B+ Waltraud HORA - Singing changed all!

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Picture - High Notes - by Nigel A JAMES

Not feeling the full shilling is no fun at all. It makes everything hard and takes the fun out of life. And, when Waltraud Hora was down in the dumps – and that was many years ago – she undertook all that there was to pick herself up. She went to the gym twice a week, tried yoga on Tuesdays, and went Nordic walking on Sundays. But, whatever she did, the last five percent was always still missing! She just wasn't herself! The key, as everyone told her, was using energy for energy, And Waltraud believed and kept going! But then, one day, she went to the market.

And there, as happy as always was her good friend Renate. And, soon they were chatting and Waltraud told all. And Renate was interested and spoke. For, she, too, had had downs, and had come back. And, Waltraud was fascinated, and her life started changing. She was on her way back!

There were to be no more gyms, yoga sessions, or Nordic walking! Waltraud had discovered again that which was hers, and she started the very next day.

And it was singing! And the effect was one hundred percent! And the reason was simple. It was fun. And, being in Renate's choir was also a brand new experience. There were not only new friends, but the training and practising for concerts as well. And, that was exciting and different! Singing was action, and it was good so, and, it came straight from the heart!

And now, Waltraud lives for the future! And that is the secret of happiness! There are concerts to be practised for, lines to be learned, and, of course, because she's happy – everyone else is happy as well. In other words, life is powerful and great! And, all because, while not feeling the full shilling, she went down to the market and bumped into Renate!

And, by-the-way, singing could be good for you, too! Just try it and see! You will soon find out what a difference it makes!

Vocabulary and Phrases

as …. as – so...wie

by-the-way – übrigens

downs – Tiefen

from now on – von nun an

had had – hatte gehabt

kept going / to keep going/kept going/kept going / - weiter machen

not feeling the full shilling - nicht 100% fit

Not feeling the full shilling is no fun at all. It makes everything hard and takes the fun out of life. And, when Waltraud Hora was down in the dumps – and that was many years ago – she undertook all that there was to pick herself up. She went to the gym twice a week, tried yoga on Tuesdays, and went Nordic walking on Sundays. But, whatever she did, the last five percent was always still missing! She just wasn't herself! The key, as everyone told her, was using energy for energy, And Waltraud believed and kept going! But then, one day, she went to the market.

And there, as happy as always was her good friend Renate. And, soon they were chatting and Waltraud told all. And Renate was interested and spoke. For, she, too, had had downs, and had come back. And, Waltraud was fascinated, and her life started changing. She was on her way back!

There were to be no more gyms, yoga sessions, or Nordic walking! Waltraud had discovered again that which was hers, and she started the very next day.

And it was singing! And the effect was one hundred percent! And the reason was simple. It was fun. And, being in Renate's choir was also a brand new experience. There were not only new friends, but the training and practising for concerts as well. And, that was exciting and different! Singing was action, and it was good so, and, it came straight from the heart!

And now, Waltraud lives for the future! And that is the secret of happiness! There are concerts to be practised for, lines to be learned, and, of course, because she's happy – everyone else is happy as well. In other words, life is powerful and great! And, all because, while not feeling the full shilling, she went down to the market and bumped into Renate!

And, by-the-way, singing could be good for you, too! Just try it and see! You will soon find out what a difference it makes!

Vocabulary and Phrases

as …. as – so...wie

by-the-way – übrigens

downs – Tiefen

from now on – von nun an

had had – hatte gehabt

kept going / to keep going/kept going/kept going / - weiter machen

not feeling the full shilling - nicht 100% fit

refound – wieder gefunden – wieder gefunden

Friends of Diarikom

                           Karli Brieber is a Friend of Diarikom!

 

KARLI  BRIEBER - ACCOUNTANCY - TAX ADVISER - BOOK-KEEPING AND MORE!
PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR LINK

(C) - The Ice Cold of Fear - An escape full of danger and cunning!

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Katalin Rath - The Ice Cold of Fear! - A true story from not so long ago - A journey of risks! Told by Nigel A JAMES

Budapest 1974. Autumn was passing into winter and the cold was increasing each day. But, in the hearts of two very young people was the heat of excitement. Katalin and Ferry were getting ready to flee. Their native Hungary had become too small for their dreams and they needed more. They needed freedom. But, legally leaving the east was no easy thing. Permission was needed. But how?

The answer was relatively simple.

Having just completed their medical studies, a trip to Leningrad was nothing unusual. Many students did it. And, to this end, Katalin and Ferry had joined the Hungarian communist youth organization KIS. And, because Katalin and Ferry were two party members, the ministry of the interior had automatically approved their application for travel to Leningrad and a two-day trip to Helsinki. A ministry stamp on their already KIS approved application forms had been nothing more than a matter of form. If KIS says yes, then everyone else says yes as well.

But there was something that neither KIS nor the ministry of the interior had known. KIS had only approved a journey to Leningrad. By using a very special pen, Katalin had carefully added the trip to Helsinki herself. A dangerous thing to do. And, it, if discovered, would have meant life behind bars for Katalin and Ferry.

And, there was one other risk too. A top secret risk. Katalin and Ferry had two essential documents to take with them. And, these were their future success; these were their medical Diplomas. But, how to hide them in their luggage? Katalin decided the best way of doing so was by sewing them into the lining of one of their cases. And that's what she did. And this painstaking work was hard and took a very long time. The stitching had to be real and old and perfect as well. And, this was the hardest of all.

And, the test was not long in coming.

At the airport, everyone's cases were being thoroughly controlled and, to Katalin's dismay, the entire lining had just been ripped out of the woman's case who was in front of them at the check. This, too, could happen to them. And, sure enough, their luggage, too, was thoroughly searched. But, Katalin's stitching stood up to the test. Katalin and Ferry were through. And they and the rest of the group took their seats on the afternoon flight to the north. Leningrad was waiting for them.

And, despite being constantly followed in Leningrad, Katalin and Ferry enjoyed every moment. Soon communism would be a thing of their pasts. The west was just hours away. And, then came the next test. Their short stay in Helsinki. But, what to do with their luggage? They were being carefully watched! Two big cases for just one night in Helsinki? Definitely suspicious. They had to go down to essentials.

Katalin kept a cool head. She'd had an idea. As scheduled, Katalin and Ferry joined the rest of the group going to Helsinki in the hotel lobby. And, all they had with them was just one plastic bag. Enough for a very short visit. And then, just as the group was leaving, Katalin's and Ferry's plastic bag broke and their belongings fell on the ground. Quickly, Katalin fetched one of their empty cases, and, in front of the group, put in their belongings. Perfect for shopping, she grinned. Thirty minutes later their train pulled out of the station. And, Katalin and Ferry didn't look back. Leningrad and the east were now firmly behind them and all had been so very easy. Helsinki and freedom were now very close. Katalin and Ferry closed their eyes and relaxed to the rhythm of the tracks. Katalin slept.

But then, with the border in sight, the train suddenly stopped with a jolt and a screech! Katalin and Ferry woke up. Border guards and dogs were waiting to board. The Russians were leaving nothing to chance. And, once again came the feeling of freezing cold fear! And, as the guards and their dogs made their way through the train it became obviously clear that this time, things were going to be nasty!

But, once again they were lucky. And, once again, it was the people before them that got all the attention. And then, having controlled and searched the entire train, the guards and their dogs disappeared. The train would soon be moving again. Finland was now very close. They could see it quite clearly. Soon they would touch it as well.

But, soon took longer to come than expected. Nothing happened. The train just stood there and waited. The train didn't move. Ten minutes passed. An hour went by. Two hours went by. What was happening? Nobody knew and nobody dared ask. The risk was too great. Freedom was just down the road. But, would they ever get there? Everyone was nervous. And then, with a jolt and then another jolt, the train started moving. Slowly at first, then faster and faster. But, still the silence remained. No one believed they were moving. And then, all of a sudden, they saw Finish plates on the cars. They had gone over the line and passed into freedom! They had arrived. And then the cheering broke out!

And the rest was relatively easy. Katalin and Ferry waited until the group was about to leave for the station before jumping. They simply slid away from the group and walked round the corner. And then, just to make sure, Katalin and Ferry hid in a park. And then, after dark,, Katalin and Ferry made their way to the port and then to Sweden by ship. And, there they stayed for almost a year.

And, Katalin and Ferry did everything from cleaning toilettes to serving in restaurants. There was nothing below them. And then they moved on. Both became dentists, and Katalin became a celebrated artist as well!

And Hungary?

Now living in Vienna, Hungary has become part of their every day life once again. Family is family and the ice cold of fear is a thing of the past! Now is the future they dreamed of. Escaping was then. Now they are home!

Katalin and Ferry came out of the cold and into the west, and then, back again to the east. Katalin and Ferry – They took the risk and succeeded.

..

Selected Vocabulary

approved – bewilligt

blessings – Segnen

brake into - einbrechen

close – eng/knapp

escape – Entkommen

essential – unentbehrlich

fear - Angst

flee – Flehen

Guardian Angel – Schutzengel

jolt – Stoß

jumping (jump/jumped/jumped) – springen

leaving nothing to chance – nichts der Schicksal überlassen.

luggage – Gepäck

lining – Futter

matter of form – Selbstverständlichkeit

naked – Nackt

obviously – offensichtlich

painstaking - sorgfältig

permission - Erlaubnis

plates – Kennzeichnen

pretence - Anschein

risks - Risiko

scheming – intrigieren

stamp - Stempel

stitching – Nähte

suspense – Spannung

thoroughly – genau

to this end – zu diesem Zweck

(B) - Christmas in Finland

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Picture - Father Christmas on His Way to Helsinki - by Nigel A JAMES

 Paula Korhonen and a Finish Family Tradition.

Christmas trees are a big part of Christmas. They turn our flats and our houses into places of Christmassy peace and goodwill. And, bringing home a tree is the same as inviting a good friend to stay. Without them, Christmas would not be the same. Together, we adorn our trees with candles and balls and other beautiful things; and, around them we lay brightly wrapped gifts and enjoy the singing of nice Christmas songs. Our trees then become a very big part of our meaning of Christmas. A family occasion.

But, there is one Christmas tree that is different. It's in Finland and belongs to Paula Korhonen. And, Paula's Christmas tree is not only decorated with balls, candles, and chains, it's covered with family history as well. And, this is a tradition that goes back a very long way.

The decorations on Paula's tree were made not only by herself, but her grandmother, her mother, her daughter, and, now, even her granddaughter as well. And, these decorations were all made at school and all very simple.

And, this wonderful collection shows not only bright decorations, it shows changes as well.

The first decorations, made by Paula's grandmother, were made out of cardboard and ribbons, then, along the way came bottle-tops, silver paper, matchsticks, and everything else one can think of as well. And, interestingly, the last decorations to arrive started life as aluminium capsules for coffee. Now, they are beautiful stars. Industrial rubbish had become very colourful. Finland, like the rest of the world, is changing as well.

But, hopefully, Paula Korhonen's family tradition won't change at all. This Christmassy Finnish family tradition is not only unique, it's also a chain that connects generations.

And, this is something you could do, too. Trees will always be part of our Christmas. Why not make your Christmas tree a family tree, too? Your grandchildren's children, I'm sure, will not only be thankful, but happy to pass on this tradition to their children as well.

Christmas has always been family. And, Paula Korhonen is keeping a tradition alive that has been in her family for a very long time. Decorations that have come in from the past and are on their way into the future as well. Christmas trees are beautiful things – they are the past, the present and future of Christmas.

Paula Korhonen and a Finish Family Tradition.

Father Christmas in Finland - by Nigel A JAMES

What's on in Vienna - Dorothea Nahler - A photographic exhibition

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Photo - Dorothea  NAHLER - by Nigel A JAMES

What's On in Vienna

Dorothea Nahler

Das Ornament in Otto Wagner's Werk

Dorothea Nahler has photographed a wide variety of interesting topics in the course of her photographic life. Her subjects have ranged from the power of the trees in Corinthia, the life along the Donaukanal in Vienna, the 4 seasons in Schönbrunn in Vienna, and the rolling history of the Viennese Fiakers – the city's horse drawn carriages. But now, it's Otto Wagner's turn!

“Das Ornament in Otto Wagner's Werk” is an exhibition of detail. In her wonderfully produced photos, Dorothea Nahler concentrates more on the fine detail of Otto Wagner's work, not on the whole. Ornamental detail and different materials. Things that are normally missed at first glance. And, Dorothea Nahler has not spared on effects.

Snow, shadow, and light provide meaningful detail. In this sense, Dorothea Nahler has the eye of experience. Snow, shadow and light not only support, they are essential as well. All parts of Dorothea Nahler's fine works.

But, “Das Ornament in Otto Wagner's Werk” has one very big surprise! Dorothea Nahler doesn't only leave us outside, she takes us inside as well. Hidden interiors are waiting for us! Things we would not normally see.

DAS ORNAMENT IN OTTO WAGNERS WERK – A photographic exhibition of note. On until the 10^th of April, 2019 at the Bezirksmuseum Hietzing, Vienna. (just a stone throw away from the U Bahn U4 station – Hietzing) – Bezirks museum is open on Wednesdays 14 – 18.00 and Saturdays between 14 and 17.00.

Dorothea Nahler has a web site

www.dorothea-nahler.at

W001 D Whats on D Nahler

(B) Raechel Hall - Pulling the Pints

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Picture - Pub Life by Nigel A JAMES

The Toorington Bells – Raechel Hall – The Toorington Arms

There are three very important people in every village in Britain. The doctor, the vicar, and the lord of the pub. And, the lord of the Toorington Arms – Toorington's pub – is no lord at all, in fact, she's a lady. Mrs Raechel Hall. The owner, or, to be correct, the landlady of the Toorington Arms.

And, Ray, as she is lovingly known, is everyone's idea of what a landlady should be. Ray is no longer young – she has wrinkles to prove it – and her voice has been formed by many long years of drink in great plenty and strong Cuban cigars. But, Ray is happy with life and this shows in her dress. Nothing but the finest, the best, and most expensive there is. Ray is a very proud lady and she likes to show it.

But, beware! Ray is not only very good fun, she can be very hard, too. There's no misbehaving at the Toorington Arms.

But, Ray, of course, has her own understanding of what's right and what's wrong. And, closing time at the end of each day is a flexible thing. Closing time means drawing the curtains and locking the door. The fun then carries on until late in the night, and, the Toorington bobby is one of the locals.

And, the prices Ray charges are flexible, too. Drinks and cigars have been known to alter Ray's thinking. But, this is the fun of The Toorington Arms and nobody minds. But, all in all, the Toorington Arms is a great little pub.

There are three very important people in every village in Britain. The doctor, the vicar, and the lord of the pub. But, down in Toorington, Raechel Hall is at the top of the list. Her food is delicious, her beer is the best beer in Europe, and there's always good fun at the Toorington Arms.

Raechel Hall and the Toorington Arms

Vocabulary

beware – watch out – be careful – pay attention -

drawing the curtains – pulling the curtains together (closing the curtains)

local(s) - regular customer(s) (guest(s))

misbehaving – people being bad – acting in a bad way

nobody minds – nobody thinks anything of it - (it's no problem)

Toorington bobby – bobby = policeman