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Elsa Peters living a new life in Bulgaria    General Boards    My Diary by Elsa Peters  ›  DECEMBER 2013
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Elsa Peters
December 8, 2013, 3:25pm Report to Moderator

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Sunday 8th December

So another late start for me and it just gets better...the downside was that last night I was wide awake at midnight after watching Filmon TV.  Now I don't do this very often but lst night I happened upon the ITV singing thingy and what a load of rubbish it was.  The girl should win, she nailed both of her songs but I have the feeling that she won't.  Nuf said...I'm not an aficionado on the subject and I doubt very much if I'll catch the final but I thought I'd just throw in my stotinki's worth.

Shower and hair wash and ready to go to Djebel by about tenish and popped up to Avatar's to see if she wanted anything from Djebel.  I looked back and noticed that there was smoke coming out of Sar Mush house chimney and thought that I was seeing things...not so...his daughter is over and we had a little joke about me wondering if the old man had come back.  So yes she did want something...a fire bucket for her other petchka but it had to have a hole in the bottom of the bucket not one in the side like the normal one but this was purchased on my way in to my student's and we had a little laugh in the hardware shop...I think it must be something to do with hole in the bottom that got them going.

So lasagne made by three pairs of hands....first time for them and goodness knows how many times I've made it and it turned out delicious.  Mother made the bread rolls and it was served with grated carrot and grated beetroot in yogurt.  The father had prepared pumpkin but there were no takers...the rest of us abstained.  Family descended in force after lunch and so I answered questions for about an hour and asked them and then took my leave.  Stopped off and got some beer for tonight and bread for tomorrow, I had a phone call from Bekir while we were having lunch and the men are working tomorrow...I think the intention was to tidy up for the winter but it's already done so they can concentrate on the metal work for the wall.  Delivered the bucket and Avatar came round with the money clutching in her hand a pot of yogurt as a thank you for going.

Beautiful sky tonight and it caught me unawares,  I only spotted it because I was going down to check the fire.  Back in and all battened down for the night, plenty of wood in and so it's back to my book.  Those pesky presents still need wrapping but while the men are here...it will give me something to do.  LN...I'm going to take up my position in front of the wood burner with my Kindle and a glass...LN



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Elsa Peters
December 9, 2013, 5:58pm Report to Moderator

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Monday 9th December

Some of the presents are wrapped.  Listening to various artists yesterday I sat in the lounge at the outside table that's been taken in for the winter and started wrapping....but not to the music.

Gave up at about ten thirty and headed for the virginal couch and managed through till five thirty but by then the brain was active and the body catching up.  Out at seven thirty in minus six and it got better as I headed for the men's village and we ended up at minus two but it still reached the minus six as we approached my village...so now you believe me!!!

They were amazed that I'd cleared up the yard and all the metal and wood was ensconced in the little house and so...the metal came flying out along with their welding gear and it was music to my ears.  Three panels complete and hoisted into place...tomorrow they will make one more and make the weld to keep them secure and free from the travelling community not that I worry about that here.  Mentioned that Beauty had failed to start yesterday hence the pick up in the Beast this morning but can't get them used to luxury...this baby has to go so Bekir started the push from the garage and fortunately I'd opened the gates and it was rather like 'crime has no frontiers'.  I shot out of the gate at and angle...gave it a drop into second and no go so Sally was propositioned to help with the push and this time we had action, no music and the camera was on charge.  Drove down to the next village and turned round and the reception committee was there to greet me....into the house, picked up my bag and phone and off to Djebel to give it a run and to have the exhaust hose replaced since I noticed that it was in two halves that never the twain should meet.

Home and had a bonfire and set about the metal mound and the new patch of earth between the house and the new fence and all's looking good.  I have more to do but you can't put right in five minutes what has taken three years to accumulate.  Most of the empty tins is from their every day lunches flung onto the heap...ah well.

Home...there was no one to greet them when they got to the restaurant...I think there were parties but Bekir hadn't been informed and Sally didn't want to go anyway.  Home for me and into the kitchen and I have a spicy sausage with all of the ingredients added but this time I lobbed in a can of kidney beans and some chilli powder...it's now simmering on the  woodburner and I reckon I've got fifteen minutes to blast off...depends how much chilli I added.

Santa is still climbing his ladder and the men are really impressed with the disco lights on the little house terrace.....Next year I'm going to make the little house into Santa's grotto and have a bran tub for the children.  I'm not here this year but it's put on the back burner for next....it would be fun especially if I can persuade any of my lot to come out to play.  LN...a  brandy and hot water is called for...it would be rude not to...LN
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Elsa Peters
December 10, 2013, 5:34pm Report to Moderator

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Tuesday 10th December

Cold start this morning and I was out early to make sure that one of the modes of transport kicked into life and Beauty responded beautifully.  Men waited inside until the allotted eight of the clock and then we set off.  The road was good, I was reminded that the man was coming to fit the windows in the workshop and the garage this morning  and we discussed the weather and Bekir said that the internet forecast twenty centimeters of snow but I replied that that was in their village not mine.

Chilly start as I said but they got their toys out to play at welding and the man with the windows dutifully arrived at about nine thirty and this time I had the correct coloured materials.  I did crack the joke with the boys that I thought white would be much better and we should plan on replacing the lot of them but it was only in jest.  Coffee was served, welding was happening and then it started to come down...that white stuff from up there.  Slow at first but then it started to gain momentum, the wind got up and the temperature went down.  Welding gear was sheltered from the snow along with the outside electric supply but we had another slight problem that the man doing the windows wanted the hammer drill to move some of the bricks that had been added by the men.  Bekir was general handy man to the window man while Sally moved the toys inside.  The wood that I'd move inside the house last week was now added to the second level of the little house along with the wood that was removed from the wall yesterday so again all is safely gathered in for the winter.  

Windows and door complete, lock for the workshop now works, told the men that I wanted to take them home early which they weren't completely in agreement with saying that they could do the loft ladder in the big house but I wanted them home because I wanted to get home safely.  The car had frozen windows when we eventually got out at three thirty and I knew that there would be ice under the snow that was still falling and it would be treacherous and it was.  Dropped them off and had a bit of a joy ride back to the main road when I hit a patch of ice and I know that I have to steer into the skid...but then I hit another icy spot and off I went the other way but managed to avoid the ditch.  The main road was not so bad but there was a BMW that decided to overtake and went for it and I nearly chuckled my socks off when I was going up the hill towards Rogochez and he was half way up the hill with his hazard lights flashing away and no I didn't stop...it's one hell of a hill and I just kept going.  Careful down my lane...my car knows the way and I know the hills and dales and opened the gates and in I went.  The men will phone tomorrow if they are able to come out to play.  It's supposed to be OK tomorrow but we'll have to wait and see. Currently I'm thinking a big fat no...

Supper is on the wood burner and it's time that I got down to it.  Most of the presents are wrapped, my mystery gift is finished more or less and now I'm in to making some wrist warmers for the women.  Fire going beautifully and house toasty....LN....I think a little drink might be called for tonight...LN



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Elsa Peters
December 11, 2013, 5:04pm Report to Moderator

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Wednesday 11th December

Silly three thirty a.m. start and don't ask me why....brain into overload with so much to do and so little time...she said with back of hand pressed to forehead and eyes firmly shut.  So while I was up I threw a log on the fire just to keep everything ticking over and that did until the morning.  Sun came up and I could have really let the fire go out at that point...really cold outside but I'm  amazed how warm the house stays remembering my first winter when I was walking around with a hot water bottle in the pocket of one of my fleeces...how times change and how soon we learn what winter is all about.

Bekir phoned but I wasn't going to risk it this morning...it was a bit of a trek getting back last night and I though it wasn't worth it.  Settled in and finished my book, wrapped the rest of the presents, made my cards, took part the present that I was making and now I can tell you about it since I've told the Librarian why she won't be getting it for the 25th but it's definitely on it's way.  I was making her a shawl come poncho thingy and I wasn't happy with it so it's gone back to the drawing board for modifications...it will be done.  She phoned at about twelve and said that they were on their way to Kardjali and did I want to go.  Two things I wanted to do was finalise the shopping which I've done and get my ticket for the bus for Saturday which I've also done.  Unfortunately Kardjali did entail a visit to Lidl and Billa so there are things in the freezer that I had no intention of buying but it's always the way and I'm o the Baileys look and taste alike this evening.  When asked what I was going to have with it by the Librarian, my immediate response was...more of the same...very morish.

Not into supper, we snacked on the way back from shopping.  Only six more presents to wrap and that's me finished and the cards to write now that I've managed to get some envelopes to put them in.  Phoned Bekir and it's a nine o'clock pickup tomorrow...I want the streets to be aired a little before I set off...last day of term for all of us...LN....where's that bottle....oopps...NL



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Elsa Peters
December 12, 2013, 7:39pm Report to Moderator

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Thursday 12th December

Early morning fire patrol, into my new Jim Butcher and over to pick up the  men at nine o'clock and the road was not too bad with only a few places not visited by yesterday's sun remaining under ice.  Men carried on making the panels for the wall, Emula came round to talk to Bekir complaining that his house isn't warm since they haven't got any wood and that's why he's standing talking in my little house.  

Into Djebel for some more welding rods for the panels...picked up some more Reparil Gel from my twinkly chemist and told him that I'd damaged my shoulder playing basketball...he looked at me strangely but I skipped away laughing.  Over to the 'everything' shop for some more wrapping paper so everything now is  completed....packed away...labelled...delivery starts today.  Men said that they had finished and it was just five of the clock.  So I went out to look and the new panels that they had made were still sitting at the base of the wall and not welded into place.  Apparently they had run out of time, light stopped play and I am over that barrel where they need not work tomorrow but  if they don't the panels are quick pickings for any roaming Romany....not good. Upshot is...they are working tomorrow and I'm picking them up at eight thirty in the morning.

So I'm over at the Librarian's tonight.  Lovely beef supper and I brought  over a three litre wine box that will be here when I'm not.  Quick update tonight....I'm home after I pick up the men and packing is on the agenda.  Goodnight from me....it's time I came up with the LN and got on to helping with the wine box...Pickies of the wall tomorrow and the fence....down to the serious stuff....LN
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Elsa Peters
December 13, 2013, 4:27pm Report to Moderator

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Friday 13th December

Slept OK and was warm in my little nest at the Librarians and we both started to circulate at about seven this morning.  Dogs were put out to do their morning business and I put my outdoor clothes on top of my pyjamas and after two coffees was ready to pick the men up at eight thirty.  So they got stuck in straightaway and the snow that was threatened was no more that a few flakes but it was still a little chilly out.  The sun tried desparately to break through, there was a glimmer or hope but off it went again into the great beyond but not a bad day.  I emptied out the fridge and got rid of stuff that will be out of date by my return, the cats hung around for a while but I got the bonfire going really well just to get rid of the debris. Spent some of the morning sorting out keys and padlocks so that we all have the appropriate sets...what a job that was.

Wall is complete now with the metal panels and only a few hats of the columns to be done but I'm sure it will manage for the winter without.  The porch to the little house is now shrouded in polythene to keep out the snow and they did in one hour what it took me half a day last year to do and theirs looks much neater.  I also asked them to put some down pipes on from the roof gutters so that it doesn't linger in the foundations so they got four of them fixed to take the water away from the garage and into the ditch at the front of the house.  Unfortunately where I had cleared up most of the leaves from the yard Bekir decided to clear out the gutters and job well done but I'm hoping for a stiff breeze to remove them to someone else's garden or over the hills and far away.  Men home, I gave them their gifts from me and they both seemed quite touched that they had presents.  They took their welding gear home with them and the rest of their toys and I've sent Bekir home with a full set of keys as a precaution and the instructions are that if there is a problem that my Avatar will phone Bekir and the wheels will be put into motion.  Kept stopping the car tonight to take photos...the sky was so lovely.

Off to deliver presents to my students family this evening, my other student's family will have theirs tomorrow when I drop off the Beast at the garage so that at least I have one good car to come back to.  Back to do my packing but it's not as if I've much to take....passport, money, boarding pass and credit card, a couple of Bulgarian vests, woollen sock and tights and a spare pair of jeans and that will be me done and dusted.  

So supper will be what' left....I can't be bothered to get changed to go out tonight so they will take me as they find me and I'll shower and shampoo in the morning when I've locked up the estate and delivered the village presents.  Let's get going....last day is always the worst....LN....I have things to do...LN





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Elsa Peters
December 14, 2013, 5:58am Report to Moderator

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Saturday 14th December

Well quite an early start and went to get a big log from the fire and realised that the outside wood container was still in the little house and Bekir had been very efficient and locked it up.  Now to find the key ....but I managed it and so far the system seems to be working but let's see how well it stands up to a ten thirty departure.

Flipping lots of minuses below this morning and white over but fortunately the sun has just come up so the fire will have some assistance at lifting the temperature above the pain threshold....unfortunately my core temperature has dropped with washing my hair and taking off several layers of the dust that appears to keep up warm.  I think my PJ's have made it to the washing machine on their own.  

So last view from my desk for a while...tomorrow I'll be waking up in my other bed which is equally as comfortable but without the nest to snuggle in to.  I might just have to go and buy a couple of fleece blankets and get the sewing machine out....No update tonight....flight doesn't land until after ten so I shall be starting to flake around that time so your daily fix is here....LD



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December 14, 2013, 12:43pm Report to Moderator
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Wish I had a view like that from my desk! Have a good Xmas!
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Elsa Peters
December 15, 2013, 8:46pm Report to Moderator

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Sunday 15th December

Thanks Tabs...I'm already missing the view....

Not a bad journey up to Sofia yesterday and arrived in plenty of time to settle into Angry Birds and Jim Butcher.  Came time to check the bag in and the lady on the check-in desk looked at my luggage and said it had to be checked to see if it fitted in their containers so told her that it had already done the journey twice before between there and London but she wasn't having it so I rammed it home, showed her that this ugly sister could get the slipper to fit and then she offered to carry it for free if I'd put it in the hold.  Now since I had intended it to travel with me and not put any locks on to it I said that I wanted to keep it with me and asked if it was a busy flight.  She replied that it wasn't and I told her that I had jewellery in there and no way did I want to lose sight of it.  Eventually I was given the green light but so much for the easy-jet email advising me that they had confirmed that provided that luggage met their specification even if it was slightly over, it would travel for free.  I think I might have to leave feedback.  Flight was a little hairy....quite a lot of turbulence and the landing was quite spectacular with a severe crosswind and the Bulgarians on the flight applauded when eventually we arrived at the terminal.  Don't you just love it ...and the Scandinavians also have this annoying habit.

Woke up at three this morning and completely disorientated and couldn't find my way out of my bedroom to get to the loo....and it took a while to realise where I was.  I'd fallen into a really deep sleep...but went straight off again and eventually put on the light at what a thought was six forty but unfortunately the bedside clock hadn't been changed...it was one hour out so read for a while and at seven decided to rest my weary head and slept until seven.  Breakfast was Marmite on toast knowing that it was going to be a day of feasting later

Over to my daughter's for lunch along with my ex and his wife and a very civilised family occasion.  Big pork roast and now I think I shan't need anything for a week....I'm not used to big meals.  Played around with maths homework online and my daughter and myself were calculating angles in polygons, circumferences and diameters using all of the things that we'd both forgotten.....it was a silly afternoon.  It was the next stage on from my grandson's homework and I was amazed to see homework so formulated and I think if it had been around when I was learning it. I could have gotten the hang of it.

Home now...as for the weather, it's been persisting it down all day...not really pleasant at all.....I've looked at the temperatures for home...cold but sunny...maybe I flew out a little early.  Tomorrow shopping and card writing....it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas...LN...not much changes....I'm down to find something to drink...LN
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Elsa Peters
December 16, 2013, 8:01pm Report to Moderator

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Monday 16th December

Six o'clock start this morning and finished Jim Butcher and got settled with Angry Birds until I could start to disturb the household, all one of them at about seven.  Went on to the computer and noticed that there was a hint of pink in the sky so rushed to get the camera.  Sod's law...by the time that I looked again it was very small hint of pink but I managed to grab it anyway.  The wind was howling around the house, and the rain was lashing but eventually it sorted itself out and the temperature climbed somewhat.

My task for the day to try to get my bus pass renewed but this was thwarted by the fact that I'm considered to be no longer resident in the UK...some little lady with access to local records decreed...not eligible so for the time that I'm here...not too great a problem.  Walked into the shopping centre and I was amazed at the number of people and the fury with which they were shopping.  I'd forgotten what it was like.  I did Primark and managed to get another pair of skinny jeans since I noticed that I'd gone through the backside of a pair that I had to leave in BG so this is a replacement and I didn't exactly splurge out.  I headed for Smiths and picked up cards and books that I know will be appreciated, generally mooched around realising that at about one thirty I'd had enough and felt that I needed to head home.  On to the bus, got the last seat at the front and unfortunately a lady on crutches got on after two stops so in my usual fashion I got up and indicated that she could have my seat but the lady next to me was getting off at the next stop so I sat down again and she joined me.  We struck up a conversation, she said that she had been born with the deformity and had had eight operations as a child ending up in a wheelchair but through sheer cussedness she got herself free of it and had had a few years without incapacity but unfortunately she had had a hip replacement that hadn't worked and now has to have her femur broken, trimmed and replaced.  By the time that she was ready to leave, we found out so much about each other and realised that we were both more or less out of the same pod for character...stubborn little tykes that didn't respond well to people telling us that we couldn't do things and we waved to each other as the bus pulled away.

Home, Christmas cards completed, found some that I hadn't used up from previous years for the general ones and into the post box they'll go tomorrow apart from the two that the addresses for them are in BG. yes I forgot them and now emails have gone out to try to recoup the information.  Just watch Nigella's Christmas cookery special and I watched it until I could watch it no more.  There was a certain fridge cake that you wouldn't want to drive after eating....well I'll rephrase that....you probably would want to but you wouldn't make a good job of it.  Number one son phoned this evening....I thanked him for the presents delivered by my ex yesterday and I think we might make arrangements for the weekend after Christmas.  That will be good.

Eight of my time now.....need to find another book...this tele thing doesn't do much for me....I'm thinking that snuggling up with a little port might just be what the doctor ordered.  LN....I'm hoping that the weather is going to improve or I'll be checking my feet for signs of webbing....I'll keep you updated...LN



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My Diary by Elsa Peters (only location)

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