Saturday, July 18, 2009
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
CASA OLIMPIA.
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday 13th/14th/15th July 2009.
Monday 13th.
This morning was my usual running about day; Before I left I spoke to Mano as he is putting together a quote for some work to be done on the villa, it requires a new floor on the top terrace, rain and damp proving on various spots and then the whole outside to be re-painted with three coats in white after the walls have been repaired! Then the garden requires some serious attention to bring it back to its original look, all this is stage one as there are then some plans to work on the inside of the villa putting in new bathrooms, updating the facilities and possible large dormer windows and patio doors in the two master bedrooms.Finally the pool needs to be cleaned and put back into working order.Watch this space. As I got nearer to Estepona Mano rang to warn me that the banks were closed for a saints day, I dropped into Sabinillas and called into a sister bank only to find that their computer system was down and they could only give me a minimum amount of cash so I had to change all my plans and drive back to the villa! The weather this week is spectacular, getting hotter every day and very warm during the night.Cold Beef and Salad for supper was just right and after wards we watched the Tour de France.
Tuesday 14th.
Today we have caught up with all the chores around the villa and Brenda has been washing and ironing non stop! We then bathed Boo and Millie for the first time, they were both very good and Brenda sat on the top balcony and dried and groomed them in the afternoon sunshine. I watched the Tour de France, live, and then we had Pan Fried Chicken with savory Rice for dinner.
Wednesday 15th.
We had to be up early to go across to the Costa del Sol Hospital just past Marbella as I had an appointment at the Urology department for a check up with the consultant;I then found out where my Prostate is as he approached me with his gloves on and all jellied up!!Charming,and Brenda knew as she had looked it up but did not tell me!!! The outcome is that I will have to go back for a small operation, under a local anaesthetic for a Prostate Biopsy, God help me as to where they stick the needle!! We then called at our bank in Estepona before we went up to the surgery in Manilva to collect my prescriptions for more tablets and at the same time we dropped of some clean washing at the house and checked the mail box. By the time we got back the temperature had reached 37degs.and the very light breeze is warm,a siesta and then cold drinks to follow on the balcony are called for! The pictures below, taken this morning, show our new fire engine in the fire station,Sotogrande Marina on Saturday morning and the Rotisserie chef, at the wedding, injecting his secret marinade into the Lamb.
Monday 13th.
This morning was my usual running about day; Before I left I spoke to Mano as he is putting together a quote for some work to be done on the villa, it requires a new floor on the top terrace, rain and damp proving on various spots and then the whole outside to be re-painted with three coats in white after the walls have been repaired! Then the garden requires some serious attention to bring it back to its original look, all this is stage one as there are then some plans to work on the inside of the villa putting in new bathrooms, updating the facilities and possible large dormer windows and patio doors in the two master bedrooms.Finally the pool needs to be cleaned and put back into working order.Watch this space. As I got nearer to Estepona Mano rang to warn me that the banks were closed for a saints day, I dropped into Sabinillas and called into a sister bank only to find that their computer system was down and they could only give me a minimum amount of cash so I had to change all my plans and drive back to the villa! The weather this week is spectacular, getting hotter every day and very warm during the night.Cold Beef and Salad for supper was just right and after wards we watched the Tour de France.
Tuesday 14th.
Today we have caught up with all the chores around the villa and Brenda has been washing and ironing non stop! We then bathed Boo and Millie for the first time, they were both very good and Brenda sat on the top balcony and dried and groomed them in the afternoon sunshine. I watched the Tour de France, live, and then we had Pan Fried Chicken with savory Rice for dinner.
Wednesday 15th.
We had to be up early to go across to the Costa del Sol Hospital just past Marbella as I had an appointment at the Urology department for a check up with the consultant;I then found out where my Prostate is as he approached me with his gloves on and all jellied up!!Charming,and Brenda knew as she had looked it up but did not tell me!!! The outcome is that I will have to go back for a small operation, under a local anaesthetic for a Prostate Biopsy, God help me as to where they stick the needle!! We then called at our bank in Estepona before we went up to the surgery in Manilva to collect my prescriptions for more tablets and at the same time we dropped of some clean washing at the house and checked the mail box. By the time we got back the temperature had reached 37degs.and the very light breeze is warm,a siesta and then cold drinks to follow on the balcony are called for! The pictures below, taken this morning, show our new fire engine in the fire station,Sotogrande Marina on Saturday morning and the Rotisserie chef, at the wedding, injecting his secret marinade into the Lamb.
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Monday, July 13, 2009
CASA OLIMPIA.
Wednesday/Thursday/Friday/Saturday/Sunday 8th/9th/10th /11th/12th. July 2009
Wednesday 8th.
After our trip to England we had a lot of sorting out to do today; Brenda got to work on the washing and I shot across to Estepona to the bank, then up to the house to get the mail and then picked up the newspapers before stopping at the English butchers. On the way over I called into the garage to check on the VW repair, it was ready so when I got back to the villa I dropped the Smart car at the local hotel and got a taxi back to the garage! Joan is a little off sorts and has a tummy upset so she is not eating very much and we are treating her; it is also very hot and at night so we do not get much sleep at the same time. The dogs and cats are all fine and Mano and Anna enjoyed them selves in the villa over the weekend.
Thursday 9th.
In the morning we went down to the supermarkets to stock up for the weekend and gave the VW a little run.Tarifa is getting busier all the time as the weather is hot and sunny every day and with the little breeze it is very pleasant down in the old town. Joan is a little better today and has started to get her appetite back and look a lot brighter, more like her old self! In the evening we had a light supper and caught up with the news.
Friday 10th.
Today was an at home day as we settled back into life at the villa; Joan is a lot better and the dogs are keeping out of the sun;the villa stays cool during the day so they spend a lot of time on the marble floors! For supper tonight we had Pan Fried Fillets of Halibut with my version of Patatas Bravas. During the day we spoke to Brenda’s sister Jenny and to our dear friend in Colwyn Bay,Tim and in the evening Jack and Lyn called from Australia to catch up with all the news;by then I had been able to catch up with the blog so they have all been able to see and read about the wedding!
Saturday 11th.
This morning we popped across to Sotogrande to the “ K ” bar as we had arranged to meet some new clients who had phoned us whilst we were in England, Mike and Margaret Balfour have a five bed roomed villa on the Valderrama estate and want us to cover the villa and dog sitting on a regular weekly basis,for two/three days so we are waiting to here from them after a very nice get to know meeting and must thank them for their very kind time and attention,Mano and Anna have also offered to help when we can’t get to them as it is only 15mins. from Manilva. In the evening we had steak and frits for dinner and Joan ate everything as well as some delicious fresh local Pineapple!
Sunday 12th.
We had a lie in and when we got up the weather was beautiful with clear blue skies and warm sunshine and the views across to Africa are spectacular! Roast Beef and Yorkshire pudding with all the trimmings in the late afternoon after watching the German Grand Prix hit all the right spots! Next week I am going to start the procedure to re-new Joan’s passport as it expires at the start of September and at the end of this week I spoke to the Embassy in Madrid to get them to send the papers to our house as Casa Olimpia does not have a post box! Watch this space.
Wednesday 8th.
After our trip to England we had a lot of sorting out to do today; Brenda got to work on the washing and I shot across to Estepona to the bank, then up to the house to get the mail and then picked up the newspapers before stopping at the English butchers. On the way over I called into the garage to check on the VW repair, it was ready so when I got back to the villa I dropped the Smart car at the local hotel and got a taxi back to the garage! Joan is a little off sorts and has a tummy upset so she is not eating very much and we are treating her; it is also very hot and at night so we do not get much sleep at the same time. The dogs and cats are all fine and Mano and Anna enjoyed them selves in the villa over the weekend.
Thursday 9th.
In the morning we went down to the supermarkets to stock up for the weekend and gave the VW a little run.Tarifa is getting busier all the time as the weather is hot and sunny every day and with the little breeze it is very pleasant down in the old town. Joan is a little better today and has started to get her appetite back and look a lot brighter, more like her old self! In the evening we had a light supper and caught up with the news.
Friday 10th.
Today was an at home day as we settled back into life at the villa; Joan is a lot better and the dogs are keeping out of the sun;the villa stays cool during the day so they spend a lot of time on the marble floors! For supper tonight we had Pan Fried Fillets of Halibut with my version of Patatas Bravas. During the day we spoke to Brenda’s sister Jenny and to our dear friend in Colwyn Bay,Tim and in the evening Jack and Lyn called from Australia to catch up with all the news;by then I had been able to catch up with the blog so they have all been able to see and read about the wedding!
Saturday 11th.
This morning we popped across to Sotogrande to the “ K ” bar as we had arranged to meet some new clients who had phoned us whilst we were in England, Mike and Margaret Balfour have a five bed roomed villa on the Valderrama estate and want us to cover the villa and dog sitting on a regular weekly basis,for two/three days so we are waiting to here from them after a very nice get to know meeting and must thank them for their very kind time and attention,Mano and Anna have also offered to help when we can’t get to them as it is only 15mins. from Manilva. In the evening we had steak and frits for dinner and Joan ate everything as well as some delicious fresh local Pineapple!
Sunday 12th.
We had a lie in and when we got up the weather was beautiful with clear blue skies and warm sunshine and the views across to Africa are spectacular! Roast Beef and Yorkshire pudding with all the trimmings in the late afternoon after watching the German Grand Prix hit all the right spots! Next week I am going to start the procedure to re-new Joan’s passport as it expires at the start of September and at the end of this week I spoke to the Embassy in Madrid to get them to send the papers to our house as Casa Olimpia does not have a post box! Watch this space.
Thursday, July 09, 2009
GIBRALTAR TO READING.
Thursday 2nd.July 2009.
Mano and Anna are looking after the villa along with the dogs and cats whilst we are away for the wedding in Reading!Mano came across early and took us to the airport at Gibraltar so as we could take Joan to the departure entrance where the wheel chair was waiting to get Joan onto the flight which needs a hoist truck and ramp; we were taken out to the plane first and took up the reserved seats at the front with lots of leg room. As we arrived at Gatwick the air bridge came over and a wheel chair was waiting to take us to the customs and baggage claim but around the first corner we were transferred to an electric buggy as Gate 110 is nearly two miles from the start of the airport proper and you have to cross a huge enclosed bridge to get to the main North Terminal !! Thank god for the buggy as you have to walk and take lifts for ever !! Gatwick is the biggest airport that we have ever seen and our troubles were not yet over. After collecting the baggage, Joan was transferred to another wheel chair and the gentleman looking after us took us across the road and up five floors to the car hire
people; all six major companies did not have any cars to rent and one of them was very rude to me as well! We then had to come all the way back and get a taxi to Reading as by now Joan was starting to get a little weary, she is 91 years old after all!!
I called the hotel and asked them to get a list of the hire car companies in Reading for me when we arrived, twelve calls later and still no luck, on the next call I found the Ford Tourneo,nine seater mini bus available and grabbed it without thinking !!The next port of call was a stiff drink in the piano bar!! After unpacking we went down to dinner and had an excellent meal in the restaurant which over the next four nights only went better and on Monday evening a new a la carte menu appeared and Brenda had Glazed Scallops with a Lobster Tagliatelle on the side which was very good! The pictures below will give you a little idea of our travels around Reading.I have typed this blog in date order for a change.
PS; As I have been putting this page together Brenda came running in to say that another large liner was passing,the P/O OCEANA was on its way from Barcelona to Southampton and looked magnificent in the late afternoon sunshine as the white glimmered!!
Mano and Anna are looking after the villa along with the dogs and cats whilst we are away for the wedding in Reading!Mano came across early and took us to the airport at Gibraltar so as we could take Joan to the departure entrance where the wheel chair was waiting to get Joan onto the flight which needs a hoist truck and ramp; we were taken out to the plane first and took up the reserved seats at the front with lots of leg room. As we arrived at Gatwick the air bridge came over and a wheel chair was waiting to take us to the customs and baggage claim but around the first corner we were transferred to an electric buggy as Gate 110 is nearly two miles from the start of the airport proper and you have to cross a huge enclosed bridge to get to the main North Terminal !! Thank god for the buggy as you have to walk and take lifts for ever !! Gatwick is the biggest airport that we have ever seen and our troubles were not yet over. After collecting the baggage, Joan was transferred to another wheel chair and the gentleman looking after us took us across the road and up five floors to the car hire
people; all six major companies did not have any cars to rent and one of them was very rude to me as well! We then had to come all the way back and get a taxi to Reading as by now Joan was starting to get a little weary, she is 91 years old after all!!
I called the hotel and asked them to get a list of the hire car companies in Reading for me when we arrived, twelve calls later and still no luck, on the next call I found the Ford Tourneo,nine seater mini bus available and grabbed it without thinking !!The next port of call was a stiff drink in the piano bar!! After unpacking we went down to dinner and had an excellent meal in the restaurant which over the next four nights only went better and on Monday evening a new a la carte menu appeared and Brenda had Glazed Scallops with a Lobster Tagliatelle on the side which was very good! The pictures below will give you a little idea of our travels around Reading.I have typed this blog in date order for a change.
PS; As I have been putting this page together Brenda came running in to say that another large liner was passing,the P/O OCEANA was on its way from Barcelona to Southampton and looked magnificent in the late afternoon sunshine as the white glimmered!!
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
READING.
Friday 3rd. July 2009.
As it was so nice a morning we decided to go up the River Thames away from Reading and Henley and ended up at The Swan at Pangbourne by the weir and had a very nice al fresco lunch as the canal boat stopped in front of us and three men in a boat went by! Later we found our way to the Bottle and Glass which Gemma acquired earlier in the year and then followed them to the church for the rehearsal. We then met more of the family and stayed for dinner as Gemma has a very good Mossiman trained chef.The pictures below show our day as we found our way around in the country side of Berkshire and Oxfordshire,England at it’s best!
As it was so nice a morning we decided to go up the River Thames away from Reading and Henley and ended up at The Swan at Pangbourne by the weir and had a very nice al fresco lunch as the canal boat stopped in front of us and three men in a boat went by! Later we found our way to the Bottle and Glass which Gemma acquired earlier in the year and then followed them to the church for the rehearsal. We then met more of the family and stayed for dinner as Gemma has a very good Mossiman trained chef.The pictures below show our day as we found our way around in the country side of Berkshire and Oxfordshire,England at it’s best!
THE WEDDING OF GEMMA AND BRIAN.
Saturday 4th July 2009.
The weather as we came down for breakfast was warm and sunny with a little breeze forecast for the afternoon; the hotel which is four star has very good staff and they are looking after our every need, our room is next to Joan’s and we have shown her where to bang with her stick if she need us! We are eating a cooked breakfast every day and we take up Joan’s toast to go with her tea as she watch’s the TV. We set off early to get to the church on time as the parking is rather differcult, The Reverend Stephen Cousins welcomed us to St. Peter & Pauls Church which dates back to the early sixteenth century and is in a very secluded setting and is famous as the church that Tennyson was married in, the path up to the front vestry is lined with Lavender and was at it’s best. Eighty guests soon followed us into the church; our two favorite Hymn’s, You Never Walk Alone and All Things Bright and Beautiful helped along by a large choir soon got us going and Gemma’s sister Nina and Brian’s sister read poems as well as the vicar preaching a sermon as the ceremony was actually a blessing. The bells rung by six bell ringers rung out as the couple left the church to Mendelssohn’s Wedding March, the pictures below give you a little taste of the atmosphere. They left in a 1931 white Rolls Royce to go back to the Bottle and Glass pub for the photographs and reception; the outside caterers had set up the large marquee in the grounds and Canapés and Pink Champagne were served as a look a like Katherine Jenkins gave it her all! The menu of cold Lobster salad, Fillet steak and summer fruits jelly was excellent, accompanied with fine red and white wines and Laurent Perrier Rose champagne for the toast. During the meal another look a like singer got the guest going with all the Frank Sinatra hits as you can see in the photo’s below!
In the evening the disco took over as other guest arrived for the evening buffet; which was rather special as to go with the large salad selection a professional Rotisserie chef had been roasting over wood chips four large split Lambs for over ten hours and as they cooked he injected them with his special marinade, the Lamb was to die for and was full of the most sensational flavor and cut just like butter! By then the place was bouncing and Joan was joining in with her hand jive as you can see!! A great day and the Derham family made us most welcome to their very special day on the marriage of Gemma and Brian,thank you from both of us.
The weather as we came down for breakfast was warm and sunny with a little breeze forecast for the afternoon; the hotel which is four star has very good staff and they are looking after our every need, our room is next to Joan’s and we have shown her where to bang with her stick if she need us! We are eating a cooked breakfast every day and we take up Joan’s toast to go with her tea as she watch’s the TV. We set off early to get to the church on time as the parking is rather differcult, The Reverend Stephen Cousins welcomed us to St. Peter & Pauls Church which dates back to the early sixteenth century and is in a very secluded setting and is famous as the church that Tennyson was married in, the path up to the front vestry is lined with Lavender and was at it’s best. Eighty guests soon followed us into the church; our two favorite Hymn’s, You Never Walk Alone and All Things Bright and Beautiful helped along by a large choir soon got us going and Gemma’s sister Nina and Brian’s sister read poems as well as the vicar preaching a sermon as the ceremony was actually a blessing. The bells rung by six bell ringers rung out as the couple left the church to Mendelssohn’s Wedding March, the pictures below give you a little taste of the atmosphere. They left in a 1931 white Rolls Royce to go back to the Bottle and Glass pub for the photographs and reception; the outside caterers had set up the large marquee in the grounds and Canapés and Pink Champagne were served as a look a like Katherine Jenkins gave it her all! The menu of cold Lobster salad, Fillet steak and summer fruits jelly was excellent, accompanied with fine red and white wines and Laurent Perrier Rose champagne for the toast. During the meal another look a like singer got the guest going with all the Frank Sinatra hits as you can see in the photo’s below!
In the evening the disco took over as other guest arrived for the evening buffet; which was rather special as to go with the large salad selection a professional Rotisserie chef had been roasting over wood chips four large split Lambs for over ten hours and as they cooked he injected them with his special marinade, the Lamb was to die for and was full of the most sensational flavor and cut just like butter! By then the place was bouncing and Joan was joining in with her hand jive as you can see!! A great day and the Derham family made us most welcome to their very special day on the marriage of Gemma and Brian,thank you from both of us.
READING.
Sunday 5th July 2009.
We had a lie in after the day before and strolled down to breakfast as it does not finish until 11-30am and took a walk along the banks of the Thames, Joan had her usual Tea and toast in her room; Joan’s grandson Stephen, who is a lighting technician in the London theatre land and his partner who is an wardrobe mistress also called in to our hotel as they where staying in the Premier Lodge next door and we took them in the Mini bus back to the Bottle and Glass for the family BBQ in the afternoon, The weather was sunny with a little breeze as we sat around in the garden and all the family caught up with all their news and chatted with Joan who they had not seen for some time. Later I dropped Chris down to Henley on Thames so that he could pick up his car, at first I had an heart attack as it was Royal Regatta week and the last day of the festivities and the town would be very busy and congested; his car was on a large car park on the edge of town but I still ended up having to go right through the main street and down to the Thames past the old bridge and had some spectacular views of the Regatta but I did not have the camera with me, sorry! In the evening we had supper in the restaurant after another super day with the family.
We had a lie in after the day before and strolled down to breakfast as it does not finish until 11-30am and took a walk along the banks of the Thames, Joan had her usual Tea and toast in her room; Joan’s grandson Stephen, who is a lighting technician in the London theatre land and his partner who is an wardrobe mistress also called in to our hotel as they where staying in the Premier Lodge next door and we took them in the Mini bus back to the Bottle and Glass for the family BBQ in the afternoon, The weather was sunny with a little breeze as we sat around in the garden and all the family caught up with all their news and chatted with Joan who they had not seen for some time. Later I dropped Chris down to Henley on Thames so that he could pick up his car, at first I had an heart attack as it was Royal Regatta week and the last day of the festivities and the town would be very busy and congested; his car was on a large car park on the edge of town but I still ended up having to go right through the main street and down to the Thames past the old bridge and had some spectacular views of the Regatta but I did not have the camera with me, sorry! In the evening we had supper in the restaurant after another super day with the family.
LONDON DOCKLANDS.
Monday 6th July 2009.
On Sunday afternoon Chris asked me if I would take Joan, as a surprise, to see the new apartment he had arranged for her to see in Docklands on the Isle of Dogs next to Canary Wharf on Monday morning and he would meet us there; his office is just around the corner on the 33rd floor of the Citibank building and he has a penthouse and roof terrace on the 40th floor of and adjacent building which overlooks the tower block by the side of the Thames in which Joan’s apartment is on the 9th floor! So I set of in the mini bus, originally I was going to go through central London but changed to plan B and went around the M25 to junction 2 and then into the Docklands by the A2 and the Blackwall tunnel. The pictures below shows the view on a grey day, the 02 Arena is just around the corner on the left; Joan has fallen in with love with the views and had us measuring it to see how her furniture would fit in! The journey there and back took us under four hours and I took the Mini Bus back to the car hire in Caversham when we got back.
On Sunday afternoon Chris asked me if I would take Joan, as a surprise, to see the new apartment he had arranged for her to see in Docklands on the Isle of Dogs next to Canary Wharf on Monday morning and he would meet us there; his office is just around the corner on the 33rd floor of the Citibank building and he has a penthouse and roof terrace on the 40th floor of and adjacent building which overlooks the tower block by the side of the Thames in which Joan’s apartment is on the 9th floor! So I set of in the mini bus, originally I was going to go through central London but changed to plan B and went around the M25 to junction 2 and then into the Docklands by the A2 and the Blackwall tunnel. The pictures below shows the view on a grey day, the 02 Arena is just around the corner on the left; Joan has fallen in with love with the views and had us measuring it to see how her furniture would fit in! The journey there and back took us under four hours and I took the Mini Bus back to the car hire in Caversham when we got back.
LONDON GATWICK TO GIBRALTAR.
Tuesday 7th July 2009.
After a light breakfast we had arranged a taxi to take us back to Gatwick airport for the flight at lunchtime; when it arrived it was in fact a Maybach limousine with a chauffeur!! Who proceeded to look after us, opened the doors, packed the luggage, and told us the route and when we would arrive! On arriving at the airport I called for a wheel chair for Joan and we were taken through the express check in for the flight and then into the customs which took a little time as we were the unlucky ones and they checked everything including lifting Joan out of the wheel chair! Thankfully we missed the bad weather which started as we got on the plane; I had a problem getting an electric buggy so they had to push the wheel chair all the way to the departure lounge for our flight, which is nearly two miles, avoid gate 110 if you can! On the Easy Jet home we had another problem when we found that somebody was sitting in our reserved seats, after a little shouting we sorted the problem out! We landed back at Gibraltar on a spectacular clear day and waited for the lift and wheel chair hoist to come to the side door of the plane, by then everybody had got off the plane, been checked through customs and collected their luggage as Gibraltar is a one plane at the time airport and by the time we were taken across to the terminal the passengers on the return flight were already getting on the plane! The customs man was walking away and the duty free shop had closed,our three case’s were about to be taken away as lost luggage and the arrivals hall was closed !! Charming !!! I then lost my temper with three different duty managers over the complete breakdown in communication, all of which denied responsibility and stormed out of the airport after collecting some duty free from the arrivals hall ! Mano was outside waiting for us and took us back to Casa Olimpia which he and Anna had been looking after along with the dogs and cats .
After a light breakfast we had arranged a taxi to take us back to Gatwick airport for the flight at lunchtime; when it arrived it was in fact a Maybach limousine with a chauffeur!! Who proceeded to look after us, opened the doors, packed the luggage, and told us the route and when we would arrive! On arriving at the airport I called for a wheel chair for Joan and we were taken through the express check in for the flight and then into the customs which took a little time as we were the unlucky ones and they checked everything including lifting Joan out of the wheel chair! Thankfully we missed the bad weather which started as we got on the plane; I had a problem getting an electric buggy so they had to push the wheel chair all the way to the departure lounge for our flight, which is nearly two miles, avoid gate 110 if you can! On the Easy Jet home we had another problem when we found that somebody was sitting in our reserved seats, after a little shouting we sorted the problem out! We landed back at Gibraltar on a spectacular clear day and waited for the lift and wheel chair hoist to come to the side door of the plane, by then everybody had got off the plane, been checked through customs and collected their luggage as Gibraltar is a one plane at the time airport and by the time we were taken across to the terminal the passengers on the return flight were already getting on the plane! The customs man was walking away and the duty free shop had closed,our three case’s were about to be taken away as lost luggage and the arrivals hall was closed !! Charming !!! I then lost my temper with three different duty managers over the complete breakdown in communication, all of which denied responsibility and stormed out of the airport after collecting some duty free from the arrivals hall ! Mano was outside waiting for us and took us back to Casa Olimpia which he and Anna had been looking after along with the dogs and cats .
Wednesday, July 01, 2009
CASA OLIMPIA.
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday.29th/30/01.
Monday 29th.
The weather this week, here as in England is forecast to get hotter so we are up to 36/39degs.After the news of our trip to the wedding I had to go across to the bank this morning to get some cash,on the way I called into the garage to check on the VW,it won’t be ready on time so I have told them to keep it until next week when we are back. I then went up to Manilva to pick up an extra suitcase for Joan from Anna and also called into the surgery to arrange to pick up new prescriptions for my tablets.On the way back I also called into the English butchers for some Chicken breasts for dinner.Brenda has started to sort all the clothes out and is also helping Joan to sort her things at the same time! Later in the evening after supper we watched the Andy Murray match,under the new roof at Wimbledon,spectacular and he won !
Tuesday 30th.
This morning Brenda came with me to Manilva so as she could find her outfit for the wedding at the house and I also picked up some more shirts, shoes and a jacket at the same time! At the house there was some mail from last week,thanks Penny and Hilda for the cards! We then stopped at the surgery and collected the prescriptions which we then got from the chemists in the main street before shooting back to the villa. On returning we made contact with the gardener and housekeeper, on their return from holiday,only to find that it looks like they are not returning to their job!TBC!!As I was speaking to Anna she very kindly offered to come over to the villa and looks after the cats,dogs and the place over the weekend!More of this news to follow!! Today is the hottest day so far,38degs and the nights are also staying very warm as well so it is very hard to sleep.
Wednesday 1st.July 2009.
I shot down to Tarifa to change some euros to pounds with no luck, five banks and one cambio later I gave up! On the way back I called into the supermarket and picked up some essentials for stock for when we return;the packing has started so I am keeping out of the way and leaving it to the girls! We have just spoken to Jack and Lyn as they have been trying to call us on Skype,but we have been out in the morning and missed them,they are very well and are settling back into life in Australia,Yvonne Lyn’s youngest daughter is back in hospital and is rather poorly so our thoughts and love go out to her and the family at this time.We have still not had a phone call from Chris to confirm all the details so we don’t know where we are staying and who is picking us up from Gatwick at the moment! Watch this space as we will be not blogging now until some time next week when we hope to give you the full report and pictures of the wedding in Reading !!
PS; We have just had all the details,we are staying at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Caversham outide Reading and are flying back on Tuesday afternoon to Gibraltar.Chris has asked me to arrange a hire car at the airport for the five days!
Monday 29th.
The weather this week, here as in England is forecast to get hotter so we are up to 36/39degs.After the news of our trip to the wedding I had to go across to the bank this morning to get some cash,on the way I called into the garage to check on the VW,it won’t be ready on time so I have told them to keep it until next week when we are back. I then went up to Manilva to pick up an extra suitcase for Joan from Anna and also called into the surgery to arrange to pick up new prescriptions for my tablets.On the way back I also called into the English butchers for some Chicken breasts for dinner.Brenda has started to sort all the clothes out and is also helping Joan to sort her things at the same time! Later in the evening after supper we watched the Andy Murray match,under the new roof at Wimbledon,spectacular and he won !
Tuesday 30th.
This morning Brenda came with me to Manilva so as she could find her outfit for the wedding at the house and I also picked up some more shirts, shoes and a jacket at the same time! At the house there was some mail from last week,thanks Penny and Hilda for the cards! We then stopped at the surgery and collected the prescriptions which we then got from the chemists in the main street before shooting back to the villa. On returning we made contact with the gardener and housekeeper, on their return from holiday,only to find that it looks like they are not returning to their job!TBC!!As I was speaking to Anna she very kindly offered to come over to the villa and looks after the cats,dogs and the place over the weekend!More of this news to follow!! Today is the hottest day so far,38degs and the nights are also staying very warm as well so it is very hard to sleep.
Wednesday 1st.July 2009.
I shot down to Tarifa to change some euros to pounds with no luck, five banks and one cambio later I gave up! On the way back I called into the supermarket and picked up some essentials for stock for when we return;the packing has started so I am keeping out of the way and leaving it to the girls! We have just spoken to Jack and Lyn as they have been trying to call us on Skype,but we have been out in the morning and missed them,they are very well and are settling back into life in Australia,Yvonne Lyn’s youngest daughter is back in hospital and is rather poorly so our thoughts and love go out to her and the family at this time.We have still not had a phone call from Chris to confirm all the details so we don’t know where we are staying and who is picking us up from Gatwick at the moment! Watch this space as we will be not blogging now until some time next week when we hope to give you the full report and pictures of the wedding in Reading !!
PS; We have just had all the details,we are staying at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Caversham outide Reading and are flying back on Tuesday afternoon to Gibraltar.Chris has asked me to arrange a hire car at the airport for the five days!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
GLASTONBURY 2009
Glastonbury Review 2009.
Friday 26th.
On Friday evening we rung Thea in Colwyn Bay to catch up with the news as Tim and some of his mates had gone down for the weekend to celebrate,amongst other things,one of his mates 50th birthday; the other thing being Beer ! As we were on the phone she was watching with the family, and at the same time Tim was on his mobile watching the “ Specials ” who had reformed for the gig and sung all their classics including Ghost Town, later he was watching another of his favorites the “ Streets ”We then flicked between BBCTV2/3/4 and caught the “ Tin Tings ” and the " Yeah.Yeah Yeahs".Later to end day one Neil Young was at his best,we watched him last year on Spanish TV on a rock festival from Madrid and he finished with the same two songs,Rocking in a Free World,with a least five false endings and to finish his version of the Beatles Day in the Life which has to be seen and heard loud!
Saturday 27th.
During the day we watched the various sessions from the different type of music and caught a classic set when the “ Gaslight Anthem ” were surprised to find Bruce Springsteen jumping up on stage and gigging with them! Later he put on a spectacular show to end the second night,Glory Days and Dancing in the Dark standing out,he does not perform Born in the USA live anymore! At the same time on the other stage,Crosby,Stills and Nash,no Neil Young did not join them as he was finishing his two year world tour in Hyde Park,did a great set.Florence and the Machine also has a great voice and is one to watch in the future.
“ Kasabin’s ” sound on Fire was unbelievable as was “ Pendalum’s ” As usual the BBC’s coverage is first class and the had some classic acoustic sets with the “ Noisettes and VV Brown" standing out as well as Imelda May and La Roux.
Sunday 28th.
Status Quo have nether played at the festival until today and started off their set as usual with Whatever you Want and went through all their classics; Tom Jones went down a bomb,including all his golden oldies and to finish he gave his all on Sex Bomb and his latest Unbelievable! Madness have just come on stage and started with the only way they can- One Step Beyond ! Later tonight Blur are the closing act and at the same time on the other stage The Prodigy were out of this world.Brenda's loves the Black Eyed Peas and she was not disapointed!
Friday 26th.
On Friday evening we rung Thea in Colwyn Bay to catch up with the news as Tim and some of his mates had gone down for the weekend to celebrate,amongst other things,one of his mates 50th birthday; the other thing being Beer ! As we were on the phone she was watching with the family, and at the same time Tim was on his mobile watching the “ Specials ” who had reformed for the gig and sung all their classics including Ghost Town, later he was watching another of his favorites the “ Streets ”We then flicked between BBCTV2/3/4 and caught the “ Tin Tings ” and the " Yeah.Yeah Yeahs".Later to end day one Neil Young was at his best,we watched him last year on Spanish TV on a rock festival from Madrid and he finished with the same two songs,Rocking in a Free World,with a least five false endings and to finish his version of the Beatles Day in the Life which has to be seen and heard loud!
Saturday 27th.
During the day we watched the various sessions from the different type of music and caught a classic set when the “ Gaslight Anthem ” were surprised to find Bruce Springsteen jumping up on stage and gigging with them! Later he put on a spectacular show to end the second night,Glory Days and Dancing in the Dark standing out,he does not perform Born in the USA live anymore! At the same time on the other stage,Crosby,Stills and Nash,no Neil Young did not join them as he was finishing his two year world tour in Hyde Park,did a great set.Florence and the Machine also has a great voice and is one to watch in the future.
“ Kasabin’s ” sound on Fire was unbelievable as was “ Pendalum’s ” As usual the BBC’s coverage is first class and the had some classic acoustic sets with the “ Noisettes and VV Brown" standing out as well as Imelda May and La Roux.
Sunday 28th.
Status Quo have nether played at the festival until today and started off their set as usual with Whatever you Want and went through all their classics; Tom Jones went down a bomb,including all his golden oldies and to finish he gave his all on Sex Bomb and his latest Unbelievable! Madness have just come on stage and started with the only way they can- One Step Beyond ! Later tonight Blur are the closing act and at the same time on the other stage The Prodigy were out of this world.Brenda's loves the Black Eyed Peas and she was not disapointed!
Friday, June 26, 2009
CASA OLIMPIA.
Wednesday/Thursday/Friday 24th/25th/26th. June.
Wednesday 24th.
This morning I had a little running around to do; Chris had phoned and asked me to sort out a new bank card for Joan, which meant a trip over to her bank in Puerto Banus,he also asked me if a could arrange to have the VW checked and repaired. Joan signed a letter of authorization, so I could collect it as there is no post at the villa! On the way, after finding a VW garage on the internet, I called in on my way across and arranged to have the car picked up and taken to the garage on Thursday morning, which is on the large industrial park outside Algeciras,to check the ABS system. On the way back I called into the English butchers and picked up a piece of Pork for Sunday lunch as well as some other shopping on my list ! The weather just got hotter as the morning went on and by the time I was in Puerto Banus it was over 33degs.so I have now got a sun burnt left arm ! As usual the weather at the villa is a little cooler with a nice breeze so we sat out on the balcony for a snack lunch; in the evening we had Beef Stew for dinner which I made in the afternoon, with Brenda’s help. Brenda then rang Jenny, as the funeral is tomorrow, to have a chat and pass on our feelings.
Thursday 25th .
As we got up Brenda rang Jenny one more time to say that we would be thinking about her all day and that our thoughts were with her as she buried her beloved husband John. The rest of the day was rather hard on us both, especially Brenda as she thought about what her dear sister was going through. In the early evening I had phone call from Chris’s PA,Susanna,to arrange the details to take Joan over to England next week as her Grandaughter,Gemma,Chris’s oldest daughter is getting married,again,on Saturday 4th July.I am taking her over on Thursday from Gibraltar in the morning,to Gatwick and Chris is meeting us there,Mano is going to act as the taxi and takes us to the airport entrance as we will have to go across the border to get to it,we have arranged for wheelchair help and access to make things easier for Joan, she is also not a good flyer so I am acting as her carer for the flight,at the same time Brenda is arranging her clothes and outfit for the wedding,including her hat and doing all the packing! The plan was for me to fly back on the same day to Gibraltar but there is not enough time for me to hand over Joan and check on to the return flight to Gibraltar so I am having to take a later flight to Malaga and then get a taxi back to villa above Tarifa ! The following week I am going to do the journey in reverse and bring her home !! In the evening we rang Jenny and she told us that things had gone as well as could be expected ,Norah her other sister in England, was staying with her for the night and said that she had been very brave in the circumstances;lots of love to dear Jenny.For supper we Lamb cutlets on Boulangere Potatoes,comfort food for the gods!
Friday 26th.
The sun is out and it is very hot as we sat on the balcony for our tea and toast;we then went down to Tarifa to do the shopping for the weekend and pick up Joan’s tablets from the chemists ready for next week. The car is not ready so I am leaving it over the weekend and will call again on Monday morning to see if it is ready as I am going over in that direction to the bank and then up to our house in Manilva to collect a few things and print out the flight and ticket details,as the printer here is not working! Tonight we are having Salmon Fillets for dinner with new potatoes and Peas.While we were eating our dinner the phone went and it was Chris with a little surprise;he has asked Brenda to come over with Joan as well and stay in England with them at the hotel and also to join them at the wedding reception on Saturday evening as his guests!This means that we can then fly back with Joan on Monday/Tuesday on a flight to Gibraltar and Mano will be able to pick us all up from the airport.We are arranging for the gardener and housekeeper to come back and look after the animals and villa,as they will be back after their holiday in the Philippines with their family.Watch this space for a futher update on plan B " The Wedding in Reading " !!
Wednesday 24th.
This morning I had a little running around to do; Chris had phoned and asked me to sort out a new bank card for Joan, which meant a trip over to her bank in Puerto Banus,he also asked me if a could arrange to have the VW checked and repaired. Joan signed a letter of authorization, so I could collect it as there is no post at the villa! On the way, after finding a VW garage on the internet, I called in on my way across and arranged to have the car picked up and taken to the garage on Thursday morning, which is on the large industrial park outside Algeciras,to check the ABS system. On the way back I called into the English butchers and picked up a piece of Pork for Sunday lunch as well as some other shopping on my list ! The weather just got hotter as the morning went on and by the time I was in Puerto Banus it was over 33degs.so I have now got a sun burnt left arm ! As usual the weather at the villa is a little cooler with a nice breeze so we sat out on the balcony for a snack lunch; in the evening we had Beef Stew for dinner which I made in the afternoon, with Brenda’s help. Brenda then rang Jenny, as the funeral is tomorrow, to have a chat and pass on our feelings.
Thursday 25th .
As we got up Brenda rang Jenny one more time to say that we would be thinking about her all day and that our thoughts were with her as she buried her beloved husband John. The rest of the day was rather hard on us both, especially Brenda as she thought about what her dear sister was going through. In the early evening I had phone call from Chris’s PA,Susanna,to arrange the details to take Joan over to England next week as her Grandaughter,Gemma,Chris’s oldest daughter is getting married,again,on Saturday 4th July.I am taking her over on Thursday from Gibraltar in the morning,to Gatwick and Chris is meeting us there,Mano is going to act as the taxi and takes us to the airport entrance as we will have to go across the border to get to it,we have arranged for wheelchair help and access to make things easier for Joan, she is also not a good flyer so I am acting as her carer for the flight,at the same time Brenda is arranging her clothes and outfit for the wedding,including her hat and doing all the packing! The plan was for me to fly back on the same day to Gibraltar but there is not enough time for me to hand over Joan and check on to the return flight to Gibraltar so I am having to take a later flight to Malaga and then get a taxi back to villa above Tarifa ! The following week I am going to do the journey in reverse and bring her home !! In the evening we rang Jenny and she told us that things had gone as well as could be expected ,Norah her other sister in England, was staying with her for the night and said that she had been very brave in the circumstances;lots of love to dear Jenny.For supper we Lamb cutlets on Boulangere Potatoes,comfort food for the gods!
Friday 26th.
The sun is out and it is very hot as we sat on the balcony for our tea and toast;we then went down to Tarifa to do the shopping for the weekend and pick up Joan’s tablets from the chemists ready for next week. The car is not ready so I am leaving it over the weekend and will call again on Monday morning to see if it is ready as I am going over in that direction to the bank and then up to our house in Manilva to collect a few things and print out the flight and ticket details,as the printer here is not working! Tonight we are having Salmon Fillets for dinner with new potatoes and Peas.While we were eating our dinner the phone went and it was Chris with a little surprise;he has asked Brenda to come over with Joan as well and stay in England with them at the hotel and also to join them at the wedding reception on Saturday evening as his guests!This means that we can then fly back with Joan on Monday/Tuesday on a flight to Gibraltar and Mano will be able to pick us all up from the airport.We are arranging for the gardener and housekeeper to come back and look after the animals and villa,as they will be back after their holiday in the Philippines with their family.Watch this space for a futher update on plan B " The Wedding in Reading " !!
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
CASA OLIMPIA SHIP WATCH.
Tuesday 23rd June 2009
The latest picture ,just taken by Brenda,shows the P&O VENTURA which is the largest in the fleet,it was named by Dame Helen Mirren in 2008 and weighs 116000 tons,has15 decks,3600 passengers and 1250 crew.It is coming down from Barcelona on its way to Southampton,at 22knts! Last night the Pacific Dream from the Pulmantur Cruise Co. passed at the same time,but in a heavy sea mist.It seems that they plan to go through the Strait at this time as the views of Africa and Spain along with the Rock of Gibraltar are at their best ! Watch this space for more passing liners,my friend Tim says that we have nothing better to do with our time,TRUE!
The latest picture ,just taken by Brenda,shows the P&O VENTURA which is the largest in the fleet,it was named by Dame Helen Mirren in 2008 and weighs 116000 tons,has15 decks,3600 passengers and 1250 crew.It is coming down from Barcelona on its way to Southampton,at 22knts! Last night the Pacific Dream from the Pulmantur Cruise Co. passed at the same time,but in a heavy sea mist.It seems that they plan to go through the Strait at this time as the views of Africa and Spain along with the Rock of Gibraltar are at their best ! Watch this space for more passing liners,my friend Tim says that we have nothing better to do with our time,TRUE!
Monday, June 22, 2009
CASA OLIMPIA ON BRENDA'S BIRTHDAY.
Saturday/Sunday/Monday 20th/21st/22nd/ June 2009.
Saturday 22nd.
We had a lazy day at the villa and sat on the balcony for a sandwich lunch;later in the afternoon we watched the boats going past through the Strait and in the evening we had Steak and Frits with all the trimmings for supper before we settled down to watch a film on TV.
Sunday 21st.
After a little lie in we prepared our Sunday Lunch and sat down with Joan in the late afternoon to Roast Chicken after watching the Grand Prix from Silverstone;not very exciting and not a good result for Button! Our thoughts were with Jack and Lyn on their long journey home to Australia,23 hours!
Monday 22nd Brenda’s Birthday.
I was up early as I had to go across to Estepona to check on a money transfer from England that has gone missing;it came through later in the afternoon. I then went up to the house to pick up our mail and then called into the paper shop, florists and Butchers as well as the supermarket before shooting back to the villa above Tarifa.The birthday girl, as usual has done very well with all her cards from the Family and Friends,one surprise was a card from Sandra and Keith,in Colwyn Bay,who have been keeping us with us on the blog page,thanks Sandra! Tim,Thea,Jo and Ben,rang last night and sent her a singing e-mail as did our dear friend Penny and on Facebook our chef from the Riverside,Matt has just left a message which is very kind of him;Jane our dear friend from Chester has also left a great message ,we look forward to seeing you later in the year,Jane! and she has just had a call from Australia from Jack and Lyn,who arrived home safely late last night! Norah has just phoned from Runcorn to wish Brenda all the best as we were sitting on the balcony drinking Rosado Cava and eating our traditional Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Salmon! Brenda has also just spoken to her sister Jenny who managed to send her a lovely card at this very differcult time,the funeral is on Thursday,lots of love to Jenny.The pictures below show the birthday girl getting into the swing of things as well as the flowers,which were flown in especially and even Boo got into the act!!
Saturday 22nd.
We had a lazy day at the villa and sat on the balcony for a sandwich lunch;later in the afternoon we watched the boats going past through the Strait and in the evening we had Steak and Frits with all the trimmings for supper before we settled down to watch a film on TV.
Sunday 21st.
After a little lie in we prepared our Sunday Lunch and sat down with Joan in the late afternoon to Roast Chicken after watching the Grand Prix from Silverstone;not very exciting and not a good result for Button! Our thoughts were with Jack and Lyn on their long journey home to Australia,23 hours!
Monday 22nd Brenda’s Birthday.
I was up early as I had to go across to Estepona to check on a money transfer from England that has gone missing;it came through later in the afternoon. I then went up to the house to pick up our mail and then called into the paper shop, florists and Butchers as well as the supermarket before shooting back to the villa above Tarifa.The birthday girl, as usual has done very well with all her cards from the Family and Friends,one surprise was a card from Sandra and Keith,in Colwyn Bay,who have been keeping us with us on the blog page,thanks Sandra! Tim,Thea,Jo and Ben,rang last night and sent her a singing e-mail as did our dear friend Penny and on Facebook our chef from the Riverside,Matt has just left a message which is very kind of him;Jane our dear friend from Chester has also left a great message ,we look forward to seeing you later in the year,Jane! and she has just had a call from Australia from Jack and Lyn,who arrived home safely late last night! Norah has just phoned from Runcorn to wish Brenda all the best as we were sitting on the balcony drinking Rosado Cava and eating our traditional Scrambled Eggs with Smoked Salmon! Brenda has also just spoken to her sister Jenny who managed to send her a lovely card at this very differcult time,the funeral is on Thursday,lots of love to Jenny.The pictures below show the birthday girl getting into the swing of things as well as the flowers,which were flown in especially and even Boo got into the act!!
Saturday, June 20, 2009
CASA OLIMPIA.
Saturday 20th June 2009.
The picture below when you click on it to enlarge shows the “ Queen Victoria ” passing through the Strait in a heat haze at 7-30pm this evening; Cunard’s newest liner came in to use in 2007,she is 90-000tons,has 12 decks, over 2000 passengers and 900 crew and was on her way to Southampton after a Mediterranean cruise, the live web cam from the front of the ship shows you the view of the Strait with Africa on the left and Spain on the right.
The picture below when you click on it to enlarge shows the “ Queen Victoria ” passing through the Strait in a heat haze at 7-30pm this evening; Cunard’s newest liner came in to use in 2007,she is 90-000tons,has 12 decks, over 2000 passengers and 900 crew and was on her way to Southampton after a Mediterranean cruise, the live web cam from the front of the ship shows you the view of the Strait with Africa on the left and Spain on the right.
CASA OLIMPIA MINUS DAY FIVE.
Friday 19th June 2009.
The weather today was very hot and sunny with a warm breeze so we had an al fresco lunch on the balcony with Joan; at the supermarket yesterday we bought some fresh prawns which with Brenda’s salad and Tinto de Verano’s went down a treat! Before dinner we called the family back in England; Jack and Lyn are staying with Norah and Jenny had gone over also so the three sisters are together and when we rung they were on their second bottle of Cava and ended up all singing happy birthday to Brenda, it’s on Monday actually! Jack and Lyn went down to London on Wednesday and had a great time seeing all the sites and on Thursday lunchtime they all met up in Liverpool, at the Adelphi for Lunch. We had Salmon Fillets and Asparagus for supper and then reminisced about our last ten days with Jack and Lyn as they depart for Australia on Saturday lunchtime from Manchester airport. Sadly the funeral of Jenny’s husband is next Wednesday so by then the folks will be back in Melbourne and we are here in Tarifa,so our thoughts over the next few day are very much with Jenny at this most difficult time.
The weather today was very hot and sunny with a warm breeze so we had an al fresco lunch on the balcony with Joan; at the supermarket yesterday we bought some fresh prawns which with Brenda’s salad and Tinto de Verano’s went down a treat! Before dinner we called the family back in England; Jack and Lyn are staying with Norah and Jenny had gone over also so the three sisters are together and when we rung they were on their second bottle of Cava and ended up all singing happy birthday to Brenda, it’s on Monday actually! Jack and Lyn went down to London on Wednesday and had a great time seeing all the sites and on Thursday lunchtime they all met up in Liverpool, at the Adelphi for Lunch. We had Salmon Fillets and Asparagus for supper and then reminisced about our last ten days with Jack and Lyn as they depart for Australia on Saturday lunchtime from Manchester airport. Sadly the funeral of Jenny’s husband is next Wednesday so by then the folks will be back in Melbourne and we are here in Tarifa,so our thoughts over the next few day are very much with Jenny at this most difficult time.
CASA OLIMPIA MINUS DAY FOUR.
Thursday 18th June 2009.
Today was our shopping day; we dropped down to Tarifa and called into the two supermarkets that we use, one especially for its fresh vegetables, it is very warm and close all the time but down in the town the wind was blowing as normal ! In the afternoon we tend in this weather to have a little siesta as the days are so long at this time of the year and during the night it still is warm, not dropping below 23degs.We now have all the fans on around the house; the cats are out all the time and the dogs stay inside on the cool marble floors and also they have stopped eating as much. All week we have been watching Royal Ascot, which in the past we never had the time to watch and the racing has been rather exciting, considering I am a National Hunt fan!
Today was our shopping day; we dropped down to Tarifa and called into the two supermarkets that we use, one especially for its fresh vegetables, it is very warm and close all the time but down in the town the wind was blowing as normal ! In the afternoon we tend in this weather to have a little siesta as the days are so long at this time of the year and during the night it still is warm, not dropping below 23degs.We now have all the fans on around the house; the cats are out all the time and the dogs stay inside on the cool marble floors and also they have stopped eating as much. All week we have been watching Royal Ascot, which in the past we never had the time to watch and the racing has been rather exciting, considering I am a National Hunt fan!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
CASA OLIMPIA MINUS DAY THREE.
Wednesday 17th.June 2009.
First thing this morning I rang the surgery and managed to get an appointment for ten o’clock; we shot across to Manilva and our doctor who speaks very good English ran over all the results with us, basically he said that I am as fit as he is and have no worries, just keep taking the tablets! As we arrived back at Casa Olimpia the sea mist had not still cleared so it was not very good for any ship spotting; suddenly out of the mist a very large shape appeared with a very distinct funnel, the ship was all white and was the largest cruise liner that we have seen going past in the Strait so far. On checking on my on-line web page showing all the shipping in the Strait I discovered that it was the “Oceana”on its way to Southampton after a Mediterranean cruise, I then clicked onto the P/O page and got all the facts about the ship as well as getting connected to the live web cam on the front of the boat; 77,500 tons, 21 knots, 2,200 passengers, 10 decks and 850 crew! Sorry no picture due to the mist! Later we watched Royal Ascot, which is a bonus as we would not normally see it on Spanish TV. Tomorrow is the Gold Cup with Yeats going for its fourth win in four years, one to watch! For supper we had Sausages with Smoked Bacon, from the English butchers.
PS; Yeats just won !!
First thing this morning I rang the surgery and managed to get an appointment for ten o’clock; we shot across to Manilva and our doctor who speaks very good English ran over all the results with us, basically he said that I am as fit as he is and have no worries, just keep taking the tablets! As we arrived back at Casa Olimpia the sea mist had not still cleared so it was not very good for any ship spotting; suddenly out of the mist a very large shape appeared with a very distinct funnel, the ship was all white and was the largest cruise liner that we have seen going past in the Strait so far. On checking on my on-line web page showing all the shipping in the Strait I discovered that it was the “Oceana”on its way to Southampton after a Mediterranean cruise, I then clicked onto the P/O page and got all the facts about the ship as well as getting connected to the live web cam on the front of the boat; 77,500 tons, 21 knots, 2,200 passengers, 10 decks and 850 crew! Sorry no picture due to the mist! Later we watched Royal Ascot, which is a bonus as we would not normally see it on Spanish TV. Tomorrow is the Gold Cup with Yeats going for its fourth win in four years, one to watch! For supper we had Sausages with Smoked Bacon, from the English butchers.
PS; Yeats just won !!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
CASA OLIMPIA MINUS DAY TWO.
Tuesday 16th June 2009.
This morning was the time for the appointment with our doctor at the surgery in Manilva to hear the results of the tests and scans on my Prostate; we went over at lunch time and waited outside his room, then the other doctor saw us sitting there and asked us why? It turned out the relief receptionist had made a mistake and he was not there today, we explained that we had come across from Tarifa for the results so he fitted us in, the only problem being is that he does not speak very much English, our doctor does! Any way, the main result is that I do not have any major problem, in fact I got an all clear on my Kidney’s Liver,Arteries,Pancreas and Prostate, We are arranging to go back tomorrow to see our doctor just to make sure that we have understood everything and to check on the ongoing medication. Whilst we were there he also gave me some tablets and cream as the other night I was caught by Mosquito’s and have over thirty bites on my arms, legs, back and chest! They did not attack Brenda, Jack or Lyn?!
Tonight we are having the Calves Liver with all the trimmings on the Famous mashed potatoe,which Brenda has just let me help her with as we have left the masher at home and are having to beat it with a fork, sorry Jack and Lyn you just missed it!!
This morning was the time for the appointment with our doctor at the surgery in Manilva to hear the results of the tests and scans on my Prostate; we went over at lunch time and waited outside his room, then the other doctor saw us sitting there and asked us why? It turned out the relief receptionist had made a mistake and he was not there today, we explained that we had come across from Tarifa for the results so he fitted us in, the only problem being is that he does not speak very much English, our doctor does! Any way, the main result is that I do not have any major problem, in fact I got an all clear on my Kidney’s Liver,Arteries,Pancreas and Prostate, We are arranging to go back tomorrow to see our doctor just to make sure that we have understood everything and to check on the ongoing medication. Whilst we were there he also gave me some tablets and cream as the other night I was caught by Mosquito’s and have over thirty bites on my arms, legs, back and chest! They did not attack Brenda, Jack or Lyn?!
Tonight we are having the Calves Liver with all the trimmings on the Famous mashed potatoe,which Brenda has just let me help her with as we have left the masher at home and are having to beat it with a fork, sorry Jack and Lyn you just missed it!!
CASA OLIMPIA- MINUS DAY ONE.
Monday 15th June 2009.
Sadly it was time to say goodbye to Jack and Lyn; we had to be up at 6-00am to get them to the airport in Malaga,which is over one hundred miles away from Tarifa! On the way we talked a lot about both sides of the family, which is now one big happy family and reminisced about the last ten days when we have become even closer to Jack and Lyn, Brenda has loved being with Lyn, for so long, and they have not stopped giggling,like school girls, since Lyn got off the plane! Jack is as I have said before a fine Australian gentleman and has a wicked sense of humor and has a very good appetite,he ate every thing that we put before him! At the same time he acquired a taste for Cruz Campo,first in the small Spanish size bottles and later graduated to the pint size ones! Australian tasters as he calls them !! At the airport we wished the couple health and happiness for the future,they are perfect together,and then said “Au Revoir ”until the next time that we will see them.
On the way back we called into our bank in Estepona and then went up to our house in Manilva to pick up a few things that we left behind when we had to go across to Casa Olimpia,last week. We picked up some fresh vegetables and also called into the English butchers, the Calves Liver had just arrived and we could not resist the temptation! The villa is very quiet and we are missing the folks already.The picture below shows Brenda on the lounger on the balcony,the same one that she caught Jack and Lyn on last week,after returning from our early start- AH !!
Sadly it was time to say goodbye to Jack and Lyn; we had to be up at 6-00am to get them to the airport in Malaga,which is over one hundred miles away from Tarifa! On the way we talked a lot about both sides of the family, which is now one big happy family and reminisced about the last ten days when we have become even closer to Jack and Lyn, Brenda has loved being with Lyn, for so long, and they have not stopped giggling,like school girls, since Lyn got off the plane! Jack is as I have said before a fine Australian gentleman and has a wicked sense of humor and has a very good appetite,he ate every thing that we put before him! At the same time he acquired a taste for Cruz Campo,first in the small Spanish size bottles and later graduated to the pint size ones! Australian tasters as he calls them !! At the airport we wished the couple health and happiness for the future,they are perfect together,and then said “Au Revoir ”until the next time that we will see them.
On the way back we called into our bank in Estepona and then went up to our house in Manilva to pick up a few things that we left behind when we had to go across to Casa Olimpia,last week. We picked up some fresh vegetables and also called into the English butchers, the Calves Liver had just arrived and we could not resist the temptation! The villa is very quiet and we are missing the folks already.The picture below shows Brenda on the lounger on the balcony,the same one that she caught Jack and Lyn on last week,after returning from our early start- AH !!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Sunday, June 14, 2009
CASA OLIMPIA,DAY TEN.
Sunday 14th June 2009.
After a little lie in on our last day with Jack and Lyn we had a light breakfast of Scrambled Eggs with Chorizo as we are having our Sunday lunch later in the afternoon, Jack and Lyn went out on the top balcony by their bedroom, as we prepared lunch, and finished their books; we then watched the Motorcycle GP from Barcelona which was very exciting, Rossi won on the very last corner and beat the Spanish favourite,Lorenzo! Today the weather is very overcast and clammy with no breeze so it got a little hot in the kitchen! Brenda had her usual selection of vegetables, Cauliflower in Cheese sauce,Whole Green Beans,Glazed Carrots and Leeks with Smokey Bacon and Chorizo to go with the Roast Chicken and Roast potatoes and served with finger licking gravy ! Joan came down and joined us for our final meal,for now, as we have to be up and out before seven to go to the airport in Malaga in the morning. We have had a lovely time with Jack and Lyn and over the short time that they have been here we have been able to catch up with all their family history and where they all live in Australia. Jack and Lyn we love you very much and wish you a long and happy and healthy life together and to the next time that we will see you !
After a little lie in on our last day with Jack and Lyn we had a light breakfast of Scrambled Eggs with Chorizo as we are having our Sunday lunch later in the afternoon, Jack and Lyn went out on the top balcony by their bedroom, as we prepared lunch, and finished their books; we then watched the Motorcycle GP from Barcelona which was very exciting, Rossi won on the very last corner and beat the Spanish favourite,Lorenzo! Today the weather is very overcast and clammy with no breeze so it got a little hot in the kitchen! Brenda had her usual selection of vegetables, Cauliflower in Cheese sauce,Whole Green Beans,Glazed Carrots and Leeks with Smokey Bacon and Chorizo to go with the Roast Chicken and Roast potatoes and served with finger licking gravy ! Joan came down and joined us for our final meal,for now, as we have to be up and out before seven to go to the airport in Malaga in the morning. We have had a lovely time with Jack and Lyn and over the short time that they have been here we have been able to catch up with all their family history and where they all live in Australia. Jack and Lyn we love you very much and wish you a long and happy and healthy life together and to the next time that we will see you !
CASA OLIMPIA, DAY NINE.
Saturday 13th June 2009.
One of the trips out that we had planned was to take Jack and Lyn to see Gibraltar whilst staying with us in Manilva; so on Saturday morning we dropped down the hill past Algeciras, on the way you could not see the Rock as it was covered in thick sea mist but as we got nearer it started to clear. Mano and Anna go across to Gibraltar to shop and they say that the best time to go is early on a Saturday morning, it proved right as we drove straight in without stopping and with no other cars in front of us! At the moment there are a lot of road works in the center of the town and as usual there was no where to park and we could not get to the multi-story car park; we gave them the quick tour and came back across the runway just as the barriers came down as an aircraft was landing.The picture shows us in front of the Rock as the mist cleared.The last picture taken on Friday is of the happy honeymoon couple having a siesta on the balcony and was taken by Brenda! In the evening we had for dinner Entrecote Steak pan-fried in Garlic butter with Sauté Onions, Mushrooms, Balsalmic Tomatoes and homemade crispy chips. We then watched the TV and caught up with the news after another great day with Jack and Lyn.
PS; Sadly over night we had the phone call that we have all been dreading,Jenny,Brenda,Norah and Lyn's younger sister rang to say that her husband,John ,had passed away during the night after a very long illness; all our love and deepest sympathy go to her and John's family at this very sad time.
One of the trips out that we had planned was to take Jack and Lyn to see Gibraltar whilst staying with us in Manilva; so on Saturday morning we dropped down the hill past Algeciras, on the way you could not see the Rock as it was covered in thick sea mist but as we got nearer it started to clear. Mano and Anna go across to Gibraltar to shop and they say that the best time to go is early on a Saturday morning, it proved right as we drove straight in without stopping and with no other cars in front of us! At the moment there are a lot of road works in the center of the town and as usual there was no where to park and we could not get to the multi-story car park; we gave them the quick tour and came back across the runway just as the barriers came down as an aircraft was landing.The picture shows us in front of the Rock as the mist cleared.The last picture taken on Friday is of the happy honeymoon couple having a siesta on the balcony and was taken by Brenda! In the evening we had for dinner Entrecote Steak pan-fried in Garlic butter with Sauté Onions, Mushrooms, Balsalmic Tomatoes and homemade crispy chips. We then watched the TV and caught up with the news after another great day with Jack and Lyn.
PS; Sadly over night we had the phone call that we have all been dreading,Jenny,Brenda,Norah and Lyn's younger sister rang to say that her husband,John ,had passed away during the night after a very long illness; all our love and deepest sympathy go to her and John's family at this very sad time.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Friday, June 12, 2009
CASA OLIMPIA DAY EIGHT.
Friday 12th June 2009.
Today after a late breakfast of fruit and toast on the terrace we set off to Tarifa with Joan as well, in the little Fiat Panda and showed Jack and Lyn around the sights of the old town before we went around the bay on the coast road to Torre De La Pena for lunch, at one of our's and Joan’s favorite restaurants.Jack and Lyn had requested Paella and the restaurant produced an excellent mixed Paelle with Chicken,Rabbit and Assorted seafood.The pictures below show us at the table in the restaurant and were taken by a very nice French lady,the restaurant was full with a large party from France and when they discovered that Jack and Lyn were on their honeymoon,I told them! they all clapped and applauded the happy couple !! Tonight we are having Salmon for supper with Spinach, Asparagus, Broccoli and Peas-we have gone green !!
Today after a late breakfast of fruit and toast on the terrace we set off to Tarifa with Joan as well, in the little Fiat Panda and showed Jack and Lyn around the sights of the old town before we went around the bay on the coast road to Torre De La Pena for lunch, at one of our's and Joan’s favorite restaurants.Jack and Lyn had requested Paella and the restaurant produced an excellent mixed Paelle with Chicken,Rabbit and Assorted seafood.The pictures below show us at the table in the restaurant and were taken by a very nice French lady,the restaurant was full with a large party from France and when they discovered that Jack and Lyn were on their honeymoon,I told them! they all clapped and applauded the happy couple !! Tonight we are having Salmon for supper with Spinach, Asparagus, Broccoli and Peas-we have gone green !!
CASA OLIMPIA, DAY SEVEN.
Thursday 11th June 2009.
I had to be up early to go across in the Smart car to Tarifa to take over the keys;the plan was to leave the car there and come back in the VWV8 for Brenda ,Jack and Lyn in the afternoon, we had arranged for the hire car to be collected early as we did not need it any longer,The best laid plans of Men,etc. as we found out that there was a problem with the ABS on the VW and we could not use it,by then the hire car people had let the car to somebody in Malaga! As I was driving across Brenda got onto Roberto,at Carfisa in Marbella and he managed to re-arrange things and let us keep the hire car,thanks Roberto! After settling Joan down and checking on the dogs and cats I set off back to Manilva; the Smart car is back in its spot and we will exchange it next week on Tuesday when I have an appointment with our doctor to get the results of the scan on the prostrate.On the way over to Casa Olimpia with the gang,at lunchtime, we stopped off at the English butchers for some Sausages and Smoked Bacon for the weekend Brunch! Jack and Lyn have the best room in the villa overlooking the Strait and Africa and have made friends with Joan and the dogs !! A late sandwich lunch on the balcony was followed in the evening.after we had shot down to the supermarket in Tarifa,with a supper of Pan Fried Escalope of Pork in a citrus sauce,assorted vegetables and wok-fried crushed Potatoes. Everybody is “ Muy Contento ” and we are looking forward to our stay here with Jack and Lyn.
I had to be up early to go across in the Smart car to Tarifa to take over the keys;the plan was to leave the car there and come back in the VWV8 for Brenda ,Jack and Lyn in the afternoon, we had arranged for the hire car to be collected early as we did not need it any longer,The best laid plans of Men,etc. as we found out that there was a problem with the ABS on the VW and we could not use it,by then the hire car people had let the car to somebody in Malaga! As I was driving across Brenda got onto Roberto,at Carfisa in Marbella and he managed to re-arrange things and let us keep the hire car,thanks Roberto! After settling Joan down and checking on the dogs and cats I set off back to Manilva; the Smart car is back in its spot and we will exchange it next week on Tuesday when I have an appointment with our doctor to get the results of the scan on the prostrate.On the way over to Casa Olimpia with the gang,at lunchtime, we stopped off at the English butchers for some Sausages and Smoked Bacon for the weekend Brunch! Jack and Lyn have the best room in the villa overlooking the Strait and Africa and have made friends with Joan and the dogs !! A late sandwich lunch on the balcony was followed in the evening.after we had shot down to the supermarket in Tarifa,with a supper of Pan Fried Escalope of Pork in a citrus sauce,assorted vegetables and wok-fried crushed Potatoes. Everybody is “ Muy Contento ” and we are looking forward to our stay here with Jack and Lyn.
MANILVA.DAY SIX.
Wednesday 10th June 2009.
In the morning after breakfast of crispy Smoked Bacon, local Chorizo and fresh Eggs to start us off for the day we went across to Estepona to our bank and the cosmetic shop opposite and then onto Vidal and Gissy’s apartment on the beach front further along the coast.Gissy had offered to do Brenda and Lyn’s hair and at the same time she gave Jack a re-style and myself a trim! The results can be seen below; Lyn felt like a film star and a new woman and Jack agreed, Brenda had the works and Jack’s re-style was an eye opener,Gissy had prepared hot dips and bits with frits and the Vino Blanco flowed over the lunch time session.Vidal and Jack got on a like an house on fire and he and Gissy made us all most welcome. In the evening we went down to Mano and Anna’s for dinner, they had pulled out all the stops and whilst Mano performed in the kitchen Anna kept us entertained! We sat out on their terrace and has a fine assortment of Spanish meats cuts,chorizo,semi curado cheese and a rustic Pate to wet our appetites in the balmy air in the late evening. For dinner Mano had acquired a whole Fillet of local Beef, from a butcher friend in the village and he served it cut into steaks and cooked to our liking with all the trimmings and his special Black pepper cream sauce and fresh frits! A very fine Rioja soon found us feeling no pain and when Jack started to play the piano we were soon all joining in with the singing,including Anna,who has to be said has the worst voice in Manila,sorry Anna ! Later after watching the England match we then finished off the evening on the Karaoke machine with the highlights being Brenda and Lyn on Big Spender and all of us on When you Walk Alone !!
In the morning after breakfast of crispy Smoked Bacon, local Chorizo and fresh Eggs to start us off for the day we went across to Estepona to our bank and the cosmetic shop opposite and then onto Vidal and Gissy’s apartment on the beach front further along the coast.Gissy had offered to do Brenda and Lyn’s hair and at the same time she gave Jack a re-style and myself a trim! The results can be seen below; Lyn felt like a film star and a new woman and Jack agreed, Brenda had the works and Jack’s re-style was an eye opener,Gissy had prepared hot dips and bits with frits and the Vino Blanco flowed over the lunch time session.Vidal and Jack got on a like an house on fire and he and Gissy made us all most welcome. In the evening we went down to Mano and Anna’s for dinner, they had pulled out all the stops and whilst Mano performed in the kitchen Anna kept us entertained! We sat out on their terrace and has a fine assortment of Spanish meats cuts,chorizo,semi curado cheese and a rustic Pate to wet our appetites in the balmy air in the late evening. For dinner Mano had acquired a whole Fillet of local Beef, from a butcher friend in the village and he served it cut into steaks and cooked to our liking with all the trimmings and his special Black pepper cream sauce and fresh frits! A very fine Rioja soon found us feeling no pain and when Jack started to play the piano we were soon all joining in with the singing,including Anna,who has to be said has the worst voice in Manila,sorry Anna ! Later after watching the England match we then finished off the evening on the Karaoke machine with the highlights being Brenda and Lyn on Big Spender and all of us on When you Walk Alone !!
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
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