Location: Los Alcázares, Murcia, Spain
Summary: A gentle, sun filled week with football, friends, balcony gardening, a long awaited COVID jab, and lazy afternoons by the Mar Menor.
Friday, 14th May
A sunny shop, gentle chores, and a seven goal thriller.
I walked to Mercadona this morning for a few essentials. I’ve realised that smaller, more frequent shops give me an excuse to get out in the sunshine more often.
Back home, I updated my website, watered the balcony plants and did a bit of housework, just a bit, because housework should never be rushed.
In the evening I watched Newcastle vs Manchester City. For a neutral it was a great game, City winning 3-4. Joe Willock played brilliantly, six goals in his last five games for Newcastle. Those goals would have been very welcome at Arsenal. I hope he returns and pushes for a first team place next season.
Saturday, 15th May
Cornflakes, sunshine, and cheering Leicester to FA Cup glory.
I had cornflakes for breakfast, tidied my messy kitchen, put the dishwasher on and headed down to the chiringuito with my Kindle to sit in the sun.
I watched the Leicester vs Chelsea FA Cup Final in the afternoon, and, like so many people, became a Foxes fan for the day. I was delighted when Leicester scored, and when Chelsea’s late equaliser was ruled offside by VAR, I cheered as loudly as anyone at Wembley. It was lovely to see how emotional the Leicester owner was, something Arsenal fans rarely see from our own owners.
Sunday, 16th May
Backache, heat, and a quiet afternoon.
I woke with backache and felt lethargic. I haven’t felt brilliant for a while, low energy and lots of sleep.
Sheila messaged to say she and Bernard were going to San Juan bar for breakfast and invited me along. I walked there but was very breathless by the time I arrived, the heat and wearing a mask made it difficult. Breakfast was lovely, the company even better, and we walked back along the beachfront afterwards. The walk took all the energy out of me, so I rested all afternoon, watching football and films before an early night.
Monday, 17th May
A quiet shop, strong winds, and planter problems.
I still felt lethargic but forced myself out to get some bananas. I went to Dialprix for a change, it was empty, so I had the shop to myself. The wind along the beachfront was very strong today, I doubt many people ventured out. Wayne called to say he couldn’t make the wooden trellis I wanted for my flower pots. They’re heavy, and it’s proving difficult to find a way to raise them.
Tuesday, 18th May
A low battery, a lucky lift, and my first COVID jab.
I woke feeling a bit better, though my leg still ached. After tea, bacon and scrambled eggs, I set off on my mobility scooter for my 11,00 appointment with Jo at the CISSMU.
The battery was very low, but I made it. Jo booked me an appointment to collect documents proving I’m still the registered owner of the car I sold 14 years ago. She also told me I could get my COVID jab today at the sports hall. I headed home hoping the scooter battery would last, the red warning light was flashing, and plugged it in immediately.
As I walked through the door, George rang. Luckily he was free and offered to take me for my jab at 13,00. At the sports centre, I queued but couldn’t understand the Spanish nurse. I phoned Jo, who came down and explained that once the booked in people were done, they could fit me in. I sat reading my Kindle and soon got my first COVID jab and an appointment for the second on 8 June. Jo kindly drove me home. The jab was painless, I didn’t even realise it had happened. Being blind in my right eye, I didn’t see her sneak up with the needle. Being a brave little soldier, I didn’t scream or cry, but sadly there were no sweeties, just a bottle of water and a chair for the required 15 minutes. I rested all evening, flipping between football matches.
Wednesday, 19th May
A broken watch, new plants, and music bingo.
I woke early and couldn’t get back to sleep. I put some washing on, had tea and updated my website.
My new watch from Amazon had stopped working, so I boxed it up, printed the return labels and got it ready to send back. I rode to Correos on my scooter, dropped off the parcel, then went for a ride. I popped in to see Colin and arranged to meet him at 15,00. I looped back through Los Alcázares to the chiringuito, but it wasn’t open, so I went to the Chino for more flower pots, compost and a large plant for my bedroom.
Back home, I repotted the new plant and two Ageratum plants, which are supposed to ward off mosquitoes. I put one on each side of my bed. I rearranged my balcony dining table to raise the heavy wooden planters, it works perfectly and still leaves room to eat outside.
At 15,00 I went to meet Colin, but he wasn’t there. I went to Rocco’s for a beer and Kindle time, then to La Zona for Alan Bond’s music bingo. I really enjoyed it and will go more often. I also saw my friend Ken for the first time in a year, lovely to see him, though sad to hear he hasn’t been well. In the evening I watched Crystal Palace vs Arsenal. Arsenal needed a win to keep European hopes alive. They led 0,1 at halftime, conceded to make it 1,1, then scored two late goals, Martinelli and a brilliant second from Pepe, to win 1,3.
Thursday, 20th May
More plants, a beach afternoon, and a jellyfish demonstration.
I had a bacon sandwich and tea before going to the bank and then the Chino for another flower pot and two pot stands.
At home I repotted my Jade tree and raised it on one stand, and used the other for my Christmas cactus.
In the afternoon I met John and Russ at the chiringuito and spent the day swimming, drinking and catching up. Matt joined us and we had far too much fun. I even caught a jellyfish to prove to the doubters that they were harmless, I showed it to them and released it back into the sea. When I got home, I covered myself in after sun and went to bed early to sleep off the effects of too much sun and too much fun.
Add comment