Typical!

This charming, smiling, gentleman is German resident Abdel Hamid.

Amongst his other worthy attributes, his great concern for the people of Gaza led him to raise money to help with their day to day needs.

Unfortunately, like his Hamas heroes, he spent all the money he raised on himself; about 500,000 Euros.

He bought himself luxury cars, Rolex watches, and designer bags, amongst other things. The money was rolling-in, and it was spend spend spend! I believe all his ill-gained assets have now been seized by the German Police.

Hamid, who was also claiming benefits in Germany, has now appeared in court in Dusseldorf, and will no doubt receive a severe slap on the wrist.

Meanwhile over in his beloved Gaza, we hear that different terrorist factions are fighting, and killing, each other over donated aid. Hamas are no longer having all the spoils to themselves; other gangs have joined the pillage, and they all want a cut of the huge profits to be made by selling the donated food, medical supplies, etc, to the Gazan public. It used to be just the Hamas officials who filled their Swiss bank accounts, and lived in luxury accommodation, but now they're all at it.

No wonder all those Hamas supporters at Glastonbury (Bob Villain, Kneecap, and the gullible ticket-buying attendees) are cheering them on. Robbing the poor to pay the rich is the continuing way of life in Gaza, and they all think it's sooper-dooper! 

Hey ho!

 

A Grand Day.

It's Monday morning. We were short of a few things after the weekend, and we have people coming for a swim later today (Tuesday). We needed to go shopping for a few bits and pieces.

The 20 K trip is a total delight. It's mostly through the woods via small winding roads, where you really don't want to meet a big logger's truck. In fact, I rarely meet another car until I join the main road after about 10 Ks.

En route I encounter a friend/neighbour, and stop to chat for a while. He lost part of a barn roof during the recent storm. He also told me that his Tomatoes are just beginning to ripen, so that's good news. My friend is one of the nicest people one could ever hope to know. We are very lucky. I've known him ever since we first moved here 53 years ago. We are truly blessed with his friendship. 

It's already stinking hot as I park Debi at my big Leclerc Supermarket. It's about 9.15 am. Inside it's cool and not over-crowded, and everything on my list is available. Lady M is dropping things into my trolly as I do my tour, and I'm surprised to find that my final bill is over 110 Euros. I crack a few jokes with the nice lady at the checkout, and she even practices her English on me with a cheery 'Goodbye'.

We need petrol and a bottle of Gas; so that's the next job. Another nice lady at the pay-kiosk complains about the heat; it's already 31 C. With Ice Creams and other frozen stuff in the car, we hot-foot it back to the house. Billy is pleased to see us. I put everything away, and strip to a minimum of clothing.

It's going to be hot, so we do whatever needs doing outdoors before we start to 'melt'. Then into the pool for a less than refreshing swim before lunch; the water is 28 C.

As you can imagine, lunch is a light affair. Crispy Lettuce, sliced Tomatoes, red Onions, Jambon de Bayonne, Jamboneau, Cantal cheese, Apricots, and lots of ice-cold water. Of course, this is all consumed under the shade of our covered terrace (Auvent). We take our time, admire the view, and make amusing comments about how stinking hot it is.

By this time of day, it's getting to its hottest, and we retire to favourite spots for a siesta. I go to the 'Tower', where I throw open the door and pull the thin curtain across to repel the Horseflies and other creatures that wish to eat me. I sleep for maybe an hour, then back to the kitchen to prepare some Tabouleh for a light supper.

The afternoon is spent between the pool and the cooling shade of our sitting room. I do a couple of crosswords, Lady M reads a novel, and Billy sleeps on the cool terracotta tiles.

At Wine-o-Clock we sit under the shade of our Quince tree with a bowl of Anchovy stuffed Olives to accompany our glass or two of Piquette. Then later we eat wonderful spicy fried Chorizo Sausages with the Tabouleh. Yum! (below)

It's still hot, so one more swim before more relaxation; then BED. 

All in all, it's been a grand day.