Location: Los Alcázares, Murcia, Spain
Summary: A stormy start to the week turned into meals out, surprise lifts, a beautifully organised wedding, evenings with friends and a brilliant North London Derby win as Arsenal beat Spurs 3–1.
Monday, 26th September
A car crash, a big lunch and a late-night draw
I woke around 08:00 and pottered about before heading to work. I stopped twice at the recycling bins and then at Economy Cash for condensed milk and two Murciano pies.
I arrived at La Sombra around 11:50. Lesley arrived first, followed by Martin and then Dave. We were treated to unexpected entertainment when a red sports car parked illegally in a disabled bay and the driver opened his door straight into a passing car. It was entirely his fault, but he insisted otherwise. If I had been the other driver, I would have called the police.
When we finished at the office, Lesley invited me to join the family at Jardin III for dinner. Dave picked me up at 19:30. We had a lovely evening and ate far too much, including garlic prawns served by the dozen. After dinner Dave dropped me near my apartment and I caught the end of England vs Germany. It finished 3–3, but England were still relegated from their Nations League group.
Tuesday, 27th September
A stuck garage door, a rescue mission and a long afternoon out
I woke around 08:00. The sun was shining but the temperature had dropped, so no swim today. While working on my website, a neighbour called about the garage door being jammed again. I emailed the maintenance company and passed the details on.
With my scooter stuck in the garage, I couldn’t get to work. I messaged Martin, then carried on working. Around lunchtime Kate knocked on my door and told me to “get my ass in gear”. She had come to pick me up. A brilliant surprise.
At the office everyone was surprised to see me. We had a couple of beers before Kate returned and took us all to Yamami’s in San Javier for lunch. Afterwards we went to La Zona so Aria could play. When Kate and Martin left, Lesley kept me hostage for a bit longer and we went to Rocco’s for a beer with my friend Sandy.
Later I walked to the tourist train stop. I chatted with Jo and Katrina outside Pearl’s Plaice while waiting, but I missed a message from Bob because my phone was set to silent after 22:30. Luckily Jo had finished serving and gave me a lift home. My legs were swollen and aching, so I was very grateful.
I watched a bit of television before bed. A long day, but a good one.
Wednesday, 28th September
A slow computer update and worrying news from Florida
I woke around 08:00, had a coffee and discovered that Windows 11 had a new version ready to install. I started the update and took my Kindle to the balcony while it downloaded.
The update took most of the day because my internet was slow. When it finally finished, I checked the news about Hurricane Ian heading towards the west coast of Florida, where I used to have several properties. I went to bed thinking about friends in its path.
Thursday, 29th September
A beautiful wedding and a very long day
I woke at 05:30 and checked the news about Hurricane Ian. It had weakened but was still causing huge amounts of rain.
Today was the wedding of my friends David and Linda. I worked on my website and had scrambled egg on toast before walking to the church at 14:00. I realised I might need a mask for the coach to the reception, so I walked home again to get one, and took six spares just in case.
I returned to the church at 14:30 and was the first one there. The wedding was at 15:00, so at least I wasn’t late. The Parish Church of Our Lady of Assumption is beautiful inside and the ceremony was lovely. The bride looked radiant and the groom calm.
After photos, we boarded a coach to La Serena Golf Club for the reception. It was the best organised wedding I have ever been to. The canapés were fantastic, the free bar was flowing and the meal was exceptional. We were served every item on the menu, four starters, three mains and a pastry. My favourites were the mussel canapé, the salad starter, the beef cheeks main and the chocolate brownie dessert.
Speeches were followed by dancing and karaoke with Alan Bond providing the music. I decided not to sing and ruin the evening.
At the end of the night, David asked the driver to drop me closer to my apartment because my leg was swollen, weeping and very sore. A light rain had started, so I was very grateful. I had a cup of tea and went to bed around 01:45.
Friday, 30th September
A quiet recovery day and new shoes
I woke around 08:00. My leg swelling had gone down a little, so I took it easy. I worked on my website until lunchtime, then relaxed for the rest of the day watching This Is Us, which I highly recommend.
My shoes arrived and fit perfectly. Unfortunately the trousers were too big and will have to be returned.
Saturday, 1st October
Shopping, a derby win and an evening of live music
I woke at 07:45, stripped the bed and put the linen in the wash. After a coffee I went to Mercadona for shopping and to recycle my coffee capsules.
I walked along the promenade to Chiringuito El Lobo for coffee and tostada before heading home to rest ahead of the North London Derby.
Arsenal were brilliant and beat Tottenham 3–1. Partey scored a screamer, Jesus added another and Xhaka finished it off. Tottenham’s only goal was yet another Harry Kane penalty. Emerson Royal was sent off for a terrible tackle on Martinelli.
In the evening my friend Deeana picked me up so I could hear her sing at Campbell’s Bar. I sat with Dave, Lesley, Viv, Kate and Aria while she performed three great sets, including my favourite, “Tennessee Whiskey”. After she dropped me home, I watched Arsenal beat Spurs again on repeat before bed.
Sunday, 2nd October
Football, friends and a quiet night
I woke in time to watch Arsenal beat Spurs again on MOTD, then had a coffee. I worked on my computer, read my Kindle and had turkey and chips for dinner.
In the afternoon I walked to La Playa bar to watch Manchester City vs Manchester United. City won 6–3 and the score flattered United, City could have scored ten.
I chatted with my friend Gary and his sister before catching the tourist train to Río Nalón. I had a beer at Harry’s Bar, then one at Rocco’s. It was quiet along the strip, so I caught the penultimate train home and went to bed.
This was a very full week and I will need a week off to recover.
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