Mamas page

I'll start with work as this is obviously where a lot of my time is spent........it's the same here in Spain as anywhere else in the world, a girl's got to do what a girl has to do……. Well, work is enjoyable, challenging and rewarding. I've worked hard, (of course!) done well for myself, and in just over a year and a half have gained a good reputation with mid-management and respect amongst my colleagues. Well that's enough of blowing my own trumpet, the main thing is I enjoy it.

On to the subject of home, my favorite place. Well, as you know we moved at the beginning of last year, and you all know what that's like. It was a new experience, as things are done differently, more official I'd say, here. Stressful? More worrying than stressful, and I think every move holds an element of that, especially as the whole process only took just under 6 weeks from start to finish! Unpacked yet? Almost……just a couple of stray boxes. Decorated? What in the heat of summer! No, not yet, I'm waiting until spring time!

For those of you who saw my little place in Eccles, you'll be pleased to know that I've gone off yellow! (think Dougie's pleased as well). I'm looking forward to putting my stamp on the house. I say my stamp and not our stamp, cos I'm the decorator - Dougie does the DIY and I decorate, it's a good partnership as I'm not too clever with the drill. (and I'm not that good with a paint brush - Dougie)

The year ahead should be quieter. Now that we've moved we are happier and more settled in our surrounding environment. I have big plans for the house and additional space that we can create, but there's no rush. We have still to get things a bit more as we want them in the house, and that's the fun bit.

In the Autumn half term holidays Heather and family came for a visit and stayed close by in the beach resort of La Mata. Although it was late October the weather was mainly fine and we had a great time. Danielle, Chloe and Heather did some horse riding, with the assistance of Jenny, and later on the men and Jenny went Go Karting. We even played around on the beach, digging big holes and burying Jack. Heather and I took the opportunity to go for a dip in the Med., something we haven't done together for a good 15 years or so! Have a look on the "other stuff" page for a piccy of us all.

In the summer our Spanish friends down the road organised a BBQ with heaps of salad and olives, and loads of wine, for all of the neighbours. It was held to celebrate their saint's day, which is almost as important, to the Spanish, as their own birthday. Anyway, the BBQ took place in the road out the front of the house and along side it were long tables where we all sat, chatted, ate and drank until 3 in the morning, well it did, in good old Spanish style, only start at 10 pm!