Journeys so far.. friends picked me up from JFK and took me to my aunt's, arrived about midnight Thursday/Friday.

Was a long flight, long day, I dropped off at Malaga Airport way too early, my fault? Partially, I couldn't check in on line due to issues with BA documents that were needed, they did clear at 8am on Thursday, but I left early anyways..

Desk didn't open until 13:30 so long wait..

I randomly, being me, started to talk to a couple who were near me, I also remembered their names and yesterday googled them, as you do!? As I do?? And they are both authors, both writers about wine! He especially has written a huge amount of books! I can't obviously name them here.. would be wrong.. but wow eh! 

So flight, it arrived into Malaga late so we left an hour late, when we landed in Heathrow my next flight was already, supposedly boarding, so had to get through security fast which wasn't easy.. so many signs saying don't run, the connection area must always be full of people arriving late and needing to board again quickly! 

Anyways! Boarded okay, then we sat on the tarmac for an hour! Problems with baggage, then food to transport? Fish apparently!! 

We made up for time though in the air and landed on my half an hour later than scheduled.

There was no food on the BA flight to London, so ate a lot on the next one, I had had no time to eat in Heathrow.. 

I weirdly had a bottle of water in my bag at Malaga, me??!!! For god's sake how many times have I moaned about idiots who carry water through!! Security guy was like wait . You have water? I was 'I'm so sorry!! I tavel so much!!' security was empty and luckily no one saw but him.. 

Then when I sat down at seat 29G to fly onwards from Heathrow.. a man saying everyone sit on your original seats.. I was surprised when he said I also had to move !! I had sat there instead of 39G!! And I knew it was 39G.. it was gate 39 and seat 39!! It was like I'd lost my mind!! So funny, so in a half empty plane I joined row 39.. four people in all, back row.. and although intended to move away, I stayed.. I'd already talked to the couple on my left.. So we were alright! And bathroom behind! Never used the bathroom so much as on that flight!! Just because I could!

Tried to sleep a little, but it's not easy for me.. after landing was easy through passport control and baggage claim.. out and picked up.. so easy.. 

Got to aunt's around midnight and next day cousin arrived from West Palm Beach.. 

Another cousin picked up the three of us, and drove us to another cousin's house for a special Saint Paddies day dinner of corned beef and cabbage.. from there, another driver and car to another cousins house for the night!

The next day we drove, another car.. to my aunt's party at a fire station.. fantastic..

When the cousin who was staying with us walked in.. he said pointing to this below..

Here's the Menu!! 

Was a fantastic party.. absolutely wonderful.. nearly a hundred of us.. some couldn't make it.. tonnes of food.. talking laughing just wonderful..

I think about most of the women thought there was one bathroom.. when you walked in there was a urinal on the left and two stalls.. but after walking in there I walked out and tried a door further down the hall and there was the ladies bathroom! 

After the party, another cousin another car to cousins then a turnaround and another car another cousin, back to aunt's house.. 

My cousin and I felt like we were part of a witness protection program! 

They kept us moving and changing drivers and cars!

Then Sunday we went into the city to meet up for lunch with a friend my cousin has known since they were about 8!

We got an Uber to train station, we thought we were alone in the train, then a guy asked us if we were going to Grand Central.. 

When we pulled into the Grand Central.. we stood.. no one on our train! No one anywhere near! 

The guy did show up again .. but where from?? 

It was totally weird.. especially with our continued transportation and driver and house changes!!

Even when we walked along the deserted corridors.. 

The station has obviously undergone a massive update, since I was last there, nine years May, it is amazing.. a stunning masterpiece of architecture..

I love this station!

Artwork, mural's.. all of it..

Everywhere was just so empty when we arrived, walking along corridor after corridor, coming up from the deepest platform.. heading for Lexington Avenue.. twists and turns.. was so funny!

Came out and no one about! That top photograph was what we saw.. 

It was also freezing! And I mean actually freezing! So my cousin flagged a cab that was right there.. for us! And we went to his friends appartment.. in a beautiful old building with a concierge.. of course we had to share the elevator with a gentleman called Max and his two corgis both in knitted coats! 

After coffee we headed back out into the cold and had brunch in a beautiful hotel restaurant, outside but undercover just like home..  although these in New York only appeared during covid, they're what we've been used to always in Spain outside the bars.. 

Where we love is home - home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts

Oliver Wendell Holmes snr

Going to close here.. 

Above was in the TWA hotel at JFK today.. 

But need to rest my thumbs now!

M.

Just heard this quote on TV.. 

We're born alone, we live alone, we die alone. Only through our love and friendship can we create the illusion for the moment that we're not alone.

Orson Welles 

I searched it and found this following from Reddit, it was written ten years ago so hope it's okay to copy here..

"Like any quote, the interpretation is ultimately up to the reader, I would suggest in this case, Orson was illustrating that ultimately, we are truly alone in this universe, from the moment we are born, to the moment we die. We view and experience the world through our own eyes, and we are only privy to our own thoughts and experiences.

People can share their thoughts and experiences with others, but ultimately, you can only understand them vicariously, through your own eyes, as it were, we can not TRULY understand what its like to live as someone else.

But, through love and friendship, socializing with others, we are capable of creating a momentary illusion that we are not alone, but that is all it is: an illusion, because at the end of the day, you are still stuck within your own mind and see the world through your eyes."

Something to think about just before bedtime! I understand what Orson is saying, but .. 

I don't believe, mmm no I don't feel it's strictly true.. we are not born alone.. we cannot be born without our moms.. not yet thankfully!! 

And I was with my mom and Franco when they passed, they didn't die alone.. Too many people do, I know, time, circumstances, it happens every moment.

But are you ever alone when you have love.. Love from partners, family, friends, our fur-babies.. 

Rich in our lives, histories, memories.. we are so full of our days.. and these things are always with us. Within us.

Nothing to do with understanding what it's like to live as someone else?

Or be stuck in your own mind?

Mmm too much too late in the day me thinks! 

And yesterday's procedure went well, as it could! Quick and over with and out of hospital before I knew it! It's all about stomach ache! Too many antibiotics! Must have taken them every three to four weeks for over a year! More, probably! Because of the kidney stones.. 

It was the first time I'd been in the hospital since I left April 1 2017.. 

Wasn't nice to be there, wasn't nice to be in the same place I'd been there with.. last time when .. well, when. (Sorry that makes no sense, probably, only to me).

M.

 

Breathe (In the Air) Pink Floyd 

How???.. How can this be nearly 50 years ago? What happened? Time? Life? Damn.. 

I can almost put myself back into my 13/14 year-old self.. see my bedroom.. my clothes.. hear my mom downstairs and my stepdad ..

The only time travel I can perform.. 

Penny our dog, the garden.. my memories get a little less real around the edges the more I try to move around the thoughts.. like trying to grasp hold of an elusive dream.. 

And maybe I'm trying to hard to think..

Especially today, going back isn't a good thing, but, well I shouldn't say 'but' was going to say they're the only truths we have, but is that actually true? 

Don't our memories fail us.. give us rosier pictures.. 

The future may be totally unknown, the past only what we remember, want to remember or can't forget.

And today, starvation for me, have a delightful procedure at the hospital mañana.. 

No food, just liquids, wonderful chicken broth for breakfast this morning and for lunch, and what the hell! For dinner later probably!

Had a coffee, black, no dairy.. up at the garden centre this morning with my vecina, made my stomach rumble! 

And now, feeling actually a little dizzy, very wobbly.. actually..

But in my pjs watching tv in the living room, woodburner fired up downstairs, all nice and cosy.  Later on the meds to take, to make a thorough job of preparing me for above procedure! 

My darling little Cassie has Scarlet fever.. I did at her age.. near the time the disease was almost eradicated from the UK..

When I had it I was covered in a rash from the fever and the rash blistered.. I can still see the blisters over the palms of my hands.. 

It also caused one of my heart diseases..

Related to strep throat too.. which my mom had as a child.. she had a strange purple blister on her lip from the strep, I grew up seeing it on her mouth, was just normal to me.. but when she was in her 70's she had it removed.. Now that was strange to me, to see her without it, all of my life..

Y ahora ciao amigos..

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.

Out on friends bike today, passenger of course.. much more relaxing.. not sure I could ever hold up a bike on my own..

Walked up the street looking like a cowboy without his horse.. or a cowgirl!?! 

Or just a woman with leather jacket, armoured jeans and lid! 

Went first to Motorcycle shop in Alhaurín de la Torre, Motos Garrido.. I got some gloves, and had I had X amount of money, although a good priced store.. just so many nice things!! To wear so little! So would be very silly also.. 

Had a coffee in nearby bar.. not good coffee and they took the money but didn't bring the coffee?? Must be the first time ever in Spain!?

Then went to Plaza Mayor which is also McArthur Glen.. the designer outlet..

Had another coffee, then came back to Alhaurín via the coast road and up past Mijas pueblo..

Really nice four hours out.. cold.. but nice.

I was starving when I got home... So eaten and now feel like a siesta! 

Wonderful amazing night last evening, moon Jupiter Venus perfect alignment..

My photo isn't that great, so adding the same from my constellation app..

Beautiful.. I could watch the stars all night..

M.

ps my asteroid dream is still on my mind..

The skies here have been looking decidedly strange last two days.. 

Yesterday morning, photograph above, but a little bit more normal but Monday evening the setting sun over Alhaurín was more sand colored than rosy red.. 

It started to rain in the evening also and kept on for a few hours.. 

And yesterday morning when I got to my car... It was filthy with dirt.. 

Above photograph taken Sunday early evening, had no filters.. very strange light..

Work yesterday in the shop and today I am off soon, bit later and to the warehouse.. yesterday was a good day as always, in spite or is it despite, the customers! 

But last night, or rather early hours of today, a very deep in-depth dream.. which may have taken mere moments to dreams.. felt to me hours, way too much to write.. but asteroids were falling all around me, small ones like pebbles, others the size of dinner plates.. they were hot! I reached out and touched some of them.. feeling the enormity of touching a piece of space.. felt amazing.. I mean, in my dreams, nothing lucid, as far as I am aware however wonderful or awful, my dreams are my reality when I sleep.. and this dream was amazing.. apart from the ones that fell, I also was amazed at the shooting stars that pasted by.. so many overhead in the dark sky above my head.. 

Only now I have Googled the meaning..

*Asteroids Dreams*

If the meteor or asteroid turns into a shooting star in your dream it represents your prayer or wish will come true.

'People also ask

What is the meaning of seeing asteroid in the dream?'

It brings unexpected problems with much more severe losses. This dream signifies radical changes and possible disasters or significant impacts that you did not expect. In another view, a meteorite in a dream reflects your vulnerability to unexpected significant changes.

So! Sounds like a warning for today? 

I'll drive carefully? Lift the heavy stuff carefully? 

I don't know.. 

Driving home the other day, in the light still.. on a bend a man was on my side of the road a good two feet, his gaze not on the road but down, probably on his phone, I moved as quickly and safely as I could, but didn't want to hit my barrier either! He must have been doing well over 80 because I was doing 70 and my car was rocked by his speed and closeness.

Take care my friends..

Enjoy every day, every moment, find the good in eachother..

M.

Today after coffee I drove over to Coín, popped into the garage because I was worried my passenger door was about to fall off! Got that fixed.. probably could have, should have! Done that sooner! 

Then I went onto La Trocha and had a coffee up in the shopping area, did a bit of shopping and then to Aldi.. 

Once I was home it was a quick change and off up the mountain!

Passed a man walking and a man on bike, as he passed he said "buenas tardes guapa.." (good afternoon beautiful), it's a very common phrase used by men and women to any girl/woman, from baby to aged.. bit like saying in English, "hi ya, how you doing".. so it's lost any significance I guess.. but I'm sorry, it's still a buzz from a younger man! How sad am I!! 🙈

Above view of the sea in the distance, I didn't get as far as usual.. probably only another kilometer, but it was hard going, didn't sleep well last night, and I really had to push myself.. 

There was a wonderful breeze which kept passing through the forest.. I love it when the wind travels in waves like that.. 

In the photograph below you cannot see what I saw! A beautiful yellow butterfly was flying and landed in here.. so I approached and the butterfly landed on the underside of a group of leaves, closed its wings, the underside of which were green and before I knew it, the butterfly had morphed into the tree! I could still see it, but no way here in the photograph!

Amazing how nature has a way of protecting itself from predators.. can't see us humans going unseen in front of wolves or bears.. not that I've seen many of those on our mountain! 

While I was walking, especially up hill, and my hip pain was really bad, I thought how when I thought it was the fibromyalgia it didn't hurt so badly, but now I know it's other stuff it hurts more now.. our minds can be our best friend and our worse enemy when it comes to our health.

This was an amazing moment, photograph below, the sun was catching something.. didn't see a mist, but it looks like it.. just an amazing look above the track.. stunning, so beautiful.. incredible.

I collected some pinecones and twigs, I have seen a brilliant idea, so tomorrow that might happen!

Almond blossom above and cherry blossom below.. 

While I was walking back I could hear this music, a deep beat booming through the forest.. Then I spotted a black 4 x4 up the next mountain path.. thought it was the sound of Jumanji for a moment!

I've walked this track a lot, but never seen this hole, cave? Not very big, but I could have slipped in there.. and not got out again!! Need to bring a torch next time, there's this and the big tunnel I want to investigate! Couldn't get any light in here for a good enough photograph.

Walked a headache out this morning and then I walked a headache back! But by the time I was home it had gone.. 

M.

Valentines Day

Pretty poor photograph content today! 

Should be something romantic, something red filled with hearts and flowers!

Well above sign is red.. Burger King! Joined a neighbor last evening to get his stock, then went here.. I only had ice-cream.. due to having had a large lunch in the restaurant Indian Flavour in Alhaurín yesterday.. 

And a counter full or oranges and lemons from a friends garden .. very nice..

Work was good today, as always, customers were all I good spirits.. apart from the ones who weren't! 

Cool again today, but it's quite nice.. after such a long hot summer... 

Happy Valentine's everyone.. 

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.

 

In Malaga for the day on Friday, cold but sunny.. this amazing super yacht was in the harbour .. info courtesy of the Olive Press newspaper..

Tried to take a photograph I'd not taken before in the park near the port..

This was a lucky moment with these parakeets so close..

And from the bus on the way home, also a lucky moment, seeing this little chap watching the road from his apartment! 

M.

Every exit is an entry somewhere else.

Tom Stoppard - Playwriter-Screenwriter

My sadness I carry deep inside me, it used to be on the surface, nearly every day, scratch that.. most days.

Now it's further down, which is good.. but life brings it up, the sadness surfaces like an air bubble escaping from under deep water

A movie, a song, more often just life

I wonder if a day will come when the sadness lays quietly it's head down and says.. she's done, let her be.

Or if forever it will lay only dormant, simply slumbering.. rolling in its sleep to remind me of its presence.

This has come to me this morning early, awake at five.. cuppa tea at half past, watching second movie before leaving my warm bed for the cold house.. 

Need to get my head in order.. 

I'll be fine once I'm up, always better after eating and a coffee..

Had a great day yesterday, it's going to be a good day today!

Need photograph for here.. bare with! 

I laugh to myself choosing a stormy view taken the other morning going to work.. that's the view above..

The next is from Mijas pueblo last week

M.

And we have 0° .. crazy!! 

This morning again.. It's always very strange when I reach the last episode of Frasier, always feel a little bereft.. As I've already posted the Tennyson poem at least twice, my search in the top left-hand corner of the desktop version of this page, tells me.. 

Last time was September 2017, but I'm sure I've repeated myself again since then? Seems only last year?

I am prone to repeating, after twenty years Blogging, I give myself permission for that!

I usually play that last episode twice, but not today. I'm done with it! 

Just makes me sad..

And in searching for the poem I came across a different poem, from August 7 2009.. Felt strange reading that one, seeing so much change since then.

It's way too cold here, never honestly seen in this cold.. felt it this cold.. got the halogen fire on at the moment, and my hands and feet are like ice, it's 10° in here with the fire on! 

M.

Everything is about chance isn't it, when it comes down to it... 

Mom and I atop a church in Oxford about 1987.

If anything was different about our parents, grandparents, even a different moment of conception by anyone at any time those ancestors of ours.. hahaha sorry! But it's true.. isn't it.. 

Therefore we are all here by chance.. So grab those chances that come to you, they are meant for you to grab! 

Ashridge Forest about 1990

I, in this weird head of mine sometimes even wonder how my day would have been had I taken a different turn on the road, or crossed the road somewhere different.. 

Everything makes for happenings.

Yes maybe in an extra strange mind just now, spent nearly six hours going through my old photographs, which also meant going through my mom's photos! 

Yep, definitely still a hippy chick.. age 13

The majority in plastic, four photos to a page, some had two to four in and then the packets..

I have now filled the plastic sleeves with up to five or six in each, thrown away a whole bag full of photos, kept important ones.. so have hundreds.. maybe a thousand so far? At least, will have a better idea tomorrow when I finish the job! 

About 1987

Spending all that time doing this I look around and nothing to show for it! But, I have meant to sort them out for a long time, so I should be happy with that! 

This dress, a cousin bought it over from the states, it was my aunt Gloria's, I tried it on.. fitted beautifully.. 

Then he took it back home.. 

I look like I would have back in the times of wild wild West!

And lastly, don't normally put many of me, so way too many today.. 

These two were taken about 1999 I think.. from the gardens in Mijas, overlook the Fuengirola coastline.

M.

New moon

January 21, 2023: Closest New Moon Since the Middle Ages

By Graham Jones. Published 17-Jan-2023RSS

This Saturday's New Moon will be the closest New Moon to Earth in a period of 1337 years.

timeanddate's Moon phase visualization tool showing the New Moon for January 2023

The New Moon of January 2023 coincides with the point in the Moon’s orbit where it is closest to Earth.

©timeanddate

A Remarkably Close New Moon

According to our calculations, on January 21, 2023, the New Moon will be at its closest distance to Earth for the last 992 years.

The next time the New Moon is this close to Earth will be 345 years from now, making this the closest New Moon in 1337 years.

And also at this time the ZTF comet should be able to be seen all night.. 

Well I've just been on the terrace, and what with my chimney and neighbours either side all puffing out enough smoke to give Victorian London smog a run for it's money.. no chance.. the whole town is awash with smoke.. the sky has plenty of stars but the haze between them and I was pretty dense! 

Had a good day yesterday, town and lunch and home... I bought a halogen fire, for quick heat.. why I am putting up with being cold in 2023 I have no idea!! 

I couldn't carry it home, had a nice curry lunch and got a cab! It's been eighteen years here soon, and only caught a cab home twice now.. 

The first time must be over ten years ago, and cost 5€ so pulling up outside my house yesterday I was unsure what price it would be... It was 5€! 

No change in a minimum of ten years.. 

A small daffodil in my little garden area.. a miniature daff.. small but perfectly formed! 

Today I went out later in the afternoon, so with difficulty I stayed in all morning.. my time for being out usually.. 

Was colder in the house than outside! 

Lit my burner when I got home, so house is nice and toasty.. 

I am still coughing well, and whatever is in my lungs is still rattling around and making the weirdest of noises.. worse laying down, but even sitting or walking.. 

I do feel much better though thankfully!

And tomorrow I think the market! Wrap up well and head out early! 

TTFN amigos!

M.