MONDAY/TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY 27TH/28TH/29TH/ DECEMBER 2010.
After the weekend we had a lie in on Monday morning before we sorted ourselves out and got things back to normal; the weather has stayed dry over the festive period and the forecast is for more sun at the start of the week but a little rain byThursday, it is very crisp during the day with the temperature at 18/20degs but it gets colder during the night. We popped around to the surgery in the morning to make an appointment for Brenda, she has been suffering from swollen and stiff ankles over Xmas and the tablets and ointment have not worked!Mano and Anna called in to check on her and catch up with any news at lunchtime; in the evening we had cold Rib of Beef with a selection of left-over vegetables and potatoes, the Beef was rare and delicious, we always look forward to cold cuts of the roasts the following day perhaps even more then on the day !
We were up bright and early on Tuesday morning to go around to the surgery for Brenda’s appointment; she saw the relief doctor and she soon diagnosed that Brenda has a circulation problem and has put her on a course of tablets to start to sort the problem out, at the same time she saw the nurse and had the ankle wrapped in crepe bandages and has to stay off her feet for two weeks. She then has to apply a healing ointment and go on to a course of permanent circulation tablets! So she is going to be a lady of leisure but is still planning how to get out on New Years Eve for our first ever dinner out on the actual night. In the evening we had the Fricassee of Turkey that I made on Monday, I made it with diced Carrots, Celery, Leeks, Mushrooms and Onions with a hint of garlic and a large splash of White wine then finished in a rich cream sauce; we had it with rice and Baby new potatoes along with some crisp whole Green Beans – it was Moorish!
This morning I went and did some shopping just to top us up with the essentials over the coming weekend, next week is the main Spanish Festive period when they celebrate “ Three Kings ” over the 5th/6th January with processions in the village and of course large family parties – watch out for the pictures ! I’ve just come back from walking Cheta around the village and picked up some Pork Cutlets from the butchers for dinner tonight which we are going to have with Lyonaisse potatoes and slice green Beans. We are having a day at home today and Brenda is supposed to keeping her feet up! It’s a struggle!!
Thought for the Day;
Happiness is not achieved by the conscious pursuit of Happiness; it is generally the product of other activities.
.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
CHRISTMAS MESSAGE FROM MANILVA 2010.
TUESDAY 28TH DECEMBER 2010.
Just a quick line to say thank you to all our family and friends, far and wide, for all the Xmas cards, singing E-mails and Facebook messages; we have had a terrific time reading them all especially the ones with news messages about their family growing up etc.We also are always amazed to here that so many of you follow this blog -Thanks ! We would like to wish you all a very peaceful,happy,healthy and prosperous New Year in 2011.
PS; Six more have just arrived as I am typing this;They got caught in the Xmas post !
Thought for the Day;
There’s no point in being grown up if you can’t be childish sometimes.
.
Just a quick line to say thank you to all our family and friends, far and wide, for all the Xmas cards, singing E-mails and Facebook messages; we have had a terrific time reading them all especially the ones with news messages about their family growing up etc.We also are always amazed to here that so many of you follow this blog -Thanks ! We would like to wish you all a very peaceful,happy,healthy and prosperous New Year in 2011.
PS; Six more have just arrived as I am typing this;They got caught in the Xmas post !
Thought for the Day;
There’s no point in being grown up if you can’t be childish sometimes.
.
Monday, December 27, 2010
MANILVA BOXING DAY.
SUNDAY 26TH DECEMBER 2010 BOXING DAY.
Up again early and put the Rib of Beef in the oven, we used the three Rib and have saved the two Rib for another day. Brenda had a“ Helluva ’’selection of vegetables, Broccoli and Cauliflower Mornay,Carrot and Baby Turnip mash, Cabbage with Alcegas,Whole Green Beans and New Potatoes. The Beef did not take long and came out of the oven just at the right moment! The picture below shows it before and after!! We had a snack lunch on the go of Turkey/Mayo sandwiches as I made a rich finger licking gravy and later popped the Duck Fat roasted Potatoes in the oven as the folks arrived; sadly Brian had to work and Ana Mari was also caught on the late shift but Carlos did bring Fabio .We sent plates to them both so they did not miss out! Drinks and more nibbles including this time some delicious shelled Prawns started us off along with a glass of chilled Kir Royal soon got us in the right frame of mind! The Yorkshire pudding came from the oven to the plate, I carved the Beef after it had rested as we sat down and it was stunning, succulent, full of flavor and the fat was to die for! Another fine Rioja and a local white from Sevilla helped the evening along – we then pulled our Crackers as we did on Xmas day as we finished our meal, the Spanish people do not have them and have never seen them, earlier in the day Lumy from Bar Rojas joined us for a little sherry and she had never pulled one in her life ! The sweet was to be fresh Pineapple in an Caramel sauce with Ice Cream but everybody put their hands up and said stop ! We finished the night with a game of Trivial Pursuit’s using just the food and drink questions – I was barred from playing! The picture below shows us at the table with Brenda back in the old routine.
PS; Happy Birthday to Brenda’s Sister Jenny over in the Wirral !
PPS; I’ve just a made Fricassee of Turkey for tomorrow.
Thought for the Day;
Misquotations are the only quotations that are never misquoted.
.
Up again early and put the Rib of Beef in the oven, we used the three Rib and have saved the two Rib for another day. Brenda had a“ Helluva ’’selection of vegetables, Broccoli and Cauliflower Mornay,Carrot and Baby Turnip mash, Cabbage with Alcegas,Whole Green Beans and New Potatoes. The Beef did not take long and came out of the oven just at the right moment! The picture below shows it before and after!! We had a snack lunch on the go of Turkey/Mayo sandwiches as I made a rich finger licking gravy and later popped the Duck Fat roasted Potatoes in the oven as the folks arrived; sadly Brian had to work and Ana Mari was also caught on the late shift but Carlos did bring Fabio .We sent plates to them both so they did not miss out! Drinks and more nibbles including this time some delicious shelled Prawns started us off along with a glass of chilled Kir Royal soon got us in the right frame of mind! The Yorkshire pudding came from the oven to the plate, I carved the Beef after it had rested as we sat down and it was stunning, succulent, full of flavor and the fat was to die for! Another fine Rioja and a local white from Sevilla helped the evening along – we then pulled our Crackers as we did on Xmas day as we finished our meal, the Spanish people do not have them and have never seen them, earlier in the day Lumy from Bar Rojas joined us for a little sherry and she had never pulled one in her life ! The sweet was to be fresh Pineapple in an Caramel sauce with Ice Cream but everybody put their hands up and said stop ! We finished the night with a game of Trivial Pursuit’s using just the food and drink questions – I was barred from playing! The picture below shows us at the table with Brenda back in the old routine.
PS; Happy Birthday to Brenda’s Sister Jenny over in the Wirral !
PPS; I’ve just a made Fricassee of Turkey for tomorrow.
Thought for the Day;
Misquotations are the only quotations that are never misquoted.
.
MANILVA CHRISTMAS DAY.
SATURDAY 25TH DECEMBER 2010 CHRISTMAS DAY.
After “Nochebuena “ we still had to get up early to get things on the go; the Crown of Turkey only just fitted in the oven; we then had our Xmas morning breakfast of freshly squeezed Orange juice, Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Pink Trout, toast and chilled Cava to start the day in the right fashion !
Brenda started to get her vegetables on the way, Glazed Carrots, Baby Sprouts with Smoked Bacon bits, Roasted Parsnip fingers in Honey and Garden peas along with small New Potatoes. The chestnut stuffing was on the go along with the Pigs in Blanket and the crispy Bacon from off the Turkey Crown as it came out of the oven to rest along with the dark leg meat and I then finished the gravy using the bone stock. The Duck Fat roasted potatoes go in the oven as our guests arrive; we then got ourselves ready and had our usual Gin and Tonic and Bacardi and Coke, we had chilled Cava on arrival and then drinks and with the meal a fine Rioja along with a local White wine.Mano and Anna along with Carlos arrived first, Ana Mari had to work and Fabio was around at his Spanish grandparents, we had also prepared some nibbles of Local Ham,Chorizo,Olives and Nuts. Semi Curado cheese and sliced cooked Chipolatas in Lea and Perrins ! Brian and Lilli arrived last and made an entrance all dressed up in their finest! The picture below shows us all around the table’s as we started to eat our meal. Brian and Lilly brought Cheese and Port for later; I had also got a small special very rich Xmas Pudd which came to the table flamed in Brandy and topped with Brandy butter and Brandy sauce together with Kipling’s Mince pies ! Mano had to go off to work and Carlos took Ana Mari her Xmas dinner on a plate.
Thought for the Day;
The skill to writing is to create a context in which other people can think.
.
After “Nochebuena “ we still had to get up early to get things on the go; the Crown of Turkey only just fitted in the oven; we then had our Xmas morning breakfast of freshly squeezed Orange juice, Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Pink Trout, toast and chilled Cava to start the day in the right fashion !
Brenda started to get her vegetables on the way, Glazed Carrots, Baby Sprouts with Smoked Bacon bits, Roasted Parsnip fingers in Honey and Garden peas along with small New Potatoes. The chestnut stuffing was on the go along with the Pigs in Blanket and the crispy Bacon from off the Turkey Crown as it came out of the oven to rest along with the dark leg meat and I then finished the gravy using the bone stock. The Duck Fat roasted potatoes go in the oven as our guests arrive; we then got ourselves ready and had our usual Gin and Tonic and Bacardi and Coke, we had chilled Cava on arrival and then drinks and with the meal a fine Rioja along with a local White wine.Mano and Anna along with Carlos arrived first, Ana Mari had to work and Fabio was around at his Spanish grandparents, we had also prepared some nibbles of Local Ham,Chorizo,Olives and Nuts. Semi Curado cheese and sliced cooked Chipolatas in Lea and Perrins ! Brian and Lilli arrived last and made an entrance all dressed up in their finest! The picture below shows us all around the table’s as we started to eat our meal. Brian and Lilly brought Cheese and Port for later; I had also got a small special very rich Xmas Pudd which came to the table flamed in Brandy and topped with Brandy butter and Brandy sauce together with Kipling’s Mince pies ! Mano had to go off to work and Carlos took Ana Mari her Xmas dinner on a plate.
Thought for the Day;
The skill to writing is to create a context in which other people can think.
.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
MANILVA 24TH DECEMBER XMAS EVE " NOTCHEBUENA "
FRIDAY 24TH DECEMBER 2010.
Yesterday, Thursday was the big shop day, three supermarkets in record time to stock up for the weekend, Monday is a normal day over here in Spain. The weather forecast is warm and sunny with no rain so at lunchtime we had our first Xmas drink in Bar Rojas and took in the peace and quiet of the village. In the evening just as we were going to have supper Lilli and Brian called and ended up staying for a curry supper!
We finished off up at Bar Rojas !!
First thing on Friday morning I shot down to the English butchers in Ducquesa marina and ended up in a madhouse; the shop was full of butchers and customers queuing around the block! Our Rib of Beef had not arrived so I went and had Bacon and Eggs with Tea and Toast on the front in the Marina – I was the only person there, blue skies, sun and the boats bobbing in the harbor as my companions! When I got back to the butchers it was still a madhouse but they looked after me, they took off the legs of the Turkey and boned and rolled them, the Rib of Beef was cut into a three Rib and two Rib with only the Rib bone left so I will be able to carve them on the bone, the chipolatas had just been made and the Duck Fat had arrived to finish off the order; a bonus was they had just got in some fresh Parsnips so I bought all of them !
When I got back Brenda had finished cleaning the house; I walked around to the open air market down by the sports ground and picked up some plants for our outside display and a bunch of Red Roses for Brenda! We then started on the preparations for the feasts on Saturday and Sunday; I made the Chestnut stuffing. The Pigs in Blanket, Roasted the boned and rolled legs and made start of the gravy with all the bones, meanwhile Brenda prepared the vegetable and potatoes. Mano and Anna called in so we had a quick Xmas drink with them and arranged to see them later in the evening on their way out to the family party. We had Angus Sirloin steak and chips early so as we could open a special bottle of Chablis Premier Cru which Anna had dropped off earlier, the phone went and it was Carlos calling to ask us around the family dinner party and to bring the wine! Just as we got ourselves ready Lilli called in with a large traditional Finnish lunch platter for us to try and taste later ! She ended up being asked by Carlos to join us also around at Abuelo and Abuela;s - Antonia and Manolo’s for a surprise second dinner for us both !! The whole family of Ann Mari was there including the 90 year old Grandmother and all the grandchildren as we sat down to the traditional “ Notchebuena ” Xmas eve dinner with sixteen of us around the table,Mano and Anna joined in before he went off to work. Later we went back to Carlos and Ana Mari’s house as the children opened all their Xmas presents and then Carlos dropped us back at our house to see in Xmas Day! All the Spanish families celebrate in the same way and the village was packed with visiting families from all over Spain, the streets were full of parked cars in every available spot.
Thought for the Day;
The man who writes about himself and his own time is the only man who writes about all the people and all the time.
.
Yesterday, Thursday was the big shop day, three supermarkets in record time to stock up for the weekend, Monday is a normal day over here in Spain. The weather forecast is warm and sunny with no rain so at lunchtime we had our first Xmas drink in Bar Rojas and took in the peace and quiet of the village. In the evening just as we were going to have supper Lilli and Brian called and ended up staying for a curry supper!
We finished off up at Bar Rojas !!
First thing on Friday morning I shot down to the English butchers in Ducquesa marina and ended up in a madhouse; the shop was full of butchers and customers queuing around the block! Our Rib of Beef had not arrived so I went and had Bacon and Eggs with Tea and Toast on the front in the Marina – I was the only person there, blue skies, sun and the boats bobbing in the harbor as my companions! When I got back to the butchers it was still a madhouse but they looked after me, they took off the legs of the Turkey and boned and rolled them, the Rib of Beef was cut into a three Rib and two Rib with only the Rib bone left so I will be able to carve them on the bone, the chipolatas had just been made and the Duck Fat had arrived to finish off the order; a bonus was they had just got in some fresh Parsnips so I bought all of them !
When I got back Brenda had finished cleaning the house; I walked around to the open air market down by the sports ground and picked up some plants for our outside display and a bunch of Red Roses for Brenda! We then started on the preparations for the feasts on Saturday and Sunday; I made the Chestnut stuffing. The Pigs in Blanket, Roasted the boned and rolled legs and made start of the gravy with all the bones, meanwhile Brenda prepared the vegetable and potatoes. Mano and Anna called in so we had a quick Xmas drink with them and arranged to see them later in the evening on their way out to the family party. We had Angus Sirloin steak and chips early so as we could open a special bottle of Chablis Premier Cru which Anna had dropped off earlier, the phone went and it was Carlos calling to ask us around the family dinner party and to bring the wine! Just as we got ourselves ready Lilli called in with a large traditional Finnish lunch platter for us to try and taste later ! She ended up being asked by Carlos to join us also around at Abuelo and Abuela;s - Antonia and Manolo’s for a surprise second dinner for us both !! The whole family of Ann Mari was there including the 90 year old Grandmother and all the grandchildren as we sat down to the traditional “ Notchebuena ” Xmas eve dinner with sixteen of us around the table,Mano and Anna joined in before he went off to work. Later we went back to Carlos and Ana Mari’s house as the children opened all their Xmas presents and then Carlos dropped us back at our house to see in Xmas Day! All the Spanish families celebrate in the same way and the village was packed with visiting families from all over Spain, the streets were full of parked cars in every available spot.
Thought for the Day;
The man who writes about himself and his own time is the only man who writes about all the people and all the time.
.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
MANILVA CRISTMAS BAND AND CHOIR CONCERT.
WEDNESDAY 22ND DECEMBER 2010.
THE CRISTMAS CONCERT WITH THE BAND AND CHOIRS OF MANILVA.
Last night we went to the annual Christmas concert which takes place in the church of Santa Ana; the local council arrange the concert which is performed by the “ La Banda Municipal de Music de Manilva ” together with the “ El Coro Municipal de Manilva ”and also last night joined by the “ Coro Infantil ” What makes the evening so special is that the bands and choirs are all from the village and so you see friends and neighbours along with their children performing to a very high standard. The band under the direction of Fernando Antinolo Bueno and the choir under the direction of Francisco Sanchez Rubiales are very professional and each year they put on a show to be remembered, which is at the same time broadcast on Manilva TV. The pictures below only give you a little taste of the evening’s performance.
The concert started with the main choir with their own musical accompaniment singing local traditional Xmas songs which everybody joins in with, the church is full and the atmosphere is terrific; the second part is when the full band comes on, there are over fifty people of all ages including whole families who have grown up with the band. The concert is made up of a selection of music from Johann Strauss to theme tunes from films as well as some traditional Spanish Flamenco tunes; Fernando Bueno’s scores are rather special and the sounds from what in basic is a Brass band reach terrific heights. In the middle of the band concert the very young children from the local school in the village enter and leave down the aisle of the church and then sing their hearts out under the young conductor ,who had taken over, meanwhile there is not a dry eye in the house mainly from their parents ! At one point a young Clarinetes takes centre stage in a very moving and rousing number; to end the concert the choir joins the band together with an excellent young singer “ Begona Tirado Calle ” She has a voice to die for and brought the audience to its feet, not for the first time! For an encore they did a version of “Gingle Bells ” with Paco “ Ringo ”on the drums and finally Fernando leads the whole church in the Strauss Clapping song that the Viennese State Orchestra performs on New Years day in Vienna !!
.
THE CRISTMAS CONCERT WITH THE BAND AND CHOIRS OF MANILVA.
Last night we went to the annual Christmas concert which takes place in the church of Santa Ana; the local council arrange the concert which is performed by the “ La Banda Municipal de Music de Manilva ” together with the “ El Coro Municipal de Manilva ”and also last night joined by the “ Coro Infantil ” What makes the evening so special is that the bands and choirs are all from the village and so you see friends and neighbours along with their children performing to a very high standard. The band under the direction of Fernando Antinolo Bueno and the choir under the direction of Francisco Sanchez Rubiales are very professional and each year they put on a show to be remembered, which is at the same time broadcast on Manilva TV. The pictures below only give you a little taste of the evening’s performance.
The concert started with the main choir with their own musical accompaniment singing local traditional Xmas songs which everybody joins in with, the church is full and the atmosphere is terrific; the second part is when the full band comes on, there are over fifty people of all ages including whole families who have grown up with the band. The concert is made up of a selection of music from Johann Strauss to theme tunes from films as well as some traditional Spanish Flamenco tunes; Fernando Bueno’s scores are rather special and the sounds from what in basic is a Brass band reach terrific heights. In the middle of the band concert the very young children from the local school in the village enter and leave down the aisle of the church and then sing their hearts out under the young conductor ,who had taken over, meanwhile there is not a dry eye in the house mainly from their parents ! At one point a young Clarinetes takes centre stage in a very moving and rousing number; to end the concert the choir joins the band together with an excellent young singer “ Begona Tirado Calle ” She has a voice to die for and brought the audience to its feet, not for the first time! For an encore they did a version of “Gingle Bells ” with Paco “ Ringo ”on the drums and finally Fernando leads the whole church in the Strauss Clapping song that the Viennese State Orchestra performs on New Years day in Vienna !!
.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
MANILVA.
SATURDAY/SUNDAY/MONDAY/TUESDAY 18TH/19TH 20TH/21ST DECEMBER 2010.
We had a little lie in on Saturday morning before we got ourselves sorted for the weekend; the weather forecast was rain and rain it did, the rain in Spain when it starts is torrential and non stop for long periods and there has been more severe floods in Andalucia but down here on the Costa del Sol we have missed the worst, so far! So we were stuck in for the day and could not go for our walk with Cheta,we have bought her a new lead for Xmas.Brenda went into house cleaning mode and I disappeared up to the office to check the world out ! In the evening we had Steak and Chips for dinner and then settled down to watch a film on TV.
On Sunday morning as the rain went off we got ready the Sunday roast; Mano, Anna and Lilli (Brian is working) are joining us for dinner, as we were working we heard music coming from up in the village, it was the Xmas Band of singers and musicians parading around the streets. As it was rather cold and windy they did not hang about so the pictures below only just caught them ! They sing old Xmas songs to the sound of Bells,Whistles,Triangles,Tambourines,Ribbed bottles scratched with a large nail and finally the thump of the Samumba Drums which are played with a long stick soaked in water and pushed up and down through the centre skin ! I kid you not !! Meanwhile Brenda went mad on the vegetables,Cauiflower and Broccoli Mornay,Cabbage with Alcegas,Carrot and Baby Turnip puree, Leeks in white sauce, Green Beans and Garden Peas ! I did Herb Roast Potatoes and a large dish of the now famous Boulangere Potatoes to go with the Roast Lamb which was one again delicious and succulent.Lilli took home a large plate for Brian’s supper after he finished work.
As we got up on Monday morning the sun came out so we were able to take Cheta for a long walk around the village on her new lead. When we got back Mano and Anna called in to catch up with all their news; Anna is flying over to Tenerife on New Years Day for a week to see Sally Ann and the grandchildren so she has asked us to look after Dereck as Mano has to work and he will see to the other dog and two cats; Dereck is no problem as you don’t realize he is there most of the time! We are also thinking of going out to dinner on new Years Eve with Lilli to the restaurant La Casona where we had the menu Del Dia the other day; the menu is very good and not expensive and includes drinks on arrival, wine with meal and Cava, Brian is working as is Mano so we will meet up with them and Anna along with Carlos and Anna Mari later at the Hotel to see in the New Year in proper style with Champagne ! Watch this space for the pictures !!
Today, Tuesday we are having an at home day as it is raining hard; the forecast for the Xmax weekend is sun and more Sun. We have just come off the Skype Video as Jack and Lyn called us from Melbourne, they are away for Christmas at Lyn’s daughter Deb who does not have Skype so it was their Xmas call; all the best to all the family over in Australia,Health,Wealth and Happiness and a prosperous new Year. We have also just come off the Skype Video to Kuala Lumpur after speaking to Jeff and Annette - it's summer all the time over there -33degs and rising! Yesterday was the Once Lottery day and on Wednesday it is the El Gordo (The Big One) which is the biggest lottery in the world; Mano and I have the same number lottery ticket, they cost 21 euros each, so watch this space, it could get exciting! I wish !! Tonight we are having Pork Cutlets with Lyonnaise potatoes and tomorrow it is going to be a curry day.
PS; On Monday lunchtime we had a call from Chris over in London with some very sad news, Joan died on Thursday evening peacefully, our thoughts and deepest sympathy go to him and all her family at this time, she was a grand old lady and we became very fond or her during our time over in Tarifa.
Thought for the Day;
The aging process has you firmly in its grasp if you never get the urge to throw a snowball.
.
We had a little lie in on Saturday morning before we got ourselves sorted for the weekend; the weather forecast was rain and rain it did, the rain in Spain when it starts is torrential and non stop for long periods and there has been more severe floods in Andalucia but down here on the Costa del Sol we have missed the worst, so far! So we were stuck in for the day and could not go for our walk with Cheta,we have bought her a new lead for Xmas.Brenda went into house cleaning mode and I disappeared up to the office to check the world out ! In the evening we had Steak and Chips for dinner and then settled down to watch a film on TV.
On Sunday morning as the rain went off we got ready the Sunday roast; Mano, Anna and Lilli (Brian is working) are joining us for dinner, as we were working we heard music coming from up in the village, it was the Xmas Band of singers and musicians parading around the streets. As it was rather cold and windy they did not hang about so the pictures below only just caught them ! They sing old Xmas songs to the sound of Bells,Whistles,Triangles,Tambourines,Ribbed bottles scratched with a large nail and finally the thump of the Samumba Drums which are played with a long stick soaked in water and pushed up and down through the centre skin ! I kid you not !! Meanwhile Brenda went mad on the vegetables,Cauiflower and Broccoli Mornay,Cabbage with Alcegas,Carrot and Baby Turnip puree, Leeks in white sauce, Green Beans and Garden Peas ! I did Herb Roast Potatoes and a large dish of the now famous Boulangere Potatoes to go with the Roast Lamb which was one again delicious and succulent.Lilli took home a large plate for Brian’s supper after he finished work.
As we got up on Monday morning the sun came out so we were able to take Cheta for a long walk around the village on her new lead. When we got back Mano and Anna called in to catch up with all their news; Anna is flying over to Tenerife on New Years Day for a week to see Sally Ann and the grandchildren so she has asked us to look after Dereck as Mano has to work and he will see to the other dog and two cats; Dereck is no problem as you don’t realize he is there most of the time! We are also thinking of going out to dinner on new Years Eve with Lilli to the restaurant La Casona where we had the menu Del Dia the other day; the menu is very good and not expensive and includes drinks on arrival, wine with meal and Cava, Brian is working as is Mano so we will meet up with them and Anna along with Carlos and Anna Mari later at the Hotel to see in the New Year in proper style with Champagne ! Watch this space for the pictures !!
Today, Tuesday we are having an at home day as it is raining hard; the forecast for the Xmax weekend is sun and more Sun. We have just come off the Skype Video as Jack and Lyn called us from Melbourne, they are away for Christmas at Lyn’s daughter Deb who does not have Skype so it was their Xmas call; all the best to all the family over in Australia,Health,Wealth and Happiness and a prosperous new Year. We have also just come off the Skype Video to Kuala Lumpur after speaking to Jeff and Annette - it's summer all the time over there -33degs and rising! Yesterday was the Once Lottery day and on Wednesday it is the El Gordo (The Big One) which is the biggest lottery in the world; Mano and I have the same number lottery ticket, they cost 21 euros each, so watch this space, it could get exciting! I wish !! Tonight we are having Pork Cutlets with Lyonnaise potatoes and tomorrow it is going to be a curry day.
PS; On Monday lunchtime we had a call from Chris over in London with some very sad news, Joan died on Thursday evening peacefully, our thoughts and deepest sympathy go to him and all her family at this time, she was a grand old lady and we became very fond or her during our time over in Tarifa.
Thought for the Day;
The aging process has you firmly in its grasp if you never get the urge to throw a snowball.
.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
MANILVA THIS WEEK.
TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY/FRIDAY 14TH/15TH/16TH/17TH DECEMBER 2010.
Tuesday morning started well with the sun out as we went for a long walk around the village with Cheta; we ended up sat outside at Bar Rojas at lunchtime,Mano Anna and Carlos joined us in the warm sunshine as we took in the tranquility of the village and put the world to rights.Lumy’s famous Patatas Fritas helped the drinks flow as we planned the rest of the week. For dinner we were having Barnsley Chops which we had picked up from the English butchers with Boulangere Potatoes,Mano and Anna had two small Fillet steaks for their supper so we decided to pool our resource at our house; I cut the Fillet steak in to Medallions and quickly pan fried them with button mushrooms, chopped one of the chops in to two and finished them on top of the Boulangere Potatoes, meanwhile Brenda put a large platter of vegetables together and we had a most enjoyable evening on a veritable feast !
On Wednesday morning we went with Mano and Anna across to Marbella to the La Canada shopping mall as Mano had arranged for some work to be done on his car at the garage next to the entrance; Anna shot off around all the shops as Brenda,Mano and I strolled around and sat and had a coffee, we then went in the Hypermarket which is the largest and best on the coast and picked up some essentials including some more Poinsettias, we now have six but we give them out to our neighbours as presents as the mood takes us ! The pictures below are self explanatory. On the way back we stopped for a Menu Del Dia lunch ( 9-99euros) at a restaurant on the coast road just before Sabinillas which has just been refurbished, we had a lovely surprise as the place and the food was excellent; the menu was three courses with a drink and coffee, Brenda and Anna had the Bean soup and Deep Fried Hake, I had an excellent Minestrone soup and Mano had a warm vegetable platter with diced Serrano Ham and sprinkled with Virgin Olive Oil; to follow we were intrigued by the sound of the Roast Beef on a Spanish Del Dia menu, it came with a proper gravy and Frits and was superb ! We shall return as the A la Carte prices are very reasonable and they have on the Menu Chateaubriand with Béarnaise Sauce !!
We had a at home day on Thursday to catch up; after our walk with Cheta Brenda caught up with the washing and ironing and I checked out our e-mails and messages on Facebook;the Xmas cards have started to arrive and we are always pleasantly surprised by the number of our friends who follow the blog – thanks you know who you are ! In the evening we watched a film on TV.
Friday is shopping day down in Sabinillas;we are stocking up with all sorts of stuff to see us over the Christmas celebrations and even found some excellent Deluxe Christmas Crackers in the card shop. I am picking up the Turkey and Rib of Beef on Xmas eve morning. When we got back Mano and Anna called in with a Large Leg of Lamb ( Halal ) for this Sunday’s lunch which they had bought from the Moroccan butchers; Brian ( if he is not working ) and Lilli are joining us. The weather forecast over the weekend is rain and more rain. We can’t complain as this is the warmest and mildest December down here on the Costa del Sol on record while the rest of Spain is in the grip of the Ice age for the first time in living memory ! This morning it has just started to rain here, I’ve just come off the phone to Tim in Colwyn Bay and they have had thick snow overnight on the North Wales coast.
Thought for the Day;
I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.
.
Tuesday morning started well with the sun out as we went for a long walk around the village with Cheta; we ended up sat outside at Bar Rojas at lunchtime,Mano Anna and Carlos joined us in the warm sunshine as we took in the tranquility of the village and put the world to rights.Lumy’s famous Patatas Fritas helped the drinks flow as we planned the rest of the week. For dinner we were having Barnsley Chops which we had picked up from the English butchers with Boulangere Potatoes,Mano and Anna had two small Fillet steaks for their supper so we decided to pool our resource at our house; I cut the Fillet steak in to Medallions and quickly pan fried them with button mushrooms, chopped one of the chops in to two and finished them on top of the Boulangere Potatoes, meanwhile Brenda put a large platter of vegetables together and we had a most enjoyable evening on a veritable feast !
On Wednesday morning we went with Mano and Anna across to Marbella to the La Canada shopping mall as Mano had arranged for some work to be done on his car at the garage next to the entrance; Anna shot off around all the shops as Brenda,Mano and I strolled around and sat and had a coffee, we then went in the Hypermarket which is the largest and best on the coast and picked up some essentials including some more Poinsettias, we now have six but we give them out to our neighbours as presents as the mood takes us ! The pictures below are self explanatory. On the way back we stopped for a Menu Del Dia lunch ( 9-99euros) at a restaurant on the coast road just before Sabinillas which has just been refurbished, we had a lovely surprise as the place and the food was excellent; the menu was three courses with a drink and coffee, Brenda and Anna had the Bean soup and Deep Fried Hake, I had an excellent Minestrone soup and Mano had a warm vegetable platter with diced Serrano Ham and sprinkled with Virgin Olive Oil; to follow we were intrigued by the sound of the Roast Beef on a Spanish Del Dia menu, it came with a proper gravy and Frits and was superb ! We shall return as the A la Carte prices are very reasonable and they have on the Menu Chateaubriand with Béarnaise Sauce !!
We had a at home day on Thursday to catch up; after our walk with Cheta Brenda caught up with the washing and ironing and I checked out our e-mails and messages on Facebook;the Xmas cards have started to arrive and we are always pleasantly surprised by the number of our friends who follow the blog – thanks you know who you are ! In the evening we watched a film on TV.
Friday is shopping day down in Sabinillas;we are stocking up with all sorts of stuff to see us over the Christmas celebrations and even found some excellent Deluxe Christmas Crackers in the card shop. I am picking up the Turkey and Rib of Beef on Xmas eve morning. When we got back Mano and Anna called in with a Large Leg of Lamb ( Halal ) for this Sunday’s lunch which they had bought from the Moroccan butchers; Brian ( if he is not working ) and Lilli are joining us. The weather forecast over the weekend is rain and more rain. We can’t complain as this is the warmest and mildest December down here on the Costa del Sol on record while the rest of Spain is in the grip of the Ice age for the first time in living memory ! This morning it has just started to rain here, I’ve just come off the phone to Tim in Colwyn Bay and they have had thick snow overnight on the North Wales coast.
Thought for the Day;
I don’t know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.
.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Monday, December 13, 2010
MANILVA THIS WEEKEND.
SATURDAY/SUNDAY/MONDAY 11TH/12TH/13TH DECEMBER 2010.
On Saturday morning we had a lie in and after Poached Eggs on Toast we got ourselves suited and booted to go out to Big Brian’s surprise 40th lunch down in Sabinillas to a new Thai restaurant which had just opened,we were their first customers! The Marshall clan had all arrived; Paul and Mo,Brian;s mum and dad, Claire his baby sister and Brad his best mate,Lilli,his wife had arranged their visit as a surprise. We met at their apartment for some nice chilled Cava and then set off in the taxi’s to Sabinillas;the restaurant is on the front overlooking the Mediterranean and Africa with the breakers crashing on to the shore. The picture below shows the Marshall clan and us outside the Sambuca Thai restaurant. We had a very warm welcome and the Thai beers soon arrived with to follow bottles of Cava, house wine and to finish shots We all ordered different and with changes to the menu ;all the food was very good and came out hot and cooked as ordered. Brenda had Saty Kai,marinated chicken with Peanut sauce, I had the Curry De Verduras en un paquetiti de pasta, vegetable curry in puff pastry parcels. For our main course Brenda had the Pla Rad Prik, a whole deep fried Dorada,Sea Bream, with Tamarind sauce,Chilli and Basil whilst I had the Massanman Beef, a spicy curry of Beef with Potatoes, Onion and Peanuts. We retired back up to Manilva in the early evening for a siesta and then met up again in Bar Rojas for drinks to finish off a “ Helluva ”day down here on the warm and sunny Costa Del Sol !
After tea and toast we got our Sunday roast on the way, Loin of Pork with glazed Apple slices, savory stuffing and proper finger licking gravy; Brenda’s vegetables, Cauliflower and Broccoli Mornay,glazed Carrots and whole Green Beans, Cabbage with Alcegas and Garden Peas as well as new Potatoes and of course crispy Roast Potatoes ! In the morning outside the Town Hall at the top of our street they had set up stalls serving a local Xmas delicacy,Tortas Frita which are Deep fried sweet pastry triangles seved with honey and a shot of Aniseed;the mayor,Antonia was cooking and serving as the ladies rolled out the fine pastry.Calle Mar was closed so as the children could play on the Bouncy Castles as you can see in the pictures below. Anna joined us for a lunchtime gossip and stayed for Brunch, English Pork sausages butties ! Mano,Anna.Carlos and Fabio joined us for our first roast back in Manilva,sadly Ana Mari was working, Fabio is growing up quickly and found the Crackers under the tree which he had not seen before as they don’t have them in Spanish houses at Xmas, he was soon screaming with joy as we all pulled them with him !A nice Chablis,which Anna braught,along with a fine Rioja helped the meal along. Later we watched the Spanish Live football, Real Madrid won but Barcelona played some superb football and won five - nil and are top of La Liga. Next Sunday we are going to have Roast Leg of Lamb as the following weekend we are on the Turkey and Beef for Xmas day and Boxing Day.
This morning we have been for a long walk around the village with Cheta,she is back to visiting us every day from last Wednesday morning when we came home! The Xmas decorations are all up along Calle Mar and all the work in the village is up to date; Calle Duquesa is looking great and has been made car free as you can see in the picture and at the top of the village yet another park has been finished, last month the council won an award for the two parks at the bottom of the village. Tonight we are having cold Roast Pork for supper.
Thought for the Day;
If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.
.
On Saturday morning we had a lie in and after Poached Eggs on Toast we got ourselves suited and booted to go out to Big Brian’s surprise 40th lunch down in Sabinillas to a new Thai restaurant which had just opened,we were their first customers! The Marshall clan had all arrived; Paul and Mo,Brian;s mum and dad, Claire his baby sister and Brad his best mate,Lilli,his wife had arranged their visit as a surprise. We met at their apartment for some nice chilled Cava and then set off in the taxi’s to Sabinillas;the restaurant is on the front overlooking the Mediterranean and Africa with the breakers crashing on to the shore. The picture below shows the Marshall clan and us outside the Sambuca Thai restaurant. We had a very warm welcome and the Thai beers soon arrived with to follow bottles of Cava, house wine and to finish shots We all ordered different and with changes to the menu ;all the food was very good and came out hot and cooked as ordered. Brenda had Saty Kai,marinated chicken with Peanut sauce, I had the Curry De Verduras en un paquetiti de pasta, vegetable curry in puff pastry parcels. For our main course Brenda had the Pla Rad Prik, a whole deep fried Dorada,Sea Bream, with Tamarind sauce,Chilli and Basil whilst I had the Massanman Beef, a spicy curry of Beef with Potatoes, Onion and Peanuts. We retired back up to Manilva in the early evening for a siesta and then met up again in Bar Rojas for drinks to finish off a “ Helluva ”day down here on the warm and sunny Costa Del Sol !
After tea and toast we got our Sunday roast on the way, Loin of Pork with glazed Apple slices, savory stuffing and proper finger licking gravy; Brenda’s vegetables, Cauliflower and Broccoli Mornay,glazed Carrots and whole Green Beans, Cabbage with Alcegas and Garden Peas as well as new Potatoes and of course crispy Roast Potatoes ! In the morning outside the Town Hall at the top of our street they had set up stalls serving a local Xmas delicacy,Tortas Frita which are Deep fried sweet pastry triangles seved with honey and a shot of Aniseed;the mayor,Antonia was cooking and serving as the ladies rolled out the fine pastry.Calle Mar was closed so as the children could play on the Bouncy Castles as you can see in the pictures below. Anna joined us for a lunchtime gossip and stayed for Brunch, English Pork sausages butties ! Mano,Anna.Carlos and Fabio joined us for our first roast back in Manilva,sadly Ana Mari was working, Fabio is growing up quickly and found the Crackers under the tree which he had not seen before as they don’t have them in Spanish houses at Xmas, he was soon screaming with joy as we all pulled them with him !A nice Chablis,which Anna braught,along with a fine Rioja helped the meal along. Later we watched the Spanish Live football, Real Madrid won but Barcelona played some superb football and won five - nil and are top of La Liga. Next Sunday we are going to have Roast Leg of Lamb as the following weekend we are on the Turkey and Beef for Xmas day and Boxing Day.
This morning we have been for a long walk around the village with Cheta,she is back to visiting us every day from last Wednesday morning when we came home! The Xmas decorations are all up along Calle Mar and all the work in the village is up to date; Calle Duquesa is looking great and has been made car free as you can see in the picture and at the top of the village yet another park has been finished, last month the council won an award for the two parks at the bottom of the village. Tonight we are having cold Roast Pork for supper.
Thought for the Day;
If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.
.
Friday, December 10, 2010
MANILVA.
TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY/FRIDAY 7TH/8TH/9TH 10TH DECEMBER 2010.
Over the weekend at the villa the weather was a little cooler but we still had our Sunday lunch down at Tricky Ricky’s sat outside; On Monday we sorted our things out and packed as Carolyn confirmed that they would be back on Tuesday evening.
We shot over to our house in Manilva on Tuesday morning with most of our stuff which left just a little for the Smart car, at the same time we called into the bank and also did the last of the shopping for the villa; the weather forecast for the week was warm and sunny which turned out to be a understatement! They arrived home at 9-00pm after an excellent holiday and we handed over to them and left for Manilva, by 10-30pm we were in Bar Rojas for a nightcap with the locals, who had missed us!
Wednesday was a glorious day with clear blue sky and it soon reached 25degs, it was 23degs on Monday and 24degs on Tuesday; we finished the unpacking and aired the house then got the Xmas tree down and decorated and lit it so we had a feeling of Christmas in the house; at the same time we put out our climbing Father Christmas’s on the two main balconies outside.Mano and Anna called in at lunchtime to catch up with all the news and gossip in the village and at the same time we agreed to our plans for Christmas; We have offered to cook Turkey on Christmas day and Rib of Beef on Boxing day along with Brenda’s selection of vegetables, all the folks will chip in with wine, Cheese and Port and a little sub for the Beef ! Carlos and Ana Mari with Fabio along with Brian and Lilli are joining us for one “ Helluva ” Christmas weekend! It all depends on work commitments so it could be between 4/8 persons on the day !
We had picked up some Pork cutlets from the butcher in the village for supper and settled down to life back in sunny Manilva.As I caught up with Face book and the e-mails I noticed the Jack and Lyn where on line on Skype so I called them and we had a long video Skype chat with them; they had just got back home after their cruise around Australia so we got all the up to date news, they both looked marvelous and had a great and relaxing holiday. Just as we started to get supper on the go the front door bell went, it was Brian,Lilli and Andy asking us to join them at Bar Rojas for a welcome home drink; we asked them in for one and then they stayed and never made up the street! I then spread our supper out and Brenda put extra vegetables on, so we had a little snacket of a Pork cutlet in foaming Lime butter with assorted vegetables,Llyoniase potatoes and baked potatoes! The reason for all this was that it was Brian’s 40th birthday on Thursday,Lilli had spoken to me on Face book at the start of the week to tell us that she had arranged a big surprise for him;his father.mother,sister and best friend where flying in for a surprise party on Saturday and we had to keep the secret. After supper we then saw in his birthday with an excellent bottle of Piper Heindseck that I had got for the occasion!
On Thursday we had made an appointment for Brenda to have her hair cut and styled down in Sabinillas at 10-oo am as Gissy who normally does Brenda’s hair is in the process of moving apartments; I dropped her off and chased around on some messages across in Estepona,by the time I got back the temperature was up to 26degs as I took her picture on the front in Sabinillas as you can see below. We ended up at Bar Rojas for lunch,Mano called in as he was walking the dog, Brenda had a classic Fish and Potato soup and I had cold slices of marinated Pork with Patatas Fritas ! As we sat outside and watched the world go by it reached 27degs under the shade of the Sonbrajo ! What a life!! In the evening we called into see Mano and Anna down at their house before we went out for supper as we had nothing left in the house after the Marshall’s ( Brian and Lilli ) visit on Wednesday. Just as we were leaving to go for Fish and Chips down in Sabinllas the mobile went and it was Lilli calling to say that the family had arrived early and they had called at our house to take us up to Bar Rojas for supper and meet them so we called in on our way back from our fish supper; the party was in full swing as Brian celebrated his 40th birthday in true style. We finished off the night singing on shots of Caramel Liqueur feeling no pain!
Today we have been our all morning shopping at three supermarket’s and also called into the English butchers to order the Turkey and Rib of Beef along with the Duck Fat for the Roast potatoes. This weekend the Marshall clan will be celebrating hard so we shall see what comes; Mano and Anna are joining us for Sunday dinner which is Roast Loin of Pork and tonight we are having Salmon and Baby Soles for dinner.
PS; Lilli has just phoned to ask us to a surprise party on Saturday afternoon at new Thai restaurant down on the beach front in Sabinillas - suited and booted -Watch this space !!
Thought for the Day;
We don’t see things as they are. We see things as we are.
.
Over the weekend at the villa the weather was a little cooler but we still had our Sunday lunch down at Tricky Ricky’s sat outside; On Monday we sorted our things out and packed as Carolyn confirmed that they would be back on Tuesday evening.
We shot over to our house in Manilva on Tuesday morning with most of our stuff which left just a little for the Smart car, at the same time we called into the bank and also did the last of the shopping for the villa; the weather forecast for the week was warm and sunny which turned out to be a understatement! They arrived home at 9-00pm after an excellent holiday and we handed over to them and left for Manilva, by 10-30pm we were in Bar Rojas for a nightcap with the locals, who had missed us!
Wednesday was a glorious day with clear blue sky and it soon reached 25degs, it was 23degs on Monday and 24degs on Tuesday; we finished the unpacking and aired the house then got the Xmas tree down and decorated and lit it so we had a feeling of Christmas in the house; at the same time we put out our climbing Father Christmas’s on the two main balconies outside.Mano and Anna called in at lunchtime to catch up with all the news and gossip in the village and at the same time we agreed to our plans for Christmas; We have offered to cook Turkey on Christmas day and Rib of Beef on Boxing day along with Brenda’s selection of vegetables, all the folks will chip in with wine, Cheese and Port and a little sub for the Beef ! Carlos and Ana Mari with Fabio along with Brian and Lilli are joining us for one “ Helluva ” Christmas weekend! It all depends on work commitments so it could be between 4/8 persons on the day !
We had picked up some Pork cutlets from the butcher in the village for supper and settled down to life back in sunny Manilva.As I caught up with Face book and the e-mails I noticed the Jack and Lyn where on line on Skype so I called them and we had a long video Skype chat with them; they had just got back home after their cruise around Australia so we got all the up to date news, they both looked marvelous and had a great and relaxing holiday. Just as we started to get supper on the go the front door bell went, it was Brian,Lilli and Andy asking us to join them at Bar Rojas for a welcome home drink; we asked them in for one and then they stayed and never made up the street! I then spread our supper out and Brenda put extra vegetables on, so we had a little snacket of a Pork cutlet in foaming Lime butter with assorted vegetables,Llyoniase potatoes and baked potatoes! The reason for all this was that it was Brian’s 40th birthday on Thursday,Lilli had spoken to me on Face book at the start of the week to tell us that she had arranged a big surprise for him;his father.mother,sister and best friend where flying in for a surprise party on Saturday and we had to keep the secret. After supper we then saw in his birthday with an excellent bottle of Piper Heindseck that I had got for the occasion!
On Thursday we had made an appointment for Brenda to have her hair cut and styled down in Sabinillas at 10-oo am as Gissy who normally does Brenda’s hair is in the process of moving apartments; I dropped her off and chased around on some messages across in Estepona,by the time I got back the temperature was up to 26degs as I took her picture on the front in Sabinillas as you can see below. We ended up at Bar Rojas for lunch,Mano called in as he was walking the dog, Brenda had a classic Fish and Potato soup and I had cold slices of marinated Pork with Patatas Fritas ! As we sat outside and watched the world go by it reached 27degs under the shade of the Sonbrajo ! What a life!! In the evening we called into see Mano and Anna down at their house before we went out for supper as we had nothing left in the house after the Marshall’s ( Brian and Lilli ) visit on Wednesday. Just as we were leaving to go for Fish and Chips down in Sabinllas the mobile went and it was Lilli calling to say that the family had arrived early and they had called at our house to take us up to Bar Rojas for supper and meet them so we called in on our way back from our fish supper; the party was in full swing as Brian celebrated his 40th birthday in true style. We finished off the night singing on shots of Caramel Liqueur feeling no pain!
Today we have been our all morning shopping at three supermarket’s and also called into the English butchers to order the Turkey and Rib of Beef along with the Duck Fat for the Roast potatoes. This weekend the Marshall clan will be celebrating hard so we shall see what comes; Mano and Anna are joining us for Sunday dinner which is Roast Loin of Pork and tonight we are having Salmon and Baby Soles for dinner.
PS; Lilli has just phoned to ask us to a surprise party on Saturday afternoon at new Thai restaurant down on the beach front in Sabinillas - suited and booted -Watch this space !!
Thought for the Day;
We don’t see things as they are. We see things as we are.
.
Thursday, December 09, 2010
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
MANILVA NEWFLASH.
TUESDAY 7TH DECEMBER 2010.
We are back in Manilva in our house and are looking forward to Xmas !
.
We are back in Manilva in our house and are looking forward to Xmas !
.
Saturday, December 04, 2010
LA CASA DEL ABUELO.
TUESDAY/SATURDAY 30TH/4TH DECEMBER 2010.
Well after the excitement of the weekend we have stayed in the villa this week as it has got a little colder but the sun has still been around during the day; all the animals are fine and Joan is eating and sleeping well. On Tuesday we had Spanish Lamb Cutlets with Boulangere Potatoes, on Wednesday I made a large pan of Chicken Curry and on Thursday we had Omeletts made with Eggs from the Chickens next door; the old lady drops in all sorts of fruit and vegetables as well as the eggs every week, the Omeletts end up bright yellow as the yolks are very strong! Yesterday we had Hake in Breadcrumbs with homemade Tatare sauce along with Potatoes Bravos, diced cooked potatoes in a rich and savory Tomato sauce, and tonight we are having Rib Eye Steak and chips with all the trimmings.
Clive and Carolyn finally managed to fly back to London from Barbados late on Friday but now with the surprise strike by the Spanish air traffic controllers today we are into guessing again as to when they will get back here! Joan’s home help who had to fly back to England a couple of weeks ago for some treatment at a specialist hospital went to the airport this morning to fly back and got caught in the mayhem, she does not know when she will be able to fly so we have arranged for her cover to come for another week just in case. Meanwhile over in Australia Jack and Lyn on their cruise have come down the west coast stopping at Freemantle,Bunbry.Albany and then Adelaide before they get back to Sydney next Wednesday; today is Lyn’s birthday so “ Happy Birthday” to you !
We are looking forward to going home next Tuesday/Wednesday to Manilva and getting ready for Christmas; Brenda is writing the cards as I am typing this so keep an eye on the post for your card from sunny Manilva ! We hear that they are getting the Red carpet out in the village as we have been missed !!
Thought for the Day;
You can’t shake hands with a clenched fist.
.
Well after the excitement of the weekend we have stayed in the villa this week as it has got a little colder but the sun has still been around during the day; all the animals are fine and Joan is eating and sleeping well. On Tuesday we had Spanish Lamb Cutlets with Boulangere Potatoes, on Wednesday I made a large pan of Chicken Curry and on Thursday we had Omeletts made with Eggs from the Chickens next door; the old lady drops in all sorts of fruit and vegetables as well as the eggs every week, the Omeletts end up bright yellow as the yolks are very strong! Yesterday we had Hake in Breadcrumbs with homemade Tatare sauce along with Potatoes Bravos, diced cooked potatoes in a rich and savory Tomato sauce, and tonight we are having Rib Eye Steak and chips with all the trimmings.
Clive and Carolyn finally managed to fly back to London from Barbados late on Friday but now with the surprise strike by the Spanish air traffic controllers today we are into guessing again as to when they will get back here! Joan’s home help who had to fly back to England a couple of weeks ago for some treatment at a specialist hospital went to the airport this morning to fly back and got caught in the mayhem, she does not know when she will be able to fly so we have arranged for her cover to come for another week just in case. Meanwhile over in Australia Jack and Lyn on their cruise have come down the west coast stopping at Freemantle,Bunbry.Albany and then Adelaide before they get back to Sydney next Wednesday; today is Lyn’s birthday so “ Happy Birthday” to you !
We are looking forward to going home next Tuesday/Wednesday to Manilva and getting ready for Christmas; Brenda is writing the cards as I am typing this so keep an eye on the post for your card from sunny Manilva ! We hear that they are getting the Red carpet out in the village as we have been missed !!
Thought for the Day;
You can’t shake hands with a clenched fist.
.
Wednesday, December 01, 2010
39th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS 2010.
SATURDAY/SUNDAY/MONDAY 27TH/28TH/29TH NOVEMBER 2010.
During the night we have had a bad and very heavy rain storm which finally stopped at 6-00pm; the fish pond is overflowing and the swimming pool is over the sides! The weather for the weekend is more of the same so we will have to get about in between showers. On Saturday evening we went for dinner at Restaurante Victor down in Guadalmina; this was the start of our anniversary weekend celebrations and we had an excellent meal, we started with our usual drinks and the house specialty of Deep fried Prawn and vegetable fritters in a very tasty and light Tempura Batter, Brenda had the Whole Sea Bass baked in the oven with a Lemon sauce with savory sliced potatoes and I had a rich Tomato Soup laced with Gin and followed by a large medium rare Sirloin Steak with Patata Fritas both accompanied with very fine Green Beans, the house Rioja is also excellent and we then treated ourselves to a half bottle of vintage Taittinger Rose to finish off the evening.
After a lie in on Sunday morning we pottered about the villa and got ready to go out for Sunday Lunch down at Tricky Ricky’s. The sun was out and it soon got hot so we were able to sit out on the terrace again and have our Roast Beef and Pork in the afternoon sunshine; as usual the Sunday roast was terrific and the finger licking gravy is to die for. We then went for a drive and this time headed up along the coast towards Estepona and found a beach restaurant we have been looking to find, it is called Tikatano and it is in an unbelievable setting by the beach overlooking Gibraltar, Africa and the mountains behind Estepona, it is closed for refurbishment so we will give it a visit in the new year.
On Monday morning for our anniversary breakfast we had Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Pink Trout (nicer) and Pink Cava to start the day in the right fashion; over night we had another rain storm which did not stop till 4-00 pm but as the gardeners came in they unblocked the pond overflow and let the pool down to its normal level; in the evening we went for dinner to the restaurant at the Marriott Resort which we had not been to before and used some of the vouchers that we had be given when we did some sales training for them earlier in the year. The picture’s below show the resort with the anniversary girl by the pool. We had another excellent meal with very good and attentive service, we started with our usual drinks, Brenda had the Carpaccio of Beef and I had Langoustines Pil Pil – to follow Brenda had the catch of the day, Sole fillets filled with Whole Prawns and cooked on a skewer garnished with Wild Mushrooms and a Red Pepper salad,she also had a portion of fresh blanched Spinach leaves whilst I had a rare Fillet steak cut English style with Button Mushrooms and chips. The house Rioja helped the meal along before we settled in the bar for coffee,I had a Caipirinha which was just right and we brought home a bottle of vintage Piper Heidsieck for another celebration ! This weekend was a practice for next years 40th celebrations – watch this space !!
PS; We have just received a text from Clive and Carolyn to say that they are stuck in Barbados and can’t get their flight home into London ! They are not due back here until next Tuesday so this could get interesting, watch for a news update
Thought for the Day;
If you believe everything you read, better not read.
.
During the night we have had a bad and very heavy rain storm which finally stopped at 6-00pm; the fish pond is overflowing and the swimming pool is over the sides! The weather for the weekend is more of the same so we will have to get about in between showers. On Saturday evening we went for dinner at Restaurante Victor down in Guadalmina; this was the start of our anniversary weekend celebrations and we had an excellent meal, we started with our usual drinks and the house specialty of Deep fried Prawn and vegetable fritters in a very tasty and light Tempura Batter, Brenda had the Whole Sea Bass baked in the oven with a Lemon sauce with savory sliced potatoes and I had a rich Tomato Soup laced with Gin and followed by a large medium rare Sirloin Steak with Patata Fritas both accompanied with very fine Green Beans, the house Rioja is also excellent and we then treated ourselves to a half bottle of vintage Taittinger Rose to finish off the evening.
After a lie in on Sunday morning we pottered about the villa and got ready to go out for Sunday Lunch down at Tricky Ricky’s. The sun was out and it soon got hot so we were able to sit out on the terrace again and have our Roast Beef and Pork in the afternoon sunshine; as usual the Sunday roast was terrific and the finger licking gravy is to die for. We then went for a drive and this time headed up along the coast towards Estepona and found a beach restaurant we have been looking to find, it is called Tikatano and it is in an unbelievable setting by the beach overlooking Gibraltar, Africa and the mountains behind Estepona, it is closed for refurbishment so we will give it a visit in the new year.
On Monday morning for our anniversary breakfast we had Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Pink Trout (nicer) and Pink Cava to start the day in the right fashion; over night we had another rain storm which did not stop till 4-00 pm but as the gardeners came in they unblocked the pond overflow and let the pool down to its normal level; in the evening we went for dinner to the restaurant at the Marriott Resort which we had not been to before and used some of the vouchers that we had be given when we did some sales training for them earlier in the year. The picture’s below show the resort with the anniversary girl by the pool. We had another excellent meal with very good and attentive service, we started with our usual drinks, Brenda had the Carpaccio of Beef and I had Langoustines Pil Pil – to follow Brenda had the catch of the day, Sole fillets filled with Whole Prawns and cooked on a skewer garnished with Wild Mushrooms and a Red Pepper salad,she also had a portion of fresh blanched Spinach leaves whilst I had a rare Fillet steak cut English style with Button Mushrooms and chips. The house Rioja helped the meal along before we settled in the bar for coffee,I had a Caipirinha which was just right and we brought home a bottle of vintage Piper Heidsieck for another celebration ! This weekend was a practice for next years 40th celebrations – watch this space !!
PS; We have just received a text from Clive and Carolyn to say that they are stuck in Barbados and can’t get their flight home into London ! They are not due back here until next Tuesday so this could get interesting, watch for a news update
Thought for the Day;
If you believe everything you read, better not read.
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