It's still not very hot here

We're coming into June and still there's a quilt on our bed! What is going on? This time last year things were rather different and we'd already spend many days in the pool.

This year it looks like we've had a raw deal. The summer months can get excruciatingly hot and it helps if the months leading up to July and August "ease" you into those intense heat months.

But I think we're just going to get slapped with a load of heat without much preparation this year.

Mind you, I was wondering today what it would be like to live somewhere like Tenerife. The weather in Tenerife seems to be hot all the time. I'm not really sure I'd like that.

Anyway, must get to bed. My brain has died this week with too much PC time. Looking forward to a relaxing weekend ahead.

Yummy chorizo

Some friends of mine have just returned from visiting their family in Vera in Almeria and they brought me a little present...

They brought me a selection of their local chorizos. I love chorizo! If you haven't tried it then next time you're in Spain either buy the sliced one you put in a roll or the sausage type ones which you can fry (or grill). All are superb. Look what I got:



Can't you just taste it? Mmmmmm.

Anyway, the weather in Manilva seems to be getting better now after a couple of weeks of wind and rain, typical for April time. There are even some "guiris" in the pool! A bit too cold for me yet!

I've got my shorts on

Today is the first day that I've really felt warranted wearing shorts. So we all kitted ourselves out in our best "touristy" summer wear and went for a walk from Manilva to the market in Sabinillas.

What a glorious day. It's days like these that I really enjoy. I don't like the intense heat of the summer, today is comfortable heat where it doesn't restrict what you do. Today was perfect Spain weather.

So, we had a nosey around the market, didn't buy anything apart from some shoes for the kids and then trotted off to Sabinillas to have lunch at our favourite restaurant....El Estribo.

Afterwards the kids played on the beach whilst we took in some of the rays and eventually dragged ourselves back home, although we couldn't stomach the long walk back so we took a taxi instead.

We're having a little rest now but we'll be going out later to take the kids on their bikes as the weather is perfect today so have to make the most of it.

Gotta go....

Not a lot to moan about apart from....

the weather of course. What is going on?? We've had nearly 3 weeks of rain with the odd and rare appearance here and there of the big yellow circle in the sky. But it's not just been raining, it's actually been quite cold too. We've been going around with our thick winter jackets on...AND IT'S APRIL!

Then I see on the news that the UK has stolen all our sunshine and heat. This can't be right. Are we seeing the effects of global warming coming into play now? Are all us expats here going to be heading back to the UK now where it's warmer and drier?

It's all very confusing. Then, when I moan to the Spanish they look at me as is I'm mad...this is normal for April they tell me. Really? Where was I last April, I don't remember this.

Anyway, shouldn't go on really. In true British fashion I'll soon be complaining that it's far too hot here....

Thunder and lightning

It's half twelve at night and I've just been outside in the covered part of the terrace smoking a cigar watching the most amazing thunder and lightning. I haven't seen lightning bolts like that for a long time. So impressive.

I was thinking about some friends of ours that have come out this week for the Easter holiday hoping for some sun, I really don't think they were expecting this. Having checked the weather forecast it looks like it's not going to last past Monday so they should get some sun in whilst they're over here.

The weather is definitely changing here, it's not like it used to be. We're certainly getting a lot more rain these days. I wonder if the weather in Spain become like the UK if brits will still buy in Spain??

Whoops...it's raining!

I must have spoken too soon on Friday...it's raining today...a lot. I'm glad I managed to get my barbacue going yesterday as it seems the winter weather is finally here now.

I didn't quite manage to get my octopus for my bbq so we just had some of the usual burgers and sausages. But it was good, we had such a sunny weekend, we were sat out chilling in the garden for most of the time. But I think we're paying the price now. It's cold and wet.

I've also started on my diet today. Really need to shed some of those Christmas pounds (actually stones). I'm doing the Atkins diet which is the only one that ever seems to work for me. It's just such a restrictive diet as you soon get fed up of fry-ups every day. It sounds appealing at first but after a few days you soon get a bit tired of it and you really just want a bit of boring toast.

But, I'll see how long I can do it for. I'm aiming for 6 weeks which should shed a couple of stones.

If anyone's got any Atkins friendly food tips I'd really appreciate them.

What great weather

I don't want to rub it in to those that aren't enjoying the same fine weather as us at the moment but is it just me or is the weather TOO good for January?

We had a lot of rain in November and it did look a bit bleak for quite a while. But then in December we had glorious sunshine nearly every day and even now in January, which I always remember as being a cold and wet month, the sun is still shining bright and we can sit outside and have our lunch.

I'm sure this isn't normal but I hope it continues into the weekend as I've just bought a brand new BBQ so that I can do my barbecued octopus...you have to try it!!

Mind you, it's not hot enough to swim yet. You'll only find some brave (or mad) English in the sea or the Scotts.

Enjoy your weekend...must go now and get my charcoal.