Absolutely Anything Else

@Marilyn Tassy

A relative "new" sci-fi Tv series:

Continuum - 4 seasons:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCWA0KgyHdo

@Marilyn Tassy
A relative "new" sci-fi Tv series:

Continuum - 4 seasons:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCWA0KgyHdo
-@sjbabilon5

Thanks for the link.

I think but don't exactly recall seeing the first season of this show awhile ago?

Lately my memory isn't like it used to be.

I hate to say it but shows with a female hero don't always sit right with me. Most of my real world heros have been females but somehow watching super strong ultra powerful women just doesn't sit right with me.

Again, most of the mentally strongest peple I've ever known were females but as far as being super heros physically it just seems off.

My eldest sister had 5 different black belts in 5 different forms of karate.

She told me honestly even with her experience and with her teaching classes she could in reality only perhaps kick the crap out of a male in defense and run away, perhaps take on a 14 year old boy as an equal physically.

As far as using her bow and arrows she was better then average.Then again she used them as a pre teen for years, she just loved watching Robin Hood and William Tell tv shows.

Women, mothers and such will do whatever is needed to protect their young but as far as saving the world from distruction, I am not so sure they have it in them.

@Marilyn Tassy
A relative "new" sci-fi Tv series:

Continuum - 4 seasons:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fCWA0KgyHdo
-@sjbabilon5

Thanks for the link.
I think but don't exactly recall seeing the first season of this show awhile ago?
Lately my memory isn't like it used to be.
I hate to say it but shows with a female hero don't always sit right with me. Most of my real world heros have been females but somehow watching super strong ultra powerful women just doesn't sit right with me.
Again, most of the mentally strongest peple I've ever known were females but as far as being super heros physically it just seems off.
My eldest sister had 5 different black belts in 5 different forms of karate.
She told me honestly even with her experience and with her teaching classes she could in reality only perhaps kick the crap out of a male in defense and run away, perhaps take on a 14 year old boy as an equal physically.
As far as using her bow and arrows she was better then average.Then again she used them as a pre teen for years, she just loved watching Robin Hood and William Tell tv shows.
Women, mothers and such will do whatever is needed to protect their young but as far as saving the world from distruction, I am not so sure they have it in them.
-@Marilyn Tassy

Well maybe because the past 10+ years of trends in the film industry was so irreal about them, like Ghostbusters, SW, and etc:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJNnSlTZE9E

Karate/ similars are more like sports. Off course they are not that much effective in real life. Same true for man as well, regular trend when in theory very well trained staff (X years of sport history/ various medals) cc. useless even against some thugs. 

But a female with gymnastics basics + silat (or Onna-musha): in most cases I would bet on her.

But sure we agree: it is not their duty to "save the world".

Anyway in reality instead of superheroes they more likely end up as her:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AV-nXf2HjRI

I have not heard about the new Dracula movie.
I really enjoyed Gary Oldman's performance as Dracula in the 1992 film.
I even bought it on DVD which is a rare thing for me to have done.
I think Oldman is an underated actor, he always gives a good show.
At least a vampire is somewhat a ,"sex symbol" where as anyone who thinks Biden, Putin and those in power are sexy have a major mental issue!
They say politicans are just ugly actors, I do believe that's true.
I am stupidly hooked for the time being on the old TV show Dark Shadows.
Sort of pathletic considering it is over 55 years old.
Maybe it was under rated for it's time or I was too young for it when it aired on daily tv.
It is a cross between being camp and being scary.
I suppose we all need a time to just go brain dead and relax anyway we can during these insane times?
-@Marilyn Tassy

I agree with that about politicians being ugly actors!  We've already had the vampire narcissists conversation. I'm always thinking about Trump who is really tied up in his own vanity. Putin is just power crazy and Biden is some old duffer who waxes on about his Irish roots (never mentions his British ones). In any case, I'm more Irish than Joe is and I hardly mention it. Neither of us are Irish enough for a passport!

Gary Oldman is a great actor.  He's in a TV show called Slow Horses. He plays a burnt out spy in MI5 and he really does it well. Like scruffy old guy who has gone to seed and has a drink problem.  He's supported by younger misfits who do the physical work. It's a good show if you can find it.

Nothing wrong with old TV shows. They don't make them like that any more. I grew up on 1960s and 1970s sci-fi.  What's not to like?!

My favourite vampire movie is Interview with a Vampire with Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Kirstin Dunst and others.  it's very well done and very engaging.  People are not very generous about Tom and Brad but both are good and out of the two, I would rate Brad higher. Kirstin Dunst was a child when that movie was made. You could see she was going to be a star, even back then.

Anyway, the new one Renfield (Dracula's familiar) has Nicholas Cage as the Count and Nicholas Hoult as Renfield. I don't know if it's any good. I'm not keen to look up reviews. Sometimes I just love a movie and it unfairly tanks at the box office for no good reason. It's a comedy so I'm not expecting miracles.

I loved Nicholas Cage when he played the misfit teenager who feel in love with a conservative valley girl in the film,"Valley Girl".

It was a cute film for the time.

I'll have to search out Slow Horses. I really can't keep my eyes off of Oldman when he is on screen. He comands the entire scene.

Same thing with that silly old daytime gothic tv show, Dark Shadows. Whenever Johnathon Frid is on screeen one doesn't even notice the other actors. One was a former Playboy model too.

I read all those Ann Rice Vampire books and did enjoy the movie.

I loved Nicholas Cage when he played the misfit teenager who feel in love with a conservative valley girl in the film,"Valley Girl".
It was a cute film for the time.
I'll have to search out Slow Horses. I really can't keep my eyes off of Oldman when he is on screen. He comands the entire scene.
Same thing with that silly old daytime gothic tv show, Dark Shadows. Whenever Johnathon Frid is on screeen one doesn't even notice the other actors. One was a former Playboy model too.
I read all those Ann Rice Vampire books and did enjoy the movie.
-@Marilyn Tassy

Nicholas Cage was so popular 20-30 years ago and his star waned. He's been in more turkeys than you'd see at Christmas. His big memorable role was Leaving Las Vegas but some of his other stuff was quite good and he was given a hard time by critics.  I suppose he'll be rehabilitated like Brendan Fraser - (he won an Oscar for The Whale (not seen it yet).

Gary Oldman's show Slow Horses (season 1) and Dead Lions (season 2) is on Apple TV so you could get it through subscription or downloads.   It'll run for at least 4 seasons. Season 2 has been on, so we're all awaiting seasons 3 and 4.  Interestingly they seem to film them back to back - so season 2 followed season 1 almost immediately. I presume 3 and 4 were also made back to back so maybe they'll drop consecutively.  The cast is excellent. It is of course, very British but the stars are so well known and the show engaging, they'd draw in anyone.

I think one of my kids read the Ann Rice books and liked them.

Netflix announces when delayed password sharing crackdown will finally be rolled out

I know some that has already been banned, so it is really happeneing.

Netflix announces when delayed password sharing crackdown will finally be rolled out
I know some that has already been banned, so it is really happeneing.
-@SimCityAT

Darn, I guess I'll have to double down and catch up on a few shows before the deadline comes?

My sister in the US has me down as a user on her account.

Not a big deal to get our own Netflix but honestly lately I'm tried of most of their shows.

Once in awhile they have an OK movie but for months now I am on U tube most of the time.

Netflix announces when delayed password sharing crackdown will finally be rolled out
I know some that has already been banned, so it is really happeneing.
-@SimCityAT

We also get ours via a shared password and we split costs. I doubt we'd pay for it ourselves directly. There's just not enough content and some of Netflix's policy of cancelling popular shows is inexplicable.

Technologically, I don't think they can crack down on us if we can VPN into the Netflix password holder's place and get it directly from there. They shouldn't be able to tell if we were watching on a second device at the same location.

That nice Mr Orbán sent me a message this morning (what prompted it, I don't know):

"The pressure in Hungary is increasing day by day, they want to involve our country more in the war. To that war, in which hundreds of thousands may have already died. The European Parliament would send even more lethal weapons to the battlefield: tanks, fighter jets and missile systems.

Under such circumstances, it is of great importance that the Hungarian Parliament recorded Hungary's pro-peace position in a resolution. The most important points of the decision, also supported by the government, are the following:

   We express our commitment to peace.

   We condemn Russia's military aggression and recognize Ukraine's right to self-defense.

   The economic sanctions adopted in Brussels did not calm the war, nor did they bring the Russian economy to its knees. Energy sanctions sent energy prices soaring, causing economic damage and rampant inflation in EU countries.

   The military conflict seriously affects the Transcarpathian Hungarian community. Many have already given their lives in the war, and they are currently being drafted to fight on the front line.

   Since the outbreak of the war, Hungary has carried out the largest humanitarian aid operation in its history.

   We call on Hungarian public figures to refrain from such resolutions and political actions that could cause significant economic damage to our country, or could result in Hungary drifting into war.

Hungary does not supply weapons and does not change its position in favor of peace. It is in the national interest of our country that the peace negotiations begin as soon as possible. We want peace and security."

Seems like anti-EU and other messages appearing seem to be more pro-USA. I suppose Orban backtracking on the IIB in the face of US sanctions is behind it.   Apparently the US is ramping up on Hungary (see Telex) - some Orban linked people may be subject to a US visa ban.  It's an interesting development/escalation.  It could be related to Hungary blocking Sweden's entry to NATO.

That is a bit concerning getting a message from OV.

It seems just a matter of time before it all hits the fan.

The time could be sooner then we think.

Just need one NATO country to make a misstep and bang it starts.

No escape if it's going to happen.

The flute playing lead singer of the Hungarian band Mini passed away the other day.

Adam Torok think was his name?

He came to the memorial or whatever it's called for a mutual friend of ours here in Budapest.

Our old friend lived in Hawaii but in his late teens he was the drummer for Mini and knew Adam from the beginning of his career.

Our old friends living here in Hungary will probably be going to his funeral because they hung with him socially.

I'm sorry, I never liked their music.

The singer once way back when he just got a gig going here in HU( Had to be an approved band back then by the gov. not saying he was a sell out but...)

Well,he and a few of his male fans got into my husbands cab.

Adam just walked out like he was the King of the HIll without paying the fare!

My husband had to stop one of the fans who shared the cab and have him pay the bill.

Just saying.. what's with these so called, "stars" and their free ride attitude?

At our friends memorial deal in Buda it was weird,his wife was on the skids with her husbands family here, she had flown in with his ashes from Hawaii to see that they were placed in the fmaiy crypt underground under a church vault.

Her husbands family was not talking to her and I felt so sad for her although I never was close to her back in the day.

Adam and one of his handlers showed up but still acting the star stood in the background as if we all were autograph hounds or wanted to get a lock of his hair, that would be difficult since he was bald.

Just strange to witness the passage of time, people coming and going and really nothing changes much.

That is a bit concerning getting a message from OV.
It seems just a matter of time before it all hits the fan.
The time could be sooner then we think.
Just need one NATO country to make a misstep and bang it starts.
No escape if it's going to happen.

OV is wasting his time contacting me.  I'd never believe anything he says anyway.  Mrs Fluffy said they tried to call her with some automated message.  She always cuts him off.

Anyway, I think if there's going to be a problem, it'd be up at the Baltics or Poland or maybe he'll have another stab at Georgia. Or possibly he'd overrun Armenia. 

Putin isn't so dumb as to think he can actually win against NATO. He'd be annihilated - he cannot even beat Ukraine.  And why would he involve himself in Hungary? It's not exactly a strategic gain. OV would be waiting at the border with flowers. Lukashenko 2.0.

In any case, I think PU is more interested in staying in power forever and while his conscripts throw themselves uselessly to their deaths for his nationalism, he'll just add another palace and count a few more billion.

....At our friends memorial deal in Buda it was weird,his wife was on the skids with her husbands family here, she had flown in with his ashes from Hawaii to see that they were placed in the fmaiy crypt underground under a church vault.
Her husbands family was not talking to her and I felt so sad for her although I never was close to her back in the day.
Adam and one of his handlers showed up but still acting the star stood in the background as if we all were autograph hounds or wanted to get a lock of his hair, that would be difficult since he was bald.
Just strange to witness the passage of time, people coming and going and really nothing changes much.
-@Marilyn Tassy

Mrs F's cousin's wife passed some while back and her ashes sat in a box on their dining table for ages (seems like years). She wasn't that old either - mid-60s - when she went. Not sure what she died of. Probably booze related as she was a heavy drinker.

He seemed to be in a perpetual state of mourning and held no memorials, didn't take her to the cemetery or anything like that all. Never asked anyone to visit to offer condolences.  And hasn't discussed it since.

We then heard a short time ago that she was on the way to Serbia, Romania and the Black Sea as part of the Duna. He'd dropped her in the river on his own and without telling anyone. No headstone, no memorial, nothing, just gone. I suppose he wanted it that way.

I wondered if their shared home was cleared of her stuff or any mementos of her remained. It seems like she was just erased. Quite odd but I suppose one way to forget.

I used to think having ones ashes tossed into the ocean from a cliff at the 7 Sacred Pools in Hana, Maui was the perfect place to be let go from.

Now they charge an entera

nce fee and I bet they have security etc. Maybe even a life guard? Our old crazy Hungarian friends would cliff dive into the pools from high up cliffs...

I stil am not sure if I will go or even wish to put myself through it all but this Fall my family is having a big 4 day deal for my deceased brother on high desert lands owned by my cousins in New Mexico.

My brother has found a flute palyer and I think they still are looking for dancers.

My brothers last wishes, strange because during life he was no bother at all. Now it's a full out Native American ritual.

IDK, after seeing my sisters DNA test we are only a few % native after all.

I was joking with my husband that we should incorperate some Afican drumming in there somewhere since we are more sub African then native.

I don't think my humor is going to be wanted at that memeorial...

Would be nice to see fam again but 4 days is in some ways too long and then again it's too short for a visit.

My sister is resting in a drawer in my nieces home in SF.

Maybe she should send them to NM and then we can have a 2-- 4 1 deal?

I could always pick up my Dobermans ashes and give him a send off at the same time?

No, not funny, just my way of couping with horror and sadness.

My BFF, Lisa and her husband took her parents ashes out to the desert and spread them out near the Josuha trees, she also took her mothers elderly boyfriendss ashes from after she was a widow and spread them the same day. She just drove a few miles away so her parents ashes wouldn't get mixed up with her mom's old BF's.

Strange how we make a ritual of death.

My brother was a USAF vet so in reality he could of just had the gov. pick up the tab for his services and his wife would get a flag and a certificate from the gov.

Going to NM is going to cost a pretty penny for hotels etc.

I wonder how much a flute player costs let alone a group of drumers and dancers?

On another subject, I'm not so sure Ukraine is kicking anyone's A@@. I think Russia could of taken care of business in a day or two if they really wnated to do so.

They are stretching this out for some reason, doesn't seem good at all though.

I used to think having ones ashes tossed into the ocean from a cliff at the 7 Sacred Pools in Hana, Maui was the perfect place to be let go from.
Now they charge an entera
nce fee and I bet they have security etc. Maybe even a life guard? Our old crazy Hungarian friends would cliff dive into the pools from high up cliffs...
I stil am not sure if I will go or even wish to put myself through it all but this Fall my family is having a big 4 day deal for my deceased brother on high desert lands owned by my cousins in New Mexico.
My brother has found a flute palyer and I think they still are looking for dancers.
My brothers last wishes, strange because during life he was no bother at all. Now it's a full out Native American ritual.
IDK, after seeing my sisters DNA test we are only a few % native after all.
I was joking with my husband that we should incorperate some Afican drumming in there somewhere since we are more sub African then native.
I don't think my humor is going to be wanted at that memeorial...
Would be nice to see fam again but 4 days is in some ways too long and then again it's too short for a visit.
My sister is resting in a drawer in my nieces home in SF.
Maybe she should send them to NM and then we can have a 2-- 4 1 deal?
I could always pick up my Dobermans ashes and give him a send off at the same time?
No, not funny, just my way of couping with horror and sadness.
My BFF, Lisa and her husband took her parents ashes out to the desert and spread them out near the Josuha trees, she also took her mothers elderly boyfriendss ashes from after she was a widow and spread them the same day. She just drove a few miles away so her parents ashes wouldn't get mixed up with her mom's old BF's.
Strange how we make a ritual of death.
My brother was a USAF vet so in reality he could of just had the gov. pick up the tab for his services and his wife would get a flag and a certificate from the gov.
Going to NM is going to cost a pretty penny for hotels etc.
I wonder how much a flute player costs let alone a group of drumers and dancers?
On another subject, I'm not so sure Ukraine is kicking anyone's A@@. I think Russia could of taken care of business in a day or two if they really wnated to do so.
They are stretching this out for some reason, doesn't seem good at all though.
-@Marilyn Tassy

A native send off sounds quite an experience.  It's not something you get to go to every year (one would hope).  The ritual is OK, it's a way of separating it out and drawing a line under that person's direct involvement in life.  Their legacy of course continues. I know from funerals here, the earth bashing the coffin as they fill in the hole was a feeling of something ending.  The polite do afterwards is the final moments, real life returns, time passes and the deceased fades away more for those peripherally involved. 

Russia is a basket case.  There's no way they can beat the NATO.  The budget for military spending in Russia is tiny and NATOs spending is absolutely huge.  Russia doesn't have capacity to fight forever. All their materiel is broken, out of date or expended.  NATO on the other hand has up to date equipment and outspends Russia many times over.  NATO budget is about $1.1T and Russia about $66B.   NATO spending 20 x Russia.   NATO also have huge amounts of aircraft, ships and people at its disposal.  Russia has more ground vehicles but they are out of date.   There's also a problem of internal dissent in Russia, something NATO does not need to consider (other than politics).   

As of this morning, the Russians are bombing their own towns (literally).

All fun and games with UK politics this morning

The weather is temping us to get out and enjoy it.

Lately it seems everytime we go out we spend money.

Not sure why that is.

My husband said the shops are losing allot of money.

People are not purchasing the items they used to.

Just buying the basic items and just what they actually need.

IDK, we bought virgin olive oil, coconut oil and a lb. of lard and some butter.

That was an investment.

Strange thing is at Tesco the last few times I looked, they either had the cheapest sunflower cooking oil brand or a pricey olive oil, nothing in between.

They have done away with plastic bags to hold your produce , only have ones that they charge extra for useage.

They really are tightening their belts.

Speaking of the passage of time, I went for a ,"Lady exam" the other day.

I waited several weeks to get in, they only had one female gynocologist and no way was I seeing a male doctor for such an exam.

I never felt so sad, depressed and as a matter of fact older then the hills as in that waiting area.

I swear every other patient was under 35 and pregnant.

I suppose here in Hungary it isn't called OGBYN like in the US?

Only pregnant women were there and little ol'me and my husband.

My husband observed the ladies and their male partners waiting while the doctor spent a min. of a half hour getting my medical history etc. She was very nice and caring.

He remarked that no one actually seemed happy in the waiting area, all long faced and pregnant. He might of been cruel but he said he saw allot of future single moms waiting there.

To be honest, I was so freaked out, not a exam anyone looks forward to, As I left the office area into the waiting area I was not my usual off beat self. I felt so strange with everyone looking at me. In a better mood I probably would of tried to turn it around and run,jump into my husbands arms and scream out," We are having twins"! Just to see the look on everyones face.

All fun and games with UK politics this morning

-@SimCityAT

"i am sorry but....I am sorry however...."

Good riddance!

I don't see how any of them can be defended.  Braverman is truly the worst of the lot. 

The ECHR thing is driving me mad.  If they remove that, there's no protection from whatever lunatics are running the asylum.

Apparently visitors can go up the new MOL tower to see a Budapest vista.

Click here: MOL Tower

Needs ID to visit but prices not outrageous for kids and those over 60.

MOL Tower:

The weather is temping us to get out and enjoy it.
Lately it seems everytime we go out we spend money.
Not sure why that is.
My husband said the shops are losing allot of money.
People are not purchasing the items they used to.
Just buying the basic items and just what they actually need.
IDK, we bought virgin olive oil, coconut oil and a lb. of lard and some butter.
That was an investment.
Strange thing is at Tesco the last few times I looked, they either had the cheapest sunflower cooking oil brand or a pricey olive oil, nothing in between.
They have done away with plastic bags to hold your produce , only have ones that they charge extra for useage.
They really are tightening their belts.

I was truly shocked at the price of olive oil. I didn't buy it in Aldi recently because it seemed to be a rip off. It was like 3900 HUF for a medium bottle. The shelves were full - no-one was buying it.  I don't really get it. Price of fuel is reducing and transport must be a component of the price so surely price of goods should be going down.

Speaking of the passage of time, I went for a ,"Lady exam" the other day. I waited several weeks to get in, they only had one female gynocologist and no way was I seeing a male doctor for such an exam. I never felt so sad, depressed and as a matter of fact older then the hills as in that waiting area. I swear every other patient was under 35 and pregnant. I suppose here in Hungary it isn't called OGBYN like in the US?
Only pregnant women were there and little ol'me and my husband.
My husband observed the ladies and their male partners waiting while the doctor spent a min. of a half hour getting my medical history etc. She was very nice and caring.
He remarked that no one actually seemed happy in the waiting area, all long faced and pregnant. He might of been cruel but he said he saw allot of future single moms waiting there.
To be honest, I was so freaked out, not a exam anyone looks forward to, As I left the office area into the waiting area I was not my usual off beat self. I felt so strange with everyone looking at me. In a better mood I probably would of tried to turn it around and run,jump into my husbands arms and scream out," We are having twins"! Just to see the look on everyones face.
-@Marilyn Tassy

Mondays should be renamed Day of the Devil. All the crap hits the fan on Mondays.

I think things are muddled up healthcare wise but one thing is good - accessing medical care costs mostly nothing. We don't have to think about that. It's not perfect but it's good as a back stop for when you need help in an emergency.

Mrs F had to take her mother to the hospital emergency late last night around 21h - MIL had severe leg pain, uncontrolled by ordinary painkillers, we thought she had an embolism or cancer which luckily wasn't true. Never got a diagnosis, just painkillers.  X-ray showed nothing.

Mrs F didn't get back until 0330h and she had to go to work at 0730h. Those events have thrown everything into confusion as the kids and I ended up being involved as well. No-one had any proper sleep. Mrs F said there was a queue of 20 people at Szent Janos Korhaz emergency department including prisoners (chained to guards), homeless people and mainly old people. 

Then this morning (in the UK) my 98-year old Dad had the paramedics there because his foot was bleeding profusely due to problems with his leg - he has ongoing heart failure which is really the cause of his problems. Luckily my bro was on the job who called the carer who rushed around there and then my bro called the ambulance. We have a security camera in my Dad's place so I could see what was going on. Apart from that kerfuffle, he seems quite good.

Some light humour

Some light humour

-@SimCityAT

I don't really get why they scapegoated him so blatantly.  Sure, he looks like a hypocrite but must have been dimwitted to agree. The more guilty ones seem to be the Murdoch family and their management of Fox. They must have settled to stop Murdoch and his clan being witnesses.  It's a shame, that could have been really entertaining.

The amount Dominion settled for was probably too low - it hardly touches the side considering Fox's profitability.

Carlson was pally with Orban here, so maybe he thinks behind the scenes he's horrible like he thought Trump was. On the other hand,  Carlson was rumoured to be paid a bundle to come to HU to talk up OV and spout Trumpist BS. I am sure that large amount of cash compensated for having a level of cognitive dissonance.

Maybe Carlson got a pay off and an NDA. Who knows?! No NDA, witness for the prosecution.  Or at least a massive selling best seller all about Fox.  Maybe it'll be closed down and reborn.

But anyway, I'm looking forward to the next installment in the form of the next court case. I reckon Fox will settle with Smartmatic - it's almost a replay of Dominion. Some well known names directly named in that one too.  But possibly 1 year away before we get to see that play out in court.

Things are getting scrubbed and ready for the pope's arrival in the morning tomorrow.

I swear they have used every st.cleaning machine known to man up and down our st.

Even brought out a lady with a broom.

Not sure what they are going to do about dogs being walked in the next 24 hours or so.

Every car had to be moved. Guess it's going to be VIP parking only?

Now we are afraid to move our car from it's choice parking spot the next st. over.

Will be hoofing it until we can park on our st. again.

Things are getting scrubbed and ready for the pope's arrival in the morning tomorrow.
I swear they have used every st.cleaning machine known to man up and down our st.
Even brought out a lady with a broom.
Not sure what they are going to do about dogs being walked in the next 24 hours or so.
Every car had to be moved. Guess it's going to be VIP parking only?
Now we are afraid to move our car from it's choice parking spot the next st. over.
Will be hoofing it until we can park on our st. again.
-@Marilyn Tassy

I was at the airport during the night and T2A car parking outside the terminal was blocked off. There were more police around but not excessively so.  No-one in vehicles were being stopped and checked. On route I saw workers emptying bins but I didn't see any scrubbers.

According to news reports, the HU government is talking up the visit as some kind of diplomatic triumph endorsing the government policies. It seems the Pope is not that enamoured by any of that kind of thing. I'm no fan of the Pope but good for him.

I wondered about going to look at him at Normafa. Just so we can say we've seen a Pope. It's a short bus ride and walking distance through the woods. Public transport is supposed to be free but the nice way for us to travel would be the chairlift and quick walk. We could also go by bike but it's not that warm for either of those options.

I did mention to Mrs F this might be a option but she thinks (more than somewhat strongly) we'd all be wasting our time and there are better things to do. My idea was that it's not everyday a Pope drops by.

But it seems general Fluffy Family consensus is if it's Balaton for a day visit vs Pope, Balaton and lunch down there is going win, hands down.

Sorry about the late night ER visit.

It is hard for anyone in a home to rest when a family member is not well or in hospital for any reason.

This morning we had errands to run and passed our church.

So much activity going on.

They set up big screens as I thought they would.

The Serbian school across from the church was all clean and they had a load of fresh potted tress brought in.

I on our way home realized, darn, the Pope mobile or his crew are going to pass under my windows.

I can get a birds eye view of them bringing him down the st. and into the back side of our church.

I hadn't planned on even looking out but perhaps it might be interesting to take a peak at least since it's not everyday the pope is in my hood.

I personally think all his words are no more then spell casting but I also do realize many people believe in him as their go between heaven and hell.

When we were out today we noticed large groups of school aged children near our area.

Probably church groups from nearby areas and countires have come in for the weekend, not just Hungarians.

It's St. Elizabeth Church.

I know my cousins are into seeing the pope if they could. Most are still Catholics, Orthodox ones however so not sure the pope is really a thing for them or not.

I now feel like a complete heathen!

Sorry about the late night ER visit.
It is hard for anyone in a home to rest when a family member is not well or in hospital for any reason.
This morning we had errands to run and passed our church.
So much activity going on.
They set up big screens as I thought they would.
The Serbian school across from the church was all clean and they had a load of fresh potted tress brought in.

I on our way home realized, darn, the Pope mobile or his crew are going to pass under my windows.
I can get a birds eye view of them bringing him down the st. and into the back side of our church.
I hadn't planned on even looking out but perhaps it might be interesting to take a peak at least since it's not everyday the pope is in my hood.
I personally think all his words are no more then spell casting but I also do realize many people believe in him as their go between heaven and hell.
When we were out today we noticed large groups of school aged children near our area.
Probably church groups from nearby areas and countires have come in for the weekend, not just Hungarians.
It's St. Elizabeth Church.
I know my cousins are into seeing the pope if they could. Most are still Catholics, Orthodox ones however so not sure the pope is really a thing for them or not.
I now feel like a complete heathen!
-@Marilyn Tassy

T2A is Terminal 2A at the airport, not the ER but maybe messages mixed up. All parking outside T2A was roped off at the airport because of the Pope's arrival.  I was there to pick up our visitor, some hours before the Pope arrived.

That said my MIL is now in hospital so it kind of merged together anyway. She was taken away by ambulance but they've moved her to another hospital for diagnostics now as they get more idea of what is going on. 

I don't think the Pope will be visiting her anytime soon. He's got his hocus pocus abracadra stuff to do with his fans.

Report I read was the Pope was being driven in a white Fiat 500 with various black limos front and back. And the anti-terrorist police (TEK) were everywhere. So he shows some humility in his Fiat but still has his entourage.

We're going fast in the other direction - Balaton.

But even we cannot escape the Pope coming and now almost going - our visitor got a text message saying to allow extra time to get to the airport due to the Pope's departure. Just great.

He is staying near us in a clergy house just across from St. Elizabeths church.

We left this morning around 10 am and Rakoci was closed down, waiting for his motor cade to arrive any moment so the cop told us when we asked where was the bus?

Had to walk to the station to get a ride out the other direction from the big shin-dig.

It sort of feels like a party in the air. A "pope party" I would call it.

We have police tape in front of our apt. on both sides so it's ready if needed for securtiy or whatever.

This morning our st. was lined with police vans and police in the dress blues all lined up the st.

Only police vans and motorbikes parked.

So even if we headed out the other direction we are still part of the pope party because of our location, can't avoid it.

I guess we won't be moving our car until he leaves.

I've been trying to tune into the cosmic vibes and see if I can feel any change in spiritual energy with him being so close by... no, nada. I might just need a tune-up or he is just another old dude .

He is staying near us in a clergy house just across from St. Elizabeths church.
We left this morning around 10 am and Rakoci was closed down, waiting for his motor cade to arrive any moment so the cop told us when we asked where was the bus?
Had to walk to the station to get a ride out the other direction from the big shin-dig.
It sort of feels like a party in the air. A "pope party" I would call it.
We have police tape in front of our apt. on both sides so it's ready if needed for securtiy or whatever.
This morning our st. was lined with police vans and police in the dress blues all lined up the st.
Only police vans and motorbikes parked.
So even if we headed out the other direction we are still part of the pope party because of our location, can't avoid it.
I guess we won't be moving our car until he leaves.
I've been trying to tune into the cosmic vibes and see if I can feel any change in spiritual energy with him being so close by... no, nada. I might just need a tune-up or he is just another old dude .
-@Marilyn Tassy

Have you thought of doing a Blog on Expat.com Marilyn?

He is staying near us in a clergy house just across from St. Elizabeths church.
We left this morning around 10 am and Rakoci was closed down, waiting for his motor cade to arrive any moment so the cop told us when we asked where was the bus?
Had to walk to the station to get a ride out the other direction from the big shin-dig.
It sort of feels like a party in the air. A "pope party" I would call it.
We have police tape in front of our apt. on both sides so it's ready if needed for securtiy or whatever.
This morning our st. was lined with police vans and police in the dress blues all lined up the st.
Only police vans and motorbikes parked.
So even if we headed out the other direction we are still part of the pope party because of our location, can't avoid it.
I guess we won't be moving our car until he leaves.
I've been trying to tune into the cosmic vibes and see if I can feel any change in spiritual energy with him being so close by... no, nada. I might just need a tune-up or he is just another old dude .
-@Marilyn Tassy

Haven't seen any traffic diversions or anything like that on our travels around Budapest.  There are flags on some of the routes the Pope might be taking.  We were at the MOL Tower - tickets only in advance booked online so we couldn't do it.  We weren't organised enough for it and we didn't really check. No ticket office.  Pleasant walk along the Duna though, with lots of cafes if one wanted  indulge.  I saw the temperature even reached 21C in the sun.  It's like summer.

Was just at the airport.  Saw the Pope's plane ready to go - looks like he would zoom straight on to the tarmac in his limo.  No queuing for boarding cards or luggage check in for him.   

There were cops everywhere and we saw a high speed convoy driving in that direction.  Didn't see who was in it as all darkened windows.   Maybe the Pope took the bus.

We made it to the airport with 15 mins to spare before there could have been road closures or stopped vehicles. Mrs Fluffy was in town too on another errand and got stuck in a traffic jam.   

Thankfully the guy has gone back to Rome now and we can all get back to normal traffic queues with fewer traffic diversions!

It really isn't my thing to get excited about seeing a famous person or religious leader.

In fact the very few times I've been near a celeb or well known person I disliked it.

They give off a vibe that makes me uncomfortable.

It's good though that many people got something positive out of the Pope's visit.

These days people need a bit of positive energy.

One of our elderly neighbors is a huge volunteer at the local church.

I bet his heart was happy to know the pope came to his church.

Nice neighbor really, got remarried to a church lady a few years ago after his first wife passed away. It was sad to see him alone around the house and he was so happy when he introduced his new bride to us.

it's nice to know even in ones old age there is still someone out there for them.

He made out rather well too, nice new wife, with a huge home outside of the city. They travel between the two residences.

We saw Cardinal Jozsef Minddszenty back in S. ca. in the 1970's.

A huge Hungarian gathering where he gave a speach all in Hungarian.

I was bored to death but I knew what I was getting myself into.

My husband was more into his HU roots and religion back then, back before I corrupted him!

No, I never tell anyone what they should think.

Years ago we were really into listening on public tv a guy from the UK named Roy Masters.

He seemed to be onto some truth and was also by chance a hypnotist.

I took my sister once to hear him .

I didn't feel any extra spiritual energy coming off of him.

IDK, are these people suppose to give off some sort of high energy vibes that other people are not connected to.

It really isn't my thing to get excited about seeing a famous person or religious leader.
In fact the very few times I've been near a celeb or well known person I disliked it.
They give off a vibe that makes me uncomfortable.
It's good though that many people got something positive out of the Pope's visit.
These days people need a bit of positive energy.
One of our elderly neighbors is a huge volunteer at the local church.
I bet his heart was happy to know the pope came to his church.
Nice neighbor really, got remarried to a church lady a few years ago after his first wife passed away. It was sad to see him alone around the house and he was so happy when he introduced his new bride to us.
it's nice to know even in ones old age there is still someone out there for them.
He made out rather well too, nice new wife, with a huge home outside of the city. They travel between the two residences.
We saw Cardinal Jozsef Minddszenty back in S. ca. in the 1970's.
A huge Hungarian gathering where he gave a speach all in Hungarian.
I was bored to death but I knew what I was getting myself into.
My husband was more into his HU roots and religion back then, back before I corrupted him!
No, I never tell anyone what they should think.
Years ago we were really into listening on public tv a guy from the UK named Roy Masters.
He seemed to be onto some truth and was also by chance a hypnotist.
I took my sister once to hear him .
I didn't feel any extra spiritual energy coming off of him.
IDK, are these people suppose to give off some sort of high energy vibes that other people are not connected to.
-@Marilyn Tassy

I agree, it's not worth getting excited about celebrities, even religious ones.  I've seen plenty of famous people in the past and ignored them. 

I once saw Al Gore at London Heathrow airport.  He was a heavyset guy with a few people in tow.  Looks like he'd just flown in but he was immaculately dressed without a crease in his suit.

Anyway, Pope has gone and won't visit again probably in his lifetime - dude's like 85.  I expect within a few years, there will be yet another one (there's always one anyway) and maybe doing another round of visits to Budapest.  None of us will probably care by then.

Yes, I'm sort of done with celebs and religious leaders.

I do feel a bit sad about the passing of Gordon Lightfot.

End of an era really.

Made me think about several old friends who were really into folk music.

I like that fact that he donated all procedes to the families of the Edmund Fitizgerald with his beautiful moving song.

Never saw him play live bit I'm sure it would of been great.

My decesed sister met so many celebs and was friends with a few of them. Not big huge named ones but well known people like the members of 9 inch nails and Pat Travers.They were her friends, she as I mentioned many times was partying at rock parties in the 60's in Ca. up in the hills. Jimi Hendrex was one party. She said she stayed downstairs becuase the real party was going on on the second floor...Even too crazy for the likes of her.

Had drinks at the Whiskey with Jim Morrison and his organ palyer,Jay M.

Just seemd for ahwile she was all over th place , would call me weekly with a list f people and parties she had gone to or met.

She should of written a book, I'd be interested in what was going on with her back then.

I do know she sometimes asked me for a ride but insisted I stay in my car and never knock on the door of a house she was in. Drug runs? IDK. I was so naive back then. Ingorance is bliss.

The photos of the Dali-Lama asking that little boy to suck his tongue were just too much. What a weirdo.

If they are willing to have a photo of such a disgusting thing, then what is going on behind closed doors?

I really would rather not know but it does no good to hide from the truth.

I'm a bit surprised no one has commented on the big,"whoopty -doo" with the coranantion in the UK.

I couldn't sit through it, just caught little bits here and there.

Man, you'd think perhaps Charlie and Cammie would of at least visited a sunning salon , more like a saloon, no emotion at all in either of their faces.

White on white isn't the best look.

Both so pale with that white hair.

I must say seeing the old black and white films of Queen Elizabeth in the 1950's looked more posh, at least to me.

I honestly don't like the fact that Cammie is now queen and Diana is cold in her grave.

Not fair but then again, not much in life is fair.

Diana would of been a real royal looking and acting queen,suppose there is no fairy tale in real life.

I'm a bit surprised no one has commented on the big,"whoopty -doo" with the coranantion in the UK.
I couldn't sit through it, just caught little bits here and there.
Man, you'd think perhaps Charlie and Cammie would of at least visited a sunning salon , more like a saloon, no emotion at all in either of their faces.
White on white isn't the best look.
Both so pale with that white hair.
I must say seeing the old black and white films of Queen Elizabeth in the 1950's looked more posh, at least to me.
I honestly don't like the fact that Cammie is now queen and Diana is cold in her grave.
Not fair but then again, not much in life is fair.
Diana would of been a real royal looking and acting queen,suppose there is no fairy tale in real life.
-@Marilyn Tassy

They [Charles & Camilla] are hardly youngsters and neither seemed to tan when they were in their youths.

As for Diana, she was far from perfect and was quite a lass when she was at school and at college I am sure she was hopping beds in adult life. Anyway, they were divorced so why shouldn't Camilla be Queen?

I'm a bit surprised no one has commented on the big,"whoopty -doo" with the coranantion in the UK.
I couldn't sit through it, just caught little bits here and there.
Man, you'd think perhaps Charlie and Cammie would of at least visited a sunning salon , more like a saloon, no emotion at all in either of their faces.
White on white isn't the best look.
Both so pale with that white hair.
I must say seeing the old black and white films of Queen Elizabeth in the 1950's looked more posh, at least to me.
I honestly don't like the fact that Cammie is now queen and Diana is cold in her grave.
Not fair but then again, not much in life is fair.
Diana would of been a real royal looking and acting queen,suppose there is no fairy tale in real life.
-@Marilyn Tassy

They [Charles & Camilla] are hardly youngsters and neither seemed to tan when they were in their youths.

As for Diana, she was far from perfect and was quite a lass when she was at school and at college I am sure she was hopping beds in adult life. Anyway, they were divorced so why shouldn't Camilla be Queen?
-@SimCityAT

Yes, I suppose as a child of divorce myself, I have a step-mama phobia.

We all are getting older everyday so I really didn't mean to pick on them for being old as dirt.

I do however think Diana would of been much more elegant.

As an American I really shouldn't give my 2 cents on the matter.

I don't think we had an elegant first lady since Jackie Kennedy.

Regan's wife always looked smart has well.

She was older when she was first lady but dressed the part.

George Bushes wife, well, she could of easily been the cover girl for countrty living mag or farmers daily digest.

As long as the UK is happy then good for them.

I'm a bit surprised no one has commented on the big,"whoopty -doo" with the coranantion in the UK.
I couldn't sit through it, just caught little bits here and there.
Man, you'd think perhaps Charlie and Cammie would of at least visited a sunning salon , more like a saloon, no emotion at all in either of their faces.
White on white isn't the best look.
Both so pale with that white hair.
I must say seeing the old black and white films of Queen Elizabeth in the 1950's looked more posh, at least to me.
I honestly don't like the fact that Cammie is now queen and Diana is cold in her grave.
Not fair but then again, not much in life is fair.
Diana would of been a real royal looking and acting queen,suppose there is no fairy tale in real life.
-@Marilyn Tassy

I was avoiding looking at any of it.   I'm actually away working in another country so I didn't really get to see anything on TV but the locals hereabouts were commenting on it.  I suppose they thought I'd be interested. I did see a bit of the concert and liked the drone show but meh, I liked Liz but Charles and Camilla blow a bit hot and cold for me.  I begin to feel they're an anachronism.

...I don't think we had an elegant first lady since Jackie Kennedy.
Regan's wife always looked smart has well.
She was older when she was first lady but dressed the part.
George Bushes wife, well, she could of easily been the cover girl for countrty living mag or farmers daily digest.
As long as the UK is happy then good for them.
-@Marilyn Tassy

Jackie was quite a fashion icon. I'm sorry to say it but Reagan's wife looked absolute vacant most of the time. Never heard her speak or say anything.

Babs Bush was in the Simpsons. George Senior was lampooned mercilessly in that show but Babs was shown as the voice of reason in the relationship. Never heard her say anything publicly except in that episode. About as much as I know about her (and him).

If we're talking about President's wives, I wonder how Trump's wife Melania is dealing with that $5M damages award over Donny's alleged behaviour. It was not a criminal trial but still. Who can seriously vote for the guy after that? He couldn't convince the jury and she could. I see he's spinning it as a political witch hunt but come on, really? Give it up Donny!

Thrump is like a classic cartoon charactor.

I have not lived as a resident of the US for several presidents now.

Thank God!

$5. million bucks to another women, I'm sure Melania gave Trump a few choice words...

Nancy Regan did seem like a people pleaser, she was or at least it was sold to us that she and Ronnie were mad about each other, sort of cute.

His museum in located in the city ( small one if that) of Simi Valley, Ca.

What a city, was just a small town when we moved there in the mid 1960's.

Orange groves and red necks...The cool thing was back then people still rode their horses down the main road. More horses then cars in some areas of town.

They filmed a good portion of the classic westerns in our town and we had a movie ranch that was open to the public.

Little House on the Praire was flimed there as well.

For a small fee you could take a ride in the hills in a real stagecouch, see a shoot out and have a sasperilla in the bar with actors acting as customers.

Every noon there was a shoot out in the st.

Never been there and have no plans on going.

I really wish they'd bring in some new blood for the 2024 US elections. I'm rather over all these old goats in office with their bvious puppet masters pulling their strings.

The one time I ever voted I chose the Independant party, they of course never have a chance.

I'll never vote again, I know my vote really does not count. They already know who they want in office to push the agenda long before any election takes place.

Thrump is like a classic cartoon charactor.
I have not lived as a resident of the US for several presidents now.
Thank God!
$5. million bucks to another women, I'm sure Melania gave Trump a few choice words...
Nancy Regan did seem like a people pleaser, she was or at least it was sold to us that she and Ronnie were mad about each other, sort of cute.
His museum in located in the city ( small one if that) of Simi Valley, Ca.
What a city, was just a small town when we moved there in the mid 1960's.
Orange groves and red necks...The cool thing was back then people still rode their horses down the main road. More horses then cars in some areas of town.
They filmed a good portion of the classic westerns in our town and we had a movie ranch that was open to the public.
Little House on the Praire was flimed there as well.
For a small fee you could take a ride in the hills in a real stagecouch, see a shoot out and have a sasperilla in the bar with actors acting as customers.
Every noon there was a shoot out in the st.
Never been there and have no plans on going.
I really wish they'd bring in some new blood for the 2024 US elections. I'm rather over all these old goats in office with their bvious puppet masters pulling their strings.
The one time I ever voted I chose the Independant party, they of course never have a chance.
I'll never vote again, I know my vote really does not count. They already know who they want in office to push the agenda long before any election takes place.
-@Marilyn Tassy

I love those old Westerns. Of course, Reagan's wife was an actress too. I do think she was in awe of him but on the other hand, she could have just been clueless with empty space between her ears.  I suppose it could have been cute if you ignored that the light was on but no-one was at home.

I don't think to be an actor you need to have a high IQ. Look at Renee Zellweger. She plays the same person in every movie - different clothes, lines, name, voice etc but essentially variants on herself. Weird really how she found fame. She was good in quite a few things like Bridget Jones but almost seemed repetitive otherwise.

I'm sick of the old goats too but the British and Hungarian ones mainly. And the US ones actually. I read the news too much.  The level of incompetence seems to be just epic now.

Trump has so many cases against him. He's got another assault case coming up. That could be another $5M. I suppose that's fewer gold taps in his Florida palace. Maybe more cases will appear as others hear about it. Then there are the other NY charges. They seem to have disappeared for a bit. I'm not looking it up. I can only take so much schadenfreude per day.

Time to stock up on everyday items for the long weekend.

Just found out it's yet again another long 3 days weekend in Hungary.

Never heard of so many long weekends as they have over here.

Lupa Lake is opening this weekend and it's free.

Going to be a madhouse if the weather is nice.

I am ready for swimming season, just need the water to heat up a bit more.

Lost so much weight recently that I'm still wearing sweaters at night in the apt.

Down to something like 52-53 Kilos and tall.

Almost need a new wardrobe if I don't gain a bit more.

They do say one can never be too thin or too rich. I'd like to find out about the rich part!

Had a fun day yesterday, got a colonscopy exam! They were very nice with me. I was worried they wouldn't sedate me, they did one better and totally knocked me out. They put me to bed for at least 90 mins. before letting me go.

I admit a spa day would of been a bit better but we take what we can!

We lost yet another icon, Tina Turner.

I was lucky enugh to see her life two times.

First as an opening act for The Rolling Stones in 1972 when she was still with Ike.

Great show.

Saw her one her own with my sister and SIL in the 1980's, still a great act.

Ike would of been nothing without her.

Can't forget her in that Mad Max film either.Thunderdome.

Just part of the passing of time.