So busy again today in the house! Sorted out the cave in less time that I thought it would take me, and after about an hour I was done... I have a total of about six trash bags full, I'll take them to the bins bit by bit... or try and ram them all in my car in one hit! Who knows! LOL

I went up to sit on the terrace to read, and relax... but no! I stripped down a curtain by the tank... will leave it exposed.. Its fine like that... two shower curtains and wow! I can't believe it looks so good.

I didn't stop there, I moved some other stuff around up there, and tidied up where I had just been leaving things... its done now, and looks great.

I also tried tying up the stuff that lines the tin roof... its the stuff people use for fencing, but hanging down its stretched way too much... still for me, its okay.. but... then I am vertically challenged!

Its holding up a little, but needs serious reattaching, or replacing... I don't know... I guess it'll be alright for another fifteen years 🤞

I did read... but its a bit like movie watching for me.. read a page then do something else... And I'm reading a 'real' book, at the moment.. I actually tapped the page to turn it! Crazy huh!! Lol

TTFN
Marian

Right! I have taken a break... From what?

I'm not sure its escalated out of control and its not quite 3pm!

Firstly I came back from Coín with masks and goggles! etc etc...

I got straight to it, it being the areas of wall I had cleared in the living room, I skimmed over the bare patches with a flexible filler product, it went on mostly okay, so will leave it alone now and paint it over in a few days time.

I then went downstairs and on with the ceiling! I got up on the top of the ladder ☹ Bit wobbly what with having left the rug down... Lol.... but it was okay enough! I was still using the small plastic spreader to dislodge the loose plaster and blue flaky paint.

At some point I realized I just couldn't do the job properly with the little scraper thingy, so thought to look in the cave... by way of the terrace... my goggles were already sweated and steamed up and I was having trouble breathing through the paper mask! Nightmareishly funny!

In the bizarre I had a bit of a light-bulb moment, and for three euros thought, hoped, it would be worth the risk... I bought a shower curtain, to use as a curtain for up on the terrace.. Since the original material that we had came down a long time ago, its been one thing after another, and the last 'other' tore.

So I got the cheap curtain, went up onto the terrace, hooked the plastic rings that came with it, into place and stood, shakily... again! Hooked the rings over the bar that still seems firmly in place... and ta da! Excellent! Perfect... only took fourteen years to come up with this bright idea!  The other ideas, by the way, were all good at the time! Lol...

So, after hanging the curtain, I thought I'd sweep down the stairs and the terrace, tidy up a bit.. Great all good!

Then into the cave!! First I checked the little drawer I have in the kitchen.. its.. it was... under a unit and holding little bits and pieces for quick access.. screwdrivers, glue gun few nails and plugs.. glue.. other bits and pieces as they came and stayed!

I pulled the whole drawer out and saw it had been eaten in the corner, the whole corner chewed a way, so either a woodlouse or maybe ants?

(Turned on the oven.)

I emptied it all out on the floor and mopped under the unit to clear away and debris.

(Put in leftover half of a quiche I made yesterday.)

I thought I better get something else for these bits and pieces, in the cave (at last), so started looking for something in there, but started finding damp stuff, electrical cables that really shouldn't have been in there, other bits and pieces.. I have now filled two bin bags full of crapola!

There is so much more but I'm not dressed for the cave, not really dressed for DIY period!

I came out had a bit of a wash!! And have eaten the quiche!

Having a bad after lunch desert now...

The biggest bag on Spanish smarties ever made! Maybe...

Oh and yes! I found a much bigger, much better, built for purpose scraper to get more of the ceiling off, later!

TTFN
Marian

Breakfast at Tiffanys... (Nigels)

Yesterday a trip down to Torremolinos and breakfast at the Tudor Rose... taking a friend who hadn't been down there for a long time and was one of his places he liked to go...

I had had my breakfast already... of course! So by about 10:30... still not really hungry, but I managed to force down a very tasty salon and scrambled egg with a slice of toast and lashings of butter... also coffee'd out, I had a pot of tea to accompany the above!

Its a nice spot just here... there... and I nip down through the countryside to get to Torremolinos and parked immediately and immediately is the Tudor Rose! Perfect!

One of the last pull flush toilets that I know of! And is a running joke I am only there to pull Nigel's chain! Well, maybe so, but also for the always good food and friendly service... always a good visit.

We had a short walk along the paseo maritimo before heading back to Alhaurín and my friends car...

This morning after town I set to with what I thought was quite a bad bit of paint flaking going on, maybe a bit of what was caused by the winter and rain and not enough fresh air... I bought a plastic sheet for the next project a pair of sturdy gloves and a wire thingy... technical term! But turned out the flaking paint was as bad as I thought and it took only a few minutes to clear off the powdery stuff and rub it back to cement or plaster ... Spanish houses!  I'll get a primer tomorrow and paint next week!

Downstairs was, is, a bigger project, and I nearly thought to leave it until tomorrow, but I made a start, putting the big plastic sheet down.. 4 x 5 metres... I started pulling down the loose plaster on the ceiling beneath the bathroom... from the damage caused by the bath leaking... about two and half years ago now I am guessing... the paint on the ceiling beneath the plaster is smurf blue... dry is bad enough, when it was wet and dripping blue it wasn't funny at the time.. but was... it is a memory stuck in a bubble... of utter 'what else' and blue hair from the dripping paint... humour in sight of devastation...

Humour when all else is lost... the human condition? Yes, that is it... the human condition...

So I stood on the floor and using the skylight window opener... lol... yes, I am very inventive! I started hooking the obviously loose patches of plaster off, revealing more and more smurf blue!  It was awkward to say the least... so I used a chair... then climbed up the stairs... to releave the pain in my neck.. already!!! Not good enough once I'd got the extra loose stuff off... So I got the ladder... and had to climb to the top to actually reach the ceiling.. being vertically challenged as I am!

I used a thing, for putting on filler and scrapped a great deal more off, but... I stopped because I am always telling people to use masks and goggles in this type of situation and that would be typical if I got some in my eyes, I also am not sure how old the paint is and if its lead based.. more than likely.  So tomorrow, mask and goggles before I finish it off!

And now I am trying to not get into my VR just yet...

Its too hot already for me on the terrace to sit and read; I really need a big tree up there... So maybe something else to do..


TTFN
Marian


song Rosanna... by Toto, because? Just because... I started singing it for no apparent reason.. so thought it best I pass it on here!

Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes.

Because for those who love with heart and soul

There is no such thing as separation.

Rumi

Me and her when I was in Nottingham over Easter... 

Random day today... Plan was La Trocha car boot, meet up at 9am for coffees'... nope, no, and didn't happen! Up too late last night, got home at 23:50... and later to bed... Alarm went off at seven thirty this morning, switched it off... Got up and had my porridge and blueberries, coffee... settled down on the day-bed watching Fraser... and before I knew it, it was half past nine! I'd pulled over a cushion, pulled up the afghan and I was... apparently... out like a light! Lols

I've watched a great movie, absolutely great! Zac Efron and John Malkovich, even the guy from Big Bang Theory Jum Parsons! Strange watching it the other day and I though I have never seen any of these people in anything else and then bam! or Bang! Here he is!

Random photograph... coffee and sunshine!

Also, a few nights ago, taking about music, chatting about likes and dislikes, and the other person asked me if I knew the song by Leonard Cohen Closing Time... I didn't, hadn't heard of it... I know Leonard Cohen, but not especially any of his music..

Anyway, conversation ended and I thought no more of it.  Until the following morning, eating my breakfast, and watching a US detective program.. Cold Case I think, they play a lot of music throughout each episode... and there was the song! Closing Time, by Leonard Cohen! I didn't know it to begin, then the lyrics... its Closing Time... Closing time... Wow! Weird crappola happens a lot, especially when we're not looking out for it! And this ranks high on the weird scale!

Today, now... nearly 3pm.. town in quiet, the last day of the fair today, or rather this evening... So people who didn't close their eyes until 4 or 5... or 6am... they are still in their sweet dream worlds.. powder blue skies... a few light fluffy clouds out towards Ardales way... Its a beautiful day...

It seems its a hungry day today also! Although had my dinner, so that was lunch! I tried something different... I had bought a jar of some beautiful tomato and herbs for a pasta meal later in the week, its only a small jar... I chucked a spoonful of it into the rocket machine with half a yellow pepper, a small red pepper, and two desert spoons of cream cheese! So nice with the chicken and salad!

My Oculous Go is powering up and I'll be taking residence in there shortly! Until the 'your device is getting hot' sign comes up!! Lol

TTFN
Marian

Yesterday afternoon I came up onto the terrace after watching the movie... bit of sun cream... because we all should! Factor 30 for me... even more need to protect my skin than ever.

After a while I got tired reading, although my head was in the shade... of the washing drying on the line... it was hot hot hot!

So I drank my glass of water, slung up my hammock and got comfortable, in the shade... the beautiful breeze keeping me gently moving and I closed my eyes... drifted off for a moment listening to the birdsong... the occasional motorbike in the distance... and nothing much more, no voices, no cars on the street... nothing..

I was thinking how we are all on a road... we're not driving... its like being upstairs, up front, on the 312 from Berkhamsted to Hemel Hempstead... the big old double-decker bus... You couldn't see the driver, you couldn't see who boarded or left at any time, all you could do was sit, watch the road, and the bus took us.

Life is like that, you're headed down a road, there may be twists and turns, maybe you can see them as you approach, but that's it... you don't own the choices all the time, even if you think you do.

Life takes it away...

May 25, Saturday

I came down after what felt like a couple of hours, not having my phones with me, totally unaware of the time... and not minding one little bit!

Last night I had trouble negotiating this route with the hundreds of people flooding this street and all along the lower road... Looks so calm here at ten this morning! Apart from plastic glasses, some bottles and wet places along the way!!

Meeting my friend at a tapas bar... but we didn't stop there, too busy... correction, waaaayy to busy! So we walked along and up past the Cruz roundabout to a bar much further up the street.  Sitting outside in the beautiful warm evening, watching the world go by... which included women dressed in the very best flamenco dresses... beautiful colors and designs... everything perfect, their hair, make-up... Stunning!  The guys on their horses... sat on the front seats guiding the well dressed horses along c/Gerard Brennan, their passengers wearing the beautiful flamenco dresses or smart suits for the men...

Another couple of friends joined us about ten'ish I think... and I got a lift to the roundabout nearer my house, and only had to walk back down, instead of a long haul up to it! Got home about half eleven, so not too bad... I watched some TV, ate ice-cream and got to bed about half twelve..

Today I was awoken by birdsong at six am! They let me sleep for another hour but I was up and ready for the day by then!

The pretty pom poms on this shop window are actually for voting here tomorrow, the European election... I better read the stuff tonight and be ready to see who I am voting for tomorrow!!

Had coffee in town early this morning, back out this afternoon for more feria fun!

TTFN
Marian

Very quiet down in town this morning... most of the business's are closed, feria day today.. Lots going on! Day and night!

A one man feria machine came up the street past the bar about 8:30! All music, all balloons and all party party party!  We could all hear his approach well ahead of him appearing before us! Everyone was stunned! Lol... I couldn't get a front shot of him... and later headed home he was driving up the middle of the street so fast I missed him face on again!

All the bars are out already for the main day events... being stocked with glasses and plates... barrels of beer and pumps... everything from the Plaza Baja back up the street!

Later on this street will be heaving with people, fun and laughter and music and everyone dressed up to the nines! 

Tonight I am into town for tapas! I better dress feria styling!

As I write, I am also watching a great movie... Trainwreck its called, bit of a chickflick maybe? But good nonetheless... and just seen the area of the park where I scattered my mom...

I am so looking forward to seeing and spending time with my family in LA in July... but also makes me miss New York all the more..

TTFN
Marian

Back in Alhaurín now... and above the feria is in town! Just the street shade to keep us cool... It started last night.  First the rocket fire, then I could hear the procession making its way down into town from the lower road near here... The giants and bands and all the fun of the fair! Sounded good, its usually the only part of the fair I go to... seeing the procession near the Cruz roundabout making their way down to the fair ground.  Sat eating normally... me that is!  Once 'they' get into the fair ground the street lights are lit and the fun begins! Half price for kids on the first night!

Banks and stores opening later today, and people seem very tired!!

For today though, I walked into town about 8am and had coffees with the 'boys', then went into my old work place and had a catch up with friends there, I strolled back home and came in, I had to find something that needs posting tomorrow and I needed the bags for the car...

which I then drove to Coín... I went first to La Trocha garage, the car needed a clean, in a big way, so for two euro it got the full works! Rinse first, then soap, then rinse again and finally shine wash!  All done by yours truly! It gets slippery underfoot, and the power hose sort of throws me back when I press the start on each procedure! But apart from probably looking hilarious, its good fun!  I drove out and into the La Trocha parking.

I had a wonder around Carrefour and the other shops up there.  Then I was off to Aldi for provisions!

When I got back home there was a neighbors car in the way, so I waited patiently, its always okay when its neighbors... they went and another came up behind me, who waited while I parked outside and got everything out... Because they live opposite and they got out when I drove off!

Now on here, charged up my VR, had lunch.. swept the terrace and going to ride a roller-coaster or three! Fight some dragons and help Laura Croft find some hidden treasure...


Quote: my Nayyirah Waheed (my new favourite poet)

Some people
when they hear
your story
contract,
Others
upon hearing
your story
expand,
and
this is how
you
know

TTFN
Marian

If music be...

Asked the other day about positive things I enjoy.. happy feel good stuff..

Walking through a forest with spring flowers, standing or sitting where the waves slide in and out across the sand and shells...you know that lovely sound?

Most definitely being with my grandchildren.. Cassie has brought me more joy and love than I would or could have ever imagined...

Being in my favourite places.. mountain tops; and quiet corners of Mijas... New York, where I scattered my mom; and just everywhere there.

All shared here in Blog posts over the years..

Another big thing is music.. I could put on a piece and instantly be where and when with it... Always brought good happy feelings.. Now I put on my music when I'm walking, still, but whatever playlist I play (shuffle is the worse), it's like walking through a kaleidoscope of colors and emotions. I can go from striding along to the beat to crying.. from track to track..

TTFN
Marian

I better blog before I forget stuff!

Last week I started work in a nearby supermarket. Wednesday it was.. had about five hours training, there were only six of us, and the training lady, who was my interviewer.

Was a good day, we broke for a free lunch in the canteen; good food and coffee down in an hour and back to training.

Had another short break later of fifteen minutes. Time went very quickly.

The next wasn't really a free day, had to get to the employment office early, to hand in the contract paperwork... So getting the bus in early I disembarked at the last stop and walked down to the office.. unfortunately I followed my nose! Lol.. which as always led me in the correct direction...

But... I walked into the industrial estate and kept on walking...no pathways! Until I was as near as I could get but a rope and tackle distance away! I asked a group of guys if I could get there without going all the way back as my Google maps told me I should! I was shown a way through, behind the units, and up four flights of metal stairs... Over a metal bridge! And ta da! There was the office immediately to my left! Job done!

I went in and was seen immediately!

I then walked all the way back! Omg! One long walk! I walked back into la Línea and arrived in the town centre at 09:40 ... I needed to buy a yellow top for work on Friday, to support mental health awareness Day in the branch.. so I stopped at a bar and had coffee and cake! I deserved it after such a long haul walk!

Which I then had to, unfortunately repeat the next day!

Friday I had to go back to the employment office to collect the paperwork I had taken in the previous day, heard of long tiresome lines in both there and the tax office I was there before it opened at 08:30!

Waited with one of the others from training and two other random people. We went in on time, all of us served at the same time.. lots of counters... Then straight to the tax office, no-one waiting, pulled a ticket and went straight in!

Now the reason I repeated the long haul walk was I had forgotten both my phones!!! So being so early, had to be in work for noon.. I walked back to the apartment.. got there at 09:40! Picked up the phones and turned back around again! Got to work about 11:00 and sat and chatted with some of the other trainees.

Had a good second day.. we had work modules to do and some time on the shop floor before more training.

No free lunch today! But all good.

So that was Friday... And I worked Saturday! I had another module to complete then the next six hours on the shop floor! Was a hard day, I haven't had any checkout training yet, so was mostly put-backs and loading up baskets and returning to the entrance. Put-backs!! People! Do not put things down in random places!! Or decide against your purchases at the tills!!! Por favor!! Porqué???

I left the supermarket last night about 9:35pm I think, getting a bit dark out, no buses after nine so walked through to the frontier, eerie walking over the runway in the dark.. but lots of groups of people going past me, do wasn't alone out there! Lol

Through passport control and back into La Línea!

Off today, need it too! I have muscle and backache and exhausted! Lol

Back in tomorrow for my start training on the checkout!

TTFN
Marian

Errors and omissions blah blah.. typing on my phone!

At last!

Taken this view a hundred times, never tire of it.. taken from Rivera del Sol.. looking out over the Med..

I was buying meds... But what a view...

Lucky to have lived so close to the sea here.. and make such wonderful friends. Always love being down here.. not as much as home in Alhaurín of course, but this is where my love of our beautiful country really begun...

Thirty years ago February, I first came to Calahonda, six months after first stepping onto these shores... Up at Torrevieja, on the Costa Blanca.

I wonder at times of my Italian grandparents, sailing over stormy waters, risking so much to travel from Italian shores to the US of A... It would take about ten days now, but over a hundred years ago could have been four to six weeks.

Leaving families and friends behind, to a new land, never seen.. No idea of what lay ahead except the prospect of a better life for them and their forthcoming children.

Now here I am, back on the Mediterranean!

A cousin on mom's father's side.. she lived in Gibraltar too, for a while. (I wonder if there are accessible census lists anywhere?) Her descendants have been pulled to this country also.. further up the coast but here nonetheless.

Taken from outside a store in Gibraltar... the cloud rising up above from the Mediterranean on the other side, meeting the air from the Atlantic on this other side.

Actually I was here before a job interview...

And.. I got the job!!!  Celebrations all round! 'At last.'

Three months here, three months of worry and wondering what I can do... Had two other interviews, one I turned down, one I was turned down.

It's good to have this now, financially and mentally.

Summer is slow to pick up down here, only one and a half hours from Alhaurín, but very different weather; coming through the last tunnel on the toll road, you leave one weather system and enter another! Winds, always winds.. or very nearly! Nice on a hot day, but bloomy chilly when it's been a gray day.

You know, I tried my most positive to be 'most positive' about this latest position for work.

Monday I imagined the phonecall, I put my start date in my calendar, next Monday actually, with a countdown set also on my phone.

I also added the ladies name into my contacts so I would know it is her when she called...

Must try harder at this thinking positive thing; I always was a positive person, never negative; a true believer in getting what we talk and think about. Aware therefore of negative thoughts and feelings, and words.

The universe is listening.

We had the MotoGp in nearby Jerez at the weekend, dozens of beautiful bikes passing through, always are a few on the very best of days.. especially noticeable when summer is just beginning..

Someone I know was there, and then I thought I saw him walking over the runway yesterday! But we all do that don't we.. we see people who we have been thinking of, or expecting or hoping to see.  I still see my mom at a distance, and stupidly disappointed when it's not her, even though I know it never could have been.

TTFN
Marian