Location: Los Alcázares, Murcia, Spain
Summary: A week that began with renewed energy after my gastroenterologist visit, filled with early morning swims, balcony gardening, football frustrations and the ongoing battle against the August heat, all while preparing for more medical tests ahead.
Friday, August 13th
An early swim, banking chaos, balcony gardening, and Arsenal disappointment
I woke early feeling much better and was swimming in the Mar Menor by 07:30. I swam past the rock formation and out to the nets before heading home for a shower and shave. Breakfast was porridge oats with banana, simple but lovely.
I went for a haircut, but the barber wasn’t open yet, so I went to the bank. I’d been having trouble logging in online, and after waiting 30 minutes for the lady to finish her phone call, she explained that the Bankia, Caixa merger had changed all the login details. She reset my phone number, installed the app on my phone and updated my login. She also checked my IBAN, then excitedly arranged for me to speak to someone next week about “investing” the money I’m depositing. I suspect commission is involved.
Afterwards I bought two hanging baskets from the chino. The ones Reindeer made for me were beautiful but far too heavy to hang once filled with soil. I decided to move my unused balcony table into the spare room to create more space for a proper balcony garden.
I repotted my Christmas cactus into two hanging baskets and moved my aloe vera into the old pot. In the evening I watered everything and settled down to watch Arsenal’s first match of the season. With all three first choice strikers ill, 20 year old Balogun led the line. Arsenal lost 2,0 to Brentford, their first top flight match in 74 years. The youngsters weren’t terrible, but Leno was, and Arsenal desperately need a new goalkeeper.
I went to bed early and fell asleep quickly.
Saturday, August 14th
Another early swim, a Kindle meltdown, and a day of football
I woke early again and swam out past the rocks and to the nets before breakfast at the Tipsy Thistle. Back home, I sat on the balcony reading until my Kindle declared it was “too hot” and shut down, a sure sign it was time to retreat indoors.
I spent the rest of the day watching football. Arsenal started the day bottom of the table in 20th place but managed to climb to 17th by the evening. I hoped Sunday’s results would lift us further away from the relegation zone.
Sunday, August 15th
A musical swim, roast beef, and extreme heat
I was in the sea before 08:00, accompanied by a marching band and fireworks. I didn’t realise the Spanish were so invested in my swimming routine, but it was nice of them to celebrate my entry into the water.
After breakfast I went to Campbell’s for roast beef. It was lovely, though my acid reflux kicked in halfway through. Once the hiccups stopped, I finished both the meal and my pint.
On the way home I stopped for milk and ice cream. They had no milk, so I bought two lots of ice cream, Bernard would be proud. Back home, I had ice cream, banana and yoghurt to cool down. My balcony thermometer read 45°C, 113°F, so I shut everything, pulled the shutters down and turned on the air conditioning while watching football.
Monday, August 16th
A refreshed morning, rearranging the balcony, and a mystery dinner
I’m sleeping much better since the hospital visit. After my morning swim and coffee at the chiringuito, Reindeer and Frouk arrived. Reindeer helped me move the balcony table into the spare room, where I’ll now keep my computer equipment and do my artwork. My printer and drawing pad were the first things to be moved.
I spent the day reading on the balcony until it got too hot, then retreated indoors to watch a film and work on my website. Lunch was chicken wings, and later I returned to the balcony to read.
Dinner was a surprise. I’d bought something thinking it was chicken with grated cheese, but when I checked the label I realised I had no idea what it was. After 20 minutes in the oven at 190°C, it turned out to be half an aubergine stuffed with mince and cheese, absolutely fantastic. I’ll definitely try making it myself.
I went nil by mouth afterwards in preparation for tomorrow’s blood tests.
Tuesday, August 17th
Blood tests, errands, and an afternoon with Keith and Dave
I woke before my alarm and drank a litre of water as instructed. My appointment was at 08:00, and I arrived just as the receptionist did. I was checked in immediately and had my blood taken. By 08:20 it was already 28°C, cloudy but very humid.
After lunch I went to ASSSA to confirm my upcoming hospital appointments. They didn’t have the paperwork yet but assured me it would be fine. I then went to Café Prensa for coffee and saw Mike briefly before stopping at Mercadona for lemonade and a few bits.
Back home, I ate barbecued ribs and read on the balcony until it got too hot. Just after I went inside, Keith and Dave messaged to say they were at the chiringuito. I joined them for a Tinto de Verano, Andrew only had enough for 95 percent of a glass, so he gave it to me free.
Keith hates football, so Dave and I annoyed him by talking about it. Then a group of very loud domino players set up right next to us in an otherwise empty square. The noise drove us to El Callejón de las Brujas, where we sat in the shade with drinks and tapas. Around 18:45 we all headed home, and I spent the evening reading on the balcony.
Wednesday, August 18th
A swim, a haircut, and transfer rumours
I swam out to the nets again before returning home for a shower and shave. I walked to the barber, waited while someone else had their hair cut, and read my Kindle until it was my turn. Afterward I walked home along the beach.
For lunch I made a bacon, cheese and egg burger and checked the Arsenal transfer news. Strong rumours suggested Arsenal had agreed a deal with Real Madrid for Martin Ødegaard, I’ll be happier when it’s official.
The rest of the day was spent reading in my air conditioned apartment. I don’t remember the heat ever affecting me this much, even when I lived in Florida.
Thursday, August 19th
A swim, a clean apartment, and an early night before the hospital
I swam early, then showered before Lesley arrived to clean the apartment. I left her to it and went to the chiringuito for coffee, water and Kindle time.
After a couple of hours I returned with a coffee for her. She finished cleaning, and I spent the rest of the day reading on the balcony before having dinner and going to bed early, I didn’t want to oversleep before tomorrow’s hospital appointment.
Add comment