Kittens and clutter

Yesterday was Sprout's third birthday. I can hardly believe it was three years ago that I found his bare little body by the skips in a shoebox whilst walking the dogs. Our vet suggested he probably wouldn't survive, but I doggedly fed him every three hours (night and day) for the following few weeks, and not only did he survive he thrived. 

In August 2009 this was him next to his toy:

And this is him now (same toy) - What a handsome young man - and so loving - this afternoon he's spent a lot of time rubbing his nose and face all over mine- leaving me with a fur covered and itchy face- ah that's love! 

Today we've been continuing with our decluttering. It seems no-one wants our books, so sadly (and slightly guiltily) we are dumping them. So if you've been to our place(or seen any listed on our web-site http://personales.ya.com/tulstigespana ) and seen any that you might have liked to read get in touch quick. We've also been going through the cupboards and drawers and chucking out anything that is not of use or too close to our hearts. I'm loving all the clean space it's creating.

Coming Together...

Isn't it great when things come together. A couple of days I had a chat with my guardian spirit and he'd really been working overtime to bring things into focus for me.

At last our 'new door' project is coming to fruition. Fernando, the carpenter, came round and gave us the best quote ever -he's currently got no work on and is ready to start. We're more than happy to employ him, as not only are we getting what we want we're supporting him in the best way possible.

Yesterday  I started a major re-write of my sequel - when I woke I knew that something was wrong with the story as it was and also had a different plot i my head. Today I've written more than I have for days- it's really flowing again, and at today's rate of writing the end wont be too far away.. 

I have also been bemoaning the lack of written communications through our door lately. Today a card arrived from the wonderful Michelle in Australia, enclosing a  recipe for Thai curry too - now that's the kind of mail I really like. Thank you Michelle. 

My Camino plans are coming together too. today I received a tweet about the albergues on the Primitivo route. Perfect additional information. This had a link to a guidebook for the route, which I followed and that should be winging its way to me as I type. 

And finally for today's rambling it's Tony's mum's 93rd birthday. She hasn't been too well recently but yesterday had a bit of a family do. Tony phoned at just the right time - during said do and had nice chat with his mum. Lynne sent us a few photos yesterday evening but as they're on my PC and I'm currently on the laptop I'll add one in tomorrow. Which incidentally is Xali's 13th birthday, so here's a picture of our wonderful lad relaxing with Vinni this afternoon.

How time flies

It is exactly (as exactly as one can be with time) EIGHT years ago today that we left the UK, and our little flat in Brockley to start our new life here in Spain. Our plan had been to come out here for a year's sabbatical, but after just three or four month's we knew which side our bread was buttered. 

Just before leaving Brockley we had a farewell dinner at the Brockley Barge with Mikey and Olga. Sadly we have since lost contact with Mikey, but happily still are in contact with Olga. 

We spent the morning packing up our old Berlingo with our cherished possessions and left Brockley in the middle of the afternoon. I must admit to having a tear or two run down my face as we said goodbye to 'Foxberry Road'.  Martin (with whom we have also lost contact) joined us on the drive down to help with the driving -along with us we brought Xali, and Sam and Spike - two of our Brockley cats who have since died. 

We had lived in Brockley for over twelve years, and had always loved living there, but knew a better life awaited us in Spain. Before living in Brockley we had lived (for over four years) in a small bedroom (bedsit) in Shaftesbury Avenue, Central London (opposite 'MacDonald's' for anyone who knows the area) and had been happy there too. I am pleased to say that wherever we settle and call home we are happy. How lucky is that?! 

We arrived late to Dover for an eleven o'clock crossing to Calais on the eurotrain shuttle, a journey of just over half an hour.  The journey was a fairly stressful one- the animals had been sedated, but after about twelve hours that began to wear off, and although Xali was quite happy on the adventure, peeing his way across France, each time we had a comfort break, the cats clearly found it quite stressful, which upset us and increased our stress levels too.

 Samm and Spike on the garden bench. They soon settled in to enjoy the warmth of the Spanish sun.

Xali, playing with his favourite toy- yep his cock.

Although we were sad to leave our first  proper home together we were excited, and a little scared, to be moving at last into our (as previously was) holiday home in El Tacó, Vilanova i la Geltru.

Tomorrow: Arrival in Spain.....

Monday....

... and the week's off to a good start...

 

Shop, Shop, Shop- that was our morning. We jumped in the car and went up to Splau as we decided we needed some new summer shirts / t-shirts, and as Splau has both a C&A and a Primark we decided that this was the shopping centre we should head to. A couple of hours later , after enjoying a coffee in the sunshine, we came home with a great selection of new clothes, even something for our cruise later in the year- well there was a sale on.

 

Home and I threw together a leek, potato and spinach soup

Well here we are again, lunching in the garden -well I was , whilst the cats were just taking it easy.

BTW Tommy really is sleeping in what looks liek a really uncomfortable position.

Tommy's birthday

Another great day here at Casa TulStig - not in small part to the book I've just finished:

I think I may have mentioned before that I haven't always liked Louise Hay's writing, but this one has pushed me back onto the positive life track that I so love. It has many affirmations which I've started using, and it's also reinforced my beliefs in the laws of abundance and attraction.  A definite recommendation for reading.

As per usual I started the day by feeding the kids- and as today was Tommy's 4th birthday breakfast included an additional treat of tuna. Then a walk with Xali and Cuddy in the warmth of the sunshine.  Next job to answer e-mails and other posts etc, and write the TulStig newsletter for last month (did you get your copy- if not and you want one let me know and I'll add you to our mailing list)


Lunch was in the garden - cream of garlic soup- delicious

Followed by a bowl of strawberries and cream. For the animals there was a selection of pork chops- another treat for Tommy's birthday. Strangely (not) there are no pictures of the meat!!

After lunch we relaxed a while in the garden.

  Cuddy, Xali (Vinnie in the background)

 Birthday boy Tom and Sprout

before retiring to the living room for a little writing, some TV and a delicious dinner of (veggie) meatballs with a tomato sauce and spaghetti.Once again followed by strawberries with mashed banana.

The perfect end to another perfect day.

A Wet Thursday in VnG

I start the day my face a frown

The weather concurs - the rain pours down.

Nothing's shifting much today

My lack of oomph gets in the way

Yet friends have gathered round to chat

and raise my mood up from the flat

Now afternoon time I start anew

to do the things I like to do 

To read my book and write a bit

or even fill my blog with wit

And take some time to watch the cats at play

as they find a place to hide away....

On days like this I need to remember I am the master of my own ship and responsible for how I feel. But isn't it great to have wonderful friends around who can lift you up, sometimes without even thinking about it.  They may be spread to the corners of the world but today from Australia to London and points in between friends jumped in to lift my spirits; some consciously others less so, by just sending me inspirational e-mails or messages on facebook. 

For such friends I am more than grateful and just want to say I really do love you all.

Maxi-Sprout-Ratling

Nick's  comment's on the blog this morning set me to thinking about our youngest family member.

In July 2009 I picked up what  I thought was a dead kitten covered in ants, that had been left by the local bins, that immediately started to scream. This began a couple of months of 3 hourly feeding day and night. I was knacked but in love with the thing in the picture below. The vet doubted he would survive the night, and advised he was undernourished and about two weeks old, way too young to be parted from his mum. Nearly 3 years later this young man rules the roost -well he tries to from time to time, but the other lads keep him under control. He is extremely loving and this morning surprised me with his obvious love of Marmite- there was some in my moustache after breakfast and he was delighting in licking it off- now doesn't that just show how much in love we still are. Yeah from time to time I swear about the little 'ratling' as we sometimes call him, especially when he wanders round the flat during the night opening all the cupboard doors, but hey ho you can't have everything, and it is slightly amusing, and defo clever.

From 2009

To today

BTW -the three names in the header are all names ascribed to this little (over-sized) bundle of joy.

All things Bright and Beautiful...

After our trip to the garden centre yesterday we intended a quick stop on the seafront for a coffee and a spot of people watching, but as there is currently a fair taking up one of the free car-parks and as there were hoards of people with the same idea we could find nowhere in sensible walking distance of the cafes to park. So we just came right on back home again and set to in the garden. 

As Julie had helped us in with the soil we were all set to replant the gardens for a riot of colour in a few weeks. This year we have decided to go with mostly Cape Daisies and ground cover plants in an attempt to stop the cats from using the soil as their toilet, although I'm not too hopeful.

Once all the plants were planted- well mostly of them as I still need to do a bit of DIY on the structure on the roof before I plant the tomato plants -we then took a well earned break and relaxed to enjoy the fruits of our labour.  

The sun was bright and my boys are beautiful:

 Sprout enjoys the sun ion the middle of re-planted garden.

 whilst R2 supervises from the arbour bench

 And Tommy watches on from the stone bench...

And Vinci simply dozes in the warmth of the sun.

It's raining, it's pouring....

Yup the old man is snoring- taking his afternoon siesta, so whilst I wait for my mona to bake and my eggs to harden (Fnaar) I thought I'd update t'blog.

• April Fools Walk in Sussex & buffet.

Last Saturday I flew into Gatwick for a few days at Andrew and Jane's house, primarily because we had organised the, what looks like will be the annual Sussex pre-Easter walk.
Everybody involved turned up in good time. Jan got a little lost but was only at the end of the road so we were out of the house and on our way just before 11.00am.
Our first stop was in Fulking, at the Shepherd and dog.  It seemed right to walk about an hour before breaking just as we started each day on our Caminos. It had been many years since I had been to the Shepherd and of course it had changed. It has almost all been renovated, losing a lot of its old charm, but nonetheless it was still a suitable place for a stop, before climbing the Fulking Escarpment.

This is quite a steep incline, which caused some of our party a little aggravation, and it forms part of the South Downs Way, which Jane intends to walk next year.  However we all made it to the top without incident, and enjoyed the views it afforded us of the Sussex countryside, which were spectacular.
Along the ridge we traversed next, passing the Upper Beeding/Truleigh Hill Youth Hostel, to a steep drop just before stopping at Tottington Manor.

This is the Hotel Caroline & I managed just over 30 years ago. We worked here with Hatty and Rosie, and many assorted chums.  To say it was a 'Fawlty Towers' experience would be both over-rating and under-rating it at the same time for differing reasons. It was hard work but great fun.
We were met here by Carla, Nick and Frankie for a quick and refreshing pint, before we were back on our way for the last and short leg back to Andrew and Jane's place for a spot to eat:
 

Before I left yesterday Jane and Kerri were already planning a route for next year, probably to include Shoreham.

• Shopping with Janey

Well I kinda think the picture says it all- We just enjoy our shopping trips and always end up being silly!!

• A family Day out in Chichester & Arundle

On Tuesday Andrew took a day out of his busy schedule and we had a day out in Chichester. We started with a bit of shopping around the old town shopping centre, and stopped for a late breakfast at Greggs the Bakers, where they make the most delicious veggie Pasties:

 After a little more shopping and a car trip around the edges of Arundle Castle we stopped  at a little pub by the river Arun, but unfortunately as we hadn't booked the couldn't fit us in -all the tables were full, apart from the ones outside, but by now it had started spitting and had cooled down too much for our liking. SO Andrew drove on to a little pub in Houghton called the George and the Dragon, where the service was very friendly and the food delicious- now for me that's a huge compliment as although I'm not fussy I do too often think  'Ah I could have done better at home!'.

 

•  A Cuppa with Hatty & Rosie.

On Monday Jane and I had to pop into Steyning (where I went to school) to do a bit of banking and as I had spoken to Hatty the day before we arranged to meet at the Steyning Tearooms. Jane and I arrived first and took a seat, soon to be joined by Hatty, Rosie and Rosie's daughter Amy.  I hadn't seen Hatty for over 10 years, and Rosie and I hadn't met up for about 20 years. Needless to say we had loads of catching up to do., and the conversation flowed. The waitress didn't appreciate our custom, and was less than friendly telling (or rather growling at) us 'Can I take your order now, as you area big party and we're going to be busy in a minute". Later on Annie and Julie joined us (Julie I hadn't seen for about 25 years!)- The waitress was most put out that our party had increased and checked with Annie and Julie 'Are you going to order then'- we decided she must have gone to a wonderful charm school!! The place is very well decked out but the prices and surly service mean we won't be returning there again. Hatty and Rosie have now promised to pop over to Casa TulStig for a break soon. Julie also wants to visit and with a bit of luck she'll drag Annie over with her.

• Family Nonsense.

Whenever we get together Andrew and I usually have a least one round of giggling like kids till we cry. Well we did just that again. On Monday evening we had the leftovers from the buffet (Kerri's chilli was even better the next day!!) so bought some tortilla wraps to have with them. Andrew, being a slightly fussy eater, didn't want any of the usual buffet fare so had a cheese and onion pasty and Ham wrap.

  

During dinner we got the giggles over something that if I could remember it wouldn't be funny now, but all four of us (Amy joined us) were laughing till we cried. 

• A new addition at Tottington Drive

Since Jane's cats passed away she has had a hankering to get another. Recently one of Andrew's clients: a Cattery (Cat's boarding kennel) had received a visitor- a kitten. The cattery traced its owners, and found them to be quite uncaring of what happened to the kitten. o they took him in and Jane got in contact with them saying she would like to take him.  On Wednesday morning, before I flew home, Jane and I went to pick up Bertie, as she named the young man. He's a delightful chap and so friendly. He's settling in quite well,, but doesn't like being kept in, which Jane has to do for a while or the little blighter might just wander off again.

• Home again

As Always its nice to go travelling, but just as nice to get home again. I managed to stuff my case with loads of goodies once again - Marmite being the most important.  Toady it's been raining most of the day, and I've been catching up on some of my PC chores and stuff, as well as making Easter Eggs and a Mona cake for Julie. I'll probably update n how that all went tomorrow.

But I think for now that'll do. As you have seen I've had a wonderful little break and now am looking forward to a relaxing Easter weekend.

A Day in pictures

An early morning walk:

Followed by a visit to Denise and Paolo's- it being Paolo's birthday we were dropping his present off- sorry no pic.
Then lunch in the garden again -leek and potato soup. Spot the cats enjoying the balmy weather (just one missing an he wa son the roof sunning himself!).

Tony enjoying my offering.

 And a little baking too- Raspberry muffins.

And just look what's just satrted to blossom - our Camelia:

And now as I type this up on my ne gadget we're watching 'Venice 24/7' and hav ejust seen the cruise ship that we are planning to be on in September coming into town- It looks like we're going to be in for a great view of the city.

Finally thoughts of tomorrow - There's a general strike here in Spain so our schools closed- a day off with pay- a great result. I  just hope there's no trouble in town to mar the demonstrations.

My kids....

This morning I took Cuddy and Xali on a slightly longer walk, feeling that my leg was well enough to do so. I really love the way the gamble around. Cuddy loves water and after the rains of a few days ago there's a huge puddle on our walk that she loves to play in. She's completely crazy playing in it, and sticks her head right the way under, blowing bubbles, just so she can find just the right stone to carry around for the rest of the walk.

Xali is more reserved and gently walks along the edge of the puddle occasionally sipping as he pauses. However he does love to run in the sports field, and it is a pure JOY to see him gambling about, and a relief to see he is still full of the spark of life. He may be heading towards 13 years old, but still acts like a puppy now and again.  At times I feel like I am dragging myself out of bed to take them out, but as soon as we get in the fields and they start their antics I realise it is all, and always, worthwhile. 

The cats are happy the sun is out again too, and have spent a lot of the day running, or rather chasing each other around the yard and back in. This does means that the floor is grubby as quickly as it is cleaned, but their games give me the greatest of laughs too.

If you didn't know by know, my animals are my JOY and get and deserve the love I lavish on them. I couldn't imagine our house without them.

And it's getting better.....

Hurrah it's been raining on and off all day- a great relief for the garden, now the bulbs will have a good chance of making the garden an Easter's delight.  Cat's however, are stir crazy, and as I type away I've one staring at me, literally in my face, Sprout wont leave me alone, so errors are likely!

I've had my third treatment at the vets, and aside from a bit of pain while waiting for the bus this evening I am remarkably better (Thus I am remarking). Thank goodness for complementary therapies. I'm sure dear Andrea's homoeopathic remedy is doing its magic too. Tomorrow will be my last treatment in the series then we have to wait a couple of weeks to see that everything is settled. Fingers crossed I will be cured!!

After each treatment I stop on for a cuppa and a chat, partly because the treatment leaves me a little spacey and I don't want to drive straight away. Today I was sitting in JanWillem's kitchen enjoying a cuppa when one of his cats jumped up and sat on my shoulders like a fur stole. he was so happy there purring loudly in my ear- cat therapy now that's a must!

Walking the dogs early this morning I had a mini echo of the Camino when I saw poppies sprouting up in the fields, not is such numbers as in the photo Janey took for the cover of the magic, but lovely nonetheless.

UPs and DOWNs

An interesting couple of days here at Casa TulStig!

Today was the twins birthday - my boys are six years old now!! That's them on the right (with Tommy on the left) so they had tuna for breakfast, chicken for lunch and by teatime none of them were hungry so they've spent the evening lolling around the house- Yup they are spoilt. BTW the tuna and chicken went to all the animals- Tone and I had soup for lunch and veggie burgers with all the trimmings for dinner

Yesterday during the early hours the bar next door was ram-raided. All very odd. We heard a big bang and thought nothing more of it, then our bedroom was lit up by blue lights -The local police had arrived. Just how a car could ram-raid the bar is incredible- the road is so narrow, the bar had heavy flower pots in front of it and it's hardly a fort Knox full of dosh.

Today I've spent a lot of time with Sue. we went shopping and had a coffee, then this evening I picked up her and Jordi to take them to the hospital in readiness for their baby daughter to make her appearance- all very exciting. She's due to pop out tomorrow- I await a text!!

On top of that the Camino Primitivo plans are all up in the air. Nick might not be able to make it, well it's looking less and less likely cos of thing occurring in his life, and maybe Janey will cos of changes in hers. I'm still going, but at the moment the question is will I go alone, with Janey, or with Nick, or even with Nick and Janey.... watch this space!!

Oh and my back/leg  -sciatica. At last I've had a good night's sleep, and even woke up pain free for the first time in about a month. Yesterday Liam gave me a muscle relaxant to take before bedtime. I did and slept well. Today the pain has been minimal. I shall be taking another tonight and hopefully the pain will be on its way for good.

So there you go that's the good and not so good news from Casa TulStig -on balance at least for us things are good.

A fairly relaxing weekend

Yesterday we had Julie round for lunch and I prepared a delicious lunch feast -Hop on over to Blog N Stuff to see what I cooked and for a tasty dessert recipe, and still all from items in the cupboards. Needless to say we had a great afternoon eating and chatting away.

I've spent some time this weekend catching up on both my sleep and some writing projects, with the wonderful help of Sprout -just as well I've a new desk that has a shelf that pulls out.

Over the weekend I've been rereading 'Winner' and am surprised at the number of small errors still there. Some of them were just capitalisation errors and a few punctuation errors, but some were more obvious, and to be quite frank a little embarrassing that I'd missed them before.
Strangely I really enjoyed reading the story and almost felt like it was the first time I'd  actually read it. It felt really different in book form, as opposed to the computer or A4 sheets I'd read before whilst writing it. I've now revised it on the publishing site and all new copies will be much improved, although I'm sure there will still be some errors.

Sitting at the PC for too long is a bad thing on one hand though as I often end up net-surfing and shopping, and today I was back at my tow favourite on-line shops of Amazon and E-bay. Yup I've spent a few more euros today!!