My Week

The end of another week. Flat renovation in Hamburg has taken on form three doors done , two to go . A room to strip and paint, flooring to move out, and the last heavy things to carry down.
The SAGA Housing provider has also interesting rules regarding tenant renovations and their standards expected are much higher than those demanded when they are paying themselves.
This whole tenant renovation debate could all be cheaply solved by budgeting it in to the rent. Then the work can be carried out by the landlord to his affordable standards. Uncertainty always breeds discontent and is a great money spinner for the lawyers.
Storage space is becoming a little scarce. Nevertheless, prays are sometimes answered and an ex-pat appeared at the right moment needing some furniture and household things. So a few essentials have found a good home.
At the same time, my old van was broken into and a few bags and boxes of this and that stolen. Door locks jammed and side window smashed, fortunately as I had been too busy , the van was still registered and therefore insured. I may be lucky and my insurance will cough up without a fuss.

The van was parked on my parking spot which will also cause me a few problems in the coming weeks. Due to an internal battle with a neighbour who would also like the parking, a person appeared taking pics of my mess ( should have been cleared up years ago, admittedly) and this will be presented to Landlord as a reason to get rid of me. Stuff will soon be gone anyway and then I will not be too concerned about parking. However, shows that you have to watch your backs all the time and keep plan B in your pocket.

I will also be getting a letter from the district office of Hamburg city North as I committed the crime of putting leaflets on car windscreens too near their pitch. I hope I can afford the penalty as this office is very pedantic and fussy. And where else can a fringe set up like mine do affordable advertising?
Getting noticed is becoming so difficult, even special offers are not noticed. I made a mistake and put Strongbow cider at 4 for 5 instead of 3 for 5 and not a reader spotted it or saw the bargain as that is cost price.
This proves a point that lower prices does not always encourage sales. Or that my ads are just not read. Food for thought.
My Theatre appearance went down well here in Berlin and my belly shop was met with admiration and applause, this form of direct advertising is up my street. It has to be as there are not too many volunteers queuing up to humiliate themselves for my greater good.
I asked my local sign maker to fix up the new van and transform it into a roving advertising wagon. He is apparently giving me a good price but he is hardly getting his finger out. Have faith, Robert the wait will be worth it.
The month is coming to an end and the battle to get enough cash onto the bank account begins, A few students still have not paid and that dosh is exactly what I need to pay the credit lines. I only hope that a late spurt of sales will come in again, but it is now the start of holiday time and money is being earmarked for other goals. What the hell, I have done this all my life and it works out and my cats are happy and my dog and the garden is coming out really nice. So I am a lucky man??? 

Britain is Growing in Berlin

Clotted Cream is a rich creamy topping for scones, which I also make.

Try them with marmite or peanut butter for a unique experience

Just opened and find Neukölln welcomes me with open arms

First month has been a great success. New customers everyday. The Brit fan club is big in Neukölln