In Zurich every year, at the end of winter, they burn a snowman to signify the end of winter. This snowman is know as the Böögg … a word which can only have been invented by a Swiss-German. It can be spelt boogg or even boeoegg by those outside of the country and is pronounced something like Berc or Berg … but only after a few beers. He has even made it as far as England as part of an end of winter festival.

Before the burning of the snowman there are parades and everyone rushes to get the best place to watch the horse drawn carts. All the women bring flowers to give to the men who march. There is music and laughter and a great sense of occasion and tradition. The Swiss love tradition. Everyone will be in the costume of their town or village. The old folks wil sit on benches and the children will run and laugh and admire the great shire horses as they pass.

At 6 o’clock the bells begin to toll all across the city. This, of old, was an indication that the work day was over. Now it means that the snowman is center stage. He sits atop of a huge bonfire beside the lake, surrounded by as many people as can crowd into the square. The bonfire is laced with fireworks and the head of the snowman is filled with them. As 6 o’clock rings out, the fire is lit and people raise their watches for mark the time. For, it is said, you can tell how quick the summer will come and how good a summer it will be by how long it takes the snowman to burn. Round the bonfire race men on horseback, endangering their lives as the snowman will fall across their path and the fire works will fly past them.

This year, 2006, could have been different. A few days before the festival, a group kidnapped the snowman and left a message that he would be paraded on the 1st of May. And that he was tired to placing his head on the line for capitalists. Thankfully, there is always a spare snowman to stand in for his missing brother. The Böögg will burn as ever at Bellevue as the bells toll 6 o’clock.

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The best gift I ever received? There can be no question. Is has to be my Gizzmo cat. In general, I don’t really approve of the giving of animals as birthday presents but, in this case, my friends had talked to me about it beforehand and they knew I was going to be adopting a Maine Coon Cat anyway.

I remember clearly being taken to pick up my new kitten. It was the first time I had ever seen a Maine Coon kitten and was surprised at how large he was. Even then he was a confident and independent kitten. He had no problem in settling into his new home and was quite happy to be my friend. He started off training me to be his cat slave and I was happy to oblige. Gizzmo was never a sweet cuddly kitten as such. He has always been a determined little dictator and has developed an amazing number of swear words during the years.

As with most Maine Coons, Gizzmo is not a lap cat … thankfully as he is a rather large cat and weighs about 18lbs. He does like to keep me company all day long and follows me around the apartment every time I move. He especially likes me to be at the computer as he will then sit right beside the keyboard and he knows he will be petted and talked to. For my macho cat is definitely a Momma’s boy. But don’t tell him I said so

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Growing up, as I did, in Belfast, Northern Ireland, I understand more than most the importance of peace in all our lives. There are times when we need to stand up for that peace and defend it with strength but, there are also times to embrace that peace and encourage others to do the same. Peace must always be preferable to war.

I found these amazing peace t-shirts and gifts while wandering the internet one day. The artist is incredible, she seems to have a design that will fit everyone from an urban style through to a beautiful, gentle daisy.

We all need more peace in our lives. Why not share that as a gift with someone you love.

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I have always enjoyed the giving and receiving of gifts. It is a wonderful feeling of anticipation while watching a loved one unwrapping a parcel and waiting for their smile of delight when they see that special present you have worked so hard to find. The best presents are always those that match the interested and loves of the receiver. A box of chocolates or a good bottle of wine are always acceptable gifts but receiving a gift that has obviously been chosen especially for you. It might be a t-shirt of your favorite cat breed or a mug for Mother’s Day with a lovely poem or unique image on it.

Gifts never have to be expensive in terms of money. It is much more important to show that we have spent the time to find that perfect gift rather than simply paid out lots of cash for a standard present that could have been bought for anyone. That special, thoughtful gift is always the best to receive.

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