Home alone

1. Phew, day one of respite. What bliss it is to work to one's own rhythmns. The early years were where one had to succumb to the rhythmns of others much of the time. Time for the ageing to have space to move at a more leisurely pace.

2. 20 minutes on the walking machine with some incline and 10 minutes on the crosstrainers was sufficient for the old bones. A quiet cup of coffee and some time on the internet is now the order of the day.

3. However random people keep ringing the gate bell. None, of course, speak English. Fortunately the last call was the postman with a letter too large to put in the box. I had to venture out in my socks.

4. Four viewings of Harmony. Two offers so far 375 and 380. However, it is early days yet and we want to stick out for 400. Someone else is going today.

5. Privileges were bestowed yesterday. I was allowed to go upstairs to Isaac's section and join the fray. The two young women deserve praise for their dealing with the 7 young girls and 3 young lads aged between 17 months and 3 years. Music and dancing feature most of the time.
The Montenegrian version of ring a ring a roses was discernable. Two DVDs Pi Pi and Noddy.

6. Breakfast is at nine or shortly after. They generally have a roll with something in it. At 11.15 all are changed into pyjamas and lunch is at 11.30. Cabbage soup with some bread in it. Three in highchairs to begin with, quick change and another three and two on one lap, two bowls in the leader's hand. Then time for bed. Twenty little mattresses on the floor.

7. Developmental toys eg puzzles, books do not exist. Gluing, making, etc are nowhere to be seen. This is the top kindergarten in Podgorica. The Russian is sullen and keeps to himself, scowling and utters niet every now again. Some are inanimate and one wonders whether the lights are on. Isaac charges around and is lively thank goodness.

8. I spoke to the woman who speaks good English. Iasked about her son who is studying Economics and Business Studies at a private university in Podgorica. By all accounts he is doing well and enjoys the system which is similar to the American one, where students are encouraged to think for themselves. By her account, that is.

9. Did you read the Jamie Whyte piece on why visible benefits always trump invisible costs. He believes that one should not exchange services for services, but trade with money. That was my Times on Line event yesterday.

10. I have just finished the easy read and have started on a book purchased at the Airport. 'Alone in Berlin' by Hans Fallada who was a renowned author in Germany before and during the war. The book is about an illiterate couple who wage an anti-nazi campaign by way of sending postcards. Seemingly it is based on a true story, which I believe as copies of the postcards and Gestapo reports are in the back of the book. The English translation came out last year.

11. You have made no comment on the Holiday Property Bond suggestions. Yes or a no and if yes what.

From the freedom pass