2010!

We all used to say how quickly the years sped by but tonight I can only think that it doesn't seem that long since we were all celebrating the new millennium. Scary months before it as computers were going to crash etc. but that never came to anything did it?

I must admit that this past year hasn't been too bad. We had a beautiful summer weather wise and haven't wanted for anything. Good health for us and Clio which is always a bonus

Lets hope it continues through the next decade.

To our family and friends

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Silly Sunday

Katie, in the green top, and I have been planning a Dorada Day for months. Well as soon as we knew she would be over for Christmas that is!

We set off on Sunday at around one o'clock with a target of nine bottles which is far more than I normally drink but what the hell, it's Christmas.

Our plan of a day on our own soon went belly up as our mates decided to gate crash when we got as far as Oscar's Bar. By the time we arrived at Bar San Juan we were quite a crowd......kids and all.

For some strange reason Katie decided that she didn't like odd numbers or the number eight and we ended up having ten. A slight left hand lean on the way home but it was a really brilliant day.

Family History

My daughter Sam has been looking after some of my stuff since I moved to Tenerife and I collected a few bits whilst I was there in October. I so wanted a few photos to add to my Family History folder and I found the best one. This is Mary Ellen Yates nee Bentley, born in 1855 and her last child, Sarah, was my Nana.

I feel so blessed to have it.

Have Fun

Happy Christmas Everyone

Boilers, Television and Flies!!

All the shops will close around lunchtime tomorrow as the Canarians usually celebrate Xmas Eve by having an elaborate meal with their extended families. Panic stations for us as our water boiler decided to die on us and the local shop doesn't stock new elements. Just our sort of luck!

I'd go along with it until Saturday but it struck me that I'd have all those pots and pans to wash on Xmas Day with only the kettle to help! Someone is on a mission in the morning. As an afterthought, my bottle of Fairy lasted for ten days after it's predicted eight weeks and my new bottle is supposed to last until the ninth of March!

We have had the most awful weather all week. Rain, rain and more rain and the TV signal keeps going belly up. Several power cuts which has killed off Bernard's router and could have something to do with our flippin' boiler!

As well as all that, I've never seen so many flies in all my life. Hundreds of the flaming things that really bug me. I'm considering getting one of those hats with corks!

I'm Really Shocked

I was checking out a thread on a Forum here in Tenerife when I found this shocking photograph of some of the dogs which Live Arico are taking care of and trying to re-home.

Don't get me wrong as I'm not criticising their care as they look like they are loved. It's just the fact that people have ditched them for their own selfish reasons. Some have been left behind by the English families who can't afford to live here now and have returned to England, some have just been left in the road and some thrown from car windows. Thirty-seven dogs ended up there in September alone.

To read more or donate check out Live Arico Tenerife.

Winter

It was really lovely until a couple of weeks ago. Nice, hot sunny days when I could sit outside to do my stitching (poor tiger isn't progressing well now!).

We've had torrential rain, thunder storms and high winds this week so it's the time of year when I long for a nice gas fire!

Brian took this pic whilst dog walking this morning.

The Weekend

Saturday: Bus strike over for the time being, Shona and I decided to pop into Las Americas for a couple of hours for her to do some last minute shopping. The wind was still blowing strong when we left home but the weather was lovely when we got off the bus. We had lunch, pretty bad and won't go there again, had a walk, sat in the sun, did shopping and off home again.

As Shona really likes going to the Chinese/Indian hot buffet in Callao we went there for dinner. We all ate as much as we wanted and then went to the bar next door for coffee. It was all really pleasant and I was home in time to see the X Factor results!

The trouble was that I didn't feel too well. I hadn't eaten that much but what I had didn't really settle. As soon as I lay down in bed I knew I was going to be ill. Enough said!

Sunday: We had planned to go to Bar San Juan for breakfast as Elmar was picking Shona up for the airport run at twelve fifteen and she needed something to eat before the flight. I'd been awake for most of the night so they took Clio with them and left me to sleep in peace. Chaos when I awoke as on checking the flight times they had realised that the plane was leaving an hour earlier than stated on her ticket.

Brian rang Thomas Cook whilst I contacted Elmar. No chance of picking her up earlier and I lost my rag. I was tired and not feeling well and some silly idiot wouldn't help me out! No help with Thomas Cook either. Thankfully, my mate Tina raced round and took Shona to the airport, no questions asked. Bless her xx

I'm still not well and haven't moved outside the apartment all day. I was pleased to see Joe win the X Factor as he'd been my favourite from the beginning. I also had first and second in the Photo Competition. Clever Joe and clever me!

Shona's Holiday...........continued

A bus strike stopped our gallop for the past couple of days and we have made the most of the sun in Playa San Juan. After pigging out on a full English yesterday morning we took our books down to the beach. We didn't actually go to the sandy bit but found a pleasant spot overlooking the sea.

I'm glad we did as today was a grey day. Jeff volunteered to take me to Guaza this morning for the annual digi-box update. Not as much fun as last year's chaos but we did have a chuckle or two on the way!

Storms have been predicted for the weekend. We had steaks at Antonio's this evening but managed to get home before the lightening and rain started. It didn't come to much but I'm sure it hasn't finished with us yet.

Leaving Do

Shona and I caught the bus into Santiago today to pick up some tobacco and stuff for Brian. We had a long walk down to Playa La Arena for lunch. Scampi, chips and salad. It was really nice. A little shopping followed before we caught the bus back to Playa San Juan.

We happened across Trish and Dave's leaving 'do' as they go off back to Wales on Friday. It was a really good laugh as Reg's little cockney sing song had me in stitches.

Bye to Trish and Dave xx

The Week So Far............

As Clio reported on her last blog, Auntie Shona came to stay on Friday just in time for a Bank Holiday weekend and the annual car time trials.

Saturday was well noisy as up to fifty cars sped down our street revving as they went. I did manage to take pics of some of them as they went by but didn't get the best ones according to Brian!

At least Sunday was a quiet day with a visit to Bar San Juan after spending a couple of hours trying to find the sun. It seems to have gone into hiding since Shona arrived!

Brian has managed to find a job for the week which left me in charge of making tea today. Steak and onion pie, boiled spuds, cabbage and cauli............well interesting!

Poor Sad Me

Being well bored a few weeks ago I decided to translate into English the writing on my new bottle of Fairy Liquid. I know...........I really need a life!

Anyway, it said that it would last for eight weeks and having nothing better to do I wrote it's finish date on the bottle.

I happened to remark to Brian earlier that it had five days left and I thought it had a good chance of getting there. I really couldn't believe his reply. 'Well, you don't wash up much'!!
You all know that he uses 15 pans and 19 plates to make egg and chips. What a cheek!

Poor Blanche

I was really sad to hear that she had died. She was so well cast as Deirdre's mother and she never failed to amuse me with her sarcasm. I hadn't realised that she'd been in the Street for over thirty years. Filming was cancelled today in respect. She will be sorely missed x

Bits and Bats

Liz and Lindsay went back to Scotland last week after almost a month staying on the island. We saw them quite often and it was a bit of a wrench saying goodbye. It won't be for too long this time though as they are planning to come over for a couple of weeks in the spring.

Scotland keeps cropping up lately as Muriel and her daughter Pamela went over to Arbroath for a flying visit last weekend and our Shona arrives from Glasgow on Friday. I'm the sassenach!!

I can't believe it's December already. I've written my Xmas cards and we have planned Xmas Day. Smoked salmon and poached eggs for breakfast, a walk around the village before our roast duck and all the trimmings. Television during the evening with mince pies and ice cream for supper. I know it's exactly like last year but we really enjoyed it and I don't have to re-visit a turkey for days afterwards!

Grimebusters and Other Bad Things

I really love that programme and watch it every Tuesday evening. Down sewers, in manky houses and cleaning muck from the streets. Thankfully, television hasn't found a link to smell or it would be a no-go or a bathroom visit for me!

A new one turned up tonight (programme that is)......parasitologists. All these things that hide in folks' skin whilst on holiday in exotic countries. Worms in legs and various other parts of the body as well as one poor lady who has one growing in her head.

I found it well interesting but 'im indoors could hardly bear to look. He had the same reaction when I watched the film 'Fly' and I've been banned from watching the follow up!

Windows 7

I've had this computer for over eighteen months and have had nothing but trouble with it. Being rather stupid I asked a mate of a mate to check it out and he installed Windows XP. It was even worse than Vista.

I was at screaming pitch by the end of last week and we took it back to the shop from whence it came. The nice man refused to re-install Vista as he said it was 'muy mal' even though he put it there in the first place!

More memory and Windows 7, all for seventy-five euros and legal. Two hours in and I'm still finding my way around it but it looks pretty good so far.

A Lovely Day

We went off on an away day with Liz and Lyndsay yesterday. First stop, Eldon House in Paraiso where we met up with a few folk that we hadn't seen for ages. Second stop, The Red Lion in Callao Salvaje where the same sort of thing happened. Strangely enough someone paid for our round of drinks...............no idea who but thanks!

Back to Playa San Juan and Bar Antonio where we decided to eat. Perfect service as usual.

They have two weeks left of their holiday and are moving down to the south next Friday which will mean that we can see a little more of them. Looking forward to it!

Scary Doings

I've pinched this pic from my eldest grandaughter's Facebook page as I think it's brilliant.

There she is on the left with her mate Mollymae. I reckon her six year-old sister, Maisie, will be traumatised for life after all that!

I trust they got sweeties as I'm sure I would have slammed my door in their faces!

Cornwall in October

I had such a wonderful week with my family in Cornwall. It passed by far too quickly but being able to see my daughter and her children along with my brother and his family made it so special.

We had a pasty each in Polperro. Look at that motley crew!

I did so much in one short week. Matalan, Trago Mills and KFC! We walked for miles along the beach. Had a few beers in the Smugglers Inn...........went to Baz's birthday party, had a Cornish Cream Tea and I spent some quality time with my grandchildren and nephews.

My brother, Ray, wants to do it all again next year. I'm up for that!

Catching Up

I had one of those weeks that never seems to end.

Really lonely too as Brian was working which left me to worrit on my own. Lloyds TSB didn't return my calls and we were well in danger of running out of ready cash without the new Cashpoint Card.

One almost dead computer too.

Things did buck up a bit on Wednesday when the card turned up............no idea what has happened to the first one though. The computer needed a new hard drive which was done on Friday. I've lost loads of stuff but there you go.

I do have things to keep me occupied this week though as I'm going to Cornwall on Saturday. A bit of shopping and packing to do as well as keeping my mind off that awful plane! Three grandchildren and two nephews on half-term so happen I'll be rushed off my feet for the week and will be glad of a bit of peace when I get back home.

Shirley told me that there is to be a Memorial Service for Vernon in the local Church and I'm hoping that it might be during the week that I'm there. I would like the opportunity to say goodbye.

Apologies for such depressing posts but I am a bit down in the dumps at the moment.

Jeff and I did win Euromillions last week. The princely sum of nine Euros! Eight for Friday's tickets and fifty cents each! He's even more convinced that we'll get the big one now!

Vernon

This is really hard to do.

Vernon died on the 8th of October aged forty seven.

I've known him since the early eighties and he often turned up here in Tenerife to see me. I took this photo last summer which happened to be the last time I saw him.

I spoke to Vicky this afternoon and she's bearing up. Shirley, his mum, told me that he thought the world of me. Likewise mate xx

One of Those Days

I awoke to a gigantic moan from Brian as the computer was playing up and he couldn't get his Mahjong game to play. Ok, not a problem, shove him out of the door with Clio for a bit of peace. I settled down with my coffee to try and sort it all out.

Hand on mouse, I felt something tickling my arm. At first I thought it was a spider as I saw long legs...........then I realized it was a huge cockroach running up my arm! I screamed and ran outside without my coffee and at least half an hour to wait until they came back. Thankfully, my hero returned, despatched the cockie and it was safe enough to go back to the computer. I'm still feeling creepie.

As for the computer I'm not really sure. Once I get online it's ok but I keep having to reboot. It's a Bank Holiday weekend here so if I take it to the man who can in the morning who knows when I'll get it back again. Probably something to sleep on.

I'm beset with troubles at the moment because my Lloyds TSB card can't find it's way to Tenerife. The first one was posted over three weeks ago. I've had to put a block on that one and I'm awaiting the new one which was posted today. One day life will be cool!

Sorry to moan, on a lighter note we went to Bar San Juan this evening to say bye to Mick who is returning to Manchester tomorrow to start his new job on Monday. Good luck Mick xx

Monday's Mission

It rained a few days ago which really made a mess of my balcony. Dust and water doesn't mix and I've been working up to cleaning it ever since. Such an awful job washing down the railings, the furniture and the floor.

Having spent an hour or two gossiping with my daughter I finally got out there with my cleaning stuff only to find that the sun had beaten me to it and it was roasting out there. I went for it though and it looks really nice.........who's betting that we will have rain again tonight?

Whilst I was in the mood, I hoovered the apartment, did some washing, dusted and then found my way to Antonio's for a beer. A well deserved one too!

Imagination

Jeff and I have got into the habit of taking turns to buy the Euromillions tickets each week. We sit there imagining what we'd do with the winnings. Makes me laugh really as neither of us work and there we are having a beer in the sunshine which is probably the dream of thousands of people buying tickets.

I'd love a house without a kitchen so that I could eat out every day.....Jeff reckons that's daft but who would want to cook egg and chips with millions in the bank? He changes his mind every week and at the same time is so sure that we will win..................I doubt it very much.

Changes

When we moved here almost eight years ago there were around ten English couples living in our village. Numbers have increased rapidly since then and there is quite a large community now. Quite a lot of them turn up for the winter, hence their name........swallows!

We are seeing the other side of the coin now as folk are returning to the UK quite regularly. Helen and Terry left us back in the summer and Gavin, Hayley and little Lottie disappeared last week. Mick and Alison plan to return to Manchester in March followed in the same month by Dave, Trish and Gareth who are going back to Wales.

At this rate and before our tenth anniversary we'll be back to the original ten!

Problems, Problems, Problems.........

We've had a relatively good run recently as far as our internet connection is concerned but it started to go to rats a couple of weeks ago. It's fine during the day but I use it most during the evening when it doesn't want to play.

After ringing the man that can yesterday it seemed a little better. He called me this afternoon to ask if I had one of those thingies connected to my landline which I denied, I'd no idea to be honest. All was well until around eight and off it went again! We poked about our two router mess up and found the little blighter. Chucked it out and the internet is fine but............the phone won't work!

Happen I'll ring him back tomorrow and confess!

Rain

That time of year again and we've had three cloudy, drizzly days and torrential stuff just before dawn. Not that I see that bit!

After hot sunny days for months it's such a shock to the system and I can't believe how much it bothers me. I'm so hoping that it's a blip and we'll have sun again for a few weeks before the real cold sets in.

Poor Patrick

I was really gutted when I went online this morning and saw that he'd died and I've been feeling sad all day.

Unhappy Girlies!

Ebony, on the left holding little Sienna, has been staying with her grandparents for the summer along with her brother Reece. We've known them for quite some time as they used to live here until their Mum decided that it was better for them to return to England.

For the first couple of weeks Ebony did nothing but moan that she was missing home and her mates but after that she didn't want to go!

We had a bit of a 'leaving do' in the park this afternoon and I've never heard the like. Sobbing from every direction...........Ebony, Paige, Hannah, Lucy and little Lottie were heartbroken. After receiving a rather soggy hug we saw them off to the airport. Reece wasn't a bit bothered.

She'll be half-way home by now and I trust the sobs will have stopped or Nanny Pam will have something to say!

Over the Way

Four apartments face us and the occupants rarely last more than three months. When we get really quiet ones we hope and pray they will last forever!

At the moment bottom right has a lifeguard who is quite tasty so he can stay, top right is up for rent, top left has a screaming baby but they are ok apart from that.

We went out earlier for an hour or so and bottom left was up for rent. On our return a family had moved in complete with widescreen tv and the biggest loud speaker system I've ever seen.

I dread to think what I might wake up to tomorrow.

SOS

Save Our Stanley.

The banner might not prove them right as they are around 300 thousand pounds in debt at the moment. I've no idea how they got into that fix but I'd hate to see them go.

Burnley FC played a friendly tonight to raise funds and I reckon Blackburn Rovers should help too. If I win Euromillions.............no, no chance of that!

What a Muppet!

I was in a bit of a rush yesterday and ended up posting this on Clio's blog. I would have left it as it was but I must share today's update.

My washing machine decided it didn't want to play around ten days ago and we've been using the one in the empty apartment next door awaiting a visit from our landlord. He turned up last night and said that he would bring a mending man this afternoon. They finally turned up at six o'clock. How stupid did I look?!

Brian moved everything out of the utility room recently to give it a good clean and hadn't turned the water supply back on! Two seconds and problem solved. The muppet had bailed out to the bar and I was left to face it on my own. The mending man found it well funny but the landlord didn't. I had to endure a lot of finger shaking but thankfully didn't understand half he said. Time for a much needed beer but I'm still blushing to think of it!

The Things You See!

I was sitting outside earlier this evening as it was nice and cool out there. Most of the apartments opposite are up for rent again but the family with the screaming baby are still in residence. It's daddy walked out onto the balcony naked!

Ummmm!

September

Things are coming back to life again. The shops are staying open and it's less like a ghost town. The Canarians are moving back to their winter homes and the English and Germans are moving back for the warmth of a Tenerife winter. Schools will start next week after their three month break. It was a little cooler today too.

Only another five days or so and Bar Antonio will open again and all will be well with the world!

I've done quite well with my beer ban. I confess to having a couple here and there and a little white wine creeps into my gassy water on occasion but on the whole I feel better and it's still a couple of months before I go to England.

There's news about that too. My brother Ray, his wife Alison and their boys, Dean and Bradley are spending four days in Looe whilst I'm there. Getting well excited now!

Beer

I've decided to give it up. We normally wander around for a couple of hours during the afternoon and have a couple but I haven't had one since Sunday. I know it isn't such a record yet but I'm well determined.

Gassy water from now on and we'll see how it goes!

Kids

Yet another birthday party in the Church Square today. Young Paige reached ten and all the English children turned up to celebrate with her. She's fourth from left, middle row.

As we'd been officially invited we wandered down for a couple of hours and for once I took my camera. I really love this photo as they all look so healthy and happy.

A Holiday

I've been checking out flights to Exeter for weeks now but they have all seemed a little too pricey. I managed to find one which fitted the budget last night and booked it this morning. Exchanging Tenerife beaches for Cornish ones and I can't wait.

PS. Congratulations to Burnley on beating Man U. Our Dennis will never sleep tonight!

One of Those Days

We discovered that it was a Bank Holiday weekend well in time for once and planned everything in advance. It's called the Assumption and concerns the Virgin Mary.

Anyway, with everything sorted we walked down to Bar San Juan this afternoon to meet up with Bill and Muriel. They had their dog Lexi with them along with Molly, their daughter's dog. Molly kept pawing me and asking to be picked up so Muriel lifted her onto my lap. Nothing unusual with that but for some strange reason she went for me and bit my face. Blood was pouring down and all I can remember was three faces staring at me! I thought I'd lost half of my upper lip. Thankfully, it was just a scratch and a fat bottom lip. Poor Molly got such a hiding. I reckon she was just too hot and I've forgiven her!

Friday night is wrap night and two episodes of Corrie. We certainly know how to have fun! Poor Brian, he chopped up the chilli peppers and then went for a piddle. I've never seen such a funny sight in years. Shorts around his ankles, a wet towel and lots of burn cream. I think he's ok now.

Bits and Bats

August is the most boring month of the year here. Many business's either close completely or work mornings only as it's far too hot to work for a whole day. Schools have been closed since the end of June.

Our main moan is that Bar Antonio has closed for five weeks! It's good for the lads, Luis, Mauro, Jose and Pedro as they work for eleven months of the year with just Sunday's off but we do miss it. We've now set up 'base camp' at Bar Esmeralda's as it's near to the shops and within easy reach of home.

The owner of our apartment called by last night with two huge pots of paint. He's asked Brian to decorate next door but has brought enough to cover the Forth Bridge! I only hope he isn't expecting my house being done in that awful colour! Just as we thought we were safe he came back and asked Brian to repair Annie's roller shutter. She'd also been in the dark for a couple of days. He is so funny.

Last but not least is the Bowling Alley. Terry and Helen dropped by before they went back to England to collect their stuff and ours but it seems that we have to come up with ninety euros before we can claim our own belongings. I have phoned but no-one will explain the reason and it's a little harsh as we've spent years playing there. Such a bitter end to an era.

Hot, Hot, Hot!!

We are all suffering at the moment as the temperature is going off the scale.

I was well amused to see that the old blokes had moved their chairs and tables from outside the bar.

In the shade and the card games continued. Good for them.

My New Mouse

I've been struggling with my old one for ages as the cursor kept wandering all over the place. It was optical but not wireless and it made life a little uncomfortable with all the reaching.

After getting well cross with it yesterday I went off to the computer shop and bought this posh jobbie. Would it flippin' work, would it 'eck. I was working up to taking it back but didn't want to appear stupid if it was something simple so I've been festering and moaning all day.

Thankfully, we met up with Bill and Muriel today and they have the same thing. Their son Paul is the whizz kid in their house and after I'd grumped for a little while Muriel got fed up enough to ring him. It just required a little tweaking with the base connect and the mouse connect.

Done and dusted now and I'm happy, optical and wireless. Thank goodness that I didn't go and moan in the shop and thanks to Paul x.

Family History

I spoke to my brother, Ray, the other evening and he happened to mention that Auntie Mavis's daughter had started researching her Family History and wondered how far I'd got.

To be honest I haven't looked at it for a while so I've had to clear out my desk and get my papers into some kind of order. I reckon that we must be second cousins as our grandmothers were sisters..........gets well confusing!

I think that Cheryl must be around eight or nine years younger than I am as I remember holding her when she was a baby. Nice to be in contact and to share. I'm getting the bug again!

The Brain

We were stupid enough to disconnect everything from our television today to give our unit a really good clean and a general tidy. We now have DVD's at one side and Playstation games at the other with video tapes stored in another cupboard. It all looks really good and I wish I'd done it ages ago but I can't seem to get all the electrical stuff to work

Eight years ago, when I worked, I could connect several monitors to several VCR's including editing equipment without batting an eyelid. Now I can't work out how to include the DVD player into the home system. It just shows how retirement can affect the brain.

My plan for tomorrow is to connect the DVD player straight into the TV. Connect the VCR into the second scart on the TV. BBC box into the VCR's second scart and hopefully I'll be cooking on gas.

All in all I wish I'd left it mucky!

A Mushroom

I've felt like one this week as the cord on our shutter broke and I was plunged into darkness. I really enjoy sitting out on the balcony for a couple of hours during the afternoon reading my book but I couldn't get out there. So frustrating!

We went up to Adeje on Wednesday as the big DIY Superstore normally stocks them but as we couldn't find them in their normal place we checked with Information. Even though she could speak English she couldn't understand what we were on about so we left, defeated.

I checked with the firms that do these sort of repairs but they were charging more than an arm and a leg so it was back to the drawing board. Spanish head on I called into the local ironmonger type shop at the end of our road. Brian hung back as he thought I would never explain what I wanted but she understood me perfectly. Even complemented me on my Spanish! I got what I wanted for three Euros and after telling her that I'd toured Adeje she said
'Playa San Juan' where else?!

Good for her and I now have light!

Those Poor Boys

It breaks my heart to watch the news these days. Young lads hardly older than my eldest grand-daughter. Their families having to go through this awful tragedy.

It is now coming close to the death total of the Falklands Conflict which, on reflection, was a short, sharp shock and not this long drawn out suffering. At least the Falklands was a war to help our own folk, not to be stuck in some foreign land without adequate resources.

I keep seeing the placards 'Lest We Forget'. They will, they do.

As for my contribution.
At the going down of the sun,
And in the morning, we will remember them

Messenger

I've been without MSN Messenger for a couple of weeks because it kept coming up with an error message every time I tried to log on.

Paul, a friend of mine, tried his best to sort it out but had to give up in the end. I so hate being beaten and was determined to stay at my computer tonight until it was sorted.

It was all to do with deleting the Windows Live Contacts folder which I did a few days ago without success but I hadn't realised that there were hidden files too. I found the little blighters earlier and within two minutes I had my Messenger back.

Another learning curve and I'm feeling pretty pleased with myself. As it's almost two in the morning I'd better go to bed!

A Rare Night Out

Allison's phone camera doesn't seem to cope too well with night shots but as I didn't take my own camera these are all I've got. I pinched them off Facebook too!!

Terry and Helen have decided that life might be better for them in England. We've been mates since we first came here eight years ago and have had a few laughs along the way. We were chucked out of a bar one night by the Police which is just one of our tales. Not our fault I might add as the barman didn't have a licence to serve beer! Loads of bowling stories too.


Good luck to both. You will be missed xx

Going Bananas

Tina gave me a bag of fruit the other day as there was far to much for her and Neil to get through. I made an apple pie and ate some of the pears and bananas but the rest was well by it's sell by date this morning. I'd just bagged it up ready for the bin when my door bell rang...........Alicia delivering a bag of BANANAS. I hate to refuse them as she's such a good neighbour. One in and one out and it didn't end there. Another two bags turned up during the course of the day and I now have enough to feed a hundred monkeys!!

I'm also going BANANAS with Brian this evening. I so hate fans as I reckon that they chuck out more hot air than cold. He has one going in the lounge and the ceiling fan spinning in the bedroom. I'm baking and can't wait until he goes to sleep.

Some good news as I had a letter from the hospital today to say that I have the all clear on my mammogram. I might have a brandy to celebrate.

Michael Jackson

I didn't think that I'd ever been a fan of his until I watched a tribute to him earlier this evening. Then I remembered about his Motown days and his early years. Having reached fame at the tender age of six you can't help but wonder what that did to his mind.

I sort of gave up on him when he decided to be a white black man and I'm not about to do the RIP bit as I'm not quite sure if he deserves it. He had the looks and charm and should have been proud of his heritage.

I'll thank him for 'Ben' and leave it at that.

Absolutely Ridiculous

Totally unfair..........I could go on and on.

It's over two years since I last went to Cornwall and as Brian knows that I'm pining a little he coughed up two hundred quid for a return flight. I'm restricted as the only airline that flies into Exeter is Thomson/First Choice so off I went to check out their website.

Had I been able to go on Tuesday the 25th June it would have been 220 Euros but it almost doubles next week and reaches five hundred pounds in October. Why?...........same plane, same amount of petrol and schools don't break up for another three or four weeks.

Not one to give in easily I tried alternative routes. Going into Gatwick means the hurry up bus down to Plymouth. I don't mind that but it meant that I'd end up sitting around in London in the middle of the night on my own. Not something which I'd like to experience. Next option was to fly to Madrid and as I get forty percent off flights to the mainland it was worth a look. Another no go because there aren't any connecting flights.

Oh well, there's always next year.

Three Little Piggies

We went for our eat as much as you like Indian/Chinese meal tonight and I'm well full! Not quite the way I'd like to have a meal but it was very tasty and we enjoyed our evening.

I would recommend it but doubt that I'll go again. Brian and Shona would!

Our Week

It's amazing how quickly a week can speed by. It doesn't seem two minutes since Thursday when Bernard and I went off to the airport and now we are staring Tuesday in the face!

We don't seem to have done much either. A frantic afternoon last Friday, which Clio has reported on. Saturday was a walk around the village and a meal in Antonio's. It was Corpus Cristi on Sunday and we viewed the flower carpets that the locals make in celebration followed by Sunday dinner.

Shona fancied doing a little duty free shopping this afternoon so we caught the bus to Las Americas. I bumped into three of my old bowling mates which was nice and we had a bit of a catch up. Shopping done and back to San Juan to meet up with Brian and have a beer.

Tomorrow is going to be lazy as we are all going to Callao Salvaje in the evening for an Indian/Chinese meal. There´s a new restaurant which does both and you can eat all you want for eight euros each. We´ve heard good reports so it´s worth a go.

It looks like Wednesday might take care of itself!

Una Nueva Hervidora Electrica

In other words a new kettle. We've done well with electrics for ages (touch wood) but our old kettle died this morning. I must admit to casting spells on it as I hated it. Brian insisted that it was only a year old but I'm sure that it was coming up to it's fifth birthday. Anyway, I made sure that it ended up in the bin before he decided to hide it away in case it could be mended!

We went off to the shop this evening and he chose a two cup variety............his logic was that there is only two of us! I agree but it was more of a camping kettle than a home thingy. I did try to tell the lady that he was Scottish and it might take some time but, thankfully, she was on my side. Ten percent off and I got what I wanted.

Unfortunately it's not very photogenic!

Bits and Bats

Caron and Charlotte are off to England tomorrow to visit family. Caron will be back home next week but Charlotte is staying with her Nan for the school holidays. I had a look in my 'go to England purse' and found a couple of quid in change for her to buy some sweeties. It will be strange not seeing her for two months but I hope she has fun.

Shona arrives on Thursday and I've been desperate to offload a computer desk which Mimi left with me when she went off to Belgium a few weeks ago. After a couple of weeks without interest three folk wanted it all at once! As Yvonne asked first she got it. I didn't want any money for it as it was given to me and now Shona can find her bed!

Half an hour after the desk moved on Bill turned up. He has a golf shop and organises golfing holidays. Someone had left a brand new pair of Nike trainers in his mini-bus and as he didn't want to throw them out he thought of Brian. A perfect fit and they take up far less room than a desk!

Mia Allison

As you may have guessed from all this cooking stuff I've been doing lately, Brian has been working. It's a bit of a guilt trip really as I feel bad when he comes home and doesn't have a meal in front of him. Lancashire blood will out I suppose. Tonight's offering was beef, onions and mushrooms with sliced potatoes and I was quite proud of it. The trouble is that I never enjoy my own cooking and can't wait until the dishes are washed and away. That feeling doesn't apply when he cooks though. It's a daunting task then............I wish I could find the pic of my son wading through a whole kitchen worth of dishes!

Still on the cooking theme as our Shona comes out next week and could have to bear with some of my experiments. She'll be fine as Bar San Juan does a good breakfast!

We had an email from Brian's brother George today and he has a grand-daughter...........Mia Allison. A lovely name and we send loads of good wishes and lots of love xxx

Hot

It has been quite a cold winter with many windy spells. Not too much rain but I'd rather have that than the wind.

During the last few days the temperature has soared and our walk along the seafront was a little painful today. Far too hot for Clio.

We had thought that the filming for 'The Clash of the Titans' had finished but we spent half an hour watching them out at sea. One poor chap was swimming around for ages and then they set the explosives off. I must have jumped six feet into the air!

Well, as Clio would say, it keeps the oldies amused!

Help!!

Caught out by a Bank Holiday yet again! It wasn't too much of a problem as we had food and stuff in but we'd neglected to put our 'bill money' into La Caixa Bank and you all know what a headache it is when the telephone bill isn't paid.

Brian came up with a cunning plan to save me rushing there first thing on Monday morning..........the Cashpoint! We've never paid money into it before so it was a bit of a learning curve. I know I'm getting old now that a machine can floor me. We weren't doing too bad until a queue started to form and I got a little flustered and it was well hot in the cubby hole. My turn for a cunning plan and I invited the next in line to give us a hand. What a nice man!

That done, we walked down to Bar San Juan to sit with Terry, Helen, Paul and Bill and Muriel. It seems that we had been spotted and they had been timing us. Lots of amusement at our expense............I'll get my own back in the course of time.

Fish Pie

Tonight's culinary delight was fish pie. I would have preferred mash but as Brian insisted on pastry I bought a pack of the frozen variety.

I over did the eggy bit so it was a little too brown on top but it tasted ok.

More practice for this one I think and I should have it right for when Shona visits next month. Who's betting that she doesn't like fish?

Our Day Out

Charlotte and I went off on our school trip yesterday. We went up to Pino Alto which is way up in the North of the Island. It took around two hours to get there and I was well amazed to find it was pouring with rain and well chilly. As you can see the Spanish manage a fiesta whatever the conditions.

Whilst the children were singing and dancing us grown-ups were taken on a tour of the village. The road reminded me of when I lived in Cornwall as it just went up and up. One poor chap was gasping as he arrived at the top. All that just to go back down again! We were shown this mine and from what I could gather it was something to do with bringing fresh water out of the rock. Lots of herbs and stuff to collect, not that I knew one from the other but it did smell nice.

This was another viewpoint which was pointed out. All to do with the pine trees that grow here.

A nice day out but I must admit that it was good to get back into the sun again. Little Lottie's birthday party to go to and then I escaped to a child free zone!

Well Done Burnley!

I'm more of a Blackburn Rovers fan but it's really nice to see Burnley hit the Premiership.

I'd love to be in the Stop and Rest on Friday night to hear the banter. Ray v Dennis! At least it might be a little different from the conversation that they've had for the last thirty years or so! Go for it Dennis.........

Scrummy!

Dave taught me how to make beer batter a little while ago and we decided to have a go at fish and chips tonight. To be honest, the photo doesn't do it justice as it was really good.

I wish I'd remembered the mushy peas though!

Well, I Went!

It was 'Mammogram Day' yesterday and my friend, Tina, offered to drive me to the hospital as it's a little off the beaten track. It was kind of her as I must admit to being a little nervous and was glad of her company.

The first hurdle was my lack of a medical card which I fully expected and I was asked to wait whilst my letter and passport were taken elsewhere for checks. It did cross my mind to bail out then but I braved it out and waited. Ten minutes or so later I was taken into a small office and had to answer a questionnaire. Quite funny really but with my Spanish and the receptionist's English we managed it. She did seem quite amused when I told her that both my children were bottle fed..........happen my Lancashire/Spanish confused her!

That done I was sent outside to wait again. It's hard enough going for these sort of things in England when you know why you have to wait but neither Tina nor I knew what the plot was. Ten minutes later they shouted my name........Hoonie as they pronounce it here.........and it was done and dusted.

Back to San Juan and a much needed beer in Bar Antonio!

It Gets Worse

Sue and Don brought us a few presents back from their trip to the UK including three PS2 games. Nothing will get done from now on as we are back gaming and taking 'turns'. Thank you both xx.

It was after four o'clock before we moved this afternoon for our daily walk with Clio and the first thing we came across was the funeral of that poor woman who was murdered on Tuesday. The Church Square was packed with mourners and we stood with them for a little while before walking down towards the harbour to check out the state of play with the filming. Nothing much going on so we sat outside the Silver Bar for a quick beer and were in conversation with Wendy and Nigel when an ambulance with lights flashing turned into the side street.

I must admit that I didn't think too much of it, even when I saw the Paramedic standing in the main road and using his mobile. As we got up to leave we were told that Eric had passed away and they were waiting for the police and a doctor to turn up. His wife, Pauline, has to wait until tomorrow before their children can get here.

How much more does this village have to go through?

Such Goings On!

We were all a little shocked to hear that a woman was murdered just up the road from us yesterday afternoon. It was a little more personal when we found that it was the sister of the local garage owner who we know quite well. It seems that her ex-husband did the deed but apart from a short report from the Guardia Civil, that's all we know.

They have been doing odd things with strange boats down at the harbour all week. It's all to do with a film called 'The Clash of the Titans' which stars Liam Neeson and Ralph Fiennes. The main action doesn't start until the end of the week and I might wander down with my camera.............and volunteer Brian as an extra!

Losing Things

It isn't something that I'm in the habit of but I seem to have lost fifty Euros out of my purse.
We went to Santiago this morning to do a bit of shopping but were running a little short of ready cash just as one of the shops was closing. Knowing that I had a fifty tucked away I decided to use that before we went to the cashpoint machine. It had gone.
I'm always so careful and I couldn't believe it. Thankfully, it wasn't far to the machine and the shop remained open until we got back.
It has been going over and over in my head all day. It's done and that's all there is to it but it does bug me.
I've just checked my Euro Millions ticket and I've won thirteen Euros! Makes it all a little better, I suppose.

That Time of Year Again

I thought that it was time to liven up the place by doing a bit of a spring clean this week. Curtains washed and windows cleaned. I so hate cleaning windows. The bedrooms aren't too bad as Brian takes them out and I can do the frames and shine the glass all in one go but the patio doors are a different story. I went for washing them in soapy water, using the squeegee thing and then the paper towel way this time as opposed to glass cleaner. They don't look too bad but I'm avoiding looking at them when the sun shines. The worst bit is that the folk across the road can see how useless I am!

Brian did the kitchen and bathroom wall tiles a couple of weeks ago so all we have left to do is that awful slatted window in the utility room. On reflection, I reckon I'll leave that to him! Job done.

A Strange Birthday

I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do today so Brian suggested that I went for a peaceful beer at Rincon whilst he went to feed Sue's birds for me. Peace didn't last too long as Muriel and Bill turned up with Quality Street and I arranged to meet them later. The next to find me were Janie and Gary who stopped for a quick one and they were followed by Neil and Tina. We did have a really pleasant hour and Neil gave me a haggis. Don't ask!

I never did make a proper decision but after joining Muriel and Co at Bar San Juan for a while, we ended up going for a Chinese takeaway. Complete confusion as the staff couldn't speak any English but were fine with Spanish. We could order ours but as the phone orders came in from English folk they were baffled. Brian ended up translating. Well funny, and I hope they got what they wanted! Sorry, didn't mean that as he did really well.

After dinner and Britain's Got Talent, I went off to watch Slumdog on my little yellow telly. I'm not sure if was the illicit DVD or my player but it stopped just before the end!

Told you that it was a strange birthday!

Grumpy Puppy

Clio went off at lunchtime to have her much needed cut and blow dry.

She's done nothing but sleep since she came home and this was her reaction when I went to take a pic.

Best left alone but who will suffer at three in the morning when she's lively again?

It's Lovely

Our new table and chairs. The apartment isn't very big and we don't have enough room for much but this fits in really well. Mind you, I have been moving it here there and everywhere all day to find the perfect place.

Much better than balancing a tray on your knee and I'm well happy!