MANILVA START OF THE WEEK.

MONDAY/TUESDAY/WEDNESDAY 13th/14th/15th/ AUGUST 2012.

Well this week is going to be a hot one; it is coming across from Africa and the Sahara and by the weekend we will be back in the 40s! On Monday we spoke to Brian on the Skype video over in Pori Finland to check out their travel arrangements – they arrive at Malaga airport two weeks to the day at 4-00pm ! We are ready !! Anna called later in the morning to collect the English papers,Mano is not well with flu, Sally has it and Anna was coming down with it so she did not stay long ! We are keeping to our routine during the day and have our early evening cocktails up on the roof terrace – for supper on Monday we had Pork Cutlets with Lyonnaise potatoes and then watched the late film, “ The Andromeda Strain ” from 1971 – no known stars and lots of long scientific words !

On Tuesday we did a little shop for essentials down in Sabinillas ; when we got back Brenda washed and shampooed the dog, she goes and hides when she realizes what is happening but once she is under the hand shower in the bath she is very good – and of course she loves shaking herself and then going up on the roof terrace to dry ! So does Brenda !!
In the evening for super we had ‘ Chicken and Chips’ – Manilva style – flattened Breast pan fried in Lemon Butter and served with diced fried potatoes which I tossed with Sautéed diced Green and Red Peppers with Onions which I had prepared earlier – rather nice and very tasty ! Of course Brenda’s selection of seasonal vegetables comes with everything. The programme about Spanish working abroad this week was in Kuala Lumpur so we watched it with interest – Brenda’s nephew and his wife who work there, well Jeff does ! – they have just come back from a holiday in China and Annette his wife is in Bangkok with her girlfriends at the moment – what a life !

Today, Wednesday we had a lazy morning and then freshened ourselves up ; it is a National Bank Holiday here in Spain – its ‘ Assumption Day ’ – the day the Virgin Mary died and was taken into the glory of Heaven – so everywhere is more quite even than normal ! It also Anna’ birthday today but we will not be seeing her as she is still not well with the flu. Banks and shops are shut and no work for those that are working ! We sat under the Sonbrajo outside Bar Rojas, our friend Gillian came along with her Swedish friend Lillimay,we sat and had a good chat and some Tapas along with some cool drinks – very pleasant. Before we went out I made tonight’s supper ; “ Chicken Chasseur ” – I use Breast, Leg and Thigh diced and coated in seasoned flour then pan fried, the sauce is made with chopped Onions, Tomato concasse,Tomato frito,White wine and Brandy,meat glaze and stock – I go heavy on the herbs, Tarragon especially and then it all goes together in the pot on the stove to cook ! New Potatoes and garden Peas only – the smell is everywhere in the house !
This weekend on Saturday lunchtime it is the annual visit of the ‘ Classic Car Club ’ so watch out for the pictures – also on Saturday it is the start of the “ Vuelta d’Espana 2012 ” Spain’s Tour de France – it takes place over three weeks and ends in Madrid but this year it is sadly mainly in central and northern Spain !



Thought for the Day;



All men who have achieved great things have been great dreamers.



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