General Chat

Good evening everyone as you will see I am running rather late today!

Well another mile stone met with this message as I think it is message/entry number 500! How many times have we thought it was about to finish and then suddenly it takes off again, so I am hoping that will be the same outcome this time.

So what have you all been up to, what is happening where you live, what are your views of the Ed Milliband situation, is he the right person for the job?
We have had strange weather today, first it was damp, then the sun came out later the dark grey clouds covered the sky and then the sun came out and it was very pleasant.
What has it been like where you live? What do you like about the area you live in and what do you dislike, where would you like to live and why??

OK, I agree i have said enough so hope to hear from you all very soon....

Bridget

Good morning,

Well my visitors have gone home, it was really good to see my friend , and I was pleasantly surprised to see how well she looked after her chemo. She had a good rest while here. Just a pity the weather was unkind!!

We have had the most awful weather, the wind howled for the past week, really bad it was. In fact we didn't venture down to the beach front where the Festival was being held. I was told by a couple of people who had braved the wind that the Festival was not a success, I don't know how the stall holders managed it must have been quite a battle. To-day, however, is quite calm , no wind and it seems as if it will be a lovely day.

If I didn't live in JBay I don't really know where I would like to live - in SA maybe Cape Town - the scenery is really beautiful and there are all the wine routes, restaurants , shows and there are many lovely towns to visit around there. Out of SA England, Ireland and Scotland appeal to me, it would definitely be somewhere cooler!

Take care everyone.


Val.

Good morning all

Well our weather seems to have cooled down a little - just how I like it really. Still warm enough to have meal on roof terrace in the evening with a pleasant breeze.

Not much happening here - still trying to sort out the backlog of housework after my mom's visit and then our short trip to the South of France to meet up with our friends.

Suppose the next thing will be Christmas and New Year. Must admit that time of the year here in this part of Spain just is not the same as the UK but there again I think you need children around you to bring out the magic of Christmas.

Well must be off take care all

Love Mary xx

Good evening everyone.
So Christmas is already in our thoughts and yet we still have Halloween, Guy Fawkes Night, and other times to celebrate.!!

Does anyone celebrate the above. That question has just brought a thought I will write something about My memories of Halloween and Guy Fawkes night. Anyone else up to this challenge ???
Mary Whilst I agree that Christmas is different in Spain there are some things about it that I really enjoy. I am pretty sure that i wrote about this when this thread was not very old. does anyone remember this or shall I write my view again??

OH called me last night and it was wonderful to hear from him, we spoke for just over an hour.
He went home by the Ferry from Portsmouth to Bilboa and apparently it was the last ever crossing on this route by PO and they have been doing this trip for 17years...is this because oft he economical situation in UK ?
Then he had a 6 hour drive to get to Peniscola and he said that Jet and Joe knew him straight away and he had not seen them for 11 months..

Enough of my ramblings so good night everyon

Bridget.

good morning
everyone.
Bridget

Good afternoon! Have been having a lazy day today. "Busy doing nothing" as the song says.

Have also been working on my tree. Looking up my paternal grandfather's WW1 Record.
Checked the "man" listed before him (with a very similar name).
This man joined up on his eighteenth birthday. According to the record he was four foot ten and an eighth inches tall. He weighed ninety something pounds.
After three months he was discharged as unfit, not because he was too puny, or underage (as I suspect he may have been) but because he was feebleminded!
Poor little chap, who had to go through three months war service before they found this out! My heart goes out to him - and his family.

Good afternoon continued ...

It is a wet day here in the West Midlands today, but a little warmer than a couple of days ago.
I have turned one nightstorage heater on, just to take the chill off (as my late ex-mother-in-law would say).
At least I have a roof over my head and food in the cupboard.
Am reading a book about the famine in Ireland at the moment (I have Irish ancestors and my greatgrandmother, Alice was born at the time of the famine) it really does make me count my blessings. I cannot imagine what it would be like to give birth at a time when people around you (and possible family members) were dying of starvation in their thousands.

Bridget, would love to hear about Christmas in Spain.

My father was emphatic that as Catholics, we did not burn a guy (or even make on) on bonfire night (He refused to call it Guy Fawkes Night). However he did buy some fireworks when we were little, which (for safety reasons) he let off in the b\ck garden, while we children stood in the window of the unlit dining room watching the display. I loved the Catherine Wheels.

Before I write about Christmas I thought that I would post
a little more about the area I normally live in. There are fiestas almost every month so if I start with Christmas I could then add each month to the thread, if anyone is interested that is....do not want to bore anyone.

Peñiscóla is frequently described as a secret Medieval Jewel on the Spanish Mediterranean coast

Peniscola it is located on the Costa Azahar or “Orange-
Blossom” Coast in the region of Baix Maestrat.
It sits in a very privileged setting, surrounded by forests and Mediterranean farmlands. It is an ancient city that was home to the Pope Benedict XIII.

Templar Castle

However way before Pope Benedict Peniscola had always been a strategic town and the crossroads of many Mediterranean civilizations. For example it was home to Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginian and Romans.

The local people still tell us about the legend that Hannibal landed his army on the beach surrounding the rock of Peniscola. He brought elephants to Peniscola and the gliders who were carrying his elephants could only land in very shallow water. The story also tells us that Hannibal directed the landing from the hill overlooking the rock and the entire beach, presumably because he did not trust others to achieve his instruction. some of the local population still refer to it as the “Cerro Hannibal"

In 718 Peniscola was conquered by the Arabs and then reconquered by King don Jaime in the 13th century, who drafted the Carta Puebla which allowed him to give the town to Arnaldo de Cardona and other noblemen.Some time later the town was taken over by the Order of the Templar Knights, who took advantage of its strategic location, and this is when the the knights built the castle over the old Arab citadel.

The Templar castle (declared an Historical and Artistic Complex in 1972), was built in the 13th century and reformed by the Montesa Order and the design and architecture provides a wonderful example of medieval castle with its moats, pontifical rooms, flag hall and the papal basilica where the Pope Luna is buried“

All visitors are encouraged to visit the castle walls, situated on the highest part of the rock:
Portal Fosc (1578);
Portal de Sant Pere or Pope Luna (1414);
the sea museum;
The parochial temple of La Virgen del Socorro (15th century);
The hermitage of Mare de Déu, which is situated near the castle, houses the image of the town’s patron saint. It was built by the governor Don Sancho de Echevarría between 1708 and 1714;
The artillery park, surrounded by palm trees and gardens, which is full of case mates and gunpowder. The castle was built with stonework walls.
The majority of the rooms have barrel arch roofs. The whole of the building was meant to be a serious place and this was started with the build using a very solid and stern construction.
The "Papa Luna" after his transfer to Peñíscola in 1411, converted the castle into pontifical palace and library. The building was declared an "Artistic and Historic Monument" in 1931.

During the War of the Spanish Succession the city favored King Philip V and was consequently graced with the title of "Very Noble, Very Loyal and Very Faithful City". In 1812, during the War of Independence, it was razed to the ground and conquered. In 1890 it stopped being a parade ground and all the structures that served that purpose were torn down. The city developed within the wall enclosure, at the foot of the castle.

It is possible to view the Castle by using " goggle" and many will recognise Peniscola as one of the settings in the epic film 'El Cid’. I am fortunate enough to be given a complete set of original black and white photos of the making of this film and everyone who lived in Peniscola at the time the film was made also appeared in the film!

I hope that you enjoy reading this short description of the place that we chose to live in when we left the UK..
Next chapter will be about Christmas in Peniscola.
Bye for now
Bridget

PS must confess that some of my story came from information on the net and some from my own head! In fact if anyone used to read my early postings on here you may remember my description about looking across the sea very early in the day and the way the Castel was affected by the various colours in the sky.

Bridget

Wonderful Bridget, I really enjoyed reading about Peniscola. I think that you often find out more about a place when you plan on telling others abot it, and then look up info (on the net, in books etc.) to make sure that you get your facts right. That way sometimes finding new info. or reminding you of things you had forgotten..

One of my nieces, is a Charlton Heston fan, so she will envy you you black and white photos of the making of El Cid - A magnificent movie, co starring the scenery.

Will have to add Peniscola to the list of places/things to Google (or Yahoo).

Tess

Tess
I am so pleased that you enjoyed reading aboout Peniscola.
It is a delightful place to live in and one has to remember that generally speaking the spanish have a different life still tothe UK. Family still comes first, and these days educatuion is very important, This sdaly reflects on the number of people who want to keep agriculture as very imprtant.
However It is not unusual to find three generations living in the same house and they all go out together.....In the large cities it is becoming somewhat different.
I can almost find my house on Google but because the Avenue turns and ower house is built down rather than UP, hope that makes sense. what I mean is that the rock was hewn out and the house built rather than the rock being leveled and the house built uo from there. As a result the road is almost level with the roof.
Bridget

PS shall a write about some of the festivals or that rather presumptious?

Theresa
Just wondered if you could share the name of the book you are reading about Ireland. My father came from Ireland
Bridget

Hi Bridget, book is called "Star of the Sea" by Joseph O'Connor. It is named after a ship and much of the story is set aboard. It is set during the time of the famine.
It's also about crime, so a bit different.
My brother didn't like it at all, but I am reserving judgment.
I have to keep reminding myself that the story is told by one of the protaganists.. (spl). Referances quoted are also those quoted by the narrator, NOT the author, so they have to be taken with a pinch of salt.

What part of Ireland was your father from?

Have had a quick look at Peniscola - the Castle looks great, really stunning.

Just looked up hwo our football teams are playing tomorrow, hoping that they both do as well as last week.
Yours are playing Fulham at home, while we are playing Bolton Wanderers also at home. I hopethat the rain stops for a while.

Tess

P.S Would love to hear about the festivals.

Hello Tess
I shall lookout for this book and give it a try. My father was born in Dublin and was brought up in Finglas, Sadly he never knew his parents and was brought up with one set of names and he learnt, as an adult, that he his "parents" were in fact foster parents and his real name was given to him. He was born in 1912 and did not know this secret until 1945! He spent many years to trace his real family but without success, even now I cannot find anything....

I have to work tonight as the person has telephoned to say she is to unwell to come to work. I suspected this but still was disappointed when she called,

I do hope that West Ham win this one I shall keep my fingers crossed and my toes.

Bye for now

Bridget

Hello,

Bridget, I thoroughly enjoyed reading about where you live, please continue.

Well, after my friends left my niece's son arrived to spend a few days with us. It was good to see him again too.

Jimmy is helping the ladies from the church make pancakes every second week and he is having a ball, they think it is really wonderful that he will stand and make pancakes all morning! He says he must do his bit to help raise funds. We only have about 50 members, all senior citizens some more senior than others!!

Hope your football teams came out on top.

The Shell Festival was not a success this year, firstly the weather was foul, the most terrible wind and then there weren't good stalls and apparently not much entertainment. Because of the weather we stayed home, but people who braved the weather told me about it. Some residents are saying that because it is not improving the time has come for it to be
scrapped, which will be a pity as it is JBay. I think the fact that there was another festival at a nearby country village didn't help much either.

We have had a little drizzle over the past couple of days but still no real rain.

Oh yes, we have found a new gardener who started work last Friday - my word he is such an improvement on the last one. Of course he is much younger which immediately makes a difference. He works very well and quickly. So no more getting down on my knees!!

Enough waffle for now.

Take care.


Val.

I am pleased that my ramble about home was well received and will write some more tomorrow. At the moment what I thought was just a cold is turning into a chest infection, have a sore throat, earache, headache and my voice is fast disappearing, Also last night I hurt my back assisting one of our residents...so much for working a night duty!!!

Val it sounds as if you have been very busy and so pleased to hear that at last you have a a gardener.
It is sad when traditional events begin to fade away but maybe something else will replace your Shell festival.

I am looking out for the book Star of the Sea and so is my niece who is very much into book clubs etc some are on line as well,. She is very close to me which is really pleasing.
Well that s all for now
Bridget

Bridget you must look after yourself, I suppose putting yourself to bed for a day or so is out of the question?

It is overcast again to-day but quite warm.

The empty plot diagonally across the street from us has been sold, and a three storey house is being built. The excavation started on Friday and as I sit here I can hear the machinery. Am not looking forward to all the noise and dust. I am, however, wondering why our Municipality is allowing more building to take place when our water situation has not improved.

We will have been married 53 years this week, hardly seems possible as it seems just like yesterday we were married.

My daughter installed her Wii Fit for us over the weekend, so we have been doing some exercising with it and I must say I have enjoyed it tremendously. To begin with I am doing half an hour daily and will increase slowly.

Am off to town in a little while.

Look after yourself.


Val.

Bridget you must look after yourself. I think Val is right you need a day or two in bed.

Really enjoyed reading about Peniscola and having been there for a couple of days in June can really say what a beautiful place it is.

Today is overcast and there are a few very black clouds about - thunderstorms are promised - so the washing will have to wait until tomorrow.

Take care
Love Mary xx

Hello
Thank you for your concerns and I have stayed at home today, infact I have been in bed for most of the day, I have been called six times from work and the Admin person has called me to say she thinks tha I should go in tomorrow as they will be short otherwise. She even asked if I had been to see a doctor yet !

I am not going in tomorrow and will try to see a GP but I haven't registered with anyone here so not sure what will happen.

Alison the use of the W11Fit sounds fun I think that I may ask the children to buy one for my Christmas...I have said no more presents but maybe this would be a good idea.

well I have to get dressed and go across the road to buy some essentials such as milk and bread.
Bye for now

Bridget

Hi everyone,
Bridget, I hope that you are managing to rest and that you feel better soon. Not long till Feb. so try to keep cheerful.

My sister and I went to visit our aunt (by marriage) today. She is one hundred years old and lives in her own home with one of her sons, (who is unwell).

While we were there she showed us her "latest projects"

She has a baby doll, which she is crocheting a complete matternity (spl) set for.
She has alos got a Barbie/Cindy type doll, she is sewing a brides outfit for this one. She said the difficult bit is trying to keep the veil on the head.

She is a wonderful lady, I am fortunate to know her.

TheresaAkaBridgetThe Fidget!

Your aunt sounds absolutely wonderful, I am sure that those who manager to keep alive, alert and have an interest just keep going.

Today I booked a flight Home from 27th December to11th January and I am excited about it already. I will be at home for New Year so we can have our usual New Years Eve Party...

The when I come back I should only have a short time here and then I will be going "HOME VIPPEE.


I will be away this weekend as I am going to see my older sister, she called me yesterday and we had a good chat so i am looking forward to seeing her and the rest of her family.

I have been told by my Boss that I can work from home for a while as I have felt do down but will be back at work next week,

Sorry this isn't a very interesting message

Bye bye for now