Painting and Pasts

Another busy day at Casa TulStig. 

I spent the morning painting the guest room, which included shifting furniture, dusting and cleaning too. BY the mid-afternoon it was all done, and so satisfying to see the finished effect. Just need to sort out which pictures are going to go on the wall eh voila!!

Gosh don't I look like Ralf Harris - Can you see what it is yet? 

This afternoon I even took some time out for myself and met up with Sue (and Lily) and had a walk down the Rambla to the seafront, where I completed a bit of secret squirrel work (Shhh) and we ahd a drink in Cafe Des Arts, where the waiter turned out to be one of my favourite students from my time at OK Idiomes in Sitges. I didn't recognise him at first as he'd grown his hair, but once he spoke  'Do you remember me' I remembered straight away. His name is Victor and he used to have lessons with another student (Gerard) and they were some of the best classes I ever did there -we had a real laugh. Happily he is working at Cafe Des Arts for the summer so we'll be seeing a lot more of him over the next few months, at least till he returns to Uni in September.  Whilst we were sitting enjoying our refreshments my phone rang- It was Bob. He and Tom are cruising round to the Med next week with a stopover in Barcelona next Sunday. We have arranged to meet up and spend the day together which will be great as we haven't seen each other face to face for about 20 years.

Home again

Well I guess the title says it all -I'm back with my family in CasaTulStig.

At Santiago airport I checked in, sticks and all (they have a special no charge for sticks agreement for pilgrims travelling from Santiago).

After a slight delay I arrived back at BCN airport, picked up my rucksack, but no sticks. OMG my friends had got lost en-route. after a quick and efficient chat with the 'lost luggage' desk I was advised that as soon as they were located they would be delivered straight to our door, and happily they arrived this morning.

Arriving home is always a little traumatic after so long on the road, and this time as we have been having work done in the house it was doubly so, as the house was in a bit of a mess. Now I don't know about you, but I can't sit amongst a mess, so as soon as I arrived home I set to on it all so as I'd feel more comfortable.  Isn't it incredible how dust gets just about everywhere, especially when builders take no care to prevent it. Anyway the house is starting to get a little more comfortable, and tomorrow I shall be talking to the builders first thing...

So to the two questions that most of you ignored, but a couple of you did your best to answer.

First of all my sticks- Yes Janey was right - they were named 'Jane and Nick' -so I have a little something here for you when you come over next month. As soon as I received Janey's whatsApp message with the answer I wondered how she'd got into my head again!

And the weight I lost - 7.5 kilos (one stone and two pounds and a bit) - Janey thought I'd lose one and half stone (9.25 kilos) and Nick thought I'd lose 12 kilos - Janey you've done it again.

Arrival

After a journey of about a thousand miles from Brockley to VnG eight years ago today we arrived at our new address- Casa TulStig, España. We were all a little tired and looking fora rest on arrival, and to let the cats out for a run around inside. This was not to be so.

Unfortunately the house wasn't quite as ready as we'd expected or been promised - yet again we had been let down by a builder. I'll not go into the whole sorry story but shall just say that I had to finish off the kitchen myself and let our builder go! 

However within a few days we were more or less shipshape and ready for our first guests -Annie and Emma.

In the last eight years we've had many more guests and enjoyed so many wonderful days and nights, and are obviously looking forward to many more - will our next visitors be you?

Last night we went to a concert in the local auditorium- a Latin concert with musicians from the local music school - an it was excellent.  Afterwards we came home and finished off the leftovers from the picnic/barbie.  An excellent celebratory weekend to round off our eight years in paradise.

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.....

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.

BAKING

Today was the first 'TulStig Baking Masterclass' here at Casa TulStig. Some time back Christine - The French teacher from S/N had told me she'd like to come round and learn how to bake muffins just like wot I do. I think I mentioned it in the Carnaval Blog entry.  So after having given her a list of ingredients she arrived with provisions bag in hand ready to bake. We set her up with an apron (now there's an idea for further merchandising!) and set to in the kitchen.

Christine wanted to bake chocolate muffins, and plain muffins- easy, and I think she thinks so too now. She's said she'll be off out to get a muffin tin soon and who knows will perhaps brings some into school too, I'd relish the competition.

So here are Christine's first efforts, and both Tony and I can confirm that they are just as delicious as those made here before. (for some reason no matter what I do I can't get it to spin round for the correct view?!?)

SO if you want a master-class in any of the recipes you've had here, or at any of the venues I've cooked at/for, or any of the recipes on my other blog http://grubnstuff.blogspot.com.es/ just let me know and we can arrange it!!!

Oh and Pauline I may be onto you for a master-class in some of the goodies you cook too- your cakes on Facebook today looked D-licious!

Warmth, Weekend & Website updates

We had a great weekend, or at least Friday and Saturday with Caroline staying at Casa TulStig.
On Friday I walked the dogs an the blossom, as pictured on here the other day was loaded down with Bees. It was beautiful, scented and noisy with the bees buzzing- Spring is pretty much here!

Can you see the Bee top centre?

Caroline arrived in town after her conference in BCN and we had a delicious dinner at Espai Carmen, after a few pictures around town.

Saturday left some time for Caroline to do a  bit of shopping in Sitges , after breakfast out (of course), for pressies for her girls. We then had lunch in the garden, before having to drop back to the airport for Caroline's evening flight back to Murcia.

On the way back from the airport I was feeling a little off, and sure enough by the time I had been home a little while I flagged and hit my bed where I stayed for the next two days. A little bit of a chill methinks. Most of you will know that I don't react well to being unwell, and poor old Tony usually ends up taking the brunt of that. But her I am back to almost as good as new. I just need to be rid of this blessèd Sciatica, which has been hanging around for the last month now, and I'll be flying along again.

Finally can I beg of you a small favour. The other Editors and I have recently produced the new edition of The Joyful Warrior, along with some wonderful guest contributions, Please head on over there and take a look at this month's articles of JOY.

Oh and if you've a couple more spare minutes I've been busy updating our personal website too - Casa TulStig.

Comments and feedback welcome on both sites, pleeaassee.....

Arrivo

An early post today,a s things at Casa TulStig are heating up as we get ready to play our parts in Carnaval. Tonight we will be spectators at the big parade, tomorrow we will take an active part in the fancy dress ball in the town square, but all that's for later...........

Today is Arrivó -The arrival of the King of Carnaval- Carnestoltes- This afternoon the kids will be parading round town in fancy dress, and this evening it's the adults turn- the Parade of the King will be passing up the main Rambla for all to see, and we will be there watching,a s per usual. This year we are planning to watch from the balcony of the school building with some of the other teachers at around 7.30-8.00 for couple of hours. Then we're planning to have dinner somewhere with Jordi and Sue.

Before that I have a two hour class -not sure how many of the students will turn up though, as they'll be getting ready for the evening's festivities. Then I'm having an other massage and Acupuncture session from Jordi- my sciatica just wont budge at the moment!

And we've already had a busy morning -Tony's been down town to shop for some essential odds and ends, and to pop into the chemist for painkillers. I've been to Lidl and got important supplies in for the weekend.

We've just been in the street decorating the front window with a Manton (Carnaval Shawl) and streamers, as is our tradition, and now we're planning on a spot of lunch before the rest of the above starts to kick in. Today broccoli soup sounds ideal.

The photos on her are from last year's festivities for Arrivó and front window deckies from then too - there will be more from this year on our website and Picasa site later, over the weekend or early next week.

Meringada

Today was the first day of Carnaval- Meringada. earlier this afternoon  there were battles in and around the town hall, and Placa de la Vila -meringues, or anything that resembles a meringue were hurled back and forth. Walking to school this evening I saw some of the casualties of these battles -clothes hair and faces covered in shaving foam, meringue and all manner of white pasted- an yup they were almost all smiling- That really is what carnaval is about FUN, and from tomorrow we will be joining in....

 

As for here at CasaTulstig we have continued with the de-cluttering and renovation of the guest/spare room/office. Julie came round, poste gym, to help out with removing furniture and clutter to the skips- she's a real minimalist and helped me to get into the de-cluttering mode.  Tomorrow the 'work' will continue.....

Decluttering

Well today was day one of clear the clutter and operation guest room as we pulled apart one of the old units, removing all the detritus that was ensconced inside first of course for sorting - and started to remove it to the skips. This clear out and renovation has been on the card for some time now- dare I say years, and we are now tackling it.  At the moment the room does look a little dishevelled, well very messy to be honesty, but you can't make an omelette without breaking eggs. Tomorrow there will be more of the same, as Julie is going to pitch in and help after her morning trip to the Gym - with a promise of lunch of course- and we'll move closer to a cleaner, tidier and less cluttered guest room.

Valentine's Day

So did I get breakfast in bed this morning? Did I get a surprise present, did I get dinner on the town.... Sorry none of the above, but to be fair did I give any of these things to me¡y dear hubby- no again. We don't tend to celebrate St Valentine's day as such, preferring to get things during the year as the fancy takes. Well that kinda does mean that I buy things throughout the year for Tone, but I've kinda got used to the way it all works in our house! And no that isn't a complaint- I just know my man- and am very happy and after all this tmie can happily report that today I am still in love with him.

Julie popped round at lunchtime after I had texted her to say there were Hot Cross buns available after our UK trip, and crumpets too- Yummy brunch we had. Oh and I'd brought her back some of her favourite chocolate counters, which she was happy about.

This evening Tony's cooked a delicious Spag Bol -well it is Tuesday. and we're relaxing in front of the TV.

Life is good, when is it really any other way here, at Casa TulStig.

I hope each and every one of my dear friends out there has had a good day too. 

Happy HUGS from VnG.
XXX

Happy Birthday ....

Today was yet another milestone in the TulStig Household.  Our little girl -the only one in the house- was four years old today.  I can't believe it was four years ago when we went to that little farm down on the seafront adn were chosen by this tiny little puppy, who wanted to come and live with us!
How did this big gorgeous monster.....

 grow from this cute little puppy in just four years...

I am pleased to say that even though she is the equivalent of 28 years of the human-kind she is no more mature than the rest of us!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY CUDDS!!!

Brrrrr

This morning Tony and I were out early -in the car for 7.30 to be off and we were more than shocked to see the temperature gauge registering at 3º -we were even more shocked when a little later as we headed inland into the hills that it dropped to 2º.
This evening the temperature is dropping back and is expected to hit zero, or even just below. There's been a lot of talk of snow coming our way, and the schools even closed at 3.00pm just in case -ours didn't of course -we're made of sturdier stuff than that.

We've the heating on full tilt and we're happy indoors, but goodness knows what tomorrow may bring- will it snow, or just be a cold day again. Well lets wait and see....

February the FIRST.

WEll here's February and so far things can only get better 'as they say'.

Today:
ONE. I was supposed to be going up to Ikea with Liam this morning to get some new furniture for our guest room. Just before he was supposed to pick me up he called to say because of the ice in the mountains he was going to be delayed. A few minutes later he called to say his had had got a puncture and he'd be round as soon as he could. Half an hour later he called again- the tyre changing was becoming a bit of a palaver and we decided to postpone. 

TWO. Whilst waiting for Liam this morning it started to rain. When I came back in I noticed that the water wasn't going down the drain.  To check what was going ion I flushed the loo, but the water didn't appear down the usual drain route, but it did rain. ???? I thought. we called the insurance company who sent someone round to take a look. After a lot of head shaking they said that as there was no damage anywhere they couldn't fix anything under the terms of our insurance- we now have to wait for something serious to happen. WTF I thought. I'm going to see if I can get hold of some drain rods over the next few days and check it out myself.

THREE. I settled down to check e-mails and do PC stuff, as the day was looking like a write off on any other front. Yup you've guessed it- The computer started to give me weird error messages. SO I turned it off and left it till much later- and happily it seems to have sorted itself.

FOUR.  Nope haven't got a number four yet. And guess what? we're both still smiling and doing the whole 'Que Sera, que sera' thing- we can't do anything so aren't worrying either. Well the Ikea trip has been rescheduled, the drains appear OK at the moment and we have a plan, and the PC is working OK.

What a start to the month. And tomorrow snow is forecast- YES- Snow- WTF I am thinking!!

Happily I have had some lovely correspondence with some of the ladies from OZ, and managed to get this month's newsletter out too. I've also been road-testing my new trainers, and had some time to read up on the Camino Primitivo. Was it a bad day -not really- a wasted day- not at all.

Back

Yup I'm back after a week of hardly any PC action at all - As mentioned in the last post on here we had Michael staying last weekend which was a lot of fun. But I ended up the weekend with a cold and lack of energy, then got a sore back so couldn't sit for long here and update- Ahhh I can hear across the world as the sympathy vote increases. Well I'm much better now after having a great back Massage with Sue's Jordi and a touch of acupuncture too.

 So first of all lets reverse wheels a moment to last weekend -a great weekend with Mr Michael, whose flight was completely without incident- remember last year he left his mobile on the flight, and the year before he got the flight times wrong leaving me at the airport three hours early to pick him up, and the year before .... well you get the picture.


 After picking Michael up at the airport we went directly to Sitges and the Montroig café-bar, where Paolo joined us just in time for dinner at the Wok (yes the Wok again, well it is good food and at a reasonable price!)

Saturday morning I was working so we met in the Rambla for a light lunch. After which Michael and I made a trip to Decathlon (a large sports store just on the edge of town) whilst Tony had a siesta. In preparation for this year's Camino I bought a new pair of trainers, which have yet to be broken in.

Saturday evening we went back into town and had dinner at the new Indian restaurant where we bumped into Sue and Jordi who were just leaving, and a student of mine who was eating there with his girlfriends and looked quite embarrassed that I had turned up - Poor lad!
We all chose the menu of the day, and you can see from the pic on the right where Michael is tucking in, that there was plenty for all of us.
After dinner we popped into 'Nostalgic' -a local bar and then dropped in on Jordi (yes another one) at his bar just up the road, before trawling all the way up the hill home.
By Sunday we were all a little jaded, and as Michael didn't surface until lunchtime we had a lazy day in the house, until Michael's flight later that evening.

This week we've done very little, but as I've spent a lot of time lazing on the bed I've had plenty of time for one of my passions- reading, there you go every cloud has a silver lining, and I've managed to get through my first book of the year-  Therapy by David Lodge -a present gifted me a while back by Christine, and it wasn't until the final part that the clue as to why she had thought of me when gifting me the book. 

First guest of 2012

We've been busy bees today cleaning up the flat, and preparing the guest room for our first guest of 2012. In just a few moments we're off to pick up Michael from BCN airport. Hopefully his flight will have been without incident, but quite frankly I quite doubt that. Whenever Michael comes over he always has some sort of drama.
The first time he came he almost missed the flight and ran through the gates skidding into a seat (well almost)
The second time he gave us the wrong timings and I was at the airport in the middle of the day when he actually arrived later that evening.
Last time he came over he lost his mobile on the plane, with all the trauma that causes.
So this time we've our fingers crossed.

Once we've met him we're decamping to Sitges where we will be taking a cocktail in Café Bar Montroig, followed by dinner in the Chinese restaurant. 

Michael is here until late Sunday evening, so it's just a flying visit, but we're bound to pack plenty into the weekend, although most of that will involve eating and drinking in some of our favourite haunts. So if I don't post for a few days please forgive me I am either really busy entertaining (and working -it's my weekend to work) or I'm simply recovering from the weekend.