On Countdown to 2006!

I suppose everyone is thinking about making New Year resolutions today. I'm not going to go there as I know I'd never keep any.

Spain's new anti smoking reforms start on the first of January. No smoking in public places, which includes bars. I never thought that would happen here as around 75% of Canarians smoke. It is a little strange because very small bars are exempt even though they serve food. Medium sized bars have a complete no smoking ban but the largest bars are allowed a smoking area.........sounds a little like the story of the three bears..........!! In walks Goldilocks puffing on a very large cigar!

I guess I might get used to standing outside for my naughty ciggie.

I collected my parcel from the post office today. It was a couple of dvd's from my son, Mark. We watched one of them tonight and really enjoyed it. A comedy thing called 'A Road to Nowhere'. I'm saying nothing about the other one!

We have also been watching the history stuff that Sam sent. Narrated by David Starkey, discussing the lives of Elizabeth the First and Henry the Eighth. I so love that sort of thing and hoped he might have covered more Royal lives, but unfortunately not. Maybe in the course of time.

A Lonely Week

I will be so glad when the world gets back to normal. A lot of our mates returned to England for Christmas and New Year and other's have family staying so we seem to be spending a lot of time on our own.

Sue's canaries, Fecker and Red are staying at the moment, whilst she is in Essex. Red makes the strangest noises which Sue calls singing! My budgies don't seem to like them much.

I did do some of my Family History transcribing this afternoon but I'm a little stuck with my research. I'm back to the late 1700's and really need to look at church records. Not much chance of that from here! There is one site which helps on occasion - http://www/familyresearch.org - but I appear to be drawing a blank on that at the moment.

My brother, Ray, and I had a good natter earlier........he tells me that it is well cold in Lancashire.

Correos - Or Spanish Post

I've been wondering for ages why my friends and family hadn't sent cards for Christmas. A big sulk because I really like to receive them..........they all turned up today!! I had one from my son and his family, one from my brother and his lot.........another twelve or so from our friends in England and a package to collect.

Christmas arrived at last!!

We did have a parcel from my daughter last week which contained a couple of dvd's for me. History stuff which I really like and she sent Brian the latest Diana Gabaldon book. We've all read the whole series and it has been really great. I hope that he reads it well quick so that I can have it next!

It seems that the recent meeting between myself and my childhood friend may get a mention in the local paper. We shall see!

My Christmas Carol

Such a trip down memory lane, I don't really know where to start.

Carol and I were inseperable as kids, her mother would clip my ear same as mine would her's. Folks did that sort of thing in those days.

Anyway, we both attended St Andrew's Primary School but were sent off to different senior schools and haven't seen each other since. Carol did bring a letter with her which I wrote to her around the mid seventies........I'm ashamed to say that I don't remember writing it! How time rolls on.
Brian took this lovely photo of me, Carol and her parents, Tom and Joyce, when we all met again today. I was rather nervous to start, same as Carol was, but after a minute or two we found that we couldn't stop talking!

Joyce brought out some pics of my parents which I'd never seen.........very emotional.........and Tom told a few tales about my dad. We looked at photos of our children, talked about other kids we knew from school, the afternoon just flew by.

They don't leave the island until the sixth of January and we hope to meet before then. Such a lovely day!

Photo: Brian

Topsie's Birthday

My little man was nine years old yesterday. If he had been more of a sociable sort of dog he might have had a party. As it was, he had a double helping of dinner and a piece of Christmas Cake....................!!

Never Again!!

Brian cooked a lovely Christmas dinner yesterday which we both enjoyed but we won't be doing it again.

It took ages for me to clear up after as he seemed to use every pan, dish and plate in the kitchen! It really wasn't worth all the effort just for the two of us.

Now were lumbered with a freezer full of turkey bits! I'm not sure that I want to visit it again!

All in all it was a lonely sort of Christmas. We went for a walk in the afternoon, ate our meal, watched a couple of DVD's and Brian was snoring before eleven.

Things should cheer up a bit today though as we're off to Doreen's this evening for her usual Boxing Day gathering.

Happy Christmas!

I really couldn't resist this cartoon, my family will know how lazy 'im indoors is and will remember the year when the tree stayed in the lounge until Easter! I decorated it with ribbons and Easter bunnies........he was shamed enough to move it then!! I must admit it looked rather nice!

Well, it's not long away from Xmas Day and we would like to send our love to friends and family. My son, Mark, Katie and Tully. My daughter, Sam, Jamie, Martin and Maisie. My brother, Raymond, Alison, Dean and Bradley. Brian's son, Simon, Karen, Carla and Sophie, his sister, Shona and brothers George and Alan and everyone in Scotland xxx

Hazel (you are creasing me now!) my bestest friend in all the world and her family, Roger, Debbie and Gary. Tony and his 'kids', Charlotte and Emily. Everyone at the Inn on the Shore, Downderry, Cornwall.

Valerie and her family, John and Joe x All the folks we know here in Tenerife.

We hope you all have a lovely time and very best wishes for the New Year xxx

Scary Doings!

We had to go food shopping today which is something that I really hate. Normally, 'im indoors does it and only uses Spanish shops but the only way we could find a Christmas turkey was to travel half way around the island to...........ICELAND.

My stress level was well high. The main motorway, the TF1, is about as bad as the M8 in Glasgow and I try to keep as far away from it as I can!

Unfortunately, Brian seemed to think that it was a family thing and I had to go along. I only agreed when he promised me a beer at the end of it. Talking of which, we stopped off at this lovely restaurant on our way home. It had hessian sacks as a roof, spanish hats as lampshades and the food looked really brilliant.

We are now the proud owners of this huge turkey which will take us months to eat.........I'm thinking of putting him into the spare bed to defrost!! Poor Tommy, come Sunday he'll be well cooked!

Friends

This is my friend Valerie, who lives in Sudbury, Canada. She is a Professor and teaches in a local college as well as bringing up her three sons.

When we moan about the cold we should spare a moment to think of her...........she has over 40 centimetres of snow outside her home and it's around minus 18 degrees!!

It has been my month for mates. If you remember I had an email from Carol who I haven't heard from since we were at primary school.............well, I had a Christmas Card today from Marilyn.............we worked together when we were sixteen! It's all very strange.

A little bad news though. Dave, one of the local English blokes who we socialise with on occasion had a heart attack today. Much sympathy to his family x

Around Twenty Hours of Rain!

Horrid torrential stuff which teemed down from around 2 o'clock this morning and has just about stopped now all those hours later. We didn't get much in the way of sleep either as the noise of the water pouring and hitting the shutters was horrendous.

The whole island goes to rats when it rains.........a little like England does when it snows. The builders had the day off, lots of bars and shops closed and the roads were almost impassable.

I stayed in and caught up with some of my transcribing. Unfortunately, the internet went down this afternoon but the electricity managed to keep on going.

Brian, just in from walking Topsie, says that the sky is looking a lot clearer so maybe Sue and I will manage to get our day out tomorrow. Finger's crossed.

Alcala

Sue and I caught the bus into the nearby village of Alcala today for a spot of Xmas Shopping.

I reckon that 'im indoor's Scottish influence has rubbed off because I didn't buy a thing! A cheeky chappie on the market tried to flog me a manicure set, reducing his price from 12 Euros to only five! He couldn't talk me into it though.

Sue did manage to find a lovely pair of black trousers and a few gifts.............spendthrift!!

We are having another 'away day' on Wednesday as we have decided to go bowling..........happen I'll part with some money then!

I've just had a look at Tully's blog. She went to visit my brother's family at the weekend. I so wish I could spend Christmas with them all. Maybe next year.

A Budgie Battle?

Poor Juanita!! Her face was covered in blood today and it had splattered up the wall. We decided that Jose was to blame and moved him to a 'holding cell'. It is so sad as they have been so happy together for months. Brian bathed her face and received a few bites for his pains! She seems fine now and is happily eating her millet.

I'm not really sure what to do next.

There was a custom car rally in the village today. All good stuff! I've decided that 'our Melvyn', ancient Renault Clio, would look really good with artwork and those blue lights underneath. I'm not getting a very positive reaction from 'im indoors though!

Presentation Night

It was our bowling league night out tonight so off we went to Playa Fanabe. I was in my posh frock, heck!!

The meal was perfect. I had prawns followed by steak in pepper sauce, all beautifully cooked and presented, whilst Brian opted for soup, shoulder of lamb and profiteroles. Not one person, out of around fifty, had a complaint! All free too!

We shared a taxi home with Jeff and Doreen and popped into a local bar for 'one for the road'. Altogether a very nice evening.

The Rack'ems picked up their trophy for third place in the Sunday League and there's Brian with his.

For a dour Scot..........he actually looks pleased!!

Oh Dear!

We heard such a bang around half past one this afternoon, just about the time the children were finishing school for the day.

I daren't look as I was sure one of them had been hit.........but, this lady had just slammed her vehicle into the side of a Police car.............!!!

She had right of way but neither vehicle could see clearly because matey in the white hat had parked his lorry in such a stupid place. He did try to sneak off but he was nabbed!

The white van was allowed to go after they had exchanged details, the lorry driver got a ticket and poor PC Plod had to wait for a grua to tow him away!

Strangely enough, tonight's policemen were on foot!!

Photo: Brian

Village News

John, Sally the labrador's 'daddy', went off to have his operation today. The cataract on his right eye was beginning to be a problem as he could no longer see to read and his driving appeared to be a little scary!! We haven't met up with him yet but rumour has it that he can now SEE!! Watch out World!

His daughter and her hubby are coming out to stay for Xmas and he has such a menu planned for Christmas Day. I hope they have fun.

Sue and Don are flying back to England on the 23rd of December, along with a few other English folk......it's not a bad idea, lots of cheapy flights! Caron and Charlotte are going too, could be just us left!

I can't leave Topsie and the budgies, though!

Our Charlotte

I've been waiting for a couple of weeks or so for Caron to email a pic of Charlotte in her 'Princess Dress'.

I'm afraid that one will have to wait because amongst the half a dozen photos she sent on to me I found this one which I couldn't resist.

How lovely!

Charlotte's little friend is Lotty, Gavin and Hayley's little princess............just goes to prove that they don't need a frock to look special xx

Photo: Caron

I've Never Been So Bored!!

It has been such a long boring day. The first Sunday for 47 weeks that we haven't been to the bowling alley and did we miss it!

I've read all the magazines which Shona left for me, spent ages playing Mahjong Solitaire, watched Brian struggling with his PS2 game and chatted for a while with my friend, Valerie, who lives in Canada, on MSN.

We did go for our normal stroll around the village earlier but the chilly evenings seem to be keeping other folk indoors so apart from watching the antics of three two-year old boys and a little of this evening's Real Madrid match in El Bar Rincon de Cristina, there was nothing much to report.

My Spanish friend, Maria, has just come out of hospital after an operation to straighten her eye. I had the same op as an eight year old, I wonder if she will end up with a plaster on her glasses!!

Topsie Noel

My friend, John, from Shropshire has put our Top into the Christmas mood!! I'm not sure it has quite kicked in yet, as far as Top is concerned but it has made me laugh! Top's cyber friend, Joe, is sporting a similar model!

My grandson, Martin, who I was chatting with on MSN earlier, also thought it was well funny!

Thanks John x

So Emotional

We don't have English television here which is a bit of a bugbear and we do scratch around for stuff to watch.

We recently acquired a box of assorted video tapes, many without titles, and have been ploughing our way through them. Brian is waiting to find the 'naughty ones'!!

We came across a tape of the VE Celebrations in London, 1995, this evening and have I had a good cry!! I've never seen it before.

The Scots Guards made the hair stand up on the back of my neck and the kiddies going off on trains, being evacuated was a little sorrowful.

Sir Cliff Richard started me sniffling with his version of 'Jerusalem', one of my favourites but Dame Vera Lynn really had me howling. 'We'll Meet Again' followed by 'Land of Hope and Glory', tears were running down my face.

Will I save it or shove it in the bin?!!!

Reina Sofia Airport, Tenerife

Our Shona went back to Scotland today. Her brother took her to the airport this morning for her five hour flight to Glasgow.

I have missed her, Billy no mates all day! Top has been looking for her too, he really hates the sight of suitcases and knew something was amiss yesterday when Shona started packing!

She treated us to a lovely meal last night at Thomas's Bar. We had steak with pepper sauce and there was chocolate pudding for afters. I didn't have room for that though! It was a pleasant evening and we wandered home feeling well stuffed!!!

On the home front, Juanita, hasn't been too well. She was Mrs Unhappy Budgie yesterday and I was really worried about her. She seemed a bit brighter today and, hopefully, all will be well, fingers crossed.

A Christmas Carol

In May, 2002, during the days when I was a member of FriendsReunited, I noticed that one of my best friends at primary school was registered there. I sent her a nice email, a brief summary of my life, but never had a reply. Oh, well, never mind, after all, I hadn't seen her since I was about eleven!

Surprise, surprise, on Monday she replied!! It seems that she is coming out to Tenerife for Xmas and New Year, with her husband and parents, and would like to meet up.

Her parents and mine were great friends and they did attend my father's funeral back in the eighties so it will be lovely to see them again.

My only problem is..........how on earth am I going to recognise Carol after all these years.......carnations in button holes, happen!!

Lovely Dolphins

Shona and I went off to have a late breakfast at Casa Chrissy today and were rewarded with the sight of a large party of dolphins swimming quite close to the shore.

I'ts brilliant to see them in their natural environment, so beautiful to watch.

Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera. The pic is courtesy of the Loro Park, Puerto de la Cruz, Tenerife.

We didn't do too much for the rest of the day and Shona was happy to soak up some sun! Plans for tomorrow include a bus trip. That's bound to be amusing!

Two Bank Holidays!!

We have two Bank Holidays this week. Tomorrow is Constitution Day and Thursday is the day of the Immaculate Conception.

I read up a little about that earlier and was suprised to know that it meant 'without sin', a bit different to what I thought before!

Well, they do say that you learn something new every day!

No shops open for most of the week, schools closed, what on earth are Shona and I going to do? Don't suggest bowling because Shona has a sporting injury from Sunday. Her hip is giving her jip!! Luckily, we know of a nice bar where we may get an English Breakfast!! We will see what happens from there!

No Sunday Bowling League!

The first Sunday for 45 weeks that we didn't have to go bowling. Lots of finger tapping, a little head scratching and some muttering 'what on earth shall we do?'. What do you reckon we did? We went bowling!!

We gave Jeff a ring around eleven this morning and he, too, was at a loose end, Doreen being in England so he didn't take much pursuading to join in.

The four of us played three games but Jeff and Shona didn't fancy a fourth. Brian and I played each other on that one and I beat him by one pin!

We ended up at Mark's Carvery in Calleo Savaje and pigged out.

I'm a little tearful just now after watching Love Actually, it really gets to me at the end when that little kiddy runs across the airport to meet her grannie. Sob!!

Shona's Holiday - Day One

We all slept late this morning and after Brian took Topsie for his walk he went off to the Supermarket along with Shona. I managed to escape it, as usual!

At around six we went down to Bar Rincon de Cristina for a beer or three, meeting up with quite a few folk. Carol was just back from her trip to England, Maz and Bernard were homeward bound after a bit of a session and John had locked himself out of his apartment. Luckily, I had a set of his keys, even though he had forgotten that he'd given them to me......all was well.
Brian is now making the Scottish favourite.......mince and tatties for himself and Shona and I'm having pork chops, my favourite! They are about to watch 'Zulu', think I'm better sitting here!

There they on on the pic...........at least Shona is smiling!

Shona's Here

Brian's sister, Shona, arrived today. We overslept this morning which was a bit of a crisis. Luckily, she only had about ten minutes to wait until Brian arrived at the airport, phew!!

We had a bit of a 'Tenerife Day' wandering down to Casa Chrissy's for a late lunch and a couple of beers. A walk around the village followed before we met up with the crowd at five o'clock club. They were all pleased to see Shona, as she is a regular visitor.

She brought her brother a nice treat..............some Scottish Pies which he has been craving for!

We Had a Lovely Day!

Sue and I caught the number 473 bus to Las Americas this morning and had such a laugh. As you can see from the photo, they get into such pickles.

For once it was almost on time but we had the slowest driver in the world. He had one passenger, sitting behind him and one in the footwell, didn't they have such a gossip! At one stage Sue muttered, she did quite a bit of that, 'when's he getting the tea cups out'. Happen you had to be there!

He took a different route too which completely confused us but we bore with it and finally got to our destination over an hour later.

First stop was at a nice Italian restaurant for a bit of lunch. Good food which was reasonably priced but they were a little over the top as far as the prices of coffee and tea were concerned. We may go back but the jury is still out!

We went bowling after which was really good as I haven't bowled for fun for ages.........all those league matches. Sue hadn't played for a while but she did beat me one game. Well done Sue x

After a really, really long walk around the area, peeking into the five star hotels.......going 'I wish', we stopped off for a quick beer. That particular bar is definitely a no go in the future, such ignorant staff!

I'm not going into the blocked roads etc., but we did manage to get back to attend five o'clock club and only a little late. Brian and Don were propping the bar up as normal!

El Dia de San Andreas

Saint Andrew's Day, Patron Saint of Scotland.

Celebrated in Tenerife by the locals running around the roads pulling tin baths, old car doors, in fact, anything at all made of tin! Usually, the children run around the school with tin cans on string, but it didn't happen today for some reason. Maybe, because of the recent bad weather. I'm quite glad really as the whole thing makes such a racket! Happen they are saving it until tomorrow!

I enjoyed five o'clock club tonight. Vinod and Josie are going back to England tomorrow. Vinod is the Indian gentleman I've mentioned before. He was a Doctor in Harley Street for many years but has now retired. His wife, Josie, is Maltese so we have had lots to talk about. I lived in Malta for a couple of years, my daughter was born there and it was so nice to chat about it. Made me fancy a nice walk through Valetta!

David, Charlotte's Daddy came up with this stupid thing.............say beer can. If you can do it without sounding like a Rastafarian wanting bacon with his eggs you are a good un!

Think I Have A Cold

I haven't stopped sneezing all evening. It must be all this bad weather.

Tenerife isn't able to cope with such bad climate changes and this past couple of days has proved it. Guttering is something they have never heard of so the rain just pours down the buildings. Everything was awash with the rain and the wind bent the palm trees in half in some areas.

It all got a little scary at times but, thankfully, we were ok and survived. I heard that six people lost their lives during it and I feel sorry for their families.

Brian, on dog walking duty this morning watched the sea overflowing the walkways. I've lived here for over four years and visited more times than I can remember but I've never been told that before.

It's calmed down a little now so happen we have seen the end of Tropical Storm Delta, I do hope so!

A Bit Grim!

Howling winds and torrential rain, how lovely! It does sound a lot worse on the Island of La Palma though, so maybe we should think ourselves lucky.

Rumour has it that it will be really bad over-night and last until tomorrow lunch-time.

I wouldn't mind too much but the electricity keeps cutting out which sort of curtails our PS2 and computer stuff. After being cut off for a little while earlier, we braved the elements and went to Bar Antonio. Louis had emergency lighting so five o'clock club continued as normal!

Take a look at Tully's blog...................they have snow. Brrrrrrr!

We'll be reading by candle-light soon!

Hatches are Battened!!

The radio gave out a severe weather warning earlier. Tropical Storm Delta is heading our way and, by all accounts, the winds could be up around 65 miles per hour. Lots of rain too!

Luckily, Shona, sister of 'im indoors, doesn't arrive until Friday but I do feel sorry for all the people who are here on holiday this week.

Our balcony is cleared and all the shutters are closed so we will be fine. At least I don't have a chimney to worry about!

Sunday Bowling League

We had a draw which was a good result. My opponent, Dave, scored 228 in the first game!! Best for me was a 174 and Doreen came up with a 171 on the last. Finishing fifth after a 45 week league was brilliant for us.

Jeff and Brian won 6 - 2 which leaves them in third place. A pic of the trophy to follow in due course.

Trouble is..........what are we all going to do until the second week in January?

A Normal Saturday

We had a lazy morning and decided to go out for lunch at Casa Chrissy. Brian really loves their home made food. Only place for him to get some really as I am the worst cook in the world!

On the budgie front.........I reckon they are sneaking into their nesting box whilst I'm out...........little tinkers! Video surveillance may be required, must look into it.

We are now settled for the rest of the evening. I'm computer-bound as per normal and Brian is killing monsters along with Crash Bandicoot. 3+, what is he like!

My Tribute to George Best

He was such a superb player and gave so much to his fans. Such a genius but, unfortunately, he was without guidance during his early years.

His addiction to alcohol shortened his career and also his life. I read earlier that he was likened to a fifth Beatle during the sixties, I can understand that. Bless him xxxx

Not much more I can say really apart from feeling well sad and I give my thoughts to his family.

Night George and sleep well.

Noughts and Crosses

I spent an hour or so earlier playing games online with grandson, Martin. He did make me chuckle. He's really into MSN Messenger and most of the family ended up chatting together. He seems to know lots more than I do!!

Mark, my son, introduced us to a new game which is well adictive and I've managed to get to level thirteen. Clever me!!

We went for our normal 'walk' around six this evening and spent some time with John, Carol and George, who were walking their dogs, Sally, Captain and Colonel, before we moved on for a beer at Bar Antonio. Carol is off to England tomorrow for a week. Brrrrrrrr!!!

There's Martin, in full concentration mode, trying to beat his eldest sister, Jamie, on the Playstation!

Photo: julian

The Bedlam Cube

I brought this flippin' thing back from England with me and it's impossible to sit next to it without picking it up. There are 19,186 ways of doing it according to the web site but can we find one?

If you are really clever, or patient enough to put all the bits back in the box, you will be awarded with a gold one.

I have a funny feeling, now that Brian has his hands on it that it will be whizzed over the balcony soon!

http://www.bedlampuzzles.com/

Fun Bowl, Monday Bowling League

I haven't laughed so much for ages! The aim of the first game was to hit as many pins as possible - after hitting the bumper first. Ten points deducted if you missed the bumper.
Martin couldn't seem to get the hang of it as he had never tried it before but I did well, scoring 141.

Second game was similar but we had to score as little as possible. We were all useless at that. Doreen had a strike first throw! Katie decided to roll her ball very slowly down the side but it stopped half way. Never seen that happen before. It all got rather noisy!!

The last game was a normal one, thank goodness and I clocked up 159 which put me in the running for a prize.

We had free drinks and a buffet and then all gathered around for the presentation of the cups etc. I missed second place by three pins!!

I sat outside, waiting for my lift, muttering 'I never win nuffin!'.

Sunday Bowling League

The last game of the season and we managed to beat the league leaders, Carol and Elliot, 6 - 2!! We lost the first game by around 20 pins but Doreen scored 165 in the middle game and I managed a 168 in the last!

Next week is position week and it's looking like the boys will be in third place and us, fifth. We are really pleased with that!

Almost forgot to mention that Ros got her 200 shirt today. Well done to her!! One day it might be my turn.

What Happened?

My Spanish team, Real Madrid, didn't seem to get it together and Barca went and won 3 - 0!!

Becksie played well though, lovely lad...........ummm.

It was really good watching the match in a Spanish bar...............so noisy and well funny.

Birthday boy is sound asleep in his chair, no staying power!

Birthday Boy!

It's 'im indoor's birthday today so he was allowed to choose what to do all day. He fancied a couple of beers and an English Breakfast so off we went to Casa Chrissy, via Rincon de Cristina, I might add and pigged out.

His next choice is to watch the Barcelona v Real Madrid game which is due to start in an hour or so.

I'm not sure if he's saying 'cheers' or asking for another one!!

Such A Hoot!

I was looking around the net for some instructions on budgie breeding when I came across this Australian site. Did you ever!! Anyway, after a few moments thought, I decided to join in.

Best thing I got out of it was giving them some fresh greens. I reckon the rest is up to them.

I did try though.

I must admit it was the funniest thing I've seen for ages and I was in fits. Budgie Memoriams, oh heck!

Not A Happy Bunny!

Do you remember last week when the nice Spanish lady promised not to cut me off? She promised to send a bill, not received as yet, and then..................no phone line on Tuesday morning!

I am like a bear with a sore head if I don't have my internet connection and poor Brian did suffer terribly. Like a good chap he phoned Telefonica, made three trips to the bank and at long last managed to pay them by some sort of bank transfer. He ended up with a list of numbers half a mile long!! Then we had to send a fax to prove we had paid it. Bearing in mind, all his transactions had to be in Spanish, I think he did really well. Three cheers Brian, I'm back on line xx

I thought that BT were the worst company I'd ever heard of but I reckon that Telefonica could knock spots off them!

It didn't do me much harm really because I did manage to catch up a bit on my volunteer work for a Family History site, do some cleaning and write all my Xmas cards!

Monday Bowling League

It was position week this week and Martin and I ended up in fourteenth place out of twenty four which I didn't think was too bad. This was our first season playing together and also our first in Monday League. Wait until you see our new shirts for next year!

Paul, the manager, pictured in the white shirt is laying on free bowling, free drinks and a buffet next Monday and the lucky ones will be receiving their trophies.

Duncan, in the shorts, is the Pro, Alison has now returned to Scotland and the lad on the end is my Monday partner, Martin.

Photo: Harleys Superbowl

Yippee!

Another win for us today, 8 - 0 too!!! Doreen was so funny as she dropped the ball but got a strike. All I heard was 'my knee went and they all fell down'! Ummm.

The boys didn't do too well though and it looks like they will be finishing in third not second place. Suprisingly, they were both quite cheerful about it even though Jeff did threaten to strangle me with the ribbon off the weekly medal. I know, on my side of the cupboard again, shucks!

We all went for a meal after bowling as it is Doreen's birthday tomorrow. We do enjoy their company so we had a pleasant couple of hours sitting outside Rincon de Cristina.

It has gone a little chilly now though and I'm longing for a nice gas fire and warm carpets instead of no heating and cold floor tiles.

It Could Have Been Tragic

I have had awful trouble this past couple of days with my internet connection and it was looking a little like I would be offline all weekend. It has been impossible to use the phone too as all you get is a really loud crackle. After trying various possibilities it seemed best to move the computer into the second bedroom, connect up there and ditch the phone! First thing Monday I'll have to send for the little man who knows!

My friend, Val, in Canada rang this afternoon but we couldn't have a decent chat, never mind as I'm sure it will be sorted soon.

One of my French neighbours amused me earlier as she went out of her way to let me know that I could get books from a nearby hotel....................I can manage quite a bit of Spanish but reading books in French is a little beyond me!! She meant well though.

He Did It!!

After nine or ten days trying to beat the level on his PS2 game Brian finally cracked it!! Was I glad, as there was rather too much swearing and cursing. Trouble is that he seems to be struggling a little with the next one. I will live in hope!

Five o'clock club was well funny tonight. We almost had the full crowd. Caron and David went off for a meal, though, and left young Charlotte with Sue and Don. She had enough stuff in her overnight bag to last a month. Does Sue know what she has let herself in for?

Jordan is staying with his Gran and Grandad tonight and as he will be five on Sunday, his level of excitement is on the high side to say the least. It has been made a little worse because the council, or ayuntamiento, decided to start putting up the Xmas lights today...........poor lad is well confused!

Terry was in hyperactive mode as normal and insisted that Enoch Powell was in favour of immigrants in the late fifties and sixties..................unfortunately, it doesn't seem possible to post the quote I just read onto here but I reckon he was a little bit wrong! If anyone knows different...................

No news on the budgie front as it appears that Juanita is still insisting on 'No way Jose'!!

The Tale of Ted's Tongue

Poor Ted, he kindly gave a 'mate' a lift home the other night and ended up being badly assaulted. The 'mate' had been on the booze for a while, or rumour has it and went berserk in the car, punching and hitting our Ted before trying to strangle him.

Whilst Ted was choking the 'mate' jumped forward and bit his tongue. He is really suffering at the moment and can hardly talk. As he already had a bad foot you can imagine the pickle he is in.

It has been the week for it as John, another local, fell down some steps and broke both his wrists.......................we saw both of them together today, looked like a scene from Casualty!

Hope you both get better soon lads xx

An Update..........

There we were thinking that our phone bill was all sorted when the nice man from El Banco La Caixa rang to tell us that Telefonica had refused our payment! My first thought was 'how did he get our number'.........DOH!

Anyway, after an irate phone call and quite a few swear words, from i'm indoors, I might add, Telefonica say that they won't cut off my phone and will forward a bill immediately.........not sure that I believe all that but time will tell. Guess what was in our post box when we got home.....you got it, the next month's bill!

I did a little research into the Red Canary family for Sue and it seems that they have to be fed a certain diet so that they stay that colour. I knew that Juan was being a little naughty!

Still with birdies, the nest box is now in place but both Jose and Juanita seem a little scared of it. Maybe Juanita is thinking 'No way Jose'!!

Four Years Today!

I can't quite believe that we have lived here for four years as the time has gone so quickly. This is a pic of our apartment building taken just after we arrived here. Ours is the one to the left on the middle floor.

We had a bit of a 'Tenerife Day' in sort of celebration today and decided to do just what we wanted. A bottle of beer before ten o'clock was really wicked!! Jane, the cook at Casa Chrissy, did make us a really good English Breakfast!

I had to get up early because next door's dog, Ricci, decided to bark from around seven, little tinker! Our first mission was to try to pay our phone bill, always a nightmare as receiving the actual bill is so hit and miss. We didn't get one this month but the nice man in El Banco La Caixa was so helpful and sorted us out within minutes. What a star!

We went to Antonio's Bar at tea time for our usual tipple. My friend, Sue, bought another Canary today to keep Fecker company but Juan, our favourite barman, reckons there is no such thing as a red Canary..............I'm about to check it out!

Brian's Post

I asked Brian to do this post tonight because we are celebrating four years of living in Tenerife. Not having put much in the diary that day apart from ' we have arrived' I felt it would be good for him to say what he felt and this is what I got...........

'Here I am four years in tenerife and still going strong. Need a little help now and again getting home but I'm still here'.

Sick sad puppy!

Big Pigs!

It always amazes me where they get these huge chops from! Never seen a pig here yet!

The Canarians seem to eat goat and rabbits which abound here but, seriously, where are these gigantic pigs? Food for thought, ha ha!

Martin rang me today, Monday bowling partner, it seems that our 'uniform' is being ordered for next season. We are having matching Harley's shirts. A bit posh, I reckon! I just wish that I could manage to get the all important 200 hundred logo before then. I would be well cool!

Sunday Bowling League

There was a bit of a generation gap at bowling today as Doreen and I had to play Charlotte and Natasha, a couple of teenagers. In true Headmistress style Doreen wished them both a good game before adding 'I expect respect'!

They were good girls though and started well by winning the first game by six pins which meant that we had to pull out all the stops and try to win the last two. Doreen's 156 and my 136 was enough to secure the middle game and our 144 and 145 in the last gave us a 6 - 2 win!.

Congratulations to Charlotte as she managed 176 in the last but, unfortunately, it wasn't enough to win them the match. Only two weeks to go before the end of the league.

We decided to eat out tonight at one of the local spanish restaurants, Rincon de Cristina. I had prawns in garlic with bread, it's really tasty but didn't do my sore mouth much good.

By the way, the weekly medal is at my side of the cupboard!!

The Lost World of Mitchell and Kenyon

As I mentioned the other day, Tony sent us a dvd this week, which we have just finished watching and thoroughly enjoyed.

It's BBC documentary about Mitchell and Kenyon's filming of Lancashire in the early 1900's. As they were based in Blackburn, my birthplace, I found it extremely interesting. Nowt like seeing an Accy tram!!

Being well into Family History the footage of the millworkers and the lads from down t'pit was just up my street.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4172449.stm

Thanks Tony xx

How Fast The Weeks Go By!

This time last week I had just boarded the plane! I can't believe how quick the time has gone.

I'm still suffering with my sore mouth but was sort of joking when I said I might end up with pile cream. Having read the instructions, after taking two of the tablets, I discovered that the bad chemist had given me tablets for worms!!

How he could have misunderstood? I went from ulcers in the mouth to parasites in the passages. Flippin' heck! Bestest Spanish was used at all times!

Anyway, 'im indoors insisted that I gargled with salt and warm water this morning, which was really horrid. It does feel a little better but I'm not telling him!

We came to an agreement this morning. I had to clean the kitchen, bathroom and sort out the washing whilst he did the floors. I did my share, even after trying to pull a sickie, but, guess what? He spent most of the day on the PS2 and we still have muckie floors!

Not A Well Woman

My poor sore mouth is worse today and I have the first signs of a cold. That's what you get for going on those aeroplanes!! I always said they weren't natural! I've also been badly bitten by mosquitos.........can't blame them on the plane, though.

We went to five o'clock club but didn't stay too long today. It doesn't seem quite the same sitting there in the dark.

The main subject of conversation, apart from Terry's hyperactive ramblings, was the fact that the Christmas Lights in England this year, have changed their name to 'Holiday Lights'. Diversity is being taken to extremes, I reckon!

Had some mail today..........Tony sent us a DVD and young Sophie sent her Grandad a birthday card! He was really pleased. There she is looking well cute.

Photo: Simon

We'll Get It Right One Day!

We had yet another Bank Holiday yesterday, we never get it quite right and had to drive to Playa Paraiso for some goodies, all the shops in our village being closed. The name means 'paradise beach' but we reckon there isn't much there and wouldn't want to turn up for a holiday!! We did see a couple of coaches turn up from the airport and off load a few......rather them than me!!

I had such a lazy day today. I've found this daft game 'Aloha Solitaire' and it kept me amused for a while. Trouble is that you are only allowed it for an hour and the play online version isn't quite so good. I'm working on it. If the worse comes to the worst I expect Markie may be able to help!

Looking at Tully's blog, she tells me that she is having kidney trouble again. Take care sweetie xx

I'm not doing too well myself. I have loads of ulcers in my mouth, well painful and I'm struggling to eat. Worst of it is that I can't have a brandy!!

We are off to the chemist tomorrow for some help. I've worked out the Spanish..........yo tengo ulceras en mi boca............we shall see, I'll probably end up with pile cream........hee hee!!

Wonderful Stuff!!

Doreen and I had a make up game today as we missed a match whilst I was in England. We won 6 - 2!! My scores 138, 173 and 161. Doreen had a bad first game but came up with 164 and 127 in the last two. Such clever ladies!

I didn't do quite as good in the Monday League game but never mind there's always next season!! We are having a rest until the New Year, thank goodness.

We are under attack tonight. The Spanish children don't seem to have understood the concept of Halloween and love to throw eggs at balconies. It isn't very nice!

Poor SIL!

Julian didn't get a mention on his birthday last week as I was in England. I didn't get to see him this year either.

I hope you had a lovely day, Ju xxx.

He did happen to say that he got rather tiddled on his birthday night out and had a huge hangover the following morning.

I have a wonderful pic of him which I was tempted to post.......maybe next year, mate!!

Photo: Sam

Sunday Bowling League

Not a bad day. Doreen played really well now that her ear infection has cleared up. I wasn't quite as good but I blamed it on jet lag! The boys were awesome, beating George and Carol
8 - 0. It is looking like they will be getting trophies at presentation night on the 16th December.

I'm playing catch up tomorrow as Doreen and I have last Sunday's game still outstanding. I also have to play the normal Monday League game with Martin. Hope the jet lag has cleared up!!

My Holiday

Just a selection of photos taken with ancient digital camera. My son, Mark, hated the thing and said it ruined his image!! I did manage to take one of him, Katie and Tully next to Blackpool Tower........... I seem to have lost the tower though!!

I spent one day with my brother and his family at Fairhaven Lake in Lytham and there they are having a picnic. It was a lovely day, nice and sunny, but the chill factor was around - 20C or so it felt. My nephew, Bradley, thinks I'm a softie for always feeling cold!

We drove into Blackpool later as Dean and Bradley wanted to look around Dr Who's House. Dean was well impressed but I thought it all looked a bit 'mouldy'.

http://www.doctorwhoexhibitions.co.uk/museum/about.html

After a superb supper at our 'usual' cafe we walked through the lights back to the car. My poor feet!!

Fairhaven Lake, below.

Other activities included a trip to Skipton Market. It turned out that Tuesday isn't market day!! Just our luck. We had a nice wander around the shops though and had a pub lunch. Ray had to wait a little longer for his because the waiter dropped it on the floor. It always happens to him!! We did manage to get the right day for Blackburn Market on the Wednesday and Ray and I went to the quiz at the local pub that night. We came in last as predicted but after a few lagers it didn't seem to matter.

Tully, keeping fit!

I felt so sorry for Alison, driving me to the airport on Friday afternoon. The traffic was terrible. I think I may be shoved into a taxi next year!!

Brian was waiting for me and we arrived home around three in the morning. Top was so pleased to see me. Back to normal now and as it's Sunday...............bowling this afternoon!!

Bye England

Do you reckon that they are well relieved to see the back of me?!!

Ray, Alison, Dean and Bradley really looked after me for the few days I stayed with them as did my son, Mark, and his wife, Katie. I had a lovely week, enjoying my time with all of them.

This is a big THANK YOU ALL!!!

Wet Wednesday!

To be really honest it has been a wet week!! I'm a little fed up with getting soaked!

I've had fun though and it has been good to see my family. My brother is taking me to the quiz at his local tonight. We usually come last but we enjoy it. Blackpool again tomorrow as my nephews fancy going to Dr Who's House........sounds lovely!

I took this pic on Monday just after Katie delivered me to my brother's house.......there he is in the background.

Dean is on the left, Bradley on the right and lovely Tully in the middle.

I Survived!!

Katie collected me from the airport yesterday morning after a fairly decent flight. We spent the afternoon in Blackpool. Katie and I had a happy hour on the 'slotties' whilst Mark looked after Tully. After a long walk we sat on the 'prom' guzzling fish and chips..............a nice day!!

I had a lie in this morning to try to make up for my 36 hours without sleep. Lunch was at a very nice restaurant. I have a sneaky feeling that a pic of me eating a rather large black pudding may feature on Tully's blog soon!!

I'm off to my brother's house tomorrow where I will be spending the rest of the week.

Gulp!!

Five hours to take off!! It has been such a long day today. I tried having a lie-in, tried to have an afternoon nap but it didn't work, so I will be a sleepy Nana for Tully tomorrow!

I'm all packed so I just have to wait now. I hope they don't fetch me a breakfast in the middle of the night................such a horrid thought!

Anyway, blog, see you in a week or so xxx

One More Sleep!

Things are progressing............I only have a couple of things to do now! Loads of stuff crossed off my list!

We drove over to Las Americas today to collect some things for a couple of mates who are staying in the village. Their flight back to Birmingham is around the same time as mine. They are really nice ladies, both from Yorkshire, having been widowed because of the pit dust their hubbies consumed during their working lives, they seem to be making the most of things. It appears they get free coal.........not a lot to say about that, really.

Better news on the budgie front. Back to perch sharing, maybe it was a bad time of month for Juanita!!

Two More Sleeps

Time is such a strange thing. This week has really dragged but I'm sure that next week will fly by. The clocks change soon and some wise guy mentioned that is was only around nine weeks to Christmas!

We are having a bit of budgie trouble here tonight. Juanita has decided to hate poor Jose. She was trying to pull his tail feathers off at one point. They are asleep on seperate perches...............oh dear! Nesting box could be out the window!

What do you think of my new avatar? It looks well good on the forums which I visit, lovely and bright as opposed to the horrid war stuff some folks have.

Three More Sleeps

I have my tickets!!

I also have a long list of things to do before midnight Friday. I have to give 'im indoors a list of 'things to do', budgie care and plant care. I have things to buy before I go, along with enough credit for my mobile to last a week.................it will take forever!

I'm having a 'house day' tomorrow, cleaning and stuff and I will expect it to be as tidy when I get back! He'll have a last minute panic an hour or so before I'm home again.........well I hope he does!

We are meeting my travel mate, Dave, at his house and hope to be at the airport for around one o'clock. With any luck I'll sleep through the flight......I wish!

Four More Sleeps!

Not long to go now!

It sort of hit me today, at bowling, when folk said 'see you later...............have a good trip', I'm really going!!
I tried a cunning plan with Topsie this time. I thought that if I brought the suitcase out well early he would get used to it and forget about it.

Wrong! He knows that I'm up to something and I can't move without him following behind me. He will be fine with his Dad and I'll speak to him on the phone, why does he make me feel so guilty?

Sunday Bowling League

It's far too boring for words, so I'm not going there! Brian and Jeff managed a 8 - 0 win though, which keeps them in second place. Happen, I'll do better tomorrow!

I've been scratching around for books for the last few days. I've read all of mine at least twice so the situation was getting quite desperate. Then, 'im indoors remembered about a box of books which Liz had left in our garage last year. I'm a very happy bunny now........thanks Liz xx

It's like being in England tonight as there is a gale blowing and it's pouring with rain. I've risked life and limb clearing the balcony and I'm soaked. What happened to sunny Tenerife?

A Little Gift

Charlotte brought me a present on Friday. Her Mum said she had spent ages drawing it especially for me! That's me on the bus!

Having asked where I should put it, I was advised, on the wall or the fridge.........so there it is. Gracias Charlotte xx

As for the comment in the corner, that belongs to 'im indoors!

My Itinerary

Only nine days or so before I set off to England.

Number one son, Mark, Katie, number one daughter-in-law and littlest grand-daughter, Tully, are meeting me at Manchester Airport. It's a little early, but what can you expect for a cheapy flight?

I'm spending the weekend with them, and going to watch Tully at her swimming class on the Monday, before Katie drives me over to my brother's house where I'm staying for the rest of the week.

Dean and Bradley are taking me to see Dr Who's House, sounds scary to me. We usually go to Blackpool Lights!!

Hopefully, my daughter Sam and SIL, along with Jamie, Martin and Maisie, will join us at some point.

A visit to see Auntie Mavis in Rochdale is planned along with an hour or two in the Stag to meet Paul, who has promised me some pics of Accrington as it once was. Wednesday Quiz at the Stop could be on the cards too!

Loads of pics for you to look at soon!!

Bank Holiday

Yet another Bank Holiday!!

Not that it really affects me, a retired person, but as we hadn't done the shopping it was a bit of a blow! The Canarians were all in party mode and very noisy with it.

I thought a mid week holiday was a little puzzling until I did some research and found it was Columbus Day.............a note in the diary for next year.

http://memory.loc.gov/ammem/today/today.html

Family History - My Home Town!

To be honest, Accrington town centre doesn't look that much different now. The Market Hall, on the right, is still there and the Town Hall next to it is about the same. The main difference, of course, is the change from horses to motor vehicles and more folks. I must find the time during my visit to take a more modern pic.

I have been doing a little family history research today but I appear to have hit another brick wall. I am still trying to find the parents of William Bentley who was my Nana's Grandfather on her mother's side. He was born in 1821 in Chatburn, Lancashire and married Sarah Fishwick in 1846.

Mary Ellen, my great grandmother was the sixth of ten children, poor Sarah!! Mary Ellen went on to marry William Yates and following family tradition, they had eleven of their own.....my nana, also Sarah coming in at tenth place!!

Accrington is, to most people, more famous for it's football history................Accrington Stanley!!
Look at their site, well interesting............

http://www.accringtonstanley.co.uk/

Sunday Bowling League

We had to play Brian and Jeff today and guess what? We lost 6 - 2. The weekly medal remains at his side of the cupboard!

We won the first but were slaughtered on the second. I played really well on the last and managed to get strikes on 7 and 8 but, unfortunately, Jeff kept up with me and managed a strike on 9.

I said to Doreen that we both needed turkeys on the tenth to win......I got two strikes, well done me! Not enough for us to beat them though. As we need new shirts next season we have decided to change our team name. Say hello to the Rackettes!!

We met Doreen and Jeff at eleven this morning for our freebie breakfast. Doreen enters the quiz every day on the radio and being a retired headmistress, a clever lady, she manages to win loads of stuff.......hence the breakfast.

I remembered why I came here to live as it was so pleasant sitting in the sunshine, chatting to nice people. A good day!!

Footie

We went to an English bar in Playa de la Arena to watch the football this afternoon. Some enterprising chap pays out for BBC tv which must earn him a bob or two!!

We were a little shocked to see an English couple turn up, sit at the front, watch all the match and then clear off. Not a drink between them! Wish I knew their names, naming and shaming comes to mind.

I had a look on the internet for a photo of Arena and came up with this. Wonderful stuff, I thought.

Back to the footie. Poor Becks didn't deserve a red card. What am I going to do on Wednesday, I only go for the beer and Becksie?!

Photo: unkown

A Saturday Duty

This lorry comes around every week selling drinking water.

It's less than a euro for an eight litre bottle so well worth it. It saves dragging it from the shops too! The tap water is very hard here and although it is fine when boiled it's safer to buy bottled stuff for drinking. Brian is there getting our supplies........what a good lad!

Early Morning........

Tony left at eight fifteen this morning and although I struggled, I did manage to get up to see him off! Actually, Brian insisted I checked his luggage before he went.................joke Tone x

Getting up at that time made it such a long day. I had to go to the bank, then I met up with John and Sally for coffee. Bless him, it was his treat!

George and Carol, along with their giant poodles, Captain and Colonel, turned up and we had a good natter. I wasn't ready to go home so I bought yet another cactus, collected some pebbles from the beach for weight.................they look lovely now!