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Sunday, July 27, 2025

Gallimaufry#164


The Crane Outside

Our 17-storey condo is currently undergoing a major roof repair, and it's not for the faint-hearted. A massive crane has been stationed right outside our balcony — and I mean right outside. From where I stand, it looks uncomfortably close. One wrong swing, one slip in coordination, and the consequences don’t bear thinking about. Of course, we trust the contractors know what they’re doing, but still...

Front-row seat to nerve-wracking precision.
Living beneath a hovering steel giant is an exercise in faith — and nerves.
Please don't swing this way!
A game of inches
Every time this 50-tonne crane maneuvers through the tight space below my balcony, it's nerve-wracking to watch — especially knowing it's guided only by the sharp blasts of a rigger's whistle. One false move... and I don’t even want to imagine the consequences.
Hats off to the crane driver and rigger — guiding a 50-tonne crane through this impossibly tight space with nothing but whistle signals takes serious skill and precision.

FROM THE TRAVEL ARCHIVES

Wings over Cobblestones

They’re there in nearly every town square I’ve wandered—pigeons, cooing confidently on centuries-old rooftops, strutting past café tables like they own the place.



Dinner - Chinese
Drunken clams
Pork ribs braised in pumpkin sauce


 
Caught this little squirrel in full ninja mode—tiny, fluffy, and on a mission!" 🐿️💨


My Corner of the World

69 comments:

  1. The crane is absolutely scary. You are right.
    I love the squirrel!
    Happy Sunday, Veronica!

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  2. That crane near your balcony does sound scary. I live in a high rise too and hate when we have construction on our building or neighboring buildings.It really interferes with the quality of living. Great photos and I laughed when I saw the mice in the hard hat and hanging on the crane? So cute.

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  3. Such beautiful images of that grey squirrel. I also like the photo of the girl feeding pigeons.
    Unfortunately, it is not easy to control pigeons population in the urban environment. There are not many predators in the cities, out of seagulls, cats and sometimes big rats. As it is known, pigeons can transmit diseases to humans. Direct contact with surfaces contaminated by pigeons may be dangerous. Diseases can be also contracted through inhalation of dust from dried droppings.

    I hope the crane near your home has been installed safely.
    Take care 🏗

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  4. Oh my - that crane really is close! Now, if your cute mice were on it, it would be more enjoyable to watch!
    Pigeons are everywhere!
    Your food pics look really good today.

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  5. Wow it is amazing how they repair a 17 story building. Enjoyed your food and travel photos today

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  6. All that crane business would make me nervous, too, Veronica. Wow! Your little mice are so brave, aren't they? Blessings!

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  7. That crane work would make me nervous too! Your food photos look delicious.

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  8. That repairing project is amazing, but the crane looks crazily dangerous.

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  9. thank you! https://sintrabloguecintia.blogspot.com/

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  10. I had been nervous too! The crane looks scary. The grey squirrel is very cute, and the mices too!
    Have a nice week, Veronica!

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  11. Oh my, that crane is way too close for comfort. I'd be nervous, too.

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  12. What a harrowing yet oddly mesmerising sight that must be, like watching a high stakes ballet in steel, where trust in skill and a steady whistle stand between awe and anxiety.

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  13. That crane work is amazing! That crazy squirrel is pretty darn cute.

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  14. Mi foto preferida es la de la ardilla. Te mando un beso.

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  15. Love the post.
    Gee that crane is close guess you will be glad when it's gone and the roof is finished.
    Love the photos especially the birds flying, looks good there.
    Your food looks tasty and I'm sure you enjoyed it.
    The mice, great AI - well done.

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  16. The repair project is great, but I do find the faucet so close to the apartment building a bit scary.
    The squirrel is really cute; I love squirrels.
    Have a nice week, Veronica.
    Best regards, Irma

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  17. That crane is seriously crazy close. I will definitely be saying some prayers for your safety! :) Also... those drunken clams looked AMAZING!!

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  18. The crane is really close. I can imagine it's not a pleasant feeling. The crane operator is probably experienced and can handle it.
    The food looks delicious again.

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  19. That's one profession I definitely wouldn't want -- scares the heck out of me! Lovely photos -- especially the food and squirrels and fascinating building things.

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  20. The food looks great. I am intrigued by the pumpkin sauce on the pork ribs.

    Hope the roof repair goes well.

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  21. That crane outside your 17th-story condo sounds incredibly nerve-wracking. It takes serious skill to operate something that massive in such a tight space, guided only by whistles. Your "Please don't swing this way!" thought is perfectly understandable.

    It's a stark contrast to the calm confidence of the pigeons over cobblestones. And speaking of contrasts, drunken clams and pork ribs in pumpkin sauce sound like a delightful dinner. Which of those dishes is your favorite?

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  22. Yikes, I can understand you find it a bit scary. Hopefully they'll be done quick!

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  23. Hello Veronica,
    Great pictures. Special to see that construction crane with that view of that high point. Funny with the mouses on the hook...hahaha..!! And funny shots with the kids and the pigeons. And what a lovely food..hmmm..!! Nice post!!

    Many greetings,
    Marco

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  24. Dear Veronica,
    Oh yes, I can absolutely understand your concerns – that crane outside does look rather intimidating! 😬 Our grandson, however, would probably be thrilled to watch the workers in action – he adores construction sites. 👷‍♂️🚧
    You wrote that the steel monster is guided only by the sharp blasts of a rigger's whistle – I've honestly never heard of that before! It sounds incredibly complex and precise. Fingers crossed the whole operation will be over soon and without any drama. 🤞
    Your little mice, on the other hand, are the cutest kind of construction workers! 🐭💛
    As for the pigeons – they really are everywhere in the cities, and even here in the countryside we have quite a few. Mostly the graceful Eurasian collared doves and the big, majestic wood pigeons. But when they leave their calling cards on cars or start cooing loudly in the middle of the night, I'm not quite so fond of them 🙄. That adorable squirrel you captured is much more welcome in my book!
    And your food photos – oh my, simply mouthwatering!
    Sending lots of love from Austria,
    Traude
    🌿 https://rostrose.blogspot.com/2025/07/musikalischer-juli-blogparade-urban.html

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  25. I do hope the crane gets the job done without any distractions in the process. That would be uneasy to watch living so close. Love those pigeon photos. What fun for the little girl to feed all those pigeons. The pork ribs in the pumpkin sauce sounds interesting. I would have never thought to put them together. That mischievous squirrel - I have so many around my lawn that I can't count them all. ; ) Have a sweet day.

    ~Sheri

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  26. Beautiful photos and the squirrel ❤️ is delightful 😊

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  27. Food looks good. It does look scary.

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  28. thank you again! https://sintrabloguecintia.blogspot.com/

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  29. They know what they are doing but if it was extremely windy or stormy we would hope they would stop. The cute mice can help out too.

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  30. So huge crane, you are right. But think that everything will be OK.
    The life without repairs is impossible...
    Lovely birds and squirrel! About the food, it looks delicious, even I have no idea about it...
    Happy WW, dear Veronica! All the best in the new week!❤️😘

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  31. Yikes on that roof work. Scary to watch.

    I got stuck on all the delicious food. I love your food and would love to share a meal with you.

    Thank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.

    Have a fabulous Wordless Wednesday, Veronica. Hugs ♥

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  32. ...that is an amazing crane!

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  33. Having that crane so close MUST be nerve-wracking! I hope they finish without incident. The most pigeons we ever saw at once was in Barcelona, but you're right - they are everywhere. That Chinese meal looks delicious, just in time for lunch. Love the squirrel! ☺

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  34. Even before I read anything, I was thinking about how large that crane is. That would make me nervous too. Enjoyed your travel and food photos. Wish we could get such food here as well.

    -Soma

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  35. Wow, that crane does look scary close. Hope that by now the project has been completed without incident.
    Great pictures of the pigeons, and I love the video and shot of Ninja squirrel.

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  36. My nephew operates a crane and he posts photos. I get scared at times just looking at all the places he works.

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  37. nice photos of kid and birds.....love it.

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  38. Hello,
    I would be scared having that crane hanging so close to my place too.
    Hopefully they finish the roof repair quickly.
    Love the cute AI mice and the little one feeding the pigeons.
    The food looks delicious. Cute captures of the squirrel.
    Take care, Happy Friday! Have a great weekend.

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  39. That crane's a bit close for comfort! Why do I suddenly feel hungry?

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  40. I'm amazed with the crane and the work it's doing. It must be nerve-wracking work but then again they are professionals. Love the mice. :)

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  41. Oh my goodness, that crane!!! I hope you don’t have to put up with it for too much longer. A delightful post and very much enjoyed again. Thank you! :)

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  42. Wow, the renovation of the 17-story building looks really amazing :o

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  43. Wow, that crane! Definitely a front row seat. How funny that you documented it.

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  44. Hello!
    Well, this is a type of precision work and, as you say, it requires a lot of nerve, but it's best to trust the professional who operates this hoist! With my food issues, I wouldn't be able to resist what you're showing us. Hmm, it looks delicious! Have a great weekend!

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  45. Wonderful 'scenic photos ~ awesome ~ hugs,

    an artist reflects

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  46. That crane is huge, wow. I love you pictures.

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  47. Oh my what a lovely post with great captures and especially of what's going on in your world!

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  48. Oh my! I can't imagine having the crane that close. I certainly don't know how the workers manage in such tight spaces. A co-worker was killed by a crane in front of our school when she was getting onto the staff bus -- she was in the doorway calling to her son (who was in my kindergarten class) so that they could go home after school and in a freak accident, the crane toppled, crushing the bus and her. It was a devastating event for us all so anytime I see a crane, I try to avoid getting anywhere near it. And when I see them lifting heavy loads onto a roof across a busy roadway, i literally cringe. Nice images of the pigeons and squirrel.

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  49. Veronica Lee, we live on the top floor, 5th, of the mill apts and last week there was also a crane outside our window as roadwork is being done. It was fascinating to watch, but less so than the one outside your window which provided a great photo opportunity. Delicious food especially pork in pumpkin sauce which looks delicious and sure it tastes even better.

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  50. Hello Veronica)
    What a nightmare to have that heavy crane right outside your balcony, but the men are experts at their job, they have to be, but I hope for your sake that the repairs will be finished soon. The Chinese food looks so delicious, the mice so cute, and I loved watching he squirrel's movements. Very nicely filmed. I enjoyed your post Veronica, thank you.
    Hugs
    Sonjia.

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  51. A lot of construction work, I'm also intimidated by that crane, but cheered up by your travel photos, they are amazing.
    Amalia
    xo

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  52. Beautiful pictures from your travel archives. That crane made me nervous.

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  53. um, oh my, yes. that crane is rather close, isn't it, Veronica! my hat's off to those who do these highly skilled jobs so well.

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  54. Nothing's better than watching a construction site from your own apartment. I'd sit on the balcony all day :)
    I wish you a speedy recovery and look forward to new posts from you. Get and stay healthy.

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  55. Dear Veronika, since comments aren't possible on your latest post, but I wanted to leave you my best wishes, you can find my message here. I had a hemorrhoid rubber band ligation several years ago. I assume it's the same thing. However, I didn't have any serious after-effects. But hemorrhoids can come back - and when I went back to my doctor this year and asked for another operation, he explained to me that the "rubber bands" currently available all come from China and are much harder to work with. This may be the reason for your problems. I wish you a speedy recovery and that your pain goes away as quickly as possible!

    All the best from Austria, Traude

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  56. The squirrel is very inquisitive (as usual)

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  57. Get well soon! I'm recovering from foot surgery. I hear and feel you.

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  58. I just saw your recent post and comments are off so just wanted to check in on you.. wishing you a speedy recovery.

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  59. Very interesting post and pictures.
    I really liked your blog, I'm already following your blog and I invite you to follow mine.

    www.paginasempreto.blogspot.com

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  60. Oh no, dear Veronica, I had to read what was going on first. I wish you a speedy recovery and send you hugs and my warmest regards from Germany.
    Kirsi

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  61. I wish you health and a good recovery, dear Veronica!
    Love and light!❤️😘

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  62. Hi Veronica Lee, I know what you mean about seeing large cranes outside your apt window as for weeks, we also saw one adjacent to our 5th floor apt window doing a bridge repair. Your view of that large crane was more frightening😕

    I hope you are recovering slowly, but surely, as you have been missed in blog land. We returned last week from another travel adventure (Portugal) so I know all about walking on cobblestones😕

    Best wishes on feeling better soon, blog friend.

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