RedMidge

  Bloody Child locks!   Freudian or what?!

Salmon  , with chopped spring onions, lime juice, tarragon, pepper, garlic on top, and wrapped in filo pastry . Baked for about 25 mins. ( See Delia Smith's recipe!)  Served with   sweet potato fries, salad.

OK,  let us know what happens when you check into a hotel for 2 nights. Then say you want another 1-2 nights stay, but do not feel you should pay

Time to use up the Konigs. Klopse with mash and beets. Aber, tuna casserole for me!

You  made the relevant point- we chose to move and live far away!   We have made annual trips home from various countries, and always combined the trips  with  visits to  cities, countries we choose.  Always close to family, but   all understand that travel  does not always mean family weeks!  The cost to others may be prohibitive, or holiday time is short. Ageing parents, family, may find the long trips too long. I think it is normal for many that trips  and contacts  become less frequent.  You should have no guilt-  make clear that they are welcome, but you have other travel plans and cannot  get over every year. Keep up with Skype/Face time to have contacts. I admit that , as I get older, I prefer to stay in a hotel rather than friend's house when we visit!

I just dragged out an old paperback- from 1972- "Rule Britannia" by Daphne Du Maurier.  Subject- referendum  and withdrawal from EU and US deploying troops in UK!! This was written just after we joined the Common Market!

There is also something to be said for the wonderful aromas  from casseroles and soups slowly simmering!

OOh- garlic!    Today- stuffed red peppers- chopped pork leftovers, onions, spices ++, and garlic. Cooked in  beefy sauce and served with Mashed tatties.

cackling Christmas cabbages

Tubal ligations - there is a risk of failure, increased risk of ectopic pregnancy. Reversal rates are good, though decrease with age. OP-  you need to sit down with your Gynae MD and discuss all the options and possibilities. Good luck.

Kate- many women feel as you do- no interest in children and good that you are being responsible. Most Gynae MDs will be reluctant to perform sterilisation  at your age, but  you need to consult with your gynae and ask for a referral.    

Pot-kettle etc

I think I should try one again - great for chilli,  and other recipes.

Good luck with soup!  I did have a PC that blew it's valve, but my fault for not turning heat down. Do you have one of the newer One Pot cookers?  

Make sure you have a paper trail- emails, letters, registered mail. Good that you are a member of the Mieterverein and have already contacted them about this. Follow advice from other posters and write to old and new landlords.