MANILVA.

SATURDAY/SUNDAY/MONDAY/TUESDAY 18TH/19TH 20TH/21ST DECEMBER 2010.

We had a little lie in on Saturday morning before we got ourselves sorted for the weekend; the weather forecast was rain and rain it did, the rain in Spain when it starts is torrential and non stop for long periods and there has been more severe floods in Andalucia but down here on the Costa del Sol we have missed the worst, so far! So we were stuck in for the day and could not go for our walk with Cheta,we have bought her a new lead for Xmas.Brenda went into house cleaning mode and I disappeared up to the office to check the world out ! In the evening we had Steak and Chips for dinner and then settled down to watch a film on TV.

On Sunday morning as the rain went off we got ready the Sunday roast; Mano, Anna and Lilli (Brian is working) are joining us for dinner, as we were working we heard music coming from up in the village, it was the Xmas Band of singers and musicians parading around the streets. As it was rather cold and windy they did not hang about so the pictures below only just caught them ! They sing old Xmas songs to the sound of Bells,Whistles,Triangles,Tambourines,Ribbed bottles scratched with a large nail and finally the thump of the Samumba Drums which are played with a long stick soaked in water and pushed up and down through the centre skin ! I kid you not !! Meanwhile Brenda went mad on the vegetables,Cauiflower and Broccoli Mornay,Cabbage with Alcegas,Carrot and Baby Turnip puree, Leeks in white sauce, Green Beans and Garden Peas ! I did Herb Roast Potatoes and a large dish of the now famous Boulangere Potatoes to go with the Roast Lamb which was one again delicious and succulent.Lilli took home a large plate for Brian’s supper after he finished work.

As we got up on Monday morning the sun came out so we were able to take Cheta for a long walk around the village on her new lead. When we got back Mano and Anna called in to catch up with all their news; Anna is flying over to Tenerife on New Years Day for a week to see Sally Ann and the grandchildren so she has asked us to look after Dereck as Mano has to work and he will see to the other dog and two cats; Dereck is no problem as you don’t realize he is there most of the time! We are also thinking of going out to dinner on new Years Eve with Lilli to the restaurant La Casona where we had the menu Del Dia the other day; the menu is very good and not expensive and includes drinks on arrival, wine with meal and Cava, Brian is working as is Mano so we will meet up with them and Anna along with Carlos and Anna Mari later at the Hotel to see in the New Year in proper style with Champagne ! Watch this space for the pictures !!

Today, Tuesday we are having an at home day as it is raining hard; the forecast for the Xmax weekend is sun and more Sun. We have just come off the Skype Video as Jack and Lyn called us from Melbourne, they are away for Christmas at Lyn’s daughter Deb who does not have Skype so it was their Xmas call; all the best to all the family over in Australia,Health,Wealth and Happiness and a prosperous new Year. We have also just come off the Skype Video to Kuala Lumpur after speaking to Jeff and Annette - it's summer all the time over there -33degs and rising! Yesterday was the Once Lottery day and on Wednesday it is the El Gordo (The Big One) which is the biggest lottery in the world; Mano and I have the same number lottery ticket, they cost 21 euros each, so watch this space, it could get exciting! I wish !! Tonight we are having Pork Cutlets with Lyonnaise potatoes and tomorrow it is going to be a curry day.

PS; On Monday lunchtime we had a call from Chris over in London with some very sad news, Joan died on Thursday evening peacefully, our thoughts and deepest sympathy go to him and all her family at this time, she was a grand old lady and we became very fond or her during our time over in Tarifa.

Thought for the Day;

The aging process has you firmly in its grasp if you never get the urge to throw a snowball.


.