MEMOS, MAIL,ME

As I sit looking out at the building site which is my garden.....

....I am hoping that tomorrow will see a tiler and a plumber turn up to start their parts of the job at hand...today is of course a holiday (!) which means all has come to a standstill; though to be honest not a lot was achieved LAST week, apart from Craig and I going out and buying everything we needed for the ensuite. People came and went to look at what THEIR part of the job entailed, but they then disappeared off to other (obviously more-important-than-mine) jobs!!!!

Yes, the Cavalry (in the shape of Craig) rode-well flew- in for all of three days, in which time we made decisions, loaded the car with tiles, paint and other assorted necessities, borrowed a van to go back and collect the shower screen, vanity unit and shower tray...in between which said Cavalry Officer tried to come up with a working plan the builders might actually be able to..well, work to!!!!

Whilst waiting for said people to come and go and whilst my poor husband manned the phone and met with contractors, I snuck in  a bit of scrapping (just to keep my sanity you understand!)
 .....

Once left to my own devices again I went off for a bit of my favourite kind of retail therapy:

....then spent a couple of hours in the sunshine planting and pruning...so good for the soul!!

Saturday night saw a Mexican themed night in the village, so a few of us popped down to show our support...

Unfortunately the weather hadn't been great for the previous few days and the rain had only stopped that lunchtime ( and yes, we even needed jackets!), so it wasn't very well attended...the children enjoyed the donkey rides though!

As for mail....the highlight of the week was the delivery of this:

....now all I need is a Vanity Unit in an ensuite in a bedroom into which I can unpack it!!!!!!

Waving to SIAN and the Monday Wavers...hoping the sun is shining for you this Bank Holiday Monday, as it is here!

Thanks for dropping by!

Take care of you

Alison xx

MONDAY MEMORANDUM

It's time to check in with SIAN and her merry band of 'Monday-ers' before yet another Monday has passed me by.

No 'firsts' this weekend.....all 'repeats': a hospital visit to check on some friends,another trip to a Garden Centre to buy this little lot:

.....then of course I spent some time planting them! 

Sunday saw me a Street Market in a neighbouring village, helping run a Book Stall for JVH (the Charity with which I'm involved):

....followed by a rather nice dinner with friends!

What did I learn?......that sometimes it's worth paying someone with the right tools to do a job!...I have been snipping away at a Honeysuckle which was well past it's 'sell by' date with my secateurs for about a month, and was getting nowhere...one of the local lads got rid of the thing in less than an hour with some sort of electrical implement!!

Enjoy your week my friends!

Thanks for dropping by!

Take care of you

Alison xx

.....

MONDAY MEMORANDUM

Can I just say that I actually wrote this last night and was sure I had pressed the 'PUBLISH' button!!

Good Monday Evening my friends!....and so beginneth another week....can you believe how quickly this year is passing? 

It was a busy but productive and fun weekend here....not really any 'firsts' that I am aware of though.

Friday saw our Charity's annual auction, which made it a busy week with moving items to the Auction venue but it was worth it, given that we raised almost 3500 euros. 

Saturday morning was spent doing the dreaded housework, then there was a bit of hospital visiting before a quick dash round the supermarket...have I ever mentioned that I hate shopping- ESPECIALLY food shopping!....which left me some time for a little bit of scrapbooking:

On Sunday morning a couple of us attended a special Mass to bless the opening of the local Catholic Church charity's Food Bank....I suppose THAT was a first...I've never been to an outdoor Mass before!

In the evening a group of us headed down to one of the 'big' towns (Denia) at the coast, to watch a Children's Dance Group performing...they were raising money for our Charity and there lots of 'ooh'ing and 'ahh'ing at the little ones and lots of awe and respect for the older girls. 

The weekend was finished off with a rather nice plate of pasta before heading for home .

I am struggling to think of anything new I learned...it's very possible that I DID learn something new but that I have totally forgotten it!

Waving to SIAN and the 'Mondayers' and wishing you all a good week

Thanks for dropping by!
Take care of you
Alison xx

MEMORANDUM MONDAY

It's Monday, which means it's time to join SIAN and her band of 'MONDAY WAVERS' for a recap of the weekend and to share something learned.

The weekend? There was an Artisan Fayre on in the village on Saturday

 and I had arranged to meet a friend for coffee and a walk round the stalls. The afternoon saw me printing off photographs for a new set of frames I bought before Christmas, before going out for a Birthday dinner with friends. This morning it was our Charity's annual Almond Blossom Walk .....during which I got spectacularly lost!...I had waited behind for a late arrival who didn't turn up, thinking I would catch up with the group.....of COURSE I took a wrong turning and after forty minutes or so I decided I had better turn back.....I DID manage to rack up 7000 plus steps on my Fitbit though! I waited in a local bar (drinking coffee!) till everyone returned, then it was off to eat again! Due to having one a few glasses of wine with lunch, it was a lazy evening in front of the TV.

Lesson learned?......that just because we mere mortals set a date for an Almond Blossom Walk, Mother Nature has the final say- not to mention the last laugh- in there BEING any blossom left:

the blossom was all but gone and the new leaves are in abundance.

Hoping you all had a weekend with some enjoyable and interesting moments!

Have a good week my friends

Thanks for dropping by!

Take care of you

Alison xx 

MEMORANDUM MONDAY

Another week gone....how does that happen?!...it means time for a quick roundup of my weekend and to share either something I did for the first time or something new I learned.

First, the weekend roundup: it started with a visit to a Spanish Charity we support (AMADEM), which runs courses for  adults with learning disablities- we had a cheque to present to them and it was there that I learned my something new (which I will share in just a mo)

There was the discovery that a warning light is on in my car and that the speedometer isn't registering anything, followed by some weird and wonderful messages on the electronic dash (in German!), there was some garden-tidying and there was a roast beef lunch with friends. 

Now, what did I learn? ....that these- a special type of spring onions....

are called 'calcots' (pronounced calsots) and that they are grown specially for a Fiesta called  Calcotada...when they are chargrilled en masse and eaten as a starter at a typical Spanish feast.

 The Calcotada Fiesta is held any time from late January into February, and is an early herald to Spring , most particularly in the North of Spain and in many rural areas in our locality.

How have I found out about this?....while at Amadem we were given invitations to THEIR Calcotada on February 28...guess what will be my 'something new' that weekend?

Waving to SIAN and the 'Mondayers'...and of course anyone else who has just dropped by!

MEMORANDUM MONDAY

Happy New Week blogfriends!

 It's Monday, so it's time to share my weekend: there was a 'Downton' marathon (it's one of the TV programmes I never watch till it comes out on DVD as I hate waiting for the next episode!). Series 6 and the Finale arrived on Friday ...by Saturday night I had bade farewell to all at Downton, feeling that the makers had ended it well- but also left plenty of stories which could  be developed if the need/inclination arises (PLEASE let it arise!!) There was time for coffee with friends and some laundry between episodes but not much else!

Sunday saw me doing something I haven't done before..attending the 'Blessing of the Animals' in the village....if you didn't know, St Anthony is the patron Saint of animals and here in Spain ' El Dia de Sant Antoni ' is celebrated by animals being blessed by the local Priest. In our village that means our Priest stands outside the Church, in front of the statue of San Antoni and blesses each animal with Holy Water as it is brought past by its owner(s):

There were horses:

There were  hamsters and dogs:

There was even an enormous tortoise( resplendent in a red bow and arriving in a shopping cart!).....

and of course there were more dogs...

I didn't take Boo with me, as I knew she would get over-excited at being among so many other animals, not to mention the crowds but I will seriously think about taking her next year.

Waving to SIAN and the usual 'Mondayers'...and wishing you all a good week

Thanks for dropping by!

Take care of you

Alison xx

 

SUMMER SCAVENGER HUNT (3)

I've had another fairly successful week with my 'hunting'


11- A HORN

I took great care in stalking the horn players while I was at our Fiesta last week...and managed to get this shot:

I then arrived home a couple of days ago to Kirsty having a panic about a huge beetle on my 'noodle' in the pool..on looking I discovered this wonderful specimen (complete with horn!):

1- A SIGN WELCOMING PEOPLE TO YOUR TOWN

Have you ever seen a more boring sign?!

9- A BAKERY

The bakery in the next town...in our village bread is sold in the two Grocery Stores

Would you believe that I actually forgot to take a photograph of the parade during Fiesta......fortunately there is another Fiesta at the end of August!

I am linking up with RINDA (the mastermind of SSH) today, as she invites all those who are taking part to do once a month.

My previous finds are HERE and HERE.

My list now looks like this:

1. A sign welcoming people to your home town (or a nearby town)
2. A garden gnome
3. Birds on a wire
4. A group of tourists
5. A rack of post cards
6. An urban street scene
7. A rural landscape
8. A tattoo on a person
9. A bakery
10. A photo bomb (someone found lurking in the background of photo; the lurker may have intended to disrupt the picture or may be doing it unintentionally, but the background lurker is a surprise to the photographer)
11. A horn
12. A mascot
13. A sunrise
14. A parade
15. A juggler
16. A sign in a language other than English
17. A lamp post
18. A water fall
19. A public garden
20. A bus (not a car, truck, lorry, camper or RV) with a picture painted on its sides.
21. A photograph of you with something representing the season (recognizing that the season will be Winter for our friends in the southern hemisphere). Note: you may not use a substitute for this item.
If you find something on the list too difficult, you may substitute one of the following items for anything on the list, except for Item #21:
Alternative A: A kite, hot air balloon or blimp
Alternative B: A bird house

Hope your hunt is going well...it's not too late to join in you know!

Thanks for dropping by!

Take care of you

Alison xx

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TIME FOR TEA?.....

....though to be honest, if you were dropping in at this exact moment I think you might prefer some cold water or a glass of Sangria!......it's very hot out there!! Hence the reason we would sit in the Naya ( covered sun terrace) with all the doors open, allowing the breeze to flow through...and not outside!!

You've just caught me reading the June/July copy of SCRAP 365 magazine, which I discovered yesterday that you could download (and have a subscription to!) on an App called POCKETMAGS... You have no idea how excited I am by this!!

You haven't found me at my most awake...a mixture of the heat, a restless night (again due to the heat) and being up early to take Craig to the airport.

Yes thanks, we had a very nice (and productive ) weekend.....though it should have been more than that! Unfortunately, due to the French Air Traffic Controllers' strike earlier in the week (isn't it just as well you didn't try to get here earlier in the week!!)he arrived on Thursday instead of on Tuesday, but we made the most of the time he was here......one of the most exciting things that happened being that we went out and bought a new dishwasher.....which was delivered and installed that same afternoon!


Kirsty is still here, but is off to visit one her friends in Morocco on Tuesday.....another airport run!

Did you pass the village as you came in?.....did you notice the lights hanging through the Main Street? It's been summer Fiesta this past week, so there's been lots going on.

As you can imagine, the Church plays a huge part in our Fiestas, with young and old turning out in their best outfits and attending Mass at all hours of the day and night.

Kirsty and I went down to the village with some friends on Wednesday evening ( Craig should have been with us, but you've heard that story!!) when one of the main processions was taking place

The procession starts with the children who have just had their First Communion, followed by the Statue of Christ

Then the local Brass Band....and finally the rest of the villagers...they march around the streets for half an hour or so, then return to the Church. After the final blessing, it's on to the serious business of eating, drinking, fireworks and dancing!.....given that the music and dancing doesn't start till after midnight, I have no photos to share with you!! .. I'm at home comforting a little dog throughout the noise!!

Have you been taking part in RINDA'S  SUMMER SCAVENGER HUNT?...I have managed to get a few more photos this week, but I'll keep them for a blogpost (I would let you have a peek while you're here though).

It's been lovely catching up again...wasn't it a great idea of ABI'S to gather us all together once a month for a cuppa/drink and a catch up?!....I'll be popping over to your place soon!

Thanks for dropping by!
Take care of you
Alison xx

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ZIZO

I'm on the ball this week, and am actually joining in with HELENA's weekly photographic meme on the right day!

ZOOMING OUT

I was given this beautiful gladiolus as I walking through the village today...I had commented to the Spanish lady who was carrying a bunch of them,just how pretty they were and she gave me one 'para un regalo'...for a gift!

ZOOMING IN

This is the picture I was taking as my 'zoom in'....then I noticed this!:

A little (well not really so little!) ant climbing in and out of the flowers!

Hope you're having a good week!

Thanks for dropping by!

Take care of you

Alison xx

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THE WEEK THAT WAS

This last week has seen a little more 'me' time.

MONDAY saw the repair of my car tyre, which in turn allowed me to go out and buy these lovelies:

 .....I must confess it wasTUESDAY before I got them planted!....and that was later in the evening..our temperatures have been really high this week.....

.....and by WEDNESDAY Boo took the plunge

 ... by THURSDAY I was right in there too!

 On Friday, I did a bit of Hospital visiting which meant me driving through this beautiful countryside:

A few years months ago I would never have dreamt of driving so high up in the mountains...now it's no problem (I'm still not a good passenger on these journeys though)

In the evening I went down to the village to have a meal with a friend...of course the football was on and we were witness to Spain's defeat in their first match......I'm sure you can imagine the atmosphere by the end of the match!

I was determined to have SATURDAY and SUNDAY at home, to do some work on PROJECT LIFE and some housework!!

...success on both counts!!

This week sees Kirsty coming home for the summer ( her contract is finished and she is going to Glasgow University in September to do a Masters Degree)....I am hoping that too much 'stuff' won't be accompanying her!

Thanks for dropping by!
Take care of you
Alison xx

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ONE PHOTO TWENTY WORDS

Today I'm joining in with ABI'S monthly meme;

Tyre repaired...the problem was the air valve...a visit to the local garage ...and a 'man who can' did!



Thanks for dropping by!
Take care of you
Alison xx

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YOU COULDN'T WRITE IT!!

Have you read 'THE LITTLE OLD LADY WHO BROKE ALL THE RULES' by CATHERINA INGELMAN-SUNDBERG?

If you have, I have to tell you that my life has been as farcical and convoluted for the last three weeks!.......NOT because my little old lady  broke all the rules..in fact she (and we who have been her out) have been trying to OBEY all the rules!

In short, my little old lady  is going to visit her family in Hong Kong and then the Phillipines....thus far I have (due to a mislaid passport) had to involve a courier company, the British Passport Office in Belfast (many members of the staff there!), the British Vice Consul in Alicante, the local Spanish Police, the Phillipines Embassy in Madrid and Hong Kong.....not to mention a few other long-suffering volunteers and my poor Craig!...he came for a week's holiday and spent two days of it helping me sort out Emergency Travel Documents.

Add to this the fact that my old lady fell and hurt her arm very badly just two weeks ago....and trying not to bother anyone made the situation worse, so we have been shuttling back and forward to the local clinic to have it dressed every other day ...and THEN to crown it all, her cleaner found the ORIGINAL passport (in her underwear drawer!!!) the day we went to Alicante for the Emergency one!! 

Now you know why I've been MIA for a few weeks...it has been mad here...but bless Jean: she is so excited about her trip and is so grateful for all that everyone has done.

My final involvement will be to actually get her to Valencia Airport on Saturday...I have no doubt whatsoever that there are still a few crises to come before that...believe me, I'll be coming back to a stiff drink after seeing her off!

I do hope your own lives haven't been quite so hectic and that you and yours are well!

Thanks for dropping by!

Take care of you

Alison xx