

A not so random thing I'm wondering...

2008-10-21T23:35:00.002+02:00

Why is that I can drink black coffee first thing in the morning with no (discernable) side effects - but regular tea with milk on an empty stomach gives me the most horrific stomach spasms?

11pm Monday Night...

2008-10-13T23:03:00.003+02:00

It's raining, it's pouring,The Caspi-Man is snoring,Olli the cat,Is frollicking round the flat,Unaware his bits are being snipped in the morning!

Cupcakes...

2008-10-13T18:04:00.003+02:00

Last Friday was Miss H's birthday. So we made some cup-cakes to take to her party... the Caspi-Man laid claim to the elephant. And, just because it seems in theme- here is a picture of some strawberry tarts we made during strawberry season (back in May):Was gonna make some quip about a knave of tarts - but that would be pointless as everyone can see - these tarts are not being taken by a knave -

Do not attempt...

2008-10-08T17:56:00.004+02:00

to colour match a replacement against your own (nearly empty, Australian bought) lipstick in a German department store.You WILL be apprehended on leaving the premises by gruff, humourless store detectives and escorted (without words) to a grey and sombre room.Police involvement can be averted if your preferred existing lipstick shade is proven to (sadly?) not exist in Deutschland...

Beware:

2008-10-08T12:33:00.004+02:00

when trampling through Autumnal Forests of the Con Dog.He comes traipsing up - all brown eyes, wagging tail, and full of doggy good will ... and you think he's being friendly and adorable.But, really, it's all a ploy- he's just after your specially selected stick, (the one you were delighted to find and were using to assist walking up the slippery slopes, uncover conkers and chestnuts from below

Beyond Brittanica.

2008-10-02T08:50:00.001+02:00

Ya gotta adore the internet! (I love a good understatement, don't you?) The reasons are, without doubt, incalculable. And as a parenting tool - it is a resource beyond compare .And I'm not referring here to the countless sites devoted to advice, support, and creative ideas for effective discipline, (although I've heard rumours those places can be rather informative), but rather the aspect of how

Evidence of cultural differences No. 353.

2008-10-01T10:01:00.004+02:00

The Birthday...Today the Caspi-Man is staying home from Kindergarten. He will be tomorrow too. Although the Caspi-Man feels fine - the doctor says that he's contagious and should be quarantined for at least 3 days. Given that Friday is a public holiday (Re-unification day) this effectively means the Caspi-Man is not back at Kindergarten til next Monday. The Caspi-Man is sorely disappointed - as

Not liking this Monday business...

2008-09-29T21:14:00.008+02:00

No dancing today, as it is Autumn Break, which meant the Caspi-Man and I were on time (a touch early even!) for a long standing regular activity that occurs on the first and third Monday of each month. (One that has recently seen us rushing in late in a fluster of apologetic distrubtiveness.) So, I was feeling quite pleased about our punctuality. That is, until the moment we walked through the

Kunst

2008-09-24T19:55:00.003+02:00

The Caspi-Man likes to draw. And paint. And cut. And stick. And to be honest, so do I. And we really don't do these things often enough. But, one thing we do seem to be doing quite often is drawing on the computer. Or, rather drawing with the computer. (We're not allowed to draw ON the computer... although this doesn't stop one of us trying...) Portrait of OlliCaspi-Man & PJ Mel September 2008

No matter how you dress it up:

2008-09-21T21:45:00.005+02:00

The Caspi-Man is becoming quite creative in his methods of avoiding things he doesn't want do. Such as, say, getting dressed... Every single morning it is a mammoth struggle to get him out of his pajamas and into his clothes. (Yep. No doubt about it - he is my child. Who knew such things were genetic?) He very rarely actively participates in the dressing process. Usually he darts around the room,

I can't quite believe it -

2008-09-18T16:41:00.000+02:00

Last week- I happened to be in a village on the outskirts of Duesseldorf, and as I was walking to the train station - I spied A COAT in the window of a boutique.Looks cute - I thought.I went inside.I asked to try it on.They had my size.It fitted!My heart pumped a little faster.I looked at the price.It wasn't heart stopping.(!?)I rang the Ger-Man. "You won't believe what I've just found!" I said.

Shallow Shoe Rant.

2008-09-08T23:45:00.004+02:00

After reading about last week's mis-matched shoe adventure - my darlink sister felt the need to leave a comment about the neglected state of my shoes. (The left, in particular, I suspect. It's a victim of too many trips to the sand and gravel covered playground. Oh, ok, and also infrequent cleaning/ polishing! I can share that the right one looks just as scruffy.)I can understand that scuffed

Constructions...

2008-09-04T22:30:00.005+02:00

The Ger-Man and I had a rare night out this evening. (The Schwierig-mutter kindly swapped her regular Friday visit to today and stayed to babysit the Caspi-Man for us.)So, what, you might ask, romantic and/or hedonistic pleasures were on our agenda? Did we go for a candlelit dinner at a Michelin starred restaurant? Or, maybe, did we have tickets to see the Madonna concert tonight at the

First Day of Autumn...

2008-09-02T22:06:00.004+02:00

And, I've marked the occasion by having my hair dyed red at our local salon. Not the fire-engine red favoured in my mid-twenties - but a bold enough shade none the less. Now, let's see if the Ger-Man notices... ;)Like most things I'm doing these days - this wasn't planned or scheduled (in fact, strictly speaking getting my hair done had no place at all on today's agenda) but none the less, it

Isn't this supposed to be one of the first signs of dementia?

2008-08-28T10:17:00.009+02:00

Took the Caspi-Man to kindergarten,chatted a while with the teacher,gossiped with other mums,went to bank,post-office,super-market andpet food supplier,dropped books back at the library and,chatted with neighbour on the street for a while.It wasn't till climbing the last flight of stairs to the front door that I realised I'd spent the whole morning running around in mis-matched shoes...Am taking

Smiles for Tuesday...

2008-08-26T12:15:00.004+02:00

Polaroid montage created using 'bighugelab'. (There seems to be no end to the ways I find to waste time - especially when there are so very many things I should be doing...... sigh.)

Mondays are for dancing...

2008-08-25T21:28:00.004+02:00

When the idea was first touted, (over afternoon tea in a cafe a few months ago), the Caspi-Man was extremely excited by the idea of doing a dance course with his young friend, Miss H.Much to the amusement of the waiters (and patrons at nearby tables), he jumped up - grabbed Miss H by the hand and said:"Yay! Miss H, we're gonna dance! Now, I'll be the man and you be the woman!"And together they

weather moaning

2008-08-25T11:56:00.006+02:00

What a chilly, damp, grey and miserable Monday morning (not helped by the Ger-Man gloating about the final Olympic medal tally - grrrrrr) ... it feels like Autumn and I'm still waiting for "Summer proper" to arrive.I heard a report last week that said the whole world has experienced the coldest year in over a century. Across the planet there have been lower than average temperatures.I shared this

Timewaster...

2008-08-20T13:44:00.000+02:00

Apparently, this is how geeks are choosing to send personal messages these days...http://www.geogreeting.com/main.html

How to NOT get a good night's sleep.

2008-08-19T21:53:00.004+02:00

I've been tired and crotchety today. And, it is (mostly) my own fault. I fear I'm the victim of an over-active imagination - and have at my finger tips - a whole web of information with which to feed it...Last night, with the Ger-Man away with work, my over-active imagination went into over-drive.The catalyst was our upstairs neighbour, who I had seen earlier yesterday, as I was heading out to

Evidence of cultural differences No. 352

2008-08-16T12:01:00.003+02:00

Last night- just before sleep- the topic of the Ger-Man and my pillow-talk turned to "Whistle-blowing". As late night conversations sometimes do.(Romantic creatures, aren't we? Nothing like the exposure of a bit of corporate corruption or organisational misconduct to spice things up in the bedroom...)During our discussion I was stunned to learn that in Deutschland - a "whistle-blower" is