Location: Los Alcázares, Murcia, Spain
Summary: A very quiet week spent mostly with my feet up watching the World Cup, resting my legs as instructed by the Doctor, and enjoying a lively show outside my apartment at Playa de Espejo.
Monday, 21st November
Blood tests, beach breakfast, and World Cup football
I woke around 07:00, got a coffee, and worked on my computer before getting ready for my regular blood test. At the surgery I was seen quickly by a beautiful young vampire who found my veins with ease. It was over far too quickly. I returned home and later walked to the chiringuito for cheese and ham pancakes and coffee. The pancakes were nothing special, next time I will get a full fry up.
Back at my apartment I put my feet up and watched England versus Iran. England won 6-2 and Saka scored twice and was Man of the Match. VAR was terrible, especially the inconsistency with penalties and the ridiculous amount of injury time.
At 18:00 I returned to the surgery to see the nurse. She was pleased with the improvement in my left leg and happy that the right leg was slowly responding. She dressed the wounds and put the compression stockings back on.
It was cold and dark when I left, so I celebrated the improvement by buying cashew nut ice cream from Dia. In the evening I watched Wales versus USA. Wales were awful in the first half but improved and earned a 1-1 draw. Again, ten minutes of injury time seemed excessive.
Tuesday, 22nd November
Better sleep, office visit, and a near burnt pizza
I woke at 08:00 to take my tablets, then got a coffee and worked on my website. I have been sleeping better since seeing the Doctor, perhaps because the treatment is helping or maybe because the stress is lifting.
I typed up my Asian pork recipe for my website, then headed to the office on my scooter. I stopped at the air conditioning shop to ask about a new clock and thermostat, but the lady told me it was impossible, so I will ask someone who knows what they are talking about.
I met Martin and Dave at the office and we had a couple of beers while waiting for Aria’s school bus. After heading home I later went to La Playa bar for a pint, but it got cold quickly so I returned home. I put a small pizza in the oven and sat down to watch the football. I fell asleep almost immediately. When I woke up France had won 4-1 and my pizza had finished cooking. Thankfully my new oven turns itself off or I would have had a burnt mess. I ate the pizza while watching I am a Celebrity and then went to bed.
Wednesday, 23rd November
Nurse appointment and a full day of World Cup matches
I woke at 08:00 for my tablets and checked the patient portal to confirm my appointment time. It was 10:20, not 09:20 as I thought, so I was glad I checked. I walked to the surgery and was puffed out when I arrived. The nurse only needed to check my right leg today. One wound needed cleaning but the others were healing well. She booked me in again for Friday.
I walked towards La Playa for a coffee but it was closed, so I went home for cornflakes and Radio 2. I worked on some articles before settling on the sofa for more World Cup matches.
I watched Japan beat Germany 1-2, a fully deserved win. Spain then beat Costa Rica 7-0, and Belgium beat Canada 1-0. Canada were unlucky and should have scored their early penalty.
Thursday, 24th November
Shopping trip, sunshine, and more football
I woke at 08:00 for tablets, got a coffee, and posted a message on Farcebook to let the world know I was still alive. Kate picked me up at 11:00 to go to Iceland in San Javier. I bought porridge, Dr Pepper, mince pies, and a Christmas pudding. We then went to Pinatar Park to look for warm pyjamas, but none of the shops had any men’s sizes.
We returned to Los Alcázares and had coffee at Café Julián on the promenade. It was lovely sitting by the sea and warm enough to take off my jumper. Back home I made a jacket potato with baked beans and cheese, my air fryer does a perfect one.
I watched more football in the afternoon. I slept through most of the early games. Portugal versus Ghana was entertaining but ruined by the usual Portuguese diving, especially from Ronaldo. After the football I watched I am a Celebrity and went to bed around 23:30.
Friday, 25th November
A disappointing nurse visit and disappointing football
I woke around 07:00, had porridge with banana and honey, and worked on my website. At 09:30 I took my next tablets and then went to the surgery. Today’s nurse was the male one who always stands outside smoking. He was late, uninterested, and nowhere near as professional as the ladies. He barely looked at my leg before sending me away with another appointment for Monday.
I watched Wales lose to Iran and England draw 0-0 with the USA. A very poor day of football.
Speakers were being set up outside my apartment for a show celebrating the Mar Menor being legally recognised as an entity with rights. This will make it easier to protect from pollution.
Saturday, 26th November
Sunshine, music, and a mermaid in the square
I woke to bright skies and the stage fully set up outside. After coffee I put my scooter on charge and walked down to the square. I bought a new flag and t-shirt supporting the Mar Menor, then had coffee at the chiringuito before Skyping my Uncle Paul.
In the evening I watched France versus Denmark and Argentina versus Mexico. Between the games I went outside to Plaza de Espejo where a show was taking place. I heard music from Pirates of the Caribbean and turned to see a mermaid hanging from a triangular tower performing acrobatics. She later returned as a girl performing more routines. It was mesmerising and the memory will stay with me.
Sunday, 27th November
Painful knees and a day on the sofa
I woke before my alarm, took my tablets, had a coffee, and worked on videos of the acrobatic girl from last night. My knees were very painful today and I struggled to stand without my walking stick. I took painkillers and stayed on the sofa all day apart from getting food and drinks.
I watched some football and ended the day with the final of I am a Celebrity before going to bed.
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