Sunday 23rd December, 2012        1600

I went to the bank today to ensure that I have enough money on Tuesday to pay my share of the dinner bill. As it was cold I decided to take the bus. The number 7 stops only feet from the bank and is always empty when it arrives here town-bound. I got my money and as the bank was quiet I went and sat at Sonya’s window for a chat. She has promised to treat me to dinner one day in January and I look forward to that very much. She also did the sweetest thing - she has bought me a gift for Christmas. It was a rigmarole getting it because she had to put it in between the two “vapour lock” anti burglar doors, then buzz me in the retrieve it, but it was a lovely gesture and I won’t open it until Tuesday.

As I was in town I thought I may as well eat, so walked to KFC then all the way back to the bus stop. To my dismay when the bus came it was standing room only and remained so the entire way. I had no worries about falling over if it stopped suddenly - there wasn’t enough room to fall. I ended up stuck near the exit doors and as a result had some harsh words and trials of strength where despite my squashing myself as small as I could, people alighting simply decided to use brute force against me. More than a few regretted doing so. Unless it is during the holidays next time I will take the bike regardless of the temperature or maybe bus in and cab back.

I don’t think I mentioned this before but do you remember Joey, the lad I was helping in the summer because he had failed IELTS three times and his father told him the next attempt was his last as he would not pay any more, the one who “forgot” it was his birthday? Well a few days ago I learnt this time he passed, so obviously I did something right. No sign of an elaborate gift from the well to do father though, I am sad to say!

The bread I made the other night has been donated for use as a foundation stone for one of the new accommodation blocks being built on campus. However Kevin had a crack at translating the basic loaf recipe in the new instructions and besides getting teaspoons and tablespoons reversed and a mystery ingredient we can‘t even guess at, I now can have a crack  at the manufacturers recommendation once the unknown ingredient is identified. I shall put it on to make shortly, after I go and visit 303 or 305 for a translation - if they are in.

2100

Considering this is a country where Christmas is not celebrated the students could have fooled me! What with all their concerts and whatnot, when I went to the shops earlier there were twinkling lights everywhere, at the side of the road and on tables outside the cafes where the kids were selling wrapped apples & oranges, apples and vases made of coloured beads, little nightlights that slowly change colour etc. I ended up standing next to a table manned by a girl chemistry major while drinking my ale and she tried to flog me a bead apple. I declined because it would last ten minutes in here with the cats, but we got chatting after a fashion. Eventually she gave me a boxed apple and a Chinese lantern  for free - I felt I had to return the favour by buying her a Fanta. She also gave me a “first” - she opened a lantern, lit it and gave it to me to wait until it took flight. As for the apple? Well seeing as my two favourite girls are being treated to steak at Christmas, presents are not really called for but seeing as I bought Kiki a sweater I think I will give it to Joanna. Next Christmas K won’t be here so I will treat Joanna to something better instead.

After following the Chinese instructions re the bread I now have a rather small one pound loaf so in a while I will try it. If that’s not much cop I will omit the milk powder next time. If that doesn’t damned well work then I will use the recipe in Kevin’s manual for the Panasonic, and if THAT doesn’t work I will hang myself!

A short time ago I changed my bed and put on the winter quilt seeing as it gets parky in here at night even with the heating on low. I forgot to put the electric blanket on and am not unmaking it again just for that so it will keep until next laundry change. For the first time in a month I think, my knee is starting to seize again so hopefully - as with last time - one tablet overnight will banish it for another month, although somehow I think it may not as we dip below zero in the next couple of months.

I had a panic when I returned home this evening and put a pot on to boil for the pet liver - the hotplate refused to come on. Luckily Kevin is on campus and not downtown as he normally would be on a Sunday night, so I have borrowed his. In the morning I will have to give mine a good clean before reporting it as defective - I can’t do without one because of the animals.