En route now to airport.. but a slow lazy en route.. 

We have left the apartment and Uber to M.'s next one..

Was a great ride, we filled up his whole trunk area! Looks like we're moving in for a year! 

Funny how us humans can accumulate so much in so little time.. 

I have thrown away things I would normally carry, but my wonderful new case, which I do love, is a half and half which means I can't just fill and squish! 

The driver asked where we were from, I said I lived in Nottingham; he knew already I had lived here because of talking about work and Alhaurin .. 

And M. from Wales, lived in Londonderry, then very strangely he said, no, but where am I actually from? I said Los Angeles, and myom and dad both born in New York city, he said he knew it! From the way I talk, maybe my openness? Lol I certainly do not have a problem talking to strangers! Lol

But how completely strange! Then he said he has family in California and his mom was born in New York!

Above! Sunday lunch at Fiddlers Inn, at La Cala de Mijas.

Sunday evening with went to Marbella, the Clave club, we watched nine new comedians, and my friend rounded up the evening perfectly, he stared in the comedy club in Benalmadina our first weekend too.

Was a really great evening, they were amazing, their first onstage performances, so brave.. 

They had been on an in-depth weekend course, ending with their first performance! WoW!

Late night, back about midnight.. then hard to unwind..

Above, my trip up to see friends in Alhaurin on Monday, came with rain!

A short visit.. because of it.. 

But I am glad I got up there again to see everyone.

Yesterday just a wander round locally, popped in the shop a few times, like I still work there, they did ask if I'd stay for stocktaking on Sunday, I declined!

I am looking forward to sleeping again! For some reason, maybe Fen Shui, which I don't usually take any notice of, at all! But the room was difficult to rest in, nine different walls in such a small area.. maybe just bad orientation.

M.

It never gets easier, you just get better.

Unknown

 

Interior photographs I took two or three weeks ago inside el Zoco at Calahonda, a couple of areas where people don't usually go but I found myself there none the less..

Below just a view of the woodes area near where I used to work and overlooking where we are now staying..

This below I took a I approached the boardwalk at the Chiringuito el Capricho, in the old days so much smaller.. I know things change, improve? Grow, evolve.. I do know this... But I kinda miss how everything was.. Selfish of me? I guess so..

Just a tree, at Mijas Pueblo this past week, flamenco dancers, singers and guitarists.. the full compliment.. I enjoyed egg plant and honey.. very nice, possibly the worse item to have coming into wasp season, but they steered clear and I wasn't bothered by them!

Just a stroll around the stores, didn't do the gardens or La Peña.. 

Next week, next month, next year.. today in Puerta Banus, the market, El Corte, no puerta... otro día, otro momento. Until there are none.

This is not my life anymore, and although I yearn to be here, then am surprized by my sadness and longing and feeling of such sadness.. that I don't want to be, here, any more... 

M.

"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment. "

Buddha

 

Time marches on eh! Monday evening and Royal Beach Pirata.. 

Amazing sunset, thank you very much nature.. and the food!! Thank you very much chef!! What a seafood plate I had.. I didn't quote finish it, but I did good enough!

Dark walk home along the boardwalk, torches on mobile phones! Thank you very much whoever thought of that bright idea! No pun intended!

Tuesday we went to Benalmadina again, after a brief stopover in La Cala de Mijas.. 

Another wander through the stores, along the port, late breakfast or early lunch? At a bar facing the boats, which we returned to later, for a cool drink for M. and an ice-cream for me!

Wednesday? Probably stayed local.. Thursday similar during the day, and the evening meeting up with friends at Miel y Nata up in Sitio del Calahonda.. I have been there before, but donkeys ears ago!

We had an absolutely fabulous evening with Y. and G. Laughter all the way! And the Uber back, top far to walk.. was a huge people carrier, van! At least a six seater, facing eachother.. it was like a party bus! Or limo! I said as much as we got in, saying 'where is the cava and the music!,' the driver was understanding and played Madonna, La Isla Bonita 

We were singing along and seat dancing, if that's a thing! 

Such fun!

He dropped us off at McDonald's, our choice.. So we popped in for a caramel latte! And quite frankly, why not!

M.

"Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results."

Willie Nelson

More Cabopino.. Feel so at home here, we sat and listened to a French singer, guitarist and keyboards.. 

We met up with my friend S. from Alhaurin on Friday, we walked talked, pastries, then ice-cream later... Left her at her bus at 5pm! From 10:45am! We then, stupidly carried on walking around Fuengirola,.got too tired, the bus stop too busy so Ubered it back here..

Below a wonderful sand sculpture along the Paseo maratimo in Fuengirola..

After tapas and Mercadona we got home just after nine.. very very long tiring day..

A couple of days before we met up with Y. and G., friends of M.s... spend a good few hours with them, closer to here up near Lidl.. that was a good day too..

M. and I have spent every day talking, sometimes singing.. a lot of time remembering.. reminiscing and one helluva a lot laughing! 

Afternoons in and by the pool, more than I ever normally would do.. mornings out and about.. I see customers from the shop, friends from years back.. 

I make us walk to Cabopino most evenings.. stretch our legs.. watch beautiful sunsets and feel the warm breeze on our faces or backs..

My neighbor from Alhaurin came down last Sunday, we sat at a local bar, chatting doe a couple of hours.. just like the old days..

M.

In the book of life, the answers aren't in the back..

Found this quote in my notes.. But actually am wondering now, if in fact the answers are.. not so much at the back.. but at, or nearer the end...

 

Days flying by... Walks to Cabopino, listening to live music.. Elvis was there ! Who knew!! Lol 

Bus to Benalmadina, walking along through favorite stores, the port doesn't change, most of bars and stores all exactly the same..

The tree above is one I have been seeing doe decades, I took this whole crossing over the carreterra the old N340 always the N340 to me... 

Taken from the boardwalk...

Above and below Benalmadina..

Oh, and I think I have fracture a toe.. lols.. my fault, we were walked back from the pool... Slumming it eh! Anyways!! I wasn't looking where I should have been.. and my left foot slipped off the paving, into a gully and then hit the side of lawn.. Luckily I didn't actually fall myself.. trust me!! 

Anyways, I got some tape and buddied it up with neighboring toes.. it turned black and purple within twenty minutes, and felt burning hot to touch.. 

Note to self, look where I am going in future!

M.

Ever has it been that love knows not its own depth until the hour of separation.

Kahlil Gibran, 1923

View from the garden room.. The bee hanging there buzzing about on the flowers... 

Been a wonderful week.. Friday I went to Alhaurin, got an Uber.. I was going to get two buses, but... well easier like this! 

Caught up with my friends, a light lunch and D. drove me home.. thank you 🙏🏻 not sure emojis come through! 

Saturday M. and I went to watch a friend gig at a comedy club in Benalmadina, it was held in CJs Karaoke bar on calle Bonanza.. 

What a fantastic evening! Absolutely fantastic! Three other comedians also... laughing so hard my face ached and my arms the following morning from clapping so much!! 

We hadn't eaten and ended up at the nearby to the apartment, McDonald's just before midnight.. ate too much, that's the trouble with eating too little and leaving it too late... 

Sunday evening we took a late stroll to Cabopino port.. watched the sun set.. 

I'll share the AI version of my photograph here, but the original is on my 500px site and can't share it anywhere else.. 

There was a strange sea mist, if you're from here, or know here, you know the mist I mean.. this above captured a young couple standing in the sea.. 

I have to say, I do like what AI has done with my photograph..

M.

If you don't sacrifice for what you want, what you want becomes the sacrifice.

Unknown

Need a photograph here! No scenic views yet.. I am just home.. 

Fraser 

Sorry, talking to L. this morning and I sent her this video and now it is in my mind to share again here .. How many times have I done so though, written is usual, so forgive me repeatedly repeating myself with this poem by Tennyson.. "Ulysses."

Yesterday M. and I had a steady quiet day.. I was up and 7:30 like today, chilled out, lazy start, breakfast out by my old store.. Then Mercadona and 'home'.. Coffee ready lunch.. Then we took a nice long walk along the boardwalk towards Cabopino, stopping at Luna Calahonda beach restaurant.. Had cocktails.. I had a very nice Negroni.. I think it could become my preferred drink of choice, but at 13 euros here! Probably not!

Just added the top photograph! My own stock photography! This is the bar we went to, but unlike this shot, yesterday it was packed! I'll take better up-to-date, today!

Today, we got the bus to La Cala de Mijas, a coffee on the beach..

M. and I pretended to be movie stars, and disinterested in the camera! 

Lols

We then walked along the boardwalk, and decided to just keep on walking along the boardwalk and did so... All the way home here!

Hot and dehydrated! We had a cold drink somewhere along.. and sat and melted like everyone else there! So ladylike we are! 

Then just a bit further and home, lunch and and into the pool, spend about an hour just standing in there, before laying down on a sunbed and having a very quick nap!

We've eaten now, watched Moonstruck.. one of my forever favorites..

Now it's time for my sleep tea, and a read.. maybe.. 

M.

The price of inaction is far greater than the cost of making a mistake.

Meister Eckhart - 1260-1328 - Theologian

Stressful or what!!

Unsure about pre booking an Uber, that worked out great, thankfully.. then the awful line for checked luggage!?! What in hell is that all about, I haven't checked a bag since.. oh! June lol But that was scan the passport, tick the boxes, wrap the label drop the bag handle and go, two minutes.. well maybe five, but very easy.

There were no conveyor belts working in the Ryanair section, so only three desks open and three people moving cases manually...

But not mine!?! Apparently mine was extra size bag? Not!! Had to line up further along and drop there, where the poor customer service man was in a right pickle! He ran the bags through the x-ray machine.. and two came back and he had to get them opened and test them for drugs!

Two too many, it caused a helluva hold up! Thankfully mine cleared immediately, I'm glad, I didn't want him pawing through my clothes! And unmentionables! Lol

Going through security, scanned my boarding code, then faced with two arrows, everyone ahead of me taking the left line, I took the right, only to have to stop while a guy was making people use both lanes further down.. I said he'd scuppered my plans by doing so, he said he didn't know why people were only using one lane! Ha! 

Then I was into departures, got a coffee, looked for a book, couldn't see one I wanted.. bought some random pjs, quick toilet break, back to books.. then I sat down and nearly freaked out.. my gate was boarding already!! And the furthest away! Practically knocked people out of my way!! Heck! I never do that!!

Then, in the line just before passport check woman behind said to her child about this TUI flight!! I had a mild case of panic at that point! Lol 

Now about to take off!

Bring me my coffee now please! And preferably a valium! Coffee and my cake almost an hour before everyone else's as I had pre ordered... What a brilliant idea I always take advantage of, not sure why others don't.. 

So, just coffee and a strange waffle thing! I only ate one.. was a lot more filling than I anticipated!

Flight has gone quickly and gently... Mid twenties rising to low thirties expected today... I am already in shorts on the plane..

M.

We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us.

Joseph Campbell

We have had rain! Today, Sunday August 30th, and yesterday's Saturday..

Above taken in Nottingham castle, a raining day calls for indoor exploration, The two Roberts artists exhibition ending soon, and spent good time walking around everywhere, I got lost twice!?! Which is strange for me there, but I think having looked around more thoroughly than usual meant more staircases than I realized, also we had wonderful cream teas in the restaurant I had never been in before!

Below Forest Fields last week.. autumn come early.. 

I have had three grief therapy sessions now.. I won't be able to while I am away, I have absolutely no idea of where or if I would be able to spend an hour each week to have the therapy ongoing while I am away..

I am packed, for a month, tomorrow I will check everything I have is in the right place and be ready to leave at 3am on Tuesday morning!! Ughh!

Fingers crossed eh!

To be honest, passport, medication and me, that's all I really need..

M.

To travel is to live

Hans Christian Andersen

Calke Abbey

Interesting! New things on my new phone.. although I have no idea what this will look like online! 

Should add of course the photograph above is our family village back near Naples .. 

I need to buck up my ideas for Blogging, I know.. there's bad and this, almost non existent sometimes!

So! New phone ✓

Last weekend, still beautiful weather was a visit to Calke Abbey.. Link has much better photographs and information...

As I seem to have not taken a photographic at all of the Mansion itself! 

The entrance room, reception room, of the mansion has a burner, I was looked for the flue, but couldn't see one, it was underground! Crazy eh! 

I did take way too many photographs of plants, flowers and trees! 

We went to the ice room, two massive partially undergoing rooms for ice, before freezers etc..

And fallow deer, beauty creatures, this stage was so near the fence I could have reached out and touched him! People were feeding him leaves through the fence..

And even with my new phone, zoom is not great.. and here were to young deer, one of them white, stunningly beautiful white fawn.. apparently that's a 1 in 20,000 chance of a white deer.. So considered purse very lucky..

The beautiful family chapel.. The Harpur-Crewe family until the National Trust took it over.. 

The house and surrounding outbuilding had been used extensively in Peaky Blinders... There were signs everywhere explained what scene and where!

Good cup of coffee before looking around, and another National Trust with second hand books! Excellent idea for sure!

They had a children's summer holiday area, so many things for the kids to do there, permanent ice-cream van! That would have been quite some pitch for whoever got the contract for that! Seven days a week for at least six weeks!! WoW!

Lots of pathways, the church, the ice house, the children's area, the beautiful gardens.. we walked from the house through tunnels to the brewery, yes, they had a brewery! Quite a long walk too!

Definitely worth a visit!

M.

About the only thing that comes without effort is old age.

Anon

(I am adding here)

If we're lucky..

Belton House

 

Saturday a visit to Belton House... Shame about the dry grass, but beautiful nonetheless.. 

Lots of people, and I joined the National Trust! My mom would be proud!

Five visits to National Trust properties and I'm even on cost..

It has stunning gardens, their own church, and the house is still lived in which makes if feel good ...

The bench below, one of many that surrounded the main garden area and pond.. take a closer look... Dogs heads on the arm rests... And lower down..the figure eight on it's side? No, it's a snake! 

M.

A wise monk was once asked, "What is worry?"

He smiled and replied, "It's the thief that steals today's peace, while pretending to prepare you for tomorrow."

Buddha's Teaching

Last week in Forest Fields park, I had been to library, picked up my new library card! And a couple of books, then I had walked around a gallery for about an hour, then strawberry matcha drink in hand, came here.. sat under this tree, a tree apparently claimed already by the above squirrel! 

I noticed him first as he sat and watched me from the edge of the shade of his tree, he ran left and right and back again, sometimes having to jump or run out of the way of passing walkers etc.. 

Wonderful how he stopped watched me, head leaning this way and that..

Then he ran off and I forgot about him, as I was getting back to my book.. a movements caught my eye and he was back having approached from behind to reach his tree, a mouthful of grass, sorry! Straw!! he ran up and onto the bough above me, then started dropping bits on my head! Lols so funny! 

I left him to it then.. give the little chap some space! 

But was honestly just so cute! I feel I connected with him! Lols 

This was Friday last week, wednesday we had our eclipse, 92% más o menos.. Went to pub near the tram line, took eclipse glasses, and fibres out we were the only people that had! So shared them for others to see .. shame I didn't, couldn't, take a good photograph, but was good to see, nonetheless.

Thursday morning I had my first grief therapy session.. It was interesting, I have another tomorrow.. I think my biggest problem is I have no problem with talking about stuff, well, those who come and go or come and stay here, reading my pages, over the last twenty five years have seen plenty of sad, painful, very emotional times from me, with me..

But maybe hearing someone else's view of my life, who doesn't know me, is constructive without fear of hurting me, or and of course has professional training.. 

I don't know, I guess over the hour I spilled a lot of things, and with our friends bits come out here and there over time, and things happening there and then, of course.

Still was a strange day, lots of emotional spilling out in the morning, then my call companion call in the afternoon, where I am someone else's listening ear.. 

M.

The best memories we make are those we see with our eyes and feel with our hearts.. ©MB

Southwell Minster photography from Saturday. 

A beautiful cathedral, absolutely stunning architecture. And of course with this wonderful summer we're having, apart from straw like grass, and plants looking a little worse for wear..

The gardens and park land around was beautiful also..

Inside an exhibition is now coming to a close, it is called Helios, by Luke Jerram 

Reading this this morning he has created some amazing sculptures.. The moon in France looks absolutely stunning.. his Festival Les Tombées de la Nuit, that I would have loved to see! I am a moon girl after all..

This sun, of course was amazing also! It was incredible, actually!

Sorry, change of subject now, completely, well, you know me well enough by now.. how long have I been Blogging? Twenty four years! That's crazy! This couldn't be written in a book, could never be condensed, I cannot be condensed either! Nor should any of us!

So... A memory came up, as they do now on our phones, whatever did we do to remember our lives before technology decided it could do it for us! I say, not without a hint of sarcasm! 

.. sorry digressed already, it was my birthday 2010, the first since my mom had died.

Franco and I went to my happy place up near El Chorro, homemade picnic, music.. a distraction from thoughts in my head.

That was sixteen years ago, seven years later my birthday would be one without Franco also.. Just seven years.

If we knew then, up on that ridge, that magical place I love to go, if we knew then what I know now... 

Do we want to know? How could anything help, I guess there is the obvious detection of something going wrong in our bodies, of course.. but we can't live like that, continually investigating, looking for what's going on, what could be wrong.. go looking..

And although early findings and diagnosis is way way better than not .. 

What health service could do it.. system overload now, never mind a population of apparently healthy people coming by for full body scans on a yearly basis.. lols my spell check chose the word wealthy for healthy originally just now.. That of course would be the answer.. 

M.

Isn't it funny how day by day nothing changes but when you look back everything is different...

C.S. Lewis - 1898-1963 - Writer