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

Above Thursday evening, back in Alhaurín... 

Beautiful sunsets.. memories abound.. 

Yesterday, Friday 13th June, the Botanical Gardens of Málaga.. all these years meaning to visit.. never too late! 

We got the fast bus from Alhaurín to Málaga bus station, us three girls, stopped for breakfast at a bar near the bus station.. it was busy but we nabbed a table and three chairs..

The botanical gardens on built above Málaga, above the A45 to Cordoba..

It is about 13 minutes from the hospital.. There really are no excuses for not going over these decades!! 

The bus from here is fast, and cheap, and the bus from Málaga bus station took about half an hour, and cost 1.40€ very cheap... 

We had coffees, twice, and a little food from the cafe on site, was clean and well stocked.. the many bathrooms were all clean..

Sorry, laughing to myself, I'm giving a review here!! I leave it to Google maps for that! 

We walked, and walked.. remember the gardens are on the side of a mountain! Was easy and okay to walk, but maybe not when it gets hotter.. we didn't get everywhere, saving a little for next time.. and cooler weather..

We imagined, different times of the year everything would be different, of course, like any garden.. ever changing, ever growing.. 

So incredibly beautiful, and the air, although right next to the A45, and you could hear it.. the air amongst the trees was beautiful.. refreshing..

The house! Stunning! I'll put a link here to the Botanical Gardens of Málaga.

Some photographs today, more in the morning.. 

Two nights ago I dreamt about many holes in the road ahead of me...

Dreams about holes in the road often symbolize life's challenges and obstacles, suggesting the need for caution and perseverance. The holes can represent unexpected difficulties or situations that require careful navigation. It may also reflect a sense of being lost or facing uncertainty in one's life. 

Interesting eh! Sorry dream out of context, but I'd already left this here from yesterday morning.. and let's be honest, much of life is out of context!

So yesterday! 

After our long wonderful day in Málaga, I had a brief reprieve and then off to Bar Monika at the other end of town, my old end, so to speak! 

After a glass of wine and the world's largest burger to share! Would not, could not be eaten alone, and still both left some!

A good laugh, good conversation and in my old local.. 

My walk back, still light, about 9pm, back the way I walked, we walked, too many times to count.. was beautiful and sad..

To live here nineteen years, and now not, to feel my heart cry, bleed.. It hurts.. still, how long for? Always...

And back once more at K.s... 

M.

You were born with the ability to change someone's life, don't ever waste it.

Dale Partridge - Author

Viveros Guzmán, in Alhaurín De La Torre... 

Wonderful coffee, wonderful pastries! Mmm wish I could carry them all back to England with me! 

Had coffee here yesterday, Monday.. apart from coffee and cake, they have a massive selection to buy of loose tea and coffee beans, fresh vegetables and fruits, jars full of the most beautiful tasty items! And flavored spirits! 

A selection of scrumptious, yummy, lush amazing stuffs!

Lols, you'd think I would want it all! You would be correct in your assumption!

Enjoyed a coffee with the best pecan pastry that exists, anywhere! Yes! 

And yes, nuts are on my avoid list according to the diverticular disease! 

But you know, if I don't try some things on my avoid list, I'll be missing out on good foods too! So... Mheh! It is what it is eh! 

M.

Gratitude is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.

Henry Ward Beecher - 1813-1887 - American Minister

Worked all weekend, to cover a colleague but still was a good weekend.. 

Beautiful weather beautiful evenings.. 

Extraordinary sunsets as always ..

Worked two last days and tomorrow, and tomorrow evening Robbie Williams concert in Fuengirola! Second time I've seen Robbie, first time in the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.. twenty two years ago..

Sarah and I stayed in a hotel in Newport,  and we had fish and chips for dinner! 

I've got my dress and boots ready! Was going with comfort! But what the hell eh! Probably won't see him again! I mean, I think if I stick in 22 year pattern! I might be on a world tour or something then! 

I'm going through a long cycle of weird dreams I know that! Was so weird that when I woke up this morning wasn't sure that was dream and what was now, awake .. So presuming now this hasn't been one long day of dreaming, although we did have an especially difficult day at work, technology let us down, customers seemed to be.. well, on a different planet today! 

And not only did my tendonitis get worse after I mentioned I thought it better but definitely got a kidney stone causing issue last couple of days.. 

Neighbors are out on holiday and enjoying moving furniture about at all times of day and night I say in a high pitched well enunciated voice out loud as I write this piece! 

Now laughing like a crazy woman at myself! 

M.

In order to move others deeply we must deliberately allow ourselves to be carried away beyond the bounds of our normal sensibility.

Joseph Conrad - 1857-1924 - Author

Time flies.. as always, Saturday took friends to a tattoo place I use in Fuengirola, Art Monkey, two tattoos later, they're both very pleased with their new ink!  And we headed to the paseo and had a cool drink, went to a bar I've never been to before, it looks recently updated, and maybe I have, a long long time ago..

Time has a habit of running away without us if we don't keep an eye on it! 

We had a bite of lunch at Luis Bar, where I have been going since '89, and also very changed, not sure in a good way though..  then we went to the Sky Bar.. definitely never been there.. it's in the hotel that faces the statue of the woman whose back is to the med.. near Luis Bar..  I say in, the bar is on the rooftop, like at the TWA hotel at JFK.. similar but not the same.. 

Was wonderful up there, sat on sofas, and under a shade, good friends and conversation, the warm sun and a little breeze.. very very nice..

Above and below La Cala de Mijas on Sunday..

Sunday I drove down to La Cala, sat on the beach, then along onto a sunbed, had a bite of lunch.. sea breeze was wonderful, but then I could see dark battleship gray clouds approaching from homeward direction and decided to head home, saw my neighbor and had a coffee with him, before it started to rain, which it did so we had another coffee!! 

Today a coffee up this end of town, before a walk down to town, and, more coffee! 

I've had a bad day on Facebook, shared way too many soppy poems and saved even more in my 'to keep' list..

Sometimes we have days like that, they weigh heavy for whatever reason.

M.

Today I had another tattoo, the itch for ink is strong ... Well, can't find a Darth Vader emoji! And may the forth was yesterday, so a tad too late for Star Wars humor me thinks!

Well, I randomly, as I am, picked up a book off the shelf... It was my mom's Grimm's Fairy Tales, and it opened at a bookmark, of mine! The piece of paper above.. which is directions of how to use the tattoo cream it came with! 

Very strange! Of course! 

Next also random, picked up this book below of my mom's.. 

Thought I'd post the writing my grandfather's godfather, Mr G Daniel.. 1894.. had written on the inner page .. almost 130 years ago.. crazy isn't it.. my family have always written in books, to whom and when, and why... And to see the history like this is a beautiful keepsake..

My mom loved the same authors as her father.. and she read them to me.. wonderful stories, I guess my favourite of his is 'Ayesha, the return of She'

And me leaving Art Monkey Tattoo today! All wrapped up! 

This above is a rubbish photograph, but I was sat reading on the terrace and one of black bees came a buzzing around, he started on the sweet peas then came down to these Heart leaf ice plant flowers! Aptenia cordifolia is the Latin name.. 

And no, until this very moment I had no idea of the name of this plant I have been keeping alive in most parts of the wall behind the house and here and there on the terrace, for eighteen years! 

Then the bee came buzzing over me, I just dipped my head down into my book, then he flew off and over to the geraniums etc on the other side and back around again, and again.. quite a busy little bee! Well no, not so little... And while I'm rambling it was the color I wanted to try to show you, but wasn't easy with his speed, I have always thought of them as black.. but he's really the most beautiful dark purple.. gorgeous!

I know I handle British bees, letting them walk on my fingers and hands, and even touch the soft velvet of their little yellow and black bodies.. but not sure about these.. maybe I could try?? Am I a true bee whisperer!  

M. 

Sugar Bay, Marbella the other evening.. lovely location, right at the beach, but very very cold. Blankets were supplied! The gin was good also, Le Tribute the tonic also Le Tribute.. very strong and I'm not used to it.. 

Today was way too busy.. doctors first! Appointments will be arriving for eye doctor and physio! Not for the same complaint!! That would be weird! 

I then had to pop into the garage near Coín, and on to Aldi! 

I came home with something I hadn't put in my basket! I'd also paid for it?? So I am guessing it came from the next customer?? 

Nothing exciting either, chewing gum! 

But as you may have noticed by the unusually large amount of selfies, not normal!! 

I popped into the nearest hairdressers to enquire about getting it colored, and he said now!! 

Which I was definitely not expecting, and two and a half hours later I emerged! 

He was ready to go with the color he could see, but I said I wanted some 'pop' difficult to see here.. but will try for a better shot tomorrow!

When I came out the wind was blowing a storm.. well, just wind but very strong and I didn't want to hang around outside.. 

I've come to bed early, to watch a family movie.. 😂😂 Once upon a time in America! 

Just saying! But couldn't see any Bonelli's in the titles! 

M.

Okay, so don't know what happened last night.. sat with friend, we'd got a beer each.. just talking and relaxed.. I'm looking around and said how strange but I'd never noticed that clock before!! High up above the tree from where we sat, my friend said she hadn't either.. we commented on it's strange look, like it was only half out of the building.. time wasn't right either.. 

I've been seeing this view since '89.. so seriously worried about my normal noticing things like I do! 

When we walked along..

We saw what in fact it actually was/is!!

I don't know if it was the suggestion by me of a clock.. but we both saw a clock, both saw Roman numerals.. both saw Art Deco!

The power of suggestion? 

We were in hysterics walking back, literally bent over laughing crying! People looked at us like we were crazy! 

It might not have been a clock, but funny how I hadn't noticed the strangeness of it before!

 

This last week isn't dissimilar.. I took a few photographs of some knife throwing practice (!?) and looking beyond to the left and mostly level with the knife.. that tree there between roads... It looks like a figurehead of a ship! 

Well, to me anyways..

No bizarre sights here.. just a moment yesterday on the terrace, warmer up there than in the house.. 

I had a doctors appointment today, but cancelled, my lack of doctor type Spanish so severely lacking, I decided my tendonitis could wait.. I have a stone making me sick today.. but no infection.. hey ho! 

M.

Well friends, I've been, correction am sick with a damn cough virus thing, not covid, tested for it.. and I'm glad of that, because this has made me too sick to move much out the bed for three solid days, day four I went out for air.. 8am for half an hour, came home and spent rest of the day not moving.. 

Day five, Saturday? I walked into town but came home and slept for two hours.. 

Yesterday? Didn't go out just stayed sick.. 

And now I am out, standing by my car for air and collecting a colleague who feels mostly the same as me! 

This is, must be the worse a cough has ever in my life made me feel, so why I am eternally thankful it's not covid, my lungs can't take this attack as it is.

I got cough meds from farmacia.. I think it's helped, not sure.. and drinking lemon honey and ginger, chucking in some chilli flakes now also, just for the helluva it! 

Well, home from work, luckily a short day, coughing my way through, talking makes it so much worse! But me and silent don't walk hand in hand! 

Still, it's only a cough and will pass..

Other people are not so lucky, a friend today isn't good, but hopefully will be home and okay this evening! 

Someone else we know is in ICU.. 

And yesterday I made the mistake of checking on someone I have known since 1994, and working in Mercedes.. him and his wife lived out here, before me, in Alhaurín also as it happens. But moved back to the UK .. I found out he passed September 2022... So that's five friends passed last year. Two in their 50's three in their 80's.. but still...No time is really the right time. 

Also, I found randomly, someone I supported back in 2018 died in 2019... very young at only 72.. 

Okay amigos.. stay well! Or at least try.. trying is difficult I know... 

Oh just remembered another photograph, it's borrowed... One moment..

This is very very good.

M.

Above, my newest tattoo... I added this beautiful piece of ink on my break, the day Pippa left this world of ours.. At Woody's in Exhall...

I stayed the night in the Novotel at Birmingham airport.. Was a strange slightly unreal experience.. Masks, distancing.. Everyone looking weary, very surreal.

I was absolutely exhausted, slept, ate, slept...

The hotel Ibis I normally stay in, it was shut, and looking at it in the morning remembering photographs I have taken in reverse..

But me now home and I am happy here again at last, I didn't think I ever would be, or could be.. But I am.

I made a marshmallow pie, very sweet! Bit too much!!!

Bit like dinner this evening, I was planning on making chicken supreme, when that was underway I checked the minced beef I bought yesterday and it looked a bit iffy, so opened it.. Color was weird, but then I thought, I hadn't seen minced beef since ... I think maybe over a year ago!?! But not wishing to risk it or waste it, I made a Bolognese at the same time.

I ate some chicken, wrapped up two more portions of that, and have made up two of the Bolognese.. Three meals in the freezer one in the refrigerator!

And a visit to the garden centre on Monday! Good to be home.. I bought a hardy looking little shrub, the name of which I don't remember, and a Vicks vapour plant!! Who'd have known that! Smells lovely! Both seem like they should manage drought.. We'll see I guess. I can't believe the plants I have, have survived so well, over four months!! Although there has been intermittent rain, and the overnight moisture we get.. It's been enough.

This week, AC ordered for my bedroom.. And a new bed, an ottoman bed, really need the storage this will facilitate. New Spanish SIM card, new special padron ordered.. Ant traps and mosquito pots all in place!

Okay, caught up? Been to the bar for coffee with friends in the mornings, I've been down to La Cala market, and the Coín car boot sale!

I've met with friends for coffee and seen so many people I haven't seen for far too long..

Now I'm caught up?

TTFM
Marian

Bay of Roses

The night before, still in France, we had to move the van, as did everyone, due to a severe weather warning..

Great skies, and some rain, but nothing like the rain driving here and then last night..

Extremely high winds.. and as you can see the sea joined the land with vengeance!

The Solana above... Only taken because of the name.. The Benidorm series...

The paseo maritimo impassable on foot.. or at least without wellies!

One night only here in Bay of Roses...

TTFN
Marian

españa

On the journey yesterday, leaving France and coming home to Spain..

Bumped, almost, into an aircraft being hauled!! Not something one sees every day!

I remember seeing airplane wings on the road down to Gibraltar earlier on in the year!

And here! españa! Viva españa! Home home home...

TTFN
Marian

Almeria

Some photographs from Almeria the other week..

This railway line brought valuable minerals down from the mountains and directly onto ships...

Some cool statues around the city..

Almeria sign...

There was a naked man opposite this woman's figure...but no matter how I stood I couldn't get a good enough shot to make sense! Lol

Man at a bus stop! How long has he been waiting!!

View from the Alcazaba... There are two, one either side of a valley..

And an ancient tree!

TTFN
Marian