Zorro for Flickr Originally uploaded by iwmpop . We all thought we knew wacky-backy from somewhere, now we know from where, NOT playing football for Manchester United (nor for Ajax, Amesterdam, his favourite club)!!!! Don't laugh, you're ALL in there somewhere - look in Flickr!

So there it was, lying on my desk in front of me. 15 months or so had passed, mainly quite quickly on looking back, I was over a year older, but in experiences I had aged by 50 years. Just a piece of paper, called a Posting Order, which I had seen many a time in my services to Queen and Country. This one though, was different. Although it had the very welcome news that I was to proceed on dis and em-barkation leave of 2 months, and then report for duty in the Legion Barracks at Castelnaudary in Southern France, from where I would eventually return to the Barracks in Larzac (La Cavalerie), it still meant saying bye-bye to Berlin, and that, I must say, was difficult. However it had to be done, and my problem was immediate. Due to all sorts of Security orders, which controlled WHO was invitable WHERE in Berlin, I had figured out that a lot of the people I would like to invite for the binge-up of the century, would not, in all probability, be allowed to come. There were French soldiers, wh...

Prisoner Number…………… Part III of IV. Never having been inside a real prison (some vicious tongues would say through pure luck), I have no idea of the general routine there. Not that “Spandau Gefangnis” wasn’t a real prison. It was, and had been built for some hundreds of prisoners, before finally becoming the turning place for higher ranked Nazi war criminal prisoners. Although they were not only in their hundreds, but millions, only those caught, tried and sentenced to jail terms, found their way here. Here it was that they were guarded by various “winners” of the WWII. There never were a lot of them, so the prison premises were greatly underused, and by the time I arrived there with the “Squadron B of The Royal Dragoons” in 1966, there was only one solitary occupant of the whole prison. Herr Rudolph Hess, one time Nr 2 in the Nazi Party, and one time Hitler second-in-command. He was always referred to as “the prisoner number…….” Even although he was the only one! Whether tradition, o...

It has been noticed by the authorities world wide, that the month of December regularly brings an enormous increase in the increase of "reported" paedophily. Worried compatriots, and citizens, report to the police "strange goings-on" in the most strange of places. In stores, supermarkets, school halls, in the road, at homes, and always the same method! Whether it be the same culprit or not, is difficult to ascertain, bit it is doubtful, considering the amount of terrain covered. The method (always the same) consists in presenting to doubting parents and their off-spring a number of "small" child like people (probably to calm down the feelings) surrounding an enormously fat, bearded, old man, dressed in a suspiciously old-fashioned and highly red-coloured outfit. This "gentleman" carries a large sack full of things for the kids, and each one of them has the right to climb up on the old man's lap, gets a kiss and a cuddle, a gift from the sack...

Here are the latest collection of gems! I have to cheer up my tinkerbelle, it seems, so here we go. I hope all the others appreciate these gems! 1. Latest statistics have shown that the French have sunk to 4th place in the world ratings for lovers! In 4th place with an average of 120 times a year. I won't go into who are top 3, it's none of your business! 2. A reason for this slump in the national production may be linked to the following report: Northern French butchers' and cooks, have entered the Guiness Book of Records with the largest "roast" ever. Made of the meat from 150 pigs, complete, it weighs (after roasting) 2,148kg (circa 4,296lbs) measured 285,6 metres, and was sold in portions for a charitable cause. Maybe now the French can get back to position nr 1 in other things! 3. An interesting statistic came out last week regarding "diabetes" (which I now interest myself in, as well!). The region South of France shows a higher rate of dia...

This is an idea I had a while back. You'll have to let me know if the idea should be continued or not! I can't guarantee the nature of the joke, having to deal with various slices of the world's population, but you've always got a delete button, or that little "x" at the top right of your screen! This weeks is category "Delicate": PINOCHIO's DILEMMA The creator of Pinochio hadn't seen his creation for quite a while, when he bumped into him in the street one day, with a girlfriend, wooden arm in arm! After exchanging the normal greetings, Pinochio asked if he could have a "confidential word", and the two went off into a corner. "Creator," said Pinochio, " you can see that I've got a girl friend now, and everything is great between us, except for one thing. After we've made love, she complains of pains from "wood splinters" Is there anything I can do?" "Well," said the maestro, "you...

Octobre - November Flamingoes Originally uploaded by iwmpop . The've all gone now, but you can see them here in the Camargue up to November, depending on the weather! Not stupid, like me, they disappear to Africa or S.Spain when it gets cold. I'd like to do the same thing - anyone want to come with me?

1 advent-4 candles Originally uploaded by iwmpop . This is the 1st Advent today! This is the typical table decoration used in millions of German and Central European homes from now on (see next article)until Epiphanie (in January).

1 advent-1 candle Originally uploaded by iwmpop . TODAY IS THE 1st SUNDAY OF ADVENT:Tradition has it that a wreath with 4 candles be installed in the middle of the table. One candle should be lit on the 1st Sunday in Advent, then 2 on the second etc., When you arrive at the 4th Sunday, you can save on the heating bills! Over Christmas, normally, the wreath should be burning 4 candles all the time! I light them up at meal times, or if I have visitors, but then - I'm a traditionalist!

Im eigener Sache - what it's all about - c'est quoi ceci? ***************************************************************************************** This is a Blogspot which is there to make you talk, make you laugh, make you cry. To make you angry, make you mad, in which you can participate, or not! This is a secular blogspot, representing NO religions, no politics, nobody in particular, except Mr le Marquis and his bletherings, and those who wish to respond to them! If YOU want to publish something on this Blog (with or without photos etc) you can try on the "make a comment" button, or send it to me at my address iwmpop@gmail.com and I will look it over and publish it for you. Either way, if it is over lewd/crude/strong languaged I shall edit or delete either the comment or the message. You can also check out the other sites (as well as this one) by going to: http://www.webspawner.com/users/mrlemarquis/index.html That's all folks! Publicity all done!

Dear family and friends, IT'S ME!!!!!! As you can see, Christmas is approaching really fast, so I thought I'd give you this one to be getting on with. What will YOU be giving the guy who slides down your chimney this year? A big kiss? Really....really, Rob and Roy, Brent and Serge, I wasn't aware that you had such preferences. That Anna would be waiting at the bottom of the chimney to violate him was clear, and Tim was looking forward to having a couple of hours off-duty, but Santa's chestnuts got roasted, and that was the end of that! Janet was upset, because she thought it would be a young guy in disguise, but on coming down the chimney, she had been able to have a quick look at his stomach, and realised that Santa was no dream guy! Ruth and Brent ain't got no time to bother with fairy tales like Santa, but Roy spent all the week up till now, on bended knees, praying finally for that clockwork train set Santa had promised 65 years ago! Rob went off for a spin o...

East Berlin Soviet Cemetary Originally uploaded by iwmpop . In 1966, as Squadron Clerk, I was responsible for the distribution of "anti-spy" cards re the then well-known "SOXMIS" missions. I chose to distribute these cards here, don't know why, I'd forgotten them! Of course the 1000 or so cards fell on the paving, and the Russian soldiers helped us, the British, to pick them all up, without asking any questions. Afterwards we exchanged cigarettes, and we (the Brits) had the chance to drink a vodka from the Russian soldiers personal flasks. We didn't sing christmas carols, or play football,but we had an interesting 20 minutes, before regaining out respective coaches! Memories of "enemy contact of the better kind"!

East German Trabant Originally uploaded by iwmpop . The famous Trabant. Actually we could do with a car as cheap as this nowadays, just a little bit cleaner with the exhaust pipe would be desirablw. It took 1 man (if he wanted) to lift the 2 tact motor out, to replace it.I beleive there are still thousands in use-but only as collectors pieces. All the East Germans got their BMW's, Mercedes and VW's, with credits they could and can rarely pay back, from Western Banks.

East Berlin-monument morts Originally uploaded by iwmpop . This is changing the guard at the eternal flame in East Berlin. Very impressive, I don't know if it is still upheld.

East Berlin-view from turm resto. Originally uploaded by iwmpop . This is a picture taken from the Television Tower revolving restaurant.(See article). The view was particularly impressive at night, when one saw the whole of West Berlin lit up,and East Berlin and East Germany in darkness.The lighting up of West Berlin was exagerated specially for this reason.

BLOGGER UPLOAD IMAGE SERVICE IS NOT FUNCTIONING - PHOTOS WILL BE SENT AT A LATER DATE (iwmpop). Prisoner number…………. (Part II) To understand, a little, the situation in 1966 in West and East Germany, one has to recall that things in the West (Berlin and Germany) are forging ahead. Billions, Trillions, and if they exist, Dillions are being pumped into the economy. This is the outmost post of “freedom” or “capitalism” – the place where it bangs head-on into “communism” or “socialism” As such, this place has to publicize the advantages, not only of the one, but also the other. Since the Eastern zones and Block, simply didn’t have the money, they concentrated their efforts on Berlin, as the Capital city of the DDR (Deutsches Demokratisches Republik), whereas the Western powers were able to show off everywhere! Berlin, east and west, was therefore the playground of every system, and we were the ones who profited! Although strictly very difficult to pass from the West to the East of the city...

Having had many conversations with all the experts in these past few weeks, I would like to share, with you, some pious thoughts about the heavenly manna. Personally I would have prefered banknotes to float down from the sky, instead of chunks of white bread, but I don't think they existed at the time. Even had they existed, they would have been, like the manna and most of the other things we eat, not a heavenly gift, but a poisonous one. Imagine, your good lord actually sent or created things to hurt and maim and sometimes even kill us!Can that be possible, I hear you cry! Well, I'm going to take myself as an example. If I beleive the experts, I mustn't eat much, or indeed any of the following, at pain of a possible, nay - probable death accelerated: Potatoes, Pastas, Wine, Beer, Rice, Sago, Tobacco, sugar, sweeteners, strong coffee, strong tea, more than half a litre of milk, puddings, desserts, fatty meats, lean meats, any oil other than colza or olive, butter, crisp...

Christmas cartoon Originally uploaded by iwmpop . Just to get you all into the mood. Christmas can be stressful, and being stressed can cause one to speak with a higher voice! Do enjoy all your pre-christmas rows and shopping!! Don't forget the Christmas card for the Bank Manager! iwmpop!

Detmold strasse Originally uploaded by iwmpop . This photo is to prepare you for a coming article about places we lived in. This is Detmold, Nord-Rhine Westfalen (Ost-Westfalen). Known as Kreis Lippe, I served as a British Soldier, and it was here I met my wife, Kate in the early 60's where she worked (as a part of the requirements for entry to Guy's Hospital Nursing College)in the Salvation Army Forces Canteen, and always saved me (so she said) the best bits of coconut flan! Some 15 years later, be both returned as "civilians" myself in the service of the "Overseas Civil Service" and my wife as a Registered Nurse in the local Hospital. Her wages were around 4 times more than mine(!) and she got Christmas pay, Easter pay, Holiday pay - I didn't. This woke us both up to the unfairness of British Civil Services!

The Diary of a death - Part II 19th Feb 93: No change in the condition today. Kate is not being sick, and although very weak, she was able to sit on the edge of the bed for a while. The Nurse inside her told her to try and move a little to avoid “bed-sores”. 20th Feb: She slept solidly, otherwise no change. A period of relative calm over 2 days. PM: Bad afternoon, Pains and increase of morphine. The new Doctor Hornimann may not be entirely in the picture, since he had attempted to reduce the dosage. 21st Feb: This was the worst night and morning.Kate is back onto the food drip, and is still suffering pains. PM: Doctor is not available/present, and the pains are getting worse. Kate is very down and depressed, and seems to be on the outmost limits of consciousness 22nd Feb 93: Phone call in early morning from Hospital, fears for Kate’s life. No sleep, fever, back onto oxygen. The Doctors raised the Valium. This should have been done before, but the no...

Ice tree kate - Lorrach, Germany.circa 1990 Originally uploaded by iwmpop . This is a photo I wanted to put on the article "Diary of a death" (see this page)BUT....... A simple posting to Blogger can sometimes become a nightmare! The article following this one was published by me, Blogger substituted it with an earlier one, I deleted it, and I think it is ok now! Great fun the whole thing! Now my Sunday Roast chicken is burnt,or is it the cat in the oven?

(The following account has been published, finally, by me, after long reflection. Since I have no idea what may happen in the future to my papers and manuscripts, and since the safest place is where nobody can change them, i.e. published, here they are! I feel also, that they may be of interest to Kate’s family. It has certainly been difficult to transcript pages dealing with an event one would prefer to forget, but can’t) The reader is under no obligation whatsoever to read this diary, and does so having understood, or at least having read, my reasons for open publication on this site. ********************* Diary of a Death. Forenote: Mrs Kathleen Mitchell was born in March 1947,in Keighley, Yorkshire, and trained as a State Registered Nurse at Guys Hospital, London, in the 1960’s. In 1968 she married Mr I.W. Mitchell, who is the author of this diary. They lived, and worked, in various European countries, until her death in March of 1993, from cancer. Mr Mitchell is still alive at the...

Here are a couple of little gems, picked up in my travels around the world! Did you know that a certain brand of toothpaste is used mainly by Dentists? Do you know why? Sales figures have shown that the amount of FREE product given mainly to Dentists (and used by them and their families) exceeds the normal amount allowed for FREE products, calculated in the price WE pay in the shops, by over 85%. Who said that Dentists were not the modern day bandits? It appears we pay almost everything for them, and they thank us by charging horrendous sums for small jobs of work. Thank you - you arrogant b******s! Gem Number 2: Did you know that the computer giant DELL, known mainly for it's exclusively by phone ordering/purchasing policy actually owns 75% of French Telecom? I suspect it owns roughly the same amount of the "national" telephone companies of all the countries it "dells" in! Surprise, surprise, on a recent telephone call to DELL, I was kept on the line, ...

Kate and Jan's last car. Originally uploaded by iwmpop . The number 135 of 245 built - "Audi 57Turbo" 25 years old, dies on Wednesday 23 November 2005. Somebody will still make a fortune, and my tears are shed!

25 years old! Originally uploaded by iwmpop . Just so you know why you are shedding a couple of tears!

I wanted to get this one on before the bad weather tomorrow, which will prevent you all from going out, playing golf/tennis or whatever, so everything being bad, the last and ultimate possibility to fill in a wet Sunday, is to branch in to "Mr le Marquis" and see what he's complaining about now. Well, you've got up to next Wednesday to say your prayers, and your goodbyes, to my "Audi 5T Turbo". Although 25 years old, she is, or was, still comfortable, speedy and full of good things. She was the last contact to old times, and she merits her last rest. Due to repair costs, insurance changes, petrol prices, health (of her and me) reasons, it has been suggested that for the moment driving may be a little risky, and in view of the costs involved, I would be better off renting a car/vehicule as and when I required it, rather than keeping one for two journey's a month! I think the local police will be quite relieved also! I agree in principle, but the sentiment...

Hess in dock Originally uploaded by iwmpop . 3 photo introduction to the blogspot "The prisoner in Cell number...", as he was always referred to. The fact that he was the ONLY prisoner, being guarded by around 3,000 soldiers of 4 or 5 nationalities didn't count for anything. This is part I of the Blogspot, which will occupy itself with the Prison, the daily life, but also the life led by myself and others in the West Berlin (and sometimes East Berlin) of the epoch.Sometimes an adventure, sometimes a bore! Always true!

Hess in prison circa 20 years earlier. Originally uploaded by iwmpop . This is an introduction to the blogspot "The prisoner in cell number.............