Location: Los Alcázares, Murcia, Spain
Summary: A week of physiotherapy, swims in the Mar Menor, software changes, website work, plant repotting, football, and two lovely Sunday lunches with Debbie. You also dealt with noisy nights, explored new creative tools and received sad news about a cousin.
Monday, 12th August
I woke just before 09:00, had a coffee and checked my messages. After a second coffee, I did the Wordle puzzle, scraping through on my last attempt. I worked on my computer until 11:30, then went on my disability scooter to meet Martin at La Sombre. I sat with Martin and Dave until 13:45, then went to Mercadona for a cheeseburger and pasta salad.
I walked to the clinic for physiotherapy. The nurse gave me the three usual treatments, and my knee felt better immediately. Back home, I worked on my website and ate the pasta salad. I had planned to go out with Deeana to hear her sing, but I was tired and aching, so I postponed it.
In the evening, I researched alternatives to Adobe software. I have used Adobe for years, but the subscription cost is too high now. I downloaded trial versions of Affinity Photo, Designer and Publisher. They are one‑off payments and far cheaper. I cancelled my Adobe renewal for December and decided to switch to free video editing software as well. I already use free office software, so this will save me money and keep my brain active.
Tuesday, 13th August
I woke at 04:30 because of noisy kids outside but went back to sleep until 08:30. After coffee and messages, I went for a swim in the Mar Menor. I collected shells and saw my friends John and Diane, who I had not seen for a long time. We chatted in the water before I returned home for a shower.
I went to Mercadona for groceries, had seafood for lunch and arranged for Lisa to pick me up after physio tomorrow. I walked to the clinic for my session. The first nurse left me hooked up to the electrotherapy machine while she chatted to the male physio, so I had to call her over. The male physio put the magnetic pad on, and the main physiotherapist finished the treatment with gel massage.
Back home, I had a cold drink and a back massage in my chair while watching Sky News. I spent the evening working on my website.
Wednesday, 14th August
I woke at 04:30 again because of noisy teenagers in Plaza de Espejo. After coffee, I watched tutorials for the new Affinity software and tried editing some photos. I had chicken and salad for lunch, then walked to the clinic for physio. I had the three treatments, and the receptionist told me the clinic would be closed tomorrow.
I showered, changed and waited for Lisa to pick me up for our trip to the Jumilla Wine Festival. She dropped me at Roda, left her car at home and walked back. We had wine at Roda’s bar, then went to Campbell’s to catch the coach to Jumilla.
Thursday, 15th August
I did not sleep well and got up at 07:30. I watched YouTube tutorials because I could not work out the TV. When Lisa got up, she showed me how to use it. After she finished her jobs, she drove me home. I spent the day working on my website and watching more tutorials. I went to bed at 21:30.
Friday, 16th August
I woke at 05:45 because of kids arguing outside. After coffee and Wordle, I went for a swim. I collected shells and took them home for my balcony plants. After more research, I bought the full Affinity software suite for €89 using a discount code. This will save me around €200 a year once my Adobe subscription ends in December.
I installed the software and walked to the clinic for physio. The male physio struggled to attach the magnetic pad, and I could not feel anything from it. When the main physiotherapist arrived, she removed it and applied the electrotherapy and massage properly.
In the evening, I looked for transport to Madrid for my October holiday. Trains and coaches were expensive and required overnight stays. I eventually booked flights from Alicante to Madrid and back, plus a bus to Alicante, for €140. I played with Affinity Photo, then watched Manchester United beat Fulham 1-0. I went to bed afterwards.
Saturday, 17th August
I woke at 06:30, had coffee and did Wordle. I tried scrambled eggs with olive oil instead of milk. They tasted good but were too expensive to make regularly. I needed a new suitcase for my October holiday, so I ordered an orange Amazon Basics case with good reviews. It will be delivered next Thursday.
I did my weekend chores, then had salad with crab sticks and cockles for lunch while watching Ipswich vs Liverpool. Liverpool won 0-2. Later, I watched Arsenal vs Wolves at home. Arsenal won 2-0, with Saka and Havertz both scoring and assisting. They earned me 36 Fantasy Football points.
After the match, I went for a pint at Harry’s Bar and sat with Andy and some Arsenal fans. I saw Lisa walk past with friends. After the West Ham vs Aston Villa game, I visited a few bars but they were quiet, so I went home before 22:00 and watched Match of the Day.
Sunday, 18th August
I woke at 07:30, had coffee and worked on my website. I stripped my bed and put the linen in the washing machine. At 13:30, I went to Campbell’s in Roda for Sunday lunch with Debbie. We both had roast lamb, and I had Bailey’s cheesecake afterwards.
We sat outside chatting before heading home. I stopped at Dia for cornettos, then remade my bed and spent the rest of the day watching TV. I went to bed at 23:00.
Add comment