Writing, Eating and Walking...

Another sunny day in VnG...

And today I've almost finished the file update for the re.-release / second edition of Winner- The story is the same of course, but I've improved the grammar and found the typos that were missed by the last edit - going through it all carefully myself this time page by page.

Jane is well into reading 'Take Two'. I spoke to her this morning and she told me she had been reading it at the hairdressers but had to put it down so as not to make a show of herself an burst out crying there and then- I am so pleased (not to make her cry, well, yes and no) that the emotions I poured into the story have come through, and she's hardly half way through yet!

Today is Julie's birthday so I've baked a coffee and walnut cake to take to school. Those teachers are well-spoiled, only yesterday they had raspberry muffins for another of the teacher's birthdays. It's not the most beautiful cake I've ever baked, but it was baked with love and from the offcuts we've tried it's DELISH!

Tonight, after school, we're off to Gilda's again for dinner to celebrate.

And finally, I must just mention my new project- CAMINO 2013!!
Yes I've been wondering where to walk, or whether to walk at all next year, but having had a couple of coincidental things happen telling me about the Camino Ingles I've decided that YES I will be walking again.  (you can find details HERE). It's just 110 -116kms depending on which site you look at, and should take just 4-5 days depending on how many stages we decide to do. And I say we as I have spoken to Janey about it and she's keen to come along again next year. WE are also thinking about then going on to Finisterre (and/or Muxia) on the coast.

SO if anyone would like to join us either for just the Camino Ingles (only 5 days - you know you'd love to!!!!) - we'll see you onto a plane in Santiago, or for the whole thing -we'd love for you to join us. Oh and if you want to walk with us 'virtually' just watch this space as I'll be putting up more news as I find it. Incidentally, today I've been net-surfing to find out about the route an albergues etc

TulStig News

So.... what's been happening at Casa TulStig lately? - not much really -the usual stuff:

Friday I had a delicious lunch with Julie in Cubelles, whilst Tone stayed in bed having spent the night sick, then feeling too washed out to come. And talking of washed out the whole day was a wet one

On Sunday I did a massage - my first in ages, which felt good. As usual the Reiki kicked in so it was two for one offer. Jordi (Sue's partner) had hurt his back and wanted some help- MT to the rescue, and I believe he is okay now.

This week I finished reading 'The Pillars of the Earth' and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's set in the early middle ages, and tied up nicely with my history studies from back in the day. It's a big book (over 1000 pages) but well worth the effort. I now have to check the bookcase for something else that awaits me there. I was pleased to note I've also passed my reading goal for the year. I wanted to read 20 books this year and have read 22 so far.

I've spent a lot of time this week reviewing the updated copy of Winner, and am in the process of editing it and putting out a second edition, which will be better than the first. having ben on the Lulu site I was pleased to see taht changing the edition is much easier than I though it couild have been. Hopefully I'll have it all sorted yb the end of next week.

Today was one of the other teacher's birthdays so I made some raspberry muffins, knowing that he loved raspberries as much as me. As usual they were much appreciated by all my colleagues. Tomorrow is Julie's birthday so perhap I have a surprise for her too!

And for no other reason than I love the colours here's a photo of a stall at the Barcelona Boqueria Market that I took the other week:::

Sunday (C-day minus 2)

Yesterday I taught the last of my classes for this year with a hurrah, that's over, and an Ohh that's over feeling.  The holidays have begun...

Returning home I performed the removal of the watch ceremony- During the summer I don't wear a watch, so it sits happily marking time in its own way on the shelf above my desk, whilst I take each minute, hour and day as it comes. Obviously if I have an appointment I can check the wall clocks, or even my phone, but I love the thought that for the next three months time is of no importance. Yet here I am counting down the days to my next adventure....

Wherever I go at the moment, and whomever I am with the topic of conversation invariably turns to the C word! Last night we were out to dinner at Denise and Paolo's (with Nuria and Richie) and of course we talked about walking for some time. I made the desert for the evening, a fruits of the forest flan.

We had a relaxing evening sitting in D&P's garden enjoying the food they'd prepared  (cheesy baked pasta and a Spinach dish) and chatting. hey also had two more kittens (abandoned on their doorstep a couple of weeks ago!) who were delightful. Fortunately they've got a home sorted for them already.

Today I have been making some more preparation- my sleeping bag is on the line to air, and there's a pile of necessities in the guest room ready to go in my rucksack. I bought a box of clear ziplock bags a few weeks back so everything will be carefully compartmentalised and packed on Tuesday... 

I've just spoken to Janey -about yes the Camino- and she's still feeling a little disappointed that she's not joining me this year.  However, like many of you reading this, I will be carrying you with me, and keeping you updated by the marvels of modern technology too

This afternoon we are off to Julie's for lunch- what a fab weekend, little to no cooking for me and feeling gooooood.... 

TulStig Catering

Today was a baking, preparing and cooking day, for Tomorrow is the End of Year Party for school and I've started in on the catering for said party. I really enjoy all the preparations and organising myself to have everyting ready in time. According to my planning I am on time with everything so far... humus (Check), nachos dip (check), spicy dahl (check), Homity Pie  (double check - it looks amazing), coleslaw (check) and so the list goes on. Tomorrow Tone's off to teh market to get a few fresh provisions while I continue with the otehr bits and bobs here, then it'll be all nads to the decks for the final push.

Tony's a bit concerned as I am taking it all with a very laid back attitude, but I know I'm on target and so this evening we even had time for dinner out in Sitges.

Preparations underway

Over the last couple of days the preparations for our School End of Year Staff party have begun in earnest. I am doing the catering gain and have settled on a menu that seem s to please everyone. MY first job has been to source all the ingredients - so loads of shopping, although the final shop will be done early on Saturday morning (The day of the party) first thing at the town's market. I've also set out a plan for what dishes are to be cooked when and how we are going to store them. This afternoon I need to pop out and get some serving bowls etc, from one of the 'Chinese Bazaars', then I think I'll be all set to start the cooking tomorrow, finishing up on Saturday. Fortunately I enjoy the process of bringing everything together and then watching as people enjoy the efforts of my labours.
So here's Saturday's menu:

Another brilliant weekend

What an amazing weekend we've had here. 

Yesterday after school I relaxed in the garden, and wrote some more of my upcoming novel, another 1000 words or so. Later on I took Sue to the airport for her trip to the UK. Poor girl was so stressed - it's the first time she's travelled with baby Liliana -having texted her this morning I am happy to report that she arrived safe and sound. Jordi (her hubby) and I then dropped in at the supermarket on the way home (we were out of mushy peas!) before Tony and I settled down to watch the Eurovision Song Contest - One of our annual guilty pleasures. We knew from the outset that we (the UK) had no chance with a song and singer foisted on the nation by the BBC, both of which had seen better days and ended up with minimal points. It was great to see Sweden win, and who knows next year we can pop over to see Laila and see the show live!!

I spent some of the time tweeting with Nick, as this year there was a lack of text voting to the TulStig hub- Anna was having problems using her new android phone (I get that!), Judith was not joining in as her new daughter isn't into the Eurovision, Zakilna wasn't watching, but where were Tracy, Sals, Annie, and the Tibby Toffolos? 

Today I was late out of bed -I rarely lie in, but today didn't get up till just gone nine! Walking the dogs was a usual delight and on the way i saw this on the floor 

A message for my upcoming Camino! 

This afternoon I spent some more time sunning myself in the garden whilst reading, and then had time for a bit of writing too.

This evening we have had one of our favourite dishes for dinner - Rice, Peas and gravy, with shavings of Parmesan, and a rocket and radish shoot salad:

and are now sitting here watching another great TV programmer- The BAFTA awards. I have to comment that the sofa is a little crowded, but at this point in the evening that's comforting as they've just shown the hall of fame of the actors etc who have scuttled off this mortal coil this last year, which always affects me..

International Baking Day

Yes today was international baking day and without knowing I fired up the oven, and the food mixer and got some baking done.

During the week one of the other teachers mentioned a carrot cake I'd made a  while back, and as we were having Carrot soup for lunch I decided to carry on grating and make a carrot cake too. we've yet to have a slice but it looks scrummy at least. So for Nick and Tilly we are dedicating this as your birthday cake.

As the oven was on I also decided to make a batch of scones as I'd fancied one for some time. They turned out fine, but are a little light and crumbly- perhaps a little too much butter?No matter they were delicious with a little cream and homemade strawberry jam- we know how to live well here!

And finally for dinner a vegetable pasta bake:

 Oh and BTW - a month today I start my next Camino adventure.

MUFFINS

Nothing wrong with today either. The builder man visited and says he can adjust our door sizes without any problem. We're just awaiting a quote from him now.

Made muffins this afternoon after finding blueberries in Lidl during my morning shop. Added seeds to the mix and fresh strawberry icing to the top. Went down well with everyone.

After cooking I spent the afternoon reading a new book I've just picked up and am already gripped by. I'll add it to the side bar tomorrow when I have a bit more time. For now  I'm watching long-lost families on ITV - bit of  a tearjerker as always.

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.

Such a perfect day- I want to share it with you...

Another wondrous day here on the Costa del Brill (play on words in English and Spanish there!).

This morning I woke up and (as per my recent reading) told myself I was going to have a great day. In the shower I sang feel-good songs (Everything is beautiful, Oh what a beautiful morning etc) and imagined myself being showered with everything I could want. In the mirror I told me I loved me (felt a bit odd, but kinda good too). I even said hello to my belly and thanked the Universe for giving me the food to create such a girth. (also a bit odd, but hey I'm going with it). Walking the dogs I chatted to them, and any live creature that came by thanking them for sharing my morning etc etc, AND.. GUESS WHAT - I HAVE had a great day.

After walking the dogs I popped down to the market, texting Sue on the way. She and Jordi were also on their way out so after I'd bought some delicious looking Strawberries, and a couple of kilos of vine-tomatoes we met up for a coffee. It was lovely to see their new little family altogether, although poor Jordi looked wiped out -Liliana didn't sleep well last night apparently.

Walking back from the market I marvelled at how much better my back and leg are- just a week ago even the thought of walking back from town would have been agonising.

For lunch we were invited to Julie's- she was making risotto- Oh oh- I really don't like risotto- However I promised her I would give it my best shot - I promise you not, Julie, I really did enjoy it. I think I may have tactlessly mentioned that I had never had a risotto I had enjoyed before -but this one was tasty -I even had second helpings.

This evening we've been watching the box (at least until the signal cut out)- Britain's got talent has had me in tears again- I so love it that these people are being given a platform to share their talents. And now it's pouring with rain- just what the garden needs, and we've been sitting watching it, as the TV satellite signal has dropped off. I have to say it's the perfect end to another perfect day.

Good days.

If I said almost all my days are the same at the moment, or at least similar it might sound like a negative comment- but it really isn't - All my days are good and as  I allow the Universe to work its magic I feel so much more comfortable in them.

Over the pas t couple of days I have been communicating with a contact in Kent, UK about illustrations for my upcoming children's book, which I hope to be writing during the summer, or at least making a good start on it.  We have pretty much agreed terms, I now have to send her a scene description for which I want an illustration to make sure we are 'on the same page' (pun intended).

I've spent more time today doing things I love- I've been busy in the garden- with all the loving care I'm giving it we should have a great 'show' this summer. I've been doing more reading- and that's really helping my frame of mind, and step by step will impact on my life. I've held a belief in the law of abundance & attraction for some time now, and any reinforcement of that can only be good- nope it will be great!


Oh and finally for the foodies reading this today's lunch was a totally delicious spicy lentil dahl soup, with lemon garnish.

and this evening we're off out to dinner in Sitges again- Drinks in Montroig first followed by dinner at The Wok, Chinese restaurant.

Another day well-spent.....

All go again at TulStig Towers.

This morning Tony had his usual check up -all stats okay -low on calcium a bit but cholesterol dropping. While he was getting his updates I went shopping in Sitges Carrefour with Sue- it's the first time we've managed to go shopping together since she gave birth to Liliana, so it was quite a treat for all three of us. Afterwards we went down the seafront and had a coffee before returning home with our goodies, which included a couple of cherry-tomato plants.

Lunch today was a delicious bowl of Asparagus soup- made with delicious fresh asparagus, and with the great weather we're having at the moment we had it in the garden again.

During the afternoon I settled down and started a new book - Louise Hay and Cheryl Richardson's 'You can create an exceptional life'. Starting it I wasn't sure it was for me, then all of a sudden I was there in the book, and loving it. It validates my ways of thinking and is reminding me of how I want to live my life- basically in a positive way, and full of creativitiy. at times I get stuck and need a reminder of what I need- this book is leading me back onto this track and reminding me of my path. I'm sure I'll be telling more about this book in the next few days' blog posts....


Today we had a delivery from Amazon.com for Tony. A few days ago he told me he'd like one of the choppers like Nigella Lawson uses, so I did an internet search found one on Amazon and voila: today's delivery- A new chopper for Tony, and here he is with chopper in hand: 

And this evening Tony's culinary skills have produced another ultra-tasty dinner. Veggie burgers with alll the trimmings, chips and mushy peas with red wine and onion gravy. So for anyone on a diet look away now and resume reading tomorrow....

Midweek

Had a lazier day here today, but fairly productive. 

Of course there was the usual housework, and a few school hours, and today I've been researching 'The Camino Primitivo' as my walk for this year looms closer and closer. I had put it on the back burner and had even forgotten how far I was going to be walking- It's just 280 kilometres this year.  Today I've been checking out the slopes and the albergues, and as far as I can tell they all look worth a visit, although one looked  a little dodgy. Well I'll not go on about it for now as there will be more of this over the coming weeks. However I must just mention my technological advance for this year- I've bought a 'Dictaphone' to take with me to talk to and intend to be writing about my adventures sometime later in the year. Of course I'll be updating the blog as often as I can whilst on the road too.

For lunch today we didn't have our usual soup. Instead I had a bocadillo de tortilla de patatas  with tomato and rocket - Yummy. Tony who was feeling a little off colour earlier settled for a cheese and tomato sarnie.

However this evening we've had one of Tony's signature dishes- Chilli, and yup it was just as hot as ever!!  Served with Jacket potatoes and a salad on the side, and cottage cheese as a cooling agent.

Busy, Busy

Phew - busy day here at Casa TulStig. 


My day started early with an appointment at the hospital at 07.30 to give some blodd for analysis- let's see how the new meds are doing, and if my cholesterol level has dropped. Results in about three weeks. 


On returning home I walked the dogs before heading back to the hospital to pick up our next prescriptions, then on to the supermarkets.


Shopping at Aldi and Lidl filled up an hour or so. I managed to get nother bargain oin bulbs for the garden (35 for 3 euros!), so back home to plant them.


I then go ta call to ask if I'd cover a class for another teacher who had called in sick, so didn't have quite the relaxing afternoon I was expecting.


Next job to plant up the bulbs I'd bought. No worries. Then made a minestrone style soup for lunch, which we enjoyed in the garden.

After a little break it was time to hit the streets and make my way to school. On the way to my first class I dropped in at the Carpenter's to se if the quote for replacing our doors was ready. It was and on first look it looked reasonable. However Tony has since pointed out that it doesn't include making them taller (I often hit my head's on the current door frames) -I'll have to pop back and chat again ( at lest the man there I'm dealing with is easy on the eye!).


A few hours of classes all over with and home again to a delicious veggie Spaghetti Bolognese ready for me when I got in- you can't complain about that can you!!

All this and the Chelsea Barcelona match this evening - no I haven't started to watch footie -but love it when UK teams beat Barça just for the chance to wind up my students!!

Saint George's day

Or as we say here in Cataluña -El Dia San Jordi, where it's an important day in the calendar. It's traditional here to give roses to the lady you love, or a book to the man in your life. 

I started the day off well with a couple of slices of toast slathered with the homemade strawberry jam I made yesterday. Then I did a few bits and pieces round the house before meeting Sue and Liliana for a coffee and natter down the road in Granja Neus. 

 After a good chat and catch up I walked back up the hill home for a delicious green veggie soup.

 This afternoon I had a couple of classes so walked along the Rambla to see the rose stalls and the book stalls, all overlooked by the Giants of VnG.

 Ah yes- VnG on another fiesta day -anyone getting the message why we so love living here?

In a JAM

After walking Xali this morning (Cuddy wouldn't leave the house -she hates the sounds of guns that we get around her on a Sunday morning- hunting!) and tidying the house, and a bit of gardening I decided that I would make good use of the strawberries that Tony bought yesterday and make some delicious Strawberry Jam (BTW all my jams are delicious!!)

So here's the pan bubbling away, and what a fantastic aroma it filled the flat with.

And here are the jars all ready for cooling. Unfortunately just after taking this pic I clumsily dropped one of the jars making one hell of a sticky mess. Still there is still plenty for us! 

I've spent the rest of the day writing in the garden, moving inside as darkness threatened. 

All in all a day doing what I love- what a life I have. I love it!!

Is food my life?

Most of tonight's post is about food and what I've been eating recently (perhaps I should have maintained my other 'foody' blog).
 
Last night we had one of our favourite meals - Rice,Peas and gravy. Nothing cordon blue, but something we love all the same. Last night I had it with Potato Salad and Rocket. At this point I was going to insert a photo of said dinner, but it seems the memory card wasn't properly inserted in the camera, so here's one of Xali and Vinci in an intimate moment.

 

Today we've been to Beverly Hills (an American Style restaurant on the main Rambla) with Julie for lunch, as we were both working this morning it seemed like a good plan, and indeed was. It's been an age since we lunched together.  Starters of mixed veggies fired -yummy and a pasta dish for me for main course- nice but not wild. Tony had a burger (yes he's off the veggie wagon these days) and Julie had a Californian Club Sandwich, all washed down with a  little wine. 

Tony had been round the market before meeting us and had bought a tray of strawberries (I feel a Jam making session coming on), some tangerines (Marmalade perhaps) and some tasty looking plum tomatoes.

And just this minute I've just had a delicious Cheese and Ham Toastie - Yes veggie products are getting better and better here, and more available, although the veggie ham here is not as good as the stuff I usually buy in Sainsbury's in the UK.

But to end I just want to mention the counter up in the top right of this page- yes it's now less than two month's before i set off for Oviedo an my next Camino. This week I had an e-mail from Vueling who I am flying up there with, to tell me that the flight time had changed. I'm now leaving BCN at 7.30 in the morning which means I have to be there for 5.30- now that creates a logistic problem- looks like I'll have to get the night bus, unless anyone fancies an early morning trip to the airport.

On the same/similar note my credencial arrived (forwarded by Janey) this week- This is my passport for the Camino and gets me into the albergues. Step by step things are starting to come together.... and yes one of my concerns for the walk is what will I eat....

Meatballs for dinner

"What on earth" can I hear someone exclaim "is this veggie up to eating a plate of spaghetti with meatballs?" Whilst others will already have realised that I am talking veggie meatballs- still not sure what one calls a meatball when it has no meat in it? A vegetarian meatball doesn't seem right does it, and a veggie ball sounds like a party (ehem). 
Anyway we were more than pleased to find that our veggie burger place in the market is now doing veggie meatballs and veggie sausages too. And all at reasonable prices. At last we are starting to be served with what we want. 
I was a little worried that the veggie-balls might be too meaty tasting, but they're not and Tony made a delicious tomato and herbie sauce to go with it all that suited them just right. All this meaning I had two big plates full and went to bed well full.

Another weekend gone...

So there went another weekend. Isn't it unsettling how quickly time passes, particularly for those of us with more miles on the clock.  

Friday night we decided to pop into Sitges for dinner to our fave Chinese restaurant of the moment.  ON the way there the clouds across the sea looked amazing so I just had to capture the image as best I could.

Saturday wasn't a great day weather wise, but we made the most of it by catching up on some cleaning, and even had time to do a bit of writing and reading. I managed to finish 'The half of a yellow sun' - a great book if you're looking for something to while away a few hours.

Spring is bouncing into life here, and yesterday I took the plunge to start revving things up in the garden. I needed to renovate the screen on the roof (tick); plant the tomatoes and cucumbers (tick); sow some grass for the cats (tick), sow other seeds (tick) and generally tidy up the whole yard (tick).

Tomatoes an Cucumbers all in tidy rows, in front of the renovated screen.

How satisfying to have got done all the little jobs I set myself for the morning. However there a slight downside- all the bending, pulling and stuff meant that I had a bit of pain in my back and leg again by the end of the day- but I put on the heat pad and all was (and is) well.

In the evening Paolo and Denise joined us for dinner, although Denise's strict diet regime meant she stuck (more or lass) to the steamed veggies, whilst the rest of us chowed down on Leek, potato and parsley pie with veggies and onion gravy, followed by strawberries and crams. A perfect end to a near-perfect weekend.

A Good Friday...

Here it has most definitely been a good Friday for us.

I started the day with a leisurely walk through the fields with Cuddy & Xali. When I got back I started to put together the Mona cake I have been making for Julie. Yesterday I made the sponge base and the butter icing and a couple of chocolate eggs for assembling today. The Icing went well, but when I tried to fix the tow halves of the egg together it started to melt in my hot hands, and I started to get a bit stressed. Finally it all came right and when I gave it to Julie later she was thrilled:

Lunch today was at Julie's place down in Cubelles. She was testing a new recipe on us, as sent over by her mum in New Zealand. We started off with Leek an Potato soup (Vichyssoise- yes Olga that is what it is called!) and followed that with a courgette pasta mix, which she was slightly disappointed with, but was delicious.

Last night was the usual parade around town. From our church the 'villagers' drag a couple of platforms around the town. One has Jesus on the cross, and the other has Mary his mum on. These are preceded by a band made up of local youngsters, and it is all done at slow speed in reverence for the solemnity of it all.