To the police station for my new residency card, end in sight for the UK, 40 years since Spanish Coup d'etat, great news for the family, vaccine roll out is slow in Spain, farewell Captain Tom and other stories.

 Sunday 28th February, 2021.

With the coveted new TIE cards, especially for British residents in Spain post Brexit

Good morning everyone. How are you all today? How has your week been? How are you bearing with life under the pandemic?   Got "cabin fever", to quote my friend Andy? I have and I've got it badly.

It's now been just under a year since the first lock down in Spain. This time last year we rushed off to Montrondo, to my husband's tiny village in the mountains of León in the north of Spain. We did so on the spur of the moment when it looked like Spain would declare a state of alarm. It happened while we were there and went into force on Sunday 15th March last year. We came home to Madrid before that as we could not sit out lock down away from my father for more than a couple of weeks. Otherwise, we may well have stayed there for the duration as it's such a peaceful place where it is easy to maintain social distance. There are only about 11 permanent inhabitants. That number was increased when other people like us who are from the village but live elsewhere, did go there for the duration. I'm not sure I could have stood a year's isolation from society as the village is so remote but I do know that I miss it and the lovely house we rebuilt from the original family house now 5 years ago. For the moment we can't go anywhere and have no choice but to stay at home. 

However, there is some light at the end of the tunnel as the numbers of cases and deaths are on the decrease, mostly because of restrictions but also because of the new vaccines. Those in the UK will have more hope than others with a new road map outlined to lift restrictions. This is because more than 17 million people have been vaccinated there. Spain has much further to go with only about 3 million people vaccinated.My father's could have been this week as finally got the call but, as you will read later, he couldn't go for it.  Last Sunday the worldwide figures for infections and death were 111.681.925 and 2.473.050. Today they stand at 114.408.267 and 2.538.246. The US passed a dreadful mile stone this week with more than half a million deaths.  These figures are dire but there is hope as for the sixth consecutive week they are going down. This time last year I was lamenting figures in their thousands and had no idea what was coming. None of us did. 

So last Sunday was just another Sunday during the pandemic, an period in history  that will forever be remembered. Last Sunday was of no significance at all really. The sun had gone but we got our walk in just before the rain. I cooked again - a great tool to keep away the stress and that day made my flagship lamb casserole dish which we enjoyed with my father.

My lamb casserole which I served for lunch last Sunday

As nothing happened of note on Sunday let me move on to Monday. I didn't watch Oli on TV that morning or any day this week as she has been on holiday. She was owed 5 days or so which would have expired if she hadn't taken them this week. Of course, she had nowhere to go as we can't travel but at least she could get some sleep and have mornings free while Elliot was at the nursery. I was glad she could get some rest but missed seeing her on TV  which is part of my day's routine. 

That day I had an important appointment. At 10.15 I had to be at the police station in Carabanchel, a working class area outside Madrid. It was to pick up our new TIE residency cards to replace our pre Brexit EU residency cards. Ouch that hurts. You may remember I took my father in December to request them and give in all the damned paper work. It took two months for them to be processed. They are new ID cards only for Brits living in Spain post Brexit. The old residency documents are apparently still valid but soon won't be so I needed the new TIE card, especially for travel. The clerk at the Police Station told me that there had been issues with UK residents wanting to return to Spain using the old cards and some hadn't been let in. Luckily I didn't have to take my father with me this time and go through the humiliating process of checking his finger prints; something they could not do because of his age. There were a few questions as to why he wasn't there but when I explained all was good. I was soon outside the police station with the coveted cards which are for permanent residency for us both and last 10 years before renewing them. I wondered whether my father would be alive by then and you know? He could well be. I hope so. Eladio had driven me there and was waiting outside. Before setting off I asked for a photo of the historic moment and I got it. That's the one I have used as this week's feature photo. These are our new ID cards with our mug shots. 

Our new post Brexit residency cards

I won't need to renew mine as I have applied for Spanish nationality and maybe within a year or so I will get a Spanish passport and Spanish ID card. If you are a reader of this blog you will know I have spent the best part of the last year gathering the paperwork which has been so daunting I may never have bothered if I had known. However, what I want is a EU passport as Brexit scrapped my EU citizenship and that is what made me go on. Thankfully, I should be still able to use my UK passport as although in the eyes of Spanish law I will renounce British citizenship, in the eyes of UK law that is not recognised and I shall be able to keep my UK passport. Thus, like my girls, I will have both passports. That is what I have been told and I hope it holds up.

The rest of the day was unexciting. We went for our walk, we had leftovers for lunch and in the afternoon, after our siesta, I watched more of The Americans. I had reached the beginning of Season 5 (there are 6 seasons). I stopped watching for my weekly 5.30 pm skype call with my dear friend Amanda in the UK. You will know we went to school together and that she is my oldest friend. I always love our long weekly chats which last about 1.5 hours. We tried to give each other some  news but neither of us had much. Ah but my friend had been vaccinated and that was news as she is only 64. She was puzzled she got her jab before her husband who is a year or two older. We talked too about the Covid situation in the UK vs Spain. She had hope, more than I did, as that day the UK PM, Boris Johnson, was to reveal the road map for lifting restrictions in the UK. They will be able to travel months before us and my friend was hoping against hope that her holiday in Scotland which she had booked for the end of April would be possible. If the road map later published stays the same, then she will be able to, as staycations will be allowed from 12th April. Again though that will depend on what restrictions are in place in Scotland. A bit like in Spain, there are different rules in place in the different  "nations";  England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. 

The road map for lifting restrictions in the UK

In the chart above you can see the main restrictions lifted at each phase. I was interested to see that international travel may be resumed from 17th May. Hopefully, there will be safe travel corridors again to Spain and my Airbnb business may pick up. There is talk too of vaccine passports to make this possible. I especially want reservations for our apartment in Santa Pola near the sea and our new house in Asturias. It will all depend too on what the numbers look like in Spain I suppose. 

The day ended with a light dinner of tuna fish salad and then the news on the TV in bed. There was nothing much new for us to learn. Soon we switched to Netflix to watch a British TV series, much announced, called Behind Her Eyes.  This is a description of it I copied from the link: "A single mother enters a world of twisted mind games when she begins an affair with her psychiatrist boss while secretly befriending his mysterious wife." We were soon hooked I have to say but we didn't stay up late watching it and I think I was asleep before midnight. 

I woke up at 6.50 (not bad) on Tuesday morning. Tuesday was 23rd February and marked the 40th anniversary of Spain's last attempted coup d'etat in 1981. At the time I was in England and Eladio was a teacher at the Seminary in León (north of Spain). That summer, in June, I came to live here permanently. The news on the TV of the scene of the Spanish parliament being taken over by the military was a huge shock to me that night. I immediately tried to ring Eladio but it was impossible as all phone lines to and from Spain were cut off. This coup took place 6 years after Franco's death and shocked the country just as it had started its path to democracy. The coup was led by a group from the military, mostly disgruntled by the UCD government having made the communist party legal. They were old school, pro Franco and wanted to topple the government, place one of their own as President and had counted on the support of the young Spanish king, restored by Franco, King Juan Carlos 1. 

Lt. Col. Antonio Tejero who led the storming of the Spanish parliament. 

Parliament was in a live session to vote in a new President, thus images of the storming of Parliament were seen live all over the world and they were frightening. Tejero led  200 armed civil guards into the building to stop proceedings and take over parliament. The politicians were held hostage for 18 hours. Some journalists were present too and attempted to transmit from within until they were stopped. TVE, Spain's national broadcaster was also taken over by the military. The military group leading the coup, had expected support from Spain's new King. Whether he hesitated or not to give it remains an open question in Spain in many people's minds. However, late that night, several hours after the coup started, he addressed the country calling for law and order and democracy to continue. Without the king's support the coup could not succeed and the next day those held hostage were released. This episode in Spanish history marked an important point in the country's road map in its transition to democracy after the death of Franco. Those crucial hours when the government was taken over by the military, terrified the population, my husband included. I was terrified too and wondered if he would be ok and what would happen to the country I had planned to go and live in. Thankfully, all turned out for the best and today Spain, may have its ups and downs, but we live in peace and democracy. For me that was a night I shall never forget when I watched the 9 o'clock news with my parents in our lounge at 6 Heaton Grove in Bradford.  Yesterday in Spain there were events to mark the anniversary, the anniversary of hopefully Spain's last ever coup d'etat. It was sad to see that the former king of Spain, instrumental in stopping the coup, was not there but rather hiding in Dubai due to his financial scandals.  Before his financial scandals he was revered for his part in the transition to democracy. But now his image has been tainted forever and he will go down in history for his elephant hunting, his womanising and  his fortune amassing rather than for his role in building Spain's democracy. 

I didn't think too much about the Coup as we were busy that morning, out on errands. It was a sunny day and we enjoyed each other's company as we went to the chemist, to the medical centre and to have a cup of coffee in the street. We had a bit of a scare that morning though when Lucy, my father's carer, announced he had problems breathing. Oh my God, I immediately thought of Covid. He has had a cold I thought he had got over but has a persistent cough. So I whatsapped his doctor who sent in a nurse the next day to do a PCR test. I didn't think he had the virus but wanted to make sure. I cannot imagine how our lives would be turned upside down if he did; all of our lives. Apart from Covid, I really thought they should take a look at his chest and hear his cough. I am happy to be able to tell you that we got the results yesterday and  they are negative. Hurray!

As I waited for the nurse to come on Thursday, I wiled away some of the time creating whatsapp stickers. They are in fashion and I copied the idea from my new found friend Keka. Using the app "sticker-ly" which I downloaded from the Android Play Store, I soon made a few of my own, like the one below. It's a bit silly but  amuses me. 

This week's fad was making whatsapp stickers. They amuse me. 

There was time before the nurse came, for our one hour long morning walk through the forest, the walk we discovered during our first lock down and which we love. My father coughed a lot at lunch. He tends to do that and it worried me. The rest of the day was quiet, too quiet really. As Eladio remarked at dinner that night, every day seems to be practically the same. We told Suzy that too when we had a rare video call with her. Costa Rica seems to be suiting her. It was difficult to talk as there was a cacophony of bird song and dogs barking. Suzy said we would love the country for its wildlife and that she had thought of her father that day when she saw swarms of flamingos flying over the beach. I'm sure we would like it. But we can only dream of going there one day when all this is over.

The nurse came equipped in full PPE kit. I felt sorry for my father  when she put the swab right up his nose. He told me later it didn't hurt but was just uncomfortable. Patricia, the nurse, told me she thought his cough was not a sign of Covid as it is not a dry cough. I was relieved. She remarked that her grandfather was 99 and had had the virus but with very few symptoms. In her mind, people my father's age and her grandfather's age are made of stronger stuff. I suppose Darwin would agree. If you live to your late 90's in good health the answer has to be a combination of:  luck, a healthy lifestyle and genes, of course.  My father walked all his life but he has also eaten a lot of sweet things and was subjected to my mother smoking for years. Yet he is still here and doing well. We would have to wait until yesterday to get the results. I also heard from the nurse that finally vaccinations for the over 80's was starting the next day in our local health centre and that my father would be called as soon as possible. They did call the next day and gave us an appointment but it was bad timing as we had to wait for the Covid test results, damn it. I've been waiting for him to be vaccinated for months and now when it was finally his turn we would have to wait again. Hopefully, it will happen next week now. 

Oli joined us that morning and for lunch. In the afternoon she was off to the health clinic but for something very different and very exciting. I am happy to announce my younger daughter is 3 months pregnant and the baby is due on 1st September. I knew from 6th January (Kings' day - what a present) that she was pregnant but was sworn to secrecy until she reached the 3 month milestone.  It has been difficult to keep this to myself. I mean, another grandchild, is a huge blessing and wonderful news. From the ultrasound scan the happy parents were told there is an 80% chance of the baby being a girl. They want a girl but of course would be happy with a boy. I don't mind at all. When choosing names for their first baby they came up with Juliet or Juilette if it was a girl. That's  a name Oli loves. I commented she might want to choose the spelling. Juliet as in Romeo and Juliet or the more "Frenchified" Juliette. She has gone for Shakespeare's spelling.  I'm not sure little Elliot, who will be 2 when his sibling is born, will be very happy at her arrival. After all, he is now the centre of his parents' universe and will have to share this space. We will make sure he gets as much love as he always does. But, no, he doesn't know what is coming poor little tot. Isn't that great news? We are over the moon. We were over the moon with the arrival of Elliot and didn't expect another grandchild so soon. Lucky us. Being grandparents is so, so special. Only grandparents can understand that.  Being an aunt too is very special. As Suzy said after Elliot was born "I didn't know this feeling until you came along". How right she was. Elliot has changed all our lives for the better and has been a ray of light in these dark Covid times. 

So that's my big news of the week. Thursday came and it was another quiet groundhog day until the afternoon when Oli and her family paid a surprise visit. In walked little Elliot into our bedroom while we were having a siesta (well I was binge watching The Americans). He immediately made   a beeline for my bedside table drawer which is like an Aladdin's cave for him. It had him engrossed for a long time until Eladio suggested going and finding his toys, the toys we keep for him here. Soon the two of them were on the carpet in the main lounge playing. It was a lovely grandfather, grandson moment; a treasured moment. 

Grandfather and grandson playing together in the lounge on Thursday afternoon

I joined them of course and so did Oli when Miguel left for work and we had what used to be called a "jolly" time. We took him to see my father, his 101 year old great grandfather and I gave him the news that Oli's baby is very likely to be a girl and is due on 1st September. I think he is very pleased that he will be a great grandfather again. I am for us all.

We had a lovely dinner together and Eladio and I were in bed quite early, before Miguel returned from work, and were able to enjoy or rather watch the final episode of "Behind her Eyes", the much acclaimed psychological thriller. We  found it rather silly I'm afraid, especially the end. I thus turned to more episodes of The Americans. I remarked that day to Eladio and Oli that I found the dialogues in Russian sort of special. You all know my mother was Russian and my father a teacher of Russian except that I wasn't brought up to speak the language. However, I do understand a lot and watching this series is bringing it all back. I recognise so many of the words. My attraction to this series has a lot to do with my Russian roots. It's true too that as the series is set in the Cold War that is another attraction as my youth was much dominated by it, with talk of Soviet Russia and the visit of so many Soviets to our house. We knew exactly how bad Russia was faring and that's what I'm seeing or reliving in this series. 

I watched until late into the night and woke up at 7.30 on Friday morning. By then Miguel had left for work and had taken Elliot to the nursery. Oli was up and making her breakfast and I joined her. How nice to have mother and daughter time. 

I spent a couple of hours after breakfast going over the proof of my father's book - the one being published in the UK. It is taking ages. It's now been a year and a half since I signed the contract with them. The excuse for the delay is of course Covid. I had already checked the final text and that morning I had to check all the photos were in the right place with the right captions. They were which was good and I was able to give my final ok. God knows now how long it will take for my father's biography to hit the bookshelves? At least the process is still ongoing. 

Oli came with me to do the weekly shopping together and while at the chemist spied Eladio and Elsa at the vet next door,  who had just had her first rehab session for the leg that was operated on and which is now half the size of the other three. What worries us most is the infection in her mouth which is not going away. They have upped the antibiotics but we are still worried. 

Eladio with Elsa waiting outside the vet on Friday morning

My husband has been and is her constant carer and it's not been an easy journey. I realised this week that even if restrictions were lifted and we could travel, we wouldn't be able to as we have to care for Elsa who is at the vet nearly every day. 

Oli and I had a bit of a rush to get all the provisions including food for that day's lunch. But we did stop for a coffee at Alverán - no churros there unfortunately - It was a very relaxing moment, especially for her as she is constantly tired from her pregnancy and looking after Elliot. She will be back to work tomorrow and I hope she has charged her batteries a bit this week. 

We came home with enough food for an army - well a small army - and I set about making lunch; carrot and coriander soup with grilled hake and garlic with steamed asparagus and mushrooms for side dishes. I was a bit stressed by them, especially with the rush of food shopping and making lunch for 6. Thankfully I could rest in the afternoon. If you know me or read this blog frequently, you will also know that I try to get all my chores out of the way in the morning so as to have the afternoon free. I was free to call Suzy in Costa Rica and we had a good chat. I had put her and Keka (my newly found friend and ex trainee at Nokia) in contact as they are kindred spirits. Keka is helping Suzy in so many ways and wants to take her on as a coach in wellness and sustainability in a new business she is building. For the job Suzy had to take a personality test. You may nor not believe in them but there is always some truth in the results and I found it interesting to take the same test Suzy did. If you are interested, here is the link. I turned out to be a "consul" and Suzy, unsurpisingly, a "campaigner". Take the test and see what you are if you like these types of tests. It was fun to while the time away.  My friend Kathy in Keighley, took it too and she is a "defender". 

Kathy is lucky, as like my friend Amanda, also in the UK, she has now been given her first Covid jab. 

Kathy happy after her first jab taken at Skipton Hospital this week

This week she was given the Pfizer vaccine as was her husband Phil. In the EU, especially Germany, there is low acceptance for the Oxford based Aztrozeneca vaccine and stocks are piling up there. In Spain the process is much slower than the UK.  Right at the top of the chart for vaccine roll out are Israel and the UK. Spain lags behind in 9th place with just 4.7% of the population having received the vaccine. 

Vaccine roll out in the world (figures 27.2.21). 

The sooner we are all vaccinated, the sooner we can lift restrictions and the sooner we can travel again. Whether that be with vaccine passports, PCR tests or whatever, all I want is to be and to feel free again. 

On Friday, late into the night, I finished the TV series, The Americans. I binge watched 6 whole seasons in record time. I will miss Elizabeth and Philip or rather Nadezhda and Mischa. What a story. I am now watching Season 3 of The Good Doctor. As you know, I am a sucker for hospital series hahaha.

Saturday was a sunny day and also a very quiet day without Oli and family. They went to spend the day in Rascafría in the mountains of Madrid - did you know Madrid is the highest capital in Spain? Thus we were on our own. 

Olivia and Elliot yesterday in Rascafría

Of significance yesterday was the funeral of the late Captain Sir Tom Moore who needs no introduction.

He had a very appropriate send off. The dear man had told his daughters exactly how he wanted his funeral and the main message was that it be simple. Only 8 people could be at the funeral in his home town in Bedfordshire because of Covid but he will be buried in the family grave in Yorkshire. He was from Keighley very near where I lived as a child and teenager. He was thus a Yorkshire man which, in my mind, makes him extra special. The service though was broadcast live and across the world. He wanted a small tomb stone with the words "I told you I was old". He was inspired by Spike Milligan's inscription: "I told you I was ill".  He even told his daughters what food he wanted at the wake and that included Victoria sponge cake.  He wrote a poem for his own funeral and the words are poignant: "Let no mournful word be said by daughters that I leave behind and their children all the kind near to them and to my wife. I was happy all my life. My two daughters I married right and their children I rocked at night. Death nor sorrow never brought cause for one unhappy thought. Now and with no need for tears here they leave me full of years. Leave me to my quiet rest in the region of the blessed". Fittingly, church bells rang out across the country in honour of Captain Tom. I'm not sure he knew that would be happening but it would have gladdened him as would the wreath sent by the Queen to be laid in his hometown of Keighley and the Second World War plane that flew over the ceremony. He couldn't have had a better send off. He always said "tomorrow will be a good day" and yesterday was a good one. Of all the tributes the one I like best is from his daughter: "Daddy you may be gone but your message and your spirit lives on". It certainly does. Farewell Captain Tom and thank you for being a beacon of hope during the darkest days of Covid. You will always be remembered. 

I thought about him that day. He is of the same generation as my father; people made of harder stuff to quote Patricia the nurse. They just got on with it when faced with difficulties; all their generation really, a generation that inspires me a lot. 

Our day was quiet without Oli and family. We went on our walk in the sun with Pippa and Norah. I wonder if we will ever take Elsa on a walk again? I sincerely hope so. Eladio spent part of the afternoon doing some rehab exercises with Elsa. I caught him unawares on camera. He is such a good carer of our lovely Labrador who is so ill, bless her.

Eladio doing rehab with Elsa

I always think my husband should have been a vet or a doctor but he never had that opportunity. In any case he is our own resident doctor, vet, plumber, electrician, etc as you probably know.

Today will be another sunny day and we shall go out on our walk. The rest of the day will be quiet but I do have a Facetime call to look forward to this afternoon with my friends Kathy and Phil from Keighley, Captain Tom's home town. 

So my friends, I have come to the end of the tales of this week, another week during the pandemic. As I see the numbers go down and more people being vaccinated I begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel. On that more positive note, I wish you all a great week ahead.

Cheers till next Sunday,
Masha

St. Valentine's Day, Catalan elections, caring for Elsa, the gardeners came, Olivia's beginnings in TV, reunited with Keka, Mars Landing, Elliot came to stay and other stories.

 Sunday 21st February, 2021

Elliot came to visit. Here in the lounge on Friday afternoon. 

Dear all. How are you doing? Well, I hope, under the circumstances. The circumstances always mean the Coronavirus pandemic which continues to dominate our lives or rather obstruct them. I have to count my blessings as, touch wood, we haven't yet been affected. I hope we get a vaccine before that happens. The news this week vs a vs Covid is not so dire. The numbers are going down and in Spain the average number per 100.000 is declining rapidly. Hospitals are still full of course and the death toll too high, but the curve is going down. Thank God for that. Globally too the numbers are going down and maybe soon we shall see light after the tunnel. If last week the total number of those infected was 109.131.595 this week it stands at 111.681.925. The total death toll last week was 2.406.116 and today that figure is 2.473.050. 

The week has been full of news and events and, for once, not all about Covid. We have had mild weather here but over the pond, Texas suffered a huge snow storm and power outage and has been declared a major disaster. It was big news in the UK when it was announced that ousted Prince Harry and Meghan his US wife will not be returning as working members of the royal family. I think we could see this coming. They will shortly be interviewed by Oprah Winfrey which will no doubt have The Firm shaking in its shoes. Meanwhile, Prince Philip, soon to be 100, is in hospital but it is not Covid related. In Spain we have had the issue with the "rapper" Pablo Hasel who is now in prison for "glorifying terrorism and slandering the state and crown with his tweets and lyrics (read some of them and you will be shocked). That has caused riots all over the country and questions freedom of speech in Spain. This is a thorny question. 

But let me wind back to last Sunday to tell you about my week. Sunday was 14th February and St. Valentine's Day. We didn't go out for dinner as we normally do (sniff) but I made efforts to celebrate at home and spread a little bit of love. We all need love.

I made a spectacular heart shaped Victorian sponge cake, using my grandmother's recipe. This was it and I was pleased with the result. 

My heart shaped St. Valentine's cake

If you are interested these are the ingredients to make the sponge: 225g soft butter, 225g sugar, 2 level teaspoons baking powder and 4 large eggs. I had made the sponge the day before using my heart shaped silicone cake mold and it turned out a treat. All I had to do on Sunday morning was to turn it into a sandwich cake and decorate it. The ingredients for this were: Bonne Maman strawberry jam, whipped cream, icing cream (turned pink using a bit of the jam), fresh strawberries and some chocolate hearts. You can see the stages I followed to turn my sponge cake into a magnificent St. Valentine's cake:

The stages I followed to turn my sponge cake into a St. Valentine's cake. 

Facebook reminded me that Eladio and I had celebrated St. Valentine's with dinner at Tinglao, a nearby favourite restaurant a year ago.  This was the photo. I am posting it as this year we don't have a photo of the two of us on this significant day.

Last year's St. Valentine's dinner

So no we couldn't go out to dinner but I made a magnificent lunch to celebrate too. I chose one of my favourite meals, a sort of lamb pot roast / lamb casserole. It was delicious and I'm sorry I didn't take a photo to show. The cake was delicious too and we all needed a long siesta afterwards. 

I had a surprise Skype call that afternoon with my dear friends Sandra and Adele who live in Orleans (France) and Brussels respectively. I do miss my lovely Nottingham Uni friends. We usually see each other at least once a year but of course Covid has put an end to that for now. Adele had good news in that she and her husband have been vaccinated. Not so Sandra's mother or my father. We spoke about Covid but we also spoke about the repercussions for trade post Brexit. The three of us are avid shoppers of UK produce but it seems that will be coming to an end now as receivers of goods from the UK have to pay taxes when they are delivered. The deal announced on Christmas Eve was one big lie. The three of us agreed. 

While I was happy enjoying St. Valentine's Day and talking to my friends, all eyes in Spain, at least, were on Catalonia where the regional elections were being held. Of course you all know the issue in Catalonia where about half the population want independence from Spain and the other half don't. Historically pro independence parties always get enough votes to rule but not one party ever gets a majority. There was a big hooha about holding elections during the Pandemic for obvious reasons and this year only half of the voters went to the poling stations; not surprising. Thus only 3 million of the 6 million got to vote which I think skewed the election results. The efforts taken to make voting safe, or as safe as possible, were quite extreme with officials wearing masks and some of them wearing the whole outfit (PPE's) as you can see in the photo below. It makes for a very strange picture.

A scene from voting on Sunday in Catalonia

Voting was allowed for people with the virus from 7 pm to 8 pm, something which appalled me but apparently their voting rights are sacrosanct. Unbelievable. 

I wasn't surprised at the results. The PSOE (left wing constitutional party in government) won but with not enough votes to do anything, except perhaps make an alliance with the left wing ERC independence party. But that won't happen. Instead the independence parties will form a three party alliance which is what they have at the moment. Thus the bottom line here is that things will remain as they are today; no change. The only surprise of the night was when the far right party, Vox, a bit like UKIP, won 11 seats. 

We watched the votes coming in until about 10 pm and by then it was obvious what the result was. I was bored stiff of watching as I am bored stiff of the Catalan issue. Thus I turned to Prime Video to continue watching The Americans. It's a TV series based on the astonishing real life story of two KGB spies who lived in the US posing as a normal family with two kids for decades causing havoc for the US  until they are caught. They even live next door to an FBI agent and become friends. The kids know nothing of their parents' origins and live the lives of typical American kids. The story is amazing and it's also amazing because it really happened.  If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it. I watched till late and woke up late too, at 7.15 on Monday morning.

First things first; breakfast, the news on my iPad and then watching Oli live on TV. It still gives me a thrill to see her. The main news was the results of the Catalan elections. 

Oli live on TV on Monday morning

First things first for Eladio was to take Elsa, our 9 year old Labrador who is very ill, to the vet yet again for laser treatment on her leg and mouth.  He has taken her countless times in the last 2 months since she first got the mouth infection and after the operation on a ligament in her knee (the wound is now infected too). Off she went with the big horrible collar on her and I didn't hear more until they were back two and a half hours later. 

Dear Elsa our lovely Labrador, together with Pippa a few years ago .

The news was not good. The results of the biopsy on her mouth were terrible. The infection had caused necrosis!!!!! The vets warned Eladio  she was  in for the long haul and may not make it. They didn't say the latter but did say people died of necrosis. Of course they do.  They also thought the wound on her leg may have been infected too by the same bacteria. The only treatment  is to continue giving her the same antibiotics she has been on now for a long time. I'm wondering is she hasn't become resistant to them. I was also wondering whether she could pass on the infection to Norah our beagle and Pippa, our mini dachshund. Oh dear. 

I kept saying "oh dear" to myself as I left he house when they got back. I had a coffee date with a friend and neighbour at 12 and walked to the cafe with Pippa who was the only dog to get a walk that morning. We have never lost a dog to illness and I can't envisage losing Elsa. My friend Elena commiserated with me as we sat in the sun having coffee together. We had a good natter and it was nice to do something different and we agreed to meet more often. We have a lot in common as apart from being neighbours, we are the same age and come from the same sector - telecoms - both us with experience in communications. The walk home did me good and it was great to see Oli already there. She had come to have lunch with us again. Oli was extremely upset about Elsa, her favourite dog. I was probably a little too frank but I told her we will have to be prepared for the worst, although I really hope it doesn't come to that. Now it seems she may be over the hill. So please either pray if you are the praying type or cross your fingers if you are not. 

While we had been out and about, 5 gardeners arrived that day, hired by Eladio to prune and tidy the garden. The garden is more than 2.500m2 of land and was severely battered by the winter and especially storm Filomena; the huge snowfall last month.  It needed 5 strong men to tackle it. Usually my husband tends to the garden but this time it was far too big a task for him and we needed professionals and manpower. They came at 8 in the morning and didn't leave until sunset at around 19h; a very full day's work. Here is the view of the garden being pruned at the back and at the front.

Serious gardening and pruning went on when 5 young South American gardeners came to deal with our battered garden. 

Later it looked as if everything had been chopped down and I can only hope nature will perform its magic and all will bloom again soon. We have had great weather this week and the forecast is for sun for the next 10 days or so. We really need the sun after all the snow, rain, fog and cold weather. I'm not sure whether the gardeners stopped for lunch. There is no tradition of offering them cups of tea in this country. I can hardly imagine these teenage South Americans wanting my English tea, hahahhaa. I suppose they must have stopped for lunch of some kind. They would need it too as they worked hard and non stop for nearly 12 hours.

Our own lunch was the same as the day before, leftovers of St .Valentine's Day:  lamb casserole and the second half of my lovely heart shaped cake. Oli appreciated both. She left at about 4.30 to pick up Elliot and not long afterwards I had my weekly Skype call with my dear friend Amanda who lives in Devon. She told me about the terrible wind they had suffered as part of the Beast from the East storm that hit the UK. They suffered gale force winds for 3 days and could not leave the house. This affected their internet coverage and our call was not good quality that day. Even so it was great to see each other and talk. This time we did not dig into the past but focused on the present. Amanda had great news for me; she was to be vaccinated this week and she is not yet 65, so wow. Good for the UK vaccination programme which is working perfectly. 

I had two hours of free time until dinner after our call and I spent it binge watching The Americans. What a great series and right up my street.  Dinner was a small affair and later after the very repetitive news which bored us this day we turned to Prime Video to watch a Spanish film set in the aftermath of the Civil War called The Blind Sunflowers (Los girasoles ciegos). It was right up my street again and Eladio's too. The story includes the figure of a young deacon - like Eladio once was - and the hiding of a republican (anti Franco) literature teacher and how his family - wife and child live on tenterhooks less he is discovered. It's a great story and a great film. 

Film The blind sunflowers set in post Civil War Spain

These things happened in the 40's in Spain and although this film is fiction it is really based on fact. Terrible times but fascinating for me always. I have a thing about the first half of  the twentieth century, it always intrigues me. I then watched more of The Americans and I think I didn't switch off the light until past 1 in the  morning.

Unbelievably I woke up at 7.50 on Tuesday morning!! I think my sleep pattern is changing. I had lots to do that morning and Eladio too. He took Elsa to the vet again. As I said they are treating her with laser  and the vet, Eladio and even Elsa have to wear protective glasses!. He came home to tell me her wound was already better. Overall she seemed so. We were overjoyed. So was our dear Spanish Russian guest Felipe who adores our dogs. I haven't told you but he keeps extending his stay and has been here since 7th January and now seems part of the furniture except that I hardly see him. He is the best type of guest. 

In between cooking and some freelance work, we went on our walk with the two dogs  and I wondered when Elsa will be well enough to join us. The weather was wonderful with the sun out the whole time and the temperatures mild. For the first time this year I didn't have to wear a coat on our walk. 

Who was not so well too was my soon-to-be 102 year old father who caught a cold this week. I was immediately worried about Covid but he had no breathing problems nor a temperature. He is being well looked after but a cold is not pleasant at his age. I hoped he'd get over it soon. He is so strong for his age, it's amazing. 

All in all Tuesday was a very quiet day. That night we watched another  Spanish Civil War themed film on Prime Video - I have found quite a few. We both loved "Carol's Journey" 

Beautiful film - Carol's Journey

It's based on the book of the same name by Angel Garcia Roldán set in Spain in 1940 just after the Spanish Civil War and during WW2 - both favourite genres - It's the story of 11 year old Carol who was born in New York to a Spanish mother and American father who during the story is fighting with the International Brigade against Franco. The dying mother with her daughter return to her village in the north of Spain and the cultural shock for Carol coming from the USA is probably the mainline of the story. We really loved it. The actress, Clara Lago, is a favourite of ours too. She was a great child actress, starting her career at the tender age of 9 and is most famous for her appearance in films as a child. In Carol's Journey she won the award for best supporting actress in the Spanish Goya film awards in 2002. It was well deserved.

Wednesday dawned and it was sunny again. I had missed sending birthday wishes to one of my most loyal blog readers, my dear friend Jackie. We both hail from Bradford and know each other since about the age of 11. She was my dear school friend, Amanda's neighbour and now lives in Spain. I only realised the next day. It's funny we are both the same age and were brought up in Yorkshire. I like that. I shouldn't forget either to record that on Wednesday our darling grandson, Elliot, turned 17 months old, soon to be one and a half;  a milestone in a baby's life. 

Elliot at the nursery this week - at the back in blue with his mouth wide open hahaha

I was once again very proud of my daughter Olivia again that morning. As you know I watch her every morning from 8 am when her programme, La Hora de La 1 on TVE, begins. She is such a professional and looks so good too. Her stylist took a photo of her with the main presenter, Mónica, just as the programme was about to begin. I treasure it and that's why I want to share it with you. As a mother, I couldn't be prouder of her. Understandable right? 

Oli ready to go live on TVE1 on Wednesday morning

I wished I could share this photo with my dear friend Fátima. Years ago (20018) when Oli was on her Erasmus year in Falmouth (UK), she appeared in various videos and short films done by her lovely Indian friends, Sumit and Sandeep, who now work in production and script writing in the UK and India.They used her in their work and when Fátima saw her "presenting in a TV studio" or pretending to, she told me she thought Oli would have a great career in TV. She was right and was proved right. Oh how I miss my dear friend, my comrade in arms. I later tried to find these old videos and with the help of one their creators, Sandeep, I uploaded them to my You Tube channel. Here is the one where Oli, aged just 22, made her beginnings as a TV presenter. Interestingly, in that pretend TV programme - Teen Screen - Oli interviews fellow student Ben Howard, a singer and guitarist who is now an international star. Watch that part in minute 7.20 or so. I remember meeting him at Tesco in Falmouth hahaha. As I watched him and Oli greet there, it looked like he was interested in her romantically or was it my imagination? 

Olivia with Ben Howard in their first TV appearances, back in 2008. 

It was obvious at the time that they both had talent. As someone said to me this week, "the rest is history". 

The film Oli appears in,  "Love will find a way" is worth a watch and you can see it here. It's a funny, slap stick,  short film  made by Oli's Indian colleagues, Sumit and Sandeep as part of some Uni work to give in for their course.  The main character is played by Oli's fellow student, Rafa, who makes for an unusual suitor of a very young and beautiful girl, my daughter. It's fun, watch it. It was great to retrieve these videos, the beginning of the careers of the makers and those who featured in them. 

The day was quiet and I only left the house for our walk, again without a coat as the weather is lovely. There is not much to report about that quiet day except for one highlight. That night I was reunited with a long standing friend, an ex Nokia colleague, Keka, who I hadn't seen since 2012 and hadn't heard from since 2017. 

With my beloved Keka in her beloved Galicia - summer of 2012

I had wondered where she was, when suddenly, out of the blue, she contacted me that night. "Keka", who is really called Esther was a trainee in marketing in our team in Nokia Spain in the early 2000's and I remember her vividly. She and I always remember her first day. Anne, her Finnish boss, asked her to do the "meeting minutes" during her first meeting ever in her first job ever. Later it transpired she had no idea what we were talking about - all in English and using acronyms - and somehow she made her way to me to ask for help which of course I gave her. I helped her on many occasions until she grew her own wings and off she went to international destinations, a very clever, funny, empathetic, kind and passionate woman. I have missed her in my life and am so happy to have her back. We spoke for at least an hour and a half and it was late when Eladio and I watched that night's film, another one about the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War. I couldn't sleep after that and am ashamed to say I was up binge watching The Russians till 2 in the morning. That was late and naughty of me. No wonder my sleep pattern is changing. 

Just a few hours later it was Thursday. That morning I had an unpleasant appointment awaiting me. Eladio and I were due at the dentist at 11.45. We went after he came back with Elsa from the vet where she had been applied more laser treatment both on her leg and mouth. Eladio was going for a check up, his first in 2 years, and I was going to get the mould made for my upcoming dental overlays. My husband came out quickly with no issues with his almost perfect teeth the colour of which is still A1 at his age (76). I envied him as I had to suffer an hour long treatment which included: a nasty anesthetic injection, the removal of the temporary fillings of my three molars, the making of 3 molds and then more temporary fillings. They will have to last until I get the overlays (a sort of crown like filling) on 4th March. I was dying for a cup of coffee afterwards but had to drink it with a straw as my mouth was numb. PD all three fillings have fallen out and I will have to go back to the dentist tomorrow. Poor me. 

We were home on time for lunch and had missed our walk unfortunately. I spent the afternoon talking to my darling Suzy in Costa Rica and also on the phone to my dear friend Anne in Finland. So nice to speak to them both. I was happy to find Suzy in good spirits. 

While we were having a quiet day, something very exciting was happening in the world. The spacecraft, dubbed "Perseverance" was attempting to land on Mars.  It landed successfully as you will all know now. 

The Mars landing on Thursday evening

I wasn't really sure why this was exciting. After all, it wasn't the first Mars landing and there was no one board and only a robot would land. For science though it was, apparently. From what I understand the craft which cost 2.7 billion dollars (read that?) took 6 months to reach the red planet. There have been 19 Mars landings but only 4 have been successful, all coming from the US. The intention it to determine whether there was once life on this very hostile planet. I understand this is exciting but I do think the cost - 2.7 billion dollars - is obscene and could be put to much better use. 

That was the big news of the day on the international front. In Spain the news was about violent demonstrations in big cities protesting about the imprisonment of a rapper (hate that word and hate what rappers do). The person in question as I mentioned briefly above,  is one very provocative man called Pablo Hasel. He is charged with glorifying terrorism and insulting the Crown. He was convicted to prison in a very high profile free speech case which has a lot of people up in arms. I'm all for free speech and protesting but I'm not for violence by the protesters of which there has been a lot. This has added fuel to the already tense Catalan question as well as made a divide in the fragile left wing coalition government with those on the far left inciting more violence.

The big news at home that day was that Elsa was on the mend finally. After 5 laser sessions she seemed definitely better. For the first time that day, in 2 months, she got up from her bed on her three legs and joined in the chorus of dogs demanding their daily treats. It was a sight for sore eyes and a huge relief. There was a time this week when we thought she wouldn't make it but now we have reason for hope.

Elsa on the mend - here with Norah our beagle and Pippa, our dachshund, getting their treats

Friday came and it was to be another sunny day. It turned out to be the best day of the week for more than one reason. That morning I had a phone call appointment with the maxillofacial consultant who was to give me the results of the biopsy of the lump on my tongue. Two weeks before that when she removed it she was quite confident it was benign but only the results of the biopsy would confirm that. I was so relieved then to hear from her that what I had was candidiasis, commonly known as oral thrush. When I told Eladio he wondered whether it was a sexually transmitted disease which had me laughing. It wasn't hahahah. It's the result of an imbalance in the bacteria in the mouth. I have to take some tablets so hopefully it will go away soon. That was news to celebrate and we did so when we went to have a coffee (and a "porra") at the local churros cafe while out food shopping, our outing of the week. While we were out I had a surprise when I bumped into Fátima junior and her cousin Sara. Fátima junior is the daughter of my dearest friend Fátima who died in December 2019. How wonderful to see them. We had to have a selfie of course and here we are, with our damned masks on but happy to be reunited.

Great to bump into Fátima junior and her sweet cousin Sara on Friday morning

Oli joined us for lunch which I had made early that morning - cream of asparagus and mushroom soup followed by meat balls - all home made. We were surprised to be woken up during our siesta afterwards by the sound of a baby crying. Who could it be? Well, only Elliot, of course. Oli had surprised us by asking Miguel and Elliot to come to our house and for them to stay the rest of the day and the night. Oh how lovely to be reunited with our grandson again. He was soon rediscovering his toys which we keep in boxes behind one of the sofas. Here he is getting them out.

Elliot rediscovering his toys at our house during his surprise visit on Friday 

It was such a lovely sunny day, we took him out to the swings and on his tricycle. He wouldn't come off it but refused to try and use the pedals although he can now reach them - he is just so big for his age. 

Elliot on his tricycle - moments with his very happy grandfather

When it got dark at about 6.45, we went in and resumed to the lounge to listen to music and for Elliot to play with all the bric a brac I have in the lounge - dangerous moments hahahahaha. That was when Miguel took the lovely photo of me which I have chosen for this week's feature photo. I love it. He looks so serious but of course he isn't. 

It wasn't time for dinner but Eladio brought in some sliced chorizo and "salchichón" and then I asked for wine which was my downfall. I got drunk, I really did. Not fall over the floor type drunk but very tipsy. Making our dinner afterwards was not easy because of being tipsy, plus I wasn't hungry any more. But I somehow rustled up a dinner of sorts which everyone ate except me. I did have a few bites and I definitely had more of my share of some viennetta ice cream I had bought at Mercadona that morning. 

We were in bed early and that night I did not watch anything but fell asleep really soon - at about 9.30 and slept through the night apart from 2 excursions to the bathroom. I woke up at 7.15 on Saturday morning. Elliot was already up and it was great to have breakfast with him. His parents had bought churros and porras and I had to give in to 2 of the latter. Our walk yesterday in the sun was divine. Oli and family went to a park near town and came back with lunch - lovely steak which we had with chips. That had us all full and I wasn't hungry until the next morning. My New Year's resolution to lose weight is not working. I must get more motivated. You can do it Masha. Well, I can but it's difficult.

When Oli and family left in the afternoon the house was quiet and we followed our usual routine. Luckily our house is so big we all have space to do our own thing. I think couples or families in small houses or flats must find it stifling during lock down. As to people living this alone, that must be so lonely and bad for the mind.  Eladio and I do our own thing but meet for our walks, for morning coffee, our meals, etc, which is a great balance. Eladio's "thing" yesterday was to mow the lawn after the gardeners had done all the pruning.  It's a big job but I must say the lawn looks great today.

Today is Sunday and we shall have another quiet day in semi lock down. It has been nearly a year since the first lock down in March. I don't think society can take much more of it. We are gritting our teeth and bearing it but long to travel and just have our lives back as they were before Covid. I'm sure you all feel the same. 

So my friends, I have come to the end of the tales of this week which I hope you enjoy reading about.

Keep safe and cheers till next week,

Masha

My birthday, "When I'm 64", Elliot and The Very Hungry Caterpillar, a voice over job at the UNED University, tougher rules for travellers to the UK, remembering my brother George and other tales of the week.

 Sunday 14th February, 2021

Reading The very hungry caterpillar to Elliot on my birthday - he never tires of it

Good morning all and Happy St. Valentine's Day for those of you celebrating it. Wouldn't it be lovely to be able to go out to dinner today? But we can't because of Covid restrictions. When will they end? No time soon. The numbers of those infected and the death toll have again risen but in Europe we are finally seeing this third wave, perhaps the worst of all, coming to a plateau. 

Last Sunday the global number of infected was 106.377.451 and today it stands at 109.131.595. Last Sunday the global death toll was 2.321.363 and today it stands at 2.406.116. It looks like the incerase in weekly numbers is gradually decreasing. Oh, I hope so. From what I have heard and read, finally the number of those being vaccinated is higher than those getting infected. But the vaccine is not being rolled out fast enough, here in Spain and other EU countries. But where the situation is dire is in Africa and the underdeveloped countries. We need to vaccinate the whole world as the virus knows no borders and if we don't it will come back again. We are all in this together but countries are acting selfishly, only worrying about their own populations. I wish I could tell you this week that my father, soon to be 102, has been vaccinated but we have heard nothing. 

Last Sunday was another quiet day in semi lockdown which I often refer to as house arrest - there is not much difference. Well, we could go on our walk and were able to drive to a local supermarket to get some fresh fish to make fish and chips for my birthday. We nearly always have fish and chips (with mushy peas) on birthdays in this house. We also have cake and usually we get a fruit one covered in white chocolate from our favourite cake shop, Alverán. We went there to pick up the cake Eladio had ordered. I then succumbed to temptation and went to another bakery called Manacor to buy some raspberry and strawberry mini tarts filled with whipped cream. I can't resist them whenever I see them. I thought they would be nice for lunch that day as a pre-birthday celebration. My father, who also loves them, couldn't have agreed more. 

Pre-birthday celebrations on Sunday with this delicious fruit tart. 

Sunday was quiet but I had Monday to look forward to as it was my birthday on 8th February. I would be turning 64. How could that be? At lunch with my father I reminded him it was to be my birthday but he knew it was the next day. He was looking forward to the family breakfast and family lunch. So was I.  I did miss though going out for dinner as we always do on our birthdays but that's not on the cards in these Covid days of course. Where have the years gone I wondered? I remember my own father turning 64 as that was the year he retired; 1983. That was also the year we married, nearly 38 years ago. I shall never forget the moment walking down the aisle with him at my side in his newly bought suit which was a bit too big for him. I was so proud of my father and like to think he was proud of me too.

Walking down the aisle on my wedding day with my father. 

I shall remember that moment forever. It was a very special father and daughter moment.  To think he was my age that year, 64, the age I reached this week, sobers me. Where did the years go? My mother and brother both passed away since our wedding as well as my Aunty Masha. Oh how I miss them. On the whole though these last 38 years have been good to us. We have been blessed with our lovely daughters and now little Elliot, my grandson and the apple of my eye. 

I was up early on my birthday which this year fell on the worst day possible; a Monday. It was raining too so the Carpenters' song. "Rainy days and Mondays always get me down" was applicable. However, I was determined to enjoy my birthday as much as I could. Another song in my mind was the famous Beatles' song "When I'm 64". I must have heard it many many times as a young girl but never imagined myself actually getting to 64. I looked up the lyrics which are: 

When I get older losing my hair

Many years from now

Will you still be sending me a Valentine

Birthday greetings bottle of wine

If I'd been out till quarter to three

Would you lock the door

Will you still need me, will you still feed me

When I'm sixty-four

You'll be older too

And if you say the word

I could stay with you

I could be handy, mending a fuse

When your lights have gone

You can knit a sweater by the fireside

Sunday mornings go for a ride

Doing the garden, digging the weeds

Who could ask for more

Will you still need me, will you still feed me

When I'm sixty-four

Every summer we can rent a cottage

In the Isle of Wight, if it's not too dear

We shall scrimp and save…

It's actually quite applicable and in many ways describes my life today with my dear husband by my side, still looking after me as I look after him. So may be being 64 is not so bad. 

The day started with a family breakfast but without the girls or Elliot and it was very quiet. My dear husband went out to get us chocolate, churros and the thicker version, porras. He bought far too many and we were soon full up. 

My birthday breakfast

Oli who is a huge fan of churros was upset to miss the birthday breakfast but she had to work. I watched her on TV that morning as I do every day. She looked spectacular in a grey trouser suit; just so professional. 

Oli on TV on the morning of my birthday

We would see her later of course and I saved her some churros and porras. After breakfast there was a present for me and a birthday card. I knew what the present was as I had bought it myself online (hahaha). It was my favourite perfume, Oh Lola by Marc Jacobs which has now been discontinued so it was hard to find.

After breakfast we needed a walk to work off some of the excess breakfast and hopefully have some room in our "tummies" for our birthday lunch of home made fish and chips.  Suzy rang me just as we were setting off. It must have been 3 in the morning for her in Costa Rica but she gets up at that time to give her English lessons to Chinese children owing to the time difference in China. It was lovely to see her. 

I came home to find a bouquet of flowers had been delivered. Eladio was quick to say they weren't from him. He has had so many hints over the years that I would love flowers from him but he never gets it. They were from Oli, Miguel and little Elliot and I loved them.

Birthday flowers from Oli, Miguel and Elliot

Very soon Oli, Miguel and Elliot were here and there was time to play with my adorable grandson who is soon to be 17 months old. I can see the progress in him every day. He loves his toys we keep for him here, especially the old boot and dolls' houses which had belonged to his mother and Aunty Suzy who he calls Aunty Bonny, Bonny being her family nickname. 

But what he likes best is a book bought for him by my dear friends, Kathy and Phil, when he was born; The Very Hungry Caterpillar, by Eric Carle and first published in 1969. 

Elliot's overall favourite book

I have read it to him over and over again and he never tires of it. He knows all the creatures and food in the book and glees with joy when the caterpillar turns into a butterfly. He then hands me the dog teared book to me to read over again and I can't resist. He has many books and I wonder why it this one that is his favourite. He loves animals so maybe that's it. Ah, and he loves food so maybe that's another reason. His parents told us that recently the teachers at the nursery told them he eats a lot and waits for everyone to finish in case there is something left on their plates for him to gobble up. Like The Very Hungry Caterpillar, he eats anything and everything. There is nothing he rejects. Funny little boy. No wonder he is so growing so fast. He  Oli caught me on camera reading it to him on my birthday and I have chosen it as this week's feature photo. 

Soon it was time for lunch. Lucy made the chips and I made the fish in beer batter and mushy peas. Everyone agrees in this house that this is our favourite meal. One of the many things I miss about my home country is fish and chips. Curry too, by the way. 

Fish and chips for lunch on my birthday

Soon it was the cake moment and I enjoyed it with Elliot on my lap. I think he was a little surprised at what was happening and looked at me curiously when I blew out the candles. Miguel took a short video of the all important cake moment which you can see here. 

The cake was as good as always. Alverán, our cake shop never fails. It was delicious and there was hardly any left after we had all had a slice. Some of us had two, hahahhaha and it wasn't me for once. 

My delicious birthday cake

We all had a siesta afterwards except for Miguel who was working a late shift that day. After the wine, the fish and chips and the cake I slept for about 1.5h and so did Elliot and his Mother. She so needs to catch up on her sleep. We played again later and then it was time for them to go. 

The rest of the day was quiet and pleasant. I felt cheered up by my birthday and especially because Elliot had been with me to celebrate it. Oh how I love that little boy. My heart warms just thinking about him. The best thing about my birthday was it being a break in the pandemic, a break thinking about it and having something to celebrate. Even without my birthday I had lots to celebrate as I commented to Eladio that night when we went to bed. I did not have cancer, I have a job, none of us has been affected by Covid and all of us are well. So, no complaining from me that day. It actually gave me a lift. What also gave me a lift were all the birthday wishes from family, friends and acquaintances on all sorts of media: whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, email and also phone calls. I was specially happy to receive a call from an ex Motorola colleague, Joâo M.D who was the country manager of the office in Portugal. Many an adventure we had together but I haven't seen him since I left in 1999. "Obrigada" Joâo for your lovely call and everyone else's calls and messages. There are too many of you to mention but you all touched my heart when you took time to reach out to me on my birthday this week. Thank you all. 

Tuesday came and I felt lifted after a lovely birthday, despite the circumstances. My spirits were also lifted because that morning I had something different to do. I had a small job at the UNED University, thanks to my dear friend Julio who works there. It was to do the voice over for a video about the digital economy in the European Union (nothing exciting hahaha). It felt so lovely to be going out for something productive and I dressed up for the occasion. I even put on make-up for the first time in ages, probably since Christmas Eve. I had to have a photo before I left and there was only me to take it so I stood in front of my mirror haha, mobile in my hand. 

Ready to go out on Tuesday morning

It was  a freezing cold day with strong winds. Julio was waiting for me when I finally found the building in the Ciudad Universitaria (University City). Of course we couldn't hug or kiss so had to make do with a smile. So sad. We soon met the audiovisual coordinator and he took us to the recording studios. I was a bit thrown when I was told I had to read with my mask on but there was no other option. Here I am ready to go.

With my mask on about to start the voice over job

I had practiced quite a lot so was nearly word perfect and hardly had to repeat anything. Thus the job was soon over and Julio and I were free to go. We found a café in the nearby IT faculty but we had our coffee outside for fear of Covid aerosols. It wasn't an ideal place to have a coffee together and we were soon walking back to our cars. I ran the last few yards as it began to pour with rain. It was great to see my friend Julio and we promised to meet again soon for a coffee in better weather.

It was too wet for our walk that day so I spent the remaining part of the morning making our lunch - asparagus and mushroom soup followed by meatballs. During our siesta I didn't sleep as I was keen to watch the second half of a delightful film called "Bee Season". It's about a family (Jewish) where academia is the norm and the youngest daughter hopes to attract her fanatical father's attention (Richard Gere) by competing in spelling competitions (spelling bees). I loved it. It explores family relations and  religion apart from the story of a child genius. The girl who plays Eliza (Flora Cross) who is so good at spelling, does an amazing job. I then decided to give Bridgerton a try, that fantasy regency so called period drama, mostly set in Bath. I watched one episode and some of it is tolerable but it is rather ridiculous as I expected. I wasn't sure I would watch any more. 

The highlight of Tuesday afternoon was a Facetime call with my dear friend Kathy and husband Phil who live in Keighley. We spoke for an hour and a half and it was nearly as if we were together but of course we weren't. Can't wait for this damned pandemic to be over so that we can see each other again and can travel. My body and heart are dying for a trip to Yorkshire and their bodies and hearts are dying for a trip to Spain.  For the moment we can only dream as we don't know when travel will resume, especially travel to the UK. This week the UK government announced that all arrivals from 33 red zone countries will have to quarantine for 10 days at a ghastly Travel Lodge Hotel and pay for the duration. Well I wouldn't do that and wonder if anyone will. 

Latest travel restrictions for arrivals in the UK

The Government went as far as threatening travellers who lied about their country of origin with a 10 year prison sentence! This had everyone up in arms. It's ridiculous. 

Wednesday was a quiet day as most days are. We didn't have any errands to do and enjoyed our walk in the sun although the path was very muddy from so much rain. We are now into the middle of February and we have noticed that the days are getting longer. In Madrid, at least, sunrise is now at around 08.15 and dusk at 19.00. Roll on 28th March when the clocks go forward and bring longer hours of sunlight, especially in the evenings. Oli joined us for lunch that day, without Elliot. It was strange to see her without our little baby who was at the nursery and no doubt had a big lunch too. Later in the day the three of them were going to see another flat in their house seeking project. It's exciting to think they may have their own house soon. 

That day the vaccination programme in Spain included for the first time the use of the Oxford vaccine, the one countries seem to have so many doubts about. Just under 200.000 doses arrived this week. The doubts stem from the fact that the studies done did not include people over 65 and the company's own statement that its vaccine is not efficient against the so-called South African variant. Later in the day, the WHO, disputed this, backing the British made vaccine as well as agreeing to the British strategy of giving it in two doses, eight to twelve weeks apart. According to the WHO, the "efficacy of the vaccines is higher when the second dose is administered later". I am a bit fed up with so many changes in recommendations such as those or about masks, aerosols and now vaccines. What are we to believe? In Spain the Oxford vaccine is only being administered to people over 55. As I keep saying, I am still waiting for my father to get his first jab. Why is this so slow?  The EU Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen actually admitted on Wednesday the vaccine roll out failures and apologised. She also pointed out that if there hadn't been an organised purchase on behalf of all the EU countries, there would have been a country scramble and war to procure the vaccine. I think she is right on this but I'm very cross about the slow roll out.  It's not slow in the UK where over 13 million have  been given a vaccine (figures for this Tuesday).  The problem facing Boris Johnson now is getting the 2 million over 70's reluctant to receive a jab. The other problem is the low uptake by members of the "BAME" community. For those not familiar with this acronym it means "black, asian and minority ethnic". This is especially worrying as the percentage of those affected by the virus in the UK is higher in this group than in any other. 

Thursday came and as usual I had my breakfast reading the headlines. At 8 am sharp I switch on the RTVE streaming app to watch Oli reporting and presenting in her programme, "La Hora de la 1". One of the topics she included that morning was the beginning of the impeachment process against Donald Trump. Here she is on screen next to his ugly mug.

My daughter reporting on the impeachment of Trump

New images emerged during the trial showing awful footage of Trump's fanatical supporters attacking the Capitol. It is obvious Trump is responsible for this terrible attack on democracy but he would get away with it again as 17 votes from the Republicans were needed for him to be impeached, something which was highly unlikely. He did get away with it too when his was absolved on Saturday. I seriously thing he should have sat before a civilian trial for inciting the violence at the Capitol and not at an impeachment trial where biased political parties vote. 

I watched Oli's programme with more interest than usual as the day before "La Hora de La 1" was in trouble for a supposed error. It happened while a story was being told about Princess Leonor, daughter of the King of Spain and next in line to the throne. The story was that she would be studying in Wales at the very  exclusive  UWC Atlantic College, next term. So far so good until a headline appeared on the screen with these words "Leonor is leaving Spain, like her grandfather".  Some people took this as an attack on the Crown. 

The unfortunate headline: "Leonor is leaving Spain, like her grandfather"

Her grandfather is ex King Juan Carlos who is currently in exile in Dubai hiding from scandals about his finances.  This comparison was soon trending topic and even reached parliament as well as newspapers abroad with criticism of RTVE growing for attacking the crown.  Immediately Spain's national broadcaster issued an apology regretting the mistake and that measures were being taken to relieve those responsible of their positions. I asked Oli what had happened and she told me the mistake was made by the scriptwriter and him only and that he had not intentionally meant to attack the crown. He was later dismissed,  a pawn in a ridiculous story made bigger than it really was.  She was sorry for him and so was I. I can imagine him realising the consequences of his action and regretting it for the rest of his life. Oli told me he  did not mean to attack the crown but his misjudgment in writing that headline gave the public and opposition party ammunition to attack the corporation. I now know the story behind this scandal firsthand, something the public doesn't know and it makes me wonder how real are kother scandals are that are often used as political ammunition. His name, by the way is now out of the bag; Bernat Barrachina and he is now on the dole. Not fair right. He posted on his twitter feed that he had been fired like Princess Leonor's grandfather. 

The tweet from the scriptwriter who has lost his job over the offending headline about Princess Leonor. 

I hope he finds a job soon. I couldn't watch the rest of the programme as we  had to go out in the morning to give my Criminal Records check document with its Hague Apostille to my lawyer and to retrieve my passport. This is the lawyer dealing with my request for Spanish nationality. I had thought the paperwork was over but it wasn't. It should be now. After this I shall just have to sit and wait for about a year before the ok comes through. There is no doubt it will come through after so many years in Spain and married to a Spaniard but it will take as long as a year. What a bore. But first we went to the chemist and then I persuaded Eladio to come with me to see a small demonstration of people outside our local Mercadona - the ubiquitous low cost supermarket in Spain. It appears it is to shut to the public and turn into a logistic platform for online sales and the neighbours in this area are up in arms. We are not only upset it will close to the public but furious to see a logistics platform in a residential area. That day some of the residents had organised a small demonstration and had called the media. I had to have a look and here I am in the fog and cold with not many people around. In fact it seemed there were more policemen then demonstrators. 

Outside our local Mercadona to see the small group of protesters on Thursday morning. 

I have very few hopes of the residents' protests coming to anything as Mercadona is a giant company and they will get their way for sure. We drove off on my mission to Madrid to meet my lawyer. I handed her the coveted criminal check record with its Hague Apostille which she was supposed to give in the next day to add to all my papers for Spanish nationality. I had asked her before if it needed to be translated by a certified translator, a question she failed to answer. I mentioned it again on Thursday and she admitted sheepishly that it would need translating. Thus she would not be submitting the document the next day. Agggh, I do feel as though my lawyer, apart from slow, is rather incompetent.  I also asked her if she knew if our post Brexit residency cards would be ready, something she promised to let me know. Well, she had forgotten that too and it was up to me to get two appointments to pick them up. I managed the complicated online process and now have a date; 22nd February, but no thanks to my lawyer. I can't fire her now as we are in the middle of the process of requesting nationality nor can I show my annoyance as there is no point getting her back up. Better to keep the peace but I would not recommend her to anyone. Funny thing is she came highly recommended by a Jill, US friend who got Spanish nationality through her. Anyway, sorry to bore you with this. 

It was too late for our walk when we got back and it was raining. Oli joined us for lunch again, on her own - we missed Elliot - but left soon after lunch. I have to admit that on that day I binge watched about 5 episodes of the final season, season 8 of one of my very favourite TV series, Homeland. Oh it was great to be back in the company of Carrie and Saul. I had missed them.

Friday 12th February would have been my brother George's 66th birthday. I always remember him but especially on the day of his birthday and on the anniversary of his death, 15th May. How could I ever forget?  If you haven't seen it, this is what I wrote that day: "Remembering George my brother. It's his birthday today and he would have been 66. Life took him too early, aged just 46 and I miss him every day. I miss my 6ft tall, handsome, blonde, blue eyed and talented brother who could pick up languages so fast, who could play the piano and guitar and write music and who was a natural for sport. He would talk on equal terms to anyone from prince to pauper and was born with itchy feet. He once hitch hiked to Afghanistan and got cholera there. He got lost and robbed in his travels to Latin America and it was always a joy and relief to have him home safe. I remember our talks late into the night. There were bad times too. He had a sad dark side and got schizophrenia but still the sparkle in his beautiful blue eyes came through some times. Life did not hand him good cards. I forever feel guilty I got the best deal. Life is so unfair. God bless my beautiful golden brother. I think of you every day and carry you in my heart." My consolation is exactly that; I carry him in my heart. I don't have many photos with him and I wish I had more but here are three of us, when we very young with my father, a beautiful photo taken in Norwich by an Italian photographer and another one of us, both wearing hats, at the pretty little village of Guadalest in the county of Alicante. 

In Ruskington as children with our father

Happy times in Guadalest near Callosa (Alicante)

The two of us probably aged 20 and 22. 

At lunch that day I mentioned to my father that it would have been George's birthday and my father knew, answering "12th February". Our birthdays are very close, mine on the 8th and George's on 12th February. I remember as children receiving a birthday card each from our grandmother on my father's side, with a whole pound note in it. A pound went a long way in the early 60's I can tell you. She would also send us a birthday cake she had probably made herself which we always looked forward to. George has now missed his birthday for 20 years since he died on 15th May 2001 but I always remember them for him. How could I not?

That morning was shopping day and off we went, Eladio and I to get enough provisions to fill the pantry for another week. It's our weekly excursion. We hardly ever go out apart from to shop. Oh how I miss travelling. George, my itchy feet brother, would not have borne lockdown very well, I know. After we had finished we went to have a coffee at our favourite café which is also a cake shop and bakery; Alverán. I couldn't resist some heart shaped cakes filled with whipped cream for St. Valentine's Day. As I shopped I thought about how to celebrate it as of course we can't go out for dinner. We could as restaurants are open but we don't want to risk going inside. That's why we have our coffees out at a table in the street, to avoid the dangerous aerosols that spread Covid. In the end I decided to make a cake myself, a heart shaped one, for today. The small heart shaped cakes from Alveran were for pre-St. Valentine's celebrations hahaha. 

The heart shaped and whipped cream filled cakes from Alverán, our favourite cake shop

We had a quiet lunch and were not joined by Oli that day. She had had another busy morning, appearing non stop on her TV programme where she starts work at 5 in the morning. I watch her whenever I can. That day saw her reporting on the words uttered by our communist Vice President of the government, the pony tailed Pablo Iglesias. He has been much in the news this week, the week running up to the blasted elections in Catalonia taking place today which always cause friction. He said in a radio programme that full political and democractic normality is not present in Spain. He was referring to the Catalan independence leaders being in prison for calling an illegal referendum. Well, they are hardly in prison now as they are out and about campaigning and only sleep in prison at the weekends or not even that and, excuse me, but they did break the law. Other constitutional political party leaders and members disputed his words and I dispute them too. I have lived here for many years and this is a full democracy, with its flaws of course but a democracy. Many called for his dismissal. I wish he would go too.

Olivia with the ugly mug of Pablo Iglesias in the background

Oli, tired and also fed up of the pandemic - as we all are - came with her little family to spend the afternoon and the night with us. It was great to see Elliot again. I had a present for him, another baby book. This one is about the jungle with real jungle sounds and he loves it. He was chuckling with glee at each sound and as he turned the pages.

Elliot enjoying the new book I bought him with jungle sounds

He loved his new book but still insisted I read him The very hungry caterpillar a few times hahahahaha. 

In order to cheer Oli up I had promised her an afternoon and evening of love with a special dinner because of St. Valentines. I served croquettes, foie, Iberian ham, artichokes and runner beans. Then we had the cake, half a piece each as the piece de resistance. Eladio was the only one not to eat his. He is not into cakes hahahaha. 

We all went to bed early so that day there was no binge watching Homeland and both Eladio and I fell asleep watching a film called Ellis Island which didn't convince. We soon fell asleep.

On Saturday I woke up at 6.45 and was the one to feed the dogs. Would you believe that it was one year ago yesterday that the first person died of Covid in Spain. I don't know his name but do know he had travelled to Nepal and was admitted into hospital in Valencia. When he died, we just expected a few cases and not much more but my goodness we had no idea what was coming. 

Oli and co went off house seeking, Eladio, Pippa, Norah and I went for our walk and I came home to make a family lunch.  I made my red lentil soup followed by spaghetti carbonara. I think we were all craving pasta except for my father and Eladio who are what I describe as "potato men" (hahahaha). I spent a lot of quality time with 16 month old Elliot yesterday and he and I are forming a wonderful bond. He just loves it when I sit on the carpet with him playing with his toys. They left in the early evening as they had a dinner date at their home. He was with me too when I made the Victoria Sponge cake for St. Valentine's. It came out a treat although sagged a bit in the middle. The solution was just to turn it on its back. I will decorate it today.

My heart shaped Victoria sponge cake for St. Valentine's which I shall decorate today. 

It was when I was watching the cake in the oven that  Eladio spotted Elsa our labrador who is recovering from her knee ligament operation and  has a lingering mouth infection, had a swollen eye or eyelid. We were alarmed and hoped the mouth infection had not spread. My husband immediately took her to the vet - thank God it's open 24/7. She was administered Urbason - that life saving strong cortisone which helps reduce inflammation. We have to give her some drops too and tomorrow Eladio will take her back to the vet. She is not doing well and we feel so sorry for her. 

I couldn't accompany my husband for Covid reasons (damn the virus) so he went on his own. I had an hour to myself before dinner and used it to watch more of Homeland Season 8. I would watch the remaining 30 minutes of it in an amazing finale in bed that night. It is supposed to be the last season but in my mind the ending gives me hope it may be continued. I then turned to another spy series, The Amercans, which I had watched about 5 years ago but wanted to revisit. 

And today is Sunday and St. Valentine's Day so I wish you all lots of love. Share it my friends. I shall be telling you about our day in next week's post. Meanwhile, take care.

All the best till then,

Masha