My Money Factory

Brian has a dish in the kitchen where he shoves his loose change into along with his house keys and other sundry items. You wouldn´t believe how much I can collect over a couple of months for my money factory.

The bronze stuff is shared between Charlotte´s money box and Doreen´s charity, the Music and the Deaf, but I take the gold for whatever I´m saving for at the time.

I´m hankering after one of those mini laptops at the moment as I´m dreading being without internet access whilst I´m in England in October. Seventy Euros so far and counting!

Lucky Me!

I´ve just booked a flight to Manchester in October and I really can´t wait to get off this island for a week. It´s a good place to be but after eight months or so without a break from the sun, I fancy a good downpour!

Not just that. I miss my family so much. I´m staying with my brother and his wife, Alison, and their two boys, Dean and Bradley. I´ll also be able to meet up with my son and his family. Katie is due to give birth to my new grandson just before I arrive. Let´s hope that he turns up on time so I can give him a big cuddle. I haven´t seen Tully for so long and want to give her a big hug too!

When I first came here, seven years ago, I hoped that we would all visit each other but the price of flights put paid to that and I rarely see them.

Not to worry, I got a really good deal............212 Euros return with First Choice. Roll on October!

Bless Her

I haven´t a photo of her but my friend June died in England on Saturday night.

She was such a happy, funny woman and I´m sure that the world will miss her. To her partner and her family, we send our best wishes.

Bless you, June xx

Well Funny

The owner of our apartment turned up today. We haven´t seen him for four or five years but invited him in and offered him a drink. He doesn´t speak a word of English but we understood that he was interested to see if we were happy enough and he stressed that he was happy with us.

Brian asked him if he had a spare key for our lock-up and to be well honest we didn´t really understand his reply and saw him off with lots of ´buenos tardes´. Five minutes later and he was back with the biggest bagful of keys I´ve ever seen. Off they went down to the garage followed by Clio and all was sorted. He managed to find two keys that fit and we gave him a new key for the main door.

Spanish/English relations can be really cool and he is such a lovely bloke. He makes me chuckle.

Mentioning Clio...............she went off for her shampoo and set today. Four hours without her was a little like watching your child go for it´s first day at school. I won´t steal her thunder as she wants to do her own blog tomorrow.

Friends Reunited

I joined up with this years ago when it first came out and continued to pay my subscription for quite a while after. Nothing really came out of it and I eventually gave up.

Along with lots of other folk by the looks of it as it´s now free and is being advertised daily on ITV. I´ve had three or four ´buzzes´ this week from people I went to Junior school with all those years ago. I admit to answering one of them as he displayed a pic and I could remember him clear as day. Unfortunately, he hasn´t aged too well looking at his ´after´ pic!

Another couple of names that I don´t recollect but one girl´s name is so familiar but can I recall her? Happen I´ll sleep on it.

I wonder how many other people are wandering around memory lane thanks to this advertisement campaign.

Fiesta Time Again!

Another year has passed by and the Fiesta started at half six on Tuesday morning. I awoke to the sound of fireworks but managed to dose off again for a few minutes until a brass band started up outside my bedroom window!

I don´t have a problem with most of it but I´m a little bit aggrieved with one of my neighbours this evening. She seems to have started a dog nursery whilst her and her family go out to celebrate. Non-stop barking for the last three hours and another six to go before they all come home.

Oh well, when in Spain so they say and happen we will join in on Saturday night!

Key Problems

Dopey went and lost his house keys last Friday which wouldn´t have been too much of a problem if we had spares for the garage and the lock-up. How many times have I mentioned it? Today´s mission was to borrow a garage key from my neighbour and get some new ones cut. The lock-up will be a major job as it needs drilling out.............the drill is inside!!

To make matters worse the Community President has decided to change the lock on the main door and to leave keys in the mail box. Fair enough if you are indoors but if I remember rightly I was out the last time he did it. Grrrrrr.................

Birthday Bash

We had a pleasant evening at Maz´s birthday party on Friday.

Lots of lovely food and nice music.

Thanks to both Maz and Bernard for a great evening xxx

Hotel Gran Melia Palacio de Isora

Brian and I had a wander around the perimeter of the new hotel in Alcala last week. It´s a five minute drive from us but could be on a different planet. Not your ordinary loungers but double beds under a bamboo roof with silk curtains all around. The main pool is the full length of the site and it´s rumoured that the occupants of the suites have their own personal butler.

We did consider popping into the bar for a quick beer but decided that wasn´t quite our scene!

I must admit that it really is quite beautiful.

Bits and Bats

I have been suffering with sun burn from my recent trip to Las Americas. The first time I´ve been burned whilst I´ve lived here. It was stupid of me to wander around for three hours with a strappy top on but I didn´t think of it at the time. Thankfully, the sore bit has gone although I´m left with an itchy, flaking back.

Monday bowling has started again. The new owners of the Bowling Alley are in the middle of renovating it which is interesting. Lilac and yellow walls!

I´ve been trying my hand at painting this week. I´ve decided that I have been looking my yellow walls long enough and it´s time for a change. I´ve chosen white as I have a dark blue suite on my wish list and reckon it would be a good combination.

Friday night is party night as it´s Maz´s sixtieth birthday. She´s having a ´bit of a do´ at Raul´s Bar with a hot buffet and fifty guests. We rarely go out during the evening so it will make a nice change.

Internet Friendly!

Maz rang earlier to ask me to check something out on the internet for her. I was busily typing in the www. thingy and didn´t quite hear the last letter. Having asked if it was `d´ for dog or `b´ for bernard I got `no it´s `p´for flaming prick´!!

Las Americas

Sue had to visit the hospital yesterday as the surgeon needed to discuss her forthcoming operation. I went along to keep her company and, hopefully, as moral support.

After the nasty bit was sorted we went off for a walk around Las Americas. Did we walk?!! As I tend to stick to the places which I know I´d no idea how large it really was. Still, keeping our eye on the coastline we kept our bearings and ended up next to the Centro Commercial which is a handy spot for the bus home.

A pleasant afternoon and I managed another visit to Burger King!

Slides

Whilst searching for some photos to send to Tully I came across a box of photographic slides. They date back to when Tully´s Dad and her Auntie Sam were small and I´d love to see them again.

Our projector rusted out and was whizzed years ago and I don´t reckon they make them these days. Happen it might be worth a visit to the photo shop this week to ask if they could be turned into pics.

Watch this space.

Mobile Phones

My Movistar contract ran out a couple of months ago and, although I´ve been able to use my phone, the charges have been well high.

BT Mobile were doing a good deal and Shona and I went to check it out a few weeks ago. I was impressed enough to sign the contract but after some thought decided against it and cancelled. Why on earth did they need to see my last three bank statements..........I´m not buying a house!

You don´t get the wonderful deals here with free phones etc. but work on a point system. For the 8,000 points I´d accumulated and 45 Euros I was entitled to this Samsung thingy from Movistar. It sold itself for it´s large screen and the girl was well amused when I called it a ´Grannie´ phone. My Spanish is coming on in leaps and bounds!

I´m happy with it and our Jamie thinks it´s cool. Brian is moaning because he gets my old one, yet again.

Monday Bowling

We have reached the end of another season and here are Ron and Adam posing with their winner´s trophies.

Only another couple of weeks before it all starts again and Ros reckons that we´ll be up there next time. Wishful thinking or what?

Euro Millions

I can´t remember the last time that we did the lottery but we thought we´d give tonight´s Euro Millions a go.

I´d love to report that we had a winning ticket but we only had one number from two lines. A bit of a blow as I´d already spent most of it!!

España

We had a brilliant evening down at the local bar. Having watched the semi-final at home we decided that it would be great to enjoy the final along with the Spanish.

You wouldn´t believe the noise and my ears are still ringing. Drums and hooters along with clapping and shouting. I must admit that my throat is sore from screaming ´España´. The celebrations are continuing out in the streets.

Spanish, English and three or four Germans in one small bar and the atmosphere was brilliant we all shared the champagne at the end.

Well done Spain!

The Housework Bit

It really isn´t my thing and I admit to struggling a bit. I just don´t seem to have the knack like other women. Brian says that the interest isn´t there and he could be right as I´d much rather sit at a desk and push paper.

Shopping is another chore. You can´t just go to one shop for all your stuff here so you trail around getting this and that. What I´d give for Tesco.com!!

Anyway, I was up at nine this morning, did a few tidy up things, took Clio out and then went to the shops. Home again and time for the cooking bit. I´d decided on this cross between potato pie and cottage pie. Nice and easy as it all got shoved in a dish and put in the oven. Phew!

Sweeping and mopping until four when it was time to meet Brian after he finished work. A nice way to spend a Friday evening............not.

He sat and read the paper for an hour, came home, ate his tea and fell asleep in the chair. At exactly ten thirty he awoke and went to bed! Hardly a word for the ´little woman´. My heart goes out to housewives, past and present as it´s a thankless task.

Granadilla

Sue and I haven´t had a day out for ages and so we decided to go for it today. The plan was to catch a bus to Las Americas Bus Station and then jump on the first bus which turned up.

The next one which was due in was to El Medano but as that one didn´t turn up we took the second option, Granadilla. We had absolutely no idea where we were going but it was fun speculating. Would we know where to get off? Well, after going higher and further away from the coast we eventually ended up in a small bus station. There only seemed to be one main street with a couple of shops, a couple of bars and nowhere for lunch. Quite a lot of through traffic but we couldn´t work out where they were all coming from or going to.

After we had ´done´ both of the shops and had a beer we headed back to Las Americas for an all day breakfast and a tour around the Centro Commercial...............not that I could find anything I liked!

We are now armed with a bus timetable and a map so our next outing should be more structured. We probably won´t enjoy it so much though!

Wow!!

We went down to our local this afternoon and the News of the World was being passed from one to the other. It isn´t often that someone you know is front page news.

I´m naming no-one but he does look better in the flesh!

Photo: News of the World

Another Run In

Clio mentioned that we had been attacked by two dogs a couple of weeks ago. Well, we came across them again today as we were walking towards home. Thankfully, Brian was with us this time.

It appears that their owners have taken over the German bar and the dogs flew at Clio as we went past. Brian hit out at them with the bag of videos which he was carrying. I haven´t seen Brian ´square up´ at anyone in years but matey backed down at the sight of him. His wife turned on me at that point which earned her another ´stupid cow´!

How on earth can people run a bar with dogs like that on the loose? At least I know where they are now and can avoid that part of the village.

All at Once!

As Shona had to leave today we decided to have an Indian meal delivered last night. We were just about to set off home when a pair of familiar faces appeared. Vernon and Vicky of all people.

Vernon is one of our mates from Cornwall days and it was great to see them both. Unfortunately, we had to get home for our delivery so it was a quick catch up. Happen we´ll see them again before they go back to England.

I went to the airport with Shona this morning and can report that she´s home again. I can´t believe how the week sped by.

A Little Holiday

Shona arrived last Thursday and as Brian has been working for most of the week we´ve been enjoying each other´s company and having a bit of fun. I did plan to blog our activities each day but it hasn´t happened so I´ll do a bit of a catch up.

We´ve pootled around the village most days doing a little bit of shopping, having the odd beer, walking Clio and eating out. We had a huge fried breakfast yesterday which made Brian very jealous. Such a sulk!

Today´s mission was to catch the bus to Los Cristianos and do the tourist thing. Shona had her usual ´duty free´ list, which we sorted and then went to Burger King. As it´s next in line to KFC, I really enjoyed it. It´s so nice to do something English now and again.

It´s her last day tomorrow and we´ve planned to visit the market and then pop over to Santiago for a couple of hours. More tourist stuff.

I´ll really miss her.

Yuck

My hankering for a KFC has continued and when I heard that a spicy chicken restaurant had opened in the village I was well eager to give it a go. I waited for a few reports..........some loved it and some didn´t. More good than bad. One mate, Ian, who always moans hated it but we put that down to him being a fusspot.

We had a fairly busy day and decided to try it out tonight. It was so awful and never again.

A Bit of a Spree

It has been a little hard financially during the past few months because of the difference in the Exchange Rate so we haven´t had much by way of a treat. (I´m not counting my new computer as that was my lifesaver.)

Anyway, Brian´s first pay turned up in the bank today so we decided to blow a little of it. Clio got a couple of bits from the pet shop, Brian had new trainers and we had a Chinese takeaway for dinner. I´m booked into the hairdresser´s for a bit of pampering on Monday. Long overdue I must admit.

My most wicked moment was handing over three euros fifty for a Take a Break...............naughty me!!

Bits and Bats

It wasn´t a bank holiday here today so bowling went on as normal. Ros and I keep having to play the big boys and we aren´t doing to well at the moment. Still it was just us with six blokes today which was a good laugh.

Locker fees are now due and I´ve been debating whether to give it up or not. Brian doesn´t play now and I´m down to once a fortnight so it seems a bit extravagant to keep it. I am quite attached to it though and it does save dragging a ten pound ball and shoes around with me every other Monday. The answer came to me earlier................I have subs due shortly which will go a long way towards it. Locker thirteen and I are mates for another year!

Shona is coming to stay in June. Her William commented on the fact that I haven´t been blogging very much lately. There hasn´t been much to say to be honest as I´m spending loads of time at home. Cleaning and cooking is boring enough without writing about it! Clio is struggling too as she is being super good at the moment. I´m sure it won´t last!

A Nice Weekend

Brian had the weekend off after working solidly for the past seven days. We decided to keep it to ourselves and have a quiet one. A bit of shopping on Saturday followed by an early dinner and a spot of television. I didn´t catch the whole of Eurovision but saw enough to reckon that it´s totally unfair but as long as you can relate to Terry Wogan and take the lighter view it isn´t that bad!

We pootled around the apartment this morning and then had a nice Sunday roast whilst watching the racing. Well done Mr Hamilton!

A walk around the village with Clio, a couple of beers and home again. Just the way I wanted it.

Signal

Happen I should say ´lack of it´!!

Brian elected to watch the football down at the bar tonight whilst I tuned into ´The Apprentice´. On and off all the way through and I must admit that had I been able to pick the flaming thing up it would have been thrown over the balcony. If Brian had been trying to watch the match...........well, I dread to think!

Different Chemicals

My tum has been playing up a little lately and so I decided to ditch the Dorada and try a little white wine. Brian was eager to watch the Manchester United match so I sat outside the bar, in the sunshine, and read my book.

It´s a little like going from proper coffee to that red label stuff. I really get the shakes if I have caffeine these days but I never thought that I´d see the day when half a lager wouldn´t suit.

The wine was ok but I did get a severe attack of the giggles after two glasses. Happen I´ll try the red next time!

Internet Friends

I´ve been chattering to Ruth on the internet for around four years now. We have a shared interest in Family History. She finally came out for a week´s holiday and we met up on Wednesday afternoon.

I did feel a little nervous but as soon as we got chatting we hardly stopped! Her sister, Sandra, left, turned up last year along with their Mum so we spent some time together then.

They are now back in Glasgow but we have a lovely afternoon to remember.

Flippin´ Forms Again!

We were feeling really happy with ourselves having faced the Spanish Bureaucracy and received the form for Brian´s work contract. Smugness doesn´t last long as he now needs another one.

This time it´s a visit to the Social in Los Cristianos and yet another early start. I´ve bailed out as I´m sure that he can deal with it himself. Happen this elusive contract will appear at some point.

It has been a week for it really as a mate turned up this morning asking for help with her State Pension Form. Would you believe that it was sixteen pages long? That done and whilst I was still on the website I asked when I could claim mine. It appears that I have to wait until I´m sixty two.

Will I still be able to complete a form at that age?

Gran Canaria

Not too much to report because Charlotte´s ear infection took the excitement out of the day. She slept for most of it! I should have taken advantage of the peace but I was a little worried.

The ferry was awful. You couldn´t get out and were advised to remain seated at all times. I´ve never seen so many folk being sick at the same time and they had a ´special chap´ dressed in his Fred Olsen uniform, just for collecting and refreshing sick bags. I wonder what he did wrong?

We toured several churches, visited a museum and came home again. Not very exciting for a couple of hundred youngsters as it was purely educational. To say that they never had chance to let off any steam they were so well behaved.

I spotted these dogs outside a cathedral. One day I might work out why they were there!!

My Poorly Mate

I´m still buzzing from my day and although I´m well wrecked I know sleep isn´t an option at the moment. Charlotte went down with an ear infection quite early in our journey. Lots of decisions to make and I´m still not sure that I made the right one. Thankfully, Mum and Dad felt that she was safe enough in my hands and left it to me.

We enjoyed our day as best we could and the full report will turn up soon.

Off on a Mission

I´m packing my bag in readiness for our journey to Gran Canaria tomorrow. I don´t ´do´ excited but I am really looking forward to it.

As it´s an educational trip for the children we are looking at a couple of cathedrals...........Vegueta and Arucus, information for anyone who feels inspired enough to look them up.............and some old villages which are typical of the island.

We have to be at Charlotte´s school before six o´clock but won´t reach the island until ten thirty. Hopefully there will be a play room on the ferry or I´ll be hearing ´are we nearly there yet?´ for hours!

Back to the bag...........butties, sausage rolls, crisps, juice, and water. My camera, sick bags and a loo roll, just in case Charlotte has a problem. It struck me to take my E111...........I hope it´s not a premonition!

Anyway, here´s to a happy day and prepare for loads of pics soon.

Hot or What?

I love nothing more than living
here with the sunny weather but today was painful.

Frequent gusts of hot wind which took your breath away and covered you in the sand blown from Africa.

Poor Clio only managed half of her walk as she was gasping for breath. It was reported that the temperature at eight this morning was 34 degrees and rose to 41 degrees by the late afternoon. No sun in sight, just wind and heat.

Fires are becoming a problem in La Gomera. The Spanish news was showing villas blazing earlier and also extra firefighters being ferried in from other islands. The picture above shows the problems that they had in July, last year.

Nothing here as yet apart from a fire in the wood yard down the road. I could smell it from my house and sat here pondering on what I would rescue first. Passports, bank stuff and important papers followed by my jewellery box, if I had the time...............fire engines sorted it before my imagination ran riot!

It´s quiet now, although hot enough to be July, the wind has dropped and happen it will all be back to normal tomorrow.

Sorry!

A good mate of mine pointed out that I didn´t explain why we needed a form so urgently and thought that we had done something illegal. A good time to put matters right!

Actually, it´s good news. Brian has a new job and needed the paperwork for his official contract. All perfectly normal should you want to work here.

He´s doing maintenance at a local hotel which is nice and steady and he seems to have enjoyed his first day. Sound asleep now though!

The only drawback is that I´m in charge of cooking. No such thing as a perfect world!

What a Morning!

We had to go to the Police Station in Las Americas this morning which meant an early start. I didn´t realise that so many people were about at six in the morning. Not my favourite time of day.

Anyway, we got there at around seven to find around sixty people in the queue. Everyone stood there on the pavement waiting for the doors to open at nine o´clock. Nowhere to sit and nothing of interest to watch.

By the time two police officers came out to see us the queue had grown to about two hundred. We were then divided into two groups........Spanish on one side and the extranjeros (foreigners) on the other. It appears that the first fifty in each line get a ticket for the next queue. The rest had to go away and try again another day.

Just when we were beginning to get excited the police officer told us that we needed to pay nine euros before we could apply for the form we wanted. He sent us to information where we were supplied with a bank payment form and then sent on our way. No magic ticket for us.

All in all it took us over four hours to accomplish nothing and we have to do it all over again another day. Flaming Spanish red tape!!

As Promised

A couple of pics showing the new style beach in Playa San Juan. Boardwalks, showers and toilets, what more could one want? They all looked well happy and it was a pleasant walk.

Our next stop was to call into Bar San Juan to watch the Blackburn Rovers match. I was their only supporter as usual and had beer mats thrown at me when they got their goal. All in good fun and I was so happy to see them get a draw. Well done Rovers!!

Finished

I haven´t been down to the beach for three weeks or so and rumour has it that it´s all done and dusted.

They opted for natural black sand which I feel is in keeping with the environment............we don´t want it turning into Blackpool do we? Nowt wrong with Blackpool but each to it´s own.

I feel sure that Clio will fancy a stroll down there tomorrow whilst I take the opportunity to photograph the finished product.

Sleep!

Or should I say the lack of it?

I had a busy enough day yesterday, what with bowling and such so I was sure I´d have a good night´s sleep. I was all settled and went sound...........for half an hour! I tossed and turned for an hour or so before resorting to my book. I´m reading ´London´by Edward Rutherford, which is mighty enough to make anyone doze off. Anyone else but me that is.

Two hundred pages later I was still wide awake. That was half five. Next stop computer where I stayed for another three hours. All the neighbours set off for work and I heard the kiddies going into school.

By nine I was sound asleep! I´ve been feeling grotty all day and I´m sure that come bedtime it will all start again. Pretty scary really.

The Phoenix Project

Hyndburn Council have been systematically demolishing the old mill houses during the last few years. Now it´s the turn of our old family home.

I´m not sure why this upsets me unless it´s all the memories which have been flooding back in recent weeks. My brother and I used to run riot around the local area, each promising each other that we´d never stop playing out! Hopscotch on the pavement outside with twenty or so other kids. A rope tied to the lamp post at the top of the street for skipping. Statues and hide and seek. It all went on and didn´t we have fun?!

My poor Mum was buried from there when I was just fifteen and four years later I walked out of the door wearing my wedding dress. I never went back. So sad.

Thanks to Mick from Accyweb for the photo xx

Bits and Bats

Charlotte and I are off to Gran Canaria this year for "our" school trip. At this rate I will have seen all of the seven islands by the time she moves on to senior school! It´s a long day by all accounts as we have to travel to Santa Cruz to pick up the ferry, followed by a tour of Gran Canaria and home again. Lots of walking too.

It´s the bowling dinner tomorrow night but no trophies for Jeff and Brian this year. I´m looking forward to garlic mushrooms, pepper steak and profiteroles......................that´s if I have enough room!

Village news isn´t good at the moment. Little Lottie´s grandad died on Saturday and some of the locals hired a minibus to attend the funeral today, which was up in the north of the island. June, a friend of mine, is in intensive care with liver problems and Sue was admitted on Friday with pneumonia. Our sympathies to Bill´s family and best wishes for a speedy recovery to June and Sue x

Vista Ultimate

That´s posh for you!

After around six weeks without a home computer I now have a complete new system which I´m trying to find my way around. We did try to resurrect the old one as I was reluctant to lose the stuff I had on there. It just seemed like we were throwing good money after bad and had to make the choice.

I´m now on the hunt for my old favourite sites which could take some time. Nice to be back blogging and expect more soon!

Woe is Me!!

I´m a bit lost at the moment because my computer gave up the ghost a few weeks ago. Internet shops are fine but it isn´t quite the same as nattering to your mates at midnight!

Not to worry as we are searching for a good deal for a new one and hopefully, normal service will be resumed soon.

I Really Fancy............

..............KFC. Three pieces of chicken, french fries, coleslaw and one of their lovely coffees. Yummy, yummy!

Absolutely no chance as it's over an hour's drive to the nearest and it won't taste the same as it does in England. Strange that. We hanker after stuff like sausage rolls, scotch eggs, black puddings and pork pies but when we get them they never live up to expectations.

I've just found a biography of Spike Milligan written by Norma Farnes. It's amazing what turns up in our spare room! I'm off to bed soon to start it and, hopefully, my late night cravings won't interrupt my concentration.

Next time you have KFC think of me!

Mark Jeff's Words

He's not a chap who readily gives in to doom and gloom but he did give me some food for thought this afternoon. He reckons we will all turn up and find that the Bowling Alley has closed and he doesn't think it will be long in coming.

On reflection, I agree with him. The leagues are dwindling, machinery is being repaired but not replaced, no adverts on the local radio and no-one has demanded the locker fees which were due on the first of the year. In fact, they haven't even been mentioned.

There is a general air of disinterest. The printer packed in weeks ago and internet access wandered away. All pretty obvious when the idea gets into your head.

I can't say that I would miss Sunday bowling but I do enjoy playing in the Monday league. Ros and I had a good win today against Carol and Eliot...........the first time they have been beaten this season!

Now I'm worrying about getting my ball and shoes out!

A Party!

It was Charlotte's seventh birthday today and having been invited to her party we had a walk down to the park this evening.

She looked really nice and natural in her 'Spanish Style' frock and was having the time of her life.

We didn't stay long and I missed out on the cake. Happen she will save us some.

Brilliant!

I'm into the habit of giving Clio three or four doggy biscuits during the evening. She isn't allowed any scraps or 'human food' so this is her daily treat.

She has to work for it though. We started with sit, then stay, shake a paw and now for the first time she did 'lie down' tonight. I am so impressed with her. Seven months old and she can do all that.

Such a wonderful puppy and I love her to bits.

Chewing Gum

I'm having a bit of a rant about this at the moment as I spend ages grooming Clio only to find that she is covered in the stuff when we get home.

The police, and rightly so, would fine me if I didn't clean up after my dog but it seems that it's ok for other people to throw gum wherever they want.

There's nothing else for it but to cut off the affected fur tomorrow which is so sad. Poor puppy!

Strawberries for Tea!

It wasn't until I uploaded the pic that I realised that the flash wasn't on. Apologies for the dark fuzzy photo but it's too late now! Pretty yummy though.

I've been a little 'blogless' lately as life has just trundled by without anything interesting to report. It has been the same old thing. Dog walking, cleaning, washing and a couple of beers before the usual telly stuff.

Those 'hidden object' games have claimed my attention just recently. You can spend hours searching for sea horses, hour glasses and frogs. Which puts me in mind of a boss I used to have years ago. He'd sit at his desk every morning and say 'Roll on death'!! I wonder if he felt the same when he retired?

Happy Birthday, Ray

Another year older mate xx. He starts a little flurry of family birthdays as Maisie has hers this week followed by Katie and lastly, our Tully reaches three.

Still on the subject of birthdays, Jeff, Brian's bowling partner was seventy today. Doreen arranged for a little celebration and cake. He reckons that he will be wheeled in for his next milestone.

It has been a quiet week and I've been trying to do a little spring cleaning. More fool me! As fast as I'm dusting and mopping the wind is bringing more dust and sand. Mission abandoned for the time being at least.

'Canary Watch' is entering it's last week as Sue and Don are travelling back next Sunday. It must be awful for them and their family having to wait two weeks for the funeral of Don's Mum. Really sad.

Spots, Doors and Bowling

My face and my back were itching like hell when I awoke this morning. It was awful and I looked like a boiled lobster. I did a health check on google and discovered that I could have all manner of things. It was quite amusing really.........open weepy sores..........call your doctor........itchy feet..........call your doctor!! I followed all the tracks and decided it was an allergy but to what I know not. Anyway, it seemed the best thing to do was to have a lukewarm bath without any bubbles. It's easier and we'll see how it goes.

I'm sorry to report that Don's Mum died on Friday and they are staying in England for a little longer.

We've had such dreadful winds this weekend and so I decided to check their house out before I went off to bowling. All was fine apart from their cushions and stuff on the balcony which I took indoors. Could I lock the doors afterwards? Too short for one and the other one wouldn't play ball..............I did it in the end but not before I'd uttered a few choice words!

Ros and I had another four all draw at bowling. Not bad!

Poor Vera

That was so sad. I haven't cried watching Corrie since Hilda Ogden left but I needed a few tissues tonight. Even Brian 'filled up'.

It was so well done though and very true to life.

On the lighter side. I had a bet that her last words would be 'Oh Jack!'.........lost that one. My daughter sent a text to say that at least he had a pigeon!

Lancashire humour!

Canary Watch

Sue and Don went off to England at Christmas leaving me in charge of their canaries. It's easy enough as I pop in every three days and feed and water them.

I didn't expect to have the job again so soon though. Don's mum is seriously ill and they have had to jet off again this week. A sad time, especially after the loss of Bernard's father a few weeks ago.

Back to the birds...........she appears to be nesting. Flippin' heck, I'm not responsible enough, remember Ken?!

Spooky

As Clio reported on her blog, she ripped my magazine into thousands of pieces on Sunday. It took us ages to clear it all up but we obviously missed a bit. She wandered past me today with this in her mouth. That is really weird!!

What Now?

We were on our way to bowling this afternoon when Doreen rang my mobile. Everything cancelled because of a major fire in the car park below the bowling alley and the whole complex had been closed down. I must admit that I was pretty pleased as it is becoming a chore lately but what else could we do?

After a little indecision we nipped into Playa Paraiso and had a huge Sunday roast at Eldon House. The landlady is friendly with our mates, Liz and Lyndsay and as I'd received an email from them I could fill her in on their progress. All very nice and she sends her love, Liz xx.

Too stuffed to do much else we went home to catch the second half of the Bolton v Blackburn match. Well done Rovers! The darts final was good too.

I won't tell you what that wicked puppy did as I'm sure she'll tell you herself!

Flippin' Toothache

I awoke this morning with a mild niggle in one of my back teeth. As I'm so terrified of dentists, I've tried to ignore it for most of the day. Stupid move, or what? Nothing open until Monday and it's now reached the screaming level.

I reckon that whoever designed the human body really messed up as far as teeth are concerned. What's the point of giving out two sets before you reach ten years old when a second set would be so perfect at forty plus? Happen in those first days we weren't destined to reach such an old age! I don't know but I really wish that it didn't hurt so much.

A couple of Nurofen and bed. A miracle might occur and all will be well tomorrow.

Family Fortunes

Charlotte is well hooked on the TV programme, Family Fortunes, and we all get a chance to play it with her. It's well punctuated with dings and beep beeps and no-one seems to win!

Tonight's first question was 'who works at night?'. All went well until taxi drivers were mentioned. She was adamant that they only worked during the day. My turn for the first question tomorrow. Thinking cap is now on!

This is her latest pic featuring her new 'hairdo' and the latest gap in her teeth. Another euro from the Tooth Fairy.

Happy Birthday Sam!

Have a really lovely day. Lots of love xx

Silly Sunday

It was Sunday bowling again today after our two-week break. It did give me an opportunity to get out of the village but the bowling wasn't up to much.

It was more interesting to observe this woman who brought eight children for a birthday party. They all bowled and had a kiddies' meal whilst the woman propped up the bar drinking wine. All quite normal until she rounded up the kids and prepared to leave. She didn't have any money! League members retired to 'smoker's corner' to debate the issue but the manager kept her head and held the woman hostage until funds turned up. Fancy having enough neck to try to get away with that!

Jeff came back to the village with us and we settled ourselves outside San Juan bar for a couple of beers. All well and good until Dave and Charlotte turned up. Dave decided to bounce her football and all hell broke loose. It hit my head, then Brian's glass and poor Jeff got drenched! Thank goodness that he has a sense of humour and he's about to sign me up as a centre forward in his fantasy football league!

Gunfight at OK Coral

Well, it felt like it!

After flobbing around the house for most of the day we decided to walk Clio down to the Church Square late this afternoon. We all needed a little exercise!

It was amusing to listen to other folk's accounts of New Year's Eve. I think the award goes to Karen who managed to stay out until six thirty! We didn't have much to say as we were good kids and stayed in.

What really tickled me was the war going on between Charlotte and her cousin Shannon. Both being tired and hating each other, well at least for this afternoon, it looked like a murder might be committed. 'She won't give me a sweetie', 'I want her Pringles' followed by a stomp or three across the square. Shannon, being that bit older came out with 'Get over it and welcome to MY world'. Well funny and hard not to smile.

I'm glad that I only had a puppy to bring home!

2007 - For and Against

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

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

Well, that's my year in a nutshell.

Happy 2008 everyone xxx

Can't Blame the Gremlin

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

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

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

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

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

Lovely Day and Lovely Dinner

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

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

Not a lot left of Tommy Turkey!


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


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

Done and Dusted

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

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

Mainly Weather

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

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

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

The Boy Did It!!

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

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

Poor Tosh

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

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

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

Rubbish Rovers!

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

The Wanderer Returns

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He's On a Mission

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

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

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

Bits and Bats

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

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

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

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

Nothing is Easy

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

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

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

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

The Will to Spin

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

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

Time to ring the mending man!

No Wonder it Rained!

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

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

Christmas......Tenerife Style

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

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

I love this one with the volcano in the background.

Finally, the Nativity scene.

Would You Believe It?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Camera, please come home!

Such an Awful Week

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

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

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

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

Cart on Clio xxx

Halloween

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

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

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

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

Monday Bowling League etc.

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

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

An Early Night?

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

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

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

A Wednesday Wander

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

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

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

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

Heartburn!

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

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

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

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

Sunday Bowling etc.

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

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

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

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

Next subject. Kids stuff.

The Digibox is Back!

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

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

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

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

How Stupid

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

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

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

So much time wasted and back to the drawing board!

Wonderful Stuff!

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

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

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

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

We were pretty proud of that.

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

So Frightened!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Spanishness Day

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

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

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

Remember This?

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

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

So Sad

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

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

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

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

Missing My Mate

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

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

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

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

The Weekend

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

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

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

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

Oh, I did manage to save Pooky!

I Don't 'Do' Early

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

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

Rain? Happen Not!!

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

Happy Birthday Dean!

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

Have a brilliant birthday, mate.

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

Fun Bowl

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

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

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