british.

we had foster cats for about 3 weeks. i suddenly had this urge for furry cute things when i saw a post from a cat rescue and i figured i can manage for a while with antihistamins. so then we took in Gus & Ronnie. 4mo old buddies or brothers - nobody knows - they were found together in a bush. they were really shy though. they found a safe haven in our bathroom drawers under the sink where they could access below/behind. usually Ronnie was in the upper drawer and Gus bottom. they were just getting into their schedule like waiting for me in the morning for breakfast and such but then, off they went to their forever home. i have received pictures an videos though and i'm happy to see they are settling in well. now we have the litter boxes and left over food etc so might foster again soon. i just need some "fresh air", cleaning the flat etc before i want to put myself through the "stress" of allergy again. and tbf of course pets come with responsibility and work too, as much as i love cats i dont mind having my home back exactly the way i want it, no cat litter smell etc.

Gus enjoyed the views 

Ronnie in the drawer

 

 

i feel so middle aged with my chia seed & actimel breakfasts. i know its probably more like a 20something thing, but for me represents the health focus of a middle ages person.

Elmor visited me on tuesday, doctor was at work. she got to see the cats and is a true cat whisperer, they loved her. we had some middle eastern meze style food and a good talk. friends are invaluable.

my half sister Tarja visited me last month. she stayed at ours with a friends of hers. we got to know each other more which was great, she's really smart and nice - just like my other siblings - it was good to get a bit closer. i guess next is my turn to go to Vienna again. we had other guests to, Arttu stayed a couple days and then Cary & Chris stayed over for a night on their way back to US. 

end of this month we are having a big get together with the people we met in St Lucia in 2021, the american couple (Mike & Trent) are coming to London. the brits, couples from essex and north England are also making their way and we will hang out like it was post-lockdown 2021 again. except without the sun, palm trees, pool, beach and chill island vibes. so not really the same at all. i assume a bar is Soho can make some rum punch at least...   anyway look forward to it, the boys want to see some LGBT nightlife and im down for that. other than outings like this im such a housebunny these days, been home this weekend too aside from a dinner with friends on friday, from which i was home by 10pm. on saturdays i have a pilates class. and we went out to eat at this local wine & cheese restaurant (called... Wine & Cheese, WC for short) yesterday. and sundays are dedicated home days. so, very chill life im leading. reading books and washing sofa covers. 

doctor is organising a trip for his mom to come visit us in february. we've been asking her for years, so finally it seems like its happening, she is eager to come and i think it will be great for her to see where her son lives etc.

im going to apply to become a magistrate. a volunteer position that appeals to me because i am nterested in justice, "making things right" and impartiality, for starters. don't know if i'd be accepted but it doesnt hurt to try since i have genuine interest. ive had quite a bit of time to think about it and i went to observe the court (its open to public) and still felt convinced. 

almost forgot, i'm a british citizen now, too. dual citizen. red and blue passports. it was a fancier ceremony than i expected, mayor of Lambeth Sarbaz Barznji himself present and handing out the certificates (i have a nice pic of that). there were some speeches first - pic below - then the affirmation of allegiance:

    I (name) do solemnly, sincerely and truly declare and affirm that on becoming a British Citizen, I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III, his Heirs and Successors, according to law.

    I will give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and freedoms. I will uphold its democratic values. I will observe its laws faithfully and fulfil my duties and obligations as a British citizen.

and then the certificates. i dressed in turquoise and pink and got several compliments for it. thats the closest to blue & red that i would get lol.