A VERY WARM & SUNNY MANILVA ON THURSDAY.

THURSDAY 27^th/ FEBRUARY 2020.

I was up early this morning, for the last time this week, after a quick freshen up I shot off on my travels, down to Sabinillas, through the vine fields, as the blinding sun was rising above a calm Mediterranean, for our weekly shopping, as tomorrow it’s the “ Dia de Andalucia “ – which is a ‘Bank Holiday’

I first did our main shop in a busier than normal ‘ Mercadona’ – then I called into the local ‘ Halal Butchers’ for one of his special ‘ Legs of Lamb’  - for our ‘ Sunday Roast’ – as it’s “ St. David’s Day” After picking up the local newspapers from the ‘ English Bookshop’ I carried on down to the ‘ English Butchers ‘ in the ‘ Puerto de la Duquesa Marina’ for some of his excellent ‘ Goose Fat’ – sadly they are out of stock until next week, finally I came back to ‘Super Sol’ for our ‘ English’ essentials, before shooting back up hill, around the four hairpin bends, to sunny Manilva, to unload back at the house.

Brenda had meanwhile taken ‘ Chico’ out for his first walk of the day, he had slept all night on his duvet, at the foot of the bed, this evening ‘ Lolo’ is due back with us for his two-week+ holiday, with us in ‘ Doggy World Heaven’

I then had a treat of a ‘Toasted Campo Fried Egg Butty’ with a mug of strong/hot tea, before retiring upstairs to the office/studio, to go on the ‘WWW’ to catch up with all the news, read the ‘E-Mails & Facebook Messages’ and then type/post today’s Blog.

Brenda shot along to the local Chemists in ‘Calle Mar’ for her prescription tablets, yesterday afternoon I had an ‘E-Mail’ from ‘OliveNet’ to say that they are not able to keep our landline/home number, so I will publish the new number, once it’s working, watch this space!

                           " WATCH THIS SPACE FOR THE NEW HOME LANDLINE NUMBER " 

We have a beautiful & glorious morning here in sunny Manilva, down on the ‘ Costa Del Sol’ – the sun broke though first thing and the clouds have cleared and the ski is bright Blue, there is just a very slight breeze, so by lunchtime it’s going to reach 21 degs+ - overnight down to 12 degs, tomorrow will be the same, then on Saturday, as the new windy ‘ Atlantic’ front comes in, we could have some of the ‘Wet-Stuff’ over the weekend, but still staying in the high ‘ teens’ – next week it’s now going to be warm & sunny, with a few patchy clouds, at times, with lots of sunshine, back up to 21/22 degs+ by next Tuesday, the rest of the week and over next weekend not dropping below 20 degs+ just about normal for the time of the year, watch this space.

Yesterday afternoon we managed to make contact on the ‘Skype’ video after leaving a message on ‘Facebook Messenger’ – with Tim & Thea, up in magical ‘ Mojacar’ and had a nice news catch up with Tim, as Thea was speaking to Jo, over in Dubai, were she works as a teacher, in an English school. They are both well and go for lots of walks in the mountains behind Mojacar with a ‘ Walking Club’ – they are due to leave the rented house and are at the moment in negotiations to move into an apartment, watch this space.

Yesterday evening after supper we watched the football in the ‘ Champions League’ – last-16-first-leg-tie – as Real Madrid welcomed Manchester City to the ‘ Santiago Bernabeu Stadium’ – with a capacity of 81,004 in the spectacular five-tier stadium, as ‘ City’ produced a stunning late fight back to secure a memorable 1-2 win, to take control of the tie, a very impressive away performance, masterminded by ‘Pep Guardiola’ with a tactical/surprise team selection!

For our supper this evening we are having a ‘Lob Scouse’  - as it’s ‘ Global Scouse Day ‘ tomorrow, which is made from last night’s ‘ Beef & Vegetable Stew’ - by adding more diced/boiled potatoes, to cook-off this evening and then thickens up, served with Cabbage with Acelgas and Baby Beetroots on the side.

As usual on Friday we are having a ‘ Fish N‘ Chip ‘ supper, on Saturday it’s going to be a large ‘ Grilled Rib of Beef ‘ – on the bone, with all the trimmings, and for ‘ St. David’s Day ‘ on Sunday we are having the ‘  Roast Halal Leg of Lamb’ with my classic ‘ Boulangere’ Potatoes!

At lunchtime we are going for our walk and will then call at ‘ Bar Castillo’ for a nice cool drink, sat outside in the warm sunshine, and some light ‘Tapas’ – at the moment along  Calle Mar ‘Bar Rojas Sol Vida’ is opening daily at 5-00 pm, ‘Cafeteria Nacho’ is closed for another holiday, ‘Cafe Plaza’ is closed for a week’s holiday, there is no sign of the new bar opening next door, ‘Bar Luque’ only opens when he wants to, and ‘Bar Ocaño’ is permanently closed!

This evening after supper we will channel hop to find something to watch as it’s not a good night on the TV, watch this space.

Thoughts for the Day;  See above.

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A 'FRESH' WARM & SUNNY MANILVA ON WEDNESDAY.

WEDNESDAY 12^th/ FEBRUARY 2020.

I was up early, again, this morning to welcome back little ‘ Miss Bella’ for the last time this week, we then all had a nice, long, lie in before we got another day on the go, after freshening up, the gas-bottle delivery man called, to exchange our gas bottle that I had put out earlier, as I was on the breakfast rota I had a ‘ Toasted Crispy Smoked Bacon Butty ‘ – smothered in ‘HP’ Brown sauce – open on brown for Brenda, with mugs of hot/strong tea.

Tomorrow morning we are shooting across to Estepona, as I’m calling into my Barber, Manuel, for the ‘ full-works’ – while Brenda pops along to the ‘Primark’ shop for her cosmetics,  as well as stopping at ‘ La Casa’ for some night lights, we are then coming back along the coast road, past Sotogrande, to ‘Pueblo de Guadiaro’ - as we are going to ‘Iceland’ for some of our ‘English’ essentials, top of the list are ‘ Mushy Peas ‘! 

So tomorrows ‘Blog’ will be published a little later than normal.

At lunchtime on our walk with little ' Miss Bella' we checked out the new awnings above the new outside terrace in front of ' Cafe Plaza' in Calle Mar, see below. 

We have yet another beautiful day here in sunny Manilva, the sky is already clear & blue, there is a light ‘ Fresh’ breeze, so by lunchtime it’s due to reach 19/20 degs+ again, overnight still hovering on the 11/12 degs+ mark, the rest of the week and over the coming weekend it’s staying the same, even going a little warmer, up in the high ‘ teens’ – next week is now settling down a little, starting hot on Monday & Tuesday, then going a little cooler, as the next windy ‘ Atlantic’ front comes in, with now just the chance of some of the ‘ Wet-Stuff’ – but mainly warm and sunny, with a few patchy clouds at times, as the breeze picks up, watch this space.

See below some pictures of the ‘ make-over’ refurbishment of the Bar area of the ‘Manilva Green Aparthotel’ – now looking a lot lighter and modern, they have also dropped the stone balcony and installed a new glass front, so the views over the valley and across to the mountains and down to the Mediterranean are greatly improved, as you can see! Our friend Andy works in the Reception, Bar & Restaurant as well as the being the ‘ Night Manager’!

For our supper this evening we are having ‘ Grilled Gammon Steaks’ – topped with seared Pineapple Rings and topped with ‘ Campo’ Fried Eggs, served with Garden Peas and triple-cooked ‘ Chips’

In ‘ Doggy World Heaven’ tomorrow evening ‘Scruffy’ is with us for a sleep-over and will be picked up later on Friday evening, as Adrian is at the ‘Costa Del Sol Hospital’ On Saturday ‘ Chico’ is due to arrive for his extended 3/ 4 weeks holiday, then next week little ‘ Miss Bella’ will be back on Monday/Tuesday as usual.

We are taking things easy today, as we are out & about tomorrow on the ‘ Costa Del Sol’ – later relaxing and basically doing nothing, because we can, after supper we will be channel hopping, as the ‘IPTV’ system is up and running again, to find something to watch.

Thoughts for the Day;  See above.

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A WARM, CRISP AND VERY SUNNY MANILVA ON WEDNESDAY.

WEDNESDAY 10^th/ APRIL 2019.

I was up early, again, this morning and after a quick freshen up I shot off across to the ‘ Estepona Hospital’ for my next appointment at the ‘ Physiotherapy Department’ for more treatment on my left-hand, I found a parking spot at the top of the hill, just past the Hospital and after a quick tostado & tea in ‘Tikitapi’ I crossed to the Hospital, where Encarni, fitted me  in early, ahead of my normal appointment time.

I then went into the centre of Estepona and parked in the underground car park on the promenade and walked across to my ‘ Barber’s’ – Manuel, for the ‘ full-works’ – a dry shave and cut, a trim & style, a wash & shampoo and a scalp massage – all for 15 Euros! Next I called into ‘PC World’ for printing ink, the ‘Council’ have finished the street re-design/development, in front of the shop, and have made a terrific job with parking spaces.

I then carried on to ‘La Casa’ Brenda’s favourite ‘ fancy goods shop’- at the far end of Estepona, for some large tea-lights. I stopped at the ‘English Bookshop’ back in Sabinillas for a ‘ Birthday’ card, before carrying on to the main office of ‘ Helicopteros Sanitarios ‘ – along the cost road, to pay the half-yearly ‘Medical Emergency Insurance ‘cover, fee. Finally I popped down into the ‘Puerto de la Duquesa Marina’ to the ‘ English Butchers’ for some ‘ goodies’!

As I set off the morning the sun was out above a sparkling blue/green ‘ Mediterranean’ as I went along the coast road, it’s a glorious day down here on the ‘ Costa Del Sol’ – there is just a slight breeze, so by late lunchtime it’s due to rise to 20 degs, over the next few days and into the weekend it’s getting warmer, reaching 22/23 degs+ - the start of next week is looking the same, but then sadly by next Wednesday the ‘wet-stuff ‘ is due to return, just in time for the main parades of the ‘ Semana Santa ‘ week, going to moderate to heavy rain by the ‘Easter Weekend’! Watch this space.

See below the view this morning down towards Gibraltar and across to Africa.

Just a quick update on last night football results; Liverpool take a 2 goal lead into next week second leg at ‘FC Porto’ – sadly Manchester City are down 0-1, as the face ‘ Spurs’ in the second leg back in Manchester!

For our supper this evening we are now having ‘ Grilled Lambs Liver’ – dusted in seasoned flour and pan-seared on a hot griddle-plate, with Grilled ‘English’ Pork Sausages & Crispy ‘Spanish’ Smoked Bacon, with a selection of Vegetables and a large dish of ‘ Boulangere’ Potatoes, accompanied with a rich ‘ Red Wine, Mushroom, Onion & Shallot Salsa.

Last night after supper we settled down to watch the second episode of ‘ The Widow ‘ on ITV, but the ‘ IPTV’ system went off, just as it was starting, so we caught both the matches on the ‘Sports’ channel, which was working, then later on the ‘BBC I Player’ we caught the second episode of ‘ The Victim’ – which is very gripping as the story unfolds, with two more episode to come over the next two evenings.

Tonight ‘ Manchester Utd welcome Barcelona in the first leg of the ‘ Quarter Finals of the ‘UEFA Champions League’ – as Messi brings his magic to Old Trafford! Watch this space.

Thoughts for the Day; See above.

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A GLORIOUS 'FRESH' & SUNNY MANILVA ON SATURDAY.

SATURDAY 16^th/ MARCH 2019.  

Just a little lie in this morning, I had a quick freshen up and then shot down to the ‘English Butchers’ in ‘ Puerto de la Duquesa’ – I picked up some Gammon Steaks and Homemade Pork Sausages for another day, he then boned a small ‘Leg of Lamb’ and diced it, for Sunday’s ‘Irish Stew’ – I also bought two ‘Lamb Chops’  to go in the strew also! At the same time I found all the ‘English’ essentials, Goose Fat, Malt Vinegar, Baby Beetroots, Dumpling Mix, Heinz Soups etc, as well as his excellent Homemade Sausage Rolls! The only problem was that my card was still not working!!

I will call into our Bank on Monday morning to sort out a new ‘ Pin’ number after coming back from the ‘Physiotherapy Department’ at the Estepona Hospital, after my first of four appointments next week, I’m also calling into the main ‘Medical Centre’ to make an appointment for my monthly ‘V12’ injection and also for Brenda, for a review/check up with our Doctor, Natalia. Next Wednesday we have an appointment with the two family lawyers, down at their office in Sabinillas at lunchtime, to renegotiate the contract on the house and report/list all the repairs etc that need seeing too ‘ ASAP’! On Friday I will be back on my travels for the weekly shopping. Watch this space.

As I was putting the car away this morning, in the underground car park,  I bumped into Brenda, out with ‘ Chico & Scoobie’ for their first walk of the day, they are both very good and don’t pull, they walk at our ‘ Pensioner’ pace! Last night ‘ Chico’ slept on Reina’s duvet as ‘Scoobie’ got on his rug first! On our early evening walk yesterday little ‘ Chispa’ joined us, so we put her on a lead and we all set off around the village!

Back at the house as Brenda was on the breakfast rota we had her famous ' Campo' Poached Eggs on Toast, with mugs of strong/hot Tea.

See below; 

We have another glorious day down here on the ‘ Costa Del Sol’ this morning, the sun was out early, as I was again, the sky had cleared and was already blue, there is a very slight breeze so by lunchtime it will reach 21 degs+ - more of the same tomorrow but going warmer on ‘Carnival Sunday’- up to 24 degs+! Next week is sadly changing as the new cold, wet & windy ‘ Atlantic’ front hits us from Tuesday onwards, dropping down to 15/17 degs, with the ‘ wet-stuff’ most days, patchy clouds and the ‘RAIN’ heavy at times, overnight dropping back down to 9 degs, watch this space.

On the sports front this weekend it’s all happening; over in Australia it’s the first ‘Grand Prix’ of the season, Lewis Hamilton has just taken the Pole position, his sixth consecutive pole at Albert Park! 

Over in the ‘Premiere League’ Everton are home to Chelsea and Liverpool travel down to play Fulham, in the Sixth Round of the ‘FA Cup’ Swansea welcome Manchester City, over here in ‘La Liga’ Real Madrid are at home to Celta Vigo and Barcelona travel down here to play Real Betis in Savilla.

Today the ‘National Hunt Racing’ comes from Uttoxeter where it’s the “ Midlands Grand National “- the ‘ Gypsies’ National! – as well as Kempton Park.

Meanwhile it’s a grandstand finish as Wales eye the ‘ Grand Slam’ on ‘ Super Saturday’ – as Italy welcome France, then Wales welcome Ireland and finally England are at home to play Scotland in the ‘ Calcutta Cup ‘ game! Wales, Ireland and England could all win the ‘ Guinness Six Nations’ depending on the results! Watch this space.

For our supper this evening we are having a large ‘Rib of Beef’ – on the bone, grilled on a very hot griddle-plate ‘ Med-Rare’ – then left to rest, before carving it ‘ French’ style into fingers, garnished with pan-seared Asparagus Spears & Button Mushrooms, accompanied with the classic ‘ Bearnaise’ sauce, with whole ‘ French’ Green Beans and of course twice-cooked ‘ Frits’On Sunday I’m making my recipe of the traditional “ Irish Stew “ – watch this space.

Last night after supper we caught a new episode of ‘ Vera’ – this evening we will channel hop to find a good film to watch.

Thoughts for the Day;  See above.

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A GLORIOUS ' FRESH' & SUNNY MANILVA ON THURSDAY.

THURSDAY 7^th/ MARCH 2019.

I was up early this morning and after a very quick freshen up I shot off across to the ‘ Physiotherapy Department ‘ at the ‘ Estepona Hospital for my penultimate session on my problem left-hand, I’m back tomorrow morning and then on Monday lunchtime I have an appointment with the ‘ Consultant’ for a review/check up, watch this space.

I found a spot to park straight away so I had a quick tea & tostado before going across to the Hospital, when I returned to the house  ‘Brenda ‘ had a nice surprise for me, a small ‘Toasted  English Pork Sausage Butty ‘ – smothered in ‘ HP’ Brown sauce, with a mug of tea, which I didn’t say no too!!

Every morning I pass the new ‘ Athletics & Sports Stadium ‘ next to the ‘Football Ground’ which is nearly ready to open, see below the latest ‘ Drone’ pictures!

The sun was out first thing this morning and was blinding above a sparkling Mediterranean as I shot along the coast road, overnight a stiff breeze has cleared away the black clouds and it’s now cloudless with a bright blue sky, there is just a very slight breeze so by lunchtime it will be back up to 17 degs+ - steadily getting warmer over the coming weekend, hovering in the high ‘ teens’ . by the start of next week, on Monday it’s forecast to reach 23 degs+ - the rest of the week is staying the same, with warm sunshine all the time, just in time for the annual ‘ Carnival  Weekend’ Watch this space.

See below an atmospheric picture of the ‘Duquesa Marina’ last night!

In ‘ Doggy World Heaven’ on Saturday morning, this week, ‘ Chico’ is back with us for a long week, then the following Friday little ‘ Scoobie’ is also back with us for a two-night sleep-over, on the ‘ Carnival Weekend’! ‘ Chispa’ is of course in and out all the time to see us, watching out for the return of all her friends also!

This evening for our supper we are having “ Pie & Chips’ – the rest of the ‘ Chicken & Mushroom Tarragon Pie’ with twice-cooked ‘ Chips’ and Garden Peas. On Friday it’s going to be ‘Pan-Seared Fillets of Salmon’ for Brenda and ‘ Pan-Seared Fillets of Hake’ for me, Saturday is going to be our ‘ Steak Night’ and then on Sunday, for a change, we are having ‘ Medallions of Pork Fillet’

Yesterday evening we caught up with Tim & Thea up in Mojacar and had a good catch up with all their news, via a ‘Facebook’ Messenger video link-up, they are returning to North Wales next week, via Madrid, to see their Daughter Jo, have a ‘ Safe Journey’

We are making contact with Jack & Lyn over in Melbourne on the ‘ Skype’ video in the next couple of the days, before our pre-arranged call to Sandra & Bill, over in Everett, Ontario, Canada, on Sunday evening. Watch this space.

Last night after supper we settled down to watch the first episode of the new BBC Political Drama/ Psycho Thriller - “ MotherFatherSon” with Helen McCrory, Richard Gere(!) & Billy Howle in the title roles! – its going to explore sex, power and politics as the plotline unfolds, ‘Gere’ is the American owner of a British media empire, his son, a cocaine and sex addict, is the editor ( Nepotism)  of the ‘Newspaper/TV empire’ – the ‘Mother’ is an English ‘Lady’ who has been frozen out of the family and is starting a relationship with a homeless man at the shelter where she does volunteer work! A ‘ mega-cast’ including Sinead Cusack and Sarah Lancashire, as a future Prime Minister! It’s going to get rather interesting over the next seven episodes, watch this space.

Thoughts for the Day;  See above.

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