Gorda!

Yesterday morning I had a couple of classes (until 2.00pm - still classed as morning in Spain) which went well -I must say that although I find the getting up early difficult I really enjoy  the classes once I'm there.

After class the plan was for Julie to come back to ours for lunch, before she went of to do her afternoon class.  Julie had her bike and intended to ride that up whilst I walked.

As I ran in the door my mobile rang. Julie was still outside the school. A dog had come barrelling down the street, apparently scared by fireworks, as she was talking to Sue. Julie managed to catch the dog and waited for a panicked owner to come running soon after. None arrived. So she ran the dog round to the Police station, who were extremely unhelpful. Julie told them that she had found the dog in the street, that she was on her scooter, and was off to work. She asked if they could take the dog. They told her it was her problem and that she would have to look after the dog until Monday when the dog pound in Vilafranca, a few miles away was open again. You may remember we all campaigned some time ago against the closure of the VnG dog pound, that was eventually closed down as it was costing too much. Strangely it was on prime building land?!?!

Julie called me to ask me to go and help. I jumped in the car and we brought the dog back to our house. WE were all struck by how much of a resemblance Cuddy and she had to each other. Luckily she was extremely well behaved and got on well enough with our mutts too. She was obviously hungry so we fed her up too. Whilst Julie went off for her afternoon classes I relaxed in the living room and formulated a plan.

 When Julie finished work she came to ours and we got in the car with the dog, who we were calling Janet, and went to the local Mossos D'Esquadra (These are similar to the Police) building and asked the woman on duty for help. Basically we wanted to know if she was micro-chipped. She said they didn't have a micro-chip checker but phoned round and suggested we take Janet to a local pet-store/vets to check if she had a micro-chip. The three of us got back in the car. It seemed Janet was enjoying the day out and happily rested on Julie's lap with her head out the window.

In the pet shop they ran the checker over Janet and found she was chipped, and that her name was 'Gorda'. We were delighted. They called the central chip office and gave them my number, with the plan that the owners would then call me to collect Gorda.  Back home, and more food for Gorda, who really wasn't, whilst we waited.

By nine o'clock I was giving up hope thinking that the owners may simply not want her back, but was also kind of happy as she seemed to be settling down with us anyway. Three dogs in the house wouldn't be easy but we would manage.  As I was considering this option the phone rang and a very distressed man called Manuel said that Gorda was his and that he had been looking for her all day. I agreed to meet him in front of the church with her.

AS we came round the corner of the church someone called 'Gorda' and I could see a figure on his knees. Gorda got excited and pulled on the lead. Her tail was wagging furiously and she seemed happy. Manuel thanked me profusely an showed my all Gorda's documentation from her vet card, dog passport and chip ID details. He also gave me his telephone number and said any time I wanted to see Gorda I would be welcome.

RESULT

I have to say that I was a little sad to see her go though, as I had begun imagining life with her ni the house. JUst shows I am not cut out for fostering!

Sunday at its best

This morning I had a relaxing walk with Cuddy and Xali. I took my new camera to see what came up for me to snap, and have put together this offering. 

And then messed about on the PC - I am pleased to say the translation of 'The Magic of the Camino' into Spanish is coming along nicely, thank to Victoria - just 10 chapters to go, and the work Victoria has put in is excellent and much appreciated.

And whilst on the subject of books - Yesterday (after a full day of teaching) I finished the final edit of 'Take Two' and it has now been released on general sale: I just need to come up with an effective method of marketing for the novels. Without the niche market that 'The Magic' has it is proving much more difficult to push the sales forward.

Later on this morning I decided I would throw together a coffee cake. (more info on my other blog page). which I have just enjoyed with a nice cuppa. What more can one need on a Sunday afternoon than a good book to read, a slice of cake and a cuppa?

So how did you spend your weekend?

Getting Ready....

This morning I attended the first teachers' meeting of the year.  A couple of hours spent with the other teachers in the English department discussing the year ahead and more specifically the first lessons for each course which will take place over the next few days. I also got my timetable for the year, which is still open for changes over the next twenty four hours, but hopefully wont change too much.

After the meeting Julie, Tony and I had lunch in a local restaurant and enjoyed a couple of bottles of wine - a luxury we wont be able to have for the next few weeks- no drinking on school days- at least not before the lessons!

This evening I've been updating the on-line file for 'Take Two' and am almost finished with the edit. Hopefully I shall complete it tomorrow and then upload it soon after... Then I need to get on with some promotion, but without the niche market that 'The Magic of the Camino' has it is more difficult. This is what I have found with promoting 'Winner'.  If you've any bright ideas let me know....

I've also been 'messing about' with my new camera today too -and the animals have been coming in for a lot of attention, but they just wont sit still. However here's a pic of Cuddy that is almost 'good enough'...

I'm now off to do a bit of paper shuffling ready for tomorrow's classes...

Birthday dinner for my man

Last night we went out to dinner with our dearest friend Julie.  Tony wanted to try a restaurant that we'd only visited once before on the main Rambla here in VnG - Gilda. It's right next door to where the old Cocktail bar used to be for those of you that know our town.  

GILDA - Rambla Principal, 114-116. VNG 08800 SPAIN

Telf: 938935735

We each chose to try the 'Menu del dia'. All except one of the five starters was vegetarian, and for main course we could chose any Pizza from the main menu or one of the other choices, two of the others also being vegetarian.

To start we all had paparadella in a four cheese sauce. Thinking as it was the menu the portion would only be small we tucked into the home-made bread rolls before it arrived, only to find the portions were huge. We each followed this with pizzas of our choice- which again were huge.  There were five choices for dessert, but thinking that the ice-cream would be the smallest option we each went for that. It was chocolate ice-cream and had the delightful strong flavour of chocolate truffles. Coffee and Limoncello liqueur were also included in the menu del dia price of 12.50€ which I think you'll agree is amazing value for money.With a bottle of the house white wine, which was very drinkable -slightly fruity yet dry enough to please Julie the bill came to less than 45€ for the three of us!!

We had a table in the courtyard at the back of the restaurant which was the perfect spot on such a hot night. The background music was mellow and not too loud to be invasive, and the service from the waiters and owners friendly and helpful.

To say we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves is an understatement. Julie is always great company and we chatted easily all evening before She jumped on her scooter bound for Cubelles and we walked back up the hill.

On arriving near our barrio I rushed ahead and got Cuddy and Xali for a run around in the park in the cool midnight air. They both loved the additional outing, which for us was the perfect end to a perfect evening.

Later today I am off to the airport to pick up Jane and the whole scene will be played out once more in a different restaurant -most probably Oganquit -but for those details I will keep you hanging on until tomorrow.

Just another Monday.....

This morning I was up with the larks - Summer is here for sure, and the light bursting through our bedroom window is waking me earlier. Today I just couldn't lie there and longer so jumped in the shower, cut my hair and set off out into the field with Cuddy and Xali. It was beautiful.

Everything is becoming to take a Camino focus here at Casa TulStig. At least once a day I slip off into the Camino part of my mind. This morning I found a thread, via Facebook, about Albergues on the Camino Primitivo, which was very helpful. It lists the ones to stay in and the ones to avoid, all notes have been transferred to my guidebook for use on the Way.

Tone popped down town for a few essentials, and to surprise him for lunch I made a chilled Mediterranean tomato soup, which was refreshing and delicious. 

 I spent the afternoon adding another couple of thousand words to the Winner sequel and this evening just had a couple of classes. Nothing too stressful. This evening I've been back in the book reading what I've just written today and tidying it all up. Over the next few days I'm going to contact my cover-designer cousin for a mock up of the cover. Once we've agreed this I intend to let anyone who is interested in on the title....

A Big Day.....

.....here at Casa TulStig -first of all because it's Xali's birthday -this year he hits thirteen, which in human years is supposed to be ninety-one, and if that's right he's a very sprightly ninety one year old. And that's just two years younger than his grandma Stiggants, who as I mentioned was ninety-three yesterday, and here's the promised photo:

Tone's mum with Jools and Lynne.

Xali's had a very good day - He had a very long walk (his choice) followed by tuna for breakfast and roast chicken for lunch and dinner, and is now relaxing in his favourite chair.

And tonight it's the first semi final of the Eurovision- the show's good, and there are plenty of the usual surprises- Russian grannies and strange goings on and lyrics on stage. Unfortunately it's been tainted for me a bit by a documentary I watched yesterday on the Beeb about the regime in Azerbaijan- not a country with a human rights record to be proud of - if I say 'corruption' and 'mafia' , oh and 'oil' from the President down I think you'll get my meaning. However, like the Eurovision spokeswoman said without Eurovision visiting the documentary would never have happened. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and asking the universe for change. I've not a lot of hope for the UK's chance on Saturday though- Englebert Humperdink singing a song that's a clear rip off of 'mother of mine' from the seventies- retro or what?!?

And a quick 'Camino note' - I'm thinking of getting a new lightweight rucksack -all comments taken into account (please).

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.

On-line connecting

I've been busy writing again today (after a bit of shopping and cleaning that is) and am enjoying the unfolding of the second instalment of the story. Little by little I will get this finished and published too- so if you are waiting for it please be patient.

One of the things that 'disturbs' my focus is the ability to have an 'internet window' open on the laptop and thus answer e-mails etc. Today I got into a bit of 'magic of the Camino' promotion. With Nick's help I managed to update my understanding of how twitter works and have been networking with hash-tags. If it promotes a few more sales it will all be worth it.

Whilst writing I also had a couple of 'Skype' interruptions too.  Firstly (auntie) Barbara video called for a chat, which was nice, as we rarely chat on the normal land-line. We caught up on some family gossip and on what we are both up to. They are off on a cruise in  a week- visiting the Norwegian Fjords.

Then an even bigger surprise when I got an e-mail from Bob and Tom, friends who used to live near us in London, but who moved to Brighton long before we moved here. They too are cruising this year and have a stopover in Barcelona so suggested we meet up, after not having seen each other for about 20 years. They gave me their Skype name so I found them and they too video-called for a chat. 

So you can see now why sometimes my plan to write is diverted, but always with good reason. 

Oh and for foodie fans today's lunch was macaroni with meatballs and mushrooms in a tomato sauce- Yumm.

 And another photo showing another of my passions- my big babes- Xali and Cuddy.

Wednesday

I've been sitting here cuddling a dog for the last half hour- Xali is so cuddly even when he isn't hungry. Cuddy, however, wont cuddle unless it's by accident, or if food is defo on the cards. I'n't it great to be loved!!

As for the rest of the day, pretty much a usual old Wednesday: bit of this, bit of that -gardening, washing and cleaning and then a bit of writing- and it's so good to be able to sit in the garden and read or write.

Today I also took a look at the reviews for 'The magic of the Camino' on Lulu and was overwhelmed by how good it all is, so decided to copy them over here (show-off did I hear someone say?)

• 
  By blawlor9- Ireland

  04-Apr-2012
  I really enjoyed this book too. I know Mark, but have not met him yet, yet I feel I know him even more now. He was very open in writing this book, I too like some of the other reviewers, felt I was doing the walk with him, the humour was great, lighthearted and emotional at times. The people he and Jane met along the way were interesting too going by his descriptions. I was amazed at the detail, that he put into the book, he must have made fantastic notes along the way. Well done Mark on a great read. Highly recommend.
• 
  By Anna O'Sullivan -Ireland

  11-Jan-2012
  I found that once I picked up the book, I couldn't put it put down. I felt captured by the physical, emotional and spiritual journey undertaken by Mark and how Camino imprinted itself on Mark's soul. Truly a wonderful read.
• 
  By nicholasbrennan- England

  06-Jan-2012
  A superb read. You can feel the energy emanating from the first to last pages. As previously stated, mark takes you along with him on a spellbinding and often emotional journey. Would definitely recommend this if you are contemplating The Camino or if you're just ineterested in the many highways and byways of Spain and the stories they hold.
• 
  By Andrea Tyrrell- Australia

  31-Dec-2011
  I enjoyed reading 'The Magic of the Camino' immensely. Mark's ability to draw me into his world, and walk the Camino with him and his companions was truly magical. I loved the way he wove humour into the routine of life, spirituality into the everyday, and joy into every page. I closed the book inspired to someday walk the Camino and experience its magic for myself.
• 
  By Carla Rodrigues- England

  30-Dec-2011
  I too really enjoyed this book. It had just the right amount of history for me, providing me with an insight of the Camino which helped set the scene. Like the other reviewers I too felt I was embarking on the magical journey with the author. Because of this book I'm hoping to do it myself one day. I would highly recommend this book, even if your not a walker. For me it was so much more then about walking.
• 
  By jane.tullett- England

  30-Dec-2011
  A really great read ,Once i had started to read it i couldn't put it down.
• 
  By Patricia m Field- England

  30-Dec-2011
  I found this book a delight to read well done it takes you to the place
• 
  By John Simmons- unknown

  29-Dec-2011
  I was given this book for Christmas, and really enjoyed it. I had no knowledge of the author or of the Camino beforehand, and was given it because I enjoy walking the English pathways. I now fully intend to make a trip along the Camino. Mr Tullett took me there with him and I was captivated- I hope the Camino holds the same Magic for me.