Lest I forget

Since Ken has been in the UK I seem to have had one disaster after another. It all started before he went when our solar heating tank developed a leak. The repair man arrived as Ken was leaving for the airport and pronounced the tank beyond repair. I then had to decide which company to employ to replace it, which knowing nothing about solar heating systems and being in Spain was not straightforward.
A couple of days later trying to grab hold of the dog I tripped over the cat, fell and damaged my shoulder. I was in a lot of pain for a week before I gave in and called the doctor. After several weeks, lots of tablets, it seems to be on the mend, still aching a bit but nothing like it was.
Next, one of my freezers packed up. I had to unload both freezers, decide what to keep and then pack the remaining freezer. My shoulder did not like that at all.
Two days later my oven broke, nothing in it is working.
My desktop computer went on the blink so I turned it off and used my laptop. That did not last long as after downloading an update the laptop wouldn't connect to the Internet, fortunately my desktop came back to life.
The guys came to fit the new tank. I think that went well, I haven’t been up on the roof to check it but it seems to be working okay. The big problem came when I came back after letting the men out only to find they had scratched the car, this must have happened when they were taking the old tank past it. The company have admitted liability but we are still in negotiation on how they will reimburse us, and how much.
Today my desktop computer froze, but fortunately when I turned it on, my laptop connected to the Internet. I will leave the desktop turned off for today and hopefully I will feel more like tackling it tomorrow.
When Ken gets back we will have to think about replacing the freezer. It maybe he can fix the oven, if not it will be a new one. We will also have to get the scratches on the car sorted out.
I am hoping nothing else goes wrong but I am not banking on it, and I am certainly not worrying about it.

Grovelling

It is very hot again today and I had to go out shopping this morning for a new pair of readers because Shula had chewed the ends off my old pair. My fault, I left them on the sofa and she just can't resist chewing the plastic ends. I am sure she knows it's naughty, and she knew I was mad because she came round grovelling, laying on her back and being all silly. I really don't know how to stop her doing this sort of thing because she doesn't do it when you are watching her. I suppose I should be more careful and not not leave stuff lying around. She has all her own toys to chew so why she likes things like pens and reading glasses is a mystery.

Potting Up

Went out with a friend last week to a really old vivero in Calahonda. The guy there has some really old pots and my friend and I did a good deal on quite a few of them. We then went on to a garden centre and bought some plants. This is just three of the pots I have planted up so far.

I have now run out of potting compost so can't plant up any more. Hopefully next week I will get some more and continue the job. I now have in my mind the look I want to achieve which will involve buying more pots, and plants of course.

Early Morning Walk

The weather is very hot at the moment so I took Shula out early while it was still cool. We didn't meet anybody but she found a few sticks for me to throw for her. She tends to prefer long ones that are not easy to carry. I don't know why but she never bothers with short sticks that are easy to throw.

Bobbik

This is Shula's friend Bobbik. He is an American Staffordshire Bull Dog and is a very strong full on little dog. They loves to run around together. Whenever Shula finds a stick he chases after her and takes it away. She doesn't mind, she just thinks it is a big game and goes off to find another stick. I like to walk with him and his owner as both dogs get loads of exercise dashing about and she comes home and sleeps.

Tommy

Tommy was originally one of Carmen's strays but followed her over here when she was looking after my cats and decided to stay. He is quite timid and was very nervous of Shula when we first got her, but he is fine now and just ignores her.

Carmen & Hannibal

Hannibal is my friend Carmen's latest rescue dog. He was found wandering the streets and it is not known where he came from. Unfortunately he does not like other dogs, although he now gets on with Carmen's own dogs and he likes Shula. Anyway this problem made him difficult to re home and as there were already too many dogs at the rescue centre he was due to be put down. Carmen stepped in and now he has a loving home with her. It has taken her awhile but now he gets on with her other dogs. Fortunately there was never a problem with the cats. The fact that he is wearing a muzzle is not entirely due to his problem with other dogs. It is the law in Spain that all dogs over 20 kilos should be muzzled in public places.

Roxy

We met up with Roxy this morning. We haven't seen her for awhile so Shula was very excited and both dogs charged about. It is good for her to have someone to play with and the exercise makes her want sleep when she gets home.

What are you doing

Pulling up this root

Follow me

We met this twelve year old Schnauzer cross with his Italian owner for the first time this evening. After an initial little run around he was quite happy to follow slowly after Shula.

Blacky

Plumbago And Bougainvillea

The Plumbago mixed with the Bougainvillea is a stunning sight.

Bougainvillea

My neighbour Micheal has this beautiful Bougainvillea cascading over his wall. We have this delightful sight throughout the summer.

Sad News

Chispa

Sadley Chispa has died.

At the grand old age of twentythree it seemed she would go on forever, but last week she was a bit poorly for a few days and didn't want to eat, she died peacefully in her sleep. No one wants to lose a pet but I think most people would agree she had a good life, and due to my friend Carmen that was extended by three years. Blog dated October 23 2009 explains all.