2007 - For and Against

I've been sitting here thinking about the last year and wondering if I liked it or not. To be honest, it has been a bit bad and a bit good. We lost our Top but managed to keep Clio through her parvo virus. I had a couple of weeks in England at Easter and Brian attended his son's wedding earlier this month.

We managed to acquire English TV, a freezer and a hoover.........several other electrical devices hit the dust! Both of my budgies died as well as Ken, the egg.

Well, that's my year in a nutshell.

Happy 2008 everyone xxx

Can't Blame the Gremlin

I awoke well early this morning, made myself a coffee and settled down at the computer to check on this and that. By the time I was ready for coffee number two, I'd seen a game advertised on msn. One of those free for an hour jobbies.

Well comfy and settled in my chair.................then my monitor packed in!!

It had been creaking and groaning for a week or so and as I've had it for six years I can't complain. Thankfully, Caron had a spare which I can use until we get another.

My main worry was that it would get chucked into the spare room alongside the rest of the defunct electrical items that we tend to keep 'just in case'. After a bit of nagging, it was taken to the wheelie bin on the corner. Either, it was rescued by some enterprising soul or it's just been collected by the muck truck. Bless it!

As for my game, I'm well hooked. Will I pay twenty dollars for the rest of it? Happen not.

Lovely Day and Lovely Dinner

I'm really stuffed! Dave cooked our dinner to perfection and all we could do afterwards was flob!!

We met up at Bar San Juan and spent an hour or so with a few friends, Bernard and Maz included and then walked up to Caron's house for dinner.

Not a lot left of Tommy Turkey!


Charlotte had fun as you may imagine. Just look at her posing with her pressies.


Thanks to Dave and Caron for such a lovely day and Merry Christmas to all xxx

Done and Dusted

The decorations have been up for over a week, cards have been posted or handed out and now the shopping has been finished. What now?

Twenty years ago we would have been out partying or down the pub with our mates. Tonight's excitement was watching the last ever Parkinson. Old age creeping up perhaps?

Mainly Weather

It has been a funny sort of week. Hurricane warnings, thunder, high winds and torrential rain. It was glorious this afternoon and now the rain again!

At least it saves the local council having to water the poinsettias. They do look lovely and I reckon that seeing them is one of the nicest things about Christmas.

I'm not a great fan of the festive season, especially now that I live so far away from my family. We are going to Caron's house this year and Dave is cooking the turkey. Guess who is in charge of the trifle?!

The Boy Did It!!

I've really enjoyed my first experience of the X Factor and haven't missed a programme. It was so good to see that Leon won as he has been my favourite all along.

Cheers, tears and tissues..........oh dear!!

Poor Tosh

I spoke to my brother earlier and it seems that our Tosh died a couple of weeks ago. He never liked me even though I've known him from a kitten but it's sad to know he's left us.

Actually, it could have been me this evening. I was walking across the road towards the shop when this car sped around the corner. I had nowhere to go and remember looking at the driver's face. Thankfully, this Spanish chap grabbed me and pulled me against a wall. The car just sped off.

I was shaking like a leaf when I reached the shop, bought my jar of coffee and ran home. I was so scared.

Rubbish Rovers!

We rushed back to the village after bowling this afternoon so that we could catch the Blackburn v West Ham match. It wasn't one of the best games that I've seen and we did sort of suss that it would go either way with a sneaky goal. On the whole, the game was pretty boring and I didn't even spot my brother in the crowd!

The Wanderer Returns

He says that he has trench foot, influenza, jet lag and hypothermia but apart from all that he had quite a good time. I almost forgot the biggest moan........beer at almost three quid a pint!

Both Brian and Sam said that Simon and Karen's wedding was lovely and they had a really happy day. I'm hoping for some more pics from Simon in the near future.

I got pressies! A box of Black Magic that sneaked it's way in. Not being a romantic type, he just left it in the kitchen! A new cross stitch pack too!

Thankfully, he managed to repair the telephone cable which that evil puppy destroyed and all is well with the world.

A Little Lonely But........

I'm doing fine on my own and the novelty of doing exactly as I like is well good. I can also eat when I like and cook what I like. Sausages, chips and mushrooms for tea.........all fried together in the same pan!! Frozen chips at that! Boiled spuds are banned this week. What can I concoct tomorrow?

A couple of my mates amazed me today. 'Are you ok?', 'Are you scared at night?', 'Come around to eat' and 'Ring at any time during the night should you need us'. It's nice of them to care but it made me wonder if I should be scared........no, I'm ok, I can cook in one pan and I'll be asleep in the middle of the night!

I took Clio back to the clinic earlier today and it was bedlam in there. Three dogs had been given poison last night by some evil soul and it was touch and go for them. It was one of those scenarios that make you wonder if you might be dreaming. One dog was being sick whilst another looked like it might be breathing it's last. Three or four people were crying and in the middle of it all was a woman with a turtle in a box. I hung around long enough to check that it would be ok to take Clio back on Monday and got the hell out of there.

He's On a Mission

I've had a really hectic day sorting out 'im indoors for his trip to Cornwall. Thinking back, it was quite funny really. Anyway, he's airborne as we speak!

His flight was due to leave at half ten so I rang him at nine to check that all was well. He'd had a little trouble already. I've entrusted him with my precious camera as I want some pics of the wedding and also a few of my three eldest grandchildren. Having warned him not to let them put it through the x-ray machine, he hung on to it like grim death. Security called the police and he ended up getting searched and the camera went through anyway. Poor Brian! I'm still chuckling.

Hopefully, the weather will improve and he'll have a good week.

Bits and Bats

It's really strange that weeks can go by and I've hardly anything to do and then I'm rushed off my feet. Well, to be really honest, my version of 'rushed off my feet' means that I have more than two things to do in a day!

Shona and William arrived on Friday and we met up with them on Sunday, after the bowling. I really like going to Playa Paraiso and it was a good evening. Bowling again on Monday and I met up with Shona today for lunch and her bi-annual visit to the perfume shop!

Clio needs a good walk every morning now that her legs are getting stronger. She's learning to walk at heel but it's a bit hit and miss so far. She is far more interested in sniffing than behaving at the moment but it's a learning curve. I expect she will tell you that she has eight out of ten on her blog but I'll give her five.

Brian has been working hard for two or three weeks renovating an apartment and he has earned himself a visit to England for a week. It's his first visit for over five years and he's well scared of the cold..........I'm not too sure that he is keen on the plane either. His son, Simon, and Karen are getting married on Saturday and he didn't want to miss that. I'm sad that I can't be there and wish them all the luck in the world xxxx

Nothing is Easy

I felt really proud of myself yesterday when I'd called Madrid and arranged a visit from the mending man. Tuesday.......not that good when I have shed loads of washing but at least it's better than nothing.

Being resigned to that, I was more than a little surprised to receive a phone call this morning to say that 'he' was on his way. I waited and waited.........no man. It's so infuriating when they say within the hour and six hours later you are still waiting.

He was such a sweetie though. We had a conversation, a bit stilted on my part, but it seemed to amuse him. It turned out that he didn't have the necessary part with him and we arranged that he'd come back on TUESDAY. Back to square one!

At least I could have the bath that I'd promised myself all day. Half an hour later, when I was still wrapped in a towel, he came back! I've never dressed so quickly in all my life. I think he liked me. He mended my machine, complimented me on my Spanish and said he loved Clio. What a nice man.

The Will to Spin

The gremlin returned. Apart from my poorly, sick camera, which I blame on the x-ray machine at Exeter Airport, we've had quite a few months of calm as far as the 'necessaries' are concerned. My internet connection is fine and the telephone line is also behaving.....should I have said that?

My washing machine decided to lose the will to spin a couple of days ago. I checked back on my blog and found that it was delivered on the seventh of August last year. Thinking in English terms the guarantee should have been well gone by now. Lucky me........after finding the papers it seems it's for two years!

Time to ring the mending man!

No Wonder it Rained!

I decided to cook today as it was 'im indoors birthday. Nothing too ambitious, just a sausage casserole with roast potatoes but I get the feeling that it would have been more of a treat had he done it himself! It's months since I did any cooking and also months since it rained. It all happened on the same day!

As you can see, I'm having a bit of trouble taking photographs of Clio. Without a flash, she's a black blob and with one she ends up with scary eyes. Back to the drawing board!

Christmas......Tenerife Style

Our seventh Christmas here in Tenerife and it still fascinates me having decorations along with lovely blue skies.

I took a selection of pics on my way to bowling today.

I love this one with the volcano in the background.

Finally, the Nativity scene.

Would You Believe It?

We haven't had a very good year as far as pets are concerned.

Juanita, one of my budgies, died at Easter and then in July, Topsie had to be put to sleep. We've also had three weeks of worry over Clio and the parvo virus. Thankfully, she's fine now.

I got up this morning to find that Jose was dead in his cage. It's really quiet in here but no more budgies for me.

I Wished and I Wished........

........and my camera came home!!

There was also an added bonus because Katie did a test before posting it, using Tully as a model. Thanks both xx

No bowling for me today and as 'im indoors needed a few tools for his next job, we had a walk down to the Chinese shop. You wouldn't believe the stuff they have in there. In fact, there is so much that you tend to forget what you went for in the first place!

We also needed an extension cable because someone needed to off load a nearly new freezer last week. It now has a home with us!

Anyway, we bought two trowels, a tile hammer, a bath sponge, a 2008 diary and the extension cable..........all for less than sixteen euros! She even threw in next year's Chinese wall calendar. That's my sort of shopping!

Sorry No Pics.........

Katie returned my camera to Sony and it's been repaired! She also posted it to me almost two weeks ago..........no sign of it yet! I'm so eager to have it back that I visited the Post Office on Friday morning. I was so polite. Spoke in Spanish, explaining my problem...........all I got was 'NO'. Back to waiting, I suppose.

We spent a couple of hours down in the Church Square earlier. The locals had arranged a special evening to raise funds for next year's fiesta. They set up the seating for around five hundred people and the chefs prepared a massive paella as we watched. It really was something else! Rumour had it that it was sixteen euros per person. Paella, and all the wine you could drink......a bargain.

Camera, please come home!

Such an Awful Week

Our poor baby. She started getting sick on Wednesday morning but we put it down to a tummy bug and tried to encourage her to drink water. She wasn't having any of it and by Thursday morning it looked a little more serious.

We drove down to the vets and found it closed......moved on to a couple more and the same story. A Spanish Bank Holiday!

Never in my wildest dreams did I think it could be Parvo.

She's holding on and has fought off the worst. The vet is giving her one to one care 24/7 and we just have to hope for the best.

Cart on Clio xxx

Halloween

Charlotte wasn't too happy when her Mum said that 'trick or treat' was out this year. She is only six years old after all! Not too good when you think all your mates might be doing it though. Not that we saw any.

We decided to keep her happy by making a witch costume. As I seem to be regarded as an 'arty crafty' sort of person with time on her hands, I was in charge of decorating the 'black bag'. Lots of stars and a belt, provided by Mum, along with a witch's hat and the job was done.

It was really funny. As I'd misjudged her height, she ended up with a 'funky witch' costume. Well trendy and made even better when people stopped to take her photo.

A little imagination and loads of luck on my part, but we did manage to keep her near to us and she had lots of treats in her bag.

Monday Bowling League etc.

A turkey each, the first two games won and a lead of 76 pins. Our opponents, Ryan and Simon, stepped up a gear in the last and managed to claim a draw. Two games, two draws and last year's champions to play next. The wonderful world of bowling!

We had such a lovely evening on Sunday. About ten of us sitting around a table at Bar San Juan. A hard one to blog as 'you had to be there' but lots of laughter. It was an impromptu farewell to Scott as he's off back to England on Tuesday. He will be missed.

An Early Night?

I was going to go to bed a little earlier tonight but when I remembered that the clocks go back an hour, I thought I'd make the most of it and blog! Let's hope that it stays in my head until the morning else we will arrive at the bowling far too early!

Having spoken to Katie earlier in the week, there's good news on the camera front. Sony have repaired my poorly sick one and it's winging it's way back to me. How I've missed it and I can't wait to see it again. Thanks Katie xx

Which leads me on quite nicely to the monthly photo competition. The subject is 'Kids Stuff' and I decided to enter this one of Maisie which I took at Easter. I didn't have high hopes for it as I'm just using stock stuff, but it's winning!!

A Wednesday Wander

Out of bed, horrible Weetabix eaten, chores done, showered and dressed and now what?! I checked out all my normal internet sites, such as blogs, forums and emails and then played Mahjong for an hour or so. Bored out of my brain!

I suggested a walk and as 'im indoors was bored too, we set off out with Clio. First call, Antonio's bar to watch the world go by. A little activity outside the Clinic, which kept us interested for a few minutes, followed by major stuff at the bus stop. The biggest, fattest, English family that I've ever seen struggled to get aboard the bus! Obviously on holiday, looking at the white legs. Thank goodness I'm not staying in that hotel!

We decided to sneak a peek at Chrissy's Bar as rumour has it that it's being refurbished and is due to re-open soon. Not a lot going on..........move on.

I was hoping to introduce Clio to the sea but the tide was out on the 'doggy beach'. Never mind, we called for another beer at Bar San Juan, met up with Caron and Charlotte for a little while and home for tea. Liver Casserole and the dreaded boiled spuds!!

Heartburn!

I awoke yesterday morning in a similar situation as the other Saturday. Severe pains etc. The clinic had already said that my heart was ok and my blood pressure, so what could it be? I've never had indigestion this bad before.

After doing an internet search on my symptoms, I came up with heartburn which is usually caused by eating fried foods late in the evening. We do tend to do that.

I'm having Weetabix for breakfast, with hot water, because I don't do milk. Chops and chips are out, and so it's now grilled stuff with boiled spuds for dinner. A tablet to take before bed too.

All a bit grim but I've felt so much better today. At least I know what it is!

Sunday Bowling etc.

I haven't blogged the Sunday bowling for ages but as Doreen and I beat Jeff and Brian 8 - 0 today, I thought it was worth a mention. Jeff blamed his rugby hangover and Brian's excuse was a sore thumb. The truth was that we beat them fair and square. Wonderful!

Not a very good week for England though. I didn't watch the football but was talked into watching the rugby. I did try to understand it but it's completely beyond me. I was sorry to see them lose though.

As for the motor racing......I decided to keep my nose out, just in case I was the jinx. Poor Hamilton, but things might change after the enquiry. We shall see.

The dreaded photo comp. There was a little problem with my pork chop pic as some vegetarians complained. Their choice, I suppose but the moderator decided to keep it into the competition and I ended up joint second. The best place for a chop I reckon!

Next subject. Kids stuff.

The Digibox is Back!

When these things arrived on our island around three or four years ago there were a couple of options. You could either rent it for a monthly fee or pay outright for the system. The latter included a yearly maintenance charge of 90 euros.

We enquired but were told that our balcony wasn't high enough for the aerial to receive a signal. Anyway, as reported on an earlier blog, we tested one out, earlier this year, and it was perfect. Lovely telly since: well almost!

It was just our luck for the man in charge to find a way of encrypting the system. No 90 euros, no tv. Brian went off to sort it today and found that last year's fee hadn't been paid either.

Still, it was worth it as I could curl up on the sofa and watch The Tudors. Hopefully, matey won't go bust before next October.

How Stupid

I've been researching my Family Tree for quite a few years but, during recent months, it has been on the back burner. I really need to look at Parish Records and living in Spain sort of makes it a little difficult!

Having a few hours to spare today I decided to start it all up again and came across this! Immanuel Church was the one which most of my Yates' ancestors were 'hatched, matched and dispatched' so to speak and as I delved further, I found that it's records were now being transcribed. Such a brilliant find.......or so I thought.

On checking out the burials I noticed an entry for Betty Brindle, one of my favourites. I have her down as being born in 1836, marrying Ralph Yates in 1856 and carting on until 1903 after bearing several children. I got the wrong one! The one I've been researching died aged seventeen!

So much time wasted and back to the drawing board!

Wonderful Stuff!

The first match of the new Monday Bowling League season and Ros and I are officially sponsored by 'Bar San Juan'. No-one can miss us in our bright yellow shirts!

We were a little disappointed to find that we had to play against Jeff and Ian who were amongst the leaders at the end of last season. After a little pre-match confidence boost.......we aren't into 'group hugs' yet............we decided to go for gold.

They beat us by fifty odd points in the first game, but we took the second. I had a 166!! All to play for in the last game.

Jeff seemed to lose a little of his flair as he hates being beaten by a girlie and we went on to win that one too! Unfortunately, as they had gained so many points in the first, they were awarded the total overall and it ended up as a 4 - 4 draw.

We were pretty proud of that.

PS. Doreen and Barry beat Dave and Mary 6 - 2. It's never been heard of!

So Frightened!

I awoke during the early hours of Saturday morning with chronic pains in my chest and left shoulder. I really didn't know what to think or do but decided it was best to wake 'im indoors.

He was ready to get the ambulance but as I'm so scared of doctors and hospitals, I wouldn't go. I spent the rest of the night sitting on the balcony, not daring to move.

The day dragged on. I looked after Charlotte as best as I could but was really relieved when it was time for her daddy to finish work. The pain didn't ease and by four in the afternoon, I was frightened enough to face the Emergency Clinic.

Within two minutes of arriving there, I was attached to an ECG machine which chucked out a till receipt. This got whisked off to the doctor. More scary moments. Next, blood pressure which she didn't seem too happy about but put it down to my stress. I was given an injection in my rear end, told to dress and sit calmly outside, with Brian.

After about twenty minutes my blood pressure was back to normal and I was given the all clear.

I managed to understand seventy percent of the Spanish but was so glad to see Caron walk in. She could question them in greater detail and I was relieved to hear that my heart and blood pressure was all ok. Happen it was indigestion.........I don't suppose I'll ever know.

A scary time, but I'm sure I had the best treatment I could ever have. Three cheers for the Canarian Health Service!

Spanishness Day

This is the first time I've come across this Bank Holiday and have no idea what it signifies. I did hear that the King and Queen of Spain have been celebrating and our local Guardia Civil had a bit of a march around the village this afternoon, but that's all I know.

There's a sports centre just down the end of our road which has been taken over for the day. The locals are all outside, singing and dancing along with a very loud band! The later it gets, the louder it becomes.

Wow, either I've gone deaf or it has stopped! I might get some sleep after all!

Remember This?

I blogged this ages ago to show the size of the Tenerife pork chops but decided to resurrect it this week for the photo competition. The subject is 'anything to do with pigs' and not having pig ornaments or living within striking distance of the live variety, this was my only option.

It has one vote already but that's probably for the humour factor!

So Sad

My daughter rang today to tell me about the death of her old school mate, Katrina. They were best mates at Junior School, but drifted apart in later years. It appears that she had an accident and her heart couldn't cope with it. She was thirty three years old.

Strangely enough, her elder brother, Phil, lost his life at the same age. We went to his funeral and the village church was mobbed.

I'm really feeling for their father tonight as he has lost his wife, his eldest son and his only daughter.

Mike, Ian, Lisa and Tucker.....our thoughts are with you xxx

Missing My Mate

My friend, Caron, has a new job which means that I don't see her half so much as I used to do. She is a receptionist at a hotel now and has to work until eleven pm three nights a week and day shifts over the weekend.

We've been lending a hand because nursery closes before Charlotte's daddy finishes work. It's our job to collect her and keep her amused until he can pick her up. We do her homework and she tells us about her day. I quite like it.

The Saturday morning shift is a little harder. How do you keep a six year old happy for four hours? We've done the Barbie site to death, crayoned, cut and pasted magazine pictures and played with Clio.

Hopefully, I'll come up with something new before the weekend.

The Weekend

It wasn't too bad even after my early start on Saturday! I managed to keep Charlotte amused for the morning and then all three of us, plus Clio, walked down to the local for the Manchester United match.

Just before we got there, a filofax flew past us. It had obviously been placed on the top of a white van which we had noticed going by. Now what? No contact details that we could see and I did feel a little awkward going through someone's stuff, but remembering when mine went missing during our burglary, I knew how important it could be. Thankfully, I spotted a mobile number tucked in the back and within the hour, the filofax and it's owner were reunited. He was very grateful............didn't buy me a beer though!!

Bowling this afternoon which is getting really boring and not worth commenting on.

We heard a story from Terry this afternoon. He got stopped by Traffico on Friday allegedly for speeding. As he was driving inbetween a Titsa bus and a coach it seems a little impossible but he was fined 70 euros, payable on the spot. Not having the cash on him, the police offered to drive him to the nearest cashpoint. He didn't have a card either and had to call a mate to bail him out. His car was returned to him and he watched the traffic officer throw his copy of the receipt away. We think English cops are bad!!

Oh, I did manage to save Pooky!

I Don't 'Do' Early

For some strange reason I have been waking up at six for the past few mornings. It makes it such a long day as I don't usually have anything particular to do. I've been playing a stupid game called 'Save Pooky' for the past hour!

As it happens, I've arranged to look after Charlotte this morning. Peace will soon be shattered!

Rain? Happen Not!!

I was sitting here thinking that it might be nice to have some rain but having found this video, I reckon I've changed my mind! This was filmed, just up the road from us, last November.

Happy Birthday Dean!

My brother, Ray, and his wife Alison's son who is thirteen today.

Have a brilliant birthday, mate.

Two teenagers in the family........look out!

Fun Bowl

It was our usual end of season Fun Bowl for the Monday League today. I do enjoy the bowling against the bumper for the highest score but am completely useless at getting the lowest! All good fun and lots of chuckles!

Doreen organised a superb buffet but it was really abused. Those who finished first, tucked in and had even gone back for seconds before a couple of other lanes had finished. I even spotted a couple who were sitting at the buffet table eating directly from the main dishes.....how rude is that? They deserve to be sick tonight.

By the time I got there, all the meat had gone as well as the chicken tikka but some of the quiche and cheese thingies were left. I flippin' hate CHEESE!!

'Nothing Lasts Forever'

Says a Cadbury's spokesman. I'm not sure when that really annoying advert, at the start of Coronation Street, disappeared. Having done a bit of research, I found that it has been irritating folk for ten years!

I just happened to notice that Hilda's ducks took flight just before tonight's programme. Will furniture adverts be more infuriating than chocolate? It remains to be seen.

Bits and Bats

I'm really pleased that my sunset pic won the prize as the best photograph from the last six competitions. Well cool!! I'm not sure what it might be yet, not that it matters as it will be living at my brother's house. It's just good to win.

Our friend, John, Pam's husband is recovering in hospital. He has been taken out of intensive care and moved to a ward. They are monitoring him for the next few days before deciding on treatment. Pam has her family with her now, thank goodness.

As for Clio..........she now has the strongest collar in her size. No more escapes for her!!

Clio's Close Call

We almost lost her.

Her collar snapped open as we were waiting to cross the road this evening and as she had spotted Mick sitting outside Bar Antonio, off she went at a gallop.

Thankfully, the driver of the car heading towards her, spotted the problem and managed to brake in time. No traffic coming up on the other side either. Mick was like a man possessed trying to catch her as she ran around under the tables.

I'm still having flashbacks and she is one lucky puppy!!

How Awful

My friend, Pam, is more of a worrier than I am, and that is saying something. She has mentioned, more than once, that she is really scared of something happening to her husband whilst they are living here. In fact, we were only discussing it on Saturday afternoon.

It is a problem for all of us ex-pats. It takes half a day for family to get here..........should they have the spare cash, that is. Health insurance and all the rest of the legal stuff is hard to understand and cope with.

We met up with Mick, earlier, who told us that Pam's husband, John, had a heart attack this afternoon and has been admitted to the main hospital in Santa Cruz. I can't get in touch with her no matter how hard I try and can only presume that she is at the hospital with him.

Not a nice thing for either of them to go through. Lets hope all is well.

Auntie Maz Came Home!

Clio was well happy to see her today and we went off to bowling leaving her in capable hands. Not that their Rottweiler, Deefer, was too impressed, especially after two weeks in kennels. I think he hates her!

Many thanks though. They posted my cute parcel and brought me enough Xmas Cards to see me through. Bernard fetched me a new lighter...........in the shape of a bowling pin. Cool!

As for the bowling, Doreen and I won but Brian and Jeff's result will be released at a later date.

It has reached the six month thing on the photo comp and as I have had a win during this time I'm up for a prize. I'm winning with fifty percent of the votes, so far. As Charlotte would say, I'm so excited!!

Poor Clio!

The village church is about to be pulled down. It has been the centre of the village for more years than anyone can remember. It seems that the last rain we had, March, I think, sort of ruined the roof.

Services are now performed in the square and there we were earlier, enjoying a quiet beer at a nearby bar. Little Clio was fast asleep by my feet when the speakers started up..........I've never seen her move so fast. Straight into her Daddy's lap! Scary stuff!

She didn't have such a good time when we got home either. Our neighbour, Annie, has been on holiday in France for the past few weeks and returned today. Her dog, Sammy, decided to bark, happily celebrating his return home. Poor Clio, scared her to death again!!

Thanks to Charlotte for the photo of the church which she took, with my old brick of a camera, on New Year's Eve. xx

A Bowling Update

We all knew that over forty weeks for the Sunday bowling season would have teams falling by the wayside, but we never imagined that we would be down to six. It's becoming really boring and, as Doreen's back is playing up again, I reckon it will drop again soon.

Monday League is a totally different story. We all have a good laugh, no-one takes it too seriously and no handicaps. Unfortunately, it was the last game of the season today. Ros and I managed a six - two win which placed us in the top half. Not bad!! It's presentation day in two weeks with a fun bowl and a free buffet.

We have new sponsors for next season as Chrissys Bar closed a few weeks ago. Dave and Karen at Bar San Juan stepped into the breach and even provided us with new shirts. Many thanks to them x

A Long Weekend

I was up and about early on Saturday morning as Charlotte was turning up for a few hours, because the nursery was closed. Mum and Dad still had to go off to work.

We watched a little television, played with Clio and computer Barbie, spoke to Nanna on MSN and surprisingly enough, four hours passed quite quickly. She was really good but it is so nice giving them back!!

No sleep-in again this morning either as I'd promised Maz that I would clean one of the apartments which she is in charge of. She has been really kind, taking care of our wicked dog and posting my cute parcel! I roped 'im indoors in and so we left Clio with Auntie Pam and went off to get the mops out. It didn't take too long with both of us at it and then we went off to bowling. I do hope that the holiday makers don't have problems as I'm in charge for the whole week! 'I know nothing' comes to mind!

Bowling again on Monday...........a full report to follow.

My Brother's Claim to Fame!

This is a photo of the Great Ossy Walk, which a member of the local forum kindly sent to me. Unfortunately, it isn't very clear but I do assure you that my brother, Ray, his wife, Alison, and their two sons are on it. It's a charity walk and well done to all who competed x.

A Teenager!

My eldest grandchild, Jamie, will be thirteen over the weekend. I last saw her during my Easter break and I really can't believe how much she has changed since then.

Have a really lovely day xxxx

Almost a Dilemma!

Our Digibox only allows you to record the channel that you are watching which isn't normally a problem, but tonight, Brian wanted to watch the football and I'm hooked on Hell's Kitchen. To be honest, he didn't stand a cat in hell's chance as I always tape it for Caron. Two against one!

He was sent off to watch it at the bar, whilst Clio and I settled down for a girlie evening. After Corrie, I watched a programme called 'Supernanny' which I'd never seen before. Four really unruly children with parents who didn't have a clue. It sort of got me thinking about training dogs. I know, I'm dotty, but if a 'naughty spot' could change a child's behaviour, could it affect a puppy which has run riot for three weeks?

I gave it a go, and would you believe that it worked miracles? Every time she bit me, she got put into her place and told to sit. At the end of two hours, all I had to say was 'naughty spot' and she behaved. She now knows her name, knows to sit and stay and is fast asleep in her own bed!

Please, please, don't let it be a one day wonder!

Cameras.......Again!

I can't remember the last time I used my Canon SLR and being eager to enter the latest photo competition, I dredged it out. I remember paying around 500 euros for it, four years ago, and now it's a steal at a hundred quid!

No batteries! Now, where on earth would I have put them when I packed the camera away? Oh well, after a search, I gave up on it and went down to the photo shop. Thirteen euros!! Brian was mortified and declared 'I hope you bloody use it!'!!

It's well strange thinking about film again. I remember when I was at college doing GCSE, 'A' level and City and Guilds in photography, and thinking that these digital thingies would never catch on! Now I'm back to studying the shot more as I can't press delete! The other problem is that it's so heavy with the zoom lens attached.

Oh well, back to the dark ages and some coloured glass to find for the competition.........happen a few brown beer bottles!

Painful

I promised Mark, a couple of weeks ago, that I would send my poorly sick camera back to him. It was a little traumatic as I really loved it and can remember how happy and excited I was when I received it.

Anyway, there I was, surrounded by parcel tape, paper and bubble wrap, when the penny dropped! My mate, Maz, is off to England tomorrow............I wonder if?

A quick phone call and it's sorted. She's going to post it in Barnsley for me on Wednesday morning and, hopefully, it will be with Mark during the next week or so.

It was such a cute parcel.............I wish I could have taken a pic!!

Photo Comp 21

The subject was 'Anything Local to You'. I had this photo of our local harbour amongst my stock pile and thought it had half a chance of winning.

It didn't even get a vote. I'm gutted!

The Big Divide!

The football season has been back with us for a few weeks now and you really don't know where you are with it. It was much easier when it was at three o'clock on a Saturday afternoon but nowadays, it can be all week long. Ok, I did exaggerate slightly, but I'm partly right. Last Saturday we had to be out for one, I forget who was playing but it was very important, and this week it was five o'clock. I quite like football but I've sort of lost interest with this topsy turvy arrangement.

The lads propped up the bar whilst us ladies, Caron, Pam, Charlotte and I sat outside having a meaningful conversation. Charlotte asked where puppies came from and her mum patiently explained that it was all to do with eggs and seeds and mummies and daddies. As you may imagine, this wasn't good enough. She really wanted to know where the first mummy and daddy came from! Bless her!

I've just found out............England plays again on Wednesday...........grrrrrrr.

It's Friday!!

Now that I'm a retired person, Friday doesn't mean very much these days, but I do like to celebrate it on occasion. Thinking back, I can remember flying around the Police Station, trying to make sure that everything was in place for the weekend. After that, a visit to the Unity, for a quick half of lager before going home. I'm not too sure that I still have the stamina for all that stuff and forget the Unity........long since demolished to make way for a new shopping complex. That was a sad day and I'm glad I didn't see it go, especially as the replacement is so scary!!

Back to reality:

Young Clio, doesn't seem to be getting the message about toilet training, no matter how I try. A smacked bum for every accident followed by a trip to the newspaper. Happen we may have a breakthrough today though, as I shouted it her for piddling and she ran off and sat on the paper. I'm sure that she was grinning!!

Maisie had her first day at proper school today. Her brother, Martin, assured me that she was ok and had fun. Jamie, enters her second year at senior school on Monday. Good luck to her.

Charlotte also went back to school after her three-month break. She was 'so excited' yesterday but it was shortlived as it was just a sort of induction day. Never mind, full time from next week.

Maz and Bernard are off to England next week and it's reported that another friend is travelling back tomorrow for hospital treatment. All our love and good wishes to her xxx.

Village news over and time for bed!

Repsol

There I was feeling guilty about ten euros and now I find that they are leading the Formula One motorcycle championships.

Sorry, I need to start again.

We called into the local Repsol garage on our way to bowling today as Vera was gasping a little. Having clocked up ten euros worth of petrol, Brian went off to pay. The office was locked! What can one do in such a situation? We hung around, with a couple more people, for five minutes or so, but no-one turned up. Finally, Brian tried to give the ten euros to the chap in the tapas bar next door. He wasn't interested and told us to wait. We waited until we were in danger of being late for bowling and then cleared off.

I still feel a bit bad but Brian just wished that he'd filled the tank!

A Brilliant Book!

I started this one, mainly because it felt nice, and now I'm really hooked. Who would have thought that Vlad the Impaler would keep me interested? I won't give the game away but would recommend it to anyone as, from the first page onwards, it's well riveting. Well written and well presented.

I've just had another two days without the internet. Telefonica put their hands up to this one and repaired the line. Well done them but it still didn't work. Brian decided to sort it out this afternoon and checked out all the internal connections............still no joy. I was prepared for another long weekend without my computer fix but having gone to bed in a sulk earlier, I realised that the box thingy wasn't closed properly. Fixed!!

I wouldn't like to be in Brian's shoes in the morning!

Who is Spoiled?

The latest member of the five o'clock club seems to have made herself at home. Mick took this photo of Clio, over the weekend, during one of her rare quiet moments.

We get a beer each and the landlord brings a dish of water out for her!! Spoiled already and not nine weeks old yet.

She's too young for her injections but I can't leave her at home just yet so she gets carried around everywhere. I also want her to get used to people and children.

My blog seems to have a bit of a Clio theme lately. Happen she should start her own............I can hear you all groaning already!!!

Busy, Busy

The plan was to leave home at 11.45 today as both our teams had bowling matches to make up. Being really idle, which we are well good at, we left it until the last minute to sort ourselves out. Not very clever, as Doreen rang to request our presence......half an hour early!! Chaos! How we both managed to get showered and dressed in twenty minutes, I'll never know.

Taking our eyes off Clio for all that time was a bad move though. She managed to drag a plant from the balcony into the lounge and tear it to bits. Soil and leaves everywhere......she is so evil! I packed a bag of grub etc. and dumped her onto Maz and Bernard for the afternoon. They said she was really good but I don't believe a word of it.

After playing two matches it was really good to flob out in front of the tv this evening. I really like 'Britain's Most Favourite View' and even though my own personal favourite was St. Ives, I enjoyed looking at Stonehenge. I remember taking Mark and Sam there when they were youngsters and in those days, we could walk around it. The pics I have are slides. Maybe I'll get around to having them turned into prints one day.

You Would Love Her But........

She is really wicked. There seems to be a cycle of sorts.........plop, piddle, bite Mummy, drink, eat, bite Mummy and then sleep. The trouble is that the sleep bit doesn't last as long as the rest of it and I'm really wrecked!

As I'm sitting here, quietly typing, she's sound asleep at my feet but as soon as I move towards my bed, there will be bloodied toes! GRRR!!

I would love it if someone could send some Calpol.........not for her, but for me!!

My Heart Goes Out to Her

How could any mother come to terms with such a senseless death of a young son?

She is begging for justice but, as it's reported that the offenders were just a couple of years older than young Rhys, I doubt that she will have her wish.

I've blogged similar issues in the past but this really is ENOUGH!!

Poorly Me

I think I'm getting a cold. You know the symptoms, sore throat, tiredness and that 'heavy' feeling. If I was in England I could curl up under the duvet with a hot drink and a good book but as it's so hot and humid here at the moment.............not a good idea! I'll just sit here for another hour or so and then, hopefully, get some sleep.

After waiting, rather impatiently, for a week, I can collect Clio tomorrow. Her six brothers are a little too boisterous for her and so it has been decided that it would be better for her to move in with us, even though it's a little early. I'm sure that Libby, her mum, will be glad to get one puppy off her hands! (Should I say paws?).

Items collected so far...............a lead, a bed, tennis ball and a cuddly toy!

The X Factor

A programme which we have never watched before but as it was sandwiched between 'You've Been Framed' and 'Millionaire', we decided to give it a go.

The first fifteen minutes or so were so funny but 'im indoors was reduced to tears at the end. He made me promise not to blog that............I lied!!

I'm very thankful that my daughter, Sam, didn't choose Newquay for her summer break. I know that she has stayed in that hotel before, with her mate, Tammy. She's off camping this year and having fun. Strangely enough, the Police Officer who is investigating was an old colleague of mine. Not how I would have liked to see him again but a very nice chap.

Meet Clio

She's a six week old Cocker Spaniel and is due to move in during the next week or so. I only went to look at her (honest!) but ended up making her my own.

At this point, Brian chuckles and goes back to watching 'Match of the Day'!!

Anyway, she is so lovely and I'll struggle to pass the time until she can leave her mum.

I'm sure that Joe will be pleased to meet a new Cyber friend.........

Shooting Stars

I read in the local paper that it might be possible to see shooting stars between midnight and dawn, so I took up my position on the balcony around five past twelve. I don't remember seeing them before, even though Brian insists that I have. Anyway, I got my wish as twenty minutes later I saw one! Pretty brilliant.

I stuck it out for another half an hour or so but didn't see anymore. My neck needed a rest too!

It seems that they will be in action for the next couple of nights. Wednesday's will probably be eclipsed by the annual firework display in the nearby village of Alcala. I can definitely see that from my balcony!

Not Nice

Tenerife suffered some pretty horrific forest fires earlier in the month. It's alleged that a disgruntled worker started the blaze. As six homes were burned down in the village of Masca, I trust he gets his just desserts. No loss of life thank goodness.

We were fine down here by the coast. All that reached us was a rainstorm of ash and lots of thick smoke. Have a look at http://www.tenerifenews.com/ for a more detailed report.

Router v Telefonica

Two whole weeks without an internet connection. Talk about tearing your hair out! To be really honest I never thought I would have it ever again. I must admit that I'm still a little unsure and don't really trust it to be on tomorrow. The new router seems to work.........so far!!

Just in case, I'll play catch up.

I won the photo competition with my sunset pic and my choice of subject for the next one has produced wonderful photos of summer gardens. I didn't get chance to enter this time but I've voted for a nice shot of a garden bench with flowers all around it. I really hope it wins.

Five weeks ago, when I lost my Topsie, I never imagined that I might want another dog but the house is so quiet and empty that I've started a bit of a search for a puppy. I've phoned all the distressed dogs' homes but nothing yet. Happen sometime soon.

Happy Birthday to my son............and now it's time for bed.

This Week

It hasn't been too bad, on the whole. Ros and I beat Wigan Pier at the bowling on Monday which was a real achievement for us. I really love it when the young lads look at us old grannies and think they will end up with an eight nil victory. Lots of life left in us yet!

Wednesday was Maz's birthday. We had a 'Tenerife Day' getting rather piddled from visiting half a dozen bars. She managed to make it until past midnight but us part-timers only lasted until around eight!

I had a chat with my brother, Ray, earlier. He's taking his family to Spain for a holiday. They fly from Blackpool next Monday and I hope they enjoy it. I'm feeling a little sorry for Auntie Pauline as she is looking after Shadow, a black lab, two goldfish, one mad rabbit, a cat, one hamster and two goldfish for two weeks. Rather her than me!

It's closing day for the photo competition tomorrow and my sunset is in joint first place at the moment. I'm so excited.........well, I will be if I win!

How Strange

There is quite a lot of building work going on in our part of the village and this is one of three cranes which I can see from my house. It is really puzzling us, as to why the seagulls only land on this one. I know, we need to get a life!!

We do have proper television at the moment as our mate, Mick, has lent us his digibox for a little while, as it's surplus to requirements at the moment. I've never been addicted to day-time TV before but it could happen!

Bowling was a disaster......................we won't go there.

Bye Ann x

Five o'clock club had a leaving 'do' for Ann on Thursday evening as she went back to rainy Manchester on Friday afternoon.

We've enjoyed around seven weeks of her company and I'm really going to miss her. I'm sure Charlotte will feel a little lonely without her Nan too.

Charlotte lost a tooth on Thursday and the Tooth Fairy came to visit during the night. She left a Euro under Nan's pillow before realising she had the wrong bed!! Two Euros for Charlotte!

Actually, she did ask a question which proves an active mind.......'what does the Tooth Fairy do with all those teeth?'. After a one or two stupid suggestions, I came up with the concept that they are given to little babies. She seemed quite happy with that and Caron owes me one!!

Well Cool, Sophie!

Such a laid back position in which to eat one's lunch!

Many thanks to Karen and Simon for their letter and photos x.

I'm sorry that I didn't receive the emails but my internet connection has been belly up for ages too. An email to follow.

So Flippin' Hot!

We are experiencing a calima at the moment. Horrid dust which is blowing over from Africa and is creating a film over the entire island and trapping the heat in.

I took this pic about an hour before sunset and it's really obvious. In fact, the weather reports are predicting the hottest summer ever with temperatures reaching over 50 c.

I'm worrying about my camera as I'm sure that the x-ray machines at the airport have messed it up...............terrible lines across all my photos. It needs a mending man!

Television

We watched the Bernard Manning thing earlier. I never really rated him as a funny man because I'm not a great lover of stand up comedians but I must admire his guts for arranging his own funeral before he went. Fancy picking your own coffin; I think I will leave that chore to my nearest and dearest! As for picking on the Asians and Blacks..........he did the same with the English, Irish, Welsh and Scottish. Everyone to their own thing. Poor chap didn't look well!!

I've just downloaded a series called 'Lipstick on Your Collar'. We watched it around ten years ago whilst we lived in Cornwall and really enjoyed it. It's a seven episode thingy which I'm looking forward to seeing tomorrow. Lots of fifties music to enjoy.

Apart from that, it's the normal stuff like Corrie and Eastenders, but I do enjoy Saturday Kitchen. Well strange as I can't cook to save my life. I'm well up on the theory though!!

This and That

Nothing very mind boggling, I'm afraid, as it's been fairly quiet around our neck of the woods this week. That isn't always a bad thing!

We had a 'Tenerife Day' yesterday. A nice walk around the village, stopping where you fancy for refreshment and a natter. My friend Maz has had a cancer scare recently and, thankfully, got the all clear a few days ago. We had a beer to celebrate!

Today was our usual Sunday trip to Fanabe for bowling. Doreen and I had to play Jeff and Brian grrrr!! We won the first quite easily but Brian came up with the 'bad back syndrome' on the second and really put me off. He did mutter something about his foot sticking during practice so happen he did have a problem. No need to spoil my game though! Anyway, we managed a draw which is quite a good result for us. I had two high game scores too!

Talking about trips...........we have a new bus service. The Titsa Bus Company finally realised that a more direct route between Los Gigantes and Los Christianos was necessary and the 477 was born. It runs every hour weekdays and takes less than half an hour as opposed to the hour and a half we suffered before. The magic bus!

Finally, the photo competition has resurfaced. The subject.........whatever blows your frock up! Suggestions will be gratefully received.

Better Late Than Never!

Having had a couple of weeks without my internet connection I've been sadly lacking in blog updates of late.

(Apart from a couple of sad ones.)

Shona came to stay for a week towards the end of last month. We had a pleasant time doing the usual stuff and I missed her to bits when she left. She brought this photo of her and her new grandchild, taken the day after she was born. Such a sweetie!

Caron had an appointment in Los Christianos yesterday which we used as an excuse for a day out. She dropped her mum, myself and Charlotte off in Las Americas to give us a change of scenery. Nana and I introduced Charlotte to the delights of window shopping. I'm none to sure that she agreed with the concept!! Not to worry, we all got together, later, for lunch. A nice day!

The Hard Part

You would not believe how much stuff my little man has collected over the past ten years. I made a massive effort to take his food bowls out to the bin today, along with the food he hadn't eaten.

I've just put his bean bag and his toys, along with his lead, in a black bag, ready to take out tomorrow. His collar is tucked away in my 'precious drawer', to be kept forever. His ball is behind my computer desk and I can't bear to move it just yet.

My house feels like the heart has been taken away. Poor, poor, Topsie xx

Sunday Bowling

I didn't really feel up to it today, as I spent most of yesterday sobbing my heart out, but Brian thought we should go to take our minds off poor Top. I must admit that he was right!

Brian and Jeff won 6 - 2 whilst Doreen and I lost yet again! We did have some good scores though. Forty weeks to go until the end of the season so we are going to have to pull our socks up.

I must mention last week's efforts at this point. Doreen played a blinder on the last game having a turkey and then a double. I noticed that she had a score of 104 on the fifth end and, should she keep a steady head, she could win that 200 shirt we both covet so much. Knowing that she never checks the score whilst playing, I kept quiet, but did let Jeff know so that he could witness it.

It was so painful but well on course until the tenth. She went and got a SPLIT after throwing a very good ball. She ended up with 197. Such a disappointment for us all.

Our Little Man

He has been with us for over ten years and has shared our lives. He travelled through France and Spain with us six years ago, happily sitting between us, for almost six thousand miles.

Sadly, tonight, we held him whilst the vet put him to sleep.

We loved him so much and can't bear life without him. There is such a gaping void in our lives.

Topsie, we love you so much xxx

Topsie.......you were a nasty little ankle biting bastard.........I loved you.........from Daddy xxxx

A Long Ten Days

I decided to change my service provider from Telefonica to Direct Telecom, in the hope that the connection would improve. It looked very much like that I'd wasted my time as I've had no internet for ten long days. However, this morning (day eleven), I spoke to the engineer who talked me through the set up. It's a miracle!!

Fingers crossed that it isn't just a blip and Tenerife Tales can continue, as normal, later today.

My Week

Ann and I caught the bus into Puerto Santiago on Tuesday for a lady's day out. We poked about a few shops for an hour or so and then walked down into Los Gigantes. I bought a new pair of shorts whilst Ann invested in some Tuc crackers. She must be missing Tesco!

I do enjoy her company as we always end up laughing. Caron, who joined us later, provided the amusement this week..........I won't go into it but it was well funny!!

It was house sorting day on Thursday as Shona arrives shortly. The usual problem of clearing out the spare room. More boxes of books to move down to the lock up. All sorted and Brian even got around to mending the shutter cord. Nine months of my nagging didn't seem to compare to a black look from his sister!

There is a new freezer shop in the village............smoked mackerel for tea! Unfortunately, they don't have onion rings..........I could kill for them.

My thanks to my friend, John, for his very compassionate email.

Other Matters

I'm taking advantage of a prolonged connection and blogging twice!

It struck me that, although I've been bowling for around five years, that I've never looked at what happens behind the scenes. Shippy, the mechanic, treated us to a visit on Sunday. Thankfully, there were only two lanes occupied as the noise was unbearable. It reminded me of when my Nana took me into the weaving shed when I was a child. Fascinating though. I always thought that the pins came down from the top but they slide in from the back and then tilt forwards. Clever stuff!

Corpus Christi

I've never had the opportunity to watch this before but really enjoyed the experience on Sunday. It kicks off around ten o'clock on Saturday evening when the local folk make pictures (using different coloured sand) in the middle of the roads. Some use flowers and place altars within them. The procession starts off in the church at around seven o'clock on the Sunday evening and I made sure I had a good seat.

They had a band and around ten of the young children who had just been confirmed, walked behind them. Really beautiful dresses. The Priest followed, carrying a gold statue thing, he knelt down and prayed whilst rose petals were thrown over him. I did feel quite emotional until little Lottie turned up. She sort of blew the moment by asking, in her forthright, four year old voice 'Who is getting the trophy?'. Kids!!

Sticky Buns

Ann, Caron's Mum, and I caught the bus to Alcala this morning. Our main mission was to buy some gloss paint as Ann has decided to do a little painting during her holiday. We had a peek into a few shops along the way. I'm still pricing freezers and flat screen monitors but, strangely enough, everything seems to be 250 euros!

With the business out of the way, we headed down to the cake shop. A couple of coffees, a bit of tapas..........more coffees and sticky cream cakes, what a way to live!! We paid the bill, ten euros for all that, and then sat by the sea for a little while talking about this and that, until it was time for the bus home. Well, we thought it was, but it took almost an hour for one to turn up. We could have walked it in a quarter of the time!

Being a little desperate for some refreshment we stopped off for a cool drink. I ordered a beer and Ann fancied a white wine and soda. She was more desperate than me as it turned out and wanted another before I was half way through mine. Panic struck as I thought I wouldn't get another.......'I will speed up'.............well funny and such a good day! Thanks Ann x

A Step Up

I've been quietly creeping forward with my bowling during the last few weeks but, even though I say it myself, I was pretty brilliant on Sunday and Monday. Good, almost consistant scores on Sunday........162, 138 and 163! Monday.........152, 163 and 153.

Ros and I played two German blokes on Monday and although we lost, we put up a terrific fight. At one point I had a 4, 7, 10 split. I've never seen it done before and neither had Ros but I went and did it!! As they say 'the crowd went wild'! Ueli, one of our opponents gave me three kisses and a bar of chocolate and I'm about to get a write-up in the local paper. Clever me, or as Ueli said 'Vunderbar' or something similar! Dare I even think of that 200 shirt?

A Strange Old World

It was 'Charlotte Day' today and as her Nana is here for a little while, all three of us went out for the afternoon.

We were wandering along the coast road in our village when I spotted someone I thought I recognised. You know what it's like. Is it him, or is it not? On drawing level........I was staring, I noticed that he was grinning at me! Our Vernon!

He is on the island for a few days and was just telling his daughter that he had a friend who lived nearby when I turned up! We had a few minutes to chat and it was really good to see him.

I found this old photo later, goodness knows when it was taken but I reckon it was at least fifteen years ago. Vernon, on the left, an old mate Jim, leaning on the bar and Vernon's three brothers, Greg, Jeff and Robert. Those were the days.

Back to Charlotte. We had a lovely walk and then stopped for refreshments. Charlotte had the biggest ice cream I've ever seen!

A Gift For Brian

As cigarettes are so cheap here it's very rare to see anyone rolling their own. In fact, I only know of two people that do......Brian and Terry. Subsequently, the Canarians regard the practice with interest and presume that there is something 'naughty' in the tin!

We were in Antonio's Bar this evening and Louis, the manager, asked me about it. I assured him that it was only tobacco and off he went. Five minutes later he returned with this dried up stuff.

I admit that I've never seen tobacco in it's natural state before and can't wait to see what Brian manages to do with it! A nice thought though and thanks Louis x

Bowling Bingo

I've never been so close! Strikes on 1, 2 and eight, just nine and the last one on ten and I would be 500 euros better off. It looked really good but one miserable pin, wobbled, and then decided to stay where it was! Happen if I hadn't been planning on how to spend the dosh I might have concentrated more!

Doreen and I played well but were outclassed by Jackie and Michael. Well done to them on an eight - nil win.

I normally wait outside the bowling alley until Brian fetches the car out of the underground garage but, for some strange reason, I decided to walk down there with him. Never again. It's like a trip down to hell. You can't see a thing for the first five minutes having gone from bright sunlight to a black hole and it's so flamin' hot. We had to queue for ten minutes as some numpty couldn't work the machine. Stress!!

Pick Up Your Bed!

On the whole, it has been a nice sort of week. Ros and I won at Monday bowling........more her good scores than mine, I must admit, but we are a team at the end of the day, so I can take a little of the credit!!

We had a Bank Holiday on Wednesday for Canaries Day. Five o'clock club started around two!

The children had to wear traditional clothes the day before, for their school celebrations. I took this photo of Charlotte wearing hers.....doesn't she look lovely?

Caron's mum, Ann, is coming over to stay next week and an extra bed was needed for their house. David and Brian elected to carry our foldie up one over this afternoon and knowing that a beer would be involved, I decided to give them chance to off load it and then meet up with them. Off load!! No chance. There they were outside Bar Esmerelda, supping beer, with the bed and mattress propped up against the wall!!

Sunday: Bowling

I tried so hard but Doreen and I lost, 6 - 2 against Jeff and Brian.

Saturday: Nasi Goreng

We were invited next door for dinner on Saturday evening as Mimi was cooking Nasi Goreng.

Brian used to live on it whilst he was in Singapore, back in the sixties, and so it was a trip down memory lane for him. I must admit that it was well tasty and I had seconds!

I promised to take a bottle of red wine and there I was in the supermarket trying to pretend that I knew something about it. Saturday Kitchen came to mind. I finally decided on 'Sangre de Toro'. Mark and Katie seemed to like it when I took it back to England a little while ago. Thankfully, it went down well!

Friday: Little Lottie's Birthday

My mission of the day was to collect Charlotte from nursery and get her rigged out in her posh frock, ready to attend Lottie's party in the park.

It was a lovely evening. Her parents, Gavin and Hayley, are well known in the area and lots of folk turned up. Us adults had a few beers whilst the little ones pigged out on pizza. Maz, Brian and I escaped at around half past eight and had 'one for the road' at bar Rincon. You can only take so much of a good thing!!

Tall Tale?

We really wouldn't believe Brian's tale about this bloke driving down a Spanish motorway in his motorized bed until he found the proof! I flippin' hate it when he's right!!

Other things to catch up on:-

Doreen and I slaughtered Steve and Tomo on Sunday with an eight - nil win. Well done us.

Shona arrives on the 22nd of June to stay for a week.

Charlotte lost the first of her milk teeth today and is so proud of it. She says that she can't stop smiling and can't wait until the tooth fairy turns up.

Congratulations to Sue, the manager at the bowling alley, and her partner, Shaun, on the birth of their son, Keifer Brian. He's lovely, well done both xx

Laurel and Hardy!

It really was like a comedy duo when these two blokes turned up earlier, to sort out my everlasting problem with the internet connection.

They insisted on taking the computer to their workshop for the day just to make sure all was in working order. Such a waste of time because it has been checked so many times this past year that I'm sure it's dizzy. No-one will listen to a mere woman though!

Anyway, it came back home around four o'clock, complete with it's escorts and lots of wires etc. Nothing wrong with it.........I held my tongue and didn't say 'I told you so', even though I thought it.

They decided to tackle the router to see if that was the cause. Lots of head scratching, wires here and there. The pair argued like fury too which would have been well funny had I not been so anxious. To be honest, things started to look quite good at around half past five and I felt quite hopeful. However, five minutes later it went belly up. Time for me to disappear down to the bar as my comments didn't seem to be helping!

It took them four hours to get it sorted and I'm left with wires all over the floor and my furniture scattered around the room but I do seem to be online, however long it lasts. Hopefully, they will be back tomorrow to sort out the mess and I'll reserve my comments until later.

A Respectful Silence

ANDREW PETER EVANS

1949 - 1982

A Belated Blog!

I won't moan about my internet connection, suffice to say that it's the worst in the world!

We had a fun day on Saturday watching the F A Cup final. Terry, centre, even had his hair dyed for the occasion. It's such a shame they lost and even worse that Chelsea won!!

So Many Children!

I had a bit of an arty, crafty time tonight and ended up with this lovely display of pics.

I've been so unhappy with my higgledy piggledy frames that I went off to the Todo shop tonight and bought these black things. They seemed to match the photograph that Sam gave me of Jamie, Martin and Maisie and so I went for it.

From left, Dean with Bradley, bottom corner, Sophie, Maisie, Martin and Jamie, Tully and Charlotte.

Lovely!