Christmas Eve

It's been a lovely day today.

This morning we tidied round a bit and did very little else. Tony did do some ironing and I caught up on e-mails (again).

I did a bit of cooking - I made some sausages and froze them then we then had a delicious pea and cabbage soup (with a hint of mint) for lunch.
After lunch I settled down to do a bit of reading while Tony had his siesta.

This afternoon we watched a DVD I bought recently  -The girl with the Dragon Tattoo (in Swedish). I had been told it is a superior version to the one which is about to hit the screens from Hollywood. Having just read the book I was keen to see if it stayed true to the original story.  Although I enjoyed the film I have to say that it started out well, but soon changed the story from the book and even missed some of the important details (in my opinion).

This evening I've been baking again- sausage rolls, mushroom vol-au-vents and cheese slices. meanwhile Tony was wrapping his presents for me.

We're now witting in front of the telly - enjoying an old Morecambe and Wise Christmas Special - I have to say the old ones really are the best! Later on we've got a Les Dawson special too. Whilst watching we've been chowing down on the delicious cheeses Julie dropped round yesterday with the bottle of red wine she also gifted us for Christmas.

So all that remains before I sign off is to wish all my dear friends and family a Wonderful Christmas . Enjoy the day - we intend to, and I'll tell you all about it soon.

Friends and Celebrations

Last night was the Christmas Dinner for the teachers and secretaries from Supernova, the academy I work at.  Some of us finished a little earlier than others so we met in the local Sidreria (Cider bar) for a drink before going to the restaurant next door.  Now for those of you that don't know Cider is one of my favourite drinks - a nice dry scrumpy type cider- which is exactly what this bar sells and all for just €4 a bottle.

Dinner in the restaurant next door was a refined affair- yeah who are we kidding. We ate drank and made plenty of noise and enjoyed sensible (one or two) and silly conversations. I so love being part of a team,especially when I can say that I know that for the most part they are all supportive and right there when you need them. I might even go as far as to say I love my colleagues! Enough of the mushy we had a great time and I was a little sorry when it was home-time.

This morning I felt slightly fragile- half a bottle of cider and half a bottle of wine is not my usual alcohol consumption of an evening, but I drank a load of water and got on with the day. And when I say I got on with it.- I really mean that. I swept through the house and mopped. Tidying things away or throwing them away as I went. I then did the same in the garden and on the roof terrace. I planted out some pansies, put out three lines of washing, wrapped some presents, replied to pile of e-mails and all this before lunch.

Tony made a delicious pumpkin soup for lunch- I'll pop the recipe in a newsletter soon, and then he went off for a siesta, just as the doorbell went- it as Inter-flora. The lovely Michelle had sent me a bunch of winter tulips in a delightful bouquet. Now I know they hadn't come all the way from Australia, but the thoughts with them had, and I was really touched - A big thank you to Michelle for whenever you read this. Now I'm guessing some of you may be thinking I've had a change of principles as I don't usually have cut flowers in the house, but no I haven't - these have been sent graciously with love and I am happy to have received them.

This afternoon I made our Christmas pudding - it's a frozen one- Jamie Oliver's recipe -a bit like a cross between summer pudding and an Arctic roll. IT has candied fruit inside that I soaked in brandy.  I'd soaked a  little too much fruit so Cuddy and I shared the leftovers, but I think she had a little too much as she then took herself off to her basket for most of the evening until....

.......D&P dropped in to drop off Paolo's Christmas Duck for Sunday - another thing I don't normally have in the house. However it's in a tin and all I've got to do is reheat it so I'll manage that. All other preparations are well under way. Tony's going to the market tomorrow for the last minute fresh veggies whilst I whip up a few selcet items for our starters and we'll be set. On Saturday we'll be able to relax a little and enjoy some 'Us' time, and then Christmas day morning it'll be all systems go....

Six Months

 In exactly six months Nick and I will be setting out from Oviedo on the Camino Primitivo headed for Santiago . We will have spent the previous day and night in Oviedo, and with a bit of luck will be setting off early on a sunny morning.

The Primitivo is perhaps the hardest of the Camino's and said to be the most beautiful and one of the most friendly. What with everything else I hadn't thought much of next year's walkies, but today have been net-surfing checking out pictures, blogs and the suchlike. I am really looking forward to another Camino, and also to introducing Nick to the experience.

And this will be our starting point: The Cathedral in Oviedo:

What a Weekend.

What a great weekend, that left me a little out of sorts, this the delay in this post.

 On Saturday I was working in the morning- my last Saturday class before Christmas, so we celebrated a little in the classes too. In the evening we went into Sitges. Drinks in Montroig and dinner in the Wok- delicious and in the company of my old man - wonderful.

Yesterday we went to a Mulled wine and Mince pies party at Deirdre and Alex's in Casteldelfells. IT was a great craic (as they say in Deirdre's part of the world). Halfway through the evening we sang Christmas songs and carols - I was in fine voice and even got a compliment on my deep voiced singing. I was a little surprised as I can hardly hold a note but do sing loudly like nobody's listening!!

Today Tony and I have been shopping, separately, getting those little things in for Christmas. I've had one class, and since then have been getting caught up with internet stuff. Tomorrow I plan to make more mince pies for my older students to try- they'll never have had them before and I'm not sure they'll like them, they are part of my plans for festive classes - so we shall see. 

For now I'm off to my cosy bed. It's colder here now- yesterday night it went down to 9º -the first time it's gone into single figures this winter.

Some 'Magic' feedback...

I've decided to use today's blog with a bit of 'own-trumpet blowing'. I've now sold so many more copies of 'The Magic of the Camino' than I thought I would and continue to have orders coming in.


Today I also see that I've sold my first copy of 'Winner' - I'm assuming that it was Nick who bought it as he was considering it as a Christmas present for a friend, but have no way of knowing, unless he 'fesses up later.


Anyway back to the own trumpet blowing.  Just check these out - Comment received about 'The Magic' so far:

Just got your book today, many thanks, read the first page and a half and felt emotional..............looking forward to getting stuck into it soon - Brian (Eire)

Absolutely delighted to receive my copy of the book this morning. It looks good and I’m looking forward to giving it a read. - Alan (UK)

 I received your book today. It looks so beautiful - even more wonderful 'in person' than it looks as an image 'electronically'! I read the back cover and felt tingles go down my spine! I can tell already I am going to love it. Thank you so much for writing it, and thank you also for signing it for me and for your beautiful inscription.  - Andrea (Australia)

Hiya Mark, just to say that I am enjoying "The Magic of the Camino" very much. What an experience! I even get a mention!! - James (Spain)

Just going to text you to say got it (the book) yesterday and just started to read it today! And I'm already going... I didn't know that! (you & Jane not getting on). Feels really weird to be reading a book and actually hear the author's voice in my head! So quite cool too! - Anna (Eire)

I'm really enjoying The Magic of the Camino (Jane gave me a copy love her). I've taken to reading before I go to sleep at night again and take it to work to read in spare time :)  - Kerri (UK)

I'm really enjoying the book and am up to page 254 so far. It's a cross between a rough guide and a journal which is great. I'd have liked a few more details of some of the incidences you mention, but wll in all the balance is just right- Paolo (Spain)

To say I am really pleased with the way it's been received is an under statement. If anyone's anything further to add I'd love to hear it....

Waterworks n stuff

This morning I planned to get so much done before picking Tony up at the airport, but was slightly thwarted when I got to the bathroom to find we had no water. I had already turned the washing machine on wondering why it was making a whining noise, so rushed back and turned that off, then after a couple of choice expletives I calmed down and got on with it.

I gradually worked through most of the jobs I'd set myself for the morning, amazed that I instinctively went to the tap so many times for water, even though I was well aware there was none. I was struck by the realisation of how much I for one take having water on tap for granted. I managed for most of the day without it, but it wasn't a normal day. I can hardly imagine what it is like for those without water on a daily basis.

Tony's flight was slightly delayed, and I was so pleased to see him when he walked through the doors at arrivals in BCN. I always find airports emotional, even if I'm not saying goodbye. I think the buildings must store up the emotions that people exhibit whilst there, and being a sensitive soul I pick up on that every time- yes I did shed a tear when I picked up Tone!

It was great to hear news from Yorkshire and the in-laws. I haven't been back to that part of the world for at least eight years. He even managed to take a selection of good photos this year, so I have an even better idea of how everyone is doing. It was great to see his mum lookinmg well and enjoying herself (left with Tone's nephew, Andrew), and seeing Jools n Lynne's new Labradoodle balanced on Jool's lap is hilarious (below) Their other dog is a black Labrador, and looks just like Cuddy- she even has a similar collar to her!(also below)

This afternoon I've been working on the PC, before classes and was brought to tears again- One of Tony's cousins in the UK posted a 'Flash mob' video to Facebook of some carollers singing in a shopping centre.  It really doesn't take much to set me off!!

Missing Him

For the first time in ages Tony has spent a whole week at his Mum's in Yorkshire. Normally he goes for a long weekend, but due to Easyjet changing their schedules he has had to travel with another airline and could only travel over 7days. He left last Thursday, and thank goodness is back tomorrow.

I enjoy time on my own, getting a chance to push myself and do things without worrying about leaving Tony out, but boy do I miss him. An ever present ear to listen to my ramblings, whether he really is listening is another matter.  A sounding board for my ideas, even if he doesn't always give the reply I'm after. We don't always get on 100% (some of you may be surprised to hear) but we do so get on. When he's here I complain he doesn't do enough, when he's not here I miss his contributions. And that's one of the reasons why my blog has been sporadic this week. A lot has been going on, but I've been lacking in passing on my great news.

First of all. My novel - WINNER - is now available in print on the Lulu site.  Or from my author's page. (That still makes me chuckle- authors page!!) I will soon put a link on our personal website too, but haven't really had time to do so over the past few days.  I love the cover which was again designed by Alan Hayes, a distant relative of mine. Writing the story was all absorbing, and at the end I felt a little bereft, until the characters started to tell me what is happening with them now. I could almost say I was missing my lead character Joey, and all the friends I made between the book's covers. If that feeling gets over to anyone else of making friends with the characters I'll be thrilled. The sequel is in my head and sometime during the Christmas break I will start putting it on paper. I feel I have many journeys to share with these guys!
If you want to buy 'Winner' I've agreed  20% discount with Lulu again. If you want a signed  copy - let me know and I'll sort it out for the New year. 

The Magic of the Camino sales have done so much better than I could ever have imagined. Michelle has done a great job of promoting me down in Australia, and has sold all the books sent over a couple of weeks back. Janey's doing a sterling job in England, and even has her hairdresser promoting it in her salon!  I've also set it up as an E-book, but apparently something doesn't conform to the required specifications, so I am in the process of revising it again before it will be passed to outlets other than Lulu.