How late?

I ordered some gas last week, to be delivered last Tuesday (that's a week ago). The rattle of a lorry carrying 80+ 35kg propane bottles is not easy to miss but I managed it, and too late found a note to say they'd called at 13.30 but there was no money in the casita (little gas house) so they couldn't deliver. Last Wednesday businesses closed for the easter holidays so it was yesterday morning before I could re-order. Again I waited all day, doors and windows open, no tv, only background music playing quietly - and still nothing. I was on the phone to a friend when I heard the lorry arrive - 9 p.m.! And the driver was still smiling and cheerful! Definitely wouldn't happen in the UK.

Took myself back to Monroe's on Friday evening, on my own. Very enjoyable evening listening to John's music, will probably become a regular - definitely given up dance classes.

A bit chilly and windy for a few days. Four of us met for lunch on Monday, all of us arriving wrapped up well, only to find the town so much warmer and not so breezy. So we were able to sit outside and enjoy our lunch.

Waiting for Mark to arrive in a couple of weeks before I tackle any more gardening, I need compost and gravel as well as plants. All my geraniums have now succumbed to moth, so every plant pot has to be emptied and thoroughly cleaned, then filled with fresh compost. I'd like not to bother (being lazy) but the garden looks so colourless without flowers. The wisteria is blooming beautifully, it's still only tiny! I wish I'd bought the blue variety now - it's growing against a white wall and not showing up at all well, bit here's a pic anyway



Off to tackle some ironing, watching 'The Constant Gardener' (DVD lent by a friend) while I do it, then hopefully scrapbooking for the rest of the day, got to force the mojo to make an appearance somehow! This week's Pencil Lines sketch really appeals to me, going to give it a go.

Have a good day, you all!

Sad news..... RIP Sharon

Received an email yesterday from JB, a dear friend in the US, telling me that another friend, Sharon, had died suddenly - she was only 46. Derek and I met them when we started developing a special piece of electronics for the car industry for a company in Detroit. We worked together for several years. Sharon went over to the UK once to visit and stayed with us. She had a heart attack in her hotel room in Toronto where she was working and was only found when she was missed by the people she was working with. I think that bothers me as much as the fact that she's died - that she died alone in a strange place. I shudder when I think about it. She leaves a son, I think he's in his early 20s. So sad.

My water filter is fixed! YAY! Thank you Kevin! Turned out the filters which had already been replaced had become clogged up again. Haven't had the bill yet ....

Rearranged my wardrobe to get summer clothes out. Laundered a few bits that need freshening up, shortened some skirts which were too long. Identified a few gaps so now on the look out for tailored summer trousers and some pretty tops. Bought a fabulous pink bag from a new shop just opened in Moraira. It matches almost exactly a pair of pink shoes given to me by a friend. Also found a coffee coloured top to go with my cream silk/linen summer suit, hope I'll get some wear out of that now.

Pleased to find the white shoes I bought last year, and wore endlessly, back on the market stall - and €5 cheaper (10 instead of 15!). Whatever you might think about cheap shoes these have given me great service, I wore them every day for about 5 months and they are still good, but a little shabby now. I now have another pair 'for best'! I don't know what it is about my feet but I have a real problem finding something comfortable to wear which is also fashionable. Which is why I buy cheap shoes - if they turn out to hurt when I wear them at least I haven't spent a fortune - too late to take them back when you've worn them for an evening's dancing!

Fabulous evening at Monroe's last Friday, listening to John Curtis. Great night, good music, lots of dancing. I'd emailed John a few weeks ago asking where and when he was appearing and we've been in touch ever since. He asked me to introduce myself the next time I went to Montroe's but in fact didn't give me chance - instead during his set he asked where was 'Carole who's been emailing me?'. Few of the Blue Skies group knew about this so it caused a bit of a sensation and lots of questions. He is lovely and so is his wife June.

Mixed feelings about continuing with dance classes. Not sure I want to bother. Ann was very kind in 'lending' John to partner me but I'm beginning to think I've got this far in my life without knowing how to dance more than the waltz and as I don't have a permanent partner anyway, what's the point?

Today is San Jose - Father's Day. From today all banks and some businesses will be closed until next Tuesday, all part of Semana Santa (Holy Week). Being Easter I expect most shops will be open to make the most of the tourists who are now flocking in. I have already experienced 'tourist rage' - idiots dithering on pedestrian crossings and even bigger idiots dithering in their cars! Unforgiveable really, as we came as tourists ourselves, but last week I noticed how much busier the Friday market was and the increase in traffic. Came home feeling the peace of my idyllic home is going to be well and truly shattered until October....

Following on from that my g/fs and I were discussing the same thing at our Monday lunch - where are we going to go during the peak season when every cafe will be full to bursting? We think we might have to do our lunches at our homes but it's not the same as going into the town and wandering around. Picnics on the beach? Could be even worse!

Oh, to end on a bit of good news - Mark and Robyn will be coming out a couple of days after Sara and the girls in April. We had hoped Robyn could celebrate her 8th birthday here but her mum has said no, so they are coming the day after. I'm planning a BBQ for the Sunday, my family want to check out my new friends! Glad Mark is coming as he's a very good BBQ cook! Chloe had her 9th birthday last week so I might do some special cakes - I can feel a trip to Iceland coming on!

Have a friend visiting this afternoon so need to get on with a few things - have a good day and see you later!

More to add......

In an effort to keep this thing more up to date, a few random bits and pieces.....

Last week a digger appeared on the plot of land opposite my house and began to clear the land. At first I assumed it meant the owners of the land (developers) had plans to start building again. There are already two new properties there, a bungalow, which is now occupied, and a small mansion which is still for sale. At over €1M that's hardly surprising at the moment. This morning I drove along the road which gives me a good view of the land, to find they've erected several lamp posts on it. I assume this means it is not a building plot (the posts are too close together) and will eventually be landscaped. Maybe they've given up on the idea of building properties on that part or even been told by the council to tidy the place up. Whichever, I'm watching for future work with interest.

My Mother's Day parcel from the family has arrived! I should have checked my mailbox before I went into town, knowing I'd be going to the post office to send a parcel myself. Instead I checked on the way home and found the notice from Correos. Knowing what it would be I legged it back to the post office to collect it, couldn't leave it another day!





Cards, two teddies, a delicious box of chocolates (half already eaten - *blush*) and an easter egg (put to one side for easter of course). The larger teddy is holding three tiny teddies and a plaque which says: 'No words can say as much as a hug from Grandma' - aaaaaaahhhhhhh.... She is also wearing 'granny glasses'! The smaller teddy is clutching a bunch of flowers and seems to go with the card from Sara which says: 'If mums were flowers you are the one I'd pick' - another aaaaaahhhhhhhhh.....

Last week I had a couple of disturbing 'noticias' from Aquageste, the water company. In Spanish with no english translation, it seemed to suggest I owed them money from last August - for the property we sold in November 2004! All bills for this house have been paid, even though for some reason I haven't recieved any bills from them for at least a year. The money has been going from the bank though. In Spain you never see your utility bill until after it has been paid (bone of contention with me!). Anyhow, the local Aquageste office (in Moraira) is open to the public on Wednesday and Friday mornings and as it's near the post office it was definitely a morning for killing two birds with one stone.

Oh boy - *thud* - that is me falling on the floor. The man behind the desk is the most delectable and charming example of the male species I have encountered in a long time.... At one point he told me I was a very beautiful woman (yep, he does wear glasses!) - I can't even remember what I said to him that prompted that response, and when I asked if he needed to see my residencia card he said because it was me there was no need. He is French and his English is perfect. He spoke to me very softly so other people waiting couldn't hear, it seemed soooo intimate. He is also, sadly, wearing a ring on the significant finger *sob* . When I left he said if I ever needed him again I knew where he was and when. OK, I'm not stupid, he is more than likely just as charming with every woman who goes in that office but it lifted my mood and I practically skipped out of that office! I'll get over it, but today I'm walking on air! Little things ..... Bear in mind, he does now have my correct address and phone number - over to you Mr. Aquageste......

I was planning a trip to Javea to Michael's today, a new and second hand furniture shop (3 actually) - I have it mind to get rid of the dining suite and get something lighter and easier to move around. The one I have now has been in the house since it was built (20 years), it is superb quality but far too big and much too heavy, even the chairs weigh a ton each. However, the weather has taken a turn for the worse, it's currently blowing a gale and rain looks decidedly likely. Anyone who knows me, knows my temper worsens directly in line with the increase in wind speed, high winds make me edgy and anxious and very very cross. Someone has suggested air pressure might have something to do with it. Whatever - I have done what I needed to do in town and now I'm staying put, feet up, heating on, with either the tv or a book, and that box of choccies by my side.

Enjoy your day ..

One year on ....

The first year without him has passed ...... During the two weeks before the anniversary had very mixed feelings, dreading it but looking forward to it at the same time (thinking in terms of new beginnings) - does that sound silly? I was also suddenly driven to complete his album. It became a matter of great importance that it should be done by the date of the anniversary. It took me longer to finish than I expected, I'd thought I was further on with it. The last page is a letter to him (inside a kind of folder) which, for now, is private. As and when I find other photos I will add more pages but at least it has a beginning, middle and end now.

The 23rd was a Saturday. Spent the day on my own, my decision. The family sent me a beautiful orchid (growing), a lovely surprise. Played music we both enjoyed, shed a few tears, but generally the day passed calmly and I just let myself go with it.

The Blue Skies outing had been the previous evening, saving me any last minute decision whether to go or not on the Saturday, depending on my mood. We went to Viva España, a restaurant with a Flamenco show followed by dancing. When circumstances permit they also have a Spanish Horse show outside but not this time. The meal was utter rubbish and the Flamenco show started off boringly slowly but improved as it went along - the girls did a lot of costume changes (8 or 10 - I lost count!). The music for dancing which ended the evening was provided by a male duo who played mainly 60s and 70s music, keeping us bopping till 1.15 am. I was told that the older one of the duo had been part of a 60s band but no-one could remember which one and I never did find out the name the duo use now!

Two friends also had sad anniversaries the same week as me - A. whose husband died 4 days after Derek, and C. whose son died 5 days after Derek. A. had her son and daughter in law visiting, they wanted to be with her. I don't know how C. spent her day, I must phone her and see how she is.

Other outings with Blue Skies have been to one of the new Wok Buffets recently opened in the town - all you can eat for €9.95! I was quite circumspect, thankfully don't seem able to eat massive meals anymore but the men really tucked in! Las Brisas twice - first on the 16th when Valentine's Day was still being celebrated. One of the lovely men in the group gave each lady present an orchid, generous man! No live music on that occasion but we asked for the romantic background music to be turned up so we could dance. It was a lovely evening. Last Saturday it was Las Brisas again, the first Saturday of each month is a dinner dance with music provided by Double Impact, Ian and Jill Henry, I really enjoy their music. Another lovely evening. Being St. David's Day the menu had a very Welsh flavour, very tasty!

After Derek died I took notice of what others said and gave myself a year to settle into life here before making any plans. Without doubt, Blue Skies has been my lifesaver. My closest friend, B., still talks about the way I looked when I went on my first outing with them - as if I would burst into tears at any moment. She was the one who told me then it would get better and to keep coming. How right she was! I thank my lucky stars for meeting her and the other friends I have made. Heaven only knows where or how I would be without them. One or two of the members seem to do nothing but complain - about venues, prices, menu quality and choice, lack of men etc. - but not me. I am grateful that Blue Skies exists and has given me the opportunity to meet so many lovely people. Saturday nights with them all remain my treat of the week though I do meet up with some of the girls during the week too.

So now I have some decisions to make. I'd like to sell and move to a smaller place but for now that's impossible, the housing market here is on its back, and Moraira is not a cheap place to buy property. Those in the know believe it will be another year before things pick up. As with most pensioners here I'm feeling the effects of the lousy exchange rate too. I'd prefer not to go back to the UK for the time being - I do like the way of life here, it suits me! So my decision is - to wait another year! I really don't have much choice unless I want to lose a lot of money on my house. Meanwhile I plan to decorate inside. I'll get a friend to do the ceilings for me, then do the rest myself - it will keep me occupied! The outside needs doing too but I'll have to get a man in for that.

The neighbour's overgrown shrubbery which is so annoying me because it overhangs part of my garden has come into bloom. The flowers resemble mimosa but the leaves are wrong, will have to look it up. I hope once it's flowered their gardener will cut it back. I would prefer not to make a complaint about it to the owners if I can help it, as I've not met them, and I know they and the previous owners of my house had a few disagreements, not a situation I want to repeat.

OK, I'll leave it there for now. As always, thanks for reading and apologies for not keeping up with this as often as I should. See you again soon ......