MANILVA OVER CHRISTMAS.

SATURDAY/SUNDAY MONDAY 24th/25th/26th DECEMBER 2011.


CHRISTMAS EVE – “ NOCHEBUENA ” 2011.

After breakfast we went for a brisk walk as a little breeze down from the mountains was hitting the village but the sun and blue skies where still out; we then had a at home day as our little problems hit us, the TV Black Box can’t be changed until Tuesday when the shops re-open so no TV over Xmas,we are listening to the national music station ‘ Kiss FM ’ which is non stop good music. The new mixer tap on the kitchen double sink has just been fixed as I am typing this blog by our local plumber and the dishwasher is for another day as it is only the two of us over the holidays.Mano and Anna called in late in the afternoon to see if there was anything he could do to help us but by then it was too late, he is working for the next week as he has surprise guests arriving at the villa so we will not see much of them over the holiday’s. They called back later in the evening on their way to the family ‘ Nochebuena ’ dinner around at the Spanish side of the family house, it’s a big night in Spain as they all get together. In the evening we had our Saturday night special of Steak and Chips and then settled down to read.


CHRISTMAS DAY 2011.

On Sunday morning we got our Xmas dinner ready; Roast Turkey with Chestnut Stuffing, Pigs in their Blankets, Roast Parsnips in Manilva Honey, Fresh local Sprouts with Smoked Bacon bits, Glazed Carrots and Garden Peas, Local Baby New Potatoes and Goose Fat Roasted Potatoes and of course Finger licking Pan Gravy; To follow Local fresh Strawberries and whipped cream. This year it is just the two of us – no bookings ! The pictures below show the ‘ Don and Dona of Manilva ’in their finest Red outfits as we had our early evening ‘ Friendly ’Gin and Tonic and Bacardi and Coke before dinner. After getting everything on the go we went for a walk with Cheta around the village; as you can see I had my Father Xmas Hat and Beard on which brought a little joy and laughter to the locals, they don’t celebrate Christmas Day as we do ! When we got back we had our Brunch, Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Salmon with a bottle of nice chilled Cava and freshly squeezed local Orange juice to set us on the way.
In the evening we had our dinner sat at the Xmas decorated table and pulled our crackers; the Turkey Crown ,I roasted the Legs and Wings separate, was juicy and succulent and the dark meat was very tasty, all the vegetables were spot on and the Duck Fat Roasted Potatoes were crisp and the Turkey Pan Gravy was to die for – even if I do say so ! A fine Rioja went down well as we brought a little Xmas Cheer into the house.


BOXING DAY 2011.

This morning after a little lie in we had our morning cup of Tea and Toast; we have changed the menu for today, we are having Cold Turkey tonight, we love cold cuts of meats, and have put the Rib Of Beef away for either New Years Eve ( Nochevieja ) or ‘ Los Reyes Magos ’ on the sixth of January; at lunchtime we are having a proper Brunch, Eggs,Bacon,Chorizo, Mushrooms, Tomato,Chipoatas and Sauté Potatoes to keep us going ! We have just watched on the BBCIPlayer the Xmas special edition of “ Absolutely Fabulous ” – which it was ! the BBC at its best, Jennifer Saunders, Joanna Lumly,June Whitfield,Jane Horrocks and Julia Sawalha were perfect and the comedy was right up to date as you would expect – just one problem – not long enough and we need more !

PS; This afternoon I will be watching the Premier League Football from England,there is no football in Spain until the 8TH January ( They have a holiday ) Later I will try and watch the ' William Hill King George V1 Chase from Kempton Park - to see the long awaited clash between Kauto Star and the new pretender Long Run !

PPS; No joy with watching the racing live but Kauto Star created racing history when winning the race for the fifth time - beating Long Run last years winner,before it was four successive wins for the horse ! The crowd at Kempton Park went mad !!

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Thought for the Day;

If you nail two things together that have never been nailed together before, some schmuck will buy it from you.




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