Random bits .....

In an effort to keep up in a more timely fashion ...... just a few bits and pieces from the last couple of weeks or so.

Our visit to the 'Preventorio' at Gandia - this is a children's home. Not an orphanage, just a place for children who are temporarily in difficult domestic sitiuations. Over Christmas and New Year John and June ran a raffle at the bar and raised in excess of €200. I donated four little Steiff teddy bears for the raffle, which Derek and I had collected (among others) over the years. The home is run by nuns with help from outside staff. I've never seen such a beautifully kept place - wish I'd taken pictures of the inside but there wasn't time. June was delighted to see that one little girl who'd just arrived before their last visit several months ago was still there, and looking much brighter and more talkative this time. But sad too, that the circumstances of this delightful child's life haven't changed and she hasn't been able to return to her family yet. Picture shows John and June and one of the nuns.


Grandaughter number one, Chloe, celebrated her 11th birthday with a sleep-over, which left Sara on the verge of a nervous break-down I think! Not a birthday treat that will be repeated anytime soon. I ordered a large box of cupcakes to be delivered on the day, much easier than trying to send presents from here. I use a company in Scotland and so far they've never let me down but this time things weren't quite right and I've had to complain unfortunately.

Elli (GD3) went to see the ENT specialist on Monday, in an effort to find out why she's suddenly having hearing problems. Good old glue ear, so it's grommits on 26th April. And at the same time they'll remove the bead that's stuck in one of her ears! No-one knew it was there, but it must have been in there for some time as Elli herself swears she didn't put it there - but then she's only 4.... Hopefully all will be sorted by the time she starts school in September.

We finally celebrated John's birthday (a week late) with a meal out in Denia, followed by a bit of a 'bar' crawl, though I was driving for once (usually it's John who drives everywhere). Nice evening, though both John and June were still feeling a degree or two under after their gastro-virus.

June had a big booking for Sunday lunches this week so I helped out. Left the house at 12.15 - and didn't get home until gone 10 pm. She and I went to the bar next door for a relaxing drink while waiting for John to finish at the studio, had another couple after he joined us and then went on to a restaurant here in Alcalali (the CastellVi) for a very late dinner. I had to leave my car in Jalon, I imagine you can guess why......

I've booked my trip to the UK for the end of July, returning home 20th August. Three weeks should give me plenty of time to catch up with everyone - please let the weather be kind to me this time ... the last time I was there in the summer it rained for 19 of the 22 days.... Now I just need to get that passport sorted.

And there may be another trip to the UK in the autumn, this time to see The Fortunes at a venue in Essex. John has intereviewed two of the band members on his Sunday show in the past few months, which has made us all the more keen to get to see them if we can.

Just when we thought the weather was really getting better we've had two days of fog and light rain, and it's quite chilly today. But this morning I found some freesias in the garden and there are some plants that look like irises coming out too. I daren't do any weeding or tidying up until I know what's there but everything is so late getting started. There are two avocado trees and an almond, but not a lemon tree which is a shame (good job I'm not a fan of G and T!).

OK, that's it for now, see you anon......

Third anniversary ....

I am SO rubbish at this blogging business! Anyhow, off we go again.....

My last post was about christmas and new year, a little late I admit. I posted it two days after the third anniversary of Derek's death. Nick, my house mate, was working on the day (23rd February) so I had the house to myself. I didn't plan anything on purpose. My life has changed so much in the last three years, more particularly in the last six months, and I didn't want to be around people just in case it turned into a difficult day. Thankfully I got through it OK and went down to the bar for the Quiz evening in fairly good spirits. That might have been the night that our team won but I can't be sure!




The following day it was Nick's birthday, he was working again so we met up with John and June in the evening for dinner at Casa Caty, right in the centre of Jalon. Lovely meal, June baked a big cupcake for Nick and we all had a piece - delish! We bought him shirts, he's not good at buying for himself..... I think he could do with new trousers or jeans too but I balk at going there - he's not my partner and that would just be too personal!

A couple of weeks ago the valley turned pink with all the almond trees coming into blossom. It looked so beautiful and I wish I had a decent picture to display. Sadly it didn't last, we are still having rain, strong winds and it's still quite cold at times, like today when it hasn't got above 10 degrees. I know I shouldn't moan but, as in the UK, this winter has gone on far too long......

Today is John's birthday, we should have been out celebrating this evening but unfortunately he's ill. June went down with something similar to gastroenteritis on Sunday evening. She recovered sufficiently to be at the bar for Quiz night last night but got help in so she wouldn't have to handle food. Her plan was to go home once the quiz was under way. Unfortunately John started with it during the evening and had to leave very quickly. He's still quite ill today, so I went with June to the bar this morning to clean, bottle up etc . The birthday dinner has been postponed till next week though I'm hoping John will feel sufficiently well tomorrow for Nick and me to go round and take our presents.

Looks as thought I might be back in the UK in August. Sara had planned to come out with the girls but can't really afford it so has suggested that I go there, especially since she celebrates a significant birthday on the 1st! Sounds like a plan! First though I have to get my passport renewed - HOW MUCH DO THEY COST???????? My God, what a shock! Still, it has to be done.

Till next time .......