Wednesday, June 10, 2009
MANILVA,DAY FIVE.
Tuesday 9th June 2009.
Just toast, jam (Diet ) and tea at the start of a long day out; the weather was glorious as we set off with clear blue skies, very warm sun and a little breeze blowing from the sea.We headed over the hills to our nearest neighbour’s,the famous white village of Casares and as we took the picture one of the large Eagles which nest in the trees surrounding the village was soaring above us. Next on the route was another mountain top village,Gaucin which is reached by going down to the floor of the next valley and then strait up the other side! Over the Spring bank holiday they run the bulls through the very narrow main street and every year there are accidents! On the way to Ronda from Gaucin the road again climbs higher and it reaches the Mirador Del Ganal were there are spectacular views over the high mountains and down to the tiny village of Algatocin where we stopped for our morning coffee and rest brake! The road enters Ronda past the town walls and up into the old part of the historic town and across the bridge before going by the oldest bull ring in the world;after parking the car in an underground car park we walked back along the cliffs and headed for our lunch stop,The Hotel and Restaurant Don Miguel which is perched on the 300ft cliffs over looking the bridge. Jack and I had the Roast Leg of Baby Lamb, with our secret ingredient,Mint Sauce which I had brought with us!The girls had fish, Brenda chose the Turbot and Lyn had the Brochette of Monkfish and Prawns,washed down with an excellent Casares Rosado.As the afternoon went on it was getting hotter all the time,we found out later that it had reached 32degs! but in the narrow streets of the old town it was sheltered as we took the folks on the grand tour; The picture below shows you the old 13th church which is built over and around a mosque from when the Moslem’s invaded Spain. We called into the bull fighters hotel and then came back along the street which has all the boutique hotels over looking the gorge and the bridge. After picking up the car we headed back down to the coast on the A397,which is one of the ten best drives in Europe, as I set off we overtook, at the only spot on the road that you can, a large lorry and then for the first time since we have been using the road we had a clear run down to San Pedro.We called into Casa del Abuelo to make contact with Clive and Carolyn as we are back there in the middle of July; the work on the villa is progressing and they hope to move back into the old part in the next two weeks, when it is finished it is going to be very spectacular and they are planning a party in the middle of August on Clive birthday, we have offered our services !! After arriving home we sat out on the roof terrace with our drinks before we had a light supper of cold cuts and salad.
PS; The news as promised is that we are going back to Casa Olimpia on Thursday !!! Jack and Lyn are coming with us, a holiday within a holiday. We had phoned Joan on Monday to arrange to take her out with us at the end of the week with Jack and Lyn; we sensed that there was a technical problem and after checking with Chris,who is back in England, we have made arrangements to go over on Thursday morning in the Smart car after the hire car people pick up the Fiat early and leave it there and then come back over in the VW and all of us will then go back.there is plenty of room and the two large bedrooms overlooking the Strait are very nice.We think that we will be there for four weeks until our next job with Clive and Carolyn on about the 15th July!More details to follow shortly!
Just toast, jam (Diet ) and tea at the start of a long day out; the weather was glorious as we set off with clear blue skies, very warm sun and a little breeze blowing from the sea.We headed over the hills to our nearest neighbour’s,the famous white village of Casares and as we took the picture one of the large Eagles which nest in the trees surrounding the village was soaring above us. Next on the route was another mountain top village,Gaucin which is reached by going down to the floor of the next valley and then strait up the other side! Over the Spring bank holiday they run the bulls through the very narrow main street and every year there are accidents! On the way to Ronda from Gaucin the road again climbs higher and it reaches the Mirador Del Ganal were there are spectacular views over the high mountains and down to the tiny village of Algatocin where we stopped for our morning coffee and rest brake! The road enters Ronda past the town walls and up into the old part of the historic town and across the bridge before going by the oldest bull ring in the world;after parking the car in an underground car park we walked back along the cliffs and headed for our lunch stop,The Hotel and Restaurant Don Miguel which is perched on the 300ft cliffs over looking the bridge. Jack and I had the Roast Leg of Baby Lamb, with our secret ingredient,Mint Sauce which I had brought with us!The girls had fish, Brenda chose the Turbot and Lyn had the Brochette of Monkfish and Prawns,washed down with an excellent Casares Rosado.As the afternoon went on it was getting hotter all the time,we found out later that it had reached 32degs! but in the narrow streets of the old town it was sheltered as we took the folks on the grand tour; The picture below shows you the old 13th church which is built over and around a mosque from when the Moslem’s invaded Spain. We called into the bull fighters hotel and then came back along the street which has all the boutique hotels over looking the gorge and the bridge. After picking up the car we headed back down to the coast on the A397,which is one of the ten best drives in Europe, as I set off we overtook, at the only spot on the road that you can, a large lorry and then for the first time since we have been using the road we had a clear run down to San Pedro.We called into Casa del Abuelo to make contact with Clive and Carolyn as we are back there in the middle of July; the work on the villa is progressing and they hope to move back into the old part in the next two weeks, when it is finished it is going to be very spectacular and they are planning a party in the middle of August on Clive birthday, we have offered our services !! After arriving home we sat out on the roof terrace with our drinks before we had a light supper of cold cuts and salad.
PS; The news as promised is that we are going back to Casa Olimpia on Thursday !!! Jack and Lyn are coming with us, a holiday within a holiday. We had phoned Joan on Monday to arrange to take her out with us at the end of the week with Jack and Lyn; we sensed that there was a technical problem and after checking with Chris,who is back in England, we have made arrangements to go over on Thursday morning in the Smart car after the hire car people pick up the Fiat early and leave it there and then come back over in the VW and all of us will then go back.there is plenty of room and the two large bedrooms overlooking the Strait are very nice.We think that we will be there for four weeks until our next job with Clive and Carolyn on about the 15th July!More details to follow shortly!
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
MANILVA, DAY FOUR.
Monday 8th June 2009.
It was a bit cloudy this morning, as forecast, we changed our plans and went in the car to Estepona. Before we left,breakfast was Spanish Hams and Chorizo, cold with fresh fruits and toast. We parked in the main street and went for a walk along the pedestrian only shopping area where all the shoe shops are! We stopped for a coffee in the flower square and then went for a drive around the very narrow streets in the old part of town and called into the fish market to show the folks real Spain! We then called into the Hypermarket to stock up and then went to the marina next to the old fishing port at the far end of Estepona;the Tapas selection on show was excellent at one of our regular haunts as the sun broke through the clouds.The afternoon was a free period, for Jack and Lyn! after which we had an early supper of cold Roast Pork before we set off to see Vidal playing a gig at a beach bar at the far end of Estepona,the only problem being was he was not there when we arrived,they had cancelled him in the afternoon due to the cloudy weather and I had not rung him as we wanted it to be a surprise ! Plan B – We drove onto Puerto Banus to show Jack and Lyn another side of the life down here on the Costa del Sol; it was just going dusk as we arrived and the breeze had dropped also so it was a beautiful balmy evening as you can see in the pictures below,as usual I’ve gone mad on the boat pictures,as you can see,the restaurants were full,the bars with the posseur's drinking outside were doing a roaring trade and the boats were more spectacular than ever as well as the cars !
Recession,what Recession ?
PS; Watch out for the breaking news flash about an early return to Tarifa !!
It was a bit cloudy this morning, as forecast, we changed our plans and went in the car to Estepona. Before we left,breakfast was Spanish Hams and Chorizo, cold with fresh fruits and toast. We parked in the main street and went for a walk along the pedestrian only shopping area where all the shoe shops are! We stopped for a coffee in the flower square and then went for a drive around the very narrow streets in the old part of town and called into the fish market to show the folks real Spain! We then called into the Hypermarket to stock up and then went to the marina next to the old fishing port at the far end of Estepona;the Tapas selection on show was excellent at one of our regular haunts as the sun broke through the clouds.The afternoon was a free period, for Jack and Lyn! after which we had an early supper of cold Roast Pork before we set off to see Vidal playing a gig at a beach bar at the far end of Estepona,the only problem being was he was not there when we arrived,they had cancelled him in the afternoon due to the cloudy weather and I had not rung him as we wanted it to be a surprise ! Plan B – We drove onto Puerto Banus to show Jack and Lyn another side of the life down here on the Costa del Sol; it was just going dusk as we arrived and the breeze had dropped also so it was a beautiful balmy evening as you can see in the pictures below,as usual I’ve gone mad on the boat pictures,as you can see,the restaurants were full,the bars with the posseur's drinking outside were doing a roaring trade and the boats were more spectacular than ever as well as the cars !
Recession,what Recession ?
PS; Watch out for the breaking news flash about an early return to Tarifa !!
Monday, June 08, 2009
MANILVA,DAY THREE.
Sunday 7th June.
This morning was another fine day in Manilva;the sun was out and the skies were clear and very blue with a little breeze blowing up the valley from the sea. Breakfast was on the roof terrace overlooking the roof tops, Smoked Bacon and Chorizo toasted sandwich and English tea set us up for the day ahead ! The folk’s were given the morning off and retired to the roof after a quick shower (The new one is very good) to read and sunbath as we prepared Sunday lunch downstairs; Roast Leg of Pork, savoury stuffing and Apple sauce served with Cauliflower and Broccoli in a Cheddar cheese sauce, Leeks with Mushrooms, Sprouts, Brenda’s now most requested vegetable, mashed Carrots and Swede and the not to be forgotten Roast Potatoes in Duck Fat and proper finger coating Gravy !! We then went up to Bar Rojas and sat outside under the trees as we watched the world go by and drunk a fine semi chilled Faustino Rosado.Mano and Anna joined us in the late afternoon and we walked down to our house for a late lunch/early dinner! A fine Rioja hit all the right spots as we sat at our dining table, with the door open, and enjoyed the company of our family and friends. Later on after Mano and Anna had left we sat and watched the wedding DVD,with not a dry eye in the house especially when it came to the part were Lyn’s son,Jeff,along with Jack’s eldest son, Andrew proposed the toast to the bride and groom ! Meanwhile over in Colwyn Bay our very dear friend Tim and his wife Thea were celebrating the 18th birthday of the daughter Jo,which seems to have been going on all over the weekend and we did not manage to catch her in between parties ! A very happy birthday.Jo, we know you had a “ Helluva “ time !!
PS; Brilliant Button stuffed them in Turkey,sorry !
PPS; The crackling got rave reviews !!
This morning was another fine day in Manilva;the sun was out and the skies were clear and very blue with a little breeze blowing up the valley from the sea. Breakfast was on the roof terrace overlooking the roof tops, Smoked Bacon and Chorizo toasted sandwich and English tea set us up for the day ahead ! The folk’s were given the morning off and retired to the roof after a quick shower (The new one is very good) to read and sunbath as we prepared Sunday lunch downstairs; Roast Leg of Pork, savoury stuffing and Apple sauce served with Cauliflower and Broccoli in a Cheddar cheese sauce, Leeks with Mushrooms, Sprouts, Brenda’s now most requested vegetable, mashed Carrots and Swede and the not to be forgotten Roast Potatoes in Duck Fat and proper finger coating Gravy !! We then went up to Bar Rojas and sat outside under the trees as we watched the world go by and drunk a fine semi chilled Faustino Rosado.Mano and Anna joined us in the late afternoon and we walked down to our house for a late lunch/early dinner! A fine Rioja hit all the right spots as we sat at our dining table, with the door open, and enjoyed the company of our family and friends. Later on after Mano and Anna had left we sat and watched the wedding DVD,with not a dry eye in the house especially when it came to the part were Lyn’s son,Jeff,along with Jack’s eldest son, Andrew proposed the toast to the bride and groom ! Meanwhile over in Colwyn Bay our very dear friend Tim and his wife Thea were celebrating the 18th birthday of the daughter Jo,which seems to have been going on all over the weekend and we did not manage to catch her in between parties ! A very happy birthday.Jo, we know you had a “ Helluva “ time !!
PS; Brilliant Button stuffed them in Turkey,sorry !
PPS; The crackling got rave reviews !!
Sunday, June 07, 2009
MANILVA,DAY TWO.
Saturday 6th June 2009.
This morning after a little lie in the folks joined us for Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Pink Trout and fresh Orange juice to start the day off right ! After getting ready we took them for a tour of the village in the Fiat Panda and then called in to see Mano and Anna at their house to thank them for the welcome on Friday evening;we then called into Bar Rojas and introduced Jack and Lyn to Tapas and Frits with Rosado before we then headed down the coast towards Gibraltar and stopped at Sotogrande Marina as you can see in the picture below,the Lady Jane boat photo’s are especially for our dear friend in Chester who arranged and set us the map of Australia ! We then worked our selves back along the coast and called into Castillo de la Duquesa,the fishing village,Duquesa Marina,Estepona Marina and finally Laguna Beach were Brenda spotted the most magnificent Ferrari,and its French owner,as you can see ! As we arrived back the Motor Cycle Festival roared into the main street just as the bride and family set off to walk down to the church,which is a tradition in Manilva ! She got a very loud reception from the bikers ! The pictures below will give you a little idea of our day out. After getting back to the house to freshen up we then had our cocktails before heading out for dinner at one of our favorite restaurants,Alonso’s.We recommended to Jack and Lyn to have the John Dory in an Lemon butter sauce and it lived up to our expectations; after parking the car we finished off day two with more Carajillo’s in Bar Rojas.
This morning after a little lie in the folks joined us for Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Pink Trout and fresh Orange juice to start the day off right ! After getting ready we took them for a tour of the village in the Fiat Panda and then called in to see Mano and Anna at their house to thank them for the welcome on Friday evening;we then called into Bar Rojas and introduced Jack and Lyn to Tapas and Frits with Rosado before we then headed down the coast towards Gibraltar and stopped at Sotogrande Marina as you can see in the picture below,the Lady Jane boat photo’s are especially for our dear friend in Chester who arranged and set us the map of Australia ! We then worked our selves back along the coast and called into Castillo de la Duquesa,the fishing village,Duquesa Marina,Estepona Marina and finally Laguna Beach were Brenda spotted the most magnificent Ferrari,and its French owner,as you can see ! As we arrived back the Motor Cycle Festival roared into the main street just as the bride and family set off to walk down to the church,which is a tradition in Manilva ! She got a very loud reception from the bikers ! The pictures below will give you a little idea of our day out. After getting back to the house to freshen up we then had our cocktails before heading out for dinner at one of our favorite restaurants,Alonso’s.We recommended to Jack and Lyn to have the John Dory in an Lemon butter sauce and it lived up to our expectations; after parking the car we finished off day two with more Carajillo’s in Bar Rojas.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
MANILVA, DAY ONE.
Friday 5th June 2009.
We went across to Malaga airport in the morning to pick Jack and Lyn up at 11-30am but the plane was over half an hour late; we came back by the scenic route along the coast road and dropped down into Estepona to show them the Costa Del Sol at its best on a warm and sunny morning.When we arrived home and after they had settled in we had a late snack of the Famous Sexton’s Club Sandwich along with Kir Royal made with the local Cava as we started to catch up with all the news and their lives and family in Australia! The pictures below show Jack, Lyn and Brenda on the second bottle of Cava, just as we were heading for siesta time Mano and Anna called in to welcome them to sunny Manilva and so more wine appeared along with the Cruz Campo which Jack has already acquired a taste for ! We arranged to meet Mano and Anna later down at Morenas bar for a typical Spanish meal which Mano had arranged, on the way we introduced them to the owners of Bar Rojas for a quick glass of Rosado! Over looking the most spectacular view in Manilva we sat on the main window table which gives you views for miles across to mountains and down the coast to Malaga. The plates started arriving,local Queso,Jamon Serrano,cured Salchice,skewers of Baby Kid, Albodigas in fresh Tomato sauce,Patatas Fritas and accompanied with the most marvelous Tomato Salad which Mano had made the dressing for,the local Rioja hit all the right spots and the evening finished off with Carajillo all round. We kept up the Sextons tradition of never going to bed on the same day as you get up and feeling no pain ! A big thank you to Mano for his welcome to Manilva and for the excellent company of Anna,who kept us all entertained as usual !
We went across to Malaga airport in the morning to pick Jack and Lyn up at 11-30am but the plane was over half an hour late; we came back by the scenic route along the coast road and dropped down into Estepona to show them the Costa Del Sol at its best on a warm and sunny morning.When we arrived home and after they had settled in we had a late snack of the Famous Sexton’s Club Sandwich along with Kir Royal made with the local Cava as we started to catch up with all the news and their lives and family in Australia! The pictures below show Jack, Lyn and Brenda on the second bottle of Cava, just as we were heading for siesta time Mano and Anna called in to welcome them to sunny Manilva and so more wine appeared along with the Cruz Campo which Jack has already acquired a taste for ! We arranged to meet Mano and Anna later down at Morenas bar for a typical Spanish meal which Mano had arranged, on the way we introduced them to the owners of Bar Rojas for a quick glass of Rosado! Over looking the most spectacular view in Manilva we sat on the main window table which gives you views for miles across to mountains and down the coast to Malaga. The plates started arriving,local Queso,Jamon Serrano,cured Salchice,skewers of Baby Kid, Albodigas in fresh Tomato sauce,Patatas Fritas and accompanied with the most marvelous Tomato Salad which Mano had made the dressing for,the local Rioja hit all the right spots and the evening finished off with Carajillo all round. We kept up the Sextons tradition of never going to bed on the same day as you get up and feeling no pain ! A big thank you to Mano for his welcome to Manilva and for the excellent company of Anna,who kept us all entertained as usual !
Friday, June 05, 2009
Thursday, June 04, 2009
MANILVA.
Wednesday/Thursday 3rd/4th June.
Wednesday 3rd.
First thing in the morning we called into the surgery to collect a prescription for the testing tabs for the blood testing machine, the regular receptionist was on holiday so it took a little time to find it in the files and whilst I was there the doctor took me in for a quick check up and arranged for me to call back later to take my blood pressure; at the same time he adjusted the tablets and gave me another prescription for more tablets, my blood pressure was down,later,so now we are waiting for the results of the scan the week after next! All the medical attention is on the Spanish health system, as we are now fully registered and all the prescriptions are free also! We then called into the English butchers to order the Leg of Pork for our Sunday lunch and at the same time we finished off the shopping ready for the arrival of the folks on Friday. In the evening after supper Brenda made her regular phone call to her sister Jenny to check on her husband John, he is still very poorly and has now been in hospital for over nine weeks; she then called her other sister Norah to catch up with Jack and Lyn who are staying with her, they have been up to Carlisle to see her son David and his wife Claire and their two daughters and they had a smashing time in the Lake District over the weekend. We then made the arrangements to pick them up from the airport in Malaga on Friday morning, they have an early flight so they are staying at an airport hotel on Thursday evening.
Thursday 4th
This morning the car hire people brought the Fiat Punto,four door to the top of our street outside the town hall and we then shot out after lunch to pick up the Pork from the butchers and at the same time we cleaned the car and topped up the petrol, ready for tomorrow morning. Brenda has cleaned, washed, ironed,mopped,polished and refurbished everything that moves; the outside plants have been renewed and the fresh flowers,white lily’s are on show in the corner of the lounge. We are ready for the visit of the year, so far, and are very excited to see Lyn and Jack and welcome them to Sunny Manilva!! This evening we are having pan fried flattened Breast of Chicken with Baked Potato for supper, they are both on the diet list, honest !
Wednesday 3rd.
First thing in the morning we called into the surgery to collect a prescription for the testing tabs for the blood testing machine, the regular receptionist was on holiday so it took a little time to find it in the files and whilst I was there the doctor took me in for a quick check up and arranged for me to call back later to take my blood pressure; at the same time he adjusted the tablets and gave me another prescription for more tablets, my blood pressure was down,later,so now we are waiting for the results of the scan the week after next! All the medical attention is on the Spanish health system, as we are now fully registered and all the prescriptions are free also! We then called into the English butchers to order the Leg of Pork for our Sunday lunch and at the same time we finished off the shopping ready for the arrival of the folks on Friday. In the evening after supper Brenda made her regular phone call to her sister Jenny to check on her husband John, he is still very poorly and has now been in hospital for over nine weeks; she then called her other sister Norah to catch up with Jack and Lyn who are staying with her, they have been up to Carlisle to see her son David and his wife Claire and their two daughters and they had a smashing time in the Lake District over the weekend. We then made the arrangements to pick them up from the airport in Malaga on Friday morning, they have an early flight so they are staying at an airport hotel on Thursday evening.
Thursday 4th
This morning the car hire people brought the Fiat Punto,four door to the top of our street outside the town hall and we then shot out after lunch to pick up the Pork from the butchers and at the same time we cleaned the car and topped up the petrol, ready for tomorrow morning. Brenda has cleaned, washed, ironed,mopped,polished and refurbished everything that moves; the outside plants have been renewed and the fresh flowers,white lily’s are on show in the corner of the lounge. We are ready for the visit of the year, so far, and are very excited to see Lyn and Jack and welcome them to Sunny Manilva!! This evening we are having pan fried flattened Breast of Chicken with Baked Potato for supper, they are both on the diet list, honest !
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
MANILVA.
Monday 1st/ Tuesday 2nd June 2009.
Monday 1st.
We had a little lie in after the night before; the sun was out and it soon reached 30 degs. with some parts of Spain as high as 38 degs ! There is still a little breeze so it is very pleasant and also it is excellent drying weather, so Brenda tells me ! We have sorted ourselves out and are back to normal in the house, the ten day forecast is also very good so it will be nice for when Jack and Lyn arrive on Friday.In the afternoon Mano called in and we went down to Sabinillas to buy a new wall mounted shower fitting; when we got back Mano fixed it to the wall with a special tile drill bit and so the bathroom is ready and updated for our guests. In the early evening we retired to the roof terrace for our regular PM cocktails, after supper we watched some Spanish TV and caught up with the local Manilva TV station, which is just around the corner, the new Fire Station is nearly ready but there are no signs of the Fire Engines yet! Watch out for the pictures.
Tuesday 2nd.
It is even hotter today as we set off early to the main hospital just past Marbella; it was for the Ultra Scan on the Prostrate,they told me I was not to have any food in the morning and as usual the appointment was on time and the very efficient nursing sister and the consultant were very pleasant.The only problem was that I had to drink a litre of water after the first scans,to fill the Bladder! for the second lot of pictures and wait for the water to take effect !! On the way back we dropped down to Estepona and called into the bank and then went to the large Hypermarket to stock up ready for the Australian relatives at the weekend ! This afternoon we are taking things easy and are going up on the roof terrace to catch up with some reading,I am reading a Wilbur Smith book at the moment,Tim introduced me to his books last year and lent me a couple of hard backs whilst Brenda is into James Patterson ! Tonight we are having Steak and Frits for supper,as a treat,as I have started to change the diet and have already stopped eating a lot of goodies!
Monday 1st.
We had a little lie in after the night before; the sun was out and it soon reached 30 degs. with some parts of Spain as high as 38 degs ! There is still a little breeze so it is very pleasant and also it is excellent drying weather, so Brenda tells me ! We have sorted ourselves out and are back to normal in the house, the ten day forecast is also very good so it will be nice for when Jack and Lyn arrive on Friday.In the afternoon Mano called in and we went down to Sabinillas to buy a new wall mounted shower fitting; when we got back Mano fixed it to the wall with a special tile drill bit and so the bathroom is ready and updated for our guests. In the early evening we retired to the roof terrace for our regular PM cocktails, after supper we watched some Spanish TV and caught up with the local Manilva TV station, which is just around the corner, the new Fire Station is nearly ready but there are no signs of the Fire Engines yet! Watch out for the pictures.
Tuesday 2nd.
It is even hotter today as we set off early to the main hospital just past Marbella; it was for the Ultra Scan on the Prostrate,they told me I was not to have any food in the morning and as usual the appointment was on time and the very efficient nursing sister and the consultant were very pleasant.The only problem was that I had to drink a litre of water after the first scans,to fill the Bladder! for the second lot of pictures and wait for the water to take effect !! On the way back we dropped down to Estepona and called into the bank and then went to the large Hypermarket to stock up ready for the Australian relatives at the weekend ! This afternoon we are taking things easy and are going up on the roof terrace to catch up with some reading,I am reading a Wilbur Smith book at the moment,Tim introduced me to his books last year and lent me a couple of hard backs whilst Brenda is into James Patterson ! Tonight we are having Steak and Frits for supper,as a treat,as I have started to change the diet and have already stopped eating a lot of goodies!
Monday, June 01, 2009
TARIFA / MANILVA.
Saturday/Sunday 30th/31st May.
Saturday 30th
Chris phoned later in the day to say that he had missed the flight home and would try and catch the early morning plane on Sunday! The sun was out and it was another fine day with a little breeze in the afternoon; so we unpacked and settled back into our routine, it also ment that we would be able to watch the final of Britain’s Got Talent! The two dogs Boo and Mille are great to look after and we will miss then terrible when we leave on Sunday, the picture below shows them tucking into their Chicken lunch, which is their favourite! Joan is feeling a lot better towards the end of the week and is starting to look forward to her move back to England in the next few months; it means that she will be near to all her family. We had an early supper and settled down to watch the final, it was very gripping and the surprise winners, Diversity were unbelievable and their routine was mind-blowing!
Sunday 31st.
Chris phoned at lunchtime to say that he would not be coming back, due to business problems so we arranged for the couple who look after Joan and maintain the villa and gardens to come and take over from us later in the day, they were on stand by for just this eventuality! It was such a nice day that we decided to take Joan for a run and a spot of lunch; Tarifa was very busy and the coast was packed with families having picnics in the Pine Woods and all along the beach they set up Sun Umbrellas and wind breakers and on our way home later every beach and cove was full of people taking advantage of the best day of the year so far and especially because it was the weekend the roads and parking spots were all full! Mano called to catch up with the news and asked us around to his house in the evening after we had unpacked;Anna and Mano made us very welcome and we had a late supper with them as we caught up with all the gossip ! Earlier as we had got home and I checked out our postbox, in amongst the election papers, we are now able to vote as we are resident, there was an Airmail letter from Nan Horsley, Jane’s mom, who lives on the Wirral and who is ninety years young next year, bringing us up to date with her news-it is a lovely letter and it is so nice to receive a hand written letter which still shows the personality of the writer in these modern technology times !!
Saturday 30th
Chris phoned later in the day to say that he had missed the flight home and would try and catch the early morning plane on Sunday! The sun was out and it was another fine day with a little breeze in the afternoon; so we unpacked and settled back into our routine, it also ment that we would be able to watch the final of Britain’s Got Talent! The two dogs Boo and Mille are great to look after and we will miss then terrible when we leave on Sunday, the picture below shows them tucking into their Chicken lunch, which is their favourite! Joan is feeling a lot better towards the end of the week and is starting to look forward to her move back to England in the next few months; it means that she will be near to all her family. We had an early supper and settled down to watch the final, it was very gripping and the surprise winners, Diversity were unbelievable and their routine was mind-blowing!
Sunday 31st.
Chris phoned at lunchtime to say that he would not be coming back, due to business problems so we arranged for the couple who look after Joan and maintain the villa and gardens to come and take over from us later in the day, they were on stand by for just this eventuality! It was such a nice day that we decided to take Joan for a run and a spot of lunch; Tarifa was very busy and the coast was packed with families having picnics in the Pine Woods and all along the beach they set up Sun Umbrellas and wind breakers and on our way home later every beach and cove was full of people taking advantage of the best day of the year so far and especially because it was the weekend the roads and parking spots were all full! Mano called to catch up with the news and asked us around to his house in the evening after we had unpacked;Anna and Mano made us very welcome and we had a late supper with them as we caught up with all the gossip ! Earlier as we had got home and I checked out our postbox, in amongst the election papers, we are now able to vote as we are resident, there was an Airmail letter from Nan Horsley, Jane’s mom, who lives on the Wirral and who is ninety years young next year, bringing us up to date with her news-it is a lovely letter and it is so nice to receive a hand written letter which still shows the personality of the writer in these modern technology times !!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Friday, May 29, 2009
TARIFA.
Wednesday/Thursday/Friday 27th/28th/29th/ May.
Wednesday 27th.
Over night the storm from the Atlantic passed us by and as we got up we had grey clouds and strong winds;the exact opposite of the day before! Joan is feeling a lot better and looks brighter after her treatment from Silvia on Tuesday.No word yet from Chris to say when he will be back,but we are used to it from our last stay here! Sunday is our deadline to get back to Manilva so as to give us some time to get ready for the visit of Jack and Lyn from Australia,via England next Friday 5th June !In the evening we watched the football as Barcelona beat Manchester Utd. Barcelona played out of this world and Utd.did not play at all well!!
Thursday 28th.
The wind had not died down and was soon up to storm force; at lunchtime we started to get short power cuts every few minutes which got longer as the day went on, at 4-oopm the electricity went off and did not come back on so I had to ring the electricity company and eventually we found out that the engineers were working on the problem,power lines down, and it came back on at 6-30pm! After supper we watched the Britain’s Got Talent show which was very good,once again.
Friday 29th.
Today the wind here has died down a bit but down in Tarifa it was still blowing a storm and the sea was very rough and all the Palm Trees were bending over as we topped up at the Hypermarket for the weekend.Tonight we are having Pan Fried Fillets of Salmon in a Citrus sauce for dinner with Spinach,Peas and New Potatoes; we are still waiting to hear from Chris as to when he is getting back so as I can pick him up from the Airport in Gibraltar sometime on Saturday.
PS; Still no word from Chris at 3-00pm Saturday !
Wednesday 27th.
Over night the storm from the Atlantic passed us by and as we got up we had grey clouds and strong winds;the exact opposite of the day before! Joan is feeling a lot better and looks brighter after her treatment from Silvia on Tuesday.No word yet from Chris to say when he will be back,but we are used to it from our last stay here! Sunday is our deadline to get back to Manilva so as to give us some time to get ready for the visit of Jack and Lyn from Australia,via England next Friday 5th June !In the evening we watched the football as Barcelona beat Manchester Utd. Barcelona played out of this world and Utd.did not play at all well!!
Thursday 28th.
The wind had not died down and was soon up to storm force; at lunchtime we started to get short power cuts every few minutes which got longer as the day went on, at 4-oopm the electricity went off and did not come back on so I had to ring the electricity company and eventually we found out that the engineers were working on the problem,power lines down, and it came back on at 6-30pm! After supper we watched the Britain’s Got Talent show which was very good,once again.
Friday 29th.
Today the wind here has died down a bit but down in Tarifa it was still blowing a storm and the sea was very rough and all the Palm Trees were bending over as we topped up at the Hypermarket for the weekend.Tonight we are having Pan Fried Fillets of Salmon in a Citrus sauce for dinner with Spinach,Peas and New Potatoes; we are still waiting to hear from Chris as to when he is getting back so as I can pick him up from the Airport in Gibraltar sometime on Saturday.
PS; Still no word from Chris at 3-00pm Saturday !
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
TARIFA.
Sunday/Monday/Tuesday 24th/25th/26th May.
Sunday 24th
We all had a lie on Sunday morning and as we got up the sun came out and the skies cleared but still with a little Tarifa breeze! We had an afternoon brunch in the large kitchen,Roast Chicken with Stuffing and all the trimmings and of course Brenda’s four vegetables and my Roast Potatoes! In the evening we watched the documentaries on BBC2 about the South Pacific, as usual in these sorts of programme’s the BBC are the best; the Tiger Sharks catching the Albatross was just unblievable!
Monday 25th.
In the morning I shot across to the bank in Estepona and on the way back called into a few shops for the local papers,light bulbs,cigs( Brenda still! ) and finally the butchers( Chicken Breast ) When I got back to the villa Brenda jumped in the car and we went down to Tarifa to stock up for the week; Chris phoned and caught up with things and spoke to Joan,he told me that they have a Masseuse,Silvia,that they call on when Joan’s neck is giving her problems,so I phoned her and she is coming on Tuesday afternoon to see to Joan. In the evening we had Chicken Salad for supper with Baked Potato. We then all settled down to watch “ Britain’s Got Talent ” for the first time for us ! As we were watching the show the phone went and it turned out to be the Hospital in Marbella calling to make an appointment for me to have the ultra sound scan on my Prostrate next Tuesday morning,all very efficient and prompt!
Tuesday 26th.
This morning, as forecast, the weather is superb with clear blue skies, no wind and a very hot sun, by the afternoon it is now 28/29 degs.and rising and this is now the finest day of the year so far! We have just come back from lunch out on the beach just past Tarifa at Torre de la Pena; the pictures below show what a marvelous setting the beach restaurant has on the Atlantic coast with America the next stop! Joan had an Avocado Crab salad,Brenda had a very fresh Frito Misto,Spanish style and I had an Escalope Milanase with Frits,as a treat! We called into Tarifa on the way so as Joan could have the links on her watch shortened, we found a very helpful Jeweller the other day and he fixed it while we were there. Chris’s car, a VWV8, is very comfortable and easy to drive, as well as being very fast and we and Joan have had a lovely day out and she is now feeling a lot better and looking forward to her massage later!
PS; Silvia has just arrived and is laying on the hands as I am typing this ! Check out her web page at; http://www.tarifayoga.com/
Sunday 24th
We all had a lie on Sunday morning and as we got up the sun came out and the skies cleared but still with a little Tarifa breeze! We had an afternoon brunch in the large kitchen,Roast Chicken with Stuffing and all the trimmings and of course Brenda’s four vegetables and my Roast Potatoes! In the evening we watched the documentaries on BBC2 about the South Pacific, as usual in these sorts of programme’s the BBC are the best; the Tiger Sharks catching the Albatross was just unblievable!
Monday 25th.
In the morning I shot across to the bank in Estepona and on the way back called into a few shops for the local papers,light bulbs,cigs( Brenda still! ) and finally the butchers( Chicken Breast ) When I got back to the villa Brenda jumped in the car and we went down to Tarifa to stock up for the week; Chris phoned and caught up with things and spoke to Joan,he told me that they have a Masseuse,Silvia,that they call on when Joan’s neck is giving her problems,so I phoned her and she is coming on Tuesday afternoon to see to Joan. In the evening we had Chicken Salad for supper with Baked Potato. We then all settled down to watch “ Britain’s Got Talent ” for the first time for us ! As we were watching the show the phone went and it turned out to be the Hospital in Marbella calling to make an appointment for me to have the ultra sound scan on my Prostrate next Tuesday morning,all very efficient and prompt!
Tuesday 26th.
This morning, as forecast, the weather is superb with clear blue skies, no wind and a very hot sun, by the afternoon it is now 28/29 degs.and rising and this is now the finest day of the year so far! We have just come back from lunch out on the beach just past Tarifa at Torre de la Pena; the pictures below show what a marvelous setting the beach restaurant has on the Atlantic coast with America the next stop! Joan had an Avocado Crab salad,Brenda had a very fresh Frito Misto,Spanish style and I had an Escalope Milanase with Frits,as a treat! We called into Tarifa on the way so as Joan could have the links on her watch shortened, we found a very helpful Jeweller the other day and he fixed it while we were there. Chris’s car, a VWV8, is very comfortable and easy to drive, as well as being very fast and we and Joan have had a lovely day out and she is now feeling a lot better and looking forward to her massage later!
PS; Silvia has just arrived and is laying on the hands as I am typing this ! Check out her web page at; http://www.tarifayoga.com/
Saturday, May 23, 2009
CASA OLIMPIA, TARIFA.
Thursday/Friday Saturday 21st/22nd/23rd May.
Thursday 21st.
In the morning we dropped down to Tarifa to do the shopping for the weekend,Lidal for the fruit and vegetables and then round to Mercadona for the rest; as usual it was a lot hotter in Tarifa which at this time of the year with not a lot of holiday makers around is very pleasant. Joan is fine and is no trouble to look after and we enjoy her company and looking after her, the dog's Boo and Millie, are a dream and great fun and the cats are no problem as they just go in and out as they please so we are very relaxed and enjoying our time over here at Casa Olimpia.
Friday 22nd.
The weather in the morning was warm and sunny with no wind so Joan came down to spend some time on the balcony, we sat out for lunch but then a little breeze got up so we had to come back in. Chris phoned to catch up with the news and spoke to Joan for quite a while about a flat that he has found in London for her, as he is spending so much time over there and it looks like she is going back to England later in the year to also be nearer to all her family. In the evening we had Pan Fried Salmon and green vegetables for supper and then watched some TV. The programme on BBC2, which was a delight to watch, showed the competition for poetry reading for young children, they were just unbelievable and one was only seven!
Saturday 23rd.
Over night a severe storm passed us coming in from the Atlantic, the warning came in an e-mail late on Friday night from the weather station in Malaga on which I follow the ships passing us in the Strait of Gibraltar. Just before we went to bed last night Joan was not feeling too well and had lost all her colour so Brenda settled her down and made sure that she was comfortable, it was her neck problem again, and we connected the Baby alarm up between the two bedrooms. This morning she is a lot better and after a mid morning doze in front of her TV and a light lunch she is back to her old self. Next week we are taking her out down to Tarifa to get her watch strap fixed and our then going for a spot of lunch to an hotel on the beach just past Tarifa.Chris has got his car back from Lisbon so we will be able to go out in style,watch out for the report and pictures !
PS; We have just spoken to Lyn,she and Jack are back at Norah's after their week over in North Wales,staying in a static mobile home with Norah and her son Darren,sorry to say but it rained all week!
Thursday 21st.
In the morning we dropped down to Tarifa to do the shopping for the weekend,Lidal for the fruit and vegetables and then round to Mercadona for the rest; as usual it was a lot hotter in Tarifa which at this time of the year with not a lot of holiday makers around is very pleasant. Joan is fine and is no trouble to look after and we enjoy her company and looking after her, the dog's Boo and Millie, are a dream and great fun and the cats are no problem as they just go in and out as they please so we are very relaxed and enjoying our time over here at Casa Olimpia.
Friday 22nd.
The weather in the morning was warm and sunny with no wind so Joan came down to spend some time on the balcony, we sat out for lunch but then a little breeze got up so we had to come back in. Chris phoned to catch up with the news and spoke to Joan for quite a while about a flat that he has found in London for her, as he is spending so much time over there and it looks like she is going back to England later in the year to also be nearer to all her family. In the evening we had Pan Fried Salmon and green vegetables for supper and then watched some TV. The programme on BBC2, which was a delight to watch, showed the competition for poetry reading for young children, they were just unbelievable and one was only seven!
Saturday 23rd.
Over night a severe storm passed us coming in from the Atlantic, the warning came in an e-mail late on Friday night from the weather station in Malaga on which I follow the ships passing us in the Strait of Gibraltar. Just before we went to bed last night Joan was not feeling too well and had lost all her colour so Brenda settled her down and made sure that she was comfortable, it was her neck problem again, and we connected the Baby alarm up between the two bedrooms. This morning she is a lot better and after a mid morning doze in front of her TV and a light lunch she is back to her old self. Next week we are taking her out down to Tarifa to get her watch strap fixed and our then going for a spot of lunch to an hotel on the beach just past Tarifa.Chris has got his car back from Lisbon so we will be able to go out in style,watch out for the report and pictures !
PS; We have just spoken to Lyn,she and Jack are back at Norah's after their week over in North Wales,staying in a static mobile home with Norah and her son Darren,sorry to say but it rained all week!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
CASA OLIMPIA,TARIFA.
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday 18th/19th 20th. May.
Monday 18th.
The weather over the weekend looks like it is to continue but as usual over here in Tarifa there is a little breeze which keeps the temperature down by 2/3 degs.The dogs have settled into a routine and we don’t have any problems getting them to sleep; the cats are still coming and going as they please; Joan is fine, she looked a little under the weather when we arrived and Chris, when he phoned her over the weekend, said that she did not sound as well as normal, anyway she is now a lot better and has been out in the fresh air on the terrace for a couple of hours a day. For a change we had Chicken salad with warm new potatoes for dinner and them watched the news unfold over in England about the MP’s fiddles and the Speaker putting his foot in his mouth, so to speak! The picture below shows a cruise liner going through the Straite of Gibraltar,if I had a better camera with a bigger zoom focus it would be a lot clearer! Click on it to enlarge.
Tuesday 19th May.
First thing in the morning I shot across to Estepona to the bank and then back up to Manilva as I had an appointment at the surgery with the care nurse; she gave me the once over and also Diet instructions which basically means that I am on a Mediterranean Diet which is rather good considering where we are! That means that I will have to eat everything that I don’t like and stop eating everything that I do like! I am also going to get an exercise bicycle for our house which will be able to go on the top floor by the roof terrace, the tablets for the Blood Pressure and Diabetes are taking effect and I’ve been given a blood testing kit to start using and recording with in the next couple of weeks,the appointment for the scan on the Prostrate will also happen at the same time and this morning the nurse also did an ECG,results tomorrow when I have an appointment with the doctor! On the way back I called into the English butchers,old habits die hard,but did not buy any Red meat! We are changing our menus gradually over the next few weeks; Lots of vegetables for dinner with Fish and Chicken seems to be the answer along with Rice, Pasta and Pulses, more fresh fruit during the day with lots of water and cutting out all the usual villains! Watch this space for the “ New ”man in Brenda’s life!
Wednesday 20th May,
Brenda came with me this morning to the doctors, the ECG was ok and he run over everything to do and gave me the instructions on how and when to use the test kit. We called into the house to water the plants and check for mail, it was still very hot and sunny in Manilva but it is a bit overcast back at Casa Olimpia as I am typing this.Boo and Millie are as usual playing in the garden, we just leave the doors open and they come in and out as they please for their food. The pool is not ready yet, which is a shame as we really enjoyed our dips last week over at Casa Abuelo in Guadalmina Alta.
Monday 18th.
The weather over the weekend looks like it is to continue but as usual over here in Tarifa there is a little breeze which keeps the temperature down by 2/3 degs.The dogs have settled into a routine and we don’t have any problems getting them to sleep; the cats are still coming and going as they please; Joan is fine, she looked a little under the weather when we arrived and Chris, when he phoned her over the weekend, said that she did not sound as well as normal, anyway she is now a lot better and has been out in the fresh air on the terrace for a couple of hours a day. For a change we had Chicken salad with warm new potatoes for dinner and them watched the news unfold over in England about the MP’s fiddles and the Speaker putting his foot in his mouth, so to speak! The picture below shows a cruise liner going through the Straite of Gibraltar,if I had a better camera with a bigger zoom focus it would be a lot clearer! Click on it to enlarge.
Tuesday 19th May.
First thing in the morning I shot across to Estepona to the bank and then back up to Manilva as I had an appointment at the surgery with the care nurse; she gave me the once over and also Diet instructions which basically means that I am on a Mediterranean Diet which is rather good considering where we are! That means that I will have to eat everything that I don’t like and stop eating everything that I do like! I am also going to get an exercise bicycle for our house which will be able to go on the top floor by the roof terrace, the tablets for the Blood Pressure and Diabetes are taking effect and I’ve been given a blood testing kit to start using and recording with in the next couple of weeks,the appointment for the scan on the Prostrate will also happen at the same time and this morning the nurse also did an ECG,results tomorrow when I have an appointment with the doctor! On the way back I called into the English butchers,old habits die hard,but did not buy any Red meat! We are changing our menus gradually over the next few weeks; Lots of vegetables for dinner with Fish and Chicken seems to be the answer along with Rice, Pasta and Pulses, more fresh fruit during the day with lots of water and cutting out all the usual villains! Watch this space for the “ New ”man in Brenda’s life!
Wednesday 20th May,
Brenda came with me this morning to the doctors, the ECG was ok and he run over everything to do and gave me the instructions on how and when to use the test kit. We called into the house to water the plants and check for mail, it was still very hot and sunny in Manilva but it is a bit overcast back at Casa Olimpia as I am typing this.Boo and Millie are as usual playing in the garden, we just leave the doors open and they come in and out as they please for their food. The pool is not ready yet, which is a shame as we really enjoyed our dips last week over at Casa Abuelo in Guadalmina Alta.
Monday, May 18, 2009
Sunday, May 17, 2009
CASA OLIMPIA,TARIFA.
Saturday/Sunday 16th/17th May.
We came across to Casa Olympia on Saturday morning for two weeks to look after Joan, the two dogs, Boo and Millie and the three cats downstairs; Joan was very happy to see us back and the dogs were all over us as we arrived, Millie has had her coat cut right back and Boo has had a trim across the top ready for the hot weather, which at the moment is very good,28 degs.today and the forecast for the next week is good also.To our great surprise the main guest bedroom had been given the once over so we were able to move into it rather than the smaller third bedroom; the picture below show the room but does not give you the idea of the size and the spectacular view across to Africa! We then popped down to Tarifa to pick up a few essentials for the weekend and picked up a Chicken for Sunday Roast,Brenda has also brought a lot of vegetables, as we settle into life at the villa,On Saturday evening after a Steak and Frit dinner we watched for the first time in many years the Eurovision Song Contest on the large screen TV. Today has been another gorgeous day with a little breeze as we have has a quiet day pottering about the villa and having our late Sunday lunch and taking in the peace and calm after last weeks sites and sounds at the building site in Guadalmina Alta!
We came across to Casa Olympia on Saturday morning for two weeks to look after Joan, the two dogs, Boo and Millie and the three cats downstairs; Joan was very happy to see us back and the dogs were all over us as we arrived, Millie has had her coat cut right back and Boo has had a trim across the top ready for the hot weather, which at the moment is very good,28 degs.today and the forecast for the next week is good also.To our great surprise the main guest bedroom had been given the once over so we were able to move into it rather than the smaller third bedroom; the picture below show the room but does not give you the idea of the size and the spectacular view across to Africa! We then popped down to Tarifa to pick up a few essentials for the weekend and picked up a Chicken for Sunday Roast,Brenda has also brought a lot of vegetables, as we settle into life at the villa,On Saturday evening after a Steak and Frit dinner we watched for the first time in many years the Eurovision Song Contest on the large screen TV. Today has been another gorgeous day with a little breeze as we have has a quiet day pottering about the villa and having our late Sunday lunch and taking in the peace and calm after last weeks sites and sounds at the building site in Guadalmina Alta!
Friday, May 15, 2009
MANILVA.
Friday 15th May.
We arrived home late on Thursday night from Guadalmina Alta after an interesting six days;during the week Brenda spoke to her sister in England,Jenny,who’s husband John is in hospital and is rather poorly only to learn that she had been the passenger in a hit and run crash and had ended up in the same hospital,she was let out later along with her friend who was driving her home ! We have also spoken to Jack and Lyn who are staying with Brenda’s other sister Norah,they arrive here three weeks today,we can’t wait to see them ! Chris has just phoned from Tarifa and we are going over some time on Saturday for two weeks to look after Joan,the two dogs and three cats again,so the next blog will be from there. This morning we had the appointment at the doctors to find our the results of all the tests that I have had over the last few weeks after my “Moment ” the other week! The full MOT has come up with some good results and some not so good! The good news is that my Liver, Kidney’s, Thyroid,Blood,Cholesterol levels and Urine are all fine and no problems! The not so good news is that I am now on a course of Blood pressure tablets, also some tablets for mild Diabetes with some more tests next week together with an ECG and test kit and then another check with the doctor on Wednesday.
I am also going to have an Ultra Sound check at the local hospital to double check the Prostrate Glands!! He also said that I have to loose weight, take more exercise and watch the food intake of certain items !! and the silly thing is that I feel fine all the time !! Watch this space.
PS; The picture above shows the new Fire Station next to the Police Station which is just about to open so we will have fire cover that previously had to come from Estepona.
We arrived home late on Thursday night from Guadalmina Alta after an interesting six days;during the week Brenda spoke to her sister in England,Jenny,who’s husband John is in hospital and is rather poorly only to learn that she had been the passenger in a hit and run crash and had ended up in the same hospital,she was let out later along with her friend who was driving her home ! We have also spoken to Jack and Lyn who are staying with Brenda’s other sister Norah,they arrive here three weeks today,we can’t wait to see them ! Chris has just phoned from Tarifa and we are going over some time on Saturday for two weeks to look after Joan,the two dogs and three cats again,so the next blog will be from there. This morning we had the appointment at the doctors to find our the results of all the tests that I have had over the last few weeks after my “Moment ” the other week! The full MOT has come up with some good results and some not so good! The good news is that my Liver, Kidney’s, Thyroid,Blood,Cholesterol levels and Urine are all fine and no problems! The not so good news is that I am now on a course of Blood pressure tablets, also some tablets for mild Diabetes with some more tests next week together with an ECG and test kit and then another check with the doctor on Wednesday.
I am also going to have an Ultra Sound check at the local hospital to double check the Prostrate Glands!! He also said that I have to loose weight, take more exercise and watch the food intake of certain items !! and the silly thing is that I feel fine all the time !! Watch this space.
PS; The picture above shows the new Fire Station next to the Police Station which is just about to open so we will have fire cover that previously had to come from Estepona.
CASA DEL ABUELO.
Friday/Thursday 8th/14th/ May.
We went over to Guadalmina Alta first thing in the morning and dropped Clive and Carolyn off at the Airport in Malaga; Carolyn has arranged a flight to Dublin and a five night stay at a top hotel together with tickets to the Eric Clapton concert as a surprise for Clive ! They had a “ Helluva ” time in one of our favorite cities and took in all the sights and sounds, went to the theatre and the cinema as well as eating and drinking ,a little, in Temple Bar !! Meanwhile back at Casa del Abuelo,which is a building site with no electricity or water,hence no blog for six days,we settled Bruno and Abbie down and found the two house cats to feed,as well as the fish in the pond.The weather at the moment is warm and very sunny all day with a little breeze and over the weekend the dogs had the large garden to run wild in and also their new home and area was ready. On Saturday evening we treated our selves to dinner at Restaurante “ Victor ”down in Guadalmina next to the golf course; it was rather special and we had an excellent meal, I had to start a freshly made Cream of Tomato soup,laced with Gin! Brenda had a whole Sea Bass baked to order with sliced savoury potatoes and sauce, brought to the table in the large cooking tray and then filleted and skinned, delicious! and I had a large,thick Sirloin Steak with Frits which just melted in the mouth,together with the old fashioned service it was night to remember and well worth another visit in the not too distant future ! On Sunday we had a lazy day and got the dogs into a routine; run in the garden,then walk and back to the garden and sleeping in the garage as per normal. As we arrived on Monday morning from the apartment around the corner, where we stayed last time we discovered that the villa was going to turn into a full blown disaster site with 7/8 workmen,drilling ,knocking down,plastering,plumbing etc.all day except for their one hour siesta at two ‘clock! We kept the dogs out of the way and took them for long walks on the beach at Cancelada,the cats just kept out of the way! At night the dogs stayed in the garage as Carolyn had told us that they had not yet settled into their new home/shed in the garden area that was fenced off just for them. We also in the evening after the workmen had left were able to go for a swim in the pool, all very refreshing and bracing ! Brenda had discovered a short cut and was able to walk around early in the morning,as she came out of the apartment entrance on Wednesday morning she found to her great surprise Bruno sat out side next to the Toyota !! One of the workmen had opened the garage doors and he had escaped, five workmen including the boss man were running round the roads frantically looking for him! The end result was that we had to move the two dogs into their new home and leave them there for the night; Brenda could not sleep for worrying about them and shot round very early in the morning to check on them,no problems and when we call them to go in they just go as good as gold! Result !! We picked Clive and Carolyn up from the airport late on Thursday evening and on the way home they looked at all the photographs that I had taken of all the work progressing !
We went over to Guadalmina Alta first thing in the morning and dropped Clive and Carolyn off at the Airport in Malaga; Carolyn has arranged a flight to Dublin and a five night stay at a top hotel together with tickets to the Eric Clapton concert as a surprise for Clive ! They had a “ Helluva ” time in one of our favorite cities and took in all the sights and sounds, went to the theatre and the cinema as well as eating and drinking ,a little, in Temple Bar !! Meanwhile back at Casa del Abuelo,which is a building site with no electricity or water,hence no blog for six days,we settled Bruno and Abbie down and found the two house cats to feed,as well as the fish in the pond.The weather at the moment is warm and very sunny all day with a little breeze and over the weekend the dogs had the large garden to run wild in and also their new home and area was ready. On Saturday evening we treated our selves to dinner at Restaurante “ Victor ”down in Guadalmina next to the golf course; it was rather special and we had an excellent meal, I had to start a freshly made Cream of Tomato soup,laced with Gin! Brenda had a whole Sea Bass baked to order with sliced savoury potatoes and sauce, brought to the table in the large cooking tray and then filleted and skinned, delicious! and I had a large,thick Sirloin Steak with Frits which just melted in the mouth,together with the old fashioned service it was night to remember and well worth another visit in the not too distant future ! On Sunday we had a lazy day and got the dogs into a routine; run in the garden,then walk and back to the garden and sleeping in the garage as per normal. As we arrived on Monday morning from the apartment around the corner, where we stayed last time we discovered that the villa was going to turn into a full blown disaster site with 7/8 workmen,drilling ,knocking down,plastering,plumbing etc.all day except for their one hour siesta at two ‘clock! We kept the dogs out of the way and took them for long walks on the beach at Cancelada,the cats just kept out of the way! At night the dogs stayed in the garage as Carolyn had told us that they had not yet settled into their new home/shed in the garden area that was fenced off just for them. We also in the evening after the workmen had left were able to go for a swim in the pool, all very refreshing and bracing ! Brenda had discovered a short cut and was able to walk around early in the morning,as she came out of the apartment entrance on Wednesday morning she found to her great surprise Bruno sat out side next to the Toyota !! One of the workmen had opened the garage doors and he had escaped, five workmen including the boss man were running round the roads frantically looking for him! The end result was that we had to move the two dogs into their new home and leave them there for the night; Brenda could not sleep for worrying about them and shot round very early in the morning to check on them,no problems and when we call them to go in they just go as good as gold! Result !! We picked Clive and Carolyn up from the airport late on Thursday evening and on the way home they looked at all the photographs that I had taken of all the work progressing !
Thursday, May 07, 2009
SPAIN - HEAVEN'S KITCHEN.
FERRAN ADRIA - EL BULLI RESTAURANT.
It’s now official, Spain has overtaken France as it now has four of its restaurants in the Worlds Top Ten with Ferran Adria’s El Bulli restaurant above Barcelona being voted for the fourth year in a row,top.Ferran Adria,known as the king of avante-garde is now established at the pinnacle of haute cuisine. The restaurant is open for only six months of the year as he is closed for the other six months to perfect his skills, experts have compared his cooking to the innovation of Picasso ! The latest concoctions are Parmesan cheese shaped like spaghetti and Carrots served like foam;former apprentice and friend Heston Blumenthal at the Fat duck in Bray,England is famous for his Snail Porridge and is second on the list.But it is the trio of other Spanish restaurants that are keeping the heat on Adria; “El Cellar de Can Roca” in Catalonia which is run by three brothers “ Mugaritz ”run by another Adria protégé,Andoni Luis Aduriz and “ Arzak ”in the Basque region is run by a Father and Daughter ! Down here in Andalucia over the last few years many exciting new restaurants have opened and only last week Jean Christophe Novelli opened his restaurant at the Hotel Lorcrimar in Puerta Banus and James Hewitt has also opened a Polo Lounge/Club/Restaurant on the Golden Mile in Marbella at which Vidal was playing last night!
It’s now official, Spain has overtaken France as it now has four of its restaurants in the Worlds Top Ten with Ferran Adria’s El Bulli restaurant above Barcelona being voted for the fourth year in a row,top.Ferran Adria,known as the king of avante-garde is now established at the pinnacle of haute cuisine. The restaurant is open for only six months of the year as he is closed for the other six months to perfect his skills, experts have compared his cooking to the innovation of Picasso ! The latest concoctions are Parmesan cheese shaped like spaghetti and Carrots served like foam;former apprentice and friend Heston Blumenthal at the Fat duck in Bray,England is famous for his Snail Porridge and is second on the list.But it is the trio of other Spanish restaurants that are keeping the heat on Adria; “El Cellar de Can Roca” in Catalonia which is run by three brothers “ Mugaritz ”run by another Adria protégé,Andoni Luis Aduriz and “ Arzak ”in the Basque region is run by a Father and Daughter ! Down here in Andalucia over the last few years many exciting new restaurants have opened and only last week Jean Christophe Novelli opened his restaurant at the Hotel Lorcrimar in Puerta Banus and James Hewitt has also opened a Polo Lounge/Club/Restaurant on the Golden Mile in Marbella at which Vidal was playing last night!
MANILVA.
Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday 5th/6th/7th May.
Tuesday 5th.
The weather is just right at the moment, it’s the best time of the year, even the locals think the same as every day we have clear blue skies from early in the morning, the sun is warm but with a little breath of fresh air and the temperature rises to 25/26 degs.by the afternoon and the evenings are balmy as we sit out on the roof terrace with our Gin and Tonic’s and Bacardi and Coca Cola with mucho Hielo and Lime ! In the morning we did some local shopping after the weekend to keep us going for the week,Anna is not back from North Wales until Saturday so Mano joins us for dinner when he can as he is at the moment chief babysitter for Fabio ! After dinner of Pork Cutlets we watched the match between Manchester Utd. and Arsenal as it was on one of the main TV channels. Chris phoned to confirm dates with us to go back to Casa Olimpia above Tarifa for two weeks after we come back from Guadalmina Alta next Thursday to look after Joan and the two dogs; we are going across on the Saturday and will be back in Manilva on the 31st May which will give us four days to get ready to collect Jack and Lyn from Malaga airport on Friday 5th June !
Wednesday 6th.
At lunchtime I had my last Blood Pressure at the surgery,it was down! This means that next Friday is D-Day with the appointment with our doctor as all the results will be in and all the reports completed and with the X-Ray to look at ! Mano joined us for an early supper of Cold Cuts and salad as we then went down to Morena’s bar to watch the Chelsea/ Barcelona match on the large screen, when Barcelona scored the locals including all the Police men from the Headquarters opposite went mad and we are now looking forward to Barcelona beating Manchester Utd. in the final !!
PS; We have just spoken to Jack and Lyn as they have arrived in England,safe but tired and are staying with Norah for a few days,
Thursday 7th.
This morning we finished off, after calling into the bank in Estepona, some shopping for the house,Brenda found new sheets for our bedroom,shower curtains for the bathroom and I got some bits and pieces including another Cork Board to go in the office next to the Australian Wall Map;we are planning to start a family tree when the Jack and Lyn arrive. We are packing at the moment as we have to take Clive and Carolyn to the airport early on Saturday morning and we are setting off with lots of time to spare as the coast road at San Pedro has a major diversion which has just started as they are building a new tunnel under the town and it is going to be madness for the next 18 months ! Tonight we are having Smoked Salmon Omelets for supper and watching the local TV.
Tuesday 5th.
The weather is just right at the moment, it’s the best time of the year, even the locals think the same as every day we have clear blue skies from early in the morning, the sun is warm but with a little breath of fresh air and the temperature rises to 25/26 degs.by the afternoon and the evenings are balmy as we sit out on the roof terrace with our Gin and Tonic’s and Bacardi and Coca Cola with mucho Hielo and Lime ! In the morning we did some local shopping after the weekend to keep us going for the week,Anna is not back from North Wales until Saturday so Mano joins us for dinner when he can as he is at the moment chief babysitter for Fabio ! After dinner of Pork Cutlets we watched the match between Manchester Utd. and Arsenal as it was on one of the main TV channels. Chris phoned to confirm dates with us to go back to Casa Olimpia above Tarifa for two weeks after we come back from Guadalmina Alta next Thursday to look after Joan and the two dogs; we are going across on the Saturday and will be back in Manilva on the 31st May which will give us four days to get ready to collect Jack and Lyn from Malaga airport on Friday 5th June !
Wednesday 6th.
At lunchtime I had my last Blood Pressure at the surgery,it was down! This means that next Friday is D-Day with the appointment with our doctor as all the results will be in and all the reports completed and with the X-Ray to look at ! Mano joined us for an early supper of Cold Cuts and salad as we then went down to Morena’s bar to watch the Chelsea/ Barcelona match on the large screen, when Barcelona scored the locals including all the Police men from the Headquarters opposite went mad and we are now looking forward to Barcelona beating Manchester Utd. in the final !!
PS; We have just spoken to Jack and Lyn as they have arrived in England,safe but tired and are staying with Norah for a few days,
Thursday 7th.
This morning we finished off, after calling into the bank in Estepona, some shopping for the house,Brenda found new sheets for our bedroom,shower curtains for the bathroom and I got some bits and pieces including another Cork Board to go in the office next to the Australian Wall Map;we are planning to start a family tree when the Jack and Lyn arrive. We are packing at the moment as we have to take Clive and Carolyn to the airport early on Saturday morning and we are setting off with lots of time to spare as the coast road at San Pedro has a major diversion which has just started as they are building a new tunnel under the town and it is going to be madness for the next 18 months ! Tonight we are having Smoked Salmon Omelets for supper and watching the local TV.
Tuesday, May 05, 2009
MANILVA.
Monday 4th May.
I was up early as my appointment at the Laboratorio in the surgery was for 8-30am; as I walked round to the doctors with my samples in a plastic bag it seemed that I met everybody and they all asked how I was and where I was going !At the same time they took four blood samples,which are for the Kidney,Liver,Diabetes and Prostrate! I now have one blood pressure test left on Wednesday and next week when all the results are in we have an appointment with our doctor on Friday morning when we come back from Guadalmina Alta. We then went across to the industrial estate in Estepona to have the oil changed in the Smart car as it need a special grade of oil to look after the engine and the complicated gear system,at the same time the garage owner,Hermann,gave it the once over ! At lunchtime we rang Carolyn to arrange the weekend,we are over there for six days from Saturday morning when we take then to the airport in Malaga.As we got home we had a message to say that the plumbers were coming at 4-oopm,we thought to check for the insurance people but in fact they came and put two new sinks and mixer taps in,very quickly! As the workmen were coming and going another man appeared at the door, it was an DHL delivery of a very special map of Australia that out dear friend in Chester,Jane,had arranged for us from a specialist supplier; it is just what we wanted and we are at this moment putting it up on the wall in my office,see the picture above, ready for when Jack and Lyn arrive,they are setting off for the UK today.Very many thanks to Jane,we will look after you when you come to stay with us later in the year and don’t leave it too long!!
I was up early as my appointment at the Laboratorio in the surgery was for 8-30am; as I walked round to the doctors with my samples in a plastic bag it seemed that I met everybody and they all asked how I was and where I was going !At the same time they took four blood samples,which are for the Kidney,Liver,Diabetes and Prostrate! I now have one blood pressure test left on Wednesday and next week when all the results are in we have an appointment with our doctor on Friday morning when we come back from Guadalmina Alta. We then went across to the industrial estate in Estepona to have the oil changed in the Smart car as it need a special grade of oil to look after the engine and the complicated gear system,at the same time the garage owner,Hermann,gave it the once over ! At lunchtime we rang Carolyn to arrange the weekend,we are over there for six days from Saturday morning when we take then to the airport in Malaga.As we got home we had a message to say that the plumbers were coming at 4-oopm,we thought to check for the insurance people but in fact they came and put two new sinks and mixer taps in,very quickly! As the workmen were coming and going another man appeared at the door, it was an DHL delivery of a very special map of Australia that out dear friend in Chester,Jane,had arranged for us from a specialist supplier; it is just what we wanted and we are at this moment putting it up on the wall in my office,see the picture above, ready for when Jack and Lyn arrive,they are setting off for the UK today.Very many thanks to Jane,we will look after you when you come to stay with us later in the year and don’t leave it too long!!
Sunday, May 03, 2009
MANILVA.
Sunday 3rd. May.
Today after a late start we went up to Bar Rojas for a lunchtime drink sat outside in the cool shade of the trees; the owners wife who makes all the Tapas with the help of another lady was making meatballs on Saturday afternoon so we had some Albondigas with fresh Patatas Fritas,delicious! Tonight we our having Roast Chicken with four vegetables and two types of Potatoes,Mano is coming around as Anna is still in North Wales as she had found somebody to rent her house,from the near by hospital and is staying to make all the arrangements including the carriers bringing back to Spain the old family furniture next week. Over the weekend we have also been on the Skype phone to Australia to Jack and Lyn to wish them a safe journey as
it is next Wednesday when they fly into Manchester !
Today after a late start we went up to Bar Rojas for a lunchtime drink sat outside in the cool shade of the trees; the owners wife who makes all the Tapas with the help of another lady was making meatballs on Saturday afternoon so we had some Albondigas with fresh Patatas Fritas,delicious! Tonight we our having Roast Chicken with four vegetables and two types of Potatoes,Mano is coming around as Anna is still in North Wales as she had found somebody to rent her house,from the near by hospital and is staying to make all the arrangements including the carriers bringing back to Spain the old family furniture next week. Over the weekend we have also been on the Skype phone to Australia to Jack and Lyn to wish them a safe journey as
it is next Wednesday when they fly into Manchester !
MANILVA.
Saturday 2nd May.
Yet another nice day in Manilva,blue skies,warm sun and a little light breeze makes this time of the year the best! After a late breakfast of Fried Eggs ( our neighbour’s keep us in stock ) we went for a short walk and stopped for a lunchtime drink at our local bar; in the evening we had Roast Lamb Chops on Boulangere Potatoes with Cabbage and Mashed Carrots and Turnips! The big match of the day/year between Real Madrid and Barcelona was not on the normal channels as the local Canal Sur 2 pay for view channel was showing it,Mano went to his local bar to watch it and I got it on BBC text on the internet ! As it started I went downstairs to start things off in the oven when we heard a gigantic roar from the top of the street ! Bar Rojas was full of Real Madrid supporters and they had just scored ! He also was showing it also so I slipped out to watch some of the match, but by the time I got there it was 2-1 to Barcelona but there was not a sound from the bar !Last year I followed Real Madrid but this year Barcelona is the team to watch, I could not cheer them on as I would have been massacred so I came home and finished getting dinner ready and followed it on the internet.It turned out to be the match of the decade as Barcelona murdered Real Madrid 6-2 which means that they go seven points clear at the top of the league and have scored 100 goals in 34 games so far with Messi,Eto Henry and Iniesta playing out of this world and with the whole team behind them; Casillas,the Real Madrid goalkeeper who is the best in the world at the moment looked shattered!! Later we watched the match on the main TV programme; the score could have been a lot more except for Casillas’s saves!
Yet another nice day in Manilva,blue skies,warm sun and a little light breeze makes this time of the year the best! After a late breakfast of Fried Eggs ( our neighbour’s keep us in stock ) we went for a short walk and stopped for a lunchtime drink at our local bar; in the evening we had Roast Lamb Chops on Boulangere Potatoes with Cabbage and Mashed Carrots and Turnips! The big match of the day/year between Real Madrid and Barcelona was not on the normal channels as the local Canal Sur 2 pay for view channel was showing it,Mano went to his local bar to watch it and I got it on BBC text on the internet ! As it started I went downstairs to start things off in the oven when we heard a gigantic roar from the top of the street ! Bar Rojas was full of Real Madrid supporters and they had just scored ! He also was showing it also so I slipped out to watch some of the match, but by the time I got there it was 2-1 to Barcelona but there was not a sound from the bar !Last year I followed Real Madrid but this year Barcelona is the team to watch, I could not cheer them on as I would have been massacred so I came home and finished getting dinner ready and followed it on the internet.It turned out to be the match of the decade as Barcelona murdered Real Madrid 6-2 which means that they go seven points clear at the top of the league and have scored 100 goals in 34 games so far with Messi,Eto Henry and Iniesta playing out of this world and with the whole team behind them; Casillas,the Real Madrid goalkeeper who is the best in the world at the moment looked shattered!! Later we watched the match on the main TV programme; the score could have been a lot more except for Casillas’s saves!
Friday, May 01, 2009
MANILVA.
Friday 1st May 2009.
As it is a bank holiday we had a lie in and Brenda has been given the day off with no work! We went for a walk around the village, which is very quiet and ended up at Bar Rojas on chilled Faustino Rosado in the noon day warm sunshine, the local Five a Side team arrived for their meeting and lunch as they are playing Torremolinos tonight at the Las Vinas sports hall; I gave them a team pep talk as they are all Liverpool supporters and the manager. In Blue, in the picture below joined in as well! The Bar owners son,Manolo is in the team so it’s their local Bar and all the cups are on display inside. We then rang Tim in Colwyn Bay to wish him Bon Voyage as he is going on business today to Istanbul; on the TVE main morning news it showed the locals in Istanbul rioting and the water cannons out, for the May Day parade! Tonight Mano is joining us for supper as Anna is not back from Wales yet and at the moment Brenda is out on the roof terrace taking it easy.
PS; NEWSFLASH- Manilva 3 Torremolinos 3
As it is a bank holiday we had a lie in and Brenda has been given the day off with no work! We went for a walk around the village, which is very quiet and ended up at Bar Rojas on chilled Faustino Rosado in the noon day warm sunshine, the local Five a Side team arrived for their meeting and lunch as they are playing Torremolinos tonight at the Las Vinas sports hall; I gave them a team pep talk as they are all Liverpool supporters and the manager. In Blue, in the picture below joined in as well! The Bar owners son,Manolo is in the team so it’s their local Bar and all the cups are on display inside. We then rang Tim in Colwyn Bay to wish him Bon Voyage as he is going on business today to Istanbul; on the TVE main morning news it showed the locals in Istanbul rioting and the water cannons out, for the May Day parade! Tonight Mano is joining us for supper as Anna is not back from Wales yet and at the moment Brenda is out on the roof terrace taking it easy.
PS; NEWSFLASH- Manilva 3 Torremolinos 3
MANILVA.
Thursday 30th April.
We were up early and down in Estepona to pick up Brenda’s new card as we had problems with it when we were over in Tarifa; speaking of which,we had a phone call from Chris asking us when we could go back to look after the villa and Joan! We have arranged to go over after we have been to Guadalmina next weekend for six days,which will then take us two weeks to the end of May and give us a few days before Jack and Lyn arrive on the 5th June.On the way back we did the shopping as it is another bank holiday weekend starting on Friday which is the May day celebrations and most of the shops close for the weekend.I then had an appointment at the surgery for another Blood pressure test,it was still a little high !
We were up early and down in Estepona to pick up Brenda’s new card as we had problems with it when we were over in Tarifa; speaking of which,we had a phone call from Chris asking us when we could go back to look after the villa and Joan! We have arranged to go over after we have been to Guadalmina next weekend for six days,which will then take us two weeks to the end of May and give us a few days before Jack and Lyn arrive on the 5th June.On the way back we did the shopping as it is another bank holiday weekend starting on Friday which is the May day celebrations and most of the shops close for the weekend.I then had an appointment at the surgery for another Blood pressure test,it was still a little high !
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