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stevetuba.co.uk
Days in the life of a Curmudgeon...2008.
Velence...September 1st 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0856hrs....Was up in time to catch Istvan heading for work...(0530hrs)...and went back to bed. The kitten without a name (KWAN) was up also and I fed her. Up again at 0800hrs...and she was there again...ditto food. I heard it first...and it sounded like Thomas Black‘s motorcycle...and it was. It’s the time of the contrails again...that I first observed in England...old contrails crisscrossing the sky. Watched Braveheart for the first time last night. Did the usual yesterday as I cleaned up the area...spent lots of time reading...hope to do more of the same today...again cool. Though yesterday I had to create a tent to keep the blazing sun off of me...and hence it will be easier to so again today. Did not get called over for dinner yesterday...not sure if it means anything. Velence...September 2nd 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0503hrs...I’m up because of a measly mosquito...about 30 mins ago. I did the half and half routine...but the back half was not good...because of the twilight and some thin clouds. Yesterday Pityu came by...while I was out on the balcony reading...to return a tools that I’d lent him a month ago and some mail. He came up...and I got out the wine I bought a week ago. We chatted...and later his phone went off. Lajos...looking for some wine. I was not surprised that he showed up sometime later. I had hit the close store yesterday...and for some reason I bought another bottle of the same wine I already had...So it worked out well that I was able to give him a glass also...and we continued to chat. A bit later...Istvan appears on his bike...coming home...and though he stayed down...he joined in the conversation...that had by then moved to KWAN...since...she’s a he...he was running about...waiting to get fed again. Yesterday I sent an email to Joe Jarfas...asking for DNA information...but as of last night I’d not heard back. 0528hrs...At 0524hrs...I noticed the time...and made it for the door. Gads...just as I opened it there was Istvan heading for work...hello...goodbye... as we continued on our missions. I had remembered that at 0524hrs...the ISS would be visible. It was...through clouds. No big deal. Velence...September 3rd 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0601hrs...Up for 30 mins. Kwan was waiting. Fed same. Yesterday his Mom showed up while he was eating...and for a few bites they shared the same plate...but then Mom got a bit testy and hissed at Kwan...who cowered but held his ground. She’s out there now on the other side of Kemping...looking for mice. It’s going to be another hot day. Glad that the nights are cool though as apposed to last year. Yesterday Cila called out while I was just inside so I went back out and we chatted. I did in fact send the Family Trees to Joe Jarfas. 0706hrs...The cleanup and hence re-reading will continue today. Yesterday I hit the far store...and I will need to hit the close one today. I found a stash of negatives that I’d set aside for later...underneath a bunch of papers. Not hot to look at them now. 0736hrs...I shall now retire to the confines of the balcony...in a stupor of drink...strong...taking all back out which but last night...nocturnally...I having laboring greatly...brought in...and take up where I’d left off sorting and reading of matters of great import in the matter relating to the oft mentioned subject that need not be mentioned herewith...forthwith...and I must add...in a tone of sexual explicitness for which it has been written I did...not in fact...though rendered impotent just thinking about. Reading More...as in Sir Thomas More...or more correctly of him...is takign its revenge in my writing style. Love it. I would council that she take the matter of the rings under consideration...with great care given the volatile nature of such matters as they want to be...normally or otherwise...lest it putrefy not just the mind but the body I should say more so...given the great quantity of drink...strong...consumed daily...dare I say hourly...ingested to hearted the soul...but having just the opposite effect...to make the now pickled mind think it clever...beyond it’s capacity... and not only to think...but to not hear that which is plain to others...now muddy and fouled by weak memory of past wrong deeds...contrived to be reversed...such that that which was...is now not...and that which was not...now is. 0813hrs...Fed Mom. And I now go out...to read. 1955hrs...Closed up the house so that I fight with just the mosquitoes that are inside...if any. Have managed to go through another stack of papers. I read those that looked pertinent to my cause. Things went well enough until it was time to move my solar blast shield to position two. I did manage to erect it...but as I was well into reading the wind picked up something ferocious...and paper began to take off. Deftly I slammed one hand down on one pile of papers...the same with the other...which was fine...GOT ANOTHER ONE...which was fine...but the wind was so strong that the blanket was blown onto table and my face...leaving my hands on the other side. Thus blinded...I could not let go of anything...to clear the blanket...hence had to wait for the wind to blow it over my head. It was so bad that I shut it down. Yesterday I download a few pages written by Dr. Feynman. Today a few more...and read them all...well...one page to go. Good stuff. Fed Kwan and Mom...twice today. Had gone to the near store as planned this morning. Have not answered Joe’s email...have to think on it. 2033hrs...GOT ONE!...with the two hand clap technique. Got a second one while editing above. (Mosquitos). 2057hrs... 2106hrs...Time to pull the plug...It’s HOUSE night. Velence...September 4th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0238hrs...Drinking a cup of Java. Was up and outside at 0210hrs...and checked out the stars....Yeah I know what you’re thinking...He’s going to say that "They were all there."...no I’m not. Saw three meteors...one good one...left a trail. The Milky Way was easy to see...and I checked out the Andromeda Galaxy...nearly straight up. 0313hrs...Just in again. They were all there. And I saw two more...bright ones...with trails. Interestingly...no sats. 0810hrs...Was up at 0700hrs. Kwan was waiting. Mon came later. Need to hit the doctors office...not sure of the schedule...though I have a photo of it somewhere. Cila and Istvan passed through last night with bikes and was told that the date has been set for the grape harvest...but I was not listening close enough to catch it. However it must be the 13th as I’d figured before. Will need to make sure...since I will need fresh batteries for both cameras and flash. I also plan to take the GPS. I had asked which way the rows of grapevines were oriented...and was told north/south...though I thought there was a dissenting opinion. I later looked at satellite images of the area...and nothing looked to be going north/south...and I never did find what I thought was the exact location...hence the GPS. 1228hrs...Mom showed up...and now Kwan. I looked for the schedule photo...no luck. Got an mail from Bill. Mary Lou in a bad way. Also the latest on my "stuff"...not the best news. Thinking! HARD! I’m getting ready to hit the far store and the doctor’s office. Hot out there...though there is a wind. 1441hrs...I’m back...duh. 1523hrs...Just fed Kwan. Istvan got home...early. I hit the doctor’s office and there was no one waiting and the inner door was open. Updated the secretary with my latest cards...and asked that she get me the prescriptions that I needed. Come back in 45 mins...she says. Ok. This meant that when I got back...she'd have them ready. I then headed for the store...and spotted Sari watering the grass so I crossed over the High Street and through the gate. I was invited inside...and we chatted...and I stayed past the 45 mins. Back there and got the slips...back across the High Street...chemists...do it etc. Then the store. Bought two swallow bowls for Kwan and Mom...I think Pop is in the mix now also. Later known as the other. It’s clouding up and I think there maybe something brewing. The animation showed the same...but I will know better once online again. 1923hrs...Fed them. New bowls...they liked it. 2005hrs...Have answered all my emails. Got one off to Rick...to see if he was interested...and I’m holding one for Steve Swift...to see what Rick has to say first. Answered Joe’s also...in which I made a good case for doing Family Trees on a spreadsheet. Have exhausted Dr. Feynman for now. Did no other sorting/reading today...windy and lost time. It is to be on the 13th for the grape harvest. There is a bunch going west this Saturday...to visit...Dori at her...now home...along with sightseeing the area...I opted not to go. Don’t know if Cila and crew are going or not...but have it in good authority that Pityu is not. I say "now home" re Dori because it’s not permanent...just a matter of convenience...for now. Had a dream yesterday...and in one scene the sky was filled with birds flying at all altitudes...and at one point there were rust colored chickens...flying low enough to almost grab. Don’t ask me what it meant. Though I now remember that there was someone with me...and I said...yelled..."look up...look up"...then the hens came. I had planned to set up the C8 tonight...but it’s now partly cloudy. I made a note...that at 0500hrs tomorrow there will be a fair pass of the ISS and just before that...the Progress supply ship. Oh...I have to go back the chemist’s tomorrow to pick up the shortage today...though it’s not now critical. Reading More is interesting but difficult...and if they talked that way...GADS! Speaking of GADS...this is page 336. I really should transfer, edit and upload this document to date. I remember the sniveling pudgy bastard standing behind me during childhood confrontations...and hearing him repeat the better parts of what I said. Getting a thrill out of it I guess. Their mother would not let then play high school football...but the older one sure as hell pretended to know all about it out in the street. Speaking of which...there is some questions about Dartmouth Collage in my mind too. Was it a plain drop out...or something else? And if so...what’s with the links to it now? Something smells fishy to me...if he never graduated. I ponder Light (The Photon) again. Oh...I asked what the game plan is if it rains on the 13th ...and Sari said simply that it will not rain. I have a feeling about this one. She went on to say though that it had happened before...and worse...and that they worked through it. Oh...I have also been totally off...of any music...for weeks now. Don’t know why. HOUSE was interesting last night...though because of my deficiency in Magyar...I missed part of the plot ending...as in...what happened? Another things that getting "OLD"...is the fact that there are only so many voice over characters to work with in HU Land...so that no sooner do you do you get used to a voice being connected with a given character...that naturally when that same voice is heard again in another flick...playing a different character...but can’t help connecting it to the first one. It would be like John Wayne dubbing over three or four other actors...say Marlon Brando in Apocalypse Now...for one. Marlon Brando in The Godfather...you get the idea. Velence...September 5th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0528hrs...Outside...on time for Progress...not good...clouds. Waited...for the ISS...saw it just over the top of Agnes’ old house...but it went down hill from there. So who’s waiting for me but Kwan...I went inside for a packet of cat food...and poured it into the bowl that was there from last night. Came in for some milk. Who’s there when I return but Mom. Back inside for more food...and the second bowl...by which time Mom’s eating Kwan’s food. I separate the two cats...and they settle down to eat. At that time I hear Istvan making his way through the last gate...hello...goodbye. Last night I saw the hedgehog. I came close to going out and photographing it...but didn’t. Normally it traverses the yard quite fast so most times it’s not really viable for me to go out. Yesterday it stayed for some time...but I was not ready for it as such. I had the wrong lens on the D200...and the D70 was not a good choice. 1259hrs...At just before 1100hrs...Jutka called...store...20 mins...OK. Hence I’m back. Had an email from both Bill and Rick...which I will answer today...though later. Velence...September 6th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0605hrs...Was up at 0540hrs...and went out the front door...to find all the cats waiting. Kwan is now inside playing. Last night Pityu showed up with a list of the wedding photos that Dori made up...that I will now have to go through. It’s a long list! 0730hrs...Had an email from Rick. Missed a number in Bill’s phone number. Sure as hell. Yesterday I finally took a look at the "S" account. Changed the password as was recommended...and to one that I will be able to remember. The totals...the bottom line as it were are ok...and the history is clean...no anomalies...no drama. 1031hrs...Have showered. Pityu showed up regarding my quest for ink. We will go to his fiends place...and with luck get same. 1149hrs...Have taken Dori’s list and entered the data onto a spreadsheet. Sorted it. Looked for dupes...found 10. There are 169 frame to contend with...which at 2 mins per is close to 6 hours of work! I will wait till it gets dark...because it’s not possible to judge the brightness properly at this time. 1212hrs...Who is/was Rhoda Corbett? Class of ‘61. Nice looking too! I ask because she was the only senior girl to sign my ‘61 annual. Velence...September 7th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0857hrs...Was up at 0400hrs...because I wanted another shot at Progress. The cats were already waiting! Did not see Progress...but later the ISS came into view...but was unable to see the now detached Jules Verne module. Too close I guess. Had an email waiting from Rich...I was pleased...and that he would contact Bill...And I sent an email to Bill explaining things. So there I was at the second store with Jutka...where I normally do not go...and was cuing up. There was a woman and a younger guy ahead of me with a full cart. I’d noticed her before because she was holding the collar of her dress over the corner of her mouth. And when she talked to the young guy...she went close and whispered. Looking back now...what she whispered...must have been to the effect that he was to stay put...while she went off to gather more things for her cart. So there I am taking this in...when the young guy takes off...leaving the cart unattended...and the cart ahead has moved along...leaving a large gap. Now what would you have done? I moved my cart ahead into the large gap. About then the young guy shows up...and indicates that he was ahead of me...AND that he had ONLY gone JUST there...pointing. I point out to him that he/they left the cart...and indicated that I only had a few items in my cart...meaning that it was not that great of loss in time for them...to which he agreed in effect. Just about then the bitch reappeared and came unglued. As I was pointing out to her that the car was left unattended she rams her cart ahead of mine. And to finish it off...she gave the young guy a great big DiNozzo! If my Hungarian would have been up to it...I would have pointed out to her that...hey...if you’re shopping here...it this crummy little store...don’t be putting on as though you where a "somebody". 1303hrs...Just finished going through 169 frame...rotate and crop. I shall now rest. The next step will be PhotoShop...histogram, contrast, brightness, dodging, burning...which I’ll do when darker. 1604hrs...HOT! Phone...Saci...wanting to know if I’d gotten Dori’s list...which it turns out she written...yes...ok. 1952hrs...HOT! Had email from Rick and Joe...answered both. Did I say that it was HOT? Cooler tomorrow. Took a few frames for a spin in PS...just to see...and get a feel for them. Glad to see that some will be much better than anyone has seen. Velence...September 8th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0714hrs...Up at 0653hrs...Coffee...fed the cats...with the last of it. Need to hit the far store this morning...say I. Last night I thought I saw distant lightning to the south...it was. AND this morning it’s all wet out there...as in rain! It’s 27° C in the house...gads...so the doors are open...to cool things down. Kwan is also inside! 0733hrs...It’s now in fact raining. There was nothing in the forecast about rain as I remember from yesterday. But I did see clouds on the sat images. It could be like this on the 13th! 0817hrs...Now 24°C inside...that’s better. I will have till Saturday to get Dori’s photos in order...if the plan is for her to see them at the earliest. She will be here for the harvest...but it will end up taking all day and into the night...so there will not be a chance then. Perhaps on Sunday. I know that everyone will be tiered...myself included. 1132hrs...Just back from the far store. The last email from Joe is on my mind. He pulled out the old...I heard this over 50 years ago...about the word tuba and dove. I had said in my last email that the word tuba has no meaning in Magyar...which I stand by. If that’s the best he is able to come up with...well...gads! I’ve been researching this for over a year...and that one was never really in the running. 1613hrs...Have fixed lunch...ok it’s late...but I went over to visit with Cila...and I gave her some monies...60K.pityu got home too...chatted about grapes and such. Velence...September 9th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0605hrs...Was up at 0430hrs. Pissed...you know I am. More on this later. I noted last night this morning apparitions...of Progress, Jules Verne and the ISS...and though I was up I changed my mind as to watching...but ultimately changed it back. I found the slip of paper on which I written the times...and elevations...and with a small LED flashlight headed outside. As I did I heard a sound...but continued. I was early...so I sipped my coffee and looked up at the brightening sky. It was just dark enough...hence the light...so that I reached into my pocket for it...only find it missing...damn...the sound. Progress was again not sighted...though this time I saw Jules Verne and later the ISS...just when Istvan was making his way through the gates. 1559hrs...Well boys and girls it’s been another exciting day in the neighborhood. I have been to the close store...and bought cat food! Kwan has been in and out...having found two places to crash. Last night I put him out. Have spent time sorting/reading old printouts...and some new downloads. I have one major stack of old printouts that I think are...will be...mostly Y-DNA stuff...but we will see soon enough. It’s also been on the HOT side! Had to set up the solar blast shield configurations one and two. 1916hrs...So I was out there reading...Kwan is out in the yard stalking blades of grass when this huge black dog enters the scene. Dog sees Kwan...Kwan runs up tree. From the relative safety of the balcony...having shrewdly calculated that there was not a chance in hell the dog could reach me...I looked into its eyes and commanded it to leave the area...at once. I found it necessary to repeat the command a few more times because it must not have understood it the first two times. WELL...the dog...never taking its eyes off of mine...GROWLED! Ok fine...and commenced to sniff around the boat...because about the same time another cat that is in some way related to Kwan ducks under the boat. The dog follows...but sees that that was not going to work...makes it’s way around to the other side and ducks under into a larger opening. The owner of said large black dog is now on the property also...and I see that...the dog may well get in...but perhaps not out so easily...as it’s tail nearly disappears from view. The cat sensing the situation...exits. The large black dog manages to extricate itself in one piece...and pursues cat at a high rate of speed...and the quickly disappears...followed by the female owner. Kwan it up the tree! Velence...September 10th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0526hrs...Up at 0500hrs...ISS and Jules Verne Great passes. 0557hrs...The shoot went well. I’ll look at them now. 0616hrs...Not bad. 1306hrs...Have policed the kitchen...just now...and did some reading outside earlier...but the winds are back...and I will now have to move my solar blast shield...to position two...which is not the best since the wind hits it broadside. After shooting the ISS and Jules Verne...I went back to bed but was unable to really sleep because I had no idea when Pityu might arrive...and Kwan was restless...having found a stupid place to sleep...and kept making noises with a plastic bag. It was scheduled for today that he was to take me to the "paper guy" for ink. I need not have worried...since he has no come as yet. Hell...I could have "slept in". Just back from looking at the first few frame. What a difference closeness makes! Today Rick will be heading south. Good luck dude. Oh...the other day BBC Weather showed rain for Saturday. The next day did not...and now it’s back to rain again...and Sunday. 1402hrs...Had been cooking...phone...Jutka...another card...and two bills. She is concerned about the weather for Saturday...I told her what I knew. Her problem is that there is a lot of cooking that she will need to do...and if Saturday is a bust...then she would not start at all...delaying things for a week. Told her that I will keep an eye on conditions. 1946hrs...Had a call...Cila...Pityu mad that Anci never contacted/picked me or picked me up. She had Pityu’s car...and was to have done so. So it’s now on for tomorrow before noon sometime. I asked that she call me. Explains why Pityu never came. Par. 2008hrs...Phone...Cila...asking for a weather report for Saturday. I told her. BBC now has rain for Friday, Saturday and Sunday! Sat images will tell me more...but as of now I don’t see anything major. 2025hrs...Phone...looking for Cila. Reading some new downloads today. DC to blue light stuff. It got dark outside so I stopped. OH! Kwan figured it all out. I was worried that it might mean spending the night in the tree...but about 10 mins after I gave trying to talk it down...Kwan showed up non the worse for it. I was about ready to call Superman. Velence...September 11th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0518hrs...Up at 0435hrs...I stepped out and damn if Mom’s not there asking for food. Back in...kitchen...out the side door...there is Kwan...feed both. Made a cup...and out on the balcony...and a bit later I see a light...it’s Istvan...a bit strange I thought. Talked grapes...and the weather. Oh...forgot to mention...it was/is overcast! 0945hrs...Had a call...Anci...taking Pityu to the cellar and then picking me up...in about 20 mins. I got up just before the call...0925hrs...and I now see that there was a bit of rain. I now wait. 1133hrs...Back. It was off to Jutka’s first...picked up bills and another card. Then to Bela’s to pick up a tile cutter...and a sample roll pin for the defective grape pressing machine. I hit the cash point and then the far store because it was just there. Then we went to the "paper" store for ink. Done deal...should see it tomorrow if not tonight...great news! Across the street for the roll pins. Done deal. Back to Bela’s. Pins are too short. Anci goes...I stay. She returns...we leave...heading for the cellar with the tile cutter for Pityu. Arrive...a glass of wine...talk...talk...and leave. Really exciting stuff...I’d say! Back here...Kwan is waiting...feed same...happy kitten. It’s now in it’s second hang out...on the couch...right on top of my stuff. 1941hrs...Have fed Kwan and Mom. Had to make a run to the close store...but they only had one packet of four...so I’m short...cat food. Checked tomorrow mornings sat stats...and wrote it down. I may get up. Oh...the last shots of the ISS are quite good. Reading back...I now note that I have not heard from Anci...about the ink...so I guess/hope we don’t do it tonight. Saturday’s weather again looks to be ok. Clouds...cool...and no rain...per the BBC. 2010hrs...In from being out. Kwan is out there playing mighty hunter...and the last time I saw him...he was up a tree...by design. Reading the last downloads...about EME stuff. I would be interested in the ME portion. Also reading about the big dishes...which anyone serious about it goes for...and the bigger the better. Most exciting. I also see that there are more signals in the telemetry band...for which I have two receivers...but would need to build low noise pre-amps for that band. And maybe soup up the receivers also...naturally. Sad...all my stuff...and no way to use it. (Earth-Moon-Earth...Moon bounce). Velence...September 12th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0801hrs...Showered...just. Now I wait for Anci’s call. I was outside at 0330hrs...and it was overcast. It now shows to have rained some...since. I’ll need to see the sat shots. 0812hrs...I thought I was safe here at computer one...but Kwan has climbed over the back of the couch...onto the desk...and since that desk is close to this one that the next thing I know...he’s on my shoulder...and a bit later down my arm...I need say no more. 0841hrs...THE call...ten mins...ok. 1031hrs...Have been back for awhile. We have ink! And cat food. Hit the cash point and paid my internet bill. We had stopped at Jutka’s...to only drop of some walnuts...in and out as in were...but Anci called me in because Jutka was not feeling well. Took BP and pulse measurements...they were in fact high. Over time it all came back towards normal. She had needed to hit the store for meat...so in the end Anci did the shopping which worked out well for me too. Niki will bring the meat back to Jutka...and help out. I will be on call if problems arise. Anci and crew will then head into the slopes for Bela’s grape harvest. The best news of course is that I now have ink...and it cost me less than expected. What to print? Gads...it’s been so long that I will need to take a look. I may also print a frame or two for Dori. Velence...September 13th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0549hrs...Woke up at 0522hrs...up at 0530hrs. Cila will call when she gets up...but it’s now a moot point. It’s overcast some...but I can see stars...so it may be just fine weather wise. Kwan has just eaten a moth. Velence...September 14th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0622hrs...Got back about 2030hrs. It was 13°C. The cats were waiting. The wine harvest is in...and a success. The crew was a bit smaller...but we had three times the quantity...and the quality was good. 17.5% sugar! Right on the money! We had finished packing up and about to head for the cellar...when Istvan had a fit...and as I had predicted...we didn’t see him the for rest of the day. We left him at the side of the road. 0903hrs...It’s still 11°C. I have pulled the GPS coordinates for the trip to the vineyards. I’ll now put them on a spreadsheets. I will later use them to locate the vineyards on satellite images...which till now I have not been able to do. This will also confirm the true north/south line. I had asked...and it was said to be in fact north south...but from the images of the area it didn’t look right. Now I’ll know! 1544hrs...Have hit the far store...cat food...etc. Have looked at the satellite image of the vineyards...I was right...the rows are not north south as in 0° and 180°. Have downloaded the two camera’s cards. Have looked at them and printed one of Bernadette’s three girls...and friend Anna. I think they will like it...though I should print one for Anna...too. 1746hrs...Dori has just left. She called to ask if I could give her four images to take back...home...and have prints made. Turns out the four images were NOT on the original bloody list...so I had to start from scratch. I added one more frame. I also gave here the print of the girls. She thought it was great shot...asked where I’d taken it...told her...at the cellar. Velence...September 15th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0634hrs...9°C outside...20° in here...not exactly warm. Fed Mom...she was under the boat. Oh...and it’s raining. It must be realized that certain thing were never going to be "invented" in certain places...geographically speaking. The Eskimo’s were never going to contemplate, much less design and build a refrigerator...even though they know much about...cold! 1211hrs...Have been working on Dori’s images. Going well...I’m close to halfway. Time for a break. The rain continues. NBD...have not seen Kwan. 1840hrs...DONE DEAL! Dori’s images that is. Happy camper...you know I am. Kwan is in...playing in the kitchen. Raining some...a drizzle. 11°C...out...and 20°C inside. Velence...September 16th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0520hrs...Coffee...It’s raining lightly under heavy overcast. It’s 10°C...out...and 19°C inside. 0605hrs...Mon showed up...then Kwan...fed same. Kwan is now inside. The trash is out...had to put on rubber boots. 0845hrs...Up again. Stopped raining. Had an email from Joe Jarfas...the point of which was a link to a page...which I’d found about a week ago. IMHO his interpretation is not correct. This is Latin text...so I will need it translated...but there is no way that the words separated by commas can be connected as though not there. 1206hrs...Have hit the far store...and am about to consume lunch. 1255hrs...Have called Cila asking for a good map of Hungary...with a list of village name so that I can see their locations...relative to Velence...though the epicenter may well be someplace else...with known Tuba surnames from those locations. I have one reference dated 1715 with a list of 14. Another dated 1760. 1811hrs...Cila has been here and long gone. We sent some Latin text to Dori via email...and she came back via phone with a partial translation. The plot thickens! I will now transcribe the lines of text from two Latin documents to see the differences. 1956hrs...Well now...It looks to me that the shorter one was re-written from the longer source...and some phrasing changes...and some spelling differences also. Dori’s short (quick) translations of one line...sentence...is something to the effect that the named individuals...(6)...presumably in the army/guards...under/in the service of the church(?)...were to receive...land. I dug up further words...that indicated that there was something in the quantity of 70...also included. One of the named individuals was a TUBA. This was in 1224! Just "TUBA"...nothing else. The other names I took to be...just the same...one name...names. This also would seem to indicate that that TUBA was someone of some...as yet not known...distinction. After all...it was written down. The rest of the text will need to be translated! I sense that there is more to it. If the whole "page" deals with...as in leading up to the "awarded" land...then it’s a bigger deal yet...I think. Velence...September 17th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0703hrs...Coffee...Overcast...small heater running. Istvan came over last night to retrieve Cila’s coat. She’d forgotten it when here. He asked about firing off the house heat...I said yes...so it will get done...but as I now see it...it won’t be until late this afternoon. "The" document starts out...my translation: 1224...pulled from the body of the document...as MCCXXIV. In the name of the Holy Trinity, and Indiuidue Vnitatis. Andrew (II) by the grace of God (king of) Hungarie, Dalmacie, Croacie, Rame, Seruie, Galacie, Lodomereque (is) King forever. With...quelibet...(a) just/equitable petition...(is presented) in the Royal/Regal presence of (the) Serene Excellency...sit admittenda, That/these greatly deserving(ly) judged...(men)(as) ones of the best, and be entitled to...(a big gap)...Vros Abbot (of) Saint Martin from (at) Sacro Mountain of Pannonie (this is the area west and south of the Danube River)...(gap)...from nostram accedens presenciam urgently and...(long gap)... 1404hrs...Have just done lunch. Spent all morning so far translating...word for word...when I can find it...the document in question. Basically it explains the reasons why these named individualsshould get that which will be stated. It occurred to me that for this document to have real meaning to the named individuals...it is not enough to just say that they got something...but that it would need to be spelled out...as it were. I sure as hell would want to know where...also. There is mention of an island...and the number 70. The island is connected to "Danubio"...presumable the Danube...as in river. Not germane to the case...are a number of named people of the church. I plan to do a GS on them...just to see. Having said that...it’s a bit of a stretch to think that a minor player at that time would be further noted in writings of the time. I list a few: Desiderio Chanadiensi, Roberto Wesprimiensi, Thoma Agriensi, Stephano Zagrabiensi, Briccio Waciensi, 2013hrs...I’m back from having made a quick run to Cila’s with my latest news. Ended up staying a bit longer than I expected. About par. Had some "must" too...very nice this year...sweet...which Istvan pointed out was not because of any added sugar....just straight from the grapes. I’m getting killed in the market...down over $1000...today! The DOW is down over 300 points. It will get much worse...methinks. Oh...Pityu is ill...so I’ll not get the heat turned on tonight. Velence...September 18th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0555hrs...Coffee...Feeding Kwan. Mom’s not here...yet. Did I mention the "we’re" expecting? 0628hrs... 0717hrs...Just out of the shower...a bit chilly...at 19°C...outside it’s 8°C. Picking it up again. "The" document starts out...my translation: 1224...pulled from the body of the document...as MCCXXIV. In the name of the Holy Trinity, and Indiuidue Vnitatis. Andrew (II) by the grace of God (king of) Hungarie, Dalmacie, Croacie, Rame, Seruie, Galacie, Lodomereque (is) King forever. With...quelibet...(a) just/equitable petition...(is presented) in the Royal/Regal presence of (the) Serene Excellency...sit admittenda, That/these greatly deserving(ly) judged...(men)(as) ones of the best, and be entitled to...(a big gap)...Vros Abbot (of) Saint Martin from (at) Sacro Mountain of Pannonie (this is the area west and south of the Danube River)...(gap)...from nostram accedens presenciam urgently and...(long gap)... I have now nailed a few points. In reference to "Vros"...I found a "better" spelling...as Oros...or better yet...Uros...in Magyar...a name as it were. Turns out that the he was the "commissioner" of the Abby...1207-1243. I have also found the location of "Saint Martin at Sacro Mountain...etc". It is located in western Hungary...near Gyor close to the Danube...west of Budapest. The village is named Pannonhalma...which is only about 50 miles from (here) Velence. 1223hrs...Back from the far store. Mom was waiting...fed same. My word for word translation is stalled. The words as spelled do not show up on any of the word lists I found. Sometimes it’s possible to infer...but only in very few cases. The other names on the list which included TUBA...are...as spelled in the large document, followed with the spelling in the smaller one: Wtous...Wtos Gucgus...Guegus Tuba...Tuba Ybrah...Ibrah Hellevs...Helleus Tocut...Tocut It’s becoming clear that the original document was heavily influenced by German. I think that the first name on the list should read as...Utos. There is no "W" in Latin! However "W" would be pronounced as "V"...and a Latin "V" is pronounced as "U". Note the name Helleus. "V" was changed to a "U". In the second name...the "C" to "E" change is but a misread...and should have been a "E" to start with. 2115hrs...Had printed an image that had been on hold for lack of ink. I then took it over to Cila...and as I arrived...guided by a barking Puli...Bela was arriving also. I was given a bit to eat...one of my favorites...it was. Talked...and talked some more. I then sensed that it was close to 2100hrs...I got up...and was soon heading back. Velence...September 19th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0918hrs...Rough night! Had a TA...which kept me awake...though I could make a case for that third cup of coffee. Then there was the trauma of the cats. No matter when it was that I stepped outside...Mom and Kwan were there. 1100hrs...0230hrs...0520hrs...there...there and there! 1415hrs...Up again. I’d gone back to sleep...to pickup the lost time. 1435hrs...Heading for the far store. Back when I’m back. 1459hrs...Done deal. Velence...September 20th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0721hrs...Up at 0700hrs. Coffee. Fed Mom. I wait now for Pityu to show up...and fire off the heater. I went over yesterday with the latest hot news and saw that Pityu was up and a about...feeling better...and said that he’s come this morning. THE HOT News is that there was a Tuba...wait for it...(the)Saman...(Shaman)...participating in the Inquisition being held by the Church...two years after another Tuba had been awarded land as stated earlier. Interesting to speculate as to their relationship. However...there is a twist...as there always is. Tuba...the Saman...is referred to as in the title to a paragraph...translated: "Investigation (of) (the son of) Lorinc...(by the name) Tuba (a) Saman (from/at the plains of) Kalnok." The body of the text is testimony as to the character of said Tuba the Saman. 0945hrs...Just finished trying to print out said document. It has not gone well...at ALL! My printer just eats up pages...making it nearly impossible to produce a two sided page. YOU KNOW I’m PISSED OFF! AND I knew that it was sure to happen. The one interesting thing I noticed...and then searched for was the reference to "Lorinc". I thought that there may be more to it...and sure enough...there were more than 20 references to that name. The big deal is...that it can then not mean the obvious! AND more than a few that were the same as when used with Tuba (the) Saman. So he was not literally the son of...Lorinc...but something else...which could/should be a damn good thing. Otherwise it would have possibly meant that said Tuba’s name was the mothers maiden name...hence loss of bloodline. OH! Got an email from Joe Jarfas...with a translation of what I think is the short version of the documents I’d sent him. Details later. 1021hrs...WELL NOW...Tuba (the) Saman...son of...the devil...(from) Hell...not sure yet! But this is great news. 1201hrs...Just back from seeing Cila...with Joe’s email. Jutka showed up...but didn’t seem impressed. Par. She went off on a tangent...UFO’s etc...I left. 1508hrs...Back from the close store...cat food and a bottle of Vodka. 1903hrs...Still without heat. It’s not been a good day...at all. Velence...September 21st 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0737hrs...Coffee...cold out there...Kwan came...no sign of Mom. I think she’s done the deed. While out there feeding the cats...Istvan showed up...talked some. Didn’t mention the heat situation. Later I was out front...and peeked around the corner to see a dry stop where I’d seen Mom before...well there she was. It’s drizzling a bit. Kwan is in...purring here on the desk. I had a hard time keeping him from coming in last night. Kept running back in. 1348hrs...Phone 1516hrs...That’s as far as I got...when Saci arrived out front by car. She’d called...wanting to see me...ok...fine. Turned out she wanted two photos...in a hurry...I did...done deal. Talked while the printer printed...says that Pityu is again not well. Surprise to me since he looked ok yesterday. Hence again no heat. 1827hrs...Just back. Istvan came to invite me for dinner...over an hour ago. Pityu seemed ok to me. Velence...September 22nd 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0635hrs...Another rough night...seems as though I hardly slept. The research continues. It’s become much harder because the text I’m now finding is mostly in Hungarian...with which I need help. I also seem to be going off on tangents that I’m not sure will lead to anything useful. These references to "Lorinc" (Lawrence) are most mystifying. 1131hrs...Sun’s trying to break through. Still no music. Don’t know what it means. I did find one page that seems to imply that the "Lorinc fia Tuba"...the son of Lorinc (Lawrence) (is) Tuba...is then Tuba Lorinc. This would be ok. There are also what seem to be some historical references to Tuba’s...but I’ll need to have Cila read it to me. I now have a whole pile for her the read. Not sure which way to search now. Time to pull back and regroup...I’d say. Oh...I’ve made two more prints. One’s good...the other one is not all that hot. The place is a disaster area again. Tomorrow would be a good day to pick things up. Oh...I had to hit the close store...cat food. I think we have kittens...and Mom is eating like a horse. Kwan is out and about...kitten hunting. I saw it try to catch a bird. Ata boy! NCIS night! I’m burned out. I need to get these last few months of pages published. Had an email from Rick...said he’d brought back "some" stuff...I really don’t want to know the bloody details. Nothing from Bill. The TA continues...not a good thing...and Vodka doesn’t really help. I had planned to hit the chemist’s...but didn’t...they close at 1500hrs...which is not a good thing either. You can’t get Aspirin at the stores! 1959hrs...Just offline...tired...headache...TA...the works. Velence...September 23rd 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0738hrs...Coffee while feeding Kwan, Mom and the other. It’s 7°C outside. It’s mostly clear with the sun coming up. Could become a nice day. Slept well...for a change! 1335hrs...Have been to the far store...mostly cat food...and Aspirin...bought two sizes and some Paracetamol...I’m now all set! 1852hrs...Back in from being out. Istvan was finishing cutting the grass...I saw Pityu in the compound. Kwan showed up...fed same. It was then that I decided to look at the sunset from out front...and sat on "the" log. Voices...Istvan...Pityu coming. Istvan came to me...but Pityu stayed back...playing with Kwan on the stairs. Happy Kitten. Later all three of us sat on the log...and Kwan joined us...talked...Kwan listened and played. The sunset was nothing to write home about. Velence...September 24th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0446hrs...Up since 0430hrs. So who’s out there but Kwan sitting on the boat. Fed same. 0538hrs...Back to bed. 1730hrs...Just had lunch. Istvan’s out there diminishing a mound of dirt that was mostly used by young kids on bikes...as an obstacle of challenge. The cats are all fed. Istvan says that he has heard the kittens whining...on the other side of the wall. Have spent most of the day on my Latin translations. It’s a bitch. I always thought that it would be great fun to come across some ancient text...perhaps in a tomb...there waiting but for me to translate it. Fair enough...right...so here I am with some ancient text...that most probably has been transliterated at least twice...and while it is Latin...some words just don’t make it! I found a web site that does Latin to English translation. Great...I’d been there before...but this time I got it going just fine. Naturally...any word that the program does not understand...is left as is. Other words...most words in Latin...have more than one meaning...in context. Not to mention...all the typos...that even I can figure out...but the program leave as is also. Velence...September 25th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0509hrs...I took my coffee outside on the balcony...but almost immediately Mon came running from across the street. By the time I got to the front door and opened it...Kwan showed up out of nowhere. Fed them. Then back to the balcony. It had been raining...and is overcast. 0812hrs...Showered and dressed. Fed Mom and the other. 1720hrs...Sorted out those pages that I want Cila to look at. Just about 30 mins ago Istvan came into view...with a mouse for Kwan. I sent my pages back with him. The wad was about three quarters of an inch thick...Istvan noted. One thing...I had put the Latin translation of the long document on top...and Istvan began to read it...when he popped up with the observation that Gunew is in fact a place! That’s great news for me. Just goes to show. 1922hrs...Have been rereading Lucas...on the history of the Magyars...and I find that his take on some facets are the same as where my research has led me. The River Ob! This works for all known parameters...namely...the Magyars...the language...the name "Tuba"...and the DNA. Velence...September 26th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0710hrs...Coffee. 1906hrs...Just back from Cila’s. Had gotten a call earlier...Anci...my ink is in...ok...Pityu coming also...ok...don’t know why...no big deal. 1430hrs...She calls as per agreement...she’s at Cila’s. We eventually do the deed. Pityu needs cash...but the person ahead has had their card eaten by the machine...hence no cash. Anci asks if I have cash...which is in fact the case...given that while Pityu was paying bills at the post office...I was getting cash...which happened to be the main reason why we were in the area in the first place...and hence I front the 10K to buy said lumber. We then hit another cash point in order for Pityu to get the cash as he’d wanted originally...and returns said 10K. We’d bought the lumber...and take it to the Cellar...were we try the wine. Then it’s back to Cila’s...and talk...then Jutka shows up...having been at the cemetery. She gets into the conversation...but at one point it’s rays...and UFO’s again...so I step outside to talk with Jimmy the Puli. I eventually went back in...and soon Jutka leaves. Sometime later...Lajos arrives...and listens to the chatter. Eventually he leaves...and I follow soon thereafter. There we have it. I got my Light Black ink. Velence...September 27th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0354hrs...Coffee. 0439hrs...Back to bed. 0721hrs...Up. Fed all. 1747hrs...Latin transcripts...most of today...and some reading...Lucas. Hit the close store...you know the drill. Velence...September 28th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0634hrs...Coffee...Fed Mom...and the other is eating what’s left. There is color to the east. 1525hrs...Have been sorting/reading as part of generally picking up the area. Have just been to the far store.. Should have taken out more cash...because the card will expire this month. "A" should have sent the new one by now...perhaps I’ll get it in tomorrows post. Postdated 18 December 2008...Well guess what? AND I have not heard a word. She has time to read my web pages and send stupid photos...BUT this borders on criminal! Velence...September 29th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0806hrs...Coffee...it’s a bit on the cool side this morning...no clouds you see...pardon the pun. 2046hrs...Just back from Cila/Pityu’s...to drop off some prints...one for Cila and the other for Sari...because there was a chance that Bela would drop by to see about Pityu’s medical exam...and I had dinner number 2...(fried chicken). Prior to being there...I was at Bela/Sari’s...to pick up my paper cutters...which I eventually did...but not before having dinner number 1...(fried fish). Earlier I had made myself lunch...(fried turkey). Velence...September 29th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0701hrs...Coffee...Fed Mom and the other. It’s cold. 1000hrs...Well...Another plot thickens! This one is about murder. So...I came across a newspaper article dated February the 2nd of 1898 as a result of a GS. I printed the page...highlighted the word/name Tuba Istvan with the intent of passing it on to the crew...Cila, Istvan and Pityu for later translation. There were so many other results on that day...that I didn’t bother to read it closely. (it's in Magyar). While I was there yesterday I broached the subject again because the details of the short article were not at all clear in my mind...as they had first translated it to me. What I heard this time was close to the original...but I asked for more information. This again sounded...well...just too strange to be realistic. In trying to answer my doubts...the story got even more bizarre. I asked about other names...etc...but was told that there were none. I left knowing that that would not be the end of it. This morning I found the web page again and printed it. I may not be able to read Magyar (Hungarian)...straight off...but I was not born yesterday...nor did I just fall off the Turnip Truck. As the story went...as told to me...a one Tuba Istvan aged 18 was taking the wrap for a murder...by an other...(older person...a person unknown) for a sum of money...(amount undisclosed)...and hence given that he was only 18...would not hang for the crime...while the one that did do the crime...would have! When I asked who in their right mind would serve time (15 years) for a crime they did not commit...I was told that they were very good friends. "Eighteen years" (old) I exclaimed! How the hell could you have such a friend...at (only) 18 years of age? And what would have been a reasonable price to pay...for 15 years in prison? There were then references to family members that did not know about the crime at all...etc...which I was not able to follow...and not really germane to the case at hand. So...back to this mornings work. I read the article as best I could...and later used two dictionaries to translate it...word for word. I also ran the numbers...and consulted my Tuba Family Tree spreadsheet. The article said that Tuba Istvan was 18 years old in 1898...he would have been born in 1880. Scrolling over the spreadsheet...I soon came to...wait for it...Tuba Istvan...born 1880...married to a one Pinter Rosza...date unknown...with a son born in 1923 who died in 2006. The numbers work. If said Tuba Istvan spent the entire 15 years in prison...he would have been 33 years old when he got out...making the birth of a son (Istvan) at age 43 plausible. The article in essence : Headline..."JEALOUSY". "The Szekesfehervar Court of Law passed down a sentence of 15 years in prison for a one Tuba Istvan aged 18 year of Kapolnasnyek...(the next village to the northeast of Velence) a Wagoner for the merciless (read as a crime of passion...brought about by jealousy) murder of his lover...a one Molnar Mari." I need to ask again for the details as to how they know what they think they know. Postdated 18 December 2008...There is something fishy about all of this. 1337hrs...Have searched for a possible diagnosis of Pityu’s condition. Just for the record...I say that it’s Ascites. 80% of the cases are caused by liver disease...alcohol and salt intake related...both of which apply. Velence...October 1st 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0647hrs...It was a bloody mosquito that woke me up! 1255hrs...Back for some time. Jutka had called...store yes...20 mins...ok. On the way we talked about Pityu’s condition. Afterwards I hit her with the "murder" mystery. It got more confused yet...more on this later. I took a look at my spreadsheet to find names and dates...etc. Jutka had said the "a" Tuba Istvan had died just recently...as in after the OM in 2004...but before his sister...in 2006. I had just missed being here. There was still one question outstanding...so I just called Cila for clarification...and to ask about Pityu. Not good...was the word...and he may well go into hospital...etc. As for the Tuba Istvan...I see that there is a mistake on the Tree. 1911hrs...Just back from visiting with Pityu and Cila. Velence...October 2nd 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0756hrs...Coffee...Clear bright windy and cold. 0829hrs...5 mins ago...knock on door...faint. Open door...find unidentified female. She asks in what seemed to me to be a long statement that finally ended with a question. Did I have water? I asked what kind of water? Then it all came together. Water as in tap water. I told her that I did...as in the last time I tried it...some minutes before...but was convinced that I should take a look. No water...reported same. Now I will be testing it every 10 minutes...and I expect to get a call from Cila...unless of course it comes back on before she tries the tap. I planned on hitting the shower this morning...so it’s not a trivial matter. 0851hrs...We have water! 0946hrs...Again sustained booming sound from the southwest. Don’t know what the source could be. 1204hrs...It stopped some time ago. 1707hrs...Have been printing...A4...(8x10)...something for every one...mostly for Pityu. I plan to go over now...soon. 2019hrs...Pityu goes in for a CAT scan on Monday. My photos went over well. Bela showed up...and he took the two meant for Sari. The rest stayed as planned with the crew. Velence...October 3rd 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0600hrs...Coffee. Mom showed up as soon as I went out. She had been hunting. The Other showed up soon after Mom went back to hunting...and then I heard Kwan...fed same. Started reading..."Onomatosystematical Examination of the Settlement Names of Bihar Comitat in the Middle Ages"...a doctorial dissertation. Not sure where it will lead. Gads...Pay dirt on just page 2(!)...Hydronyms(!)..this could be a very important point. 1034hrs...I’ve hit the doctor’s office...and managed to get three prescriptions I needed...without seeing the doctor. The booming continues today. The rate is sometimes very high. Still...no idea what it could be. 2043hrs...Just back from reading this document for the purpose of editing some pages. I got to page 54...and will continue tomorrow. I made a number in A4 prints...mostly for Jutka. I had had just stepped outside...and there was Istvan with bike...on his way out. I asked if Cila was in...yes...and Jutka too. Ok...fine...he leaves...I grabbed the three prints and went over. Did a short show and tell...the girls leave...so Pityu I and are alone to talk about his US made fishing rod...the legend of which needs to be translated...I do...and I leave. I only got to the last gate...when I see Istvan coming...back. He had a piece of paper in his hand...and asked if I can make a copy...yes I says...and we head back here...I do the copy...he leaves. Oh...remainder to continue the Plot Thickening. Gads. Don’t have time to write about now...in full...but it’s most bizarre. Time to pull the plug. Velence...October 4th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0739hrs...Coffee...Raining...strobes are on high flash rate. 1524hrs...Just back. I had wanted to hit one of the stores for some OJ. I called over to Cila’s to ask if Jutka was there...no...ok...I would have taken over the prints that I’d made for her. Cila offers me lunch...and even though I had lunch...I went anyway...since it would be just soup. Once there...Cila says that Jutka had called to say that there was a program on TV that we should watch. We delayed lunch...and watched. I then did the show and tell. I walked to the close store...OJ...and back. Picked up the one photo that I wanted not to leave...and came back here...with Kwan...fed same. Velence...October 5th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0727hrs...Coffee...It’s 7°C...Fed Kwan and the other...since both showed up as soon as I went out the side door. Strange dreams. Back to the mystery murderer. So again...I take over to the crew the printout of a newspaper article in which I had found a reference to a Tuba Istvan dated 1898. The crew do a quick translation...and immediately go into "the" story of how it was not Istvan that had done the murder...but his good friend...and he then volunteers to do the time...15 years in prison. What a guy...I think! Incredulous is more like it. So...the conclusion is that it was in fact a relative...blah...blah...blah...BUT. Ok fine. I then spring the story on Jutka...showing her the page...and the story becomes one of...denial...that is...it could not be our relative...because "that" Istvan studied...and had become a guesthouse proprietor...(listed as such in a book...for the year 1913...and had died just recently...and hence she knew the man...for whatever that meant. One problem. In Jutka’s case...fine...there was a Tuba Istvan...as per the above...BUT he was the SON of the Istvan in question. I then re-ask the question of the crew. Cila...now states that THAT Istvan could not have married a Velence girl...given his prison record. Hence it could not be our relative. And the birth date of 1880 is just a coincidence! Adding that there were no Tuba’s...on our side of the tree living in Kapolnasnyek...a village less than a mile from here! The timeline. Said Istvan is born in 1880...in 1898...aged 18...he is sent to prison for 15 years...and would have been aged 33...in 1913...if he did in fact serve the full 15 years. There is now a little problem with the year 1913. He is listed as a Guesthouse proprietor that year...the same year he gets out. Did he learn the "trade" while in prison? Not enough details...to the story. And it’s no help hearing what I’ve heard so far. Velence...October 6th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0544hrs...Coffee. I woke up around 0100hrs...TA in progress. Popped an Aspirin...and a shot of Vodka...and stepped outside. It was cold, the stars were all there and so was Mom! Woke up again about 20 mins ago...pissed off...TA still there. Another shot of Vodka...and outside again...caught Istvan heading for work...hello...goodbye. It’s 6°C...clear. 0831hrs...Just out of the shower. I need to hit the doctor’s office again I think...and the chemist...and the store...this morning...as in real soon. 1010hrs...Done deal...no drama...not even a skit. 1459hrs...Amazingly warm...18°C...with a crazy wind. Forgot to mention that I’d asked Istvan about the booming I’d heard the other day. Says it was artillery fire...perhaps tanks too. About right...from the sounds. 1906hrs...Have been looking at the frames I’d just shot of bats. The shoot went better than the last time I‘d tried. I used the 200 this time with the Tamron zoom set at 135mm. My aim was better this time too. Still...not one frame in perfect focus. Pityu is in hospital by now for his CAT scan...everyone has their fingers crossed. Anci and Cila are with him. Cila had said earlier that she will call...or send word as to what’s going on. Spoke too soon... 1933hrs...Pityu and crew have in fact returned. The gas meter reader had been here earlier today and ask me to inform Istvan, Pityu, Bela and Jutka to read their meters...and to call in the numbers. I had called over to Pityu’s...got Istvan and told him. He is here now...from whom I was told about Pityu’s return. The result of the trip is/was a big fat zero...according to Istvan’s version...but I’m sure... 0740hrs...Just off the phone...Cila reporting in. She says that it may be three week out...before Pityu will get the CAT scan...too many patients. Postdated 18 December 2008...I think that the doctors knew the real facts...and were by this time just stalling. Velence...October 7th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0608hrs...Coffee...Have spent the last twenty mins feeding Kwan, Mom and the other. Hectic...you know it was. 0652hrs...Back to bed. I will hit the far store sometime today. Oh...there was no cat food at the close store...strange. 0848hrs...Up again. Patchy...14°C. Good light. Tonight I will try shooting bats again...but I will use to 80-200 2 8. 0954hrs...The booming has started again. 1540hrs...Just finished lunch...having hit the far store and PO to pay a bill. Fed all cats and kittens...gads! 1751hrs...Have figured out the focus assist from the SB-800 in combination with the 80-200 2 8...and have confirmed that it works even at 200mm. So now all I need are BATS! The kilometer long flight of Starlings has made it home safe. The next to show up will be the Bats. There were many last evening so I’m hoping for the same tonight. 1850hrs...Well...that was a bust. Not that many...and they left rapidly. I got three frames...all on the edge...and not in focus. Try again tomorrow. Oh...failed to comment the fact that "A" has yet to send me the card. Postdated 18 December 2008...It's a good thing I wasn't holding my breath. Postdated 6 December 2009. I'm (now) convinced that by this time"A" had no intention of sending me the card. She'd decided to "screw me over" before the day the replacement card had arrived. She'll later claim not to know of the card's pending expiration...which may be true and a moot point...given that as soon as the replacement card did arrived...her criminal...(and uncivil...Janet!)... plan went into effect. Back when...I did not have a Pet Rock...but today I found one and brought it in...home...as it were. I washed it twice...and it looks real nice. Not sure if I’ll name it yet...since I don’t know it’s gender...on a bet. It’s rather large...but as rocks go... I wouldn’t want to drop it on my toe. It’s just a plain looking rock as it’s color goes... gray all over...but a nicely shaped...piece of dough. Three sides are nearly flat...though... There is some roundness too. It looks from one angle to be a shoe. 2008hrs...It’s been a slow day. I did find three references to TUNYOGI. I’ll need Cila to read it to me. The world financial situation is on the verge of collapse. Even "Mad Dog" Cramer is advocating an all out pull out! Where was he six months ago I ask? Velence...October 8th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0404hrs...Coffee. 0852hrs...Up again...fed Kwan and Mom. 0956hrs...Well damn. I tried to log into the account and it bounced! Password no longer valid. How can that be I ask? I think the shit's hit the fan. Why? If it’s as I think...I have a really bad feeling about this. 1148hrs...Had an email from Larry Johnston...with a problem. I shall now go online and solve it for him. 1206hrs...Done deal. 1308hrs...Have copied over this document to the laptop and into WebExpress...which I’m now editing. 1528hrs...I continue editing. It’s not possible to do so without reading it...so I’m just at June 16, 2008...four months to go. 1603hrs...I had been out on the balcony...Kwan was by the boat sunning...the other was here on the deck...waiting. I fed both. Istvan arrived from work I presumed...considering the hour...Pityu goes in tomorrow. I gave Istvan three pages on Hunyogi. 2042hrs...Have been back since 2025hrs...from Cila’s...having been invited for dinner. Bela showed up...with Agnes...and left...then Anci showed up...and later she left. I was not far behind. The editing of my web page went into disaster mode...just like the last time. Damn! All the work a total waste of time and energy. I’ll hit it again tomorrow...if I can remember what the fix was. POSTEDATED 18 DECENBER 2008! Here I am in acactly the same situation! Though I think this time I've nailed it. Velence...October 9th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0818hrs...I was up at 0500hrs...but went back to bed. The reality of the web page problem is heavy on my mind. I now have to do the entire pages all over again. 1828hrs...Have just called over to Cila’s...to ask about Pityu. Nothing new. She tried to call me here...but I was at the neighbors...having been invited over...where I did a show and tell of my new...images. I only got to page 17 with this document. Damn! I was online earlier...nothing from Larry as yet. Velence...October 10th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0153hrs...Yeah...I know! Coffee. My mind is going in circles. 0725hrs...Breakfast. I worked on the document till 0338hrs...and went back to bed. I need to find the account printout sometime this morning. Velence...October 11th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0501hrs...A cup of Java...It’s foggy this morning...the first for this year. Velence...October 12th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0506hrs...A cup of Java...It’s foggy this morning. 0549hrs...Just in from out...Mom showed up...fed same. 0817hrs...Up again...fed all three. Still foggy. 1831hrs...Back from dinner with Cila and Istvan. Pityu is not eating...but went down to the lake for a bit of fishing. Cila and Istvan went to Bela/Sari’s for Judit’s name day...and then they will go to Jutka’s for the same. Velence...October 13th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0659hrs...Java. I printed maps yesterday. 1816hrs...Spent most of the day picking up again...but this time I‘ve sorted out those documents that I will most likely not read again very soon...and put them in a box. Naturally I HAD to re-read a number of them first. Another day like this and I should have it all under control. I have not spent any quality time with my Pet Rock. I dread going online...with the world markets the way they are...hence my stocks...if I still have them. Have been working on my web pages...way too intense and boring. Velence...October 14th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0545hrs...The usual Cup. Jutka has not called about my internet bill which is due to be paid by tomorrow. I may call her today. It’s foggy...but that will clear as it has for the last week. 0611hrs...Just in from out. The Other was waiting...fed same. 0637hrs...Oh...The US market was up yesterday...the portfolio was up over 1k. This is good...I hope. 0857hrs...Showered. Will get dressed now and continue from where I’d left off yesterday...sorting reading...though it’s too cold out there to do so yet. 1851hrs...I answered the phone by asking how Jutka was today? It was in fact Jutka on the other end of the line...and while I was still reading...I told her that I’d be there in an hour or so...which was the case. She needed help trimming back a tree...but I got lunch out of the deal...finished with palacsintas. Then I hit the PO to pay the bill that Jutka had for me...and the store. As I parked the bike...I saw Sari across the street heading into her house....without looking in my direction. BUT...while in the store...Sari appeared. She asked about Pityu...but I told her that I knew nothing...and mentioned that while I was at Jutka’s that she’d called over...but no answer. No email as yet from... The bad feelings continue...this can not turn out well. 1913hrs...My internet connection had gone Tango Uniform...at 1851hrs...and it’s still down. Velence...October 15th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0635hrs...Java. Overcast. Fed the other...and Mom is inside eating. 0925hrs...It’s cold out there...but I did spend a few minuets reading. The sky is clearing and the sun is making headway. Yesterday I began a list of one, two and some three letter words in Magyar. If it is as I suspect...these words are the most common and necessary words...that any language needs at the beginning of its development. He, she, this, that, the, and, or, it, if, who, what, I, give, across, an...just to name a few. This morning I went back to the Latin-English translator web page and had an amazing run of luck...with words found in the 1224 document wherein a "Tuba"...among others...is given land, an island and fishing rights. I will go back for more later today. 1244hrs...I’m on my way to Anci’s. Why you ask? I was trying to print a few pages but they would not print. I had had two drivers loaded on this machine...so I zapped the one that I knew was not in use...and THEN...zapped the last one by mistake. No driver...no print! Could not find the CD here...so I think it may be at Anci’s. Damn! 1341hrs...No such luck! I did find my Postal Union stamp collection...and will look for stamps from Tuva aka Tuba. 1345hrs...Nothing there either! 1446hrs...Done deal...as per printer. An hour! Damn. Velence...October 16th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0451hrs...Mud. Foggy. 0536hrs...So...two letter words...and the theory that all short words are old. I will be taking up the list with the letter "C" today. But let’s jump to the letter "L". We find lab=leg, lak=live, lam=see(!) well(?), lap=surface, lap=bog (different accent), lat=see, laz=temperature/fever, le=down/liquid, lep=step/move, let=existence and then we have...wait for it...lo=HORSE! This is an interesting phenomena...the first two letter word...in "L’s" is the word for a horse. And the variant word Lo (different accent)=shoot! Perhaps as in "shoot from a horse". To me this two letter word is old...hence the originators knew of the horse...and certainly knew about "shoot". 0850hrs...Up again. Fed the beasts. I will need to hit the far store today...cat food. 1320hrs...Just back from said far store. Ran into Anci...chatted. 1430hrs...Have just finished lunch. But today is my accident day...meaning drama. First to hit the floor was the bacon...and sometime soon thereafter an egg. It’s a good thing that the trip to the store went well. I have been meaning to take some data off the tires of said bike...and did so...since they are in an amazingly bad condition. This will translate into a flat...perhaps as I return...which would not be a good thing...at all. 1707hrs...Istvan has just left. I’d called over to see if anyone had found the last piece of Jutka’s connector. She had broken it the last time she was there...and I brought what pieces there were with the intent of gluing it back together. This I’ve now done...minus that one piece. NBD. Oh...he did not fine it! Velence...October 17th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0430hrs...A hot Cup. It’s windy and there is sign of having rained. 0515hrs...Yesterday’s research went well. I found references to Zuluga as a fort and Geuriensis which I believe is the name of a Diocese. I also found a reference to a one Steph(anus) Tuba dated 1698 having something to with an inquisition. Another one dated 1734 referring to a one Tube Giovanni...with a line reading "L’uomo in traffico, ossia la materia de’ contratti." The storm warning strobes are on high rate. 0544hrs...Just in from out...Mom was waiting...fed same. 0758hrs...Up again...and in from out...fed the other. Time for some breakfast. 0956hrs...I have yet to figure out what I’d done to fix my web pages the last time I had the problem that I now have. What ever it was I fixed it in NotePad...taking out incorrect dots(periods). 1016hrs...Have added a few more two letter words to my list. Velence...October 18h 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0205hrs...Java. I woke up about 30 mins ago...and I was unable to fall asleep...hence I’m up now. Thinking about two problems. One has to do with land. 0256hrs...The Latin text translation continues well enough. Still not clear though. I’ve not brought up the issue of the land with anyone here...yet. The only person that would have known was Jutka. She came into the room (her bedroom) while her mother and I were having a...supposedly...private conversation. The purpose of which was tell me that there was land that was to be mine...without specifics...that is to say that if there was...I could not make any connection as to where it was or it’s size...but later found out that it was off the main road and could someday be developed...hence of some future value. The only land that fits that description is the Skeleton Field. I have been there on a few occasions...taken there by Jutka and Pityu. This plot of land also matched up the fact that there were payments made to keep the land weed free...as in overgrown...else pay a fine. I remember at the time...back in UK Land...actually drawing plans for a house. So far no one has said a word about it. There is also the fact the there are trees out there that Jutka seems to claim as hers...that border the plot. Then there was the statement made by Pityu...I think it was on the occasion of Dori’s reception party...that the plot of land between the main road and the plot known to be ours...was also ours...though that was the first time I’d heard that. I’d hate to think that there is a conspiracy...of silence. This bring up the question as to why Juci...my father’s sister...the family's mother...had told me she wanted to tell me of the land in private....AND did she then tell everyone else...or did they already know? Were they waiting for me to say something when I was first taken out to the plot? Since there is money being spent yearly to clear the weeds...I would have thought that since it was now mine...that I would have been told that it was now my responsibility. But that did not happen. Then the question of the legal aspects regarding documentation with my name as owner. Back to bed. 0747hrs...Second cup. Cold and clear as in crispy. Fed all...with one intruder that was successfully driven off. Have put in a call to Anci...Niki answered...Anci will now call me. She is to take Pityu into Feharvar this morning...I would like to go also. 0813hrs...Phone...Anci...be at Pityu’s at 0905hrs...ok. 1725hrs. Gads. Just back from a late lunch with Istvan and Cila...Pityu was not eating. I’d gotten the call to go over just as I was about to have my own late lunch...though I had had a hotdog at the Metro supermarket while I waited for Anci...PHONE...Cila...they found the "missing" photos...more on this in a few lines. Ok...so there I was waiting for Anci and Cila to finish shopping...while Pityu by design stayed in the car...and I could smell the onions...and given that I had forgone breakfast...as in not enough time...I purchased one each...with a Coke Classic...naturally...and consumed same with great relish...no not a lot of relish...in fact none at all...just mayo and onions. We then headed for home via the freeway for which I’d purchased a ticket...which cut our outbound trip to ten minutes as opposed to 30. Back here I asked that Pityu and Cila be dropped off...and then to hit the far store to get cat food since I did not buy any cat food at the mart...which I should have...knowing that the three cats would kill me. Anyway to start from the beginning...I arrived at Cila’s early hence no breakfast...I was running late as it were. I took over a few pages of some of my latest "finds’ and four maps printed on A3 paper in color...two of which I planned to leave with her. Show and tell...waiting for Pityu who was in gastrointestinal distress...caused by the expedience of medication just for that purpose. At this point it’s not a big deal. Anci arrives...early also. It’s decided that we will be using Pityu’s car...which means Anci will be moving her car out of the drive...onto the grass. Jimmy the Puli is freaking out as he always does when he thinks...senses...that Pityu will be leaving by car. The gate needs to be opened to facilitate the egress of the Pityu’s car...and with the gate now open wide...Jimmy is "out the door" so to speak. Amazingly he does not go far...and so after Pityu’s car is past the gate...Jimmy is enticed back in...gate now closed. I had thought about sitting in the back...as opposed to my usual place up front...in deference to Pityu’s condition...but before I can say anything...Anci suggests that I sit in the back so the Pityu can sit up front...considering his condition. I find out that Cila will be coming with us. Anci and I get in said car to wait. I had waited before the car switch scene...and spent it taking a few photographs...in the good morning light. Now in the car...we waited...I in the back...on the drivers side where I was pleased to note that there was ample room for my bronzed...God like...massively toned body. The patient and Cila arrive...and we are on our way. It’s then that I make the brilliant suggestion that we take the freeway...and offer pay for said ticket. Done deal...given that the gas station was on our way. Ten uneventful minute later we arrived at the hospital...and drop off Pityu and Cila and they head for Pityu’s 1000hrs appointment. The reason I went along in the first place was the need to find and buy two new tires for the bike...and to exchange some GBPs for HUFs. Anci knew exactly where a bicycle shop was located and we arrived without drama. The store was empty and I was served by three people at once. Anci explained what it was I wanted...and just at the right moment I deftly handed over a small Post It with the critical parameters pertaining to said tire. The question came back as to the style of tread. I looked up to my right...and there hanging was a tire...to which I pointed. The person on the other side of the counter decoded my message...and left the area...to...I presume...find same...I having had the presence of mind to indicate the quantity...as in two...also. While he was gone...searching...I asked for and received a bicycle inner tube repair kit...from the female behind the counter in nothing flat...pardon the pun. Person number one reappears with two tires. I then state my desire to include with my purchase two each inner tubes...so as not to render the repair kit redundant and hence not to look stupid in front of the help...as it were. This was not before Anci asks for the price of said inner tubes. And after she explained the logic of buying inner tubes too...to me...which I had not thought of...yeah right...I was confronted with the critical question regarding the valve. Getting complicated I thought. The person on the other side of the counter made the decision rather simple...by pointing to a display sitting on said counter at the very same time that I say "the large one" to which he then pointed to specifically. He then disappeared again...only to return almost suddenly...with two boxes that I presumed contained the requisite tubes...with the aforementioned valves. I closed the deal by locating a bill large enough to cover the total cost...and after extracting it from my billfold...handed it over the counter. We then retired back to the car...which was right were we’d left it...a few minutes before...which should not have been a surprise...and it wasn’t. It was now off to exchange monies. I remember the time...it was 0940hrs. Anci is wondering if we have time to do so. I assure her that we did...and drive off. I just can’t seem to remember the name of the place...but I have been the often enough so I knew the drill. We eventually get there just fine. Take the OTIS escalator down from the parking lot on top...turn right...and it should have been...right there...where there is now nothing but an empty space in the process of some kind of new construction. It’s just then that I see a large display of photographs to my right...and Anci runs into someone she knows...on her left. I decide to check out the display...while she chats. I get about halfway when I see that Anci is looking for me...and as we turn around she spots the exchange...which is now located right under the OTIS escalator. Looking at the list of exchange rates...I notice that it’s over 192HUF per USD...which is good...Anci agrees...and I count out the bills...and push them under the glass barrier. The young lady on the other side of said barrier counts out the same bills...given that it would be ridicules if she’d count other bills...and gives me a total which just happened to match mine. She then handed me a slip of paper on which were the numbers dealing with what was about to happen...and soon there after...she pushed Forints under the glass. We then spent a few more minutes looking at the photographs. There were some really nice shots...and I will do some looking online...to see what it takes to get my photos shown also. Without modesty...I have a number of photographs that are as good or better than those shown. We leave...heading back to the hospital where we park the car in the shade. Anci leaves to join up with Cila...assuming that Pityu was now in with a doctor...having decided that I would stay with the car. We discussed the train of events regarding Pityu’s appointment(s). After his examinations...the results were to be take to someplace on the other end of the hospital complex...AND that that would be done by car...even though Anci knew here way around...the labyrinth. So it was with that expectation that I waited. This part is pretty boring...except that I took a few photos...but mostly I tried to get comfortable in the back...with the idea of getting some "shut eye". Try as I would...it was just not working. Then I had the brilliant idea to move the venue to the front...after tilting back the seat as far as it would go. This looked promising. I moved...set the seat as far back as possible...and the same with the tilt...GADS...I was set for some serious ZZZZ’s. I no sooner had the hang of it...you know...the right body position...head just right...etc...WHEN I hear voices. It’s the crew...returned! DAMN. And this after many hours of failure. It was now off the Metro supermarket. I will finish this tomorrow. Tired now...2010hrs. Velence...October 19th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0742hrs...Coffee...2°C...clear...some distant fog. 0936hrs...Just back from the close store. 1144hrs...The bike is now at full capability. Time for a cup of Mud. 1917hrs...Just back from having had dinner with Cila and Istvan...again Pityu was not eating. He goes into hospital tomorrow...and they will keep him there for the duration. Velence...October 20th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0532hrs...Java. Just caught Istvan heading for work. It’s 3°C...and clear. TA as I went to bed...and now. Popped a few pills and a shot of Vodka. Great surge with my research yesterday. I finally cracked a Hungarian web site...and downloaded every reference to Tuba. Three of them were interesting stories in effect after Cila translated them for me after dinner. 1352hrs...Just finished the first hamburgers that I’ve made...here...with real buns...even! Not bad. I made one a double! I know...I thought it was pretty daring too. Velence...October 21st 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0506hrs...Clear and 6°C...Doing a Cup. At 2000hrs yesterday Cila call in with her report on Pityu’s status. She had just gotten back...along with Anci...having been there all day. Today they will drain his abdominal cavity and test the contents...and tomorrow do a CAT scan. Now a word about sex. 0816...Up...breakfast. Kwan is in the kitchen...having his. 1421hrs...Just back from Sari’s...she’d called about 1230hrs...asking for a print. I found a frame that seemed suitable...and printed two. I then took them over. She liked my choice...the second print was for her. The other will be as a gift for her friend in Germany. They will be leaving on Thursday...day after tomorrow...and gone for five days...taking two cars. Done deal...except that I was invited back for dinner at 1600hrs...since she’s making one of my favorites...kapostas tasta. 1805hrs...Well...that was delicious! Chatted. Istvan showed up. We eventually left together. Velence...October 22nd 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0353hrs...A Cup...Overcast...with a few holes. Bela had called Anci while I was there yesterday...to get the latest news on Pityu. They drained 6 liters out of him! This morning they will do a CAT scan. Turns out that Jutka was there too...making it all of Pityu’s three sister...being with him. 0647hrs...Had a strange dream... 1538hrs...Have been to the far store...CAT FOOD! This has gotten out of hand I’d say. Have been reading old papers as part of sorting out those that I can put away. 1708hrs...It look like it’s going to be one of those signature sunsets where the sun’s disc is viewable given the thin clouds that will color it just right. I had this happen only once before here at Velence...but I was then at Jutka’s...so the shot was over the mountain. I think I will try again today...taking the Nikkor 300 4 and the small Slick. It was named as spelled but they later changed it to Slik. I should take a look at my other two pods to see. 1716hrs...WELL that was short! I thought about taking the bike to the other side of the Holland Houses...but once outside I took a look and changed my mind. I would instead go across the street. I got about half way onto the road...past the gate...keeping at eye on the sun...when it began to be eclipsed by thicker clouds that I’d not seen through the haze...and as I watched...more and more of the sun disappeared. Done deal. 2110hrs...Damn...Over 220HUF’s/1USD! Velence...October 23rd 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0431hrs...Doing a cup...to ease the pain...TA again. Up all night. This is not a good thing. Did not hear from Cila about Pityu’s condition. I expect that they don’t know anything. 0920hrs...11°C...overcast...windy. 1300hrs...It’s one of those days...winy...cloudy...some rain...time to crawl in my cave. Earlier I saw a cat...don’t know which...running from something...and then I saw that it was Istvan heading for the garage. I asked about Pityu...said that he was eating a bit...and feels better...lacking 6 liters in his abdomen. No results from the CAT scan as yet. The Latin translation continues...slowly. I am so close...but still don’t get the real details that I feel must be there. I am translating the short version of "1224" and find it interesting. I see that it was an attempt at getting just the "core" of the long version...and as I thought...the LV is loaded up front with massive salutations and form. And at the end there is again a long finish in a somewhat standard form based on other documents from the same period. The "guts’ of it are not that long...but I am missing a few critical words. Strange spellings don’t help. There was at the time a pathetic attempt on the part of the Germans/Austrians to subvert the Hungarians...by in part Germanizing words and names. There was one document wherein TUBA is spelled...if you can believe...THWBA. There is no "W" sound in Magyar...nor Latin for that matter. They bastardized other’s names as well...with the same BS...U becomes a W. Latin dose not use the letter "J" within a word...though there are a few words that start with it. In the text on the other hand there are "J’s" where you’d not expect to see it...making translation difficult. The standoff continues! No email as yet. Have not heard from Bill either...so I don’t know if he was able to sell the house and move to Florida. 2105hrs...Have finished and FIXED the problem with my web page. It was my three dots again...but now I understand the problem and the fix! I had one line that was a long string of names...separated with by three dots that was just too much for WebExpress to handle. Tomorrow I will edit the page again from the beginning...a real pain...and the rest. I was outside when I heard and then saw Istvan. Cila had tried to call me four times...no answer. I called her...and she reported on Pityu’s status. The phone...the handset was off the hook...again! Velence...October 24th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0552hrs...Fed Kwan...He’d come out from under the boat as soon as I’d stepped out onto the balcony. I will need to make a run to the far store this morning...cat food again. The prospect of going through my web page again is not something I look forward to. It’s like a reading a 400 page book...in slow motion. Velence...October 25th 2008. Daylight Savings time. 0624hrs...Up since 0600hrs...and have spent the last 20 mins feeding the cats. Spent most of yesterday editing this page...on the laptop as a web page. I think I’m into May. Cila called...and told me about Pityu in hospital. She and Jutka were there with him. Not sure for how long. The conversation lingered...I think she wanted me to go in with them...and I will one of these days...but not just now. The neighbor to the east was cutting the grass early on...and then later I saw that he was working on the mower. I eventually go over to see if I can be of assistance. His name is Thomas...and in the end got the mower functional. Taking...he mentions hearing about my photographs...and I offered to show them...so it’s on for today...sometime. 0833hrs...Showered...and had breakfast. The sun is making headway...with some blue sky showing...8°C. 1452hrs...Overcast. I’m cold. Had lunch. Had one call for Istvan. A slow day. I sorted through my prints in anticipation of doing a show and tell...took out 10 as redundant...and/or not too interesting in keeping with the rest. Just one thrill after the other. My Latin work goes on. The SV contains 62 words. Two have to do with the date. Ten are names...including Kind Andrew II...of those three are place names. The Danube River appears twice. The Abby at St. Martin...twice. There are five words that I don’t have the foggiest idea about their meaning. And since I know something of the LV...I can see that there are details missing in the SV...making me wonder what its purpose was. Naturally it’s missing the flowing preamble...and the flowery ending...with all the witness’ names. Velence...October 26th 2008. 0436hrs...Mud. 3°C...foggy. No cats yet...this is good...for lack of food...hence a run to the far store...but that will be after 0830hrs...when they open. [It opens earlier!] 0758hrs...Clock corrected. Was off by about two mins. Foggy...still 3°C...patches of blue sky above. The Other was waiting on the balcony...so I went out the side...but he caught on...and I fed it a small amount. It was then that I noticed a discrepancy in the clocks. So I now have about 30 mins till the stores open. 1926hrs...More research with a few results. I’ve plotted dates with names and events. Interesting...but I need to dig out a few pages dealing with Tuba the Shaman...so that I can add them too. The neighbor packed up and left...I never did get a chance to show them my prints. Not sure if there was a misunderstanding. Velence...October 27th 2008. 0516hrs...Slurp. Stepped out...Mom showed up...and when I looked around the corner...there was Kwan. Fed same. Stars are out...cold. 0625hrs...Need to go back to editing this web page on the laptop. Six months yet to do. 1542hrs...More GS results and the requisite reading thereof. Well now...One document (in Latin) dated 1187 seems to be list of some sort. There are what appear to be names...followed by roman numerals. I skipped over most of it...not knowing what to make of it...the numbers. Looking closer and decoding them...I saw that there were some large number (500)...and lots of relatively small ones (90). After studying it...I concluded that it was in fact a list...in part...of what would amount to soldiers in that years start of the Third Crusade...1187-1192. On that list there are two references to the name Tuba. "Armodius de Tuba de Caprulis" and "Dominicus de Tuba de Caprulis". I take the "Tuba" as a reference to a place. More research will be needed on this. Now that was the Third Crusade...and as we already know about the individual named Tuba dated 1224...I was struck by an interesting possibility. It doesn’t help that the Abby of St. Martin was finished that year...but I asked why those six men should be granted land...a island...fishing rights etc? It could of course be for services to that Abby...but...it could also have been for serviced in the Fifth Crusade 1217-1221. Just enough time to get back...three years...and muster out with a reward. This would make that Tuba a crusader...not that he’d have had a choice in the matter. The last scenario may well be nothing more than a coincidence of dates. There were over a total of 15,300 men on the list under 93 named commands or commanders. [Later I conlude that it's not men...but monies.] Velence...October 28th 2008. 0503hrs...A Cup. The Other was waiting...and then Kwan made his presence known...fed both. Spent most of yesterday reading...and chasing leads...based on notes I’d taken. Yesterday there was supposed to have been word of Pityu’s diagnosis. But I had said that it would not surprise me if there were none...given the four day holiday...meaning that the doctors would not have looked at the reports until perhaps yesterday. Since I’ve heard nothing from Cila...I assume that I was right. Looking at a document "1956-2006 October 23rd." A reference to two names...one a Tuba Janos...(John Tuba)...relating what I presume to be a memorial of their deaths during the revolt of ’56. 8053hrs...Just back. I got the call at 1900hrs...Cila with news about Pityu! NOT GOOD! I went over. He has some kind of a lump...I will find out where perhaps tomorrow...or Cila’s not saying...not sure why. They are talking radiation therapy...as in non operable. The efficacy of the radiation will depend on now Pityu reacts to it. I asked when it would start but she didn’t know...but we assume as soon as a few days. Then Cila gave me the gas bill...over 183,000HUF...for twelve months...15,250HUF per month...$88.15 per month...and I have not had heat since last winter! It was a good thing that I just happen to have 150,000HUF on hand...so I came back here to recover same. Gave it to Cila and then some. I will need to hit the cash point tomorrow. Velence...October 29th 2008. 0617hrs...Doing a cup. The Other was waiting. Kwan came out from under the boat. Fed both. Overcast with signs of rain. 1418hrs...As of last night my cash reserve in the house is...for all practical purposed at zero. No problem...I’ll use my Barclays card...NOT. I hit the cash point and my worst fears were realized. The transaction would not go through. I’m thinking that since I’d not used it in some time all I need to do is call them. First I didn’t know how to dial their number...which was not the number that I would need in the end...but it would be a start. My first attempt failed. Called Jutka...she‘d know...and she did. Dialed the number...and it went down hill from there. Backing up...I had seen some documents floating about which had some information about my account...and I did a quick search with negative results. So...I got a connection...the voice asked for my card number...without drama...but after thanking me for the number the voice said that I’d need to do it again in the next step...or I could have gone onto the internet where I’d need this other number...the one that’s on the non found document...and failed to mention that I’d be needing in step two...along with the card number which I’d already entered once. In step two I entered said car number...again...but right after that I was asked for the number I didn’t have...which I mistook for another number altogether...resulting in a standoff...at which point I hung up! I have now searched high and low looking for the damn document. I easily have over 10,000 pages floating about in the general area. 1511hrs...Still no luck. I can see the document in my mind...and I know that I saw it just recently...but now not where. Damn! And all of this because of.......TWWoTW. 2017hrs...Quit looking hours ago...will hit it again tomorrow. Spent the intervening hours online. I feel naked without money on hand...damn...and pissed off too. Incredible. Earlier...given that it’s been a rather nice autumn day...sunny and mild...I went out looking to get a shot of dragonflies...but was soon joined by Kwan and Mom...and once Kwan stalked one that I was trying to shoot...and it flew away. Took a few other frames...and the two cats. Velence...October 30th 2008. 0609hrs...Slurp. Kwan is in the kitchen. It started to rain earlier. 0856hrs...Just out of the shower. I chose not to shave. It went well...without drama. 0926hrs...The order of battle: Find Barclays document. Once found...call...to get card functional. See if I can access account online...to check balance. Compose email with CC’s to both sisters of TWWoTW. Get them onto the bloody loop. I don’t want them to get only one side of the story. [Yeah Janet...I've got nothing better to do.] So...at 0930hrs...I start the search! Wish me luck. 1141hrs...FOUND IT! I wish that it was just...the last place I looked but that was not the case. I had in fact "looked" in the stack before...as in yesterday...and as it turns out...I had separated it out to a "safe place" but it was at the very bottom of said stack. 1200hrs...Having built lunch...am now consuming same. 1223hrs...That was good...even if I do say so. Naturally the place looks like a disaster area...stacks of papers all around. I did manage to do some more sorting though...and I found a mostly empty box to which I was able to add more pages. And as always...I had to read a few pages as I came across them...prior to filing it. 1304hrs...Well now...Done deal. The card will be working in 30 mins. Have changed my address. Will get a piece of kit...free of charge...to facilitate online banking...which I was in fact locked out of as I found out having tried to log in without success. I have something short of 1,000,000HUF...which should tide me over. On the other hand I’ve not yet seen the other bills relating to this house. I still owe Cila 15,000HUF. [Besides screwing up my address...Barclays never does send me the "box"!] 1417hrs...So...I was delayed a bit because of rain...which was ok by me...since it gave the system an extra 30 mins to clear my card...But it was NO surprise that the bloody card flopped again! I will try again tomorrow...but I think I’ll call them first. 1433hrs...Phone...Jutka...going shopping...no...etc. I didn’t say that I was without funds. Anyway...Pityu’s coming home. Goes back on Monday for his first radiation treatment. She will drop by on the way back to pickup the power cord that I’d glued back together. [ By this time I think that Pityu had been told by his doctor his exact condition.] Velence...October 31st 2008. 0735hrs...Sun’s up...nice light. Doing a weak cup of Mud. I would have bought more yesterday...but. Last night Cila called to say that Pityu was in fact home...but tired...so I will be going over this morning sometime...after I‘ve done the cash point perhaps. Oh...Yesterday I spent about three hours editing this document on the laptop as a web page...got as far a July. That leaves all of July, August, September, October to do. It would a good thing to knock it out. 0838hrs...The Crows are coming back...soon there will be thousands. Kwan has a little friend...a kitten...about the same age and size...with a comical face...that looks like it has a real mustache. It’s eyes are bright...and it’s a jumper...having gotten up here onto the balcony...and yesterday it was on the window sill. Kwan has yet to jump up...though I can tell that he would like to be up here. 1048hrs...Getting ready to call Barclays...but I’ve lost the bloody paper again. I know it’s here. 1056hrs...Damn...founded it by accident! 1116hrs...Done deal...card should work in ten mins...the man said! 1124hrs...I’m heading out...cash point and far store. 1202hrs...Why did I know that it would not work? Tried twice...once about 15 mins after and then just now...about 30 mins after talking with Barclays. Damn...this is getting old...and I will now have to call them again. 1243hrs...Just doing lunch. 1329hrs...Just off the phone with Barclays...says that the card is in fact good to go. So I’m off to the CP again. 1520hrs...The drama...Gads. I hit the CP and of course it failed. The place was closed for late lunch I guess...so I was unable to talk to anyone. OK...fine...I thought about hitting another CP...but it was located too far for my liking...so I thought I’d hit the store (far)...But...the place was too busy and I left. Back at my bike I looked at the chemist’s...and noted no cars or bikes...and headed across the High Street. Inside...who’s there but Sari...talking with her friend...I waited for one guy to finish...not knowing who was next...turned out that I was...at which time I explained the situation. The women is a distant relative...not that it matters...anyway...I asked for a box Aspirin...and to put it on my card. I entered my four digit PIN...it said OK...and we waited for what seemed to be an eternity...BUT...it went through just fine...done deal...the card was in fact good...and the CP machine was not. Sari had asked if I was going to stop at her place...I said ok because I had time to kill till the other place (CP) reopened. Saci answered the door. Chatted. Agnes showed up...and soon thereafter Sari. She had been at the chemist not for medicines but to show off Dori’s wedding photographs. They liked them...and she got a laugh out of the fact that when they asked who had been the photographer...she said that they’d just served him...me. Agnes dug out some old family photos for me to copy. Can do...and will. OH! Talked about Pityu...and I got more specific information. GADS! And double DAMN! 1551hrs...Just looked online. Pancreatic cancer (PC)...that’s what we’re talking about. THIS IS NOT GOOD! A YEAR...maybe! 1751hrs...Cila left about 10 mins ago. She’d called saying that she was coming over...but not why. Turns out she wanted to find some books. Took her about 30 mins. Then there was the menagerie of cats all of a sudden that showed up just as she was leaving...when I looked down there were four...Kwan and new friend...Mom and the Other. Fed all. Have spent time online reading up on PC...and it did not get any better...in that it could be as short as 3-9 months! The cancer has moved to his liver also...this from Sari...so it’s in an advanced state. I note that I am getting what information I now have in bits and pieces. I don’t know if or what Pityu knows or has been told. Recent attempts to see him have failed for all comers. Jutka was turned away...Anci and crew...same. Cila had said to him that I wanted to see him...but was again not up to it. I told Cila that she was not to say that again...i.e...that I wanted to see him...in as much as I never actually said that. When he is good and ready...them I shall see him. The same for the others. 2015hrs...It looks like I’ll have to go to the far CP machine tomorrow after all. If the close one is open...then I’ll stop there first...though if it is a problem with the machine...they won’t get it fixed till Monday...so either way...I’m SOL. My Pet Rock is just sitting there...doing nothing. I haven’t located it’s eyes yet...so I don’t know if it’s looking at me or not. Hasn’t made a sound either! Velence...November 1st 2008. 0157hrs...Woke up...TA...popped an Aspirin...hungry...out of coffee...too. 0638hrs...Well...I had to make do with a hand made cup of Java...as in hand strained...using the regular coffee since I’m out of instant. Kwan and the Other showed up...fed same. The TA continues...popped another Aspirin. It struck me...my card works...so I CAN use it at the store...duh! 0923hrs...NOT! Just back...I will now make a cup of coffee anew...BIAF. So there I was...on my way to the far store...thinking that I will also take a look to see if the CP place is open...though I didn’t seem to remember the schedule showing beyond Friday. It didn’t. Then to the store...where I noticed that the were no cars or bikes in the lot. The reason was at the time unknown to me...but soon became clear enough. It was closed. Not happy...I decided to go to the close store...which from where I was...became the far store. I turned onto a street that would take me back onto Kemping...when I spot Istvan on his bike with a length of lumber on one shoulder...heading my way. I ask him what was the big deal about the 1st of November. He told me...and added that the close...now far store was open. I took a right turn which would get me onto the High Street...then past Pityu’s house...and as I look down the street I see what looks to be a parking lot of cars. Closer...the same with bikes. Damn! Everybody was there because the other stores were closed for the Day of the Dead. There were people buying candles in mass quantities. I had counted out my meager supply of cash...and calculated what all I could buy. Cutting to the chase...there were 25 people ahead of me...and it took over 30 minutes to clear the register. I was not able to buy cat food...because that store no longer carries it...so I settled on a large can of dog food...which seemed to go down well enough with Kwan and Mom. They were waiting as I arrived. All of this because of the.......TWWoTW! 1007hrs...Just in from out...Agnes was outside her fence cutting boughs for the cemetery. She just returned from a weeks stay in UK Land. 1422hrs...Back for about 15 mins. Doing lunch right now. 1451hrs...I had decided to in fact go to...what will henceforth be known to one and all as the far CP. It’s about a mile east from here. Put my card in...and got monies out...just like that. Cool...huh? On the way there I heard the sound of loud music. On the way back I took the route along the shore...and again heard the music. This was close to where Dori’s civil ceremony took place...so I followed my ears. I was a bit disappointed in that the music came from a box...but I hung out and tried to figure out what was taking place. There was a number of young men out on a soccer field...not doing much of anything. Later as I watched...they left the field and went into the building...down one set of stairs. Them others arrived...and they went down another set of stairs. At this point I went under a barrier to the other side...midfield. Then three people arrive...and walk onto the field. They were dressed in suites. One female and two males. The taller one...seemed to me to be strutting...conscious of what he was doing. They made a loop of the field...touching the goal net in a few places...the tall one stood in the goal and reached up to touch the crossbar. I have no idea what that was about. They went down to the other end of the field...checked out the other goal...and came back. A trickle of people began to show up. It must be a match I figured. So...I waited...and waited. The music was no longer interesting in that it was too loud for my liking. A guy showed up with a drum...and sat down on the 50 yard line as it were. I thought...oh shit. Then...sometime later I see that they seem to be collecting money. I thought...OH SHIT. It cost me 300HUF. The players eventually came out...and began to warm up...pretty much at both ends of the field. Then I notice three people running back and forth from one side to the other in the center of the field...also warming up. One female and two males. The tall one...runs...well...funny! GADS...it’s the three I’d seen earlier...they were the officials. Anyway...within 30 mins...Velence was leading 2-0...when I had enough of drummer boy...and it had started to drizzle just a bit...so I headed out. Oh...I had killed some time waiting for the game to start by exploring an area close by...and took a few frame...and noted that it would be a good place to shoot portraits and full body shots...because of the background. [A year later I would end up taking Saci and Gabor there for pre-wedding photos.] So...I’m just into the backstretch...when I spot young Bernadette with Mom. Stop...chat...they were going to Sari’s. The TA continues. Popped another Aspirin. Velence...November 2nd 2008. 0624hrs...A cup...don’t like it...Irish Cream...didn’t know it when I bought it...under stress...yesterday. It’s foggy but it will burn off. 1657hrs...Had hit the far store earlier this morning. Read papers out on the balcony...while it was warm and sunny. Otherwise hung out with Kwan. I was policing the kitchen and hall when I heard voices. Dori and spouse. She was here to again thank me for the wedding photography. She left a note with a photograph taken by her friend during the shoot at the park...wherein I’m imaged talking to the happy couple...my bellows mounted soft focus/D200 in hand. The camera and lens looked good. Well...the deathwatch has started again for the family...but mostly for Cila and Istvan. The old house as I’ve said went to Pityu when their mother died. Cila and Istvan moved into that house to take care of their mother...abandoning...more or less...this house for the duration. Now it’s Pityu that needs looking after till the end. I’ve read up on the subject...and it could be 3-9 months...perhaps a year. I have not been called over as yet. I’m thinking that Pityu would not like to be seen as an object of curiosity. It will have to be his decision as to when and how. I’m not a very good candidate for consolation...considering my history. Velence...November 3rd 2008. 0643hrs...A real cup. Foggy...heavier than yesterday. I had mention some time back that I had downloaded and printed some maps. They were mostly old (1913) County maps of Hungary. Others were older maps yet. One such map seemed to show a much larger area...and interestingly was not drawn north-south on lines of longitude...but...for whatever reason...on the axis of a large lake. The map is dated 1528 and the text/type was in Latin and old German...making it not easy to read. BUT...I was able to make out the mane of the aforementioned large lake as...Balaton. Ok fine...I then looked to find Lake Velence...without success...and though I looked at the map a number of times...I set it aside. Yesterday my mind went back to the murder case...and the name...(Tuba Istvan)...and the fact the there were some names in the book...also mentioned earlier...translated..."A city is was...A city it became" "A History of Velence." I was looking for the pages listing war dead...which I thought I’d find toward the back of the book...but soon found myself close to the front...when there on a page was a map. The caption read...translated..."Map of Velence (1528)". Well now! I recognized the map in the book as a small part of the greater map the I had recently printed. I also knew immediately that what was purported to be Lake Velence was not...but Lake Balaton...which by the way is the largest lake in Europe. In fact...Lake Velence was not even shown on said map...since it was so small in comparison. The area was also marshy...and as now...there is an abundance of reeds in the lake. Features such as this were just not drawn on this map. So...the book got it wrong! Christmas is going to be a complication this year. Last year...and I suppose before...the main festivity was held in the "old" house. But unless Pityu is up to it emotionally by then...I’m not sure where it will be held. Without wanting to sound morbid...this could well be Pityu’s last Christmas on earth. Just leafed through the very last pages of the book...and found the page I was looking for. There it was "World War II’s Heroic Dead...Tuba Istvan. On the same page under WWI dead was Tuba Sandor. So...I was wrong about one thing...BUT...Tuba Istvan(5th ) was born in 1880. At age 18...he is convicted and sentenced to 15 years for murder...date 1898. Assuming that he served the entire 15 years...he would have been 33 years old...date 1913. In/by 1930 a one Tuba Istvan is listed in the book...as a guesthouse/tavern keeper. Ten years later...1923...by then aged 43...is married with a son named Istvan(6th)...born that year...and is remembered by Jutka...and the rest...and died in 2006. I do not have a marriage dates for either one...but will try to get them. Cila’s argument that the "murderer" Istvan could not have found a wife here in Velence may have some truth to it...but again...after a number of years...why not? And who’s to say that his wife was from Velence. AND if it was as has been said...that he did not commit the murder...then I don’t see a problem. If it's true in fact that he did not commit said murder...but took the rap for someone else...this just raises the question of...who? I ultimately thought that there was no way that an 18 year old youth would take a murder rap for "just" a friend...leading me to the possibility of an older relative...a brother perhaps. Looking at the TubaFamTree...there is only one brother unaccounted for...Andras...since I do not have any dates for him at all...hence as of now the issue is at a dead end...until I get more data...but that is not stopping me from thinking about it. Andras would need to be at least...a number of years older. For a long time...24 years old was the "legal" age. Istvan(4th) was 25 at the birth of Istvan(5th) hence I doubt that Andras was older. The third son...Janos...my father’s father...was two years younger so he’s out of the picture. I need to find out what the "legal" age for hanging would have been...given murder. I can not believe that an 18 year old would take the rap for a "friend". There was talk of monies...gads...how much are we talking about? There is of course the other possibility that he did in fact commit the murder. And there is the fact that I seem to be getting mixed up stories from those that I‘ve asked about the matter. That leaves Anci...and I guess Lajos to ask. 1145hrs...I planed on hitting the CP place...but as yet I’ve not showered and they close for lunch...so I will have to wait. 1412hrs...Have hit the CP place...no luck with them...the chemist’s...that went well...then the store. Velence...November 4th 2008. 0603hrs...A cup...The Other was waiting. He sleeps just outside the door of late. Mom showed soon after...fed both. 0713hrs...Foggy. I need to hit one of the stores this morning. I have some scanning to do for Agnes. 1645hrs...Back for about an hour. Jutka had called at 1130hrs. I went over at 1200hrs...to patched up a hole in her building wall made by a woodpecker. Once we got the ladder up...I felt inside said hole...to gauge its size...and found a dead woodpecker inside. Patched that hole and two others. Then...OH...this was all after lunch which was one of my favorites...that I...swapped out the mosquito netting for glass in the kitchen door...and closed a window...that she’d been unable to close in the garage. Oh...Talked to Jutka about Pityu...and from the sound of it...he’s not been told too much about his plight...or the odds of getting through this alive. She’s coming from the perspective of him making it...recovering as it were. I did not go into any details myself...so as to undermine their collective "groupthink". It also turns out that he will not be going in for treatment until next Monday...not this last...as I had thought. I will keep my own timeline...but agree with not saying any more on the subject. It was Jutka that brought it up by wanting to define the specific illness given that I was told the word only in Hungarian...but I already had the translation under control...since I was at Sari’s the other day. All I said to her was that it was serious. She countered that some patients do make it through. Ok...fine. 2137hrs...WELL NOW...Today is election day in US Land. You may have noticed that I’ve not written about it at all. I don’t plan to watch the non coverage on any of the three channels I have...as in later tonight. From what I’ve read online...it’s got the makings of one hell of a mess. The dirty tricks...the dirty politics...are an abomination. "Anything to get the vote"...cheat, lie...whatever it takes. A real piece of shit. If the Democrats win...well...it’s time to kiss your ass goodbye. It’s like someone said...half the population will be unhappy...this time tomorrow! End of story. Velence...November 5th 2008. 0640hrs...Took my cup of Mud outside...and Mom showed immediately...then Kwan’s other little friend...that I call Groucho...because of it’s mustache...fed them...well more like I fed Mom...but Groucho just pushes right in there...and eats as though he’s really hungry. Well...I don’t know who won yesterday’s presidential election. Not sure I want to. From what I’ve read...I’d want a recount and an investigation...if the Republicans lost. There are too many irregularities to count. AOL has changed it’s format for stock portfolios...and I’m pissed. I need to write them a note! Yesterday I finished scanning Agi’s prints...and now have to do a bit of work on them. 0738hrs...The moment of truth is at hand...the election...going online. 0740hrs...OH SHIT! [Dec. 2009...I was right!] [July 2010...more RIGHT!] Poor Cila...she has just retired in time to be there for Pityu...24/7. 0856hrs...Just in from out...have not seen Kwan or the Other so far this morning...a bit strange. 1445hrs...All animals accounted for. The only good loser is...the other guy. 1513hrs...Just back from the far store...without drama. 1952hrs...Spent most of the day online...esoteric stuff mostly...including pancreatic cancer. Thinking...Yawn...Thinking...What to do tomorrow...that is the question? Oh...there is the start of a meteor shower tonight. It would be best to get out there after midnight...with a clear sky. We’ll see. Oh...It’s now been at least four times that I’ve needed an old USAF document listing data that I wanted...and it keeps showing up...except when I want it...anyway it’s now in hand...and on one page is a list of five names that I was required to supply as character references...as part of a document for enlistment into said USAF. The first name at the top...was...now the veritable legend...Frank Ahern. Do a GS in quotes...and add the word "coach"...to see for yourself. 2032hrs...Looks to be a soccer match about to start...so. Velence...November 6th 2008. 0121hrs...Have been out twice...no meteors seen. It’s clear enough...but it’s not all that dark. The glow of street lighting is not good. I’ve fired off the laptop...and will do some editing of this web page...pardon my back. 0317hrs...Made it almost to the end of July 2008. Back to bed now. 0824hrs...Up at 0800hrs...Coffee out on the balcony with Mom...and Kwan on the porch. Discovered that I need to hit the doctor’s office...today! Damn...there is no end to this. I should remember to take the two copies of Latin text with me...and ask if they know of someone to translate it for me. Postdated 18 December 2008...I had in fact asked the doctor herself. She answered....as best as I can translate it..."phrrrrph". It’s foggy again this morning...though it looks to be burning off. 1131hrs...Just back from Pityu’s. I wanted to take over a poem and a jar of coffee. I had hit the doctor’s office...but it was closed...opens at 1300hrs. I then went up to Jutka’s to drop off a page showing the pressure points for feet which she’d asked me to find. Chatted and left. Back here I gathered up the jar and paper and headed over...since I’d seen Cila on my way out. I’m greeted by Jimmy the Puli...and once inside...who’s there...but Jutka. She must have left as soon as I was out of sight...to take the paper with the feet to Cila. "Points!" Funny thing was...that I hade made two copies of said page...with the intent to possibly take it over to Cila...thinking that Jutka may want to keep one for herself. I almost grabbed the second copy...but thought better of it. Oh...Jutka mentioned in passing that the patch job I’d done looked good...as in it was now not possible to see where the holes had been. 1424hrs...Well...that went well...went in...waited a bit...caught one of the nurses coming out...did the deed on her computer...got the slips signed. Hit the chemist’s...I was the only one there at the time...done deal. Hit the close store...in and out. Kwan waiting as I arrived...fed same. I had asked both the nurse and the chemist if they knew of anyone that could read old Latin...and got the same response...in the negative...and with the exact same expresion..."phrrrrph"...I kid you not. Velence...November 7th 2008. 0450hrs...Slurp. When I went out...Mom showed up like now! Then from across the way came the Other. Oh...yesterday I came across a web based version of the book "Varos Volt, Varos Let"...and downloaded it...which makes word searches a snap. And so it was...I found two more references to Tuba...one of which was the OM! I have had a photograph for some time of the cast...the actors in a play...but not much other information...though Cila clams to know the names there in. Now I have the list of names also...and the date...1936. The OM would have been 18 at the time the photo was taken. 1439hrs...Just back from hitting the chemist’s and the far store. Velence...November 8th 2008. DEATH WATCH (0). 0421hrs...A cup. Up for 20 mins. 0431hrs...Have started editing again. Pardon my back. 1530hrs...Phone...Jutka...calling from Pityu’s. She’d been there for two days/nights. Will tell me all about it. She’d also mentioned that she had my internet bill. I’m heading over in a few minutes. 1712hrs...DAMN...DAMN...DAMN...DAMN! Where to begin? I went over. Jimmy barking...inside...Jutka was there...waiting. By 1600hrs...I needed a breath of air...and wanted to be alone...so I stepped outside. I eventually ended up at the front gate along with Jimmy...passing a window that looked into the room where Pityu was sleeping. There was still enough light to see the colors of the fallen leaves that covered the grass all the way out to the street. I was wracked with pain and sorrow...as a single leaf fell off a tree. The last time I stood there was with Pityu and as now with...Jimmy. I thought about the likely fact that Pityu will never see that scene again. The colors...the patterns...the falling leaves...nor feel the wind on his face. We will never again talk about how it was...long ago. He will never again play with Jimmy the Puli...and tease him by trying to take his ball away...which I like to think that Jimmy enjoyed. I stood there watching cars coming and going on the High Street. Pityu used to tell me how it was many years ago. I saw two dogs across the street...behind a gate...barking...unaware of the drama playing out. The sorrow I feel...is of course mine. It’s my hurt...my sadness...not Pityu’s. When I arrived...Jutka was in the kitchen and she started to tell me how tired she and Cila were. I took a seat where I normally sit...at the far end of the table...my back to a wall...with a view of the door...as she continued. Cila was asleep she’d said. She then broke down...while telling me that Pityu had only a matter of days left. I was shocked. NO...NO...NO... I’ve started to cry again...as I try to write this... NO NO NO! I thought...this can not be happening...not this soon. Damn...he was to go in for radiation therapy on Monday. I began to cry...repeating over and over...that this should not be allowed to happen...not allowed...not allowed...between sobs...over and over! I was a wreck. Still am...as I write. At one point Jutka suggested that I look in on him through the door...which I found ajar. He was on his side...just his face visible...eyes closed...asleep I assumed. SHIT! Of all the men in the family...I felt closest to Pityu. We never talked about anything really serious...just...stuff. I liked it when he’d ask questions about things that he professed not to understand...and it felt good that he was asking...me. I would explain as best I could with my limited Magyar...but never patronizingly...no matter what the subject. At other times he would tell me of his memories from childhood. About the way things looked then as opposed to now. The fact that he had explored the entire lake...over time. The things he’d found...the animals that he’d come across...the discoveries he’d made. He told me stories about his work. We put the tin roof onto Jutka’s new shed...just the two of us...on a hot summer’s day. I remember him exclaiming that the sheet metal was HOT. I gave him a pair of gloves. We cut down a tree at Jutka’s. I remember the look on his face when I said...once the ladder was in place...that..."I wanted to cut some too" waving a sharp bladed saw...as I began to climb the ladder...I was first up the tree. Of the four of us there...Pityu and I were the only ones to actually climb the tree. Bothers in Arms...as it were. Pityu was a quiet man. I never heard him raise his voice. He spoke softly...but with passion when the mood struck him. He saw humor in things...and laughed readily. It felt...easy...being in his company. I liked to have called him my friend...but a brother would be closer to reality. On more that one occasion...he would appear...and say that it had been some time that he’d looked out onto the lake. I can only guess what was in his minds eye when he’d do so. Did he see with the eyes of his youth? I know that he was saddened by the changes that had taken place over many years around the lake. I remember liking the fact that he was a moderating force around the kitchen table where we would discuss many things...many times. Pityu liked to say that he did not smoke...did not drink...and never married...hence...(as a result of) planned to live to 120 years of age. I believe that there is a reason for what is about to happen...so early...now. Pityu had been given Morphine patches for 72hrs...which I had not been told of. Anci will need to get more...on Monday. The word is that most likely he will not be going in for radiation therapy since he is too weak. I was right...when I thought that he was to go in this last Monday...but again I was not told that it was cancelled on account of his weak condition. They put him on a diet to get his strength up...but it has not been effective. Pityu was the youngest of the two boys with Anci the youngest of the five. And will be the first to leave this world...for what I hope is a truly better place...of eternal peace and tranquility. I’d like to tell him that he will be in a place where there are many large fish in the lake...but not easy to catch. He will eventually have Jimmy the Puli by his side...and they will be together at all times no matter where they go. The sun bright...the sky clear and blue...with all the seasons...just right. He was born in 1954...making him just 54. We now wait for the inevitable. I know that I will weep for...my loss. 1953hrs...I shall stop for now...and think...and mourn. Velence...November 9th 2008. DEATH WATCH (1). 0609hrs...A cup without milk...as in black. Last night I finished editing the web page on the laptop. I will need to add the difference between this version and it...catching up the last few weeks. The Other was waiting when I went outside...where it’s 9°C. Thinking about helping out the girls. I could take over the laptop...giving them some rest. The real shock was when Jutka had said that it was just a matter of days! She’d also said that someone had called...I guess it was Cila that answered it...asking if Pityu was available...in as much as he...Pityu... normally fired off his gas heater. No...not this time...or ever again. I asked how many knew Pityu’s true condition...but I’m not sure I got an accurate answer. Istvan and Bela were up at the cellar...doing what exactly was not known...hence not at the house while I was there. Things are going to get complicated. 0921hrs...Just back from the close store. I fed Kwan on my way out...but came running as I returned...gave him more food. 1626hrs...I got the call about 1330hrs...I didn’t note it...Anci...lunch in 20 minutes...and I get there about then...but I saw that Jutka has not yet started frying...the meat...so it would be later. Talked to Jutka...outside I talked to Istvan. Later...after lunch...I went in and spent time with Pityu. His eyes were open...but I didn’t know if he was cognizant that I was there. He hardly blinked...his eyes were rolled up most of the time. Cila fed him as best she could. Lajos showed up. I came back...knowing that Pityu was in fact sleeping. Istvan had occasion to talk with a doctor...and reiterated that Pityu had only a week...or less left of life. Cila spends as much time with Pityu as her energy allows. She sits close and hold his hand. She wants to be there if he should open his eyes. Velence...November 10th 2008. DEATH WATCH (2). 0620hrs...The usual cup. Out of cat food. Mom was waiting. Told her we’d have to wait. 0951hrs...Just back from the far store and PO. Paid two bills and got cash back. Leaving the store...I saw Sari across the street and she beckoned me over. Said that she was on her way to Pityu’s...and that he was not well. I don’t know what that meant exactly...but added that Anci was still in line...waiting to see that doctor about more Morphine patches. So it may be that it’s effects have worn off...hence Pityu needs one NOW! I’m going over in a few minutes. 1134hrs...Have return. Anci has not. Pityu is sleeping peacefully...and looks good. Have started to police the kitchen. 1558hrs...Heading over to the old house...soon. 1926hrs...Back for about ten mins. Mom walked me back...fed same. The doctor showed up...and we ended up with 30 days worth of Morphine patches. This is a good thing. Pityu looked good...and this time I think he recognized me. Istvan had given him a shave prior to the doctors arrival...and my seeing him. He came over and asked if I had any aftershave to clense some cuts...I said that I did. Velence...November 11th 2008. DEATH WATCH (3). 0709hrs...A hot cup. It’s 2°C. Mom showed up...the usual. 0853hrs...Showered and dressed. It’s now 5°C...sunny...wow! No proper heat in the house. I guess Pityu will not be able to help. I’ll need to arrange it with Bela. 1049hrs...About to head over to visit Pityu and crew. 1231hrs...Have returned. Yesterday I had taken over three pages for translation...but didn’t get it until this morning. Done deal...and interesting. I will now have to do a GS on some of the place names. 1313hrs...Done deal. I shall now concoct lunch. 1402hrs...That was rather good. Pityu’s sisters...Jutka, Cila and Anci are doing a magnificent job of caring for him. They sit by his side...noting the slightest change and cater to any perceived need. Last night Sari and Bela (Pityu’s brother) showed up. I left soon after. 1620hrs...At 1530hrs...phone...Jutka...asking me to come over...given that Cila and Anci had left to take care of some business...hence did not want to be there alone. I headed over. Just got settled in...talking...when Cila returns...and almost thereafter...Istvan. As I attempt to leave...Cila hits me with the electricity bill...30,000HUF...so I came back for it plus another 15,000HUF for the outstanding amount of the gas bill. Done deal. 1753hrs...Houston...We’re about to have heat! Istvan will be stoking the furnace as I write. 1850hrs...We have heat! Velence...November 12th 2008. DEATH WATCH (4). 0617hrs...The usual cup. I woke up around 0300hrs to find that the heat’s off...plugged in the space heater. Yesterday Cila had said the she’d be bringing over "summer things" for storage. In the end it was Istvan that brought over bags of stuff...two trips. It was part of the first trip that he’d started the fire. Pityu was sleeping the two times I looked in on him. 0725hrs...Downloaded a great many pages last night. One was the loss of Dr. James (Jim) Gilbert Baker...1914-2005. A great man. 0826hrs...Dressed. It’s cold...I’m cold. A gray day. Reading now. 1210hrs...Just back. At 1045hrs I called over to tell the crew that I was heading for the far store...hence I would not be here...just in case. I no sooner had the bike outside that the phone rings...Cila saying that Anci was going to the chemist’s so I could go with her...ok. I went over...to find Anci, Cila, Jutka and Sari there. Turns out we would be dropping Jutka off at the doctors. I indicated that Anci might just drop me off at the store and I would then wait for her return from the chemist’s in the next village over. She suggested hitting Spar instead. This was great...so off we went. Done...we headed for the chemist’s...and at her suggestion...the paper place...where I bought copy paper. Had I known...I would have written down another paper that I’d wanted. But as it turns out...Anci will need to go back later...so I will get numbers off the box. This is the stuff that I use to print out the FamTree...12 sheets of A3s which I then glue together. Time to build some lunch. 1251hrs...That was rather nice! Now reading..."From Sputnik to TV-3"...NASA history stuff. 1345hrs...Still reading. Most exciting. 1400hrs...I’m going over to the old house now...to drop off a slip of paper with the pertinent data...paper and toner. Back when I am. 1414hrs...Done deal. 1446hrs...Just had two calls back-to-back...I was pissed off by the second...and hung up on them. Going online. 2051hrs...About two hours ago the radiator began to clank...which meant that it was heating up. I thought that Istvan was again stoking it...but it turned out that Bela was here and they were firing it off with gas...which means that I will have heat throughout the night. Later they came in and Bela said that he will look to find a thermostat...etc...which means that I will have control of the heat. [A year later...still not hooked up.] They asked if I’d been over...meaning Pityu...(I had) and went on to say that he was (now) not eating or drinking. This is normally the last phase. I hope it comes to an end soon...particularly for Pityu. Velence...November 13th 2008. DEATH WATCH (5) The End. 0623hrs...The Other was outside the balcony door...Kwan was down below...fed both. Signs of having rained some...8°C...overcast. 0727hrs...PITYU HAS DIED. Knock at the door...Istvan...through tears...telling me of his passing...around 0300hrs this morning! (Closer to 0200hrs as it would turn out) DAMN. I’ll throw myself together...and go over. DAMNDAMNDAMNDAMN! 0746hrs...Showered and dressed. A few more things...and I’ll go. 1002hrs...When I got there...Cila, Istvan...Sari, Bela...Jutka and Anci were there with Pityu’s body. They had by then dressed him...and was covered with a white sheet. The Puli was quiet. In the early morning after his death a doctor was called to confirm it. Some time after I arrived...Anci and Sari went to take care of the necessary paperwork. At 0830hrs his body was taken away by funeral personnel. Arrangements were made as to the time of the pending funeral...and was set for 1100hrs Saturday. Hope for a nice sunny day! At one point I stood next to Pityu’s sheet covered body...and placed my hand on his. "Take care of yourself." I said. I was told that I could pull back the sheet covering him and I did. He looked at peace. I wept. I asked if everyone in the family knew...and was told that Dori and Judit had not...but would be told this evening...so as not to upset them...Dori while teaching...and Judit at university studying...medicine. The crew has split up to take care of matters...and I will be going back to lend a hand clearing space in the yard for the mourners after the burial on Saturday. 1419hrs...Have not had word from Bela or crew as yet. 1427hrs...Have called over...I’m needed...hence gone. In anticipation of the cleanup to take place...and having noticed that the left rear tire of my car had gone down again I pressed the door/unlock button and nothing happened. The battery had died that morning also! The security light was blinking the night before. The last time I needed to recharge the battery I had used Anci’s charger...which was taken back some time ago. I arranged for a trip over to retrieve it...and since I had car transportation...I opted to bring back an oscilloscope too. Done deal except that there was then no extension cord long enough to reach my car. I came back here with the scope...and retrieved an extension cord that I’d bought but had yet to use...which turned out to be just long enough for the job at hand...but not long enough the leave overnight...hence I pulled the plug...and will continue the charge tomorrow morning. I needed the scope to confirm outputs of a satellite receiver. I will have to locate a power cord...but I did find a length of coax with BNC connectors on both ends...which I brought back. I could have used a proper probe but was unable to find one at the time. 1812hrs...Just back...fed all. I left instructions that I was to be called whenever Bela arrived tomorrow morning...at a time as yet unspecified. Bela was already taking about a general/major cleanup of the compound in the spring. This was good news...and I think that the others either already agreed...(they knew of the plan) or certainly will. Oh...a more exact TOD is 0215hrs local. And the world kept turning! Velence...November 14th 2008. 0650hrs...Up. 0844hrs...Discharging a set of batteries for my flashgun...which will then switch automatically to charge. This in preparation for tomorrows funeral. I will charge the other battery for the D200 later. No call as yet from the crew...but I’ll get dressed soon...and just go over to continue the charge of the car’s battery...regardless. On the other hand...last night would have been the crew’s first good nights sleep...in over a week...so. 0931hrs...Sometime ago I placed a folded, felt like doormat outside the door in such a way that it was out of the wind for Kwan. A few days ago I cut a strip of bubble wrap, folded it double...and placed that under the aforementioned door mat...insulating it from the cold concrete. Kwan is out there now...sleeping on it. While taking a look...I heard Jimmy barking...so someone must be up by now. Have read all downloaded pages. I really should go over now and start the charge. 1718hrs...I did just that. Turns out that no one had opened up the door to the chicken coop...which I saw from this side of the fence...hence never went in the two times that I wanted to earlier...assuming that they were all asleep. By the time I did...Bela and Istvan were already out and about. Istvan never called to say that Bela had in fact arrived. They eventually returned and we got down to work cleaning up the site. Had some lunch...and more work. By 1600hrs we were mostly done. I stayed behind as guard while Bela and Istvan went up to the wine cellar...with a side trip to Jutka’s...to deliver a couple of bottles of Palinka. I waited. Then I hear the front gate being opened...but not the sound of car doors etc...so I just waited to see who it was...since I was sitting outside at the time with Jimmy...who by then had drug out what I thought to be some of his bedding...and was in the process of tearing apart. It looked like a shirt. Oh...it was Lajos. Anci and Cila were not accounted for. I have returned to feed the cats. They were all waiting...fed same. And to make this entry. I will be going back to help with the cooking for tomorrows crowd. Pealing garlic. 1731hrs...A short break...and I’m gone. 1839hrs...Well...the bickering started...so I picked up my knife and left them to go at it. Done deal. Life is too short. Velence...November 15th 2008. 0530hrs...Slurp. It’s clear skies...with moon. 0735hrs...The sun’s up. Looks to be the beginning of a potentially nice day. Yesterday I just happened to be talking to Bela...when the church bells began to chime. It was noon...and Bela told me that it was Pityu...for whom the bells toll. We start today at 1000hrs...the funeral...then the church service...then to Sari/Bela’s where everyone will gather. I need to hit the far store first thing at 0830hrs. Cat food mostly. Speaking of food. Yesterday while I was at the old house alone...Jimmy told me that he was hungry. Well...he didn’t exactly tell me that he was hungry...it was...like...in his own words...it was "BarkBarkBarkBarkBarkBarkBarkBarkBark..." which I first translated into Old Magyar...and then into modern English. Translated...it meant..."No food...right now...I don’t stop barking!"...the accent falling on..."I don’t stop barking!" Ok fine...I thought as I headed deeper into the compound...thinking that I knew where some food was kept. As luck would have it...there was a can...right out in the open...which I opened...and began to dispense from said can...into said dog bowl...which in fact was a kitchen pot...with Jimmy’s nose stuck therein...as I scooped out more food. It went well and without drama...until most of the contents of said can spilled out...half in and half out of said pot...aka dog bowl...immediately bringing up the question as to what to do. I did nothing...thinking that this may well have been Jimmy‘s first full (this was the big can that were talking about) can of food in his life. I felt good being part of that experience. I was worried though that if anyone saw uneaten food on the ground questions would be asked. I need not have worried...because Jimmy had the same thought...and ate all of the evidence. Good boy...I thought. 0857hrs...The bells toll again. Late getting back...Bela was outside so I crossed over the High Street and chatted. I apologized for leaving last night...but he figured it out as to why...and understood. As I arrived here...Istvan had just come down...needing to find a hat for Cila. Made a comment that perhaps he had been a bit loud. I grunted. All cats fed. I now have less that an hour to get dressed. It’s sunny...but 8°C. A coat will be required. We meet at 1000hrs...at the old house. 0922hrs...Half dressed...and so far without drama. While it is sunny to the east...a bank of clouds are approaching from the west...and once here...it will be overcast...say I. 0946hrs...Done deal. Ready to leave. Back when. 2045hrs...Back! More later. Tired. Some good stories. Velence...November 16th 2008. 0559hrs...Foggy and cold...at 3°C. Doing a cup. Mom must have been waiting...fed same. The Other was not outside the door. Last night I did the bubble wrap trick again so he’d have a warmer place...but it looks unused. Yesterday the sun broke through gray clouds...dappling the cemetery. It was not warm...and with gusts...it was chilly. The funeral went down on time. Lots of mourners showed up. I counted about 50 wreaths. Oh...I’m scheduled to take photos of Pityu’s grave this morning...under favorable light. Took no photos yesterday...at all. After the funeral...as people wandered around...an older woman approached me. I thought it would be about the funeral...but instead she said how great she thought my photos of Dori’s wedding were. I did not know her...which is not unusual. Okay I thought at the moment...thanked her for her kind words...and she went off. We gathered up the family...and headed for the church. Done deal. Next we all went to Sari/Bela’s for food and refreshments. Eventually the house was full of people. I saw some that I recognized...but most I did now know. I have a very poor memory for names...and though common...the names still sound foreign to me...and unless I make a real effort...I tend to forget then almost instantly...I know...it’s...a real knack. I would find myself engaged in conversations...which in some cases turned to (my) photography. One example was a father and son. The father was saying that he had what must be termed as a rare collection of documents...to which I asked if he’d photographed them as a workable (digital) record for safe keeping. This eventually led into photographic quality...scanners...etc. At one point I was asked what kind of photography I did. Well...those are words that brighten any photographer's heart. I asked whether they were staying longer...yes they said. I arranged for transportation back here to pick up not only my photos but my camera also...which was part of the original plan anyway. I had talked to another gentleman that had expressed interest in my work...so when it came time for show and tell...I sought him out also. "Fantastic" was a word that I heard repeatedly as I flipped through the prints. After just a few prints...there was again the question raised as to whether I’d had an exhibition...(in Hungary)...yet...which I then went on to explained. No I had not...as yet...but was glad that they thought that there should be one. Adding that it was a matter of the right people seeing my work...and given the right circumstance...there would eventually be one...some day. I forgot to mention the whole internet aspect...and forgot to give them my card. Parallel to all this...Dori’s wedding photo album was being passed around...so that those that had not yet seen it...did...and others looked at them for the second time. Again...people would say to me how much they liked the photos. Patients...patients...this is all a lead-in to the punch line. Much later...by which time more than half the peopled had left...I found myself talking to Bela. He began to tell me a story. Now...what was unknown to me...was when the gist of the story came to be. Since I’d not heard it before...it must have happened then and there...that day. I assume now that the principals had left...hence Bela was free to tell the story...without embarrassing them. Bela began. He said that there was this man...named but as per above...that had said that when he saw the way I had been taking photos on Dori’s wedding day...that he had thought that not a single photo would..."turn out" well. Given...that... My technique for all the group (and many other) photos was the same. Shooting from the hip...as it were. I’d hold the D200 with the Sigma 10-20(mm) in front of me...below waist level! I’d aim the camera/flash in the general direction of the group...and once satisfied that the camera was more or less level...blast off frames...waiting only for the flash to recycle. I’d then raise the camera to see the result...and then repeat the process. Since my only real concern was to see if most of those in the group were at any one time engaged in activities that were not conducive to a great photo...my technique allowed me to look at the group...not the small image through the camera’s finder...and as important...a much better angle. PLUS...as that day wore on...it got darker and darker...as Agnes directed more and more groups to gather for a photo. Naturally if one thought that the "only" way to take a (good) photo is to place the camera against you face and peer through it...my technique would seem as sheer folly...cavalier...even! I had instructed all the females in the front row how to place their feet. I would check for this between frames...and their faces. Using the Sigma 10-20...and positioned at a suitable distance...I could not miss. Most people’s camera’s would not have a lens with such a wide angle of coverage...and hence not fathom my advantage. So...there we have it. It seems that the "word" had been that my photos would be one...big...useless joke. Though there was one man that said to me...at the time...that..."I must have been doing this ("risky" technique) for a long time." Well...he was right...but I can’t help but wonder what was thought but not said behind my back...by many others. Later yet...we were down to just "family"...when I happened to look across at Anci...thumbing through Dori’s album. I remember thinking that I was sure it was not the first time. She was turning pages slowly...good I thought. THEN...out of nowhere...she looks up at me and say’s..."These are really good photographs!" At that point I mentioned to the group the story that Bela had told me an hour before. Well now...Dori (she apparently knew the story) excitedly identified the individual...and his wife...adding that...yes...they were in one of the group photo taken that day. It all came together. They had been in a group photo that they never thought would "turn out". And I’m sure the word got around. The old lady that had approached me at the funeral was...the wife! I thought I had sensed something more than just a casual comment on my photography...more of an apology. I loved hearing the story from Bela for the first time and then again from Dori...it really must have been a great relief...and a pleasant surprise the way things turned out in the end. They need not have worried...Pygmalion was just doing his job. 0904hrs...Dressed...And I gave myself a HC...needed to be done. I have potentially a lot of work today. The sun is now out in full...but it’s cold. So the grave shot will have to wait. I need to print Agnes’ copies. 1053hrs...Have finished Agi’s photos...and one of Pityu for Dori. I’ve called Anci about the grave photos...and she should be here in 5 mins from now. 1118hrs...I had heard the church bells...at 1030hrs...and thought it could well be another funeral...hence called Anci. Not available...she will call back...as I write. 1747hrs...It was not in fact a funeral...just announcing the 1100hrs service I was told...so Anci showed up with Lajos and we did go and I took a number of frames. The light was good. I had brought along the photos for Agi...and thought that we’d drop them off...but was told that they would be at church. As it turned out...I finished some time after 1200hrs and they had by then congregated at the old house. Anci spotted the cars parked in the drive...so naturally we went in. Gads...the whole family was there...except for Jutka! One of the photos that I’d just enough time to find and print was intended for Dori...and when I saw that she was there too...it made my day. I was able to give Agi her photos and Dori the color photo of Pityu working on the chest that he was...at the time...building for her as a wedding present. It was from a single frame I took of him that day. Soon thereafter they all went to the cemetery...I came back here. I had in mind to look at the frames I’d taken and print up a set of four...one each for Anci/Lajos, Sari/Bela, Cila/Istvan and one for Jutka. When the last print was still in the printer...I called over to find out if there was anyone there...and if so who. Anci answered...close enough I thought. I had made and consumed lunch during the printing. Ten minutes later I was at the house and distributed the photos. I also took over some toys for Bernadette’s (Agnes Tuba‘s grandchildren) three daughters. I had Anci call them over. Now all that’s left is the composite that Bela had asked for. This will take some time and inspiration. As of right now...not much of the latter. I’m now into the last 20 sheets of the good paper. I also needed to replace two ink cartridges...while I was printing. Oh...there are the copies that I will be making for Csaba’s mother...once I get the prints. Velence...November 17th 2008. 0719hrs...The Other was sleeping outside the door on his new mat. Drank some of my Java out there after I fed him. It’s on the cold side...clear...at 5°C with gusty winds. I miss programming in Basic. And working with GenericCad (6). There is now (has been for years) a Windows version...which says something about it...as in all the others that liked it too...over AutoCad. The truth was that AutoCad was just too expensive...and once you got the hang of GenericCad...all the two letter speed keys...it was damn fast to work with. Oh...I had to replace yet another ink cartridge...making three so far...with two other getting close. 0959hrs...Showered...Mom showed up...fed same...and ditto Kwan. 1301hrs...I’ve just shut down the station. I had mentioned bringing over a scope...which today I’ve fired off...for the first time. It sits sandwiched between the satellite receiver and the Kenwood R-2000 general coverage receiver. It happened that NOAA-18 would have an overhead pass in ten minutes time...so I waited. It went as expected. All I need now is a proper cable from the receiver to the laptop...so that I will then be able to view the satellite images. I now need to make a run to the far store. My cats are waiting for their noon meal...having already had their pre-breakfast snack...breakfast...and pre-lunch snack. This will be followed by in fact...lunch...then post lunch snack...mid-afternoon meal...pre-dinner snack...dinner...after dinner snack...early evening meal...and pre-night time snack...which then puts us into the next day...which means that there may well be a pre-dawn snack if they should catch me outside at 0200hrs. The meals usually include milk...and a choice of two entrées...can and pouch. Stroking is almost always necessary to get them going...with admonitions...of..."Mmm...mmm...that’s really tasty food...wish I had some too." 1318hrs...I’m gone. 1439hrs...Have just finished monitoring NOAA-18’s second pass. But I was late for its beginning. The signal from the receiver output that I’m using is riding on top of plus four volt DC. Don’t know why. This will render that output useless for now. 1821hrs...Have spent most of the day on research...online. Had one call...looking for Cila...called back to say that no one picked up. Wishing her condolences for our loss. [This must be "Hungarian thing"...of assuming that if you go to the trouble of placing a call...SOMEONE will be THERE to answer it.] Velence...November 18th 2008. 0632hrs... 0711hrs...Did the coffee thing as usual outside not matter the weather. It was 2°C...with color to the east. The Other had spent the night on his mat. Mom showed up and Kwan was up too. Eventually fed all. Speaking of chess. On Saturday...the day of the funeral...at Sari/Bela’s I got to talking with Saci’s boyfriend...and the conversation led to chess. I was asked if I played...yes...did I want to play...no really...given the circumstance. The room was full of talking people...but in the end I agreed to play. There was in fact a small table that had been in use an hour before...but was now free...and a chess board and pieces soon materialized. Game one with Saci and Lajos watching started...me with white. I took up the Sicilian Defense...but noticed that my opponent did the same. This was not good. The game went down hill from there. It did not help that Lajos was kibitzing...though the infamous PsyOps rules were in effect I was pleased to note. It was a good enough game but I lost in the end. Game two...me with black. There was lots for Lajos to comment on...and without hesitation...he did with great fervor. "You should have taken the knight!" he said...pointing at the piece. More comments followed. At one point I totally lost my train of thought...which I was then not able to reconstruct. Somewhere along the line I managed to isolating my Queen...which was dully pointed by Lajos. I remember thinking that there was a lot of talk on his part...as though he’d never ended up in that position himself. I lost that game too. Two out of three...I saw no reason to play another. He was good...but not that good I thought. It was that I was not playing well at all. NBD. BUT...After declining a third game...it was suggested that I play Lajos! It had crossed my mind to do just that...to see play instead of just talk. I gave him white. I abandoned the Sicilian Defense altogether and went straight for the jugular. I won the first game quite quickly. Game two...me with white...took a bit longer only because he ended up with an unplanned...and unusually confused defensive position. I had more than enough pieces...but it took some time. Two out three...mine! I didn’t like the board or the pieces. The Rooks looked like slightly better fed Pawns. All the pieces were small. The Knight on the other hand was so large that one could hide other pieces behind it...I’m not kidding! 0825hrs...I had forgotten to take the garbage out last night...so I had to do it this morning. What’s on for today? I may hit one of the store...not sure which...yet. Could also make a run to Anci’s garage for a cable. I need to look at the Sorbs again...high counts of R1a1...German...Tuba...dove...etc. 1245hrs...Knock on door...Istvan...a shipment of corn coming...need to move my car. This is ok...since it means that I can hit the far store in style...for a change. I wait for the call. Backing up...Mom has been in and out all morning and had just jumped up onto the bed...when of a sudden...alert...she jumped off. Then came the knock. Did NOAA-18 again...and since I will be parking my car at Anci’s...I will have a look. In fact I should go there first...then the store...then back here...then back to her place...and walk back from there. What a plan...huh? 2015hrs...Soon after the above...I didn’t wait after all...but went over which turned out to be just right. They’d called and no one answered. Once on the High Street I headed for the close store. Next it was to the PO...and the far store. Then to Anci’s where I looked for cable and connectors. Found some that I think will work...though not first class. Then back here to unload the trunk. Then back to Anci’s to park my car. I started to walk back and planned to go through the four gates ending up here. BUT! As I approached the old house I saw a truck parked in front. Damn! The corn had arrived! I have been there ever since! I’m tired...and cold. I was told that it was 5 tons...which we had to move...by hand in buckets...if you believe...into various containers...for the last seven hours! (That would be 5 metric tons...5,000 kilo grams.). It will be a miracle if I’m able to get up tomorrow...I kid you not! Velence...November 19th 2008. 0603hrs...It’s a minus 0.0°C! And a wind from the east. Well...I guess I’m up...but I can feel it. 0928hrs..Have constructed a cable with connectors parallel to one leading to the scope so I can monitor the signal. NOAA-17 is 5 mins out to my radio horizon. Since it’s south bound I will not get a worthwhile signal until much later. That’s not a problem right now. Of the two RCA Phone connector outputs...one is riding on top of a DC voltage like the one from the BNC connector. The one that I will be using is controlled by the main volume control...which is not the one I want to use since it controls speaker volume. I will need to correct this. 0935hrs...NOAA-17 is over my radio horizon. But the satellite is totally behind the house...though I can hear it now...at 0938hrs. I wait. 0953hrs...Done deal...it worked. First received image in HU Land. I ended up switching to the "mike" input which also lowered the required audio level...to the point where I could hardly hear it...but at this stage...no big deal...(NBD). I now wait for NOAA-18...an eastern pass...north bound...in 46 mins. The next pass after that will be the "good" one...though not as good as the last two days...marginally. 1300hrs...As per the above I had planned to catch the next pass...and thought I‘d crash till then. I didn’t hear it because I fell asleep. I had a dream in color...rust mostly. I was on my bike along the sea shore...when I saw in a small tidal pool...a mirror. As I got closer I saw that is was a front surface mirror about six inches square...tarnished in the middle. There were three glass spheres...two large and one small. Treasure it was. I picked up the large one and noted that it had a hole in it about two inches in diameter and what water was inside I poured out. Next I picked up the mirror and the small sphere which had a proportional sized hole also. Inside there was a sea creature of some kind which fell out along with the water that I poured out. Some one appeared showing interest in the treasure. I was faced with taking the treasure away with me on my bike. I left the other large sphere behind. Next scene. I’m on a hill looking down into a wide valley. I could see all the way to the other side. I was on a long road which ran straight across and all the way to the top of the hill on the other side. I was on a wide paved road from the look of it. Next scene...I’m in the valley looking up at the hill the I must now climb. The road that looked nice...paved...was now not. I thought it strange that I had not gone very fast going down hill and how slow and how tiring it will be going up. End. Oh...the second scene came after I’d woken up...but I resumed it. I woke up for real when I heard a faint sound that I’d heard thousands of times before. The ping ping ping of a NOAA satellite. It was in fact the start of the "good" pass. Needless to say...I got up. It’s ping ping ping on daylight passes and tick tock tick tock at night when it’s just the IR (Infrared) channels working. I’m already thinking about building another antenna. Damn...how many I’ve built over the years? It was about this time of year that in 1983 I had my first success...25 years ago! 1347hrs...NOAA-18 in 15 mins. 1914hrs...Phone...Istvan...Pizza’s done...and all the corn is gone. Heading over. Velence...November 20th 2008. 0618hrs...A cup. 3°C. I went over as per above. Indeed...the corn was gone. Sari/Bela, Cila/Istvan, Jutka, Lajos and Csaba. Later Anci arrived. 0837hrs...Have fed Kwan. No sign of Mom or the Other as yet. The sun is up brightly...it’s 4°C. There is nothing scheduled for today that I know of. Oh...unless it’s to move my car back. It had occurred to me to take a little sojourn...with camera(s). Don’t know where to...but am thinking about it. It’s risky. If nothing else a stop at the store. 25 mins for NOOA-17...southbound pass to the east. This pass is closer than the next one...making it the better of the two. Sure would like a Quadfiler on a long pole mounted high and clear. I may have to settle for a Turnstile in the end. Velence...November 21st 2008. 0608hrs...It’s raining...and windy. Doing the usual cup of Mud. I spent more that a few hours online yesterday. I made one breakthrough...Pityu’s Roman coin. As before...I didn’t find the exact coin...but I reevaluated what had been thought of as a date in Roman numerals...given that it started with the letter "M"...followed by the letter "V". It seemed obvious...but as written it made no sense. There were letters that looked to be the letter "I"...that when decoded along with the rest of the letters did not "add" up...within the rules of reading Roman numerals. There was a faint diagonal line between two of the "Is"...so I wrote that as the letter "N". I now had "MVNI". This made no sense to me...but what the hell...I added the rest of the letters...making the entire...what ever it was..."MVNICI". I plugged that into the search field of Google and got a hit right of the bat. As of right now I still don’t know exactly what it means. Those letters are associated with the word STROBEN(SIS). And there are other references with longer versions of "MVNICI"...that is...with more letters following. Obviously I will now find what it all means. Kwan is asleep outside the front door...on his mat. I’ve not seen the rest. I will need to hit the far store some time today. I was just about to say that there was nothing on for today...but there is. The paper and toner were to be "in" as of today. I will...or should be getting a call from Anci...and I could then combine that trip with hitting the store...what a mind! There is also the matter of my car...but not a big deal. Yesterday I also researched longevity/life expectancy. This as a result of the other night’s conversations at the old house while consuming pizza. It was as I had thought. Average life expectancy in the ancient world was about 35-40 years. 0728hrs...Fed Kwan. Well now..."Stoben" (Stobi) is a reference to a city in Macedonia. The coinage seems to be Provincial...Roman...connected to Caracalla...198-217AD. It’s not 100% since I still have not found the exact coin. Close...in some cases but just off the mark. The coin was found here in Velence by Pityu. The date...if I’m right about the coin...was not lost before 198 AD. 0957hrs...Have showered. I have struck out...in my search. I’ve tried all combination that I could think of...but none led to an answer as yet. 1322hrs...Sorting prints for show and tells...USA and UK Land stuff. Have called Anci’s number...no response. I’m getting hungry...since I didn’t have breakfast...needing to hit the store. Mom has spent time indoors for the last two days. I went out to feed Kwan...but the Other was there too...and sleeping in Kwan’s place. I put food out for both in a dry spot. Later...I heard a really strange sound...out on the front porch I thought...and sure as hell...it was a Magpie trying to get at said cat food...with poor Kwan right there. 1624hrs...Have just called Cila to ask if Anci happens to be there...I’d called her at her number but she was not there either. 1650hrs...Phone...Anci...The guy never called to say that my stuff was in...so we will call tomorrow. This of course does not help my situation...and it’s now raining. 1706hrs...Killing time. Have not heard from Bill. I hope it’s just that he’s busy. Had an email from Joe Jarfas...email address change. The market continues to dive...taking me with it...and I’m powerless to do anything about it...due to willful actions of TWWoTW. MVNICI...? Munici(pal)...Munici(pality) of Storbi. A city in Macedonia...which at the time was a Roman province. It’s now just a matter of nailing the Roman Emperor. 1741hrs...Just in from out. I had looked at a streak of bright sky...signs of a setting sun...not...but a patch of low clouds. The rest of the sky was a dark gray. I then looked south...and just as I blinked...I saw a flash of light. Gads...I said...what the hell was that...as in a neurological phenomena? I need not have worried...because it was soon followed by the sound of thunder. I’ve decided to make a run to a store. It’s stopped raining as I write. Thunder and lightning be damned. 1746hrs...I’m gone. 1818hrs...I’m wet...it had started to rain again...but back in one piece. THE REASON that Kwan was not outside when I left and not outside when I returned was because Kwan was by then INSIDE! Snuck right in. He’s gotten so big that I have to look twice and then need time to figure out who’s who. Velence...November 22nd 2008. 0813hrs...It’s 1°C. Fed two out of three. Mom was inside most of last night/early this morning. It’s a WHEEL! The obverse side of Pityu’s Roman coin had a standing figure at the feet of which is a circle (wheel) with four spokes as I now understand. This was not an unusual object to be found on coins of the period...but to identify it as such was news to me. The identity of the figure is not known because there seems to be three possibilities. They are... Victory, Nemesis or Nike...so far...there could be others that I’m not yet aware of...my bet is that it's...Victory...the figure has wings. 1105hrs...Mom’s on the couch...and content. Me...I’m out of the shower...shaved...but not dressed. I have a bad felling about my paper and toner. The guy did not call yesterday...so I have to logically conclude that...one...he is not in possession of said paper and toner...and two...does not know when he will...since he could have called to say exactly when he would. It’s cold...bright...and windy outside. Wind’s from the northwest...hence the cold. 1211hrs...It’s now clouding up. The rest is the same. I’ve opened up the satellite receiver with the intent of finding the reason why the audio signal is riding on a DC potential. This should not be the case. 1311hrs...Holy SHIT. I have the curtains drawn so that the sunshine would not get in. Hence all there is...is the sound of the wind outside. I could not concentrate because the gusts were indicating strong winds. The last time that I was outside was just a few minutes ago. Blue sky with cumulous clouds. NOW...it’s a bloody blizzard out there. And now at 1316hrs...it’s snowing! And now at 1323hrs...the sun is again breaking through. 1447hrs...It’s 1°C...and snowing for real. Have nailed the problem...just an un-terminated output...terminated same. I now wait for a NOAA-15 pass...17 mins out. 1452hrs...Now the sun is shining under the clouds...interesting. 1749hrs...It’s a minus 1°C...and the stars are shining. I can’t remember what I’ve done all day. Gads! Kwan and Mom are both inside at this time. OH...my stocks were up over $1200.00 for the day...the last time I checked. The DOW was up over 400 points. I also worked on some images...One of Perk and Sandy...which I’m thinking about printing. Not sure if I want to include it with the other Sepia prints. More like I should start another portfolio...dark stuff. There were enough images that I took that day for one set...stand alone as it were. I have bad memories of that house. Things happened there that I wish had not. Nothing I did...but Perk. A turning point to be sure. But since I didn’t know exactly what took place and with whom...I guess it’s ...NBD. It is interesting thought to realize that all I have are the images...so naturally the memory of the day’s shoot...nothing else. On the other hand...Perk and Sandy would be thinking of something more...else...different...as in..."Oh...yeah...that was the house........". Just had a flash. Pardon my back as I go online. I will take a look at Bill’s web site. 1915hrs...Nothing to report...on Bill. 2030hrs...Well damn...I managed to fake out both Kwan and Mom. They out...me in. I built a little house out of a box...a box-house...but when I went to put it out...Mom was waiting to get in. Smarter than the average cat...I went to the balcony door and unlocked it. This brought Mom down from the front porch and up onto the balcony. I then went back to the front door...opened it...out with the box-house...closed door...done deal. Plan was that Kwan will find it accommodating. The box was needed because it snowed on that spot...hence box-house. Happy with myself...I settled in. I had left the curtain parted earlier...and the next thing I see is a cat on the ledge. Didn’t know which. It looked in and saw me...DAMN I thought. Cat jumps off the ledge. The next thing I hear is massive scratching at the door. Well I thought...ok fine...Mom was in last night so why not. Open door...cat enters...Damn...it’s Kwan! Mom out. Kwan is now hiding somewhere. Sorry about this cat stuff...but...it’s such...DRAMA. Velence...November 23rd 2008. 0740hrs...It’s 0.0°C...Sunny and mostly clear. There is a good dusting of snow...the street is white...packed. 0904hrs...It’s now about 2°C...and a slow melt has started. 1040hrs...Showered. There is an annoying sound from across the lake. It could be a car alarm or some such. It’s been blasting away since 0300hrs this morning! The people close must be going nuts...I’d think. I need to make a run to the far store. I wish I could stock up...since there is more snow in the forecast. The road is now snow free so it should not be a problem. The last thing I need is to fall off the bike. 1106hrs...Bloody hell...I have to leave right now! Wind’s picking up just like yesterday before the blizzard hit. I’m gone. 1139hrs...Houston...we have DRAMA! The coat I chose to wear has pockets that are not conducive to keeping in...that which is in. I put the plastic bags in the left pocket which I normally don’t do...thinking that said bags would be more secure...there ...as opposed the right hand pocket. You following this? I hit the road with a strong wind at my back aiding my progress...knowing full well that it will not...on my return trip. I got about half way there when said bags egresses out of said left pocket whence the aforementioned wind took them airborne at high velocity...gratefully in the same direction I was going. I knew instantly that there was not a chance in hell that said bag would simply arrive at the same store I planned to visit...hence I formulated a cleaver retrieval plan...all in my massive...though now cold...brain. I accelerated such as to capture one of the bags which had landed a number of meters ahead of me. I arrived and trapped it under my left foot...at the same time looking to see where that other bag was heading. One bag in hand...I went off to retrieve the other. Clank went something with the gears on said bike. I ascertained that it must be the infamous "de-rail" event. That fixed...I looked again to see the errant other bag. It was not to be seen...but I knew that it would show up sooner or later. It did...though it upset a dog behind a fence. Coming back...it was as I’d predicted...having used my massive though cold brain...there was a strong headwind...icy snow in my face...and at times almost brought me to a standstill...all thanks to the WWoTW. Mom had been waiting when I’d left...and there on my return. Two cats are inside at this time. 1512hrs...Doing lunch. Two cats in. The alarm has been neutralized. The local constabulary finally got the word. It was in fact not across the lake but at the new house under construction. 1518hrs...I have been hearing sounds all day...and now the radiator is too hot to touch...indicating that Istvan’s up to something. This is potentially not a good thing. It’s how a blistering 24°C. 1611hrs...Phone...Cila...Eat...Ok...I’m gone. 1828hrs...I’m back...as in obviously. The sound has also returned! I’d taken over my latest print...a shot taken three weeks ago when I stopped to watch a football match. I also took over a printed list of all the names we’d found so far in chronological order...1224 to 1944 listing all Tubas. Chatted. Velence...November 24th 2008. 0622hrs...I was driven in by strong winds. It’s 1°C. 0652hrs...The sound continues...and the crew have yet to arrive...as they are normally here by now. To route the coax from the Discone antenna into the house it was necessary to leave a window slightly open. This morning I remember thinking that it was colder inside than usual. WELL...the wind had blow said window open...letting in said cold air...duh. 1913hrs...Well...the sound stopped at 1100hrs. It snowed...then melted. The winds have stopped too. My Pet Rock...is...well...just...there...but happy to be inside I’m sure. Velence...November 25th 2008. 0727hrs...Overcast. 0957hrs...Policing the general area. 1018hrs...A slow day so far. I seem to be missing some prints. I’ve gone through all the boxes...but. OHHHHHHHHHHH! I know where the are. They are in the Black portfolio cases. These would be the UK Land photos. Velence...November 26th 2008. It’s cold and clear. I was awoken from partial sleep by a noise. Conscious...I located the point...as the balcony door. Gads...that must be Mom...whom I put out last night...wanting IN! But turned out to be the Other...wanting IN! 0826hrs...Yesterday I came across Mr. Petite’s (E. Dale Petite) obituary in the Seattle Times. Age 73...died Feb. 28, 2000. It means that he was born in 1927. He retired in 1981(!)...making him 54 at the time! It goes on to state that he died after a long illness...perhaps causing the early retirement(?). Also found references as E. Dale Petite...and Dale E. Petite. There is still a question in my mind about the authorship of "The Thrill is Gone"...in as much as a reference to the "original" lyrics having been supposedly written in 1952. B.B. King came out with it...the song...in 1969. In 1962...while in his class...I don’t remember the subject of him having written it ever being mentioned. By about 1974...Linda F. mentioned it to me for the first time...having been told by Mr. Petite directly. I have some difficulty with the story...that B. B. King "stole" the lyrics... presumably in...Seattle. More on this later. 1303hrs...It’s sunny and clear...hence cold...at 3°C. Thinking about hitting the far store...since it’s supposed to snow and or rain by tomorrow. Yesterday I scanned both sides of Pityu’s Roman coin...and printed them showing both sides...on one A4. Intend to take it over to show Cila. Did more searching on it online...without luck. Though I know think that the figure is "Victory"...and I did see some coins with the same style...but none of those had the "Wheel". 1509hrs...Did the store...without drama. Velence...November 27th 2008. 0618hrs...Mud. Yesterday...read HP Journals...1949-1975. 1007hrs...Well...I’m dressed. Another slow day. It’s 5°C...but it feels colder. The sun is shining through clouds. According to BBC weather...it was to be sunny...as in clear. 1527hrs...Setting up for an OVHP of ISS/STS-126. The Keplers for STS-126 are wrong...putting it someplace else in the sky...but since I know it’s attached to the ISS...it’s academic. I will be shooting from...where(?)...thinking. Gads...it will be out back. Ok...fine. 1639hrs...Done deal...but we had some drama. Kwan...in fact all three! I’m trying to get the heavy Slik...D200...MTO1000...etc...out the door...and they were trying to get in. Kwan managed it...and I was pissed off. Then as I try to acquire the ISS...Mom’s out there trying to get my attention. Anyway...I’ve looked at the images but I’m sure that they could have been better. I was still out on the balcony dithering whether to take the camera out or not...but then with only minutes to spare I convinced myself that it should be visible once past overhead...a darker sky. Well...it was...more that bright enough...but I did a poor job with the focus...lacking a star this early. I had focused it on first Venus and then Jupiter...but both were disks...not good for focusing. One should never rush something like this. Set up early and get it right! My only excuse were the cats! 1657hrs...Progress-M65 is coming...9 mins to my radio horizon. 1715hrs...Another half-assed attempt. It would again have been better out back...but I was not about to tempt fate. Oh...I have Keplers for the lost tool bag. 2009hrs...It was about an hour ago...phone...Istvan...he and Bela coming over re furnace thermostat etc. Done deal as far as showing me the unit. Istvan will have to do some drilling to get a wire up from the garage. Time will tell when. I asked Bela about the status of his TV...said that nothing had been done. I asked him to set a date and time...he said tomorrow...Friday at 1600hrs when he expects to be back home from work. Done deal...I’ll be there. Velence...November 28th 2008. 0759hrs...It’s a minus 2°C...the sun’s up...and there are signs of ice on the lake. It has come later this year...I think. 0816hrs...Well I’ll be damned...Kwan figured out the box-house. Last night I took a close look at the thermostat that Bela had brought over. He went to great length to explain the wiring of said thermostat...indicating that the schematic in the pamphlet and the one in the cover were not exactly the same...and that there was a mistake. Good to hear...I thought at the time. So I re-drew the Schematic..."my way". Well now...there was one part of the circuit that didn’t make sense so I left it. This morning I decided to check out the unit. Sure as hell...what should have closed...made contact...didn’t. Just now I’ve cleaned the contact...and it now works as it should. Now it’s on to the other part which had not made sense. I flip said switch...and nothing seems to happen. 1045hrs...Nailed it! Two resistors...One is heating the thermo switch slightly when the heater is running...forcing an earlier shut off. The other resistor...when switched on...heats the thermo switch making it seem as though it’s warmer in the room...by 4°C...hence dropping the room temperature by that amount...night heat setting as it were. Done deal. 1137hrs...Have just looked at the photos in the three black portfolio cases. NBD...though there are a few worth pulling sometime later. I need to hit at least the close store. I will be close to the far store when I go to Bela’s...at 1600hrs. I need to shower...it’s just when? The Other has gotten some food from me...but is now out there hunting mice. Kwan needs to learn to do that too...and soon. Mom...is getting ready for a cat nap. Have read most of the pages from HP Journals that I’d down load the day before. Love reading old stuff like that. The 8 Digit DMM...(HP 3458A)...GADS! It takes your breath away. Really clever thinking. I know that given the right set of circumstances...I’d love to play with one...right after it had been fully calibrated. 1506hrs...Just back from the close store. Kwan blasted in as I went out. I’ve collected some tools that I may need at Bela’s...hence ready to go. 1546hrs...I’m gone. 2105hrs...Back for about ten mins. I got there at 1550hrs and was surprised to find that Bela was not only home...but was just finishing his dinner. I was offered dinner which I could not refuse...and then Istvan showed up...so it was about 1640hrs that we started working on the TV set. I nailed Bela’s TV in about ten mins...knowing that it was most likely the fuse...given that I measured an open at the power plug with the power switch turn to the on position. It was in fact the fuse...you know it was. It was about a year ago that he’d asked me to take a look at his TV reception...in as much as the picture left something to be desired. It was some time later that I had occasion to see all his cable channels. Every one had the same problem...as I saw it...hence there was nothing to be done at the time. So...once I had taken off the back of the set...I asked for a vacuum cleaner...and with the brush that I’d brought along...cleaned as much of the accumulated fine dust that I could gain access to. Done deal...I opened the power module and found the blown fuse . Bela...miraculously had a fuse...albeit 2-1/8 Amp. Higher than spec. Replaced same...plugged it in and naturally it work...though it was without the cable. Put the cover back on the module...then the back...and Bela put the set back in it’s original place. Plugged in the cable...turned it on...and waited. Well now...Bela said nothing...as he went though all the channels...which I remember thinking at the time as a bit unusual. What was he looking for? Then Saci came into the room...she noticed it right off...that there was a difference. She asked what we had done...to make it...well... look so good...as in better than it had been...for at least the past year. She took over the remote...and she stepped through all the cannels...searching for...what I now gathered was one that didn’t look good. Finding none she asked again what had been done. I took Bela’s lead...saying that we’d "cleaned" it. It had been Saci that had brought me the vacuum cleaner...earlier. Then Agi came into the room...and it started all over again. The accumulated fine dust had settled on very sensitive RF components...which degraded the circuit’s performance enough to effect the picture quality...or the lack thereof. Cleaning it off brought it back to it’s original condition. Magic. Great fun. The LEGEND strikes again. Velence...November 29th 2008. 0655hrs...A cup of Mud. Mom’s in...eating. At 0220hrs she woke me up...wanting out. It was raining such that when I opened the balcony door she balked. Same with the front door. I fed her...and it was only after that that she ran out into the rainy night. 1724hrs...A real slow day...and miserable. It was just not warm enough to work in. My hands were cold. I have now fired off the space heater for additional heat...and hence it’s better now. Bela had mentioned that Cila was not doing well. She is going through a bout of depression over the loss of Pityu. We talked about it at some length. I will go over tomorrow. I thought about doing so today but didn’t. A car pulled up out front and a man got out. I didn’t recognize him...and as I thought...he was coming here. He was looking for the "Fuller boys"...and I told him that Pityu was dead...which he knew...and that Bela had gone to Gyor with the family. Done deal. Oh...except that he had tried the old house...but no one answered...except Jimmy the Puli...hence they...Cila and Istvan were out. Velence...November 30th 2008. 0837hrs...Mud. 1056hrs...Dressed. Need to hit the close store. Thought about going over to visit Cila...but she may have gone to church...hence I will go some time after 1200hrs. 1200hrs...I need to transfer all the files that I’ve not yet backed up onto the external 400GB. 1812hrs...Have been back for about an hour. I did in fact go over and found Sari/Bela along with Saci and Agnes there. They had all been to church. Then...in two trips...we all ended up at Sari/Bela’s for lunch. Have been there since. I left the computer running...transferring files. I’ve since transferred more files. I now notice that I have a useless folder. Not a good sign. 2202hrs...Fix it. Velence...December 1st 2008. 0807hrs...A cup. It’s 2°C...mostly cloudy...though clearing. 0908hrs...I have to hit the DO sometime today. 0932hrs...Time to hit the shower. 1338hrs...Just back from Cila’s. I had in fact hit the DO...the chemist’s and the far store. Then I went over. We talked money. 1445hrs...There are now high winds...and driven rain. It had been sunny all day till now. 1645hrs...The winds have moderated...but it’s still raining. 1906hrs...Call...Cila...Dinner...OK...Gone. 2104hrs...Back for about 15 mins. Stars are out! NOW... Earlier there was a lunar occultation of Venus. The D200 was still mounted to the MTO 1000 so I took it outside. Took a few "pre" shots...given that Venus at the time was behind the Moon. By the time Venus was to reappear...clouds covered said Moon. Another bust. Bummer! Velence...December 2nd 2008. 0357hrs...Yeah...I know... I woke up...thinking... It had been troubling me that some figures I’d generated didn’t seem right to me...just plain hard to believe. Then it came to me...I’d made a mistake! 0402hrs...Well that went fast. I had used 800 as one factor when it should have been 160! So here I am doing a cup of Java...at four in the morning. The stars are out. 0733hrs...Doing breakfast. 1012hrs...Well damn...I guess I should hit the PO for some cash...to pay off Cila...minus the pending water bill. Thereafter it will about 55KHUF per month. 1110hrs...Done deal. But we had some drama. The amount I asked for...in the end...exceeded their limit...hence the transaction bounced. Had to settle for less...but I was able to cover the difference nonetheless. I will need to hit the close store also...but not right now. 1638hrs...Gads! There was a knock at the door around 1400hrs or before...Lajos...asking if I could go over and move my stuff around so that they can move a foldout bed into the garage...ok...and we were off. Been there ever since. Will need to go back tomorrow to finish the task. Oh...I did find a few treasures. The IBM Golf Ball...part number 653...to name one. OH! And I found another stash of negatives...35mm. Also found some S&Ts...one of which contains the story about the Nelsonic wrist watch. [Sky & Telescope...a magazine.] 1914hts...I’ve been reading the S&Ts...but I find myself dozing off. I’m tired...and it didn’t help that Lajos plied me with house wine...and that was with an empty stomach. Velence...December 3rd 2008. 0707hrs...A cup. The Other was waiting outside the balcony door. 0956hrs...Plan to leave soon for Anci’s to complete work in the garage. The sun is breaking through and it’s now 8°C...which is just right for such work. Hope it stays this way. I need to hit the close store also. 1257hrs...Back for about 20 mins. Done deal with the space needed at Anci’s garage. 1316hrs...I had to leave two bags of stuff behind...which Anci has just driven over for me. What are the odds? I’m reading back issues of Sky & Telescope wherein there a piece by David Levy about his long time friend Steven Ashe. This in the June 2002 issue. It goes on to say that Steve had been diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer. Turns out he died two and half weeks after the issue came out. Then...online I read that Patrick Swazye is also battling Pancreatic cancer! [Since died also.] 1621hrs...Istvan has made it home in one piece. One of the things I found and brought back was the book "The Creative Ordeal"...ISBN 0-689-10633-5. This will be the third time that I will be reading it. I had bought the book on 1-13-95. It’s to commemorate the 50th year of Raytheon. I know that I shall enjoy reading it...as I did the first time. Heroic stuff...really. 1731hrs...Thrilling! Gripping! Fast paced action! Monies flying left and right! Talented...creative men at work. 1802hrs...Ten mins ago...knock on door...Lajos. I knew that he would be bringing me some plastic tubing. He did in fact. Three sizes...all too small. I gave him a measurement...15mm OD. Said he’d get some tomorrow. Ok. 1815hrs...It’s a wonderful thing to find that there many aspects to the story that I simply didn't remember having read before. A one Al Spencer shows up early on...and I thought it strange that there would be...I knew...later another Spencer...Percy. I didn’t remember that they were in fact related...as in Percy the elder brother. He will go one to "invent" the microwave oven. Is it the first or second thing to go? Velence...December 4th 2008. 0433hrs...A cup and reading. 0535hrs...Caught Istvan heading for work. 0925hrs...A second cup. The Crows are here in force. And they are taking the last of the almonds off the trees. 1048hrs...Showered...just. It’s one thing to "get" a joke...but totally another to come up with one. I could take entire paragraphs out of the book...and it would "read" as if it applied today...word for word...this from the 20’s to late 30’s. 1211hrs...Still reading. I will need to hit the far store...soon. 1355hrs...Done deal...and doing lunch...yum yum...no really! Velence...December 5th 2008. 0736hrs...A cup...Mom and the Other are both in...eating now. The sun is rising nicely with beams entering the room. The wind is out of the east...a bit cold...hence. Yesterday around 1800hrs...Lajos showed up with yet another length of plastic tubing...that with an adapter I was in fact able to connect to the water heater. It needed said adapter because the tubing was now too large. He said that in a week or so he would get the exact size for me. Thanks dude. 0907hrs...Well damn! It’s to be a DRAMA day! First I had a fire in my bathrobe pocket. Now the clothes washer has packed up...the drum does not turn freely. And last but not least...Kwan has in effect dismantled his box-house...for which I don’t have a replacement. And while it’s 7°C...there is a strong wind...hence wind-chill. I have bad feeling that this not the end of it. I have yet to go online! 1037hrs...Have in fact...nothing...but the day is still young. Did the wash in the tub...and got all wet. What a lifestyle...huh? Back to reading. Thinking that I can most likely fix the box-house...once Kwan leaves the area. 1519hrs...Finishing the second half of my second cup of Joe which I’d made prior to hitting the close store...which went without drama. I have also repaired Kwan’s box-house...and made it waterproof. The reading continues. Some very serious issues will be coming to a head some time soon. My options are not realistically feasible. They are in fact the same issues that existed over a year ago while still in UK Land. Nothing has really changed the raw facts. All that’s happened is a delay. Barrowed time as it were. For this inevitability...I must get a number of "ducks in a row". I need to get this document published. I keep putting it off...reason unknown. There is an issue...financial...that I have not pursued because of fear. Simply...it may not fly. It’s there...but the cost is fearfully great. I need to cleanup some files...on all drives. I need to compose a "letter" to explain the situation in detail...and eventually send it to three people. Unrelated...I think that Mom is again expecting. This I don’t need! I have not heard from Jutka about any mail...that I would have thought should have arrived by now. In fact I’ve not heard from Jutka at all...for some time. 1751hrs...Have policed the kitchen. Going online...now. 2027hrs...Have been reading. It’s raining. I will now go back to see what it was like one year ago. 2045hrs...Well it was about the same...but with more references to ice on the lake. 0850hrs...Yawn. Tired and sleepy. Mom is in. Velence...December 6th 2008. 0812hrs...A cup. Velence...December 7th 2008. The stars are all there. It’s 4°C. Doing a cup. Should finish the book sometime today. 0901hrs...Breakfast. 0927hrs...Phone...Jutka...lunch...1300hrs...Cila/Istvan also...ok. 1006hrs..From the book...Percy Spencer died September 7, 1970...age 76. "A truly remarkable saga; an incredible journey."...I like that! 1042hrs...Just out of the shower...shaved too...! Going online. 1116hrs...A second cup of Java. 1123hrs...Book finished! 1139hrs...Dressed...almost. 1229hrs...Phone...Cila...bikes...15 mins...ok. 1641hrs...Back in one piece...Cila and I. Istvan had been called away to help with Bela’s boat...as in pulling it from moorage on to land...ahead of ice forming on the lake. It was cold out there. Jutka mentioned that the "painter (artist) lady"...Thomas Black’s sister would be interested in some of my photographs of birds from which she’d like to paint same. Said sure. It will mean a trip over to look at her "new" laptop...to figure out how I will get them onto said machine. Velence...December 8th 2008. 0533hrs...Mud. 0614hrs...Two cats in. It’s cold...and clear...2°C. The Other was having none of it...as in eating outside...though I tried to entice him. NOT a chance! Funny...really. Mom is in her wild mood...biting etc. My hand is all scratched up. 1102hrs...Phone...Cila...Anci coming in 15 mins...ok...she’ll call to say that Anci’s there at the old house. Will be going to get my photo paper. No toner though as yet. 1256hrs...Well now...He did have the toner after all. This is a good thing. I will need to hit the internet to find out the cost of the toner ...because it seemed high...I have the toner...but have not paid for it. Anci and I then hit the PO where I took out cash...and paid her for Pityu’s flowers. She and Cila are now going into Feharvar...and I’ve asked her to buy me a hand mirror. On my way over...I hadn’t waited for the call...I saw Kwan. He seemed to be behaving strangely. Velence...December 9th 2008. 0614hrs...The usual. It’s 1°C...clear. Yesterday while we waited to get Anci’s car examined...for a Green Card...I told her of my plight. She is...was...the first to hear the gory details. By now everyone may know. 0946hrs...It was about an hour ago...phone...thought it would be Jutka...it was...but she was not trying to reach me...nonetheless related that it would not be today...as was the plan...but tomorrow that we would go to Feharvar...well damn! Have been culling photos off this computer. Oh...Anci asked if I would be interested in teaching photography. I think it was a friend of Niki‘s. She had no additional information...so I suggested a meeting. 1036hrs...Need to hit at least the close store. 1100hrs...Done deal. Bought some sliced meat for the felines. 1443hrs...Just in from out...spending quality time with Kwan. We went across the street where I show him the finer points of catching mice. He was enthusiastic. Mine waned when he suggested that in the interest of realism...I play the part of the mouse...and he would stalk me as I scurried about...and then pounce upon me. I had also gone over to the old house...but no one was there except Jimmy the Puli. We spoke a few words...but it was mostly just the same old...barkbarkbark. Oh...I hit the far store too. Velence...December 10th 2008. 0500hrs...Mud. It’s 0.0°C...and cloudy. 0542hrs...We now have stars. 0938hrs...Have just called Jutka...yes it’s still on for today...1000hrs...ok. I wait. 1443hrs...It was at 1430hrs that I got all that I’d bought packed inside from the street. The trip was not without DRAMA(!)...as I shall soon relate. It was about 1015hrs that Jutka arrived...with my plan to take the freeway thwarted because she needed to get gas...and that place was on the wrong side of the lake. We arrived in Feharvar at 1100hrs. Jutka needed to hit her bank and then a chemist. This was not part of the deal as I envisioned it...but what was I to say. While she went off...I hit a book store close by. I went back to the car...and arrived at 1130hrs. Well...it was another half an hour before she finally arrived. We were all set to go. NOT! The DRAMA. Somewhere along the way there...she turned on her headlights...and you guessed it...she forgot to turn it OFF! This NATURALY depleted her Di-lithium crystals down to ZERO! Well she says...in effect...that there was nothing for it...we’d...read as I would...have to push said car...for the infamous "push start". The car was parked such that once I pushed it out of the slot...and got her wheels straight...it was ready for a try. 1521hrs...I’m too tired to continue this for now. It’s a long story. 1728hrs...I came across what must be the definitive paper on Quadfilars. It's the next spelling that's strange. "Resonant Quadrafilar Helical Antenna"...by R. W. Hollander...and so far it’s very interesting. 1747hrs...Anyway...the car is straight and I start to push. At one point...Jutka popped the clutch...the car lurched...and that was about it. There was just enough room to try it again...with the same result...as in NOTHING! Out of room...I pushed the car back to the staring point. Again I pushed...and Jutka popped. About then a friendly young fellow decided to help. We now both pushed and as per normal convention...Jutka popped. Still nothing. It’s then that we find out that Jutka had been not just popping but had been pumping too...as in the gas pedal. Anyway...back and forth we went. Frankly I was out of my element...as in pushing anything...hard. That all ended when the fellow had to leave...which was understandable. Thanks dude...for trying. We relocated the car such that it was out of traffic. Jutka went looking for help...and soon found a gentleman (G1) that was prepared to pull the car to speed. BUT we lacked a tow rope! She went looking for same...but came back with a set of jumper cables instead...from another gentleman (G2). She then went back to G1...and asked if he’d provide the jump. So far we have...push...pop...pump...and now jump...or as known in the vernacular...the old...PPPJ. As an aside...I hear that there is talk of turning into an Olympic event. G1 moves his car alongside Jutka’s...and gets out. By that time I’ve unpacked the jumper cables...and unraveled them. At that point G1 looks at the cables...and I see his wheels turning...thinking...how the hell are we going to tow the car what that...the jumper cables...as in they are nuts. I then...seeing his distress...explain the deal...which requires him to move his car...front to front with Jutka’s. That done...he states that he does not know how to do that...that is "work" the jumper cables...but I...looked him in the eyes and said that I did. About that time G2 arrives. We popped G1’s hood...I made contacts...he started his engine...Jutka in the cockpit...all ready. Done deal. Thanks all around...we drive off...to Metro. Another 30 minutes gone. I ask Jutka if she has lots of shopping to do...says no...ok. Metro is one of the "carded" places...and while both of us went in on one card...checkout will take the same card twice...such that I can not go through without having to get the card back to Jutka before she checks out. So...this means that I will just wait for her. I’m done shopping in 30 mins...flat. Jutka is nowhere in sight. I wait...and wait and wait...30 MINS I wait. At the checkout stand I went first. Finished with said card...I give it back to Jutka...while she’s rummaging through her shopping cart...and continue to re-fill my cart...and she goes about unloading her cart onto the conveyor...done...she turns to me and asks what she did with said card. Now I know what you’re thinking! I’m thinking exactly the same thing. How the hell should I know? I suggest a pocket...no. I stop suggesting...while she looks in the strangest places...no card. I look on the floor...no...and I think that she may have gathered it up with her stuff...and is mixed therein...somewhere on said conveyor. At that point the checkout gal starts pushing items around and first comes up empty...but then...as if by magic...it’s there after all. I go outside and wait some more! DRAMA! 1808hrs...A few minutes ago...phone...Istvan...Lajos coming over...with tubing I presume. 1817hrs...Yes. And Cila sent over some Palacsintas...which I shall consume later...with relish. Not relish...as in "stuff"...but with gusto. Velence...December 11th 2008. 0602hrs...A cup of Java. It’s 2°C...it had rained. 0656hrs...I will need to hit the PO today...two bills to pay...but I should see what Cila has in the way of bills also. Have not received my Barclays statement...which means that they could have gotten my address wrong...and have sent it to Italy! Damn! Have not heard from Bill either. 1231hrs...Have replaced the large hose with the last one that Lajos had brought. Works well. Time to go over to Cila’s. I should call first...just to save a trip. 1237hrs...Busy both times I tried...so I guess someone is there. I’m gone. 1527hrs...Doing lunch. Cila was in. Talked for some time. I told her the story of yesterday. She came back with a story I’d heard twice before...but it was still funny. I then went to the PO...and did the deed...paying four bills. There had been and old alarm clock on the kitchen table...which I brought back for repairs. I finished...but I see that there is a small nut missing. 1602hrs...Caught Istvan coming home...asked if had a nut that size...didn’t think so. OK...done deal. Heading over there now. 2031hrs...Just back...Fed Mom and Kwan. So I go there to return the fixed clock...Cila preparing dinner. Phone...Cila answers...it’s Jutka looking for me. She asked if I was free to go to the "painter ladies’’? Yes...15 mins...ok...I wait. She was of course late. We go...and I check out her laptop...It’s an HP...with two USB ports...done deal. Eventually we leave. Instead of bringing me back here...she dropped me of at the old house. Inside...I find that Lajos is there. Chatted...and am invited to wait for dinner. I do. Lajos leaves. We eat...Turkey with potatoes. I liked it. Velence...December 12th 2008. 0647hrs...Java. Overcast...3°C. Last night around 2245hrs...I woke up with CP. Hit it with Nitro. 1121hrs...Up again. The Other has come in...eating in the kitchen now. Interesting dreams. The tall men...some cheated by standing on the shoulders of others. 1228hrs...Showered. Doing some major laundry in the tub. Life is wonderful. I need to look into the bloody washer...as in soon. 1401hrs...It was about an hour ago...phone...Jutka...asking me to help her fill out a form online...regarding her pending flight to USA Land. Had a couple of false starts but in the end it was a done deal. 1406hrs...Ten mins ago knock on door...(DRAMA coming up). 1945hrs...Cila at door...to exchange bill stubs that I'd gotten wrong...and the Telephone Book on a CD...done deal. Then Istvan appears...and it is announced that Bela and Sari were coming...and then they would be going up to the cemetery. Emotionally...Istvan asks if I could/would take a photo of Pityu’s grave. Seeing his state...I was more than inclined to oblige. They head back to the house...I will follow after putting on shoes and reconfiguring my cameras for night shots. The D200 was mounted up with the MTO 1000...so I pulled it off...and slapped on the Sigma 10-20...and the SB-800 Nikon flash. So far...so good...and I head out. Oh...forgot to mention that while we were all talking...with the door open...Kwan blasted in. So before I could leave I had to put him out...food always does the trick. There...Bela and Sari arrive and we drive...5 in a small car...to the cemetery. We walk in and I get ready to take said photos...of...what Istvan will tell me later were of...the now wilted flowers...rather poetic I thought. Camera switched on...flash switched on...other details not mentioned...press the shutter button. Gads! There was a brief ...short flash...and a sound from the camera...then I waited for the image to appear on the LCD display. NOTHING...but then there was another flash...and then another sound from the camera...and at last a totally underexposed image on said LCD. I repeated the sequence a number of time...JUST for the HELL of IT! I notice that there was...showing on the another LCD screen..."r11"...flashing...every time I touch the shutter button. "What do it Mean?" sic. I put my massive brain to the task of figuring it out...but not before...I tried a few tricks. I hit the shutter button...covered the lens with my gloved hand...waited for the second...bright...flash...having by that time framed the shot as best I could...in virtual darkness. The others had walked off by then so I was left alone to think...with my massive brain. "r11"...gads...if I had know that it was going to be a quiz...I’d have studied for it...no? The camera was trying to tell me something...as in..."YOU FOOL!". OK fine! I stopped to think some more...asking what other clue was there(?)...OH...yeah...the short flash...followed by a relatively long delay...the second...this time a bright flash...and the camera sound...of...of...of the BLOODY mirror going back down. DAMN...that was it...the camera simply timed from...wait for it... the MIRROR LOCK UP function. Well...yes...the last time I used that camera was outside with the MTO 1000...and I didn’t want any vibrations...hence I’d set it for Mirror Lock Up. It was so dark that I never notice that when I looked to frame said shot...I was not seeing anything in the view finder...given that the bloody mirror was up! I can assure that this never happen with my old Nikon F’s! 2150hrs...So we finished at the cemetery...we went to Jutka’s...having called there to locate container. We left Cila and Sari there and Bela, Istvan and I went up to the wine cellar. Jutka was to take a number of liters to USA Land. A few days earlier...wine had been siphoned off...and I was at Cila’s to taste some. 2108hrs...Will continue said story tomorrow. Velence...December 13th 2008. 0724hrs...Mud in a cup. 1253hrs...Have just been called over...Cila...was there...I’m going there soon...with three prints from last night. 1432hrs...Cila was the only one there...but then Istvan showed up...and later...Lajos. I’ll be called for dinner. 2022hrs...Have been back for some time...with two photos to scan. Scanned same. Velence...December 14th 2008. 0556hrs...The usual. Two in from out...both were waiting. 1651hrs...Just in from out taking a break...the garage door opens...Istvan of course. He’d stoked the furnace so it’s now nice and warm in here. Jutka is by now in mid Atlantic...USA Land bound. Istvan says that I will be called for dinner...ok. I have been spotting a photo...the one of my grandmother...and a young OM and his sister. It’s a good photo...but needed work...though much less than another photo of Great-grandfather/Mother...on the Tuba side...that I have yet to start on. Call...30 mins...ok. I’m stuck...I sepia the photos using one program...and then finish work in PS. I don't seem to be able to save the sepia version. Don’t know why. 1927hrs...Dinner went well...then I showed the A3 Sepia print. I gave it to Cila. Velence...December 15th 2008. 0438hrs...A cup. Mom woke me up...and now doesn’t want to go out! 0455hrs...Regarding the photo. Seems that Grandmother went to Budapest to sell poultry and...took her two children with her...which was a bit unusual...and while there...the situation arose for a photo to be taken. This could have been a barter...photo for poultry...though not known for sure...but certainly not there to have a photo taken specifically. They were dressed "normally" (village) for the time...~1927. Grandfather would have gone also...but must have been taking care of business...hence not in the photo. Another photo of Grandmother on the Jarfas side...was identified as having been taken as a photo ID...given that there were trace signs of a stamp in the lower right hand corner. I almost took out what was visible...in PS. It was Cila that came up with that information...once I pointed out what I’d seen. This matches with the fact the Grandfather was a railroad engineer. Velence...December 16th 2008. 0738hrs...Java. Overcast...signs of rain last night...5°C. Further to the photo...taken that day in Budapest...at the studio of a one (Professor)...Koller Karoly (1823-1890)...that had by that time died...but his studio was run by a successor...as proclaimed on the back of said photo...posibly a relative. Koller Karoly was famous in his day...and photographed not only the "walk ins" but royalty also...from 1839-1889. 1953hrs...Just offline. Don’t really know what I’ve done today. The Other has traded an A4 box for the bed...which Mom discovered some time ago...as nice place to sleep. They get me up at odd times during the night so that I don’t get a proper nights sleep. I caught Istvan getting back from work...but I noticed that he was walking his bike. I asked if there was a problem...there was. Someone had take the valve out of his front tire...hence walked all the way from the train station. Damn! Came in to find a replacement valve...and when he did...and was leaving...I gave him two printouts regarding Koller Karoly...for Cila to read. He was impressed. I’ve plotted out the remaining relatives for which there may be photographs. One possible is Tuba Janos born 1816. And all of Agnes Tuba’s relatives back to that same Tuba Janos. Before that...there was no photography...actually 1839...as a practical date. Velence...December 17th 2008. 0717hrs...It’s 6°C...overcast and raining. The Other was waiting. Mom’s inside sleeping...and I’m slurping. 0938hrs. I plan to transfer this document to the laptop with the intent to publish the difference between it and the blog page. I’ve taken a look to see from where to do so&ldots;and notice that the text just stops in mid paragraph on 11 August 2008. There are signs that there is in fact more text&ldots;but as of now&ldots;I don’t know how to get to it. Going online to see what it looks like there&ldots;my web pages. 1120hrs&ldots;Well damn! Online that blog page goes to May the 4th. The same web page in WebExpress went past October&ldots;meaning that I had transferred over&ldots;but never published it&ldots;then. Then we have the problem&ldots;now&ldots;that the end of the page is not correct. I ended up deleting everything past August to see if it was matter of file size&ldots;but it’s not that. And I am unable to add lines of text at the end as one would normally do. Text added anywhere in the body just pushes the last line off bottom of the page. Strange! What does it (WE) think is happening? There seems to be a barrier&ldots;preventing more lines. 1740hrs&ldots;Just back from dinner with Cila and Istvan. She’d called. I’m working on the web page&ldots;adding just a few days at a time. It’s moving along but slowly. AND I’ve worked on this page so many times&ldots;I’m sick of it. AND&ldots;I will have to again read the whole bloody thing&ldots;looking for typos. Velence&ldots;December 18th 2008. 0333hrs&ldots;Yeah I know! Java&ldots;like I need it! 0417hrs&ldots;Once I wake up the old grey cells start working the problems. The case of the WWoTW being right up there at number one. I have five months of text outstanding on the web page&ldots;and that’s just getting it transferred and the datelines underlined and colored. There is then the reread to do. 0803hrs&ldots;It’s raining. Has been all night&ldots;on and off. 1147hrs&ldots;WELL NOW! 1214hrs&ldots;I’ve hit the first block of text that causes a problem. This is the big one. I’m working now. Tricky stuff. I also notice that Istvan has turned up the heat a bit. 1242hrs&ldots;Freaky stuff. I’m now reduced to copying just sentences. And still&ldots;I seem to hit a point when all hell breaks loose. I thought it might me a file size limit&ldots;but if it is&ldots;it’s not a nice round number. On the other hand&ldots;I see that it is by far the largest non photo file&ldots;at 633kb. If that is in fact the problem&ldots;it will mean having to spit the year&ldots;2008...in at least half. 1316hrs&ldots;Incredible! It’s the same stretch of text that caused the problem in the first place&ldots;MY THREE DOTS! 1343hrs..Time for another cup of Joe&ldots;and a break. 1535hrs&ldots;The transfer is going well enough. Reading as I go. Velence&ldots;December 19th 2008. 0530hrs&ldots;Cup. Overcast and drizzling. I’m almost to the end of transferring text. There is much more work to be done though. 0821hrs&ldots;Doing breakfast. I’ve rearranged the patio furniture&ldots;and brought in the table. Why I hear you ask? Well there are now strong gusts&ldots;that may turn into high&ldots;sustained winds. 1404hrs&ldots;I stated before I suspected the file size to be the possible problem&ldots;I split this document&ldots;2008...in half. That made the first half small enough. Without knowing it though&ldots;the second half by date&ldots;itself made WebExpress choke. So I ended up splitting it into quarters. I’ve underlined and colored all the datelines on all four files&ldots;and am now reading and mostly correcting typos. This will be a long haul. 1727hrs&ldots;Well now! For whatever reason I decided to take a look at the clothes washer. I did a cursory inspection the other day&ldots;and even asked Bela about the fact that the drum would not turn freely as it should. Now that I’ve dismantled it and have it on it’s face&ldots;I see that it is the motor that is not turning&ldots;as in frozen up solid. I’ll leave it as is&ldots;and look at again tomorrow in hopefully better light. I seems to me that I will need to pull the motor out completely. 1754hrs&ldots;Looking at the TubaFamTree&ldots;particularly a one Tuba Andras&ldots;Andy&ldots;as it were&ldots;with no data whatsoever. He was a brother of my suspect Tuba Istvan regarding the murder case. I’ve checked an original source document and it’s blank also&ldots;but so are three other names&ldots;but all sisters. There is the fact though that he had married and had a daughter. 1824hrs&ldots;The Other has in the last week or so gotten friendlier&ldots;and in fact seeks my company. For quite sometime&ldots;since I’ve let him stay in&ldots;he’s found a place for himself in an A4 copy paper box that was almost full of pages of downloads. It was a very tight fit&ldots;but he seemed content enough. I kept thinking that if I only had a larger box for him. Well&ldots;the other day I saw him poking into a box that contained boxes of A3 size prints that I used for those prints that I don’t need&ldots;and rejects. I thought then and there that I would clear a few things that were in the box that didn’t really belong there anyway&ldots;and show it to him. I took a length of bubble wrap and folded it a few times and put in the box&ldots;and an old shirt of mine on top of that&ldots;making in my mind a perfect cat place. The next time I saw him I picked him up and put him in said box. BUT&ldots;he got out faster than it took to put him in. Ok&ldots;I thought at the time. Then&ldots;sometime later I did the trick again&ldots;with the same result&ldots;end of story&ldots;NOT. That same day&ldots;guess who has "discovered" said box? For a number of day thereafter he would curl up in the box with plenty of room to spare. Sadly&ldots;I think that he is not well. And right now he is just beneath me on the floor. Mom is right behind me on the other desk between the ledge and laptop. 1911hrs&ldots;At 1900hrs&ldots;phone&ldots;Cila&ldots;asking if there had been any calls for her&ldots;here. Negative. I then hit her with my proposal regarding Xmas presents. She and Anci are scheduled to go into Fehervar tomorrow&ldots;shopping. She noted that the front door light was on&ldots;here. I explained the reason. It’s so that I can see Kwan from the balcony and hence not go out that door just then because he will try to get in. She laughed! 1959hrs&ldots;Phone&ldots;Cila asking if I need anything&ldots;as in if they should hit Metro tomorrow&ldots;said I didn’t though of course I did&ldots;but didn’t want to burden then. She also asked what I wanted for Xmas. Gads&ldots;I thought&ldots;I settled on a bottle of wine&ldots;white&ldots;sweet. 2033hrs&ldots;If I’m not mistaken&ldots;the rock group playing at Seward Park the day that I seem to have photos of Arlie Toulouse&ldots;was the Stone Parade. I’ve looked at those photos many time but was never able to ID the group. Just now the "concert" file was open so I took another look&ldots;and for some reason I decided to find their photo in my "Rock and Roll" folder for a comparison. Well&ldots;it sure as hell looks about right. The one question is&ldots;was I there because they told me that they would be playing that day. Or&ldots;if not&ldots;then was that day well before I actually shot the group. If I had shot them before&ldots;then Perk would have been with me. But I’m sure that she was not because I would have shot her too. Though logically that’s not quite correct. AND!!!! Arlie is in three frames&ldots;and at the time I didn’t know him! Gads! So that day’s shots were before I joined SPS&ldots;Seattle Photographic Society. I think he saw me that day&ldots;so he would have made contact&ldots;no? The plot thickens. Velence&ldots;December 20th 2008. 0600hrs&ldots;A Cup. It’s 4°C&ldots;overcast&ldots;not raining. Mom was waiting when I stepped out on the balcony. I need to hit the close store at the least&ldots;today. Cat food. 0718hrs&ldots;Have started to work on the web pages. I’m just about at the end of January! Gads&ldots;at this rate I may get it done sometime in 2009! 0831hrs&ldots;Have done breakfast&ldots;and will now do some work on the cloths washer. It could turn into a real bitch getting the motor out&ldots;but I won’t know until I pull a few bolts. The sky is clearing&ldots;and hence there may be some sunshine today. 0917hrs&ldots;at 0915hrs I had the motor out. AND&ldots;wait for it&ldots;the damn thing turns a freely as one would want! All I did was bang it around as I took it out. It was as predicted&ldots;a bitch in three dimensions&ldots;and meant removing a number of other parts&ldots;and even then it was very close. Now of course there is the problem of figuring out what had seized it up in the first place&ldots;since I don’t want it to happen again. 1033hrs&ldots;The motor is back in place. I shall now take a break. 1056hrs&ldots;Further to the 1,000,000 people march. What about watering the horses? How many? Doing lunch&ldots;a bag of nuts. And then back to the washer. Never did find what caused the problem. Well at least it’s now sunny. 1154hrs&ldots;The washer is back together. I even went so far as to put the cover on properly&ldots;which I’d not done the last time I had it open. 1409hrs&ldots;The washer is in fact washing as I write. 1512hrs&ldots;Have done a load of wash&ldots;Gads&ldots;the drama! I’m hungry&ldots;but there is nothing to eat. I had in fact hit the close store earlier but it was mostly cat food. Velence&ldots;December 21st 2008. 0521hrs&ldots;Mud. 4°C&ldots;dark. 0622hrs&ldots;We have stars and a crescent moon. BBC weather had it right for today. How it’s stays clear for a few days. There will be a meteor shower on the 22nd. 0836hrs&ldots;Doing breakfast. 1802hrs&ldots;Have spent most of the day working on my web pages. I have finished the first page just now. I’ve just logged online to see the dates for the meteor shower&ldots;and it is stated as the 22nd&ldots;for the peak. The only reason is that right now it's clear. Velence&ldots;December 21st 2008. 0607hrs&ldots;Mud. It’s 4°C&ldots;sings of rain. I had my first explosion&ldots;in a dream. It was quite spectacular&ldots;in as much as it was an "idea" in the shape of a small box&ldots;that then blew up&ldots;in my hand. Yesterday Cila had called to inform me that she was not cooking. And that there was something about showing me "the" presents that she bought. This was to have been yesterday or today. Looks to be today since she didn’t call later yesterday. She also mentioned that Jimmy the Puli had not been fed&ldots;and was therefore very pissed off about it. He gave them a piece of his mind&ldots;with in your face barking! Then&ldots;later as in 2100hrs it was the phone&ldots;Dori&ldots;dialed this number meaning to dial the old house for Cila I presume. Yesterday I started work on page two&ldots;and hope to continue today. 1534hrs&ldots;Just back. 1604hrs&ldots;Took time for a quick dinner. Anci had called saying the she was out and about hence if I wanted to hit the paper guy&ldots;we could&ldots;ok. She showed up on time and we went to pick up a picture that was to have been framed. It was done&ldots;and while there I looked around. I found that this place had the plain glass photo mounts that I would be interested in. I wrote down the sizes and prices. The smaller one is just right&ldots;400x500mm&ldots;for my A3 prints. It works out to about $6.00 a frame. Velence&ldots;December 23rd 2008. 0744hrs&ldots;A hot Cup. The sun is just up over the horizon. A beam has entered the room through the balcony door. It’s 5°C&ldots;with mostly clear skies. 1433hrs&ldots;Just back from having first called&ldots;and then going over for a quick visit with Cila. I had found another reference to Tuba&ldots;as in "Ak-Tuba"&ldots;to which she asked what it meant? I found it&ldots;and thought I’d share the news. Ak-Tuba means "White Hill". Then in passing she mentions that at one point in time&ldots;we may trade places&ldots;as in my moving in the old house&ldots;and they back here into this one. This is interesting since it had occurred to me also. Logically&ldots;I should ask a few questions. Istvan has been at work patching a major crack in the kitchen wall. There is most likely more work to be done&ldots;that if I knew exactly what it was&ldots;I may be able to help out. 1449hrs&ldots;I finished page two&ldots;and have started the last page. 1741hrs&ldots;Phone&ldots;Judit coming over to view photos for a calendar. 2141hrs&ldots;Just finished the last print for Judit. More later. Velence&ldots;December 24th 2008. 0606hrs&ldots;Java&ldots;it’s 0°C&ldots;clear. 0806hrs&ldots;Sun’s up. Have done breakfast. Judit showed up with Bela as escort. Bela then went back to Cila’s. I had Judit go through a number of folder searching for what will be just ten photos. She selected 44 in the first round. I had her then throw out frames&ldots;which knocked the list down by half. Eventually we got it to the requisite ten&ldots;which I then printed&ldots;with Judit assisting by cutting paper down to size. There were two more photo that she wanted for herself&ldots;and another two&ldots;printed on the same A4 paper. I finished them last night. I need to hit at least one store&ldots;and should hit the chemist’s too for Aspirin. 0906hrs&ldots;Showered and dressed. I will hit the dentist also&ldots;first thing. I will also take the three prints over to Bela’s. 1020hrs&ldots;Well&ldots;The dentist was closed&ldots;the PO was closed&ldots;the far store was open&ldots;but I did it after I went to Bela’s&ldots;to dropped off the prints. The two up A4 got framed while I was there&ldots;which is to be a gift to one of those in a group photo taken at Dori’s wedding&ldots;done deal. 1452hrs&ldots;I hit the close store just now&ldots;but it was closed. Damn. 1920hrs&ldots;It was about an hour ago&ldots;phone&ldots;Jutka calling from Bellevue, Washington&ldots;USA Land. There is about half a meter of snow&ldots;hence have not been able to go shopping for food. Earlier while out on the balcony I counted three snow flakes. BBC weather showed snow in the today’s forecast&ldots;ditto tomorrow. While inside&ldots;the other climbed into the box which he’d not done since the first day I set it up. I was surprised. Velence&ldots;December 25th 2008. 0512hrs&ldots;A Cup. Massive TA. Could not sleep last night. 0855...A few mins ago&ldots;phone&ldots;Cila&ldots;lunch planned for 1300hrs&ldots;then to the cemetery to light a candle at Pityu‘s grave&ldots;then everyone will come for the festivities&ldots;to the old house. Last night there was a dusting of snow&ldots;NBD. Right now it’s sunny at 2°C. Have showered. Going online. Pardon my back. 122hrs&ldots;Time to get dressed. The TA continues&ldots;BAD! 1250hrs&ldots;Ready to go. The two Nikons&ldots;D200 and D70. The Sigma 10 20 and the Nikkor 18 70. The Nikon SB800 flash. A spare battery for the 200. A LED lamp for when it’s dark. I managed to cut my left ear lobe&ldots;neatly. 2048hrs&ldots;Just back&ldots;and have unwrapped my Xmas presents. Fed three! Two are inside. The TA continues big time. I’m looking at another sleepless night! The Other is in his box! Phone&ldots;Cila&ldots;I’d left my gloves and a bottle of wine behind. We were invited for lunch tomorrow by Anci&ldots;that is Cila, Istvan and myself&ldots;so I'll retrieve them then. Took a lot of frames&ldots;most look good. Velence&ldots;December 26th 2008. 0648hrs&ldots; 0726hrs&ldots;A Cup&ldots;hot. It’s 0°C&ldots;overcast&ldots;with a sliver of color to the southeast. It’s going to be tight. I have to hold out for another day&ldots;before the store reopen. Lack of planning on my part. 0806hrs&ldots;Have just looked at last night’s photos&ldots;118 in all. 1051hrs&ldots;Phone&ldots;Cila&ldots;Going to church&ldots;back at 1210hrs&ldots;then it’s to Anci’s&ldots;ok. 1202hrs&ldots;Time to get ready. To bike or not to bike&ldots;that is the question. If I think that I’ll do a bit of rummaging&ldots;then the bike would be a good think&ldots;I think. 1805hrs&ldots;It was a mad house getting the cats squared away when I got back just now. But it’s a done deal. Only the Other is left to account for. Velence&ldots;December 27th 2008. 0536hrs&ldots; 0838hrs&ldots;Showered&ldots;just. Overcast&ldots;0°C. Last night&ldots;phone&ldots;Sari&ldots;lunch today&ldots;1300hrs&ldots;ok. I need to hit the close store this morning&ldots;and am thinking that I’ll hit the far one after doing lunch since it’s right there. 0944hrs&ldots;Have in fact done the close store&ldots;and am now editing the Xmas photos. 1103hrs&ldots;Done deal. Have also packed the laptop. 1615hrs&ldots;I’m back in one piece. Velence&ldots;December 28th 2008. 0718hrs&ldots;It’s a minus 5°C&ldots;clear. 0809hrs&ldots;Still minus 5°C&ldots;with signs of ice on the lake. 0906hrs&ldots;Just as I got home yesterday&ldots;I felt like I was coming down with something. Then it hit. I had massive shivers. So I put another blanket on the bed and climbed in. I’m over it now&ldots;but I’ve plugged in the space heater. 1530hrs&ldots;Just back from the&ldots;bloody cold&ldots;close store. It was earlier this morning that there was a knock at the door. It was a one Rabsanski, Istvan (another Pityu). He was looking for Cila&ldots;but once we got past that&ldots;it turned out that we were related&ldots;a Tuba on his mothers side&ldots;and he was here to drop off old photographs. After taking possession of said photos&ldots;he left on his way to see Cila. It was not long after that&ldots;phone&ldots;Cila&ldots;bring photos&ldots;ok 10 mins. 1825hrs&ldots;I’ve just eaten something&ldots;in as much as I’ve not eaten all day. I only had half of what was on the plate. I still feel weird. Velence&ldots;December 29th 2008. 0343hrs&ldots; 0355hrs&ldots;A minus 5°C&ldots;and foggy. A cup. 0907hrs&ldots;Up again&ldots;Frost. 1840hrs&ldots;In the process of printing the 16 A3 pages of the TubaFamTree. Have made two quick runs over to see Cila about details. I have also printed on one A3 page&ldots;all 18 photos from yesterday&ldots;and 6 pages each with three photos&ldots;making for larger images&ldots;both sets are with Cila. They are all scanned of course. Cila will write in the blank spaces details relating to the individual photos. 1849hrs&ldots;It’s a minus 3°C&ldots;and I have not seen the lake for the fog&ldots;so I do not know the ice status. The timer for the printout reads 97 minutes to go. Gads! 1959hrs&ldots;That was the last page. I have already glued together 4 pages top to bottoms&ldots;times three&ldots;so all that’s left is to glue together the three section. This is easier said than done&ldots;hence I’m here writing as I think about the problem. [This would be the FamTree.] Velence&ldots;December 30th 2008. 0600hrs&ldots;It’s a minus 2°C&ldots;no fog as yet&ldots;so I may be able to see the lake today. Last night I never did glue the three sections together because the last page that I’d glued did not seem to hold. This morning it looks good having dried for 9 hours. 0915hrs&ldots;Finished this morning an image I started working on last night of Tuba Jozsef and I believe his grandson Istvan. It was a fairly nice shot to begin with and after cleaning it up&ldots;printed it as an A3...which I toned sepia. I plan on hitting the doctor's office&ldots;the chemist&ldots;and not sure what else. It’s a minus 2°C&ldots;and as expected&ldots;there is ice on the lake. 1104hrs&ldots;So&ldots;risking life and limb&ldots;I get to the DO at 1000hrs. By 1015hrs&ldots;The doctor has not arrived&ldots;though my request for a prescription is handed in to an assistant. Waiting&ldots;I decide to hit the PO for needed cash. I wait there in line. Once my turn came I thought I was ahead of the game&ldots;BUT&ldots;the transaction failed. It figured. I had to wait again while they tried to contact whomever. It was a no go! That figured too&ldots;so I went back to the DO&ldots;where I was soon enough rewarded with said prescriptions. Then it was off to the chemist’s&ldots;where I used said card with success. Back here&ldots;I noticed that Istvan took out my trash can&ldots;given that it hence must be Tuesday. I called over&ldots;looking to showing Cila the print&ldots;but Istvan answered&ldots;so I thanked him. Cila is out with Anci taking care of business regarding Pityu. She is to call me back&ldots;whenever. I will now attempt to glue said three sections. 1127hrs&ldots;Well&ldots;they are in fact glued together&ldots;BUT I’m not happy with the result. I don’t think that the glue will hold up under use. I hate the idea of having to tape it&ldots;but that may be the last resort. 1152hrs&ldots;Done deal. It came down to the type of tape. I ended up using shipping tape&ldots;the wide stuff. 1316hrs&ldots;Just back. Anci had called from Cila’s&ldots;to ask if I was ready to hit the paper place&ldots;to pay off the outstanding bill. I was. Decided to simply go over and show the print and the TubaFamTree printout. Both went well&ldots;but the print was the high point. I did get it right that the child in the photo was in fact young Pityu. They commented that I should have an exhibit&ldots;based on the photo. It is rather good! 1737hrs&ldots;Just back. Earlier I’d stepped out onto the balcony and there was Istvan gathering bits of burnable twigs and such. He indicated that Cila had thought that I would return there after having left with Anci. So I called over&ldots;and soon thereafter went over with my latest A3 print of me and the OM when I must have been only months old. Cila had been working on the TubaFamTree with corrections&ldots;ALREADY! She had said that she would not write on the new printout&ldots;but in fact had. She said that she couldn’t help&ldots;doing so&ldots;I laughed. I told her it was not a problem for me&ldots;at all&ldots;in fact it would make doing the correction on the spreadsheet easier&ldots;given fewer corrections overall. Some of her corrections were in fact not corrections of my mistakes but her own. I had entered the data as it was given to me&ldots;back when&ldots;and hence only now are we picking them up. Just a few mins ago&ldots;phone&ldots;Cila&ldots;saying that Agnes Tuba will arrive here in Velence tomorrow around 1000hrs&ldots;and that she will call for me then. 1936hrs&ldots;Major TA&ldots;not a good deal&ldots;at all&ldots;say I. Velence&ldots;December 31st 2008. 0235hrs&ldots;A Cup. It’s a minus 2°C&ldots;overcast. The TA is under control as of now. There are no plans for tonight&ldots;which is a good thing. I had needed to hit the close store yesterday&ldots;and did in fact do so&ldots;but I walked though the compound as part of having taken over my last print&ldots;but forgot to buy OJ&ldots;so I will need to go again today. Anci and I did hit a cash point yesterday&ldots;so I have cash. The machine worked. Again&ldots;yesterday I continued work on an old scanned print. I did not like the look of it&ldots;but went ahead anyway. I have since taken another look&ldots;and think that I should start all over. 0724hrs&ldots;Up again...having gone back to bed earlier. It’s now a minus 3°C&ldots;overcast&ldots;and can see the lake for what it’s worth. Today is the last day of 2008. Gads! There are a few issues that are unresolved&ldots;.that I will need to attend to next year for bloody sure. The major one involves "A" naturally. She has chosen not to inform me with as much as a word&ldots;which could be a real bad sign. [Not very "civil"...is it...Janet?] 0912hrs&ldots;Just showered. 1010hrs&ldots;Dressed&ldots;ready for the call from Cila. 1032hrs&ldots;Have been online&ldots;Have not heard from Bill. I can report that my Pet Rock seems to be about the same size it was when I brought it in&ldots;as in not grown. I guess since I’ve not fed it anything&ldots;it should not come as a surprise. The entire lake is frozen over&ldots;but is not sufficiently thick for skating. This time last year&ldots;it was. What to do while I wait for the call? 1112hrs&ldots;Well&ldots;I’m reading a document that I had not finished reading. Note from the document: "&ldots;prove that the Hungarian (Magyar) language already existed here in Roman times." This is based on place names. The author was convinced that the Magyar came not from Asia&ldots;but were more likely to be indigenes. 1518hrs&ldots;About an hour ago I called over to Cila. I asked about the situation regarding Agnes. Said that they had not arrived as yet. Otherwise&ldots;she will call me&ldots;about now&ldots;for some of her baking. I have been working on the TubaFamTree spreadsheet. I found a few mistakes also&ldots;along with one that was rather funny in that it was a duplicate entry&ldots;right under the one that had been there for a long time. 1926hrs&ldots;I had gotten the call for late lunch&ldots;and brought back the TubaFamTree printout&ldots;sheet. I have since then made current my original spreadsheet&ldots;and added a number of new features. Mom went out some time ago&ldots;and I watched as she slipped under the boat. I did not see her come out from under it&ldots;though logically it means nothing as to whether she’s still there. I have been outside a number of times since then&ldots;but she has not come. Not sure what it means. I did manage to be here instead of at Anci’s with Cila and Istvan. There are firework along the horizon. The countdown has started I guess&ldots;at least for some. Failed to mention that I also came back with pastries.
Continued: STBlog2009 Jan-May
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