Sunday, March 17, 2024

Kate's photo is much ado about nothing, 20th anniversary of the Madrid train bombings, the Oscar goes to Oppenheimer, making progress with my book about our road trip to Armenia, a sunny break in Asturias and other stories of the week.

 El Cuetu, Asturias, Sunday 17th March, 2024

Great to be back in Asturias, especially with this sunny weather

Top of the morning to you all from  Asturias, our first time back here since December.

Last Sunday was what used to be called in England, "Mothering Sunday" and it's quite a big thing. Kate Middleton, the missing Princess of Wales due to a stomach operation clouded in mystery, made the news that the day and all because of a seemingly innocent photo with her children she posted on social media. There has been a lot of speculation around her illness and why she isn't back in public service. I suppose posting the photo was her way of saying she is ok and I'm sure she is. I'm sure she just needs some rest. What she didn't need was world wide coverage and criticism that the photo had been doctored in some way. I mean don't we all edit our photos on our phones in an amateur way? The story got bigger and bigger so poor Kate had to issue a statement justifying the editing. Even The Times had a go at examining the photo with a magnifying glass. Just look. 

The picture of discontent

Frankly for me the topic was much ado about nothing and I honestly think Kate's photo should not have been subjected to such ridiculous scrutiny. I wonder if you agree. 

It was not "Mother's Day" in Spain last week which is in May. However, I did, however,  perform my role as mother when Oli and the children came for lunch. Because I still couldn't chew, I made something soft; what better than Shepherd's pie? Very British you probably think and you are right. This was it as it came out of the oven piping hot.

Shepherd's pie for lunch last Sunday

The house was full of guests that day, as usual I should add. This week we have had representatives from India, Iraq, Spain and Mexico. Funnily enough they were all young and doing similar courses - a Master in Sport nutrition - and ended up making friends. Sarang came to live semi permanently on Tuesday and my other Indian guest, Niranjan, was delighted as the former made curry for everyone. Sarang is from Mumbai and Niranjan from Nasik. I can only imagine they were both happy  to be able to talk in Marathi together.  If my dear friend Sandra who was born in Bombay had been there, she would have been in her element. PS the only word I know in Hindi is "Namaste". Sandra tells me that in Marathi it is Namaskar. I must say that to them when we go home tomorrow. I love it when my guests make friends.  Mohammad posted a photo of him with Sarang, Rocío and Gabriela having dinner and entitled the picture "the nutrition squad". This is it. It tickled me pink.

My Airbnb sport nutrition guests making friends this week. Mohammad in green, Sarang on his left and the girls Rocío and Gabriela. They are from Iraq, India, Spain and Mexico. It looks like they are eating curry again.

That night was the Oscars but these days I don't stay up to watch the very long awards ceremony although I remember doing so as a teenager in Bradford, sprawled out on our big yellow velvet sofa.

On Monday I woke up to hear that the much acclaimed film, Oppenheimer (the author of the atom bomb) won nearly all the awards. I was sorry that best foreign film didn't go to The Society of Snow. It went to The Zone of Interest which I have to see. It is about a German officer's family living next door to Auschwitz, so it will be just up my street. Oppenheimer too which is available on Prime Video for just 4.99. So why bother going to the cinema? We shall watch it soon, for sure. 

Monday 11th March was the 20th anniversary of the Madrid train bombings at the hands of Al Qaeda - although at the beginning everyone was sure it was the work of the Basque terrorist group, ETA. 11M is our 11S also perpetrated by Al Qaeda three years before. 

One of the brutal images from the 11th March train bombings

Anyone who was in Spain that day will remember what they were doing when they found out. I was in Segovia with my dear friend Anne. It was her leaving party as the Head of Marketing for Nokia Spain. The morning after, just as were going to have breakfast, oblivious to the bombing which took place around 7.15, her mother rang from Finland to find out if Anne was ok. That's how we found out. We rushed to a bar with a TV and saw events unfold. It is still the biggest terrorist attack on European soil. About 10 bombs exploded on 4 trains killing 191 people and injuring thousands more. It happened 3 or 4 days before the General Elections and most people think the attacks were politically inclined. The terrorists wanted the left wing opposition party to win rather than the right wing PP party in power. After all, in their mind the government deserved punishment for allying with the US, the UK and Portugal in their war against Iraq. Whatever their objectives, the left wing party, PSOE, did win the elections and most probably because of the train bombings. 

That was the main news on Monday and most of the week. I remember returning from Segovia 20 years ago this week to Nokia House in Pozuelo but none of us could work. I just went home and sat glued to the TV shocked at what I saw. I even went to the mass demonstration in Madrid the next day, one of the very few I have ever been to. 

For Sunni Muslims that day marked the beginning of Ramadan. Mohammad who is a Shia Muslim started his month of fasting on Tuesday. You see, politics also divide Muslims. Amazing. 

I didn't fast on Monday but it has felt like it at times with all the dental treatment I have undergone. I can still only really eat soft food. Oh when will this be over or rather, when will my mouth feel normal? My gums were still sore from the bleaching which made things even worse. All these things were discussed during my weekly Skype call with my dear friend Amanda. Oh how lovely to have a close friend to get things off your chest. I do wish we lived nearer. I wish the same of my other best friends, Sandra, Adele and Kathy. 

Tuesday put me in a better mood as we got the good weather back. The sun shone and the weather is going to be great at least until Easter. That day I worked more on the contents of my book or rather travel diary of our road trip last year from Spain to Armenia. It's mostly a compilation of the 8 blog posts I wrote during the trip; one every Sunday; that, the maps and itineraries, accommodation and of course an introduction. My dear friend Sandra helped me with the front cover which is probably going to be this one or similar. No doubt, my editor will be Amanda, bless her, just as she was with my father's book. Adele, Sandra and I spent all week debating the title and subtitle and no doubt we could carry on for months but at some stage I have to make a decision. This is work in progress. Hope you like it.

Draft front cover of my book, the diary of our road trip to Armenia - 14 countries in 50 days, two oldies in a Mini.

The book is just for us really but I shall have a shot at publishing it on Amazon Kindle. So watch this space.

Wednesday was another anniversary. It was 4 years since the State of Alarm after Coranavirus was declared a pandemic. Gosh! I heave as I think what we all went through. But, I and my family were spared. We were very lucky. For our generation, this is our WW2, relatively speaking of course. It is something we shall never forget as it affected us all.

We went out on errands and had coffee together at Manacor. Eladio took a photo of me. At the time I was wearing the provisional bridges in my teeth which felt odd but my husband thought looked great. Bless him.

Coffee with my "new teeth" (provisional) on Wednesday at Manacor.
We sat in the sun talking about this year's road trip. That's our main topic of conversation at the moment. We shall not leave until May this time as we want to be with Suzy when she turns 40 on 28th April. Wow!

We were going to stay with her on Thursday when she sent a message to ask us to postpone our visit until next week. That put a spoke in our wheels but we soon decided we were going to travel anyway - I had done the packing -but to El Cuetu in Asturias instead. In any case we had to come here before Easter when our first guests of the year arrive. But before leaving I had my dental appointment to put in the 3 new bridges, the  final ones. We drove there with our luggage and food as well as Pippa and got to Majadahonda a least an hour too early. So what did we do? We went to have a coffee on the lovely pedestrian precinct Gran Via and we sat in the sun. Here is a photo to prove it. 

Coffee in Majadahonda on Thursday

By the way, we were both wearing blue and white stripes that day -a coincidence. I was at the dentist by 11 for my 11.15 appointment. I honestly thought it would be one of the easiest sessions but it was pretty awful. I came out feeling like a zombie and couldn't even smile to show my teeth as my mouth was completely numb. I was not in the best of states for a 5 hour journey to El Cuetu. Thankfully Eladio drove. We stopped for lunch at a godforsaken place in Simancas near Valladolid. Of everything they had on the menu, I could only eat an omelet, the softest food available. It just served to fill my stomach. One of my teeth under the bottom bridge was throbbing and aching, something I had mentioned to my dentist. He told me it is common to feel sensitivity after putting in a new bridge due to some possible inflammation in the pulp of a tooth after such extensive treatment. As I write now it is feeling better and Dr. Google has informed me this side effect  normally disappears within 2 or 3 weeks.

We didn't get to El Cuetu until at least 5.30 or 6 and I felt tired. Apart from the teeth, I had been on my phone nearly the whole journey with Airbnb related work. I may be retired but I haven't stopped working .I can't believe just how popular our house outside Madrid is with guests. There hasn't been one night this year, so far without any.

So it was quite a relief to arrive to an empty house. But it was cold even though my neighbour, Loli, had put on the heating that morning. It's 100 years old and is not energy efficient. But it wasn't cold in bed and I had brought my dressing gown so I was fine. However, because of the pain in my tooth and the uncomfortable feeling of the new bridges in my mouth, I slept pretty badly.

I was up around 7.30 on Friday morning and soon greeted with sunshine. In Russia people started voting on Friday and I think the polls close today. They will mostly be voting for the maniac Putin -as there is no opposition, especially since he did away with Alexei Navalny. Damn the man who has been in power for more than 24 years and will probably die in power.

But we were't thinking about him when we drove to our nearest town, Posada de Llanes. Eladio took a photo of me as we left - for this blog of course. This is it. 

Outside our village house in El Cuetu on Friday morning

In Posada we needed things from the ironmonger. However, the market was open and I couldn't resist a visit. I bought a light blue and white summery jumper which I put on later as my other jumper was far too warm. I also got some pretty multi coloured sneakers from a great shoe shop called "Pisando Fuerte". That's where, Sandra, Adele and I had some bought shoes when we came here together in 2021. I later looked up the brand and it's Corina. I think they are wholesale shoemakers who supply to places like Pisando Fuerte. 

Lovely new sneakers I bought on Friday in Posada. The make is Corina (must remember that)

By then it was time to drive to beautiful Llanes for coffee at La Galerna where we always have coffee in that lovely and distinguished seaside town. But first we parked and walked to the pretty town beach called Playa del Sablón. I had to have a picture which you might like to see as I am wearing the new blue and white striped summer jumper. Nice eh?

By the Sablón Beach in Llanes on Friday morning

We were lucky to find a free table in the sun at La Galerna. We had been pining to have a coffee there since we were last here in December. Across the way is that splendid gourmet shop that specialises in Asturian sourced food. Called Aramburu, I always get fresh eggs there, some pie, chorizo and sundry. I don't buy the famed Asturian cheese as you probably know I hate cheese. Odd you may think,...

Just before we left Llanes I took a photo of Eladio (and Pippa - of course) at La Galerna. 

 

Eladio (and Pippa) at La Galerna in Llanes on Friday morning

I always get a good feeling there and so does my husband. It was getting late and before heading home for lunch we had to stop at the ubiquitous Almerka supermarket to get household goods such as loo roll, bleach, washing powder, etc, to leave to Loli. I also got a box of cider and packets of crisps for our guest welcome packs. 

Lunch was very easy as I had brought it with me; Asturian bean stew which needed heating up and voilá. 

That evening between us we got the TV working again. Frequencies have changed - again - and we had to get a TV decoding device. It all came in Italian but somehow we managed. I don't know what we watched that night as I soon fell asleep. I got my best night's sleep during our stay and on Saturday morning I woke up surprised to feel the pain in my tooth was receding. Finally, I could enjoy our stay here.

We chilled out in the morning, sitting in the sun on our terrace which is looking a little forlorn as most of the flowers are dead or haven't come out yet. I took a selfie to see what my new teeth look like and this is them. What do you think?

 

My new teeth. Finally I look good in lipstick
Coffee that morning was at a funny little bar called Bar La Venta Los Probes where we had been a few years ago with Oli, Miguel and Elliot. Here is Eladio sitting in the sun having his coffee

Coffee on Saturday morning

We were surrounded by nature, lots of cows and a bull. There were also hens and cockerels. With this scenery I had to take a video which you can see here. When Oli sees my videos, she always says I would have been a good reporter. Thank you darling.

We were soon off again, this time up the mountains - the Peaks of Europe  - where we had booked a table for lunch in the pretty village of Asiego (or Asiegu as it is referred to here). We had been to Casa Niembro last September and were impressed with the place and the food. Asiego boasts the best views of the famous mountain, El Naranjo de Bulnes - more often called Pico Urriellu in Asturias. It is over 2500 m high and is not the highest in the Picos but the most famous probably because of its unusual shape. Here is a photo of Eladio and Pippa  with the famous mountain in the background. .

In Aseigu yesterday

Casa Niembro did not disappoint and was quite full that day as the weather was spectacular. We tried the typical "tortos" which I have only ever seen at this restaurant. These are them and they were delicious. They are a sort of puffed up bread made with corn.

Tortos with ham and vegetables - mouthwatering

Local cider was served and we had nearly a whole bottle. We both chose baby goat for our second course and Pippa who was under the table got lots of titbits. Lunch in Asiegu has been the meal I have enjoyed most since the start of my dental treatment. Of course, my diet went out of the window that day but who cares. I refuse to be a fundamentalist when it comes to dieting hahahah. We came home and both had at least an hour's siesta. I woke up feeling a bit whoozy but good. Life is good my friends.

And today is Sunday, our last full day here before we return home tomorrow. The day is ours for the taking. 

Wishing you all a happy Sunday, all the best until next week,

Cheers Masha









c






c



c

Sunday, March 10, 2024

"For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health": always together, final dental appointments, some good news, International Women's Day and other tales of the week.

 Sunday 10th March, 2024

Coffee  last Sunday. Always together.
Hello again everyone. How are you all doing? I am coming to the end of my dentist tunnel adventure which began at the end of November. What a journey it has been but I'm getting there.

I was not thinking about my teeth - and you can't imagine how much I do and how much I look at other people's teeth - when we went for our walk to one of our nearest bars last Sunday.  We bumped into Mohammad, our Iraqi lodger who had missed the bus so joined us for coffee. Thus we got a photo together, for once. It made me think we are always together, especially since I have retired. We mentioned that too when Eladio fell recently, remembering our marriage vows which include these words "for better, for worse,  in sickness and in health". That is so true. That took me back in my memory to our wedding day. I had chosen the old fashioned text, excluding of course "to obey". I remember Eladio having  great trouble saying "and so to I pledge thee my troth". I could never have loved him more than in that moment and I broke down and cried in the middle of my marriage ceremony. It got all the women guests crying too. My vicar who came from England,  the Very Reverend Brandon Jackson, said to me:  "you have all the time in the world" (to calm down) and after a touch on my arm from my father and my mother-in-law, I finally got myself together and the ceremony continued. We made those vows on August 21st 1983, more than 40 years ago and since then we have had our ups and downs but our marriage has been rock solid always and these days we are always together. I wouldn't want it any other way. 

We walked back home in harmony and found Oli and the kids had arrived in our absence. I quickly finished making our lunch - stuffed roast shoulder of lamb (delicious) but I couldn't eat much as my stomach had been playing up. Think I must have got a virus of some sort. What with that and hardly being able to chew while my dental treatment is ongoing, as well as being on a sort of diet, I am happy to announce I have lost weight. I know by how my clothes fit, not because I have got on the scales. I hate the scales, don't you? 

Monday came and I went for the first of my two bleaching sessions for my bottom front teeth. They have to match the colour of my new bridges. My dentist has gone for the lightest natural colour possible. It is B1. I always had very white teeth but didn't know the colour. I thought I was an A1 which you would think is lighter, but no, it is B1. The dentist who bleached my teeth said that's the colour of baby teeth. Here is the chart I have had to choose from. 

Colour chart for teeth.

But even a B1 is not really white. So how I wondered how do Hollywood celebrities get theirs so white? By cheating as they choose a non natural white colour. That would be a bit much for me I think. 
 
Back to the bleaching. I did it 20 odd years ago and it was far more expensive and I needed many sessions. These days it's a lot faster. In one single session my bottom front teeth improved by about 3 shades. The process hurt my gums though and I have to wait a while until they heal for the next one. Just look at part of the process. I dared to take a selfie while I was undergoing it. 
 

Again I was reminded of the French saying "Il faut souffrir pour être belle". Absolutely. That has been in my head ever since I started on all the dental work since I began in November. When I shared the photo and others with my friend Sandra, this was her reply which had me in stitches: "OMG! Not sure I could handle all that & take pictures! Glad we don’t have to see your Gynae pics!!!!"

Anyway, I  came out very happy with the result and made my way home. I think I could drive blindfold to and from the dentist in Majadahonda as I have been so often. 

That night we watched Legends of the Fall, a wonderful romantic film set in the US around WW1 with Antony Hopkins and a very young Brad Pitt. What a marvelous film. 

On Tuesday I pampered myself and got an appointment at the local nail parlour I got to "D-Uñas", run by a group of beautiful Colombian girls. That day I did not have to suffer to look beautiful. Not only did I have my nails done, I also died my eyelashes and eyebrows. Gosh, that made a huge difference as mine are so light and blonde with the odd white hair. This was the result.
After having my nails painted and my eyebrows and eyelashes dyed.

I always think as a woman, and as a man, it's so important to have good hair, teeth and nails, or for them to look good.

That day was referred to as "Super Tuesday" in the US. It is part of the very mysterious and complicated US election system which I can never fathom. It refers to the US presidential election day when the greatest number of states holds primary elections and so-called "caucases". Both Biden for the democrats and that dangerous clown, Trump, for the republicans. Both of them did well, apparently.  

We had good news that night, something I think we all needed. The World's 50 best (restaurants, bars, etc) based in London and who organise huge hospitality awards were the conveyors of the good news. They had hired Olivia last year as their MC and presenter at the 50 best restaurant awards in Valencia. They loved her so much they asked if she would be willing to do the job again, this year in Las Vegas of all places. It was on Tuesday that they confirmed she will be this year's presenter. Wow, what great news.  In a way I'd love to go with her but Las Vegas is not really on my bucket list and I think when the event takes place on 5th June we will be on our road trip. Oli said she was so happy she couldn't sleep.No wonder.

Wednesday was the last but one session with my dentist before all the work is finished. In the end that will be 3 implants, 3 bridges (no veneers in the end) and 5 onlays, as well as the bleaching. I went early and had coffee at a bar I always go to in Majadahonda if the time is right. I also sneaked into a Chinese boutique where I couldn't resist a black and white striped jumper (stripes of course) and a white hoodie with the word Love. That's my second time at Miya. 

I was just on time for the appointment where I was fitted with the 3 bridges. They looked great but felt funny in my mouth. That was when we decided on the final colour; B1. Thankfully the fit was perfect so I could keep them on until I get the permanent ones next Thursday in what I hope will by final session. Here's another photo for Sandra to laugh at.

Front bridge - provisional

I was so happy I gave my dentist  a hug. I walked out feeling great. Finally I had a full set of teeth. However, I can only eat soft food until I get the final ones. I was happy to come home and show my husband the nearly final results. He thought I looked great. However, with so much anesthesia I could only manage puré for lunch and soft food until next week. So I was envious of my darling granddaughter Juliet when Oli sent a photo of her having chocolate and churros with her perfect baby teeth.

Juliet enjoying her chocolate and churros with her perfect baby teeth

I hope she looks after her teeth and won't need bridges, implants, etc in 65 years time hahaha.

On Thursday Mohammad confirmed his friend and fellow student, Sangar, who is from India, is moving in with him. They will share my father's old room which they love. I love it too. I commented that his rent will help pay for the solar panels we are having put in. This week, to Eladio's delight, we signed the contract. 

Friday came and brought buckets of rain which this country desperately needs. Friday was 8th March and International Women's Day. I'm all for equality for women, of course I am. A lot has been done since my days as a young girl starting out in the working world. It's not finished of course as there is still a lot of inequality. But in my mind feminists or those who fight for equality should concentrate on where it really is needed and that is mostly in the Middle East. My heart goes out to women in Iran who are punished for wearing their hijabs incorrectly. When will their times change? I'm sure 8th March is just another day in countries where women are considered lesser beings then men. 

That morning I did what could be considered a very womanly task. I organised the whole of Eladio's wardrobe. I even hung his shirts according to their colour. Now he has no excuse for mismatching what to wear. Often I put out his clothes as I love him to look smart and he is grateful as choosing clothes in the morning is absolutely not his thing. So who cares whether that's a woman's or a man's job? In our marriage we take on the tasks we are best at. 

One task which needs urgent handling is how to get aid to Gaza. People are starving and aid cannot get through. Thus food and provisions are being parachuted in which is not the most efficient way. I was appalled to hear that some of the parachutes did not open out and the parcels hit and killed those rushing towards them. As I write now, a US military ship is heading to Gaza to build a makeshift port for aid to be delivered. There was hope this week of a cease fire in exchange for the release of more Israeli hostages but it hasn't happened. I bet no one in Gaza gave even the slightest thought to International Women's Day. 

Saturday brought very cold weather. I think this week's storm is called Storm Monica. We had hail that morning. But we braved the weather and went on our only walk since last Sunday. We then went for a coffee where, believe it or not, we saw that ghastly man, Felipe Turover, the Russian spy, our ex squatter. Two years ago this week he was ordered to leave the house at the beginning of April. What memories. While having our coffee, I completely ignored him. No doubt he is making someone else's life impossible squatting in their house. 

Turover has been our only bad egg in this Airbnb and renting business which we started in 2017. This weekend I have 2 physiotherapists here on different Masters' degree courses, my dear Iraqi student plus a young Indian, Niranjan, who works for a company that sells robots! He is a delight and no doubt will get on with Sangar when they meet on Monday. 

And today is  Sunday which will be another quiet day. All days are quiet which is probably good but I can't wait to have my teeth finished in order to be free to travel again. I can't make any real plans until then. 

Right now, despite Storm Monica, the sun is shining so as soon as I have published today's post, I shall get read to go on our walk.

Cheers then everyone and sorry if I have bored you with my "teething problems". All the best till next Sunday,


Masha. 






Sunday, March 03, 2024

Don't let us forget Ukraine, an unfortunate fall, taking our grandchildren to school, Leap day, Putin's opponent Navalny laid to rest and other tales of the week.

 Sunday, 3rd March, 2024

My new jumper from Sartoro
Good morning friends and readers,

How has your week been? Mine has had its ups and downs as you will read. On the world scene, we heard this week just how many people have died since Putin's army invaded Ukraine.

I don't want the world to forget Ukraine because of news fatigue. 31.000 Ukrainian soldiers and 10.5k civilians have died since the war started 2 years ago. An estimated 300.000 Russian soldiers have also perished. I feel for all their mothers and I feel too for those young Russian men who I'm sure don't want to fight this futile war. Over 6 million refugees fled Ukraine and an estimated 8 million were displaced. Just imagine that in your country. This week saw the French President, Emmanuel Macron suggest NATO send troops. I doubt that will happen but the very mention of it had Putin saying he would retaliate with nuclear weapons. In two weeks time this maniac who has been in power since 2012 will be reelected in the upcoming general elections where, with all his opposition, out of the way, including the bravest of them all, Alexei Navalny who was finally laid to rest this week. This week I had the opportunity to speak to a young Ukrainian boy who works at the DIY store, Leroy Merlin and to tell him how sorry I am for his country.  I heard him and a friend speaking and asked whether they were from Russia or Ukraine. Ukrainians they said and  told me they were already living here before the war started and could think of not much else. Of course. I got the opportunity to say the words "Slava Ukraini" in person and I meant it.

Last Sunday was a quiet day for us. I was having trouble with my mouth - there was a splinter in one of molars which was causing me hell but I couldn't go to the dentist until Monday - would be Tuesday in the end, as you will read on. We braved the cold on our walk and it felt more like winter than spring. Tana was off so I had to make our lunch and I resorted to Russian "bitki" (meat patties similar to hamburgers) with potato pure as I can only really eat soft food - boohoo. 

I spent the afternoon binge watching old episodes of Call the Midwife - true BBC comfort TV. I turned to Season 2 where Sister Bernadette (Shelagh) and Dr. Turner (Patrick) fall in love. That has always been my favourite part. 

Later I played mother when I made a chicken Tikka Masala for our lovely lodger, Mohammad from Irak. I never got to taste it as I am supposedly on a diet. He told me it was wonderful and that his Indian friend, Sangar had asked for the recipe. That is high praise indeed. 

Monday came and was not a good day. Our walk took us to the nearest shopping centre about 3.5km from home for coffee. It was on the way back that my husband tripped on the pavement while stepping onto the road. He lost his balance and fell over completely head down. He lost consciousness and his nose and cheeks were bleeding a bit. There was also a noticeable bump on his right temple. It took me a while to get him to sit up but we managed. I was able to leave him leaning against a car bonnet while I hailed a passing car. The man was youngish and helped Eladio into the car and drove us home. As we got home the carpenter who my husband was expecting, was outside our gate but Eladio had no idea who he was. That was when I got worried. Between us we got him into the house and I rang the emergency services, 112 in Spain, like 999 in the UK. Except that I didn't know that as Eladio has private insurance the 112 people wouldn't help. But the police arrived as is protocol when you ring 112. I could have rung his private insurance number and got an ambulance to come but we all agreed it would be faster if I took him myself by car which is what I did. My dear husband was in shock. He had obviously had concussion and didn't remember any part of the fall or accident. As soon as we arrived we were ushered into A&E, Eladio going in in a wheel chair. When I rang 112, I panicked and asked Tana to call Olivia to join us. As she wasn't really able to tell our daughter what had happened, she was very shocked. Soon Eladio was in one of the boxes and being attended by a young Argentinian doctor. I took a photo which I probably shouldn't have done as Eladio said not to tell anyone (typical of him) but I did - it's to record the unfortunate fall last Monday which gave us all such a shock.

Eladio at the hospital on Monday
I had to be with him when the doctor examined him as he didn't remember anything about the fall and according to her, probably never will. She asked him many questions and made him do all sorts of movements to eliminate the possibility of a stroke. They then shuttled him off to do a CCT scan. He seemed ok as you can see in the photo above with Olivia. The doctor saw the images but told us to wait for the final report from the radiologist. It didn't come until 6 pm but was such a relief. The conclusion was "no damage to the brain" or similar words in Spanish. Oli suggested we celebrate. We will soon.

Only then could we go home. I had missed my dental appointment to remove the splinter so stuck a piece of chewed chewing gum on it (I even had to sleep like that). We hadn't had lunch and were starving and very grateful to Tana for heating up some soup and lentil pure. That would serve as both our lunch and dinner that day. We only had an hour and a half to rest before we both went to Oli's house as the next day we had to take the children to school. The doctor had told us Eladio could not be left alone for 48h after the fall in case something happened. Thus we went together. Neither of us got much sleep I can tell you and felt pretty dead the next day but all was well which is the important thing.

On Tuesday morning, I was woken up by Juliet at 5.45 and couldn't go back to sleep again. Thankfully she did. So I had some breakfast and took a shower. At about 7 am, Elliot got up which woke up his grandfather (Booboo). I took this photo of them having breakfast together.

Eladio and Elliot having breakfast together on Tuesday morning

When Juliet woke up again, she came into the kitchen and the first thing she did was kiss her brother. He kissed her back and I caught it on camera.

Brother and sister kissing
If only Juliet would kiss her friends at school instead of hitting and scratching them. She is going through the "terrible twos" and tends to fight at school. Elliot told me she doesn't have many friends because they are afraid of her. That made me laugh. I remember being told by the teachers at Suzy's school when she was about the same age, that she had a tendency to bite the other children. Oh the joys of bringing up toddlers!

Taking them to school went well and we were free by 9.05 am. We went straight back home and to bed. I could have stayed in bed all morning but got a phone call from my hairdresser to say she had a cancellation and if I wanted my hair done that day instead of next week. So off I went. I was all done and dusted by 12.30 or so and all for just 19 euros. 

Both of us had to go out in the afternoon, me to the dentist to finally remove the splinter and Eladio to the park to look after the kids while Oli went off to her Tuesday afternoon French lesson. I joined them at home when I got back from the dentist. They are far more docile in the mornings that in the evenings but somehow we managed to keep them entertained. 

We were in bed by 9pm and watching the news. For me the most important item of news this week, barring Navalny's funeral, was the story of the go ahead (finally) from Hungary to allow Sweden to join NATO. Now both Finland and Sweden have joined the Atlantic Alliance. No doubt that was not good news for Vladimir Putin but damn him.

On Wednesday we had lots of things to do. First we went back to the hospital. It was to get the CD of the CCT scan for if it's needed in the future. We then went to El Corte Inglés about a fairly new washing machine we have which is not working. Turns out that as we bought it online, I had to ring the online people. Thus we ended up just having coffee there, at the brand new Starbucks. 

Lunchtime was hectic. Guests were leaving, other guests were arriving, Amazon was delivering something and all during our lunch time. My Balkan guests from Slovenia, Serbia and Bosnia, kept renewing their stay as they loved it here. 

This may only be women's football news but these days it has become much more important - hurray - so I am delighted to tell you that the Spanish team beat France in the Women's Nations League, their second big title after winning the world cup last year. Thankfully this win was not marred by an unwanted kiss. This means the Spanish women's football team get an automatic place in the Paris Olympics this summer. 

The worst news that day was of course the Israeli air attack on a huge group of Palestinians crowding round humanitarian lorries to get food in Gaza. They are starving. I don't quite buy the reason they were bombed and more than 100 killed - because the Israeli soldiers' lives were in danger. Honestly, opening fire on people seeking food has absolutely no excuse. See the images for yourself if you haven't already seen them. This is just one video I found. The Israelis further tried to lay the blame for the deaths because of being crushed by the lorries but images suggest otherwise. For example medics who attended the wounded said they had bullet wounds. 

Thursday came and it was Leap Day, 29th February, a date that only occurs every 4 years. It is to make up for the fact that the year isn't exactly 365 days but rather 365.242190. It is a mathematical muddle I cannot explain. For us mere mortals it means February has one extra day every 4 years. For those born on 29th February it must pose a problem when it comes to their birthday. I suppose they celebrate it on 28th when it is not a Leap year. 

The only reason I can think of behind the name is that every 4 years we leap forward one year. In Spanish there is no possible translation of "Leap Day" although there is a word for a Leap Year which is "año bisiesto". 

We were busy again that day.  First Eladio received some people who may be installing solar panels on our roofs. It's something we have been toying with for a while. We were put off by the high initial cost which has now gone down but in any case payback will take 8 years. It will possibly halve the electricity bill and and reduce the council tax. ·My husband thinks it will add value to the house. Maybe it will but maybe when we sell it, there will be some more modern technology in place. Let's see. Watch this space. 

Then my friends we went looking for a dustbin. Funny, eh, but yes. We can't recycle well in our street as there is only one container outside. But now it seems our street will catch up with the rest of the world and we will be having 3 containers. Our old dustbin was more than 20 years old and honestly needed replacing. So, off we went. For the occasion I wore a new jumper which arrived this week from a firm called Sartoro. I had seen it on Instagram and instantly bought it. I had forgotten I had ordered it but was very pleased when it came and of course had to wear it at the next opportunity which was Thursday morning. As I didn't have any suitable feature photo for this week, I got Eladio to take some. This is another. I should add I am now able to get into my lovely yellow Decathlon puffer jacket which matches perfectly.
Loving my new jumper
We found our new dustbin at Leroy Merlin in Majadahonda. From there we walked to another Starbucks where I ordered a far too large Cappuccino. I came home with a funny tummy and could not face lunch. Was it the coffee? I had the runs and couldn't eat for the rest of the day. I slept fitfully. Today as I write, my stomach is still not ok. 

It felt slightly better on Friday morning.  It was 1st March and we had to deal with the faulty washing machine - I can tell you we need two with all the guests we have - and do the shopping. I don't know why but after Eladio's fall on Monday, neither of us felt like going on our walk. They will resume though. 

While we were out, I missed the funeral and burial of Alexei Navalny, aged just 47 and who needs no introduction. Finally last week the authorities returned his body to the family. It seemed they would interfere with or were trying to stop a public funeral. But, the crowds got the better of them and turned up outside even though only family was allowed inside the church. We heard most funeral parlours contacted wouldn't provide a hearse and I imagine the priest who officiated must have been very brave. Russian funerals are very long. Some of my cousins of Russian extraction who followed it online, commented "the funeral was extremely fast. Apparently the priest and choir were pressured into making the service as fast as humanly possible." But the government couldn't stop people watching online or the crowds attending outside, albeit from behind barriers, some chanting "no to war" and "we are with you" and even "Russia without Putin". The funeral took place under strict security at the Church of the Icon of Our Lady Quench My Sorrows which must have been Navalny's local church. Only one photo has emerged of the beautiful Orthodox ceremony where Navalny is laid  in an open coffin in line with the Russian Orthodox tradition.
The funeral of Alexei Navalny this Friday at his church just outside Moscow
From there the body was carried a few kilometres to the cemetery for a brief interment ceremony. The crowds followed. Present at the event were various Ambassadors from at least the USA and France. In other parts of Russia,  memorial events were carried out and quickly stopped by the government. 

Alexei's wife, Yulia, who called him Lyosha  (Alexander can be shortened to Alyosha or simply Lyosha and of course Sasha)  posted a beautiful farewell to her husband of 26 years on her social media handles where she confessed she doesn't know how to live without him.  This is what she wrote: "Lyosha, thank you for 26 years of happiness. Yes, even over the last three years of happiness. For love, for always supporting me, for making me laugh even from prison, for the fact that you always thought about me. I don't know how to live without you, but I will try to make you up there happy for me and proud of me. I don't know if I can handle it or not, but I will try. We will definitely meet one day. I have so many untold stories for you and I have so many songs saved for you on my phone, stupid and funny, in general, to be honest, terrible songs but they are about us, and I really wanted to let you listen to them, laugh and then hug me. Love you forever. Rest in peace" . 

Due to fears over reprisals I was very sad to hear that neither she nor their children could attend. All they could do was watch the funeral online.

Yulia has vowed to continue her husband's fight. I really hope she has the strength to do it. I found that very moving and I totally relate to her saying she doesn't know how to live without her husband. That's what I thought when Eladio fell on Monday morning. But I am lucky, he is OK and by my side. Let it be so to the end of our days. 

Once home, it was time to unpack the shopping and have lunch. My stomach was still playing me up but I managed to eat. In the afternoon I had a sudden crave for carbs and went down to make a cup of tea and toast with butter. 

Saturday came and brought colder weather as well as much needed rain. It also brought snow, mainly in the north. There was sleet in Madrid. Olivia and the kids paid us an unexpected visit in the morning which was a pleasant surprise. But we had to part at 12.30 as were going to Madrid to have lunch with Eladio's brother and his wife, Toño and Dolores. We took Tana with us as she would be out for the day and stopped at Manacor for delicious cakes and biscuits to take with us. These days we never drive into Madrid by car as we always get fined. Thus we leave it at the free car park at a metro station about a 15 minute drive from home. From there we take the metro to near where they live. It's actually quite a doddle to get into the city that way; not that I am a great fan of walking underground on the metro because of the pollution. I always feel dirty afterwards. We were soon at their block of flats where we once lived. We moved there just after we married in August 1983 and lived there until 1988 when we moved to Boadilla. By then the girls were aged 3 and 4. I doubt they remember much about our flat in the centre of Madrid. 

We were welcomed in by Toño and Dolores into their massive flat where they have lived for more than 40 years. It was at their flat that I met Eladio in the summer of 1980. As they say, the rest is history. It was good so see them. We had a quiet meal together and vowed we must see each other more often as, to quote Dolores, "time is flying". The three of them are 10 years older than me and talk about being old. I guess they are but they sort of include me in the equation. They did the same when they started talking about retirement when they were 50. I was 40 at the time and it was all a bit early. I refuse to see myself as "old", although, of course, I am getting there. Old age is bloody awful. I know that from witnessing the demise of both Eladio's mother and my father who died aged 99 and 102. It's all very well living to 100; the important thing is to do so in reasonable shape, with no dementia or mobility issues. Meanwhile, "carpe diem" my friends.

We left at around 5.45 and in under an hour were home. The house was quiet despite having 5 guests this weekend.I slept on and off and was woken up by a guest at 7 am who wanted to leave. He had parked inside the garage which I had told him not to do and there were 2 cars blocking his. When it was sorted, I got up and had breakfast. My "tummy" is feeling slightly better today. Today is Sunday and Oli and the kids are coming for lunch.

This next week I have 2 more dental appointments. If all goes well I will be finished by 14th March and then free to travel again. Whoopee. 

I am now at the end of the tales of this week. I wish you all a happy Sunday wherever you are and whatever you are doing. Until next time,

Cheers Masha






Sunday, February 25, 2024

2 years since the invasion of Ukraine, astonishing blog statistics, getting my teeth back, sorry for Russia, new clothes, Spain's "Grenfell tower" burns in Valencia, another bear near Montrondo and other stories of the week.

Madrid, Sunday 25th February 2024.


Wearing one of my new tops - stripes of course!

Dear all. 

This week marks the second anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine by Putin and his army. The war is now at stalemate with Ukraine desperately needing more armament and funding from the West. It looks like the West is now tiring of the war, especially since the focus has moved to  Gaza - another tragedy. How long can this go on for? Will Russia ultimately win? The astonishing thing is that they should have cowered their previously brotherly nation into defeat within a week. Putin did not envisage any resistance and I am sure that, deep inside, he regrets his actions. 

So here I am again, writing post number 1051.  I have been writing the story of my week in the context of world events  for years now. It's incredible to think I have been writing a weekly blog post since the summer of 2005 - nearly 20 years ago. It's incredible too to  think that my life interests anyone but it must do as I have many readers, according to the blog viewing statistics I get. They are mind boggling: 888.225 all time, 31.613 this month and just yesterday 1498. I often wonder who my readers are and where they are from; the ones who are anonymous to me. I have just looked and the top ten countries my visitors come from, in this order are: USA, Russia, Spain, Singapore, UK, Germany, France, India and amazingly, Turkmenistan. 

Top 10 countries my blog readers come from.
Turkmenistan, really?

Well, wherever you are reading this from, thank you and welcome. In last Sunday's post, you had me with a hemorrhage in my mouth which had lasted all night. It was after yet another dental appointment where I had surgery and it turned out the bleed was caused by one stupid aspirin I took. Will never do that again. 

If you have been following my adventures recently, you will know I am undergoing serious and long term dental treatment. The bottom line is I want  back the beautiful teeth I once had. This is what they looked like when I was 26. They were the whitest of the white, B1, according to my dentist and that is what I will get back too, one day soon, I hope. 
The beautiful teeth I used to have - me on my wedding day aged 26, just over 40 years ago
 Although I have tried to look after them, they have not aged well and 40 years later I am undergoing serious dental treatment to get them back. That includes 2 bridges and veneers on my front teeth. The process is awful and so far I have had more than 8 appointments. But just 4 to go until I get teeth better than Tom Cruise's, according to my wonderful and patient dentist, Dr. Garralda. I have told him if they are as good when he finishes I will invite him and all his staff to lunch. Hopefully, by then, I will be able to chew on both sides. My mother always said that to be beautiful you have to suffer - how right she was. She must have got that expression from her French as I don't think it is used much in English. In French they say "Il faut souffrir pour être belle". (Thank you Adele for telling me that). 

So, yes I was suffering on Sunday last but not for long. I couldn't leave the house and didn't feel like it. Food was boring because it could only be soft and cold. Thus I ate mushed up muesli, orange juice and yoghurt which was like having 3 breakfasts instead of breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

But what am I complaining about I thought to myself when I watched the BBC Oscar winning documentary about Alexei Navalny, who needs no introduction, that afternoon?  If you haven't seen it, I urge you to. I knew the main facts about him, his stand against Putin, his poisoning, his return to Russia and his imprisonment after conjured up accusations and now his death but not the whole story. 
Alexei Navalny answering the question of what his message is to the world if he gets killed. What a brave man. 

When asked what message he wanted to leave to the world if he was killed, he first joked but at the end of the documentary which was made with his complete cooperation, this was his answer which I want to share with you: "We don't realise how strong we actually are. The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good people to do nothing." He ends by saying "my message is very simple, don't give up". His wife Yulia has vowed to continue his fight. Long may she live. But she must take more care than her husband did. I often wonder whether he was wise to return to Russia after recovering from the novichok attack. Only this week was his body shown to his mother, with no more trace of the poison but she has been threatened. If the family hold a public funeral they will do something to his body. What else can they do I ask myself? They threatened that if she didn't agree  to a secret burial they will bury Navalny at the prison.  She refused and then amazingly they handed him over to her yesterday. RIP.  Obviously Putin is doing his best to avoid a public funeral and a show of support to his greatest political opponent. 

Navalny's death came to me as a big shock but not a surprise. More than anything I am sorry and sad for him and his family but also for Russia, my family's homeland they had to escape from. I can only end this by saying "Oh Russia"! Soon Putin will be reelected for another term as absolute President and most possibly Russia will win the war in Ukraine. Add to that, Trump coming to power again and we have a very sorry world to live in. 

In Spain that day the big story centred on  the results of the regional elections in Galicia, in North West Spain. I have to say I was happy that the PP, right wing party, got the majority of votes as I am sick and tired of the current government in power - a coalition of the worst kind. I am not against the socialist party, the PSOE, I am against the parties in the coalition that they rely on to get on with governing the country. These include communist parties as well as parties made up of ex members of the terrorist group; ETA, not to mention the far right Catalan party, JUNTS, headed  by the scoundrel, Puigdemont, who unlawfully declared Catalonia independent. He then fled justice by escaping to Belgium and it is his party's 5 votes which made it possible for the PSOE leader, Pedro Sánchez, be reelected PM. This set of thugs he has gone to bed with must be giving him nightmares. So, yes, I was happy they won't govern up north, as they don't in Madrid, Andalusia and other big regions in Spain. 

Monday came. I would have loved to go away for the week but had the dentist again and another medical appointment. We went for our walk like the good souls we are and then had a coffee to restore them. It was then time for some quick shopping before I upped and left, once again, for the dentist. 

That day I finished the book, The Society of Snow, upon which the amazing new film about the Andes crash is based. I like it more than the others because the author interviews all 16 survivors. They are very special people because they went through something very special together. My next book was about Russia or rather a Russian Spy. It has been dubbed "the greatest espionage story of the Cold War". The Spy and the Traitor by Ben Macintyre,  is the true story of the KGB spy who turned and worked for M16 in the 80's. What  a brave man Oleg Gordievsky was. He began to doubt the goodness of the Soviet regime when the USSR invaded Prague to stop the uprising and when the Berlin wall was built. No wonder. He was very brave too. I wonder what Alexei Navalny thought of him. 

Tuesday was very quiet. It started with our 1h long walk together with Pippa. Then I was alone for lunch as Eladio was out with his friends, Juanjo and Roberto to celebrate the latter's 80th birthday. 80! Oh my God. My own husband will become an octogenarian in September but honestly, he looks more like a sexagernarian!!

While he was out and he didn't come back till nearly 6 - celebration lunches go on forever in Spain - I watched the end of the original One Day film made in 2011. It was made by the author David Nicholls and I can't wait to read the book. If truth to tell I think the Netflix version is better. I far prefer the script and the actors. Anyone who graduated, like me in the 80's, will relate to it. Have you seen it yet? 

Wednesday was more interesting. It took us to the churros cafe bar half an hour's walk away from home. Rest assured we just had coffee. There we bumped into our lovely Iraqi student lodger, Mohammad. He sat down with us and finally asked his burning question to my husband; how and when did he know I was the woman for him. That was lovely to witness. We all came to the conclusion it was probably a month after we met in Spain when he had to back to his job and I had to go back to England. The real truth is we both fell in love within the first week we met. That was in the summer of 1980, the year I graduated. My story is rather different to the characters in One Day as you will know if you have seen it. I always feel I won the marriage lottery and Eladio does too. Here's to true love my friends. 

Just as I got home I received a booking for 4 people apparently from Slovenia, coming the next day for 4 nights. They wanted to come that night but I still had my Chinese guests who didn't leave until Thursday after 2 weeks with us. All of this was related to my dear friend Amanda in our weekly Skype call which is usually on Mondays but sometimes gets cancelled or changed. I always love pouring out my heart to her. Talking to her is much better than going to a shrink. Girlfriends are so important. Love you Amanda (who doesn't read this), Sandra, Adele and Kathy. Fátima used to be on that list but sadly she left us in 2019. She can never be forgotten.

I had to cut short the call though as I had a bone density scan that afternoon. I do one every two years. I think it's to check if I have osteoporosis which thankfully I don't. I made the appointment through my private insurance; Adeslas. In Spain private insurance if far cheaper than in most countries. Depending on your age it costs between 30 and 100 euros a month per person and covers nearly everything. Unlike the UK, you do not have to get an appointment with a specialist via your GP. You just ring the specialist of your choice or hospital. I usually go to Hospital Quirón or Montepríncipe. I didn't have to wait at all and the test was over and done in 10 minutes. The results will be in my Quirón app within a week. That was the last of the tests my gynecologist asked me to do. I have the results of all the others and all is good. So this year's MOT is now over, until next time. Now I am waiting for all my dental appointments to be over and we will be free to travel my friends; probably in April. Roll on April

Once home I got another booking, this time for the tail end of August for our house in Asturias. Wonderful I thought. It was a direct booking so no commission lost to Booking or Airbnb. I agreed to 7 people when normally the limit is 6. So I was furious the next day to hear from the guest that they would be a party of 10. I put my foot down and told them if they tired to enter the house with 10 guests they would not be allowed in. What a cheek. Let's see what happens in August. This hospitality lark has its benefits but also its complicated moments I can tell you.

Thursday dawned and that morning my Chinese guests, JZ and his parents left after two weeks with us. I wished them a pleasant journey back to China, a 12 hour flight to Beijing and then 1.5h to Shanghai. JZ works for a Spanish bank so comes here on and off. He and his wife have now bought 4 apartments in Madrid and have a golden visa. This golden visa attracts Chinese money as well as Russian money, as you can imagine.

That day we did not go for a walk as Eladio had a doctor's appointment to do a blood test - just a routine one and get a vaccine for shingles which he does not want to get ever again. He got it on our trip to Armenia and suffered a lot. Meanwhile, it was all hands on deck when he came back to get the rooms ready for our next guests - the 4 from the Balkans and a Spanish girl coming that day. Once again one of the bathroom basins was leaking and once again the insurance people came, just on time, to fix it. There is always something, ......

I was in Majadahonda by 12, the town where my dentist has his practice. I was there early and went to have a coffee. With time on my hands, I wandered up and down the main street, called La Gran Vía - every town in Spain has one or nearly - and looked at the shops. I came across a very attractive boutique called Miya which seems to be a global women's clothes shop of Chinese origin. In less than 5 minutes I walked out with 2 t-shirts, a blouse and a jumper, all for just 45 euros. This is what I bought. 

Lovely new clothes from a boutique called Miya of Chinese origin,  I came across in Majadahonda on Thursday

I haven't had new clothes for a long time and the feeling was good. The feeling was not so good at the dentist. It was the longest session so far and the worst. It was to take impressions for the moulds for 2 new bridges and veneers for the 5  top front teeth. I had no idea though that to fit the veneers, he had to reduce (drill/file down) my top teeth to about half their size. They were the best I had and I was so upset to feel them go. I could feel them with my tongue once he was finished and nearly cried. It was an awful feeling to lose them. Finally, about 2h later, he replaced them with a provisional sort of cover which is a supposed copy of my teeth but with no enamel. I walked out with a completely numb mouth feeling dreadful. 

In case you are not familiar with veneers (carillas in Spanish) this is what they look like (I think).

Veneers

They will eventually look great although the downside is that they only last about 10 years. Time will tell. 

The next session is on 6th March to try on provisional bridges and veneers. If they are ok, my dentist will order the final ones which, if all goes fine, will be placed in my mouth on 14th March. Meanwhile, my bottom teeth will be whitened. I hope I am not boring you with the story of my dental ordeal but it's top of mind at the moment and the most major treatment I have ever had. If I hadn't embarked on it, eventually my teeth would have rotted. I am scandalised by the state of many people's teeth in the UK, simply because there are hardly any NHS dentists. I even read some people resort to pliers to remove rotten teeth. Many others go to Turkey for cheap dental jobs and there are so many horror stories from the health tourist industry there. Bottom line, is take care of your teeth always. 

Anyway, enough of that. I spent a quiet afternoon waiting for our new guests. 4 strapping men dressed in worker overalls arrived promptly at 7 pm. Two are from Slovenia, one is from Bosnia - the Serbian part called Republika Srpska -  and one from Serbia. They work for a company called Dorssen based in Slovenia which claims to to be a world leader in automated storage - conveyor belts and robots at warehouses to pick and pack products. They are nice guys but were not very careful with the doors and gates until we told them. 

Finally when everyone was settled, including Ana from Bilbao who got lost, we were able to go to bed and watch the news. A horror story was emerging in Valencia where 2 blocks of modern flats were on fire. The fire started at around 5 pm and completely destroyed both buildings which were adjoined. It was a true towering inferno to watch live.  The high rise blocks contained more than 130 apartments where 450 people lived. The victim toll so far is  14 people were injured and 10 died.  More people did not die, thanks to Julián, the building concierge. As soon as he knew there was a fire he went from door to door of the 14 story buildings to make sure everyone left. The fire fighters took over when they arrived. I later heard a terrible story of a family with 2 small children. They tried to get out but were told by the firefighters to return to their flat and take refuge in the bathroom and put wet towels against the door except that by then there was no more running water.  The firefighter imagined the fire would be put out shortly but it wasn't to be because of the wind and other factors. Others disobeyed his orders but this family didn't. With a new born baby they took his advice which although it adhered to protocol was wrong in this instance. Otherwise they would be alive today.  I cannot imagine their suffering. Whoever he was, he will have to live with this all his life. 

Here are some of the images of this towering inferno.

Image from the towering inferno in Valencia on Thursday

Oh God I feel so sorry for the victims and owners who have lost everything, especially this family.  As I watched I couldn't help thinking of the dreadful Grenfell Tower fire in London and wondered if the fire in Valencia was also made worse by the cladding. And it seems so. I'm not sure it's the same material. Designed to keep out the heat and the cold, at the same time it was very inflammable. Now we have our own Grenfell Tower but in Valencia. None of the occupants who escaped the fire will have slept that night.  This is their worst nightmare coming true. I wonder whether they will ever get back in money the cost of their apartment and content. I read the flats were relatively new and cost upward of half a million euros each approx. How absolutely dreadful. It was the biggest news in Spain this week - no wonder.

We went to bed watching Viven (Alive), the original film about the Andes crash. Eladio thinks it's better than the Society of Snow. I am obsessed, you must think. Maybe I am but what a story of suffering and survival in the most extreme circumstances possible. That is what fascinates me.

I didn't sleep well and was up at about 7 on Friday morning, hoping the kitchen was free and it was. We didn't do much that day. I dressed for a walk which we didn't go on and tried on the various tops I had bought and took a photo of one of me in pink and white stripes - very me of course - That's the one I have chosen for this week's feature photo.  

We had coffee that morning at home, sitting in the sun by the old wood cabin which needs restoring. Here I am, in pink again, hahahaha, enjoying the moment.

Coffee at home on Friday morning - in the pink hahaha
Who was probably not having a good moment was the person who took a video I want to share with you. It's of a bear in a village called Villaseca - near Villablino and not so far from Eladio's village, Montrondo. The poor bear had probably come out of hibernation and couldn't find any food so it rummaged in someone's dustbin, albeit unsuccessfully. This is it.
A bear spotted near Montrondo this week
I reposted the video on Tiktok and on my YouTube channel. In the late 70's there were just 90 bears left in Spain, mainly living in the Asturias area with some in Leon, Galicia and Palencia. Today there are over 450 of them and the largest population of bears in Spain today is in the Villablino area  of León - the town nearest Montrondo where we do our shopping. The news has reached New York as you can see in this article I read about the new bear patrol set up to monitor the bears and protect the people living in the area. The villagers are none too happy as the bears enter their gardens, kill their chickens and rummage in their bins. Some people are afraid of taking a walk while others are keen to spot bears which has an affect on increasing tourism in an otherwise very remote area of Spain. So, yes, yet another bear was spotted near Montrondo this week.

We haven't been back there since the summer and hopefully we will be able to go once all my dental work is finished and before our "big trip". These were the things we talked about over coffee in the garden that day.

The rest of the day was quiet. We followed the news of the blaze in Valencia which made headlines all over the world. Again, I am so sorry for the victims and for those who have lost everything. 

Saturday came and out we went to have coffee together, go to the chemist and get more yoghurts for me - I am surviving on them at the moment with the state my teeth are in. At Manacor we were surprised to be greeted by a young woman who seemed to know us. I couldn't for the life of me think who she was. It turns out she is Bea (Beatriz) who was in Olivia's class at St. Michael's school. I remember her well because her family lived and still lives in Parque Boadilla near where our old house was in Río Tajo. Her mother owned a haberdashery and many an afternoon was spent at either their house or ours after school. I had to take a photo to remember the moment. 
Eladio wtih Bea yesterday in Boadilla

What a lovely coincidence to bump into her after all these years. I think we hadn't seen her since she was about 14 or 15 and now she must be 38 like Olivia. Very sweetly she told us we hadn't changed. But we have, hahahahaq. Bea totally agreed when I remarked what a happy childhood she, her siblings and our girls had had, being brought up in the quiet Urbanization of Parque Boadilla and going to a lovely bilingual school, St. Michael's. Their schooldays were so happy as was our life in our old house. Oli and Suzy were very lucky to live there and go to that school which I remember very fondly.

We came home and I had to rustle something up for lunch which would be easy on my teeth (aarrrgh), then it was our quiet time watching the news, sleeping, reading, etc. 

Today is Sunday and I think it will be another quiet day with not much to tell. So, let me leave you now till next week.

Cheers till then,
Masha