Location: Los Alcázares, Murcia, Spain
Summary: A week of morning swims, website work, takeaway meals, leg cramps, intermittent fasting experiments and the comforting rhythm of life by the Mar Menor.
Monday, 23rd May
Website work, neighbour chats and a quiet day
I woke around 07:00 and had a pot of green mango tea. My swollen leg had gone down considerably and wasn’t painful, so I hoped it would stay that way if I took things easier this week. I worked on adding a new photo gallery to my website until lunchtime.
I arrived at the office a little late after stopping to chat with neighbours Richard and Val. Luckily Martin didn’t seem to notice, though he immediately handed me paperwork before I’d even sat down. I worked until around 14:00, then stopped for bread rolls on the way home and made two chicken thigh rolls for lunch.
The afternoon and evening were spent relaxing and doing more work on my computer.
Tuesday, 24th May
A long swim, website focus and a quiet evening
I woke early, made tea and worked on my website. At 09:00 I walked across to the Mar Menor for a 90 minute swim. The water is clearing again, not like 17 years ago but much better than last year. I saw hermit crabs, fish and jellyfish.
After a shower and breakfast, I got carried away with website work and lost track of time. When I finally checked the clock, I was late for the office. I messaged Martin and set off, arriving about 30 minutes late. I don’t think I’ll be docked any pay.
While we were there, Viv and Lesley joined us for a chat until the school bus arrived with Martin’s daughter. They were all going out for an Indian meal later, but the restaurant is cramped and my leg still aches, so I stayed home.
I spent the evening with my feet up, watching TV and editing photos.
Wednesday, 25th May
Another swim, D’Pollo lunch and the Europa League final
I went for my morning swim again and loved it. The water is cool at first, so I ease myself in slowly, no point risking a cold shock heart attack when I’m alone on the beach.
For lunch I walked to D’Pollo and got a chicken breast stuffed with ham and cheese, with roasted green pepper and chips. Excellent value at €5.30.
After lunch I cleaned out Peggy the robot hoover and found a huge sliver of glass inside, a piece I’d missed after dropping a glass days earlier. With my eyesight and blood thinners, I’m glad Peggy found it before my foot did.
In the evening I watched the Europa League final. No English teams, but three players with Arsenal connections. The match wasn’t great, but I got plenty of website work done.
Thursday, 26th May
Blood tests, brilliant customer service and intermittent fasting
I woke early, no swim today because I needed a blood test. I went to the doctor’s at 08:30 and was told to return at 10:00. I went to the bank for cash, then to Alaska Bar on the beachfront for coffee and tostada.
After the blood test I went to Toldos Crilosa Cristalería to collect my reframed picture. Last week they’d only restretched the canvas, but this time they replaced the frame properly. When I asked the cost, they refused payment, saying the €10 from last week was enough. Brilliant service, I’ll use them again.
Just after I got home, Martin called an extraordinary office meeting. I claimed the Sharky Mobile had a flat battery. He told me to ask “upper management” for a lift, but they were at another office, so I got the day off.
I tidied the kitchen and considered changes, my oven has died, and I’m thinking of replacing it with a countertop model and rearranging the cabinets. Lunch was beans on toast, followed by Kindle time.
I’ve restarted intermittent fasting. I bought a book, Fast, Feast, Repeat, and realised my flavoured tea during fasting hours was triggering insulin and stopping fat burning. The book is worth a read.
Friday, 27th May
Fasting, swimming and leg cramps
I decided to step up my fasting to the 16,8 method, 16 hours fasting, 8 hours eating. Coffee and flavoured tea must wait until after 10:00.
I had water, then worked on my website before walking to the Mar Menor for a swim. The air felt cooler, but the water was fine. After swimming around the rocks, I sat on the wall to dry off and chatted with Richard and Val before heading home for a shower.
At lunchtime I collected my blood test results, the reading was high, so I need to reduce my tablets. Probably due to more walking, swimming and diet changes.
I walked into Los Alcázares, then along the beachfront, stopping at La Playa for two beers. When hunger hit, I went to D’Pollo, but they’d sold out of everything, so I had a tuna sandwich at home.
My leg cramped badly in the evening. I need bananas for potassium, or maybe an electrolyte drink. I watched some forgettable TV and went to bed.
Saturday, 28th May
A morning swim, D’Pollo dinner and the Champions League final
I woke at 07:30 and went for my swim at 08:30. After 30 minutes my legs tightened, so I headed home for a shower, coffee and tostada. I did some washing, then went to the beach bar at 12:00 for water and Kindle time.
For dinner I went to D’Pollo early, around 13:30, and bought stuffed aubergine and lamb with chips. Fantastic as always.
In the evening I watched the Champions League final, Liverpool vs Real Madrid. Liverpool played well, but Madrid’s defence, and especially their goalkeeper, were superb. Madrid won 1–0, and fireworks went off around my building.
Michael Owen’s post match comments were ridiculous. He insisted Liverpool were still the best team in the world. Rio Ferdinand pointed out they weren’t even the best team in England. Owen kept arguing. Michael, wait until the disappointment fades before talking nonsense. Liverpool had a great season, but everyone knows the best team in the world is Arsenal.
Sunday, 29th May
A swim, kitchen plans and a lovely Sunday lunch
I woke at 07:00, worked on my computer, then went for a 40 minute swim. After a shower I made scrambled eggs on toast. Just as I sat down, David arrived to advise me on rearranging my kitchen cupboards. It’s as straightforward as I thought, I still know how to do it from my British Gas days, but I no longer have the eyesight or tools.
After he left, I researched ovens and ordered one from Amazon, cheaper than the shops, free delivery and I had credit. I also ordered a sun filter for my camera lens.
At lunchtime Bernard and Christina picked me up for Sunday lunch at Campbell’s in Roda. The food was excellent, but I had a bout of hiccups and had to take the rest home. The company made it a lovely meal.
Back home my legs were aching again, with an itching sensation. I cut a piece of aloe vera from my balcony plant and rubbed the pulp on my legs, the itching stopped quickly. Good to know the plant has a purpose.
Add comment