THURSDAY 30TH SEPTEMBER 2010.
Last night we rang Norah and Jenny to check that they got home safe and sound; they did but are not happy with the wind and rain! This morning the washing machine is nearly taking off, it’s on its sixth cycle and Brenda is now out on the roof terrace doing the ironing, not her favourite job so I am keeping out of the way!
Mano, Anna and Carlos called in at lunchtime to catch up with any news, we have asked them to join is for dinner, Roast Loin of Pork, on Sunday with Jane who arrives on Friday morning. The weather forecast is very good, hot and sunny and going above 30degs. for the weekend, I’ve been in the kitchen and have made a Provencale sauce for tomorrow night, we are having Scampi with Rice, and tonight we have English Lamb Cutlets as a treat so I have made some Boulangere Potatoes to go with them.
This morning we received two more cards in the post, they had been posted at the start of last week and normally they would have reached us just in time; the post from us to England from our local post office is now taking a average of four days and we can get post sent by express Royal Mail to get there the following day by a special arrangement with the English bookshop down in Sabinillas for only one euros ! Thanks to Tim and Thea over in Old Colwyn for their special card and also to Kelvin and Gaye in Ruthin, he reminded us that it only felt like yesterday when we had the big party for my 40th birthday! Now there’s a story for another day !
Thought for the Day;
Be careful what you choose. You may get it.
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Thursday, September 30, 2010
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
MANILVA NEWSFLASH.
WEDNESDAY 29TH SEPTEMBER 2010.
We have just come back from Gibraltar after checking Jenny and Norah onto their flight – Brenda went across with them and made sure that everything was OK before saying to goodbye to them. We had checked twice yesterday with Monarch to make sure that the flight was not effected by the Spanish National strike today, we then did all the shopping on the way back in Sabinillas so as we have the rest of today and tomorrow to get ready for the arrival of out next guest, “ Lady “ Jane is arriving at Malaga airport on Friday morning. I’ am picking her up in the Smart Car; she is here until Monday morning and is coming over for three days down on the beach in the sun, the forecast is looking good 30degs+ so I hope that she is bringing plenty of sun lotion!
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We have just come back from Gibraltar after checking Jenny and Norah onto their flight – Brenda went across with them and made sure that everything was OK before saying to goodbye to them. We had checked twice yesterday with Monarch to make sure that the flight was not effected by the Spanish National strike today, we then did all the shopping on the way back in Sabinillas so as we have the rest of today and tomorrow to get ready for the arrival of out next guest, “ Lady “ Jane is arriving at Malaga airport on Friday morning. I’ am picking her up in the Smart Car; she is here until Monday morning and is coming over for three days down on the beach in the sun, the forecast is looking good 30degs+ so I hope that she is bringing plenty of sun lotion!
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Tuesday, September 28, 2010
MANILVA SABINILLAS GIBRALTAR.
SUNDAY /MONDAY/TUESDAY 26TH/27TH/28TH SEPTEMBER 2010.
We all had a lie in on Sunday morning before our light breakfast, Jenny is only now starting to feel a little better and is managing to eat a little; we then got going on getting our Sunday roast dinner ready, Chicken with all the trimmings and Brenda’s vegetables. Mano and Anna are joining us tonight – the picture shows us as we were just starting our dinner !The picture of the inside of the Santa Ana church on Saturday was after there had been a wedding, which we just missed and before a special high mass in the evening. On Saturday evening for dinner we had Chicken Curry with Basmati rice and then settled down to watch the TV.
We were up bright and early on Monday morning, the hire car was dropped off and we set off for Gibraltar as soon as possible to beat the jams; the first picture was taken by the assistant news photographer from the window of the news car, on the move! We got across before the morning flights landed and parked up in the multi - storey at the bottom of Main Street. The three sisters set of up Main Street and I made my way to Casemates Square, bought a paper and then went to one of the many restaurants and cafe’s and had the Full – Monty, two eggs, two rashers of Bacon, two sausages, two hash browns,tomatoe, mushrooms and Baked beans with toast and a pint mug of tea ! Three hours later after starting to read my book I met the girls as you can see in the pictures below.
In the evening we went out to the fish and chip restaurant just past Sabinillas and we all had the Haddock and chips with Mushy peas, Jenny has got her appetite back; we sat on the balcony overlooking the view of the golf course and down to the sea on yet another balmy evening; the picture below are before we had our supper. We then drove across to Duquesa marina and the Estepona marina and walked off our fish supper! The weather at the moment is getting better everyday, its cooler during the night but in the day the sun is out and we are reaching again 30 degs+ the girls have just come back from the beach down in Sabinillas and said that it got too hot!
Today I had to go across to Estepona to the bank and another message and when I got back I dropped the sister’s down in Sabinillas; I then made dinner for tonight, Beef stew with vegetables and potatoes – Scouse! One little panic, tomorrow in Spain there is a National strike so I rang the airline and checked, their flight is not affected so they will be heading home – fingers crossed !
Thought for the Day;
A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.
.
We all had a lie in on Sunday morning before our light breakfast, Jenny is only now starting to feel a little better and is managing to eat a little; we then got going on getting our Sunday roast dinner ready, Chicken with all the trimmings and Brenda’s vegetables. Mano and Anna are joining us tonight – the picture shows us as we were just starting our dinner !The picture of the inside of the Santa Ana church on Saturday was after there had been a wedding, which we just missed and before a special high mass in the evening. On Saturday evening for dinner we had Chicken Curry with Basmati rice and then settled down to watch the TV.
We were up bright and early on Monday morning, the hire car was dropped off and we set off for Gibraltar as soon as possible to beat the jams; the first picture was taken by the assistant news photographer from the window of the news car, on the move! We got across before the morning flights landed and parked up in the multi - storey at the bottom of Main Street. The three sisters set of up Main Street and I made my way to Casemates Square, bought a paper and then went to one of the many restaurants and cafe’s and had the Full – Monty, two eggs, two rashers of Bacon, two sausages, two hash browns,tomatoe, mushrooms and Baked beans with toast and a pint mug of tea ! Three hours later after starting to read my book I met the girls as you can see in the pictures below.
In the evening we went out to the fish and chip restaurant just past Sabinillas and we all had the Haddock and chips with Mushy peas, Jenny has got her appetite back; we sat on the balcony overlooking the view of the golf course and down to the sea on yet another balmy evening; the picture below are before we had our supper. We then drove across to Duquesa marina and the Estepona marina and walked off our fish supper! The weather at the moment is getting better everyday, its cooler during the night but in the day the sun is out and we are reaching again 30 degs+ the girls have just come back from the beach down in Sabinillas and said that it got too hot!
Today I had to go across to Estepona to the bank and another message and when I got back I dropped the sister’s down in Sabinillas; I then made dinner for tonight, Beef stew with vegetables and potatoes – Scouse! One little panic, tomorrow in Spain there is a National strike so I rang the airline and checked, their flight is not affected so they will be heading home – fingers crossed !
Thought for the Day;
A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walks out.
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Monday, September 27, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
MANILVA TONIGHT THANK YOU.
SATURDAY 25TH SEPTEMBER 2010.
After yesterday’s great 65th birthday celebrations I would like to thank everybody for their cards,e-mails,calls,Skype video calls and Facebook messages; in no particular order, here in the house Brenda ,Jenny and Norah have been very supportive,Mano and Anna chipped in, thanks. I received cards from the sisters and two from Brenda! Zoë in Manchester and Sandra and Keith in Colwyn Bay (Thanks for the message and kind thoughts) also sent cards. On Skype Jack and Lyn called on the video and got me out of the shower! and Jeff and Annette sent a Skype message from Kuala Lumpur. Tim and Thea rang a day early but I then caught up with them on Friday (The card has still not arrived !) On Facebook I had messages from Deb in Australia (She refers to me as Uncle Malcolm) Penny from Bridgnorth ( We will send you an e-mail soon ) Ben Mellor who gets married next Friday to Andrea and is on his stag night tonight ! Brian and Lilli who are avid Facebook message senders ! Jane who is arriving next Friday and had a very busy weekend at the Nantwich Food Festival found the time to send a message from her and her Mom,Nan;also Richard,Jane’s (ex) husband sent a nice message and Joyce our dear friend from Mostyn sent a long e-mail which we shall reply to very soon with all the news. And finally a special thanks to Sarah and her family over in Manchester.
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After yesterday’s great 65th birthday celebrations I would like to thank everybody for their cards,e-mails,calls,Skype video calls and Facebook messages; in no particular order, here in the house Brenda ,Jenny and Norah have been very supportive,Mano and Anna chipped in, thanks. I received cards from the sisters and two from Brenda! Zoë in Manchester and Sandra and Keith in Colwyn Bay (Thanks for the message and kind thoughts) also sent cards. On Skype Jack and Lyn called on the video and got me out of the shower! and Jeff and Annette sent a Skype message from Kuala Lumpur. Tim and Thea rang a day early but I then caught up with them on Friday (The card has still not arrived !) On Facebook I had messages from Deb in Australia (She refers to me as Uncle Malcolm) Penny from Bridgnorth ( We will send you an e-mail soon ) Ben Mellor who gets married next Friday to Andrea and is on his stag night tonight ! Brian and Lilli who are avid Facebook message senders ! Jane who is arriving next Friday and had a very busy weekend at the Nantwich Food Festival found the time to send a message from her and her Mom,Nan;also Richard,Jane’s (ex) husband sent a nice message and Joyce our dear friend from Mostyn sent a long e-mail which we shall reply to very soon with all the news. And finally a special thanks to Sarah and her family over in Manchester.
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24TH SEPTEMBER PENSIONISTA DAY PM.
FRIDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER 2010.
We started the evening with drinks up on the roof terrace and then came down to the chill-out room to take the first picture below, Jenny settled in down stairs in front of the Spanish TV and we called back in every so often to check on her; at Bar Rojas Mano and Anna joined us for dinner as we sat outside in the warm evening air.
I had ordered a whole Leg of Roast Lamb with vegetables and potatoes; the Lamb is their own and is killed and butchered by Manolo,Lumy had roasted it on a bed of sliced potatoes with lots of herbs and garlic, the vegetables, which you do not get usually in Spain were Baby Carrots with Peas, Beans and diced New Potatoes and of course Patatas Fritas,Brenda produced the mint sauce from her bag! The meal was delicious, the lamb was succulent and of course the Patatas Fritas are out of this world. We had red and white wine, Anna had brought her own Pinot Grigio,Mano was on the Cruz Campo and I was of course on Bacardi and Coke.
As we finished the lights went down and Lumy and Manolo produced a very special birthday sweet,a wonderful Baked Almond Flan which was decorated with flags and 65th birthday candles and commenced to sing Happy Birthday, in Spanish with all the locals joining in ! It was a complete surprise and we very much appreciated the thought. As we were sat outside Carlos called in on his way to work and also Andy stopped for one as he was on his way to see Brian and Lilli, after he finished work. After more drinks we moved down to the Hotel after Carlos had settled in and had more drinks on the terrace of the bar which has the best view in Southern Spain over the mountains and the Med, at night it is also very spectacular with all the lights. We then put the world to rights as we took in the cool night air.Mano and Anna then dropped us off back in Manilva,as we got out there was a loud shout from Bar Rojas Brian, his friend,Mansel who had just arrived from England on his motor cycle and Andy were in fine form,Lilli had go home, more drinks flowed, it turned out that I had drank them out of Bacardi so I had to make do with vintage pale rum and coke ! Happy Birthdays rang out again, twice as we finished off a “ Helluva ”birthday at 3-30am feeling no pain. Thanks to everyone for making it a day to remember, especially the child bride, Brenda.
PS; I used my silver topped,antique ebony walking cane for the first time,much to everyone's amusment ! Us pensioners need all the help we can get !!
Thought for the Day;
You can tell whether a man is clever by his answers. You can tell whether he is wise by his questions.
.
We started the evening with drinks up on the roof terrace and then came down to the chill-out room to take the first picture below, Jenny settled in down stairs in front of the Spanish TV and we called back in every so often to check on her; at Bar Rojas Mano and Anna joined us for dinner as we sat outside in the warm evening air.
I had ordered a whole Leg of Roast Lamb with vegetables and potatoes; the Lamb is their own and is killed and butchered by Manolo,Lumy had roasted it on a bed of sliced potatoes with lots of herbs and garlic, the vegetables, which you do not get usually in Spain were Baby Carrots with Peas, Beans and diced New Potatoes and of course Patatas Fritas,Brenda produced the mint sauce from her bag! The meal was delicious, the lamb was succulent and of course the Patatas Fritas are out of this world. We had red and white wine, Anna had brought her own Pinot Grigio,Mano was on the Cruz Campo and I was of course on Bacardi and Coke.
As we finished the lights went down and Lumy and Manolo produced a very special birthday sweet,a wonderful Baked Almond Flan which was decorated with flags and 65th birthday candles and commenced to sing Happy Birthday, in Spanish with all the locals joining in ! It was a complete surprise and we very much appreciated the thought. As we were sat outside Carlos called in on his way to work and also Andy stopped for one as he was on his way to see Brian and Lilli, after he finished work. After more drinks we moved down to the Hotel after Carlos had settled in and had more drinks on the terrace of the bar which has the best view in Southern Spain over the mountains and the Med, at night it is also very spectacular with all the lights. We then put the world to rights as we took in the cool night air.Mano and Anna then dropped us off back in Manilva,as we got out there was a loud shout from Bar Rojas Brian, his friend,Mansel who had just arrived from England on his motor cycle and Andy were in fine form,Lilli had go home, more drinks flowed, it turned out that I had drank them out of Bacardi so I had to make do with vintage pale rum and coke ! Happy Birthdays rang out again, twice as we finished off a “ Helluva ”birthday at 3-30am feeling no pain. Thanks to everyone for making it a day to remember, especially the child bride, Brenda.
PS; I used my silver topped,antique ebony walking cane for the first time,much to everyone's amusment ! Us pensioners need all the help we can get !!
Thought for the Day;
You can tell whether a man is clever by his answers. You can tell whether he is wise by his questions.
.
MANILVA 24TH SEPTEMBER PENSIONISTA DAY AM.
FRIDAY 24TH SEPTEMBER 2010.
I woke everbody to a very loud version of " Happy Birthday " sung by Stevie Wonder !
Well what a day, first of all the weather was superb, hot and sunny with clear blue skies and a little Lavante
wind blowing in from Africa, as we sat down to breakfast; Scrambled eggs and Smoked Salmon with Bucks
Fizz made with fresh orange juice and the local Cava. Jenny and Norah had brought the 65th decorations with
them and put them up with Brenda’s help as I was cooking the breakfast. The pictures below show the sisters
in the morning. Jenny had to take things easy as she is feeling a little off colour so Brenda popped around to
the chemist,Miguel and he gave her some tablets to help Jenny; for the rest of the day and evening ,sadly Jenny
had to stay in the house and could not eat anything. At lunchtime after Brian called by and sang Happy Birthday out in the street Brenda and I went up to Bar Rojas to make
the arrangements for dinner,we sat outside and had a lovely quiet drink and reminiscenced about all the good
times over the years together.
.
I woke everbody to a very loud version of " Happy Birthday " sung by Stevie Wonder !
Well what a day, first of all the weather was superb, hot and sunny with clear blue skies and a little Lavante
wind blowing in from Africa, as we sat down to breakfast; Scrambled eggs and Smoked Salmon with Bucks
Fizz made with fresh orange juice and the local Cava. Jenny and Norah had brought the 65th decorations with
them and put them up with Brenda’s help as I was cooking the breakfast. The pictures below show the sisters
in the morning. Jenny had to take things easy as she is feeling a little off colour so Brenda popped around to
the chemist,Miguel and he gave her some tablets to help Jenny; for the rest of the day and evening ,sadly Jenny
had to stay in the house and could not eat anything. At lunchtime after Brian called by and sang Happy Birthday out in the street Brenda and I went up to Bar Rojas to make
the arrangements for dinner,we sat outside and had a lovely quiet drink and reminiscenced about all the good
times over the years together.
.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
MANILVA WEDNESDAY.
WEDNESDAY 22ND.SEPTEMBER 2010.
The storms on Monday passed us by but the rest of Spain was badly hit with floods and severe hail storms once again; On Tuesday morning the girls set off for Sabinillas on the bus, they stayed on it as it went down the coast and back, it costs the same – one euro! I was left in charge of Derek and the house as they went on the beach after having Sausage butties and tea in a Bar on the square! I made Braised Steak and Onions and when she got back Brenda made her Famous Mash – she insisted! They came back up on the bus when it got too hot and then retired to the roof terrace.
This morning Norah and Jenny went out on their own on the bus as Brenda wanted to catch up with the washing and ironing as well as the housework, Derek and I got out of the way and went for a walk and ended up sat at a very windy Mirador ! Derek has been very good whilst he has been on his holiday with us and Cheta has enjoyed his company as well. When Brenda went out on Tuesday I put her in charge of the camera, as assistant news photographer for the blog; she came back with pictures of the waves on the beach and nothing else, blaming the light! My pictures of Derek suffered from the wind !!
NB; Two days to " Pensionista Day " on Friday the 24th !
/
.
The storms on Monday passed us by but the rest of Spain was badly hit with floods and severe hail storms once again; On Tuesday morning the girls set off for Sabinillas on the bus, they stayed on it as it went down the coast and back, it costs the same – one euro! I was left in charge of Derek and the house as they went on the beach after having Sausage butties and tea in a Bar on the square! I made Braised Steak and Onions and when she got back Brenda made her Famous Mash – she insisted! They came back up on the bus when it got too hot and then retired to the roof terrace.
This morning Norah and Jenny went out on their own on the bus as Brenda wanted to catch up with the washing and ironing as well as the housework, Derek and I got out of the way and went for a walk and ended up sat at a very windy Mirador ! Derek has been very good whilst he has been on his holiday with us and Cheta has enjoyed his company as well. When Brenda went out on Tuesday I put her in charge of the camera, as assistant news photographer for the blog; she came back with pictures of the waves on the beach and nothing else, blaming the light! My pictures of Derek suffered from the wind !!
NB; Two days to " Pensionista Day " on Friday the 24th !
/
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Monday, September 20, 2010
MANILVA SUNDAY.
SUNDAY 19TH SEPTEMBER 2010.
Yesterday after a little lie in we had a nice light breakfast of fresh fruit, toast and tea; the sisters then retired to the roof terrace to read and catch the sun as the forecast for Monday is another storm hitting us, in fact as I am typing this it has just started ! In the morning I set up the Skype video again and the three sisters spoke to Jeff and Annette in Kuala Lumpur.
I then set about getting the Sunday roast on the way ably assisted by Brenda, the menu was Roast Loin of Pork, savoury stuffing, Cauliflower Mornay, Cabbage with Alcegas, Puree of Carrots and Turnips, Sliced Green Beans and Roast Potatoes and finger licking gravy!
At lunchtime we had Bacon Butties and Cheese and Ham Toasties up on the terrace to keep us going until dinner was served at 8-oopm. !
After our delicious dinner, even if I do say so myself we then made our way up to Bar Rojas, Norah and Jenny have now got into the routine, and finished the day off with some drinks and Carajillo’s. Over the weekend since we picked Derek up on Saturday he has not left Brenda’s side, he follows her everywhere and has been very good, they took him for a long walk and he has gone to bed on a blanket in our room and sleeps all night until we get up in the morning. Cheta,Brenda’s favourite little dog that visit’s us all the time has been calling in and they have been chasing one another round the lounge and kitchen, they both get very jealous and we have to watch Derek as Anna tells us that he is a randy little --- !!
PS; Jane from Chester has just confimed that she has got a flight from Liverpool to Malaga on Friday the 1st October and back on the Monday afternoon 4th October so it means that we will have to get a move on when the sisters leave on the 29th !
PPS; I have just come off Facebook after sending a reply message to Deb over in Australia,who follows the blog all the time !
PPS; Four days to " Pensionista Day " on the 24th !
Thought for the Day;
A wise man once told me " In heaven there's no wine that's why we drink it here " !
.
.
.
Yesterday after a little lie in we had a nice light breakfast of fresh fruit, toast and tea; the sisters then retired to the roof terrace to read and catch the sun as the forecast for Monday is another storm hitting us, in fact as I am typing this it has just started ! In the morning I set up the Skype video again and the three sisters spoke to Jeff and Annette in Kuala Lumpur.
I then set about getting the Sunday roast on the way ably assisted by Brenda, the menu was Roast Loin of Pork, savoury stuffing, Cauliflower Mornay, Cabbage with Alcegas, Puree of Carrots and Turnips, Sliced Green Beans and Roast Potatoes and finger licking gravy!
At lunchtime we had Bacon Butties and Cheese and Ham Toasties up on the terrace to keep us going until dinner was served at 8-oopm. !
After our delicious dinner, even if I do say so myself we then made our way up to Bar Rojas, Norah and Jenny have now got into the routine, and finished the day off with some drinks and Carajillo’s. Over the weekend since we picked Derek up on Saturday he has not left Brenda’s side, he follows her everywhere and has been very good, they took him for a long walk and he has gone to bed on a blanket in our room and sleeps all night until we get up in the morning. Cheta,Brenda’s favourite little dog that visit’s us all the time has been calling in and they have been chasing one another round the lounge and kitchen, they both get very jealous and we have to watch Derek as Anna tells us that he is a randy little --- !!
PS; Jane from Chester has just confimed that she has got a flight from Liverpool to Malaga on Friday the 1st October and back on the Monday afternoon 4th October so it means that we will have to get a move on when the sisters leave on the 29th !
PPS; I have just come off Facebook after sending a reply message to Deb over in Australia,who follows the blog all the time !
PPS; Four days to " Pensionista Day " on the 24th !
Thought for the Day;
A wise man once told me " In heaven there's no wine that's why we drink it here " !
.
.
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VUELTA A ESPANA 2010
MONDAY 20TH SEPTEMBER 2010.
TOUR OF SPAIN 2010 FINAL RESULT.
On Saturdays mountain stage all the action tool place in the last 5km. of the climb; the two leaders in the overall classification,Vincenzo Nibali and Miguez Mosquera fought it out to the top, through the mist, the “ Road ”was in fact a single lane of concrete with large cracks and was lined with the mad cycling enthusiasts as the battled with each other, Mosquera won by one second but Nibali retained the red jersey.
Sunday’s final stage was around the streets of Madrid which looked spectacular in the afternoon sunshine; Nibali became the first Italian in 20 years to win the overall title when he finished in the peloton to win by 43 seconds from Mosquere.
The great news was that Mark Cavendish won the points Green jersey to become the first Briton in 21 years to earn the sprinters title in a Grand tour ! He was pipped on the line in Madrid by the American Tyler Farrar and now goes to Australia hoping to become the first Briton since Tom Simpson ,my hero, back in 1965 to win the World Championship.
.
TOUR OF SPAIN 2010 FINAL RESULT.
On Saturdays mountain stage all the action tool place in the last 5km. of the climb; the two leaders in the overall classification,Vincenzo Nibali and Miguez Mosquera fought it out to the top, through the mist, the “ Road ”was in fact a single lane of concrete with large cracks and was lined with the mad cycling enthusiasts as the battled with each other, Mosquera won by one second but Nibali retained the red jersey.
Sunday’s final stage was around the streets of Madrid which looked spectacular in the afternoon sunshine; Nibali became the first Italian in 20 years to win the overall title when he finished in the peloton to win by 43 seconds from Mosquere.
The great news was that Mark Cavendish won the points Green jersey to become the first Briton in 21 years to earn the sprinters title in a Grand tour ! He was pipped on the line in Madrid by the American Tyler Farrar and now goes to Australia hoping to become the first Briton since Tom Simpson ,my hero, back in 1965 to win the World Championship.
.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
MANILVA TODAY.
SATURDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER 2010.
The pictures below were taken on the new Mirador overlooking the valley and the mountains; we had just picked Derek up from Mano's neighbour Tony who has been looking after him since Wednesday,we have now got him until they come back next week sometime. The dog food is his but we have just given him some cooked Chicken for his lunch as a treat - it's his favourite !
Yesterday we did not take many pictures as it was grey and overcast and we have posted many pictures of Casares in the past.Today the girls are going on the roof terrace as the sun is out again in sunny Manilva,the forecast is also good for next week.
This morning I set the Skype video up and contacted Jack and Lyn in Australia; so the four sisters have been able to have a long chat and catch up with all their news. Jack and Lyn also told us that they are starting to think about coming over again in 2011,which is great news for us all !
.
The pictures below were taken on the new Mirador overlooking the valley and the mountains; we had just picked Derek up from Mano's neighbour Tony who has been looking after him since Wednesday,we have now got him until they come back next week sometime. The dog food is his but we have just given him some cooked Chicken for his lunch as a treat - it's his favourite !
Yesterday we did not take many pictures as it was grey and overcast and we have posted many pictures of Casares in the past.Today the girls are going on the roof terrace as the sun is out again in sunny Manilva,the forecast is also good for next week.
This morning I set the Skype video up and contacted Jack and Lyn in Australia; so the four sisters have been able to have a long chat and catch up with all their news. Jack and Lyn also told us that they are starting to think about coming over again in 2011,which is great news for us all !
.
Friday, September 17, 2010
MANILVA TODAY.
FRIDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER 2010.
This morning after breakfast we set off to the small market in the village and then down to the larger one on the sea front in Sabinillas, during the night we had our first rain and storm in five months, it was very loud, and the rain was very heavy, the sisters said that they had never seen and heard anything like it; it is normal to us and was not as bad as we have had last winter. In the rest of Spain today there have been many severe floods and in one city they had over four foot of hailstone in a very short period !! After some shopping in the shops and a walk along the front I picked the girls up and headed up the road to the white village of Casares for lunch, we went to our regular Bar and introduced Norah and Jenny to the Menu Del Dia, four courses for 10 euros,Salad to start, Brenda had the Gaspacho,Jenny had the Beef Estafado and Norah and I had the house pasta in a rich tomato sauce; the three sisters had the Pan Fried Chicken Breasts with vegetables and fresh potato crisps while I had the Entrecote with the same; sweets to follow finished us off for the day ! During lunch another rain storm hit the village and passed us by, we then came back down to Sabinillas to do our weekend shopping and as we headed back up the hill to Manilva the sky went black, by the time we got to the house the rain had started and we were trapped in the car outside the house for over 20 mins.until is stopped. I rang Jack and Lyn in Melbourne and arranged to call them on Saturday morning on a Skype Video call as a surprise to the three sisters. Over the weekend the weather is back to normal, hot and sunny.
Tour of Spain – Update;
The very flat time trial on Wednesday changed all the standings as Vincenzo Nibali took over the red jersey; on Thursdays stage from Valladolid to Salamanca Mark Cavendish won the sprint to give him his third stage win on the tour; on today’s stage from Piedrahita to Toledo over 231kms.the longest of the tour, the Belgian rider Phillipe Gilbert won but the overall standings remain the same. Tomorrow is the very mountainous stage which will decide the winner,it goes from San Martin de Valdeiglesias up to Bol del Mundo in the Guadarrama range before they make their way to Madrid on Sunday's final stage.
.
This morning after breakfast we set off to the small market in the village and then down to the larger one on the sea front in Sabinillas, during the night we had our first rain and storm in five months, it was very loud, and the rain was very heavy, the sisters said that they had never seen and heard anything like it; it is normal to us and was not as bad as we have had last winter. In the rest of Spain today there have been many severe floods and in one city they had over four foot of hailstone in a very short period !! After some shopping in the shops and a walk along the front I picked the girls up and headed up the road to the white village of Casares for lunch, we went to our regular Bar and introduced Norah and Jenny to the Menu Del Dia, four courses for 10 euros,Salad to start, Brenda had the Gaspacho,Jenny had the Beef Estafado and Norah and I had the house pasta in a rich tomato sauce; the three sisters had the Pan Fried Chicken Breasts with vegetables and fresh potato crisps while I had the Entrecote with the same; sweets to follow finished us off for the day ! During lunch another rain storm hit the village and passed us by, we then came back down to Sabinillas to do our weekend shopping and as we headed back up the hill to Manilva the sky went black, by the time we got to the house the rain had started and we were trapped in the car outside the house for over 20 mins.until is stopped. I rang Jack and Lyn in Melbourne and arranged to call them on Saturday morning on a Skype Video call as a surprise to the three sisters. Over the weekend the weather is back to normal, hot and sunny.
Tour of Spain – Update;
The very flat time trial on Wednesday changed all the standings as Vincenzo Nibali took over the red jersey; on Thursdays stage from Valladolid to Salamanca Mark Cavendish won the sprint to give him his third stage win on the tour; on today’s stage from Piedrahita to Toledo over 231kms.the longest of the tour, the Belgian rider Phillipe Gilbert won but the overall standings remain the same. Tomorrow is the very mountainous stage which will decide the winner,it goes from San Martin de Valdeiglesias up to Bol del Mundo in the Guadarrama range before they make their way to Madrid on Sunday's final stage.
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MANILVA TO CADIZ AND BACK.
THURSDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER 2010.
After breakfast of tea, toast and fresh figs we set off in the Micra on a rather cloudy day with the forecast of the first rain in five months; I headed down the N 340 towards Algerciras and then turned onto the motorway towards Jerez through the mountains. It’s a spectacular route on a fast road, just before Jerez you hit the Express road to Seville and head in the opposite direction to Cadiz.
The road into Cadiz goes across a spectacular bridge into the new part of the city; it crosses the rivers and sea that surround Cadiz on three sides; as you enter the modern part of the city there is what must be the longest Avenue anywhere, it is dead straight and lined with tall buildings and is three lanes in both directions and goes into the distance. All along the avenue are overhead traffic lights, we lost count but well over a hundred and as you make your way along the change in blocks and keep the traffic flowing !
At the end of the avenue you then pass through the old city walls down into the port and the old part of Cadiz; we had been this far before but today we carried on and explored further; the road soon becomes a single lane and takes you around the headland and into another part of the city; this a tree lined road that borders the university campus with modern and very old buildings side by side. At the far end we came across the very old and twisted tree in the picture and I am checking out the details later as well as giving you the names of the church etc.
As we drove along we saw for the first time the old part of the city, the streets are very long and narrow and are towered over by tall buildings on either side; we took the plunge and drove down one of them into the unknown! The area is vast and I just went with the flow as you can only go one way and follow the signs, as we drove slowly along we came across all sorts of squares with church’s, the theatre district, different shops, candle makers, shoe makers, mirror makers and a dolls hospital to name but just a few ! You can’t stop and you are soon lost, the only way is to carry on till you get out! As we went along the sites and sounds, as well as the smells are amazing, there are also lots of very old and wonderful bars to explore on another day. Eventually we came out and headed for the main sea front parade which stretches for about 3kms. Along the white sand beach, it carries on further on either side of the city and must be over 10kms in all. On the beach this time the sand sculptor was making an elephant, last time it was a giant crocodile !
We stopped at our favourite Tapas bar,Restaurante Art Serrano for lunch and introduced them to beer and tapas as you can see in the pictures below; after a very pleasant lunch the girls dipped their feet in the Atlantic swell as the weather had changed and was now very hot and sunny,33degs in the shade ! We then headed back down the coast towards Tarifa,the road out of Cadiz in this direction goes across a wide causeway with the railway, motor way and then the beach all along a very long and fast stretch, you then hit the old N 340 over the mountains and down to Tarifa past the largest wind farm in Europe. On the way we dropped off into Bolonia for a late afternoon aperitif, this is where the animals can roam free,horses,donkeys,goats,sheep and cattle are common on the streets along the bay and beach,Bolonia was once the farthest outpost of the Roman Empire.
After a “ Helluva “ day we got back to the house in Manilva just in time for a quick siesta before we had our evening cocktails, a late supper of Pork Cutlets in a Lemon and Lime butter sauce with Llonyanaise potatoes and vegetables rounded off a great day down in a very sunny Andalucia.
Thought for the Day;
You never know your friends from your enemies until the ice breaks, an old Eskimo warning !
.
After breakfast of tea, toast and fresh figs we set off in the Micra on a rather cloudy day with the forecast of the first rain in five months; I headed down the N 340 towards Algerciras and then turned onto the motorway towards Jerez through the mountains. It’s a spectacular route on a fast road, just before Jerez you hit the Express road to Seville and head in the opposite direction to Cadiz.
The road into Cadiz goes across a spectacular bridge into the new part of the city; it crosses the rivers and sea that surround Cadiz on three sides; as you enter the modern part of the city there is what must be the longest Avenue anywhere, it is dead straight and lined with tall buildings and is three lanes in both directions and goes into the distance. All along the avenue are overhead traffic lights, we lost count but well over a hundred and as you make your way along the change in blocks and keep the traffic flowing !
At the end of the avenue you then pass through the old city walls down into the port and the old part of Cadiz; we had been this far before but today we carried on and explored further; the road soon becomes a single lane and takes you around the headland and into another part of the city; this a tree lined road that borders the university campus with modern and very old buildings side by side. At the far end we came across the very old and twisted tree in the picture and I am checking out the details later as well as giving you the names of the church etc.
As we drove along we saw for the first time the old part of the city, the streets are very long and narrow and are towered over by tall buildings on either side; we took the plunge and drove down one of them into the unknown! The area is vast and I just went with the flow as you can only go one way and follow the signs, as we drove slowly along we came across all sorts of squares with church’s, the theatre district, different shops, candle makers, shoe makers, mirror makers and a dolls hospital to name but just a few ! You can’t stop and you are soon lost, the only way is to carry on till you get out! As we went along the sites and sounds, as well as the smells are amazing, there are also lots of very old and wonderful bars to explore on another day. Eventually we came out and headed for the main sea front parade which stretches for about 3kms. Along the white sand beach, it carries on further on either side of the city and must be over 10kms in all. On the beach this time the sand sculptor was making an elephant, last time it was a giant crocodile !
We stopped at our favourite Tapas bar,Restaurante Art Serrano for lunch and introduced them to beer and tapas as you can see in the pictures below; after a very pleasant lunch the girls dipped their feet in the Atlantic swell as the weather had changed and was now very hot and sunny,33degs in the shade ! We then headed back down the coast towards Tarifa,the road out of Cadiz in this direction goes across a wide causeway with the railway, motor way and then the beach all along a very long and fast stretch, you then hit the old N 340 over the mountains and down to Tarifa past the largest wind farm in Europe. On the way we dropped off into Bolonia for a late afternoon aperitif, this is where the animals can roam free,horses,donkeys,goats,sheep and cattle are common on the streets along the bay and beach,Bolonia was once the farthest outpost of the Roman Empire.
After a “ Helluva “ day we got back to the house in Manilva just in time for a quick siesta before we had our evening cocktails, a late supper of Pork Cutlets in a Lemon and Lime butter sauce with Llonyanaise potatoes and vegetables rounded off a great day down in a very sunny Andalucia.
Thought for the Day;
You never know your friends from your enemies until the ice breaks, an old Eskimo warning !
.
MANILVA. SISTERS START THEIR HOLIDAY.
WEDNESDAY 15TH SEPTEMBER 2010.
First thing on Wednesday morning the hire car was dropped off outside the town hall at the top of our street; it was a Nissan Micra and it is a super little four door with lots of space and everything you need, it also has a five speed gear box and so you are able to drive it Spanish style!
Norah and Jenny arrived ay Gibraltar airport over an hour late due to the French air traffic controllers being on a go slow; is it me or are they always on a go slow? Anyway Brenda walked across the border to meet them and I parked up and read the papers; it was a lovely sunny day and I sat and watched life go by, in the main harbour a very large cruise liner had just arrived and all the passengers were dis- embarking. We shot back to the house in Manilva and settled the girls into their bedrooms; our capacity has doubled at Casa San Vicente for any future bookings!
We made some Club Sandwiches for a light lunch and then the sisters unpacked and had a little siesta before we took them out for another welcome drink at the local golf club, the second picture below was taken there as the sun went down; we then came back up to the village and made our first visit to Bar Rojas for supper, they had the Deep Fried Fish in a light batter with the now famous Patatas Fritas of Lumy whilst I had Huevos fritas and a side order of Carne de Tomate all finished off with Carajillos ! They then went to bed and slept till woken by their morning call for Thursday’s big day out.
Thought for the Day;
Don’t look down on anyone unless you are helping them up.
.
.
First thing on Wednesday morning the hire car was dropped off outside the town hall at the top of our street; it was a Nissan Micra and it is a super little four door with lots of space and everything you need, it also has a five speed gear box and so you are able to drive it Spanish style!
Norah and Jenny arrived ay Gibraltar airport over an hour late due to the French air traffic controllers being on a go slow; is it me or are they always on a go slow? Anyway Brenda walked across the border to meet them and I parked up and read the papers; it was a lovely sunny day and I sat and watched life go by, in the main harbour a very large cruise liner had just arrived and all the passengers were dis- embarking. We shot back to the house in Manilva and settled the girls into their bedrooms; our capacity has doubled at Casa San Vicente for any future bookings!
We made some Club Sandwiches for a light lunch and then the sisters unpacked and had a little siesta before we took them out for another welcome drink at the local golf club, the second picture below was taken there as the sun went down; we then came back up to the village and made our first visit to Bar Rojas for supper, they had the Deep Fried Fish in a light batter with the now famous Patatas Fritas of Lumy whilst I had Huevos fritas and a side order of Carne de Tomate all finished off with Carajillos ! They then went to bed and slept till woken by their morning call for Thursday’s big day out.
Thought for the Day;
Don’t look down on anyone unless you are helping them up.
.
.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
MANILVA CASA SAN VICENTE TODAY.
TUESDAY 14TH.SEPTEMBER 2010. AM;
We are ready in the house ,nearly as Brenda is still cleaning,washing,mopping,polishing and fixing things! The hire car is being dropped off in the morning,we will then shoot across to Gibraltar to pick the sisters up.Tomorrow's menu is planned and we have also planned our trips out on Thursday and Friday; we are then going to have the weekend in sunny Manilva,the weather is on the change,it's a little cooler which is good for them. Next week we will arrange with them once they are here;the end of the week is " P " day so we have a few things in mind for then;Mano and Anna are away tomorrow as they are going to large family wedding in Manchester,we are looking after their small dog ,Dereck till they get back by next Wednesday.
NB; The countdown to the 24th is getting nearer !! " PENSIONISTA DAY "
PS; Jane from Chester is trying again to get out at the start of October so we have put the " Cloudy Bay " back to chill - come on Jane you know that you can make it this time !!
.
We are ready in the house ,nearly as Brenda is still cleaning,washing,mopping,polishing and fixing things! The hire car is being dropped off in the morning,we will then shoot across to Gibraltar to pick the sisters up.Tomorrow's menu is planned and we have also planned our trips out on Thursday and Friday; we are then going to have the weekend in sunny Manilva,the weather is on the change,it's a little cooler which is good for them. Next week we will arrange with them once they are here;the end of the week is " P " day so we have a few things in mind for then;Mano and Anna are away tomorrow as they are going to large family wedding in Manchester,we are looking after their small dog ,Dereck till they get back by next Wednesday.
NB; The countdown to the 24th is getting nearer !! " PENSIONISTA DAY "
PS; Jane from Chester is trying again to get out at the start of October so we have put the " Cloudy Bay " back to chill - come on Jane you know that you can make it this time !!
.
VUELA A ESPANA 2010 NEWS UPDATE.
TUESDAY 14TH.SEPTEMBER 2010.
Sadly Mark Cavendish did not make it three on the row on stage 14 from Burgos to Pena Cabarga as there was crash near the end and the race was disrupted, the winner was J, Rodriguez.
Stage 15 over 188km.from Solares to Lagos de Covadonga was won by Miguel Mosquena when he broke away on the last climb and finished in the mist.
Stage 16 from Gijon to Cotobello was won by a rider from Columbia Mikel Ituraldi and at the same time the Red jersey was taken over by Joaquim Rodriguez( Purito ) who now leads the race overall.Today is a rest day and on Wednesday it is a Time trial around Penafiel over a course of 46km.
My report on the Vuelta is very short and brief as I am translating it from Spanish and the coverage on Spanish TV. The English reports on the BBC have stopped as they are now following the Tour of Britain!
NB; Just for interest on the third stage from Newtown to Swansea the Swiss rider Michael Albasini powered to victory as he climbed up the one in three Constitution Hill in the heavy rain, at the end and he now leads the Tour !
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.
Sadly Mark Cavendish did not make it three on the row on stage 14 from Burgos to Pena Cabarga as there was crash near the end and the race was disrupted, the winner was J, Rodriguez.
Stage 15 over 188km.from Solares to Lagos de Covadonga was won by Miguel Mosquena when he broke away on the last climb and finished in the mist.
Stage 16 from Gijon to Cotobello was won by a rider from Columbia Mikel Ituraldi and at the same time the Red jersey was taken over by Joaquim Rodriguez( Purito ) who now leads the race overall.Today is a rest day and on Wednesday it is a Time trial around Penafiel over a course of 46km.
My report on the Vuelta is very short and brief as I am translating it from Spanish and the coverage on Spanish TV. The English reports on the BBC have stopped as they are now following the Tour of Britain!
NB; Just for interest on the third stage from Newtown to Swansea the Swiss rider Michael Albasini powered to victory as he climbed up the one in three Constitution Hill in the heavy rain, at the end and he now leads the Tour !
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