I've finally cracked Aguilon Golf Course!

We've been playing golf at Aguilon for 12 months now and it's a tough course. Loads of ravines, loads and loads of bunkers and water in all the wrong places.

When we first started playing everyone told us we needed to add 4 to our UK handicaps to allow for the element fo difficulty. Neil & I chose to continue to play from our UK handicap and allow our play to amend it. I started on a handicap of 28 and on a good day would score 15-18 points.

Over the year my handicap has increased to 30 but I have improved enough to start scoring in the low 30's - my best score before today was 35 and that was several months ago. I really wanted to finally score 36 - to feel that I had been able to play to my handicap at least once, but there always seemed to be 3 or 4 holes that beat me every time I played. Normally I would lose 2 or 3 balls into ravines or lakes but I have managed a couple of rounds recently where I finished with the same ball I started with - and that's no mean feat on our course. But I just couldn't score that magic 36 points.

UNTIL TODAY!

But, I didn't just beat my previous best - I smashed it!

40 points.

Yep, that's right

40 POINTS!!!!!!!!!!!!

I scored points on every hole except the 18th, even on the difficult 14th where I don't normally even get to the green before running out of shots.

And my reward for such a fantastic round of golf? My handicap is back down to 28.

And I am well pleased.

There is a link to Aguilon Golf website in my links at the side.

Triathalon, Market & Sun.

This weekend has seen one of the big summer events, the Triathalon. Now it is beyond me why anyone would want to swim, then cycle then run any distance in the first place - but defeats logic as to why people would want to do this in temperatures in excess of 40c (that's above 100f)- but they do.


We took a leisurely wander down to watch the ladies on the cycling and running legs of their event this morning whilst we sat in the shade enjoying a café con leche. It's a fabulous setting for such an event, they can cycle along our new road which has a brand new tarmac surface - no pot holes to worry about and then run all along the paseo which runs the length of the beach, finishing in the square at the end of the paseo.




The men's triathalon is this afternoon and it's going to get hotter!

On our way back we wandered upto the Sunday market which has started for the summer in Terreros. At the moment there are not many stalls but there are the usual ones - clothes, shoes, bags, scarves (? in this weather?) and jewellery. There are also some fruit & veg stalls and a couple of chicken roasting stands where we buy our hot chickens for lunch - hot roast chicken sandwiches - yummy!

The market is usually here each Sunday morning until September.

Now, it's time to keep out of the sun until about 6pm tonight - today is going to be a hot one!

Schools out for Summer

That's it, Spanish classes are finished for the summer. We don't go back until 9th September.

I feel like a kid that's been told no more homework!

Yippee!!

Ryanair baggage allowance - here we come.

I finished the evening off with Sue & Graham showing me their photos from Route 66 - it's very varied and very interesting but very commercialised how everyone is advertising the Route 66 connection. Sue told me she had approx 2200 photos - so I think there may have been the odd one that I missed - sorry Sue. I always loved visiting America so I was genuinely interested in their trip as I know it is unlikely I'll be going there again.

Friday was my last day in Sheffield before flying back from East Midlands. I went into see my old work colleagues - nothing changes there, apart from one desk having been turned around, it all looks just the same, but it was really good to see them all.

The whole purpose of my trip to the UK was for a meeting on this Friday morning, and out of 4 days there was only this one place I had an agreed time to be there.

So, in true Spanish mañana style, at the time I should have been at my meeting I was on the other side of Sheffield - on my way!

I phoned Sue & Graham when I was finished, as they were driving me down to the airport for my flight back to Spain. I was aware that I had some extras in my case and that coming over I had only 1kg spare in my baggage allowance. I was also aware that Ryanair staff are redhot at charging for excess weight.

BUT

I had a cunning plan.

I only have a small hand luggage bag, a small lightweight rucksack. So, if needs must I would buy a holdall bag at the airport and take more on as hand luggage. Our last holdall had finally collapsed after the last trip so we could do with a new one - I could justify the spend after all - £15 for a kg of excess baggage or £15 for a new bag - at least I would have something at the end of the trip that could be used again.

And, as with any well constructed plan - there was a glitch.

Delays on the journey around Nottingham meant I arrived without enough time to go shopping if I needed to!

OK, looks like I'm biting the bullet and paying whatever excess charge they throw at me.

But by being late (and not being the only one) they were only bothered about getting the bags on the conveyor belt and through. I put the case on the scale, the check-in girl put the label round the handle and pressed the button and sent it on its way.......

RESULT.....

She never even looked at its weight - and I certainly didn't ask.

So, we'll never know whether I was over or not but 5 pairs of shoes surely must weigh more than 1 kg!

Who cares, I was on my way back to Spain, to my husband and to my 2 little pups.

I'd had a great few days, I loved seeing everyone, and I was so pleased to be going home - back to Spain.

Truffles? Overated!

I'm not one for the food of Kings, obviously. I'm not into caviar and now I know I am not into truffles either. It was not an unpleasant taste, but it had a slightly odd taste that I desperately tried to make mushroomy but couldn't. Neil was equally disappointed. He's had truffles before and said this one was very mild and nothing special.

So, we won't be searching for truffles anymore - cancel the pig!

Truffles!

I've only ever had truffles in a box of chocolates and anyone who knows me is well aware I'm not the most adventurous with my food BUT not tonight.

Neil has long since talked of the real thing - the truffles that are found underground by pigs - yes, I know all about them, just never tried them.

Well, as I type we have a real truffle in the kitchen ready to be prepared and eaten.

It was a full truffle in oil and we are having pasta tonight so Neil thought it was a good time to try it.

Sensible as ever though, he has low expectations of me - he is preparing a side dish with the truffle incase I don't like it, that way I won't be going hungry as my main dish will still be ok for me to eat.

So, watch this space - will I or won't I eat the truffle?

Answers on a postcard!

Cadey, such a cutie!

It's almost a year since I saw Cadey, and as she's only 2 and a bit now - it was unlikely she would remember me, and so it was always going to be an interesting get together. To Cadey, I am Nanna-J who lives away.

As soon as she and her Dad came through the door it was obvious she hadn't a clue who I was.... and maybe I was a little scarely to her - certainly the look on her face suggested so. We'd met for something to eat and so after we had chosen from the menu I needed to go to the bar to order. Bearing in mind that Cadey had looked terrified of me since she arrived, imagine my surprise when she told her Dad she wanted to come with me!

She took my hand and we walked through the pub together and then when we got to the bar I picked her up. OK, there were no screams of fear, no tears and no frantic looking around for Dad - but all the same she did look scared to death - and the lady next to me commented to that effect. I hastily explained that I hadn't seen her for so long to try and avoid an incident whereby this lady thought I was making of with a child I was not entitled to.

Fortunately when we got back to the table one of the waitresses had brought a colouring sheet and crayons and Cadey, who is obviously an expert in such things, immediately got stuck in to colouring the dog green.

As dinner progressed she started to chat, ate well and eventually performed for the video camera so that I could bring back some video for Neil, she even blew her Grandad a big kiss.

She has changed enormously since I last saw her and is a really lovely little girl (but then I would say that, wouldn't I?) and after a final photo, she was off home to bed.

Not quite a smile for the camera, but a treasured photo just the same.

Day 3 of trip - more travelling.

After a lovely meal out (all I seem to have done this trip is eat!) last night it was up early for the drive to Guildford Train Station. Andrew was going to have a coffee with me before I left but the price of the car park was outrageous, so we said a quick goodbye and off he went.

Now, Thursday was Ladies day at Ascot. I have no idea where Ascot is but I know half of Guildford were dressed in their finery and catching a train. I felt rather under-dressed but I bet I know who was more comfy on the journey.

I had to change at Waterloo and get the Underground across London, and everywhere was heaving with Ladies in hats and posh frocks - lots of them looked wonderful although I have to ask myself if some of them had actually looked in the mirror before leaving home (okay - claws are away again!) Anyway, I knew my Spanish friends would love a photo of ladies dressed for Ascot and I found 2 young ladies who were all dressed up to the nines (that will be an interesting expression to teach them - my Spanish friends, not the young ladies going to Ascot) so I asked if I could have a photo, explained why and they were delighted to pose - even switching sides so their hats didn't clash. Thanks you ladies, I hope it didn't rain on your picnic!

I won't bore you with the train journey to Sheffield other than to say there was a chap with a dog in the seat infront of me. This dog was a quiet little thing and just curled up in his bed under the seat and never moved the entire journey - what a little star!

I was met at the Station by Sue & Graham, more very good friends who I haven't seen since last summer - Oh, it's been a good trip for catching up with people. They'd also done a trip of a life time since I'd last seen them, so I could feel another evening if stories and photos - this time from Route 66, USA.

But first, time to see Cadey. How would a 2 year old react to someone they hadn't seen for a year? This could be fun!

Our New Road is open..........at last!

When we were looking at Terreros as a place to live we were delighted how close the golf course was, there was a road straight from the village up to Jaravía where the course is, which would take us about 5 mins.

Less than a month after we moved here........they closed it!

They have been re-doing the road ever since.

There have been times in the last 12 months when the road has been a real mess and the people who live down in the green roofs have had terrible road conditions for a large part of the time.

We were frequently told of dates it was due to be completed by - and these dates always came and went. But, over the last couple of months there has been definite progress and we always anticipated they would be aiming to have it opened in time for San Juan night (this coming Tuesday) and the main summer weeks.

And then yesterday I heard that the road was due to be officially opened by the Mayoress of Pulpí at 8pm.

So, off we toddled to watch the official opening, a time when we would once again be able to get to golf in a morning without going halfway to Villaricos (OK, so I exaggerate a little!)

There was a small crowd of people,

a couple of speeches and a ribbon to be cut by the Mayoress.

And this is what all the wait has been for - a beautiful dual lane, tree lined road connecting us to the ring road and then on to the AP7 and Pulpí.

Of course, we drove up it - just because we could!

A Healthy Lunch by the River and a walk in the countryside........

We had arranged to meet my brother at The Swan in Staines for lunch so that he could take responsibility for me for the next 24 hours - http://www.fullersenglishinns.co.uk/swan-hotel/about.asp

I don't miss much now I'm in Spain but I have to admit to not having had a decent Cappuccino since I moved there - we don't have Starbucks and the likes near us - maybe in the bigger cities, but not in Terreros, and the coffees we do get are ALWAYS in small cups not mugs!
So I thought, 'Great, I'll have a coffee!'

I was presented with a large mug of very frothy Cappuccino accompanied by a little dish of Maltesers - heaven.

My brother arrived shortly after and we went through to a lovely table by the window overlooking the river. Unfortunately, it wasn't quite warm enough to sit outside (and it did look like it may rain, although it didn't)

One of the specials was Avocado and Shrimp salad - far too much green for my usual plate but it had 2 of my favourite foods and so I decided that would do for me, and it was delicious, it came drizzled with Balsamic Vinegar AND I did eat most of my lettuce, for a change.

So lunch over, I said my goodbyes and thank you's to Liz and headed off with Andrew. He had plans to drive me around the contryside to remind me how beautiful England is and then on to Polesden Lacey, a National Trust Country House and Gardens - http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-polesdenlacey/

We had a lovely stroll around the gardens in some very pleasant afternoon sun before wandering around the house. The house is steeped in history and connections to royalty and full of amazing pottery, books and pictures. My main question was 'why there were statues of Griffins in the gardens etc?' - but no one could give me an answer and a quick Google hasn't found anything either - photos of them yes - and explanation why? No.

Still, the place was beautiful and very worth a visit.

4 days of activity and now I'm back chillin'

Well, that was a bit of a whirlwind trip but I'm home now and back with my babies.

I've been on planes, coaches, underground and overland trains and in cars but I have been very pleased not to have been driving. I have been ferried around by family and friends which I am very grateful for as it made for a very stress free trip.

I keep in touch with family and friends by phone and e-mail but there really isn't any substitute for seeing them in person - and it's been over a year since I saw Liz, yet the minute we met up it was like we'd seen each other only last week. We had loads to talk about as Liz had been on a lifetime visit to New Zealand and Australia earlier this year culminating in a visit to the Sydney Opera House, or maybe that should be THE Sydney Opera House, a life long ambition of hers. Needless to say there was an album of stunning photos to look through, each one telling a story. It was well past midnight before we decided we should call it a day.

Many people who are visiting the UK are taking advantage of all the sales going on at the moment as the rate of the Euro means that shopping in Spain at the moment isn't such a bargain. I had gone with the intention of fitting in a trip to Brantano - I love shoe shopping and generally find lots of choice at Brantano. Plus Neil got a pair of sandals from Brantano before we moved out to Spain last year and has hardly had them off his feet - needless to say they are looking rather worse for wear and I was hoping to get him another pair (or 2!)

So, Wednesday morning we called at Brantano on our way to meet Andrew, (my brother) at Staines for lunch.

I wanted some trainers for dog walking and found some very comfortable Sketchers which were immediately on the 'we'll have those' list. Then Liz found some lovely sandals, which were cream with a strap in snakeskin effect. I tried them on and they felt really comfy - but they looked odd. Liz pointed out that the snakeskin strap on one was very dark compared to the other and that was making them look odd - and then we realised that they were actually different colours. One sandal was ivory cream and the other was peach cream. We looked around for another pair that they may have got mixed up with, but there were no others on display. I put them back on the shelf and continued looking.


I found another pair of sandals I liked and which fitted well and so I was happy. We went off to find Neil's replacements and found 2 different styles - but knowing how much wear he gets from them, I decided to take both pairs.

Armed with 4 pairs of shoes I decided I had enough and went over to pay for them. Whilst I was at the cash desk I thought I would do my good samaritan bit and tell them about the odd sandals so that someone else doesn't buy them without realising they were different colours, as it wasn't too obvious under the shop lights. I showed her where they were and she asked if I would be interested if they had a matching pair in the back.........well, they were nice.......and they were comfy........and they were reduced in price......yes, I would be interested!


So, I left the shop wondering how I was going to fit 5 extra pairs of shoes into my baggage allowance when I had come over using 14 of my 15kg allowance that Ryanair graciously give.

Oh, I'd work something out!

I had shoes, I was shopping with a very dear friend I hadn't seen for over a year, I was happy - baggage allowances were a problem for another day!

I'm leaving on a Jet Plane......

... but I do know when I'll be back again ....

Friday!

I've been trying to sort my pension out since I turned 50 last year - and various things have caused delays. Finally all the paperwork is ready BUT I need to be in the UK to sign the papers, so I fly over today for a meeting on Friday.

In the meantime I am going to make the most of my time in the UK. I fly to London this afternoon and have a couple of days visiting a good friend who I haven't seen since we moved out here. Then tomorrow I visit my brother before getting a train to Sheffield on Thursday where I have more good friends to visit before my meeting on Friday morning to sign the papers, and then back to East Midlands for a flight back Friday night.

So, my bags are packed and I'm ready to go.......

All together now....

I'm leeeeaving on a jet plane......

Flamenco Night!

Well, they say time flies hen you're having fun - it certainly has this last week!

Last Friday saw another birthday pass by. Now, you may remember last year (the big 50) Neil organised a big birthday party with 60 guests, and we had Craig & Cadey over, and it was a really good night.

So, how do you top that - have a local bar coincidentally organise a Flamenco Party for over 80 people on the very day!

So, after a really good day on the golf course, it was time to 'get dressed up'.

A few weeks ago we had been to Villaricos market where there is a stall with loads and loads of Flamenco dresses (€30) and skirts (€20). I tried a few dresses on but they were so heavy, lovely but heavy) so I decided to get a skirt which meant I could wear a summery top and keep a little cooler.

Anyway, this is the skirt I bought!

This gave me a range of colours to choose from for accessories and a top. I found a lovely black top, green beads and earrings and then a needed a proper fan - not a €1 for 3 cheapy. So, I treated myself - a whole €7 - but it matches my mantón!

The flowers were a finishing touch for my hair.

And of course, we couldn't leave Lucy out. So, a couple of weeks ago we were back at Villaricos market, another skirt, another top - more jewellry!

And finally, we had to have a handsome escort - €3 on a hat for Neil - there , sorted.

Put it altogether and this is how we looked!

The night went on until late, and yes, there was plenty of dancing.

So, another good birthday over for another year. Feliz cumpleaños a mi.

A new friend!

People have been telling me that the best way to improve my Spanish is to talk to Spaniards who don't speak any English. Well, at our golf club we have a very nice lady called Elizabeth who wants to learn to speak some English so that she can speak to all the English people who go to play golf there, and to understand them a little easier as most of them don't speak any Spanish.

So, I suggested that we meet for a coffee and a chat and we could help each other. We haven't managed to meet for a quiet coffee but she did come out with us last week when we watched the Man Utd v Barcelona match in Pepa's. It wasn't the best place to try to teach her any English so it was really just an evening for me to practice my Spanish.

Elizabeth is actually Brazilian and moved to Spain 7 years ago with her Spanish husband. Although she works in the restaurant at the golf club, back in Brazil she was a Psychiatrist, but her qualifications aren't valid for her to practice here in Spain



Because Neil doesn't speak any Spanish and Elizabeth doesn't speak any English, I found myself translating for both of them, and while I managed well, it was really exhausting -

BUT.....

..... we all had a fabulous night, we found out a lot about each other and I got a real buzz that I had spent all evening with a new Spanish friend and been able to chat all evening without too much trouble. I think we only needed the dictionary twice and one of those was to check what 'hurón' meant in English - it means ferret - and believe me, that's a whole different story!

I spoke with Elizabeth up at the golf club today and she has asked if she can come with us to the Flamenco night on Friday - so, she must have enjoyed the evening as well.



The Flamenco Party is this Friday, which just happens to coincide with my birthday - so we are looking forward to a good night out. I have my Flamenco outfit, flowers for my hair and Lucy brought me a lovely mantón back from her trip to Benidorm. A mantón is the lovely shawl the Spanish ladies wear, all embroidered with long tassles - mine's black with bright flowers - isn't it gorgeous?