2010

Cheers to a New Year, and another chance for us to get it right.

one white duck....

Pictures from today, a very cold winterday. Went down to the park ..... wanted to take pictures .... got a lot of bad conscience when I arrived at the ducks to take photos ..... and they happily came toward me, thinking I had food. ... poor little things .... the pond almost covered with ice .... no water for swiming.

This evening we had lots of snow. It is so beautiful. Took a picture out into the darkness. Looks most like a microscope magnification of blood vessels....

Istanbul next

.... so now.... meatballs are ready, saffron buns baked, the presents bought ..... soon hit off to Istanbul.

Santa Lucia

Lucia is celebrated on 13 December. There are two main traditions of celebrating Lucia, which has its base in Sweden, another in Sicily. The Swedish tradition has its origin in both pagan and Christian traditions. According to folklore, it was a dangerous night because many supernatural forces were in motion then. It was believed also that the animals could talk during Lucia night. All Christmas preparations would be ready til Lucia. Here I am, long time ago, as Lucia, in Spain. They didn't know what was going on....had never heard about it, but really liked when I dressed like Lucia, played the song, and offered some gingerbread. In our bar in Marbella in the 70s.

around and around and....

You do not want the morning sun into the bedroom window. On the other hand it's wonderful with evening sun on the veranda. Everingham family has solved the problem by building a house that rotates. The octagonal villa outside of Sydney is located on a rotating disc which is controlled by a computer. The electric motor can spin the entire house 360 degrees in less than half an hour and is not bigger than the motor in a washing machine.

All gifts are purchased..... Christmas spirit..... have had friends visits... a small foretaste of Christmas.... good food and drink.

a tiger or a rabbit?!

Here is the cover, which could not be more untimely. The interview and pictures of the new issue of "Golf Digest" was made long before Tiger Woods infidelity scandals became public. Golf magazine shows the world's most famous golfer with the world's most famous president. The cover is adorned by a fake photo of Tiger as Barack Obama's caddy....

Chris Gardner

Tonight I saw, a not entirely new movie, but which I have not seen. ''The Pursuit of Happyness''. The word "Happyness" in the title is purposely spelled with a "y" instead of the correct "i". It has a personal meaning to Chris Gardner, upon whom the movie is based. I prefere a film that dramatizes the life of an actual person or people. A biographical story. And this made me think about a lot.....how we treat each other, how tough and cold life can be for many people....... to never give up ..... how greatful I should be ..... etc.