Mother’s day, Oli in León reporting on the snow, a quiet May bank holiday, the best restaurant in the world is Spanish, a new King in Holland, a Bridget Jones Dinner, my Father’s 94th birthday, deep water marathon swim between Formentera and Ibiza, a Spanish garden in Spring and other stories.

Sunday 5th May 2013

With my Father - the cake blowing moment on his birthday on 1st May

Hello again, 

It’s Sunday and the time to write my blog.  Today is Mothers’ day in Spain and the girls are not here.  I have myself to blame probably as I never brought them up to celebrate it.  Meanwhile families in Spain will be celebrating all over the country with family lunches which has me feeling a little bereft.  Just as I wrote this, I got a call from Olivia who is in Valencia, to wish me a happy Mother’s Day which has left me feeling a little better.  No sign of Suzy though which rather gets me down as she was supposed to be coming home to live with us before going to London but that doesn’t seem to be happening.  

I am now adding a bit of news here about Mother’s Day.  After I wrote the above, Susana appeared, a little shame faced but with a beautiful bunch of flowers and wonderful cake. 

Mother's Day flowers from Susana most appreciated and unexpected

Thus we had an unexpected Mother’s Day lunch, albeit without Olivia.  But it was nice and we had it outside.  My Father enjoyed the cake, made with thin pastry, cream and raspberries.  It reminded me of one my Mother used to make which we used to call “the slice” not very appropriately.

A wonderful cake from Suzy for Mother's Day

But let me start from the beginning, from last Sunday.  That afternoon Olivia went off to León as there was snow forecast in the north of Spain and her programme, La Mañana de la 1, wanted her to report on it as snow is somewhat unusual at the end of April even in those parts of Spain.  León, of course is where most of Eladio’s family live so instead of going to a hotel, Olivia and her producer colleague, 23 year old “Esme”, went to stay the night with my sister-in-law Pili and her husband Andrés.

Oli with her colleague Esme arriving at Pili and Andres' home last Sunday

They got wonderful hospitality and Olivia told us later it was so nice to stay with them rather than at a hotel and that Andrés had been like a Father, waiting in the street for them to arrive, accompanying their chauffeur to a hotel and even going out at 11 at night to buy them oranges for juice at breakfast.  Thanks Pili and Andrés, you are both so special.

They were up early in the morning to drive to a village in the mountains called Isoba where Oli would be reporting at 10.29 (clip) and again at 12.31 (clip).  Isoba is in the mountain range called The Peaks of Europe (Los Picos de Europa) and one day we most go there.

Olivia deep in snow reporting on the weather from Isoba, León, last Monday

Adela, Pili’s sister, a primary school teacher in León, later told me she watched Olivia live on the television with her class.  What a lovely gesture Adela.  Thank you.

On Monday Oufa left for a four day break, good for her of course, but I wondered how we would manage.  Manage we did of course but it was a relief to get her back on Friday.  Part of her time off was due to the May bank holiday. It was a holiday on Tuesday (1^st May) and on Wednesday too in Madrid as the 2^nd May is celebrated here to commemorate the uprising by the people of Madrid in 1808 against the occupation of the city by the French.  This in turn triggered the famous Peninsular War.  For a lot of people in the city it was a chance for a week’s break, or at least a long bank holiday which is often called a “Puente” (bridge) here.  We stayed at home and I must say our May bank holiday was one of the quietest in years.

Monday was a great day for Spain, which may be going through an awful financial crisis with 25% unemployment, but the news that day did a lot to enhance its brand abroad.  Spain excels at many things and is often in the news with victories in sport but it is also known for its Mediterranean diet and great gastronomy. So when the British magazine Restaurant announced the top 50 restaurants in the world on Monday night the good news was that the Spanish restaurant “El Celler Can Roca” in Gerona took first place.  There was more good news for Spanish cuisine too as there were 3 Spanish restaurants in the top ten, the other two being Mugaritz in fourth place and Arzak, the only one I have been to, in 8^th place.  So I think we can happily conclude that Spanish cuisine is the best in the world.  In a way I think it is thanks to Ferran Adriá, the owner of the now closed El Bulli who started this amazing wave of fantastic chefs who come from this great country.

Celler Can Roca in Gerona, voted best restaurant in the world 2013

El Celler Can Roca is run by three Roca brothers, Juan, the head chef, Jordi the pastry chef and Josep the head sommelier.  I would love to go one day but read later that, as at most top restaurants, it is difficult to get a table, which are often filled with Japanese tourists as the Japanese tourist agencies block the tables years in advance. They are also full of food and restaurant so called journalists who go there for free.  What a cheeky but wonderful profession they have.

On Tuesday I had my own share of good news.  The interview that I had arranged with my boss’ boss, the head of Mobility Services for our mother company Teliasonera, a week or so ago, was published that morning in Spain’s leading financial daily Expansión.  I was happy to see too that it was all quite positive.

The interview in Expansión that made my day on Tuesday

That morning Olivia, who had moved on from León to Asturias, was reporting on the snow from a village called La Raya.  That night she slept at Esme’s parents’ summer house nearby, where she enjoyed another night away from home but not at a hotel.  You can see the clip here if you go to 11.31h.

Olivia reporting on the snow in La Raya, Asturias, on Tuesday

People all across Europe were watching events in Holland that day, as the new King Willem-Alexander was being crowned in the company of his Mother Beatrix who had abdicated in his favour aged 75, all his family and representatives from all the Royal houses in the world.  King Willem-Alexander is the first Dutch King since Willem III in 1890.  Argentinians were ecstatic that day to see his wife, Argentine born Maxima, become Queen.  They can now boast a new Pope and a new Queen. I wonder if the Kings and Queens of Europe, such as Queen Elizabeth II or King Juan Carlos will be harbouring thoughts of abdicating in favour of Prince Charles or Prince Felipe.  I think they should but suspect they will go on until the end when they are doddery, unlike the Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI.  Also in the news this week was the latter’s moving into the Vatican where he will be near Pope Francis; two popes in the Vatican is indeed breaking news.  However the ex German Pope has made it clear he will not interfere and will spend his time praying away from the rest of the world.  I wonder what the ex Queen Beatrix will spend her time doing now that she has abdicated in favour of her son.

The new King of Holland and his wife Maxima and three daughters

That day, probably inspired by the news of the top restaurants, I made more meringues, as well as a very Spanish dish, “fabada” (sort of thick bean stew) and I also tried my hand at making bread with proper yeast.  I am very sorry to report it didn’t rise and that I had to throw it away.  Both girls were here unexpectedly for dinner that night but as they hadn’t told me I had nothing prepared and already had eaten a meager dinner of cereal before they came.  Even so I joined them and we had a Bridget Jones moment of devouring ice cream from a tub.  Oli, who came back from her snow reporting trip that afternoon, remarked that I shouldn’t feel bad as I hadn’t done anything like that for a long time.  It reminded me of my University bingeing days where I used to have chocolate egg and toast competitions with Adele, Christine and others and squirm inside every time I think of it.

Whilst we were devouring ice cream, my Father and Eladio were watching the second leg of one of the Champions League semi finals between Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund.  Remember Madrid were thrashed 1-4 in the first leg in Germany the week before?  In order to get through to the final, Real needed to score at least 3-0.  Frustratingly they managed to score 2-0, a decent result but not enough to reach the final I’m afraid.  The next day, Barcelona were playing their second leg against Bayern Munich to whom they had lost 0-4 in the first leg in Germany.  They needed what is called a “remontada” or miracle in the second leg if their dreams of being in the final were to be fulfilled.  They were crushed 0-3, a rather unheard of result for the Spanish team who has won the competition four times.  So, as predicted, we will have a very boring all German final in Wembley this month.

Wednesday was 1^st May, a holiday to celebrate international workers’ day but also my Father’s birthday.  He was to celebrate his 94^th birthday, something of a record.  I only hope I reach his age and in the same good mental health.  These days birthdays at home are not only celebrated with presents, a card and a special lunch but, also special breakfasts.  So off I went before 9 to buy freshly made croissants and churros and porras (those lovely Spanish fritters you dip in thick hot chocolate). For once we were all together as you can see in the photo.

My Father's family birthday breakfast on 1st May

Suzy left later for Santa Pola where she would spend the week with what I call her other family.  But Oli was with us for lunch. 

Suzy spent the bank holiday with her girlfriends in Santa Pola (Alicante)

Instead of cooking I went to a gourmet store I love called Mallorca and brought back all sorts of delicacies.  This is what the table looked like.

The birthday lunch for my Father - fit for a king

The Photo illustrating this week’s blog is of me with my Father just as he is about to blow out the candles on the cake, made by Oufa by the way.  

Whilst we were gorging, Olivia’s boyfriend Miguel was doing something very special and very difficult.  You will be wondering why I included a “deep water marathon swim between Formentera and Ibiza” in this week’s headline. Well it refers to the marathon or Ultra Swim that Miguel did that day from Formentera to Ibiza (30km). And he did it in 11.39h, imagine.  He came 3^rd which is some achievement.  He told Olivia later that he suffered from cramp most of the way.  If you thought cycling or marathon running were the hardest sports in the world, you were wrong, deep water marathon swimming has to beat them all.  Well done Miguel.  I hope you have recovered now.

Miguel on the podium on the beach in Ibiza after coming 3rd in the ultra swim marathon between Formentera and Ibiza (30km - it took just over 11h)

Thursday, 2^nd May, the holiday in Madrid, was a fast day for me.  Watching the end of The Paradise and working on documents for next week’s press conference where Yoigo will be announcing its launch plans for 4G, helped take my mind off food.

On Friday, thankfully Oufa was back and I could leave the cooking to her, as well as all the rest of the domestic chores.  So, not having left the house for a few days, other than for our afternoon walks, I stepped into my car and drove to the Centro Oeste shopping centre in search of a black belt.  Of course I came home with more than a belt; yes the odd blouse, scarf and cardigan are now helping to fill my walk in closet now to the brim.  

On Friday afternoon, Olivia left to spend the weekend in Valencia with her swimmer and cameraman boyfriend Miguel.  She will be back to day but just for half an hour because just as she gets home she has to leave again, this time to spend the week reporting in Galicia.  We continued with our routine and went for our usual walk which was beautiful because of the sunshine and all the wild flowers. Elsa spied a rabbit in the distance which was the perfect moment to get a good photograph of her like the one below.  God bless her she’s a wonderful dog.

Beautiful Elsa on our walk on Friday as she spies a rabbit in the distance

Friday being Friday we went out to dinner that night.  This week’s choice was Sibara in Majadahonda where I always choose their marvelous gazpacho and Spanish style fish and chips, neither of which would be served at El Celler Can Roca of course.

Spanish style fish and chips at Sibara in Majadahonda

Yesterday, Saturday, was a glorious spring day.  The sun shone and the temperatures increased, not a lot, just to 20ºc but it was the perfect day. Eladio spent most of it in the garden removing weeds and dead bushes. He took some marvelous photos of what I call our Spanish garden in spring, so green and full of flowers at this time of year. You can see them here.

A scene from our Spanish garden in Spring

I took the opportunity to pick some of them and get out vases and fill the house with some of the yellow roses, lilac and these very special white roses the name of which I don’t know.  These are them and they are spectacular.  If you know the name, please tell me.  Ah and they are not hydrangeas (hortensias), although they look like them in the photo.  These are much smaller and grow on very big bushes.

The beautiful flowers from our garden the name of which I only learned now.

Finally I have found out that these flowers are  called Viburnum Opulus in Latin,  also European cranberry bush or Guelder Rose ah and Kalinka (or Kalina) in Russian, as in the song. In Spanish it is called a snowball (bola de nieve).  Nice to know.  Thanks my Facebook friends for enlightening me.

I will remember yesterday too because it was the day I had arranged a phone call with my oldest and best friend Amanda.  We exchange emails on a regular basis but haven’t spoken for a long time.  So yesterday it was great to hear her voice and chat openly, as we always do, for nearly an hour. Amanda I miss you and Andy and am dying to see you again.

After finishing The Paradise, yesterday Saturday, was the perfect afternoon to start watching Gosford Park.  I bought it after watching Downton Abbey, sure that it would be good as it was written by the author of the latter, the much admired Julian Fellowes.  I have only started but it is a very promising period drama series, reminiscent of both Upstairs Downstairs and of course Downton Abbey but different as it is also a mystery film.  It stars Helen Mirren and Maggie Smith as well as a host of other excellent British film and television stars.

I started watching Gosford Park this weekend

And today is Sunday, Mother’s Day as I wrote at the beginning of this post. I am waiting for Olivia to return with Suzy who has gone to fetch her from the station.  We have already packed her case for her trip to Galicia, via a list she sent Suzy from the train.  In a few moments the peace of this house will be taken over by a bit of bedlam caused by her rushed arrival and departure.  But then once she’s gone, the house will be quiet again.  In any case we look forward to seeing her on the television next week.  In my case that will probably be on my phone as I shall be very busy and on the move most of next week.

So my friends, this is it for this week.  Wishing you all the best, cheers till next time,

Masha

Press interviews and a meeting with the Minister, bad news for Spanish football, Master Chef, Oli on the TV this week, the Paradise, Suzy is 29 and other stories.

Sunday 28th April 2013

Suzy, 29 today!

Hello again everyone,

What a week it has been again.  Work has consumed a lot of my time but I have to say it has been enjoyable and very productive.  I will have told you many times that work and leisure converge for me, in that I often don’t distinguish between the two, getting enjoyment out of both.  I also think the secret of being good at your job is actually liking it and I love mine, the head of communications (also known as PR) for Yoigo – yes you know what Yoigo is, the 4^th mobile operator in Spain which is 76% owned by the Nordic (Swedish Finnish) telecoms operator TeliaSonera who recently announced they will not be selling us and who look forward to helping develop the company in the next few years.

The first proof of that decision was the visit of the head of Mobility Services (the division in TeliaSonera that includes Yoigo in Spain together with their other operators in the Nordic and Baltic countries) on Monday and Tuesday.  I refer to T.K, my boss’ direct report, a tall and bold man just turned 40 who is actually Finnish.  It was music to my ears to hear the familiar Finnish accent when he spoke English.  I was to take care of the communications activities of his visit which were an interview with Expansión (Spain’s top financial daily), an after work get together with the staff and then the coordination of a press release with the Ministry of Industry when he and my boss were to meet the Minister of Industry, José Manuel Soria, on Monday to explain Yoigo’s plans to launch 4G (you know what that is too don’t you?  The new mobile  technology that will improve our experience using mobile phones dramatically with much higher internet speeds and bandwidth for downloading multimedia of all sorts and kinds.  So I was really pleased with the headline of the press release: “José Manuel Soria welcomes Yoigo’s plans to be first to market with 4G in Spain”.  First to market is really something special, if you think we are such small fry compared to the other 3 more established and big operators.

The meeting with the Minister of Industry (in the middle)

Of all three activities, the interview with Expansión was the most stressful because I had to translate the questions from Spanish into English and then again from English to Spanish, as well as all the in between comments.  You have to concentrate really hard and your thoughts cannot wander because if they do, you lose the thread and won’t remember what the question or answer is.   The questions were tough too I can tell you as the journalist, Nacho, is a real veteran in telecoms and knows his subject really well.

So Monday and Tuesday were pretty crazy but everything went well, not least because I had worked my *** off over the weekend together with Anna, the reliable and never tiring head of communications of TS Mobility Services.  Neither of us knew until the Friday before what was to be expected of us on Monday and Tuesday!  I always think though that I thrive on challenges where there is a time constraint, like the events of the beginning of this week.

On Monday night I was able to relax with all the family, i.e. both girls for dinner, certainly one of the highlights of the week for me.

On Tuesday in between coordinating the press release with the Ministry of Industry, I made another set of fantastic meringues.  I was not to eat any until the next day as on Tuesday I fasted.  Usually I fast on Mondays and Thursdays but the former was out of the question this week as I had to attend a management team lunch at Yoigo with our distinguished visitor from TeliaSonera.  I was the only woman at the lunch, something I still find rather awkward.

Tuesday was the day Barcelona was to play Bayern Munich in Germany in the first leg of one of the semi finals of the Champions League.  My Father and Eladio watched the match together in the lounge.

My Father and Eladio watching Bayern Munich beat Barcelona on Tuesday

I’m glad I didn’t as I was devastated to hear the Germans thrashed the Spaniards 4-0.  It was a very embarrassing result indeed.  

I totally forgot about the match and the awful result when I watched the third episode of the Spanish edition of Master Chef.  Eladio is not at all interested or so he says, but he was awake the whole time, so I think he secretly actually quite likes it. 

I'm really enjoying Master Chef

On Wednesday in between working on my 4G communications plan, I had time to make salmorejo (thick gazpacho typical of the Córdoba region) and our very favourite “perushki” (little Russian pies with mince meat, onion and rice – my Mother’s recipe).

My perushki

Olivia much appreciated the wonderful lunch when she came home late from work.  That morning she had been on television reporting on an initiative for schools to make children aware that some 60 million under privileged children in the world have no access to education.  A red chair in their classrooms is the symbol of there not being enough chairs for these children to be able to go to school.  I saw the video later of her report which you can watch here if you click on this link and then fast forward to 11.33.  If you carry on watching, you will see how Marilo Montero, the main presenter of the programme, actually congratulates Olivia in public on how well she did the report, knowing exactly what questions to ask to get the small children to reply properly; not just saying yes or no. The secret here is that Olivia loves small children.

Olivia interviewing a little girl in one of her live reports this week

On Wednesday afternoon, I was once again stressed and busy, this time because at very short notice I had to get out a media alert on Yoigo’s launch and sale of the new flagship phone from Samsung, the S4.  I had little time to react and needed the ok from the communications people at Samsung as well as the person in charge of terminals at Yoigo.  The good news here is that our prices were the best of the 4 big operators in Spain, so I hope sales of the much anticipated phone will have gone well when it started selling on Saturday. I was on the alert and working on this from about 6 in the afternoon until nearly midnight.  So when my boss sent me a whatsapp the next morning at 9, I was able to tell him the alert had gone out just before.  Phew was what I felt when I answered him.

The S4 went on sale with Yoigo this Saturday with the lowest price in the market

While I was busy on the media alert, Real Madrid was playing Borussia Dortmund in Germany.  The match could only be seen on pay per view channels which we do not have.  My former boss Johan very kindly kept me updated but when I heard Germany was once again beating Spain with 4 goals to 1, I didn’t want to hear any more.

I got a bit of sweet revenge later by watching a film about catching an old Nazi.  I posted this on FB and a German friend of mine, Volker, commented “fair play”.  I’m not sure whether he was being sarcastic or not; judge for your selves.

Unless Barcelona and Madrid can perform a miracle in next week’s second legs of the semi finals, it looks like this year’s Champions League final will be between two German teams, not exactly what fans of football around Europe will be  happy about.

Thursday saw me at the office again, this time for a meeting with Ericsson and Samsung who will be joining us in a press conference I am organizing for the 7^th May where we will be announcing our concrete plans for the exciting 4G launch this summer. 

That day Suzy had taken time off from work to help her beloved ex neighbour Elena with her removal, as she was changing flats and leaving Villanueva de la Cañada for Majadahonda.  Below is a photo of Suzy with Elena and her sister Chati on the removal lorry full of Elena’s stuff.  For the record, Chati who is an out of work nurse (in the middle of the photo with sun glasses) will be going with Suzy to London in May.

Suzy with Elena and Chati when Elena moved flats this week

For the fourth time this week I was at the office again on Friday.  It was for another meeting with the communications manager of Samsung Mobile and then for another press interview.  The latter was with my boss and the media was the Spanish news agency, Agencia Efe.  I have known the journalist who covers telecoms, Ana G. for many years and sitting in on the interview with her is like having a cup of coffee with a friend.  That’s the nice part, the risky part is making sure she doesn’t get news you don’t want written about as it’s not public yet.  As I write this here, I have just looked to see if she has published the interview and bingo she has.  You can read it here in Spanish of course.

That morning Olivia was to be on television at 11.30 about a court case for embezzlement by Marisol Yagüe during her time at the Marbella Town Hall.  I was able to see it later here via video streaming and you can too if you click here and go to 11.30h.  Oli told me later she had had literally 10 minutes to prepare and knew nothing about the case.  For not knowing anything I think she did a pretty good job.

Oli reporting on a court case on Friday

I was to miss her next report on Friday at 13.10 as I was driving home from the interview at work.  But amazingly these days, you can watch tve1 live on your mobile via the +24 or rtve.es applications available on most smart phones.  So I parked my car just before and from the comfort of my seat was able to watch her report.  It was about how a group of mentally handicapped people had collected kilos and kilos of food for poverty struck families; another great initiative. You can see the report here if you go to 13.10h.  I must add here, just how great it is to be able to watch TV live on your mobile, something, unthinkable of just a few years ago.  Ah and with 4G the user experience will be even greater.  The photo I took of her reporting was actually a screen shot from my iPhone and of much better quality than the photos I usually take of her on the television.

Oli's live report on Friday which I saw live on my mobile phone

This week was busy for Olivia too, not just because of these reports but also because she was preparing a video about the Madrid marathon which is being held today.  She did a lovely story about a group of senior runners who have run every edition of the Madrid marathon since it began and what motivates them to do it.  The video report was shown on her programme on Friday but it was also shown on the TVE main news and on the TVE sports channel today (teledeporte), something that rarely happens. You can see it here.

Finally it was Friday afternoon and the end of the working week.  We went for our usual walk with the dogs and it was cold and windy as it has been most of the week.  The treat that day was dinner out.  Eladio and I decided on Ginos that night where I enjoyed a great dish of pasta. 

Saturday was the day before Suzy’s birthday and Eladio and I went birthday shopping for cards and presents for both our daughter and my Father who will be 94 on 1^st May.  Whilst at Centro Oeste and with the excuse of finding something for Susana, I spied a pastel blue tuxedo liketrouser suit at Zara which I had seen on their website.  They only had small sizes so I was very happy to find that their size M (40) was a perfect fit.  I don’t know when I will wear it but right now it is hanging with pride in my wardrobe, waiting for the perfect occasion.

The pastel blue tuxedo like trouser suit I bought from Zara on Saturday

Back home, frantic cooking was going on for a pre birthday lunch Suzy was preparing for some 15 or so of her closest friends – mostly her girlfriends. Here you can see Suzy cooking with Oufa our Moroccan home help. Copi was around to help as was Juli

Oufa and Suzy cooking on Saturday

Meanwhile Oli had gone to the train station to pick up Merce who was coming from Yecla in Murcia.  Her visit was a surprise for Suzy.  In this video you can see how Merce is hiding in the garden hut and how Olivia and Juli tell Suzy to go in and that there is a present for her inside. Suzy’s reaction was vintage Suzy and priceless.

Anita had another surprise for Suzy for her birthday lunch yesterday.  She had made one of her amazing creative cakes.  Suzy has had a fixation with mermaids ever since she watched the Disney version of the Little Mermaid when she was a girl.  So Anita decorated the cake with a replica of Suzy with her red hair and a mermaid body, as well as countless other little symbolic things such as the Union Jack – as she is going to leave Spain to live in England next month.  This is Anita with her cake creation before Suzy saw it.  I really think she could make a living out of creating cakes – what an artist.

Anita and the amazing cake she made for Suzy

We left the girls to their own devices, praying they would clear up afterwards (and they did) and we ventured out for our walk and wow was it cold.  The good weather has gone and it seems winter is on its way back.

With time on my hands in between coming back from our walk and dinner, I decided to watch the first episode of series one of The Paradise, which I had ordered from Amazon after recommendations from my sister-in-law Dolores.  This new BBC series, based on the novel Au Bonheur des Dames by Emile Zola is about the creation of a luxury department store called The Paradise in the north of England at the end of the 19^th century.  Dolores was right to recommend it, it is right up my street and I shall be watching episode two after publishing this and going for our walk.

Joana Vanderham who plays Denise Lovett in The Paradise

 And today, Sunday 28^th April is my first daughter Susana’s 29^th birthday. She was born on 28^th April 1984 at the Clínica San Francisco de Asis in Madrid at around 5 in the morning.  I have just unearthed a photo, the best one I could find of me and her just after she was born.  I look awful but I suppose that’s because of just having given birth.

Me with Susana a few hours after she was born 29 years ago

This morning I woke up early to prepare her birthday breakfast.  Whilst laying the table and going out to buy croissants and churros, my mind went back to when she was born and how 29 years ago at this time in the morning she would have been just a few hours old and how happy and amazed we were to have her.  She has made us happy and sad, made us laugh and get cross, wonder at her, enjoy her company, get exasperated with her and be proud of her ever since: feelings I suppose most parents have of their off springs, but mostly she has brought us joy. Suzy is charismatic and loving and usually quite easy to get on with. She has bags of personality and charm and mostly is very popular with her friends and colleagues.  Professionally things are difficult for young people in Spain these days with so much unemployment and this has spurred her on to finally make the move she has already really wanted to do, to up and leave everything and find her fortune in England.  She will be going in the middle of May and of course we will miss her, but on the other hand it’s a great opportunity and I have no doubt whatsoever that she will land on her feet, just as I did when I came to Spain to find my own fortune in 1982.  I certainly did find my fortune, marrying Eladio and having our wonderful girls as well as finding success professionally, although it took a few years. 

This is us at breakfast, a fine feast to celebrate Suzy’s birthday today.

Suzy's sumptuous birthday breakfast this morning

We were to celebrate again at lunch, although I, at least, was not at all hungry.  There was another cake, this time made by Oufa and it is a masterpiece, tasting wonderful.  Here is Olivia bringing it in with the candles lit for Suzy to blow out.

Oli bringing in Suzy's birthday cake at lunch today

The photo illustrating this week’s blog is of Suzy blowing out the candles and making a wish – probably to do with her London adventure.  The one below is of her with Merce, the girls’ friend who made a surprise visit from Murcia to join Suzy’s celebrations this weekend.  Merce commented at lunch today that she has known the girls for half their lives as they first met in their mid teens when we bought the apartment in Santa Pola and where her parents had an apartment too.  How time flies!

Suzy with Merce at the family birthday lunch today

And now as I write, the girls have gone and our big house feels empty.  Suzy took Merce to the train station and Oli has left for the North of Spain with her TVE crew.  The forecast is for snow in the north of Spain next week and Oli will be the programme reporter on the weather in that area, something she is quite familiar with.  When the TVE car came for her, together with her 23 year old producer colleague, they had no final destination.  Maybe they will go to Santander, Asturias, León, Rioja or Navarra.  Hopefully we will hear from her later and find out.  Anyway, she has gone to do what she likes best; going offsite with the TV crew to do live reporting.  We look forward to watching her next week and if I am busy or away from home, I know now that I can watch her on my mobile phone.  Doesn’t technology rock?

And that my friends, is the end of the story of this week. So I will love you and leave you and wish you a great week ahead.

Till next time

Masha