HELLO FROM ME AND MY PANDORA'S BOX ITS OPEN

 

Hi everyone I am back, been a long time since my last blog, as I have said before only can blog when different things are going on in Vonnies world.

Before I went away I was not in a good place, at work my colleagues knew, that Vonnie was not at home.

Things were not getting better and to be honest for the first time in my life I could not hide tears, worries, and thoughts that ( Is this IT.)

Well I was feeling sorry for myself and no one could pull me out of it. This I have not really shared with anyone before until my friend and work colleague called today and smiled and said we have you back. Thankyou Heidi xx

And you know I am back Pandora's box was picked up, the lid gingerly opened and I looked into it, and you know it ain't that scary, I have come back appreciating my home and determined to get on with life again, so yes maybe hard sometimes on my own but really going to try to stop wearing the mask and let my smile live dance and shine on my face again where it belongs. So folks enough said and carry on now regardless.

And when some once said to me, throw her to the wolves and she will come back leading the pack. Well I can growl folks Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr LOL 

Well where to start up up and away to Espania with Claire to help her settle in and hopefully was a help to her whilst staying with her.

It was a busy 2 weeks, and surprisingly enough of my lapse Spanish started to come back be it sparsely, but good enough to get Claire to all the right places regarding her documents and things. My kids would have been proud of me, as both my kids are quite fluent in languages, Italian, Spanish German French and a bit of Japanese, so glad I encouraged them to embrace communication with the world.

The first few days were a little hectic but never the less exciting. Claire has a lovely apartment right in the buz of Spanish life, just across from harbour, beach and numerous shops and Mercadona which is really good. Did manage to Knock up a couple of tasty meals while there too in the apartments kitchen which in all the apartment is ideal size. I know Claire may get flat envy if she visits others, but for me its perfect, what can I say I would move there tomoz. So I have as I said to her I have relocation envy I loved the location.

Some people crave for the night clubs or English bars, me embracing and emerging into the Spanish culture has always been the pull for me. That's why many years ago learning Spanish was important to me, and if by any chance I would follow my one dream to live abroad well the picture of many years ago has long gone, of me on the back of a horse in a spotty red dress, riding on the back with a handsome man in traditional dress going to one of the many fiesta's. OOOOOh that image still lingers.

Many years ago I actually was privileged to a spectacular performance by the well known Gypsy of Spain, and the Lady of Spain dance, it was magnificent.Joaquin Cort`es is the current Gypsy

Back to the trip Claire has done well and managed to group up with other like wise ladies all wanting a new start, how wonderful for them, how many of us women can say we have a handful of women friends that are on their own, well as you all know by now I lost my partner in crime too soon for us to make an impact as singletons on tour bless her.......do miss her but just keep thinking she is still in Spain as she always was during the winter.

On my return had to do the old quarantine thing, although over there the whole thing is very civilised and sanitised so felt really at no risk at all.  Eating outside was fab and the amount of traditional tapas bars there was amazing they only open early in the morning then later in the evening, I am sure Claire as time goes by will taste a few and get to like some of the gorgeous tapas that are on offer.

While away Steve had kindly offered to renovate my kitchen on a budget but hey ho the boy done good, I am so lucky to have such wonderful people in my life. It is such a pleasure now to be in the kitchen, it was tatty and so tired it had been painted to death and could no longer be tarted up that it was dismal. Well now its gorgeous to me anyway,  and on let out from lock in on Friday will enjoy looking for tiles. ....Have no idea of what I want so will see.

This is my second week of quarrie, made the most of the last few days when I got back with the sun, dead heading plants, bushes, and cutting lawns, so I did'nt contact Steve as he still had work to do and did not want to put him in any risk of contamination.

Working from home this week doing the home calls for the rest of my team, to ease their burden and calling their patients for them at home. Its what I did in lock down so should be a help to them.

It sure is turning cool and the days have seem pretty cold and obviously long for me, not been further than my garden gate so beginning to get cabin fever lol. One good thing have got back into reading so pleased  with that and found some good authors that not read before,......Gruesome. You cant beat a bit of blood curdling gut wrenching and that's just Coronation street that I have binged watch is that sad ...no its an institution that's a must for all those like me. Am I ashamed no not me .

Not sure of my plans over the next few months,have a few meetups to arrange with Kaye, and Maz and Dave, meeting Pam which I am looking forward to and going to Goodliffes, so like this place hope its as nice as it used to be. Then there is the Shenanigans group meet up which most likely be two tables but sure it still be boisterous, as none are shrinking violets, that's Phil, Zulf, Heidi,  nurse Claire, Steve, me.and Carol. It usually is a real good craic and such a good bunch of people. 

Since I've been back have made a promise to try and cook healthy meals and not revert back to crisp sarnies as I had lost the plot a little, feeling a little sorry for myself and not really wanting to do anything but sink into thinking oh why why is this whole situation  dominating my life.

 Loosing Mel,  my friend. and over that last couple of weeks another lovely person has passed, and of course Cov19. People did think I was foolish going to Spain but I was fed up with the fear surrounding me. I thought bugger it I've had it, I've been scared by it alone, it is not claiming any more of my emotions, so I have decided to get back in the saddle and live the only way I know with a smile seeking people whom I enjoy laughing and not being serious with, and getting on with it.

Cooked yesterday pork loin with a herb and and whole grain crust with roasted veg, courgettes baby tomatoes onions and baby roasted potatoes, with salad, today for lunch had some salmon left over I had poached in lemon juice so had it on rice cakes topped with cottage cheese with fresh  Basil leafs that have been growing nicely in the garden. I have some nice pieces of Rib eyed steaks being delivered on Sunday. My friend has a small holding so I know where the meat has been reared and free of chemical stuff, so yes will be treating Mr Buckton to a big Rib eye for all his help.

The back garden is really Tin pan alley, all the old cupboards are all over the hockey, but a trip to the tip has been booked so hopefully I will tidy the garden up further for the winter and hopefully no more work in the garden till spring yippee.  Don't know why they have been shut not as if they help you, and fly tipping is rife WHAT DID THEY THINK WOULD HAPPEN.

Tonight though guess what back on the food thought treating myself to a all day Brecki lol, Bacon eggs tomatoes beans and sausage....how decadent. You cant beat a fry up what do you think folks.

The loveliest thing when I got back were my fur babies, Steve who is not a cat lover was feeding them and sending me pictures of them over the time away and updates. I did wonder if they would become confused and feel abandoned, but their welcome was incredible. As you all know I rescued them they were practically living feral lives., so worried they would leave as the banging and noise would frighten them but hey ho, their mummy was back and they showed how much they missed me.

Woody was licking my toes I know sounds gross but its his way, and Ginger will not let me sit without he sits on me and cries. Just love the impact they have had on me don't regret having taken them in.

Going now to look at some more recipes that I can conjure up, so cheers for now.