Saturday, October 30, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
MANILVA THIS WEEK - SO FAR.
MONDAY/TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY 25TH/26TH/27TH 28TH OCTOBER 2010.
All this week the weather has been beautiful so we have been walking Cheta in the morning around the village; on Monday we had a quiet day at home catching up with things and taking it easy, in the evening we had cold Pork with then leftovers for supper.
On Tuesday as we came back from our walk Mano and Anna were outside Bar Rojas so we joined them for a quick one, then Carlos came along and shortly after Brian so it developed into a little session including plates of Lumy’s famous Patatas Fritas !In the afternoon the Blood Donation coach was outside the Town Hall and I tried again to give blood, but with no joy once again – it’s a technical thing to do with how many years you have been resident in Spain so next year I should be OK! See the picture below. While we were out we picked up a Chicken breast for dinner which I flattened and pan fried in foaming Balsamic butter with a baked potato on the side.
Wednesday was another glorious day down her on the Coasta Del Sol not like the rest of Spain which has high winds ,rain and snow ! Mano and Anna called in but there is still no definite news about them going away this weekend – Hasta Manana! In the evening for dinner we had Pork Cutlets in a Lemon butter sauce with Cabbage and Llyonaisse potatoes and then settled down to watch the TV after I had taken the rubbish up to the bins in Calle Mar; Brian and Liili where sat outside having supper and all ready on their third bottle of White wine as they celebrated getting engaged seven years ago – any excuse ! So we ended up having a couple of night caps with them,we then came back to the house and for the final one we made “ Caipirinha’s ”with a rather special bottle of high proof Cachaca, this time I used sugar !! They went off down the street feeling no pain, this morning they are both complaining; Brian has just called in to collect a bag of very large Mango’s that he left behind last night and Lilli has misplaced her purse and has not found it yet. PS; She has just rung to say that she has found it !!
This morning I’ve made a Chicken Curry for supper tonight, just as I finished Mano and Anna called in to update us on their news – which is still the same – they don’t know! Whilst he was here he fixed the new toilet seat upstairs. Tonight we are having a night in and watching the TV – promise !!
Thought for the Day;
It’s a great ability to be able to conceal one’s ability.
.
All this week the weather has been beautiful so we have been walking Cheta in the morning around the village; on Monday we had a quiet day at home catching up with things and taking it easy, in the evening we had cold Pork with then leftovers for supper.
On Tuesday as we came back from our walk Mano and Anna were outside Bar Rojas so we joined them for a quick one, then Carlos came along and shortly after Brian so it developed into a little session including plates of Lumy’s famous Patatas Fritas !In the afternoon the Blood Donation coach was outside the Town Hall and I tried again to give blood, but with no joy once again – it’s a technical thing to do with how many years you have been resident in Spain so next year I should be OK! See the picture below. While we were out we picked up a Chicken breast for dinner which I flattened and pan fried in foaming Balsamic butter with a baked potato on the side.
Wednesday was another glorious day down her on the Coasta Del Sol not like the rest of Spain which has high winds ,rain and snow ! Mano and Anna called in but there is still no definite news about them going away this weekend – Hasta Manana! In the evening for dinner we had Pork Cutlets in a Lemon butter sauce with Cabbage and Llyonaisse potatoes and then settled down to watch the TV after I had taken the rubbish up to the bins in Calle Mar; Brian and Liili where sat outside having supper and all ready on their third bottle of White wine as they celebrated getting engaged seven years ago – any excuse ! So we ended up having a couple of night caps with them,we then came back to the house and for the final one we made “ Caipirinha’s ”with a rather special bottle of high proof Cachaca, this time I used sugar !! They went off down the street feeling no pain, this morning they are both complaining; Brian has just called in to collect a bag of very large Mango’s that he left behind last night and Lilli has misplaced her purse and has not found it yet. PS; She has just rung to say that she has found it !!
This morning I’ve made a Chicken Curry for supper tonight, just as I finished Mano and Anna called in to update us on their news – which is still the same – they don’t know! Whilst he was here he fixed the new toilet seat upstairs. Tonight we are having a night in and watching the TV – promise !!
Thought for the Day;
It’s a great ability to be able to conceal one’s ability.
.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
MANILVA THIS WEEKEND.
FRIDAY/SATURDAY/SUNDAY 22ND/23RD/24TH OCTOBER 2010.
On Friday morning we went to the surgery as we had made an appointment to have our Flu jabs which we now both get as we are pensioners; we then went down to Sabinillas to do the weekend shopping and get some stock to take away with us when we move over to Guadalmina at the start of November.the weather at this time of the year is gorgeous, blue skies, no breeze and by lunchtime it is hot, over the weekend it reached 27degs!We sat outside Bar Rojas for a quick one and took in the tranquility of the village. In the evening we had for dinner some lovely small Lemon Soles which we had picked up from the market; I pan fried them quickly in a foaming Lemon/Parsley Butter sauce and we had New Potatoes and Green vegetables.
After our usual breakfast on a Saturday morning, Poached Eggs on toast we went for a walk with Cheta who is now fully recovered, Brenda left me down at the football stadium as you can see in the report below; in the afternoon Brenda was able to go up on the roof terrace and catch the sun. In the evening we had just prepared our supper, Minute Steak and Chips with sauté Onions and Mushrooms when Brian and Lilli called in with their friend Juan, it was Brian’s day off on a Saturday so he had been watching the football, his team Everton drew with Spurs, Liverpool won for the first time against Blackburn but sadly Carlos’s team Manchester City were beaten the Arsenal! They stopped for a couple of drinks and then left for Bar Rojas so we then had our supper; as we were talking Christmas came up, we have not made any plans just yet as we will have to see nearer the time what Mano and Guerrero clan are up too ! Later we watched a film on Spanish TV, the main channel; TVE1 has no commercial breaks which is good.
We had a little lie in on Sunday morning before we got the roast ready, this week we had Loin of Pork with all the usual vegetables and potatoes and Mano and Anna joined us in the evening; it turns out that they might be going away for a couple of days with their friend Juan and Amelia to Madrid this coming weekend so they have asked us to look after their house and the two dogs and two cats! It just fits in as the following Wednesday is when we move over to Guadalmina. In the early afternoon we went for a walk, it got really hot and we had to sit down half way around! It also means that this was our last roast for six weeks here in the house, when we get back in December it will be time to put up the Christmas decorations! The picture below of the fire station was taken this morning as we were out with Cheta for a walk.
Thought for the Day;
Have a vision. Be demanding.
.
On Friday morning we went to the surgery as we had made an appointment to have our Flu jabs which we now both get as we are pensioners; we then went down to Sabinillas to do the weekend shopping and get some stock to take away with us when we move over to Guadalmina at the start of November.the weather at this time of the year is gorgeous, blue skies, no breeze and by lunchtime it is hot, over the weekend it reached 27degs!We sat outside Bar Rojas for a quick one and took in the tranquility of the village. In the evening we had for dinner some lovely small Lemon Soles which we had picked up from the market; I pan fried them quickly in a foaming Lemon/Parsley Butter sauce and we had New Potatoes and Green vegetables.
After our usual breakfast on a Saturday morning, Poached Eggs on toast we went for a walk with Cheta who is now fully recovered, Brenda left me down at the football stadium as you can see in the report below; in the afternoon Brenda was able to go up on the roof terrace and catch the sun. In the evening we had just prepared our supper, Minute Steak and Chips with sauté Onions and Mushrooms when Brian and Lilli called in with their friend Juan, it was Brian’s day off on a Saturday so he had been watching the football, his team Everton drew with Spurs, Liverpool won for the first time against Blackburn but sadly Carlos’s team Manchester City were beaten the Arsenal! They stopped for a couple of drinks and then left for Bar Rojas so we then had our supper; as we were talking Christmas came up, we have not made any plans just yet as we will have to see nearer the time what Mano and Guerrero clan are up too ! Later we watched a film on Spanish TV, the main channel; TVE1 has no commercial breaks which is good.
We had a little lie in on Sunday morning before we got the roast ready, this week we had Loin of Pork with all the usual vegetables and potatoes and Mano and Anna joined us in the evening; it turns out that they might be going away for a couple of days with their friend Juan and Amelia to Madrid this coming weekend so they have asked us to look after their house and the two dogs and two cats! It just fits in as the following Wednesday is when we move over to Guadalmina. In the early afternoon we went for a walk, it got really hot and we had to sit down half way around! It also means that this was our last roast for six weeks here in the house, when we get back in December it will be time to put up the Christmas decorations! The picture below of the fire station was taken this morning as we were out with Cheta for a walk.
Thought for the Day;
Have a vision. Be demanding.
.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
MANILVA LOCAL LEAGUE NEWS.
SATURDAY 23RD OCTOBER 2010.
I’ve just come back from watching the local league football down at the football stadium; the seven a side is very quick and competitive as they play two matches at a time across the main pitch. We walked Cheta, who is nearly back to normal, at the same time, Brenda then went back with her and I stayed to watch the games; I watched the game between a local council side in white and the police side in black,one of the players on the white team was Salvador who we know so I followed them and they won 2 -1 ! The other match was between the local fruit and vegetable supplier Pasquels and Bar Manolo which ended up 4 -2 for Pasquels !
.
I’ve just come back from watching the local league football down at the football stadium; the seven a side is very quick and competitive as they play two matches at a time across the main pitch. We walked Cheta, who is nearly back to normal, at the same time, Brenda then went back with her and I stayed to watch the games; I watched the game between a local council side in white and the police side in black,one of the players on the white team was Salvador who we know so I followed them and they won 2 -1 ! The other match was between the local fruit and vegetable supplier Pasquels and Bar Manolo which ended up 4 -2 for Pasquels !
.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
MANILVA THIS WEEK.
TUESDAY/WEDNESDAT/THURSDAY 19TH/20TH/21ST OCTOBER 2010.
On Tuesday morning after breakfast we were just thinking about going for a walk with Cheta when she came in through the front door shutters but at a very slow pace and with no life in her; she was very quiet and not her usual self and did not look a happy girl! On thinking back she did not eat anything on Monday when she popped in or have a drink from her bowl, Brenda took her down to Isabella and she told Brenda that she was not well and had not eaten anything for a couple of days and she was very worried about her, so we did not take her on the walk. While we were out we picked up some Pork Cutlets from the butchers for dinner; when we got back Anna called in with Fabio after picking him up from school, he was full of life and went off with Brenda around the house chatting away in Spanish and English.
Yesterday morning Brenda went down to see how Cheta was, she was still the same so she left her with Isabella who was starting to think about calling the vet. Later she perked up a bit but was still very down and had not eaten anything. The weather is still warm and sunny during the day with clear blue skies but cooler in the evening and at night, we ended up down by the sports stadium on the pensioners exercise equipment for a while ( Brenda ) and checked out the football pitch, it is all ready for the winter football which has started so we will go down on Saturday morning to catch up with all the sports going on, the pictures below show the football stadium in fine shape. We bumped into Mano,Anna and Brian outside Bar Rojas and had a quick one for the road !When we got back I made a Chicken curry for dinner with Brenda’s Basmati rice.
As we were just finishing the door bell went, it was Brian and Lilli dropping off the plate from the Sunday roast on the way up to Bar Rojas for some supper; they ended up staying and had a curry supper, Brian was on his day off and was in fine form so we soon finished off the red wine, white wine and beer ! I suggested we have a “ Caipirinha ” which seemed to go down well with everybody; Brenda got our special glass’s out and also started crushing the ice in our ice crushing machine, meanwhile I got the sugar and Limes ready, one lime per glass cut into quarters and started to mulch with a special wooden crusher, added more sugar and a very large measure of the best Sagatiba Pura Cachaca topped with Lime Seven Up, cut some small straws and served the perfect Caipirinha ! The only problem was that I had picked up the salt jar not the sugar jar !! ( Brenda’s Fault ) !!! So we started again and ended up finishing the bottle !! Brian and Lilli headed for home with a warm rosy glow all over them.
This morning Brenda went down to see how Cheta. was today, she brought her up but she is still not back to her old self, she is still not eating or drinking, but we went for a short walk around the village with her and then dropped off back with Isabella. Anna and Carlos have just called in on their way to pick Fabio up from school, Carlos had to be out of his house as they are having a new wooden floor laid. Tonight we are having cold Ham with Eggs and Chips for supper and will then watch the football on the TV and the PC as Liverpool and Manchester City are playing, last night Barcelona won and the night before Real Madrid also won, the best match was the Inter Milan v Tottenham game when the Italians went four up but it ended up 4-3 when Gareth Bale scored a excellent hat trick!
Thought for the Day;
Get mad, then get over it !
.
On Tuesday morning after breakfast we were just thinking about going for a walk with Cheta when she came in through the front door shutters but at a very slow pace and with no life in her; she was very quiet and not her usual self and did not look a happy girl! On thinking back she did not eat anything on Monday when she popped in or have a drink from her bowl, Brenda took her down to Isabella and she told Brenda that she was not well and had not eaten anything for a couple of days and she was very worried about her, so we did not take her on the walk. While we were out we picked up some Pork Cutlets from the butchers for dinner; when we got back Anna called in with Fabio after picking him up from school, he was full of life and went off with Brenda around the house chatting away in Spanish and English.
Yesterday morning Brenda went down to see how Cheta was, she was still the same so she left her with Isabella who was starting to think about calling the vet. Later she perked up a bit but was still very down and had not eaten anything. The weather is still warm and sunny during the day with clear blue skies but cooler in the evening and at night, we ended up down by the sports stadium on the pensioners exercise equipment for a while ( Brenda ) and checked out the football pitch, it is all ready for the winter football which has started so we will go down on Saturday morning to catch up with all the sports going on, the pictures below show the football stadium in fine shape. We bumped into Mano,Anna and Brian outside Bar Rojas and had a quick one for the road !When we got back I made a Chicken curry for dinner with Brenda’s Basmati rice.
As we were just finishing the door bell went, it was Brian and Lilli dropping off the plate from the Sunday roast on the way up to Bar Rojas for some supper; they ended up staying and had a curry supper, Brian was on his day off and was in fine form so we soon finished off the red wine, white wine and beer ! I suggested we have a “ Caipirinha ” which seemed to go down well with everybody; Brenda got our special glass’s out and also started crushing the ice in our ice crushing machine, meanwhile I got the sugar and Limes ready, one lime per glass cut into quarters and started to mulch with a special wooden crusher, added more sugar and a very large measure of the best Sagatiba Pura Cachaca topped with Lime Seven Up, cut some small straws and served the perfect Caipirinha ! The only problem was that I had picked up the salt jar not the sugar jar !! ( Brenda’s Fault ) !!! So we started again and ended up finishing the bottle !! Brian and Lilli headed for home with a warm rosy glow all over them.
This morning Brenda went down to see how Cheta. was today, she brought her up but she is still not back to her old self, she is still not eating or drinking, but we went for a short walk around the village with her and then dropped off back with Isabella. Anna and Carlos have just called in on their way to pick Fabio up from school, Carlos had to be out of his house as they are having a new wooden floor laid. Tonight we are having cold Ham with Eggs and Chips for supper and will then watch the football on the TV and the PC as Liverpool and Manchester City are playing, last night Barcelona won and the night before Real Madrid also won, the best match was the Inter Milan v Tottenham game when the Italians went four up but it ended up 4-3 when Gareth Bale scored a excellent hat trick!
Thought for the Day;
Get mad, then get over it !
.
Monday, October 18, 2010
MANILVA THIS WEEKEND.
SATURDAY/SUNDAY/MONDAY 16TH/17TH/18TH OCTOBER 2010.
After breakfast on Saturday morning Brenda was doing the washing and ironing; I made Ratatouille for Sunday dinner as it matures over night! We had an at home day and took things easy, Brenda was out on the roof terrace as the sun was out and the forecast for the next few days is more of the same, it is cooler in the morning and evening but goes warm during the day with our usual clear blue skies and the views over the valley to the mountains get even better. After a light lunch I tried on the Skype video to contact Jeff and Annette in Kuala Lumpur, they answered straight away as they where just posting some pictures and a video on Facebook; Lyn had told us that her daughter, Annette Rose was over there for ten days visiting her brother and as we have never spoken to her, we have only seen pictures and made contact on Facebook I decided to call as a surprise for Brenda;so for the first time in over fifty years Brenda was able to see and talk to Annette,they were both very moved ! The outcome is that Annette Rose is now thinking of coming over to see us next year,please note that we are starting to pencil bookings in for 2011 !! We all ready are expecting the two sisters to return, Jane and David to come over, Jack and Lyn are on the possible list and Tim when he finally decides to retire is threatening to come for a long stay! Please book early to avoid disappointment !!
On Sunday morning we were up bright and early to get the Lamb in the oven and things on the go; Mano and Anna had bought the Leg of Lamb ( 3Kilos ) from the Moroccan butchers down in Sabinillas so it was “ Halal ” meat, the Arabic for permitted/lawful. I studded it with Garlic Cloves and rubbed in fresh Rosemary before putting it in the oven on a bed of chopped vegetable trimmings which I had seasoned with herbs and some secret ingredients which later help to make my famous finger licking herb Lamb gravy ! The Potatoes for dinner were Goose Fat roasted and a large dish of Boulangere especially for the Lamb, the vegetables from Brenda were Fine Green Beans, Broccoli and Cauliflower florets topped with shavings of semi-Curado Goats cheese, Garden Peas mixed with baby Carrott’s and the Ratatouille ! The Lamb was delicious, succulent and moist with bags of the Garlic and Rosemary flavor, a memorable roast ! We sent around to Carlos and Ana Mari a large oval platter two person takeaway and tonight we are having Cold Lamb and the leftovers for supper !
Today we are catching up ( Brenda ) with the chores and I am typing up the blog and Facebook; we will go out for a walk later and we will see if we can collect Cheta from her owner, yesterday we took her for a walk at lunchtime and bumped into Mano walking his big Boxer Dog,Feria so we ended up down at Mano and Anna’s for an hour catching up with all the news. Later I watched on the PC the Liverpool/Everton derby match in Russian, Liverpool lost and played terrible despite what Roy Hodgson the manager says and then I followed the Manchester City/Blackpool game in English which was a really good match and City won ! I get all the sport live from a Web Page that Carlos and Brian gave me the details about, they watch all the sport via a link from the PC to the large screen TV. It covers all sports and you have to work a bit and use a couple of downloaded links to pick up the best connections from around Europe and it’s all free !! Over the weekend the live Spanish football on the TV was also very good, Barcelona and Real Madrid both won.
Thought for the Day ;
Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
.
After breakfast on Saturday morning Brenda was doing the washing and ironing; I made Ratatouille for Sunday dinner as it matures over night! We had an at home day and took things easy, Brenda was out on the roof terrace as the sun was out and the forecast for the next few days is more of the same, it is cooler in the morning and evening but goes warm during the day with our usual clear blue skies and the views over the valley to the mountains get even better. After a light lunch I tried on the Skype video to contact Jeff and Annette in Kuala Lumpur, they answered straight away as they where just posting some pictures and a video on Facebook; Lyn had told us that her daughter, Annette Rose was over there for ten days visiting her brother and as we have never spoken to her, we have only seen pictures and made contact on Facebook I decided to call as a surprise for Brenda;so for the first time in over fifty years Brenda was able to see and talk to Annette,they were both very moved ! The outcome is that Annette Rose is now thinking of coming over to see us next year,please note that we are starting to pencil bookings in for 2011 !! We all ready are expecting the two sisters to return, Jane and David to come over, Jack and Lyn are on the possible list and Tim when he finally decides to retire is threatening to come for a long stay! Please book early to avoid disappointment !!
On Sunday morning we were up bright and early to get the Lamb in the oven and things on the go; Mano and Anna had bought the Leg of Lamb ( 3Kilos ) from the Moroccan butchers down in Sabinillas so it was “ Halal ” meat, the Arabic for permitted/lawful. I studded it with Garlic Cloves and rubbed in fresh Rosemary before putting it in the oven on a bed of chopped vegetable trimmings which I had seasoned with herbs and some secret ingredients which later help to make my famous finger licking herb Lamb gravy ! The Potatoes for dinner were Goose Fat roasted and a large dish of Boulangere especially for the Lamb, the vegetables from Brenda were Fine Green Beans, Broccoli and Cauliflower florets topped with shavings of semi-Curado Goats cheese, Garden Peas mixed with baby Carrott’s and the Ratatouille ! The Lamb was delicious, succulent and moist with bags of the Garlic and Rosemary flavor, a memorable roast ! We sent around to Carlos and Ana Mari a large oval platter two person takeaway and tonight we are having Cold Lamb and the leftovers for supper !
Today we are catching up ( Brenda ) with the chores and I am typing up the blog and Facebook; we will go out for a walk later and we will see if we can collect Cheta from her owner, yesterday we took her for a walk at lunchtime and bumped into Mano walking his big Boxer Dog,Feria so we ended up down at Mano and Anna’s for an hour catching up with all the news. Later I watched on the PC the Liverpool/Everton derby match in Russian, Liverpool lost and played terrible despite what Roy Hodgson the manager says and then I followed the Manchester City/Blackpool game in English which was a really good match and City won ! I get all the sport live from a Web Page that Carlos and Brian gave me the details about, they watch all the sport via a link from the PC to the large screen TV. It covers all sports and you have to work a bit and use a couple of downloaded links to pick up the best connections from around Europe and it’s all free !! Over the weekend the live Spanish football on the TV was also very good, Barcelona and Real Madrid both won.
Thought for the Day ;
Don’t let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.
.
Friday, October 15, 2010
MANILVA AND GUADALMINA.
THURSDAY/FRIDAY 14TH/15TH OCTOBER 2010.
Yesterday morning we went across to Guadalmina as we had arranged a meeting with Clive and Carolyn to discuss the details to look after Casa Del Abuelo while they are away for five weeks in November into December; it was the nicest day of the month so far and it reached 26 degs in the shade as we sat under the covered Moroccan style BBQ area. They now have three dogs, two house cats, five outside cats and even more fish in the pond as well as Clive’s mother, another Joan! She is not a problem as she has a home help three times a week, the gardener comes in once a week at this time of the year and also the cleaner does one day a week and at regular intervals Joan has a Hairdresser and Chiropodist call in. During November the builders are due back to do some work on the outside drains and gulleys so we have full calendar to look after over the five weeks! The picture below shows the terrace taken from the BBQ area with all the flowers in full bloom. On the way back we called into Bar Rojas as it was so warm and sunny and took in the lunchtime air as we sat under the Sonbrajo, Brian and Carlos stopped off as they were passing and we caught up with the news and village gossip! We had picked up on Wednesday a Chicken breast which we flattened and I pan fried it in Balsamic vinegar, which we had with Chips for dinner!
This morning we did the weekly shopping and as we got back Mano called in with a large Leg of Lamb for the Sunday roast; we then went for a long walk around the village in an anti clockwise direction for a change with Cheta. When we came back we made contact with Jack and Lyn over in Melbourne on the Skype video, they are going away for a few days next week with their caravan so as they told us where they planned to go we spotted it on the large Australian Map behind me in the office; watch out in Bright on the road to Wodonga and Wagga Wagga for the Irving’s!! During November they are going on a cruise around Australia which takes 28 days and calls in all the main places of interest, we have the details of the liner and we are going to follow them as well as trying to make contact with them on Lyn’s birthday
This evening Brenda is having Salmon Fillets and I am having Dab Soles for supper with New Potatoes and Green vegetables.
Thought for the Day;
Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten.
.
Yesterday morning we went across to Guadalmina as we had arranged a meeting with Clive and Carolyn to discuss the details to look after Casa Del Abuelo while they are away for five weeks in November into December; it was the nicest day of the month so far and it reached 26 degs in the shade as we sat under the covered Moroccan style BBQ area. They now have three dogs, two house cats, five outside cats and even more fish in the pond as well as Clive’s mother, another Joan! She is not a problem as she has a home help three times a week, the gardener comes in once a week at this time of the year and also the cleaner does one day a week and at regular intervals Joan has a Hairdresser and Chiropodist call in. During November the builders are due back to do some work on the outside drains and gulleys so we have full calendar to look after over the five weeks! The picture below shows the terrace taken from the BBQ area with all the flowers in full bloom. On the way back we called into Bar Rojas as it was so warm and sunny and took in the lunchtime air as we sat under the Sonbrajo, Brian and Carlos stopped off as they were passing and we caught up with the news and village gossip! We had picked up on Wednesday a Chicken breast which we flattened and I pan fried it in Balsamic vinegar, which we had with Chips for dinner!
This morning we did the weekly shopping and as we got back Mano called in with a large Leg of Lamb for the Sunday roast; we then went for a long walk around the village in an anti clockwise direction for a change with Cheta. When we came back we made contact with Jack and Lyn over in Melbourne on the Skype video, they are going away for a few days next week with their caravan so as they told us where they planned to go we spotted it on the large Australian Map behind me in the office; watch out in Bright on the road to Wodonga and Wagga Wagga for the Irving’s!! During November they are going on a cruise around Australia which takes 28 days and calls in all the main places of interest, we have the details of the liner and we are going to follow them as well as trying to make contact with them on Lyn’s birthday
This evening Brenda is having Salmon Fillets and I am having Dab Soles for supper with New Potatoes and Green vegetables.
Thought for the Day;
Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten.
.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
MANILVA TODAY.
MONDAY/TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY 11TH/12/13TH OCTOBER 2010.
On Monday morning after a little lie in we had are usual light breakfast of toast and fresh fruit with tea; the weather is back to sunny with blue skies ,the temperature has gone down a few degrees but it is still reaching 25/26 degs. and it is the best time of the year for walking so we called and picked Cheta up from her house just around the corner as Isobell her owner does not get out much.Cheta charges in through the shutters at all times of the day and evening and even finds us if we are up on the roof terrace! We went the long way round to the surgery as Brenda had an appointment for her Anti – Tetanus booster jab and then walked back around the village. In the evening we had cold Chicken for supper and then watched the second series of Gavin and Stacey.
Yesterday we a had a at home day as Brenda was catching up with the ironing; I was taking the rubbish up to the bins when I saw this little Motor Bike with a very young boy with all the gear on charging around the back streets, so I found him and his family in Calle Mar and got the pictures as you can see below. They defiantly start then young in Manilva! He even puts his knee out when he is leaning over going around corners just like his hero Pedrosa! For dinner we had Braised Steak and Onions with vegetables with New Potatoes and then watched the football, Spain beat Scotland but the England match that I watched on line was terrible.
Today we have been for a long walk around the village with Cheta again, on the way we picked up some Pork Cutlets for dinner tonight and I took the pictures below of the views across the valley to the mountains; when we got back we found in the post that my bus pass had arrived, I am now officially “ Don Malcolm Lawrence Sexton ”as you can see in the first picture !
Thought for the Day;
Education is an admirable thing but it is well worth to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught.
.
On Monday morning after a little lie in we had are usual light breakfast of toast and fresh fruit with tea; the weather is back to sunny with blue skies ,the temperature has gone down a few degrees but it is still reaching 25/26 degs. and it is the best time of the year for walking so we called and picked Cheta up from her house just around the corner as Isobell her owner does not get out much.Cheta charges in through the shutters at all times of the day and evening and even finds us if we are up on the roof terrace! We went the long way round to the surgery as Brenda had an appointment for her Anti – Tetanus booster jab and then walked back around the village. In the evening we had cold Chicken for supper and then watched the second series of Gavin and Stacey.
Yesterday we a had a at home day as Brenda was catching up with the ironing; I was taking the rubbish up to the bins when I saw this little Motor Bike with a very young boy with all the gear on charging around the back streets, so I found him and his family in Calle Mar and got the pictures as you can see below. They defiantly start then young in Manilva! He even puts his knee out when he is leaning over going around corners just like his hero Pedrosa! For dinner we had Braised Steak and Onions with vegetables with New Potatoes and then watched the football, Spain beat Scotland but the England match that I watched on line was terrible.
Today we have been for a long walk around the village with Cheta again, on the way we picked up some Pork Cutlets for dinner tonight and I took the pictures below of the views across the valley to the mountains; when we got back we found in the post that my bus pass had arrived, I am now officially “ Don Malcolm Lawrence Sexton ”as you can see in the first picture !
Thought for the Day;
Education is an admirable thing but it is well worth to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught.
.
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Monday, October 11, 2010
MANILVA THIS WEEKEND.
FRIDAY/SATURDAY/SUNDAY 8TH/9TH/10TH OCTOBER 2010.
On Friday morning we shot down to Sabinillas to do the weekend shopping; as we got back we bumped into Mano and Carlos at Bar Rojas as they had just dropped Anna in Gibraltar, we then went back down with them to pick up a new toilet seat. In the evening we had Pan Fried Dab Soles in Lemon butter with New Potatoes and Garden Peas for supper before settling down to watch the TV.
The weather at the moment is mixed, we are getting away with any real rain and over the weekend and today we are back to clear blue skies and warm sunshine; Mano and Anna called in to confirm their booking for Sunday dinner with a request for a window table, I think and they think that they are back in the Seventy Degrees in Colwyn Bay ! Brenda has even been out on the roof terrace for a short while to top up the tan, meanwhile the rest of Spain has severe rain storms and floods! For dinner we had Steak and chips with Mushrooms and Sauté Onions along with a little salad.
After our normal lie in on Sunday morning we got things on the go for dinner; Roast Chicken with all the trimmings, next week Mano and Anna are providing the roast, Leg of Spanish Lamb which we are looking forward too all ready, it will be our first Lamb of the season. As I walked up to Calle Mar to drop the rubbish in the bins Mano,Anna,Carlos and Fabio arrived at Bar Rojas; it was a lovely day so we ended up sat outside under the Sonbrajo in the lunchtime sun, Carlos was working on Sunday evening so we arranged to send him a take away plated meal with extra roasties as he produced a very large Potato which he had borrowed from Lumy in Bar Rojas ! In the evening we watched with Mano and Anna on DVD the first series of Gavin and Stacey,it’s a ideal way to see it as you see episode after episode all in one viewing ! Tonight we are going to watch series two.
Thought for the Day;
It only takes one person to change your life – You !
.
On Friday morning we shot down to Sabinillas to do the weekend shopping; as we got back we bumped into Mano and Carlos at Bar Rojas as they had just dropped Anna in Gibraltar, we then went back down with them to pick up a new toilet seat. In the evening we had Pan Fried Dab Soles in Lemon butter with New Potatoes and Garden Peas for supper before settling down to watch the TV.
The weather at the moment is mixed, we are getting away with any real rain and over the weekend and today we are back to clear blue skies and warm sunshine; Mano and Anna called in to confirm their booking for Sunday dinner with a request for a window table, I think and they think that they are back in the Seventy Degrees in Colwyn Bay ! Brenda has even been out on the roof terrace for a short while to top up the tan, meanwhile the rest of Spain has severe rain storms and floods! For dinner we had Steak and chips with Mushrooms and Sauté Onions along with a little salad.
After our normal lie in on Sunday morning we got things on the go for dinner; Roast Chicken with all the trimmings, next week Mano and Anna are providing the roast, Leg of Spanish Lamb which we are looking forward too all ready, it will be our first Lamb of the season. As I walked up to Calle Mar to drop the rubbish in the bins Mano,Anna,Carlos and Fabio arrived at Bar Rojas; it was a lovely day so we ended up sat outside under the Sonbrajo in the lunchtime sun, Carlos was working on Sunday evening so we arranged to send him a take away plated meal with extra roasties as he produced a very large Potato which he had borrowed from Lumy in Bar Rojas ! In the evening we watched with Mano and Anna on DVD the first series of Gavin and Stacey,it’s a ideal way to see it as you see episode after episode all in one viewing ! Tonight we are going to watch series two.
Thought for the Day;
It only takes one person to change your life – You !
.
Thursday, October 07, 2010
MANILVA TODAY.
TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY/THURSDAY 5TH/6TH/7TH OCTOBER 2010.
Well after a “ Helluva “ weekend down here in sunny Manilva it is now very quiet around the house and village; the weather is at this time of the year still hot and sunny but with cooler nights and a little breeze during the day, we spend a lot of our time on the roof terrace and can now go for walks again around the village, Brenda is at this moment on the terrace doing the ironing in her bikini ! On Tuesday we caught up with the chores around the house,washing,mopping.changing beds etc. meanwhile I brought the blog up to date !! Mano and Anna called in to catch up with any news,Mano fixed the TV while he was here, which had gone off and diagnosed that we need a new toilet seat upstairs!! For dinner we had a hot Chicken Curry with Basmati Rice and then settled down to watch the TV.
Yesterday morning, Wednesday I had to go across to Estepona on some business, when I got back the details and tax forms for my pension had arrived in the post; they have been filled in and will go in the post on Friday, we then picked up some Pork Cutlets for dinner which I pan fried in a Lemon Butter sauce, we had with them Llyonaise Potatoes,Galzed Carrots and Spring Greens. On checking the calendar we realized that it is only four weeks until we go across the Guadalmina to look after Clive and Carolyn’s villa for five weeks, from the 3rd of November to the 7th December !We spoke to them last week and are arranging to go across to finalize the details some time in the next couple of weeks.
Today we are having a easy/lazy day at home as the sun is out; tonight we are having Albondigas (Meatballs ) in a Provencale sauce, which I made yesterday, the Pork meatballs are from our local butcher. The picture’s
below show our current flower display outside the front door which all our neighbours always comment on.
Thought for the Day;
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
.
Well after a “ Helluva “ weekend down here in sunny Manilva it is now very quiet around the house and village; the weather is at this time of the year still hot and sunny but with cooler nights and a little breeze during the day, we spend a lot of our time on the roof terrace and can now go for walks again around the village, Brenda is at this moment on the terrace doing the ironing in her bikini ! On Tuesday we caught up with the chores around the house,washing,mopping.changing beds etc. meanwhile I brought the blog up to date !! Mano and Anna called in to catch up with any news,Mano fixed the TV while he was here, which had gone off and diagnosed that we need a new toilet seat upstairs!! For dinner we had a hot Chicken Curry with Basmati Rice and then settled down to watch the TV.
Yesterday morning, Wednesday I had to go across to Estepona on some business, when I got back the details and tax forms for my pension had arrived in the post; they have been filled in and will go in the post on Friday, we then picked up some Pork Cutlets for dinner which I pan fried in a Lemon Butter sauce, we had with them Llyonaise Potatoes,Galzed Carrots and Spring Greens. On checking the calendar we realized that it is only four weeks until we go across the Guadalmina to look after Clive and Carolyn’s villa for five weeks, from the 3rd of November to the 7th December !We spoke to them last week and are arranging to go across to finalize the details some time in the next couple of weeks.
Today we are having a easy/lazy day at home as the sun is out; tonight we are having Albondigas (Meatballs ) in a Provencale sauce, which I made yesterday, the Pork meatballs are from our local butcher. The picture’s
below show our current flower display outside the front door which all our neighbours always comment on.
Thought for the Day;
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.
.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
MANILVA STATE VISIT DAY THREE DAY FOUR.
SUNDAY.3RD/MONDAY 4TH OCTOBER 2010.
After a little lie in we had our usual light breakfast as Mano and Anna were calling to pick Jane up to take her down to the Sunday market in Sabinillas; the posy picture under the Bougainvilleas shows Jane on her way out. When she came back after we had got everything on the go we had Bacon and Mushroom Toasties to keep us going till dinner! We then started to get the Sunday roast on the go; we had eight for dinner, Jane, Mano and Anna, Lilli and her dad Pentti and a takeout plate for Brian along with ourselves! Roast Loin of Pork garnished with glazed Apple slices with Chestnut stuffing and proper finger coating gravy, Brenda’s vegetables, Cauliflower and Broccoli Mornay, Leeks in a cream sauce, Carrots and Turnip puree, Cabbage and Alsagas with Smoked Bacon bits and local Green Beans along with Parsley New Potatoes and my special Goose Fat roasted Potatoes! The picture below show our guest’s around the table, Lilli all dressed up with Anna, Jane Pentti and Brenda getting in the mood; we drank copious amounts of Faustino Rosado and Pinio Grigio! Jane had requested a sweet so we made our now famous individual Peach and Madeira Trifle, made with sweet sponge fingers soaked in a vintage Madeira wine, Strawberry Jam and Jelly, sliced Peaches in their juice, sweet Custard and topped with double Cream and Chocolate flakes!! The music which was played very loud on my PC with speakers and sub woofer from the floor above was chosen in honour of Lilli’s dad.Pentti, during the day he is highly specialized machine toolist, at night he is a rock and roll musician playing,Bass,Saxaphone and Harmonica in a band ! Canned Heat and George Thorogood and the Destroyers soon got us going! He has a vast knowledge of all music and is especially interested in the Beatles! Later in the evening Mano left for work and Lilli took Brian his large plated roast dinner with a mini Trifle for his supper! Pentti then went on the warm Brandy as we found out about his life in Finland over the years; I walked him home to their apartment in the early hours of the morning after a “ Helluva ” Sunday in Manilva.
On Monday morning, the last day of Jane’s stay, after breakfast we went for a long walk around the village to show Jane all the sites and clear our heads ! We ended up at the entrance to the village on the new Mirador in the very warm mid day sun and then went into Carlos’s Antique Bar opposite; we started off by sampling the sweet Manilva wines after he had shown us his own private Bodega with this years wine in the barrels in front of his old grape press as you can see in the pictures above. We then sat outside and hit a very nice dry white Rioja; as we sat enjoying the day we spotted Manolo from Bar Rojas, he is closed on a Monday so we called him over and he joined us for a little goodbye session with Jane, he then produced his favourite dried fish which is rock hard and smells not good but when you taste a little piece it is ok,Mano also loves it and chews it all the time! We headed back up past the Police station where Paco the chief of Police greeted us warmly before we came back to he house for a snack and a siesta before a took “ Lady ”Jane back to the airport in Malaga to catch her early evening flight back to Liverpool after her State Visit ! Before she left she had written a very nice message in our little Red Guest comment book! Thanks !! We are looking forward to her next visit when she is coming with her new man in her life “ Lord ”David who is a Master Chef,so I will have to be at my best !!
Thought for the Day;
Have a Vision.Be Demanding.
.
After a little lie in we had our usual light breakfast as Mano and Anna were calling to pick Jane up to take her down to the Sunday market in Sabinillas; the posy picture under the Bougainvilleas shows Jane on her way out. When she came back after we had got everything on the go we had Bacon and Mushroom Toasties to keep us going till dinner! We then started to get the Sunday roast on the go; we had eight for dinner, Jane, Mano and Anna, Lilli and her dad Pentti and a takeout plate for Brian along with ourselves! Roast Loin of Pork garnished with glazed Apple slices with Chestnut stuffing and proper finger coating gravy, Brenda’s vegetables, Cauliflower and Broccoli Mornay, Leeks in a cream sauce, Carrots and Turnip puree, Cabbage and Alsagas with Smoked Bacon bits and local Green Beans along with Parsley New Potatoes and my special Goose Fat roasted Potatoes! The picture below show our guest’s around the table, Lilli all dressed up with Anna, Jane Pentti and Brenda getting in the mood; we drank copious amounts of Faustino Rosado and Pinio Grigio! Jane had requested a sweet so we made our now famous individual Peach and Madeira Trifle, made with sweet sponge fingers soaked in a vintage Madeira wine, Strawberry Jam and Jelly, sliced Peaches in their juice, sweet Custard and topped with double Cream and Chocolate flakes!! The music which was played very loud on my PC with speakers and sub woofer from the floor above was chosen in honour of Lilli’s dad.Pentti, during the day he is highly specialized machine toolist, at night he is a rock and roll musician playing,Bass,Saxaphone and Harmonica in a band ! Canned Heat and George Thorogood and the Destroyers soon got us going! He has a vast knowledge of all music and is especially interested in the Beatles! Later in the evening Mano left for work and Lilli took Brian his large plated roast dinner with a mini Trifle for his supper! Pentti then went on the warm Brandy as we found out about his life in Finland over the years; I walked him home to their apartment in the early hours of the morning after a “ Helluva ” Sunday in Manilva.
On Monday morning, the last day of Jane’s stay, after breakfast we went for a long walk around the village to show Jane all the sites and clear our heads ! We ended up at the entrance to the village on the new Mirador in the very warm mid day sun and then went into Carlos’s Antique Bar opposite; we started off by sampling the sweet Manilva wines after he had shown us his own private Bodega with this years wine in the barrels in front of his old grape press as you can see in the pictures above. We then sat outside and hit a very nice dry white Rioja; as we sat enjoying the day we spotted Manolo from Bar Rojas, he is closed on a Monday so we called him over and he joined us for a little goodbye session with Jane, he then produced his favourite dried fish which is rock hard and smells not good but when you taste a little piece it is ok,Mano also loves it and chews it all the time! We headed back up past the Police station where Paco the chief of Police greeted us warmly before we came back to he house for a snack and a siesta before a took “ Lady ”Jane back to the airport in Malaga to catch her early evening flight back to Liverpool after her State Visit ! Before she left she had written a very nice message in our little Red Guest comment book! Thanks !! We are looking forward to her next visit when she is coming with her new man in her life “ Lord ”David who is a Master Chef,so I will have to be at my best !!
Thought for the Day;
Have a Vision.Be Demanding.
.
MANILVA STATE VISIT DAY ONE DAY TWO.
FRIDAY/SATURDAY 1ST/2ND OCTOBER 2010.
On Friday morning I shot across to Malaga airport to pick “Lady”Jane up on her State visit; as I arrived outside the airport with half an hour to spear my mobile went, it was Jane, she had arrived early! It took a couple of turns around the new airport system before we made contact at the arranged spot. The last picture below shows Jane outside the old terminal; on the way back we were talking and catching up so much that I missed the Manilva turning and we had to double back along the coast road from Sotogrande ! The weather was hot and sunny as we arrived back at the house, the phone went, it was Mano up at Bar Rojas asking us up for a drink so we shot up and had a nice welcome from him and Manolo and Lumy from Bar Rojas and the locals, several drinks later and after Albondigas and Patatas Fritas we retired for a siesta. In the evening we started with cocktails and nibbles on the roof terrace before we had our dinner; Scampi Provencale with Basmati rice and local Broccoli washed down with a crisp Rioja before we retired to Bar Rojas for Carajillo’s under a full moon on a warm balmy night were we met Lilli and her father ,Pentti who is over on holiday from Finland, we ended up asking them to join us for Sunday dinner,Pentti’s first English roast, sadly Brian was working on Sunday evening and could not join us.
Saturday morning started with breakfast on the roof terrace with freshly squeezed local orange juice, coffee, toast and fresh fruit; the plan was to take Jane and Brenda down to Sabinillas beach for the day as you can see in the next picture of them ready and waiting outside the house, the only problem was the Smart car was dead! I had left the lights on and had drained the battery! With the help of a local, José Antonio, who climbed in through the back window, took the floor up on the passenger side to uncover the battery, went and got a battery and charged it up all in a few minutes! I then took Jane down to the beach were she stayed for the day, she soon found herself on a sunbed outside the Rilax Bar with drinks on hand! After a she came back we had a siesta before we went up on the roof terrace in the very warm and sunny early evening; it was just the right time to open our bottle of Cloudy Bay that we had saved for a special occasion, just then we heard a loud whistle which we thought sounded like mine from below in the street, it was mine! Mano had sneaked in to give us a surprise! Anna and Mano had been to a family birthday party for children and called in just at the right moment for Anna to join us for a glass of the Cloudy Bay!! We then walked up to Bar Rojas for supper,Mano and Anna had ate at the party so we ordered for ourselves but not before we has sampled the first local Chestnuts of the season roasted over a wood burning heater that had been set up in the street in front of us as you can see in the next few pictures, we also got a bag for the stuffing on Sunday ! Just as our food arrived Brian,Lilli and Andy arrived and joined us; we had the fried fish ‘ Gallo ‘ in a light batter with lots of Patatas Fritas,fried eggs and a white Estafado of Pork washed down with the local Faustino Rosado ,by the bottle! We retired a lot later to bed feeling no pain after more Carajillo’s! Two days of a “ Helluva “ weekend with two more to go!!
Thought for the Day;
Remain Calm. Be Kind.
.
.
On Friday morning I shot across to Malaga airport to pick “Lady”Jane up on her State visit; as I arrived outside the airport with half an hour to spear my mobile went, it was Jane, she had arrived early! It took a couple of turns around the new airport system before we made contact at the arranged spot. The last picture below shows Jane outside the old terminal; on the way back we were talking and catching up so much that I missed the Manilva turning and we had to double back along the coast road from Sotogrande ! The weather was hot and sunny as we arrived back at the house, the phone went, it was Mano up at Bar Rojas asking us up for a drink so we shot up and had a nice welcome from him and Manolo and Lumy from Bar Rojas and the locals, several drinks later and after Albondigas and Patatas Fritas we retired for a siesta. In the evening we started with cocktails and nibbles on the roof terrace before we had our dinner; Scampi Provencale with Basmati rice and local Broccoli washed down with a crisp Rioja before we retired to Bar Rojas for Carajillo’s under a full moon on a warm balmy night were we met Lilli and her father ,Pentti who is over on holiday from Finland, we ended up asking them to join us for Sunday dinner,Pentti’s first English roast, sadly Brian was working on Sunday evening and could not join us.
Saturday morning started with breakfast on the roof terrace with freshly squeezed local orange juice, coffee, toast and fresh fruit; the plan was to take Jane and Brenda down to Sabinillas beach for the day as you can see in the next picture of them ready and waiting outside the house, the only problem was the Smart car was dead! I had left the lights on and had drained the battery! With the help of a local, José Antonio, who climbed in through the back window, took the floor up on the passenger side to uncover the battery, went and got a battery and charged it up all in a few minutes! I then took Jane down to the beach were she stayed for the day, she soon found herself on a sunbed outside the Rilax Bar with drinks on hand! After a she came back we had a siesta before we went up on the roof terrace in the very warm and sunny early evening; it was just the right time to open our bottle of Cloudy Bay that we had saved for a special occasion, just then we heard a loud whistle which we thought sounded like mine from below in the street, it was mine! Mano had sneaked in to give us a surprise! Anna and Mano had been to a family birthday party for children and called in just at the right moment for Anna to join us for a glass of the Cloudy Bay!! We then walked up to Bar Rojas for supper,Mano and Anna had ate at the party so we ordered for ourselves but not before we has sampled the first local Chestnuts of the season roasted over a wood burning heater that had been set up in the street in front of us as you can see in the next few pictures, we also got a bag for the stuffing on Sunday ! Just as our food arrived Brian,Lilli and Andy arrived and joined us; we had the fried fish ‘ Gallo ‘ in a light batter with lots of Patatas Fritas,fried eggs and a white Estafado of Pork washed down with the local Faustino Rosado ,by the bottle! We retired a lot later to bed feeling no pain after more Carajillo’s! Two days of a “ Helluva “ weekend with two more to go!!
Thought for the Day;
Remain Calm. Be Kind.
.
.
Monday, October 04, 2010
Sunday, October 03, 2010
Saturday, October 02, 2010
Friday, October 01, 2010
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