Brainer, from what I've read it's not wise to have TTimer with the DelphiX timer.

What about TimeGetTime?

Something like:

procedure TFormGame.BonusLife;
var BonusTime : single;
begin
BonusTime := timegettime + 3000;
if timegettime <BonusTime>= 5000) then
begin
dxFontBonus.TextOut(dxDrawGame.Surface,300,330,'Bo nus Life');
end;
end;
doesn't work -- any suggestions?