Ramblings in Retirement
January 2010

Well what an unpleasant month for weather, Across Europe there have been storms, snow and rain. Here on the Costa Blanca we were perhaps fortunate not to have snow (only a dusting on the mountains behind us) but high winds and rain.

The Agents we employed to let our house in Gildersome, have found suitable tenants who wanted to rent the property for 6 months so, as of January 7th they have taken occupancy. At last we have ceased paying Council Tax, Utility standing orders, Phone and TV and have a little cash coming in to supplement our pension. I hope they enjoy their stay (indeed I hope they want to stay longer than 6 months).

We have taken a gamble on our proposed holiday to India in March. When I contacted the Visa people they told me that they would not post back our passports to Spain so we have had to go about it in a somewhat roundabout way. We completed the visa application forms, put them (and the passports) in an envelope to the appropriate address, Then attached a cheque for our son Stephen so he could purchase a Postal Order and Special Delivery Envelope (addressed to me at his address) before dispatching the package. We then had to make final payment on our holiday, so we have sweaty palms while awaiting the return of the Passports, visa stamped.

I have at last managed to use my new golf trolley, it doesn't unfortunately improve my ability in playing but at least I don't have to drag it around when instead I can “pose” allowing the trolley to go on ahead of me. We had only one game with the society this month (the first was rained off) and we played at a course on the outskirts of Alicante. I came third in my division despite a bit of a blip in the middle of my game so, not too worried.

Bonalba Winners January

This year we decided to have another Burns Supper evening and I invited my regular gold buddies and their wives to join us. I had requested that each must wear something tartan however the result was not as good a show as we have seen before so I made some adjustments using a bit of digital imagery which I think is an improvement.

Penny

Rob

Ann (wife of Eric)

Eric

Gill (wife of Mike)

Mike

Angel (partner of Brian)

Brian

During the meal we had organised that each couple told a joke (which I had prepared for them) in their best Scottish accent, it did not work too well as they could not understand some of the words, henceforth the punch-line in many cases fell flat. I probably will not invite six Sassernachs at one time ever again! (Penny of course is an honorary Scot) Nevertheless, the food went down well and the haggis in particular was excellent (imported from Scotland) with yours truly giving the address and stabbing the beast before serving.

Great news arrived on Friday 29th, Stephen has received our passports and visas for our holiday to India and has sent the on to us. Now all that remains is the vaccinations and organizing flight to the UK and back.

We’ve ended the month with blue skies and sunshine albeit cold (10-16 degrees) and the forecast for the 1st week of Feb is for more of the same, let’s hope it continues.

Here are some beautiful photos of our area on the Costa Blanca


That's all for this month.