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DIARY DAYS IN SPAIN

It began in this area with the streets of Lubrin ( a pueblo just south of us) celebrating their annual outdoor October fiesta with thousands flocking the streets as residents cooked and displayed the fruits of slaving over a hot stove in the town square to claim the ‘best dish of 2009’ prize – and then gave it all away for free!

Local wine growers competed at the wine tasting table, which, would you believe it , attracted the largest throng of adherence! 

The town is well known for its olive oil which has a superb flavour in the “ rustic” style.   It is said that one can eat free every day of the year in Spain, and I can believe it.

Early in October we had 4 or 5 dull and windy days which we thought marked the end of summer

and so out came the long sleeved shirts, the track suit bottoms, windcheater jackets etc...

Happily the brief bout of less than clement weather did not affect the classic grand final of the Sir Ian Botham Charity Golf series which was held at Desert Springs Golf Course, just to the  south of us. VIDEO

 A host of sporting celebrities and legends from the world of golf, football, horse racing, athletics, cricket and rugby attended to support the event and to help raise funds for Leukaemia research. 

Of particular notice was David Lloyd´s contribution when he auctioned a pair of tickets for the member´s box at next year´s women´s Wimbeldon final, which made 7,000 Euros. He then put up a further two sets of tickets with each pair raising the same amount -   21,000 Euros - an amazing act of generosity.

Meanwhile the hunting season got underway in Almeria where as much as 74% of the Province´s land area is taken up by 760 game preserves

(note the p it doesn't mean reserves) 

The season, which only lasts until November 30th , attracts visitors from other parts of Spain and the rest of the world. 

The season continues until February for certain species of bird although the hunting of aquatic birds is totally banned.

In the sky the Arctic Terns have been crossing over once again, wherefrom and whereto we can only imagine;  they are the most incredible travellers but unlike humans they are searching for a nice bit of snow and ice! 

At home here the swarms of Wagtails have arrived – and I do mean swarms,;  at times they are like very large mosquitoes!  

The Magpies still entertain by clawing their way into the air every morning and returning in the early evening which is now around 6 p.m.  

On a slightly more cultural note,  the early part of the month saw the first performances by the

Kirton Cat´s Caterwauling Choir ...

... led by the basso profundo,  The Bandit. 

He started the activity rapidly followed by Smokey and after some cajoling Zoo Zoo was persuaded to join the ensemble.  This entertainment has caused us to rewrite the old country song “Daddy sang Bass”   our version of which now reads “Bandy sang bass, Smokey sang  tenor and the Zoo Zoo sang sopwano  ( he´s always had trouble with his “rs”). 

Daily performances are presented every morning at breakfast time. 

We have a fairly rigid early morning routine, first I get up and put the kettle on,

second I open the doors

and third the “Hole in the Road Gang” comes in. 

Whilst the kettle is boiling Susan is reviewing the newspapers on TV , Bandit goes to the dressing room and relaxes while Zoo Zoo and Smokey each take a chair at the kitchen coffee table. 

I then take a cup of tea into Susan

and puff my pipe on the terrace

with my first tea of the day..... 

  

Once fully dressed Susan´s first job is to present three separate bowls and take them outside where the contents are rapidly consumed. 

    

The 12th of the month saw Spain celebrating Columbus Day  (another Bank Holiday) which gave Spain the world´s largest Empire for a significant number of years.  Interestingly Columbus had offered his services to the British Crown but rather like the man who turned the Beatles down he was rejected.

  How different the World would have been had the decision been favourable. 

CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS

BIOGRAPHY

More ...

Over all this the evenings have provided some glorious pictures

when there has been cloud in the sky

for the low sun creates its own artistry ...

as can be seen from the photo of the sky monster! 

It being my 65^th birthday on the 26^th

there was a gathering of the Clan

for the week surrounding this auspicious occasion.  

 ~SEE MY SPECIAL CELEBRATION PAGE ~

MIKE'S BIRTHDAY 2009 (sound on!)

All in all a wonderfully happy month, which was enjoyed by all. 

Sue says remember to click for more in her

Spanish Garden:

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DIARY DAYS IN SPAIN