We have been quite busy this month with one thing and another, the weather has been a bit strange, a few odd days with rain, but for the most part, sunny and in the teens during the day.

It seems that November has been dominated by the Global credit squeeze and here in Spain it has hit the construction industry very hard. The knock-on effect has been a sharp rise in unemployment (just under 12%) and banks screaming for loan repayments mean that many construction projects have just ground to a halt. The problem is, that certainly in this part of Spain, the whole economy was based on construction, and for the past several years they could not build fast enough for demand. Constructors going bust, tradesmen laid off, unemployment rising causing a knock-on to the rest of society and shopkeepers. I have not heard of any specific measures being taken by the Spanish government to ease the situation unlike that which took place in the UK (will those measures ease the situation or just push them to one side for a spell then return with a vengeance)?! The direct effects we feel personally, is the exchange rate of the Pound to Euro, which is now at an all time low of 1.17euros to the Pound a 20% drop year on year and as I have to make regular exchanges from the UK, it hurts. I think I will have to get Penny some paid employment so I can continue to live the lifestyle to which I have become accustomed!

At last we have managed to get Penny’s pension sorted out and, as of January 2009, she will receive a paltry sum, as she did not make sufficient contributions. However, the main reason for claiming is to enable us to obtain the form E121 that allows us to transfer onto the Spanish NHS. I am hoping this will be complete early in the New Year and save us spending several hundred pounds going to the UK to collect “free” medication for both Penny and I.

In the earlier part of the month Penny and I went to visit our friends up in Tortosa. We had a lovely time with Paul and Annette visiting a fantastic restaurant they had found in the middle of nowhere (3kms of single track dirt road) but it was well patronized and no wonder, with such splendid décor and wonderful food.

We explored some of the Ebro River up to a town called Flix and the scenery was breathtaking so we had to stop for a coffee at the local social club!

Paul and Annette have two lovely Springer Spaniels who seem to enjoy company, the reason is obvious from the photos.


My neighbour who lives in the villa below us agreed to allowing me to pay for the removal of a couple of pine trees which were growing so tall they were beginning to obscure our view. I arranged for their removal and we were doubly lucky when my neighbour also requested that a further two trees be removed (at their expense). This has significantly improved the vista from our naya even if these photos don’t give full justice.



My Auntie Ann, who lives in Falkirk, Scotland achieved another milestone in November by reaching the glorious age of 90, Penny and I would have liked to be with her on the day but it was not to be. Nevertheless, she had a wonderful day with the family around her.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY” AUNTIE ANN

I will not be sending out Christmas cards again this year and instead sending a contribution to the NSPCC as in previous years, where I believe the money is much better spent, so don’t blame the postman!

Have a lovely Festive Season