Bulgaria with Noodles

Is it really possible that Donald Trump could be re-elected as the President of the United States in 2024? In some ways, it is difficult to imagine this happening, as Trump is currently facing no less than ninety-one different criminal charges, some of which might result in a long prison sentences, if he were to be found guilty. On the other hand, I have seen quite a few YouTube videos in which someone asks members of the American public some fairly simple questions. The incorrect answers that are given show levels of utter stupidity and moronic thickness that are almost unimaginable. I have often wondered whether these videos are actually faked and that the people who are giving these brainless answers have been bribed or tricked into saying such silly things. But what would be the point of that? If these YouTube videos are genuine, then they suggest that there is a most unpleasant reality, namely that a significant number of Americans are in fact staggeringly stupid, uneducated and m

Yes, I have my eyes shut. I hate photos when I have my eyes shut. They look so silly. Anyway, 2024 did not get off to a great start, as I have been quite ill, with a temperature of 39, as well as various aches and pains. Yesterday I was feeling a lot better and so Iryna and I went for a wander around Arbanassi with the VT Walkers. (Arbanassi is the Beverly Hills of Veliko Tarnovo, as it is full of very expensive properties belonging to corrupt politicians, pop stars and footballers.) This was followed by lunch at The Wine Club, my favourite restaurant. (Iryna does not like it and she thinks that the food is overpriced.) Here are a few old photos from our previous visit with the VT Walkers. It's rather like an old-fashioned English pub. On the subject of not making a good start, Nikki Haley came a poor third in the Iowa primaries, but maybe she will do a lot better in New Hampshire and South Carolina.  

The weather has been wonderfully mild and sunny here in Bulgaria, whereas in the UK it has been colder and peeing down, as per usual. Recently we have been for some splendid walks in the woodland around Veliko Tarnovo. (That naughty little fat Plovdiv dog also enjoyed herself.) Some of the walks are ones that I have done with my friend Peter, but some of them are quite new ones and he will enjoy them, I think, when he has yet another summer holiday in Bulgaria this year.  On the subject of an overweight and pampered pooch, Tina was very frightened by all of the fireworks on New Year’s Eve. She ran under the bed in our bedroom and would not come out. When Irena finally managed to pull her out, Tina refused to sleep in her own bed. Although our dear neighbours, Vincent and Mariana, have been spending the New Year at their house in Daveri, it very much looks as though The Boss will not want to move back to our house until March at the earliest. There is a total mess and mud everywhere jus