Postscript It never gets Boring here

J

 "Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life. Don't be trapped by dogma - which is living with the result of other people's thinking. Steve Jobs   " Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn. Benjamin Frankline.         " A successful man is the one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown  at him. " David Brinkley"  " The greatest glory in life lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall."  Nelson Mandela                                                                                  A good start in the morning is when all my numerous adopted feral children and the regular guests to my Cats' Table are okay, just hungry as usual., so they of course come first, take first priority! Outside it is nice and quiet, just a car or 2 and maybe a motorbike passing, had enough of those  in particular the later, racing during the night. While in most countries citizens nowadays think about protecting the environment, energy reduction, avoiding pollution, it doesn't seem to be much of an issue in Tunisia, at least not among those who keep their distance to education. Their kids and youngsters like to ride a motorbike, just for fun. The black stinking cloud, the roaring noice most of all when speeding, they love it. While some  children in the neighborhood try to ride their bike with one wheel up in the air, therefore occasionally fall and make their comrades laugh (not without risks on the road), 4 teens, approx. 14 years old, now want more. The bikes have been exchanged for old motorbikes. I viewed 2 with a passenger on the back seat, doing their "artistic studs." In the beginning on a not quite so busy road, neverthe-  less nearly hitting a parked car and another arriving motorbike on the road, crushing on the street, but surprisingly without much injury and damage to their motorbike. Pity in a way, no lesson learned. Accustomed to no actions from adults, apart from the usual excuse: "they are children", these dare-devils now feel encouraged to try busy roads (no risk no fun). I fear innocent folks on the streets may become victims of these kids and their irresponsible games, further, it is highly unlikely that their parents or they themselves eventually would be able to pay for whatever injuries or damages they may cause.  Passing a school, the public area next to it is littered with rubbish, mainly papers and wrappings. This demonstrates the need to teach pupils basic manners, something they don't seem to learn at home. Instead of extreme long holidays, for the school-free days in my opinion some educated folks without a job  (don't need to have teachers' diploma) should be employed to teach responsible behaviour, respect for nature and animals, environnement protection). The whole nation would profit. ( Elderly folks call these kids the lost generation.) In addition it would be a good idea to  create teams of  school children (I refuse to call them" students") to collect their rubbish around their school (learning by doing). For unknown reasons usually homework is not a task demanded of them, unlike  Europe, so the boys can spend most of the day playing football or roaming the streets like some girls as well. When school is finished, they all rush out as if released "from prison", where they didn't waste much energy, by the look of it, now screaming and stone throwing. Some demonstrate the English they learned, calling me a bitch and advising me to f.... off. Well, "they are children......" and maybe when I first arrived here with several removal cardboard boxes full of presents for kids I didn't even know, they received a gift as well. - SONED, the tapped water suppliers, now turn off the water every evening until morning, at changing hours. It is mend to reduce the water consumption, which is too high in view of the dramatically falling present stock and insufficient rain.  Every day some chemicals are added to rinse the piping. That means when you turn on the tap the water looks milky and can only be used for cleaning. It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to receive clean water again. Even this doctors advice not to drink. Anyhow, a high quantity of water gets wasted. In several areas, mainly in the south, citizens haven't received any household water for months. Having to buy water is an extra expence that in particular 

the poor could really do without. Hopefully water treatment plants will soon solve the problem. 

. 

It never gets Boring here

 "Every bird is a king in its nest." "Even if cats rain, black rat will go out in the night." "Examine what is spoken not who is speaking. "  "A person who is always alone is either a devil or a saint."    Ubuntu African Proverbs                                                                                    Our gorgeous cat mummy Fleur is amazing. Not only does she feed her milk to her friend's babies on demand, but also to a lovely little kitten living outside. Today I discovered her doing so and I guess she's been doing this for a while. Until a few weeks ago Fleur was "just a street cat" and regular customer to my Cats' Table, like her friend Rosy and up to 20 others, arriving every morning from all directions, (some stay nearby and receive more food during the day) punctually for their early breakfast. I don't know which cat informed them of the time and place. Anyhow, I am proud of my beautiful guests, they and my indoor big feral family give me a reason to get up every morning, even when I feel exhausted and "too sick" to kick myself out off bed.  Impossible to disappoint all those who look up to me with such a lot of trust and expectations in their lovely eyes. Sadly many kittens pass over the rainbow before even reaching an age of 2 or 3 months, inspite of loving mums doing their best. A poor immune system doesn't give them much of a chance. I decided to take inside the black and white kitten that Fleur decided to adopt. Now the other mothers, Rosy and Jane, are happy to offer their mummy milk also to this orphan. Could we learn from cats, be generous and help those in need? Not so long ago milk was difficult to obtain. Shopkeepers asked their customers not to buy more than 2 packs, some wanted as much as they can carry. Sugar has become an exotic item, a luxury that hasn't been seen on the shelves for long period. For unknown reasons easier to find in Kairouan than in Sousse, interesting, but on the other hand coffee is very expensive now and appears to be sold out in Kairouan. So perhaps folks in Sousse should exchange coffee against sugar? Present flour shortage could lead to couscous becoming the next special item we have to surge for, hopefully this won't happen to the national dish (in the whole of North Africa). Some citizens believe keeping a pet and feeding cats, dogs and strays is a luxury we can do without. Well, experts say that kids growing up with a cat or dog in the house (ideally regarded as a family member) learn responsibility, empathy, the importance of friendship and trust. Several guys think in view of our weak economy it would be better not to import food and other products for these animals. Caring for cats and dogs is a luxury we can do without. Really? They don't realize that a whole industry developed in this field. Not just veterinarians, pet shops, tinned food, croquettes and "salami" (sausages for animals, not suitale for human consumption), toilets, beds, medications, etc. - meanwhile produced also in Tunisia and creating many jobs. Besides, from European (mainly) and other countries a considerable amount of donations are sent to Tunisia. If you open your eyes you can see the most beautiful cats and dogs here, neat and modest, even those forced to live outside. Unfortunately their usually excellent manners makes it easy for wicked people to abuse and kill them. Hopefully we will eventually get good animal protection laws worthy of a modern country. I can live without various products, one can find alternatives or just do without, but I really miss good animal protection and noise restriction laws. 

Postcript Even Angels' Life ain't easy

Rosy,  dedicated mum. 

They passed over the rainbow, rest in peace, little darlings

Mummy Fleur
Tarecca, Masud and Justin cuddling with the babies, watched by mummy Rosy. 

"I would rather be among forest animals and the soud of nature, then among city traffic and the noise of man." Native American Culture.   " An ugly man does not look in the mirror he is comfortable with his looks." "A poor man acts richly to impress a woman and a rich man acts poor to test a woman." "Only a thief knows the footprint of a fellow thief on a rock surface." Obuntu Proverbs.                                                                                            The 3 cat mums are really great dedicated mothers, their babies are very demanding. Nevertheless, of Jane's 5 little ones 2 died, of Fleur's 4 babies 1 passed over the rainbow and of Rosy's 1 also. Sudden child death, happens as well to humans but to a larger degree to kittens due to their poor immune system here. In addition if the mother suffered from worms and didn't receive a worm cure, their babbies inherit worms, get diarrhea and are likely to suddenly pass away. By the way, anti worm tablets are okay for pregnant cats, I wasn't aware of this. But they taste horrible, even when crushed and mixed with a bit of sugar, mineral water added and sprayed into the mouth with a syringe. Several spit a lot out again or even vomit. Another problem is sealed eyes (not meaning the natural blindness during the first 10 days of their life), sometimes even pus in the eyes. Fleur and Rosy from time to time give milk not only to their own babies but also their friend's and their kittens now 7 and 6 weeks old, like to cuddle together. Jane's only 3 weeks old are still separated, their mum's decision. Shakira a young cat that doesn't seem to grow, remains dainty and kitten size, though several months old, likes to smuggle herself among Jane's babies, the little family accepts this without protest. Fleur decided that since her friend Rosy and I work as baby sitters, she can go outside for a few hours and take a rest from nursing. The babies seem to be happy with either mum. Every morning and evening before going to bed I check that all my adopted cats and babies are alive and well. Poor little treasures, I shall never understand why they have to suffer so much, they have so much love to give and certainly know gratitude. Some of my adult cats, even male ones, cuddle with the babies and they in return try to get milk of them. They allow them to suck. But there are also 2 or 3 of my older ferals that are not keen on the company of babies. Well, humans too don't always like children. A woman knocked at our door and asked my husband to temporarily provide a home for her 3 or 4 months old beautiful kitten, dark fur with reddish streaks. She said she's a teacher and needs to go to Tunis for a few days and when she returns will pick up the kitten, named Rcaja. She further stated she intends to get her cat vaccinated, spayed and neutered, food and any treatment the little one may need would  represent no problem for her. Since she drove a big car, my husband believed her and also as she left her phone number with him. On account of bad experience, folks using many tricks, I was suspicious, a big car could be borrowed, hired or even stolen, doesn't prove anything. So I was less surprised when that woman didn't turn up. When my husband phoned her, she asked first: "Who are you?" Then promised to come at a later day. Surprise, surprise, she didn't. Rcaja took a few days to integrate, in the beginning (like several before her) advised my big fur family not to mess with her, she may not look it, but she is big and strong (something we got in common.....). 

Even Angels' Life ain't Easy

6h00

 "The youth can walk fast, but it is the elder that know the road." "Feeding a snake with honey doesn't mean that the snake would hold back its venomous habits." "Dogs don't actually prefer bones to meat, it is just that no one gives them meat." Ubuntu African Proverbs.    "I think sometimes we need to take a step back and just remember we have no greater right to be here than any other animal." David Attenborough                                   It is the time of year when many feral babies are born. You can see the unfortunate ones in many places outside, as quite a few folks here seem to regard pregnant cats a nuisance and kick them out or steal the babies from their mothers' loving paws and then place them in front of various houses, sometimes but not always, near animal friendly people. Anyhow, I ended up with 3 pregnant cats that were already for a while regular customers to my Cats' Table. Fleur, a lovely dark fur cat with blond streaks, had been looking for an indoor place for a while. I finally offered her a little corridor, where she gave birth to 4 sweet babies of different shades, 1 black/white, 1 grey/white, 2 brown fur, all a bit longer hair. Rosy, a friend of Fleur, simular colouring a shade lighter, sneaked in one day as we when out. When we returned we found her with 4 babies. All sweeties looking different, 1 tri-coloured (rare, always female), 1 yellow, 1 light yellow, 1 black, and amazingly her birth- giving place was spotless, not a drop of blood, quite contrary to Fleur (there was a lot of blood) . The 3rd mother, Jane, I took inside by mistake as she resembles one of my cats and I didn't realize that she was pregnant and unlike my little treasure not sterilized and neuteted. Normally vets here cut off a little corner of the patient's ear to mark them following the operation. As my cats live indoors I don't get this done, otherwise I would have known. Anyhow, Jane even had 5 babies, 1 died after a few days, all have dark fur. She doesn't seem to be an experienced mum, but tries her best. As Fleur's babies started to develope and wanted to explore their surrounding, I took her and her little family upstairs where I have 2 wooden houses for cats. She acccepted this, but once moved them temporarily to a plastic box. My cat mothers taught me that I can only make suggestions but they will have the final decision where they will raise their babies. Rosy decided not to stay upstairs, she took her babies downstairs underneath a tree. In my opinion not enough protected, a little later we agreed that she and her little ones stay in a plastic basket in front of the bedroom. This basket we afterwards moved to the room in front of the bathroom, so they will be less disturbed. Jane choose a cave in a big tree designed for cats. Just now she moved her babies to a big cardboard box on a bench, more light. Fleur, Rosy and Jane visit each other, view the little ones of their colleagues which were born a few days apart. Having spent most of their life outside, knowing their kids are okay and well looked after, Fleur and Rosy want to leave the house for an hour or two to see their friends, pay a visit to a good woman in the neighborhood and then return. I am always a bit nervous when they are outside (traffic, stone throwing children), but I respect their wishes and desire to take a bit of a break from their demanding babies. How I am going to cope with the expenses (spay and neutered, various medications, dental and other vet treatments etc.) I presently don't know, I shall cross that bridge when I come to it. Kitten food has become more expensive, also croquettes and various basic food for human consumption . Just like humans too, older cats are not always well. Changed behaviour, more tired, perhaps hidding, loss of appetite, tearing eyes, coughing, loss of weight, smell from the mouth (possibly teeth or gum problem, with bad luck even worse sickness) are some indications that the little treasures need help. Crying with pain is rare, so I don't always note in good time that my feral family member needs to see a veterinarian. Gorgeous black big boy Khalid had blood cancer. That horrible diagnosis was quite a shock for me. He was only approx. 5 or 6 years old when he passed over the rainbow, so sudden and much too early. I felt so helpless. A woman once left him in a cardboard box in front of my door 2 years ago. There was a note saying: "Please take him, I am too old to cope anymore." Strange, she and others never state the name of the cat/cats. Anyhow, Khaled (I named him after that great Algerian Rai singer) looked well kept, soon accepted his new name and turned out to be a feral gentleman. Not for a second did I regret having adopted him, such a great present from heaven! I loved cuddling with him and miss my lovely boy very much. Suzy, about the same age as Khaled, I discovered in front of my door one day, only a few weeks old. She had lovely brown fur with a reddish shine. Not always in a good mood, she would have preferred to be an "only child." For a while she put on a bit of weight, but then suddenly lost it again. When she started to eat and drink less, I took her to the veterinarian. She had a couple of infusions, seemed to get a bit better, but the blood test result left me with only little hope. Her kidneys didn't work well and she had anemia. Sweet Suzy also passed suddenly over the rainbow, another little

 angel left me. Every cat has her own character, her own life story. Once they become a member of my family they steal a part of my heart and when they are sadly gone for ever, leave me in mourning.  These sweet innocent angels are a present from heaven, but only remain for a rather limited time, much shorter here than in Europe, where it is not so unusual for a cat to reach an age above 20 years of age. 

Postscript Joy and Depression

 "Bad company corrups good manners." "Apprently  when you treat people the way they treat you, they get upset." "A cow that is in a hurry to go to America will return as Corned Beef."  Ubuntu African Proverbs    "Feed an animal and you feed your soul."  Charlie Chaplin                                                                                                                                                The  end of Ramdan (Eid Al-Fitr) celebration this year was a more quiet event in Tunisia, kids in the neighborhood received new clothes and several plastic pistols or guns, good imitations at first sight (not without risk) and this will soon end up in the garbage bin. Parents bought what their kids desired, thus no books instead. We didn't have much spring, when it tends to usually rain, looks like summer quickly follows winter. Still, we are lucky so far, temperatues didn't raise as much as in Spain, Portugal, Algeria and Marocco. - At the cats' RPA shelter in Sousse a few days ago a man arrived with a stick that had nails added. He started to attack cats and even the called police men, this enabled him to excape for the time being. The incident prooves that individuals who abuse/kill animals are dangerous for humans to. Looks like animal shelters here need cameras, high walls (I have seen kids less than 10 years of age climbing a 3 m high wall) and secrity guards, very sad. We also require good animal protection laws plus education of  ignorants, uneducated parents must understand their responsibility for their children. Giving them all liberties, allowing kids to roam the streets, expecting the street to "educate" the kids doesn't work and it leaves children deep down with the feeling that their parents don't care for them. We have a lot of school holidays but unfortunately very few  playgrounds, so they use the streets instead. Books don't seem to be in fashion, but balls of all sizes. Quite a few land on our roof where they can do more damage than on our neighbors' as we and our cats use it as a terrace. Tomcat Jeremy looked confused, I wondered whether he may have been hit by a ball. Times are very difficult but in particular for animals. Some ignorants envy them getting food for free, even though this is usually just pasta, occasionally with a bit of sardines, or some couscous that was left ever, probably spiced with hot and for animals unsuitable harissa. In view of some wicked folks poisoning cats and dogs, if I find food in my bowls outside, dropped by unknown persons, I throw it away. Better be safe than sorry. A woman travelled in a bus with a cat in a transport box, another woman laughed about her, not realizing that she herself is the stupid one. A German saying: "Stupid like bred." I hope she doesn't have children. What values would she teach them? Sad news, 258 million people in the world need food assistance, but there appears to be always enough money for weapons. Our world is not progressing in spite of increasing knowledge in various fields, brave new world. Greed and corruption are very destructive. Several staple food items remain scares, sugar, oil, flour, etc. (milk is available again), approx. 300 imported medicines for humans and animals, all of this is a global problem, effecting various countries. Even in Europe there is a shortage of important medication. Yesterday was world freedom of press day. In 70 % of 180 countries the situation is bad for journalists, they get harrassed, imprisoned, tortured and even killed. Last year 50 % more deaths were recorded. The best countries concerning freedom of the press are (in that order) Norway, Ireland and Denmark, Germany fell from place 16 to 21. Many dream of a better life in Germany and risk their life to get to Europe. Almost every day we hear of  boats accidents, several hundred deaths. The Mediterranean sea has become a grave yard. During the first quarter of the year already 12 000 migrants that arrived in Italy had set sail from Tunisia, compared to 1300 same period last year. Tunisian coast guards prevented 14 000 from setting off in boats during that time, last year, same period only 2900. I spoke with a young man with typical ideas, thinking Germany is a paradise with many possibilities, even for those with little  education and no qualifications. Perhaps marriage with a German girl will help and then he can support his family in Tunisia? Marriage for papers perhaps? I told him no, the new Tunisian generation has a bad reputation in Germany, many believe they maybe terrorists, or trick girls into marriage and then she would have to pay for him for 5 years, while he has no permission to work, unless she informs the (already suspicious) authorities that he misused her and then he will be deported. Such plans no longer work, besides, there aren't many jobs for those without qualifications, they are always the first ones to become unemployed. In addition, wages look good on paper, but taxes are very high, the health insurance is good but very expensive and mandatory, accommodations are extremely expensive, heating and electricity costs are high and so is food. When you hear how much you have to pay for bred, you won't believe your ears. Bad weather, freezing temperatures, icy roads, etc. are no excuse for not turning up for work. The best advise is to check on Internet which jobs are vacant on a bigger scale, see which qualification you can obtain occordingly and learn German. That way you may be able to get quite legally a visa and work permission without risking your life. But be aware, you are expected to work hard and be reliable, accept criticism and different customs and regulations. You won't see kids roaming the streets at night, can't play football in the streets, are expected to avoid noise, in particular after 10 p. m. and between 13.00 and 15.00 hrs. Much of what seems to be quite normal to you (bad habits), that folks more or less tolerate here, is forbidden. If you ignore citizens in Europe are likely to call the police and they will knock at your door. Academic specialists are welcomed and may see immigration as a change to earn more money, but this means Tunisia financed the education for a rich country. "Brain drain" if it happens on a big scale will in the long run have a negative effect on the country of origin. 

Joy and Depression

 "A mad man does not know he is mad, but it is felt by others, same happens when someone is stupid." "Because a man has injured your goat, do not go out and kill his bull." "A pretty face and fine clothes do not make character."   Ubuntu African Proverbs.                Ramadan has ended. A nice tradition here is taking a plate full of food, usually couscous, to your neighbors and donating a little bit of money to the poor. So you can see folks walking to various houses with hot food in the evening after fasting all day during Ramadan. But Ramadan also means a lot less business, during the day cafés, restaurants and fast food facilities are closed, in the evening most folks eat at home with their families, banks and several shops, etc. work shorter hours. In addition not everybody copes well without food, gets a bit confused or falls sick unaware that their physical condition doesn't allow them to fasten. Not without reason elderly, sick people, pregnant women, travellers and children are exempt from fastening. During the 27th night of Ramadan angels are supposed to come down to earth, a very special night. Unfortunately those who lost their religion, have no love for their country, no respect for humans and animals, no empathy, just a lot of anger and aggression, blame others for their misery, take drugs, think this is a night to let out hate and revenge by killing innocent defenceless animals. An unknown number of such individuals got together and unfortunately managed with a lot of force to enter the cats' shelter of the Association RPA in Sousse, Port Elkantoui, in spite of high fencing and 40 strong expensive padlocks. It happed during the night, most cats must have been sleeping in what they considered a secure shelter. Many had suffered a difficult life before, threatened by disturbed stone throwing kids / youngsters and traffic, uncertainly of food, in addition often of  bad quality, kicked out off houses for convince, a tough life on the road. Innocently sleeping, expecting no bad, made them easy prey for those with evil intentions, torturing and killing them with stones. When the massacre ended 40 cats had lost their life, some cats manged to excape the horror, probably traumatised. The people in charge of the shelter and who work there are under shock. They cared for all those beautiful little treasures, fed them, looked after their health, got to know all those Habibis with their different characters, cuddled with them, enjoyed their love and gratitude, seeing them lying there, beaten to death, an absolute nightmare, difficult to stomach. The shelter is financed with donations from animal loving folks, including the Brigitte Bardo foundation, as far as I know, thus no money that was taken away from locals. Those (often women with roots in Europe or even US) who see the dire situation of cats and dogs here and feel forced to act, are frequently "advised" to help the poor instead. Is it envy? All bad I ever experienced came from humans, never from an animal (they don't lie, cheat, steal, use dirty tricks, start wars). Anyhow, cameras are installed near the RPA shelter and the videos should enable the police to trace, arrest and imprison the evil criminals. They are dangerous, it is a proven fact that those who abuse/kill animals often later in life commit simular crimes against humans (American survey on Death Row). Folks frequently believe that not  any animal protection laws whatsoever excist here, because so little action is taken. But that is often because of lack of knowledge, no money for lawyers and too little trust in the work of the police. Of course if you don't speak to the police then they can't act. Anyhow, we have got laws that can be helpful, but we urgently need stronger animal protection laws that should also make the ignorant understand the value of animal life, animals have feelings too and after all  Allah created them as well. By the way, the daily praised Prophet Mohamed loved cats and he advised: "Have sympathy with the animals on earth and then Allah will also have sympathy with you." It is also a proven fact that pets usually have a positive  effect on kids, they learn empathy, responsibility, solidarity, the meaning of true friendship, receive love and joy from their animal comrade. We need such kids, they grow up as good citizens that help create a great society. 

Postscript Come Rain or Sunshine

 "As long as men massacre animals, they will kill each other. Indeed, he who sows the seeds of murder and pain cannot reap the joy of love. Pythagoras ( C. 570 - C. 495 BC).     An ugly man does not look in the mirror, he is comfortable with his looks. Ubuntu African Proverb.                                                                                                                                Last night lovely Fleur gave birth to 4 sweet kittens, 1 grey and 3 resembling dark fur beautiful mummy. Fleur is a regular visitor to my Cats' Table and I couldn't miss noticing her pregnancy. I created a temporary shelter for her in good time. Previously she had her baby (only saw 1) between my plants and I also took them then inside. I did not have the money to prevent her falling pregnant again and there are at present another 2 cats in the same situation. Not sure where they sleep, but they visit my Cats' Table every day. I wish that I could do more for these poor innocent little treasures. Those who are poorly fed, lack vitamins, live under difficult circumstances and have a weak immune system, often fall sick and usually die young. Precious Mary (spayed and neutered) likes to  spend most of the day outside, usually next to or near our house (my guard cat) but at night sleeps  indoors. I noted her being in a bad mood and having problems with eating. She didn't allow me to check her teeth. So I had to leave this task to our veterinary. It turned out that her gum was in an extremely bad state and 5 tooth had to be removed. Poor darling, no chance of receiving false teeth..... Cats are amazing, they can cope fairly well with hardly any teeth. Wales, though, don't need a dentist - just as well - they grow a large number of spare teeth, a third row. Humans could do with the same solution, but it would leave dentists bredless. Still, I'd wish their charges would be as low as that of vets. ( I keep postponing my visit.) - Christmas mail from U. K. reached me after 4 months, of my X-mas cards sent to Germany only 1 was delivered, after 2 months. Lots of other mail also disappears, it's worse than ever, but I am pretty sure it's not our postman's fault. SONET (water supply) try to save water by cutting the supply every night now. STEG (electricity and gas) have increased their prices  close to European levels. Heavens know how folks manage to pay in view of general rising costs. Still, electricity bills include also the consumption by street lights, as far as I know. Nowadays scientists and environmental aware citizens regard too much and too bright street as well as other outdoor lights as air pollution. Nighttime glow of artifical light causes big problems for humans, insects, birds and other wildlife, and in general the environment. Artifical light contributes to the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, it also interrupts human sleep and obscures the night sky. Light pollution is like noise pollution a form of waste energy. It degrates the environmental quality and effects also the daylight air pollution. Unfortunately there appears to be very little awareness here of the aforementioned. The street lights are very bright and we have too many of them. Whenever the one opposite our house is defect, we enjoy a bit of natural darkness, less noise and a good night sleep. - Two days ago Carrefour sold sugar again. A sack full caused a que, one employee filing a kg or a bit more in a plastic bag, weight and labeled by another and then quietly handed to customers, one bag

each as long as the stock lasted. Though there doesn't seem to be a shortage of milk only 2 packets are presently sold per person. Strawberries are fairly cheap, but in my opinion sugar needs to be added for more flavour. Since last year we have a new quality of strawberries, less waste because they are less soft, but this has also reduced the flavour. I guess it's like with the roses, those looking perfect have lost their lovely scent. At long last we had a bit of rain, but require more. In Algeria a Mosque had an unexpected visitor. A cat jumped on an arm of the Imam leading the Ramadan prayers, climbed on his shoulder and decided to kiss him. The beautiful video can be viewed on BBC World Africa, a message sent from heaven.