Archive
1151 posts spanning 2005–2026
20267 posts
February
- My birthday, off to the Parador de Saler in search of sun, visiting Valencia, then to Santa Pola, George's birthday, home again to more rain, St. Valentine's Day and other stories of the week.Feb 15, 2026
- Alcaraz beats Djokovic in Australian Open and becomes youngest man to complete career Grand Slam, Kafkian new rule for rental hosts, some retail therapy, flooding in Spain, Suzy invited us to lunch at Honest Greens and other stories of the weekFeb 07, 2026
- To León and back in a day, Storm Kristin brought snow to Madrid, hibernating at home, 3 million more pages of Epstein files released - watch out Trump and Andrew - and other stories of the weekFeb 01, 2026
January
- Tragic train crash caused by a fractured rail kills 45 in Spain, Oli reporting from Adamuz, Greenland sovereingty saved for the moment, funeral for Benito, the American dream has become a nightmare, precious family time and other stories of the week.Jan 25, 2026
- An uneventful, cold and rainy week in January, all eyes on Iran, Greenland, Venezuela and Minnesota and other stories of the weekJan 18, 2026
- Trump's own morality is the only thing stopping him, the origins of "trifle", quiet Kings' Day at home, Christmas is over, Oli and family in Santa Pola and other stories of the weekJan 11, 2026
- Outing to the centre of Madrid with Elliot and Juliet, our quiet New Year's Eve, lunch with Julio at El Filandón, Trump attacks Venezuela and captures President Maduro and other stories of the week. Jan 04, 2026
202552 posts
December
- 2025 - on the whole a good year, annual dinner with Julio, a magical Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, unexpected correspondence from my father and other stories of the week. Dec 28, 2025
- Last day in England with Amanda and Andy, Marks and Spencers, Sunday roast and more ludo. Flight home, preparing for Christmas and other stories of the week.Dec 21, 2025
- A Christmassy morning in Boadilla, trip to England, quality time with Amanda and Andy, escape from Venezuela, M&S here I come, Memories of St. Joseph's College Bradford, Babbacombe, fish and chips and other stories of the week.Dec 13, 2025
- Guests and more guests, Suzy in Vitoria with Copi, our annual Christmas outing to Madrid centre, memories of my youth in Bradford, Pippa turns 12, Spain boycotts the Eurovision Song Contest, remembering Fátima and other stories of the week.Dec 07, 2025
November
- The ups and downs of being an Airbnb host, lots of cooking, the five ages of the brain, me in stripes in 2013 and in 2025, buying Christmas lottery tickets and other stories of the week.Nov 30, 2025
- In search of the November sun, time out in Santa Pola, 50 years since Franco died, Spain's Attorney General guilty in tax fraud case, home again and other stories of the week. Nov 23, 2025
- 11th November, the BBC in trouble, film Mr. Burton, celebrating Suzy's new job at Honest Greens, coffee is now good for you and other stories of the week.Nov 15, 2025
- A quiet week in November, Spain's political soap opera, shopping in Madrid with Suzy, remembering my father and other stories of the week.Nov 09, 2025
- On the way to recovery, 1st anniversary of the floods in Valencia, Andrew no longer prince, Elliot and Juliet enjoy Halloween, remembering Bradford in 1975 and other stories of the week.Nov 02, 2025
October
- The Louvre robbed of Napoleonic crown jewels in a spectacular heist, Suzy starts work, pre-op tests, KIng Charles makes history praying with Pope Leo X1V, the operation, my stay in the hospital and home again, the clocks go back and other stories of the weekOct 26, 2025
- The last Israeli hostages released, Trump's embarrassing peace summit, playing with Elliot and Juliet, Pippa was sick, lots of cooking, Prince Andrew no longer Duke of York and other stories of the week. Oct 19, 2025
- Airbnb super host again, a triple birthday lunch, Gaza peace deal ceasefire begins, Nobel peace prize goes to Maria Corina Machado and other stories of the week., Oct 12, 2025
- Spanish "Indian summer", family lunch to celebrate Eladio's birthday, missing my mother on 1st October, a possible peace deal for Gaza, RIP Jane Goodall and other stories of the week.Oct 05, 2025
September
- A week in El Cuetu, Asturias for work and play, beautiful Llanes, Jadoua's story, Eladio's birthday, Póo Beach and other stories of the week. Sep 28, 2025
- Last days in Santa Pola with Phil and Kathy, a visit to Altea, all good things come to an end, home again, Elliot turns 6, on the road once more and other stories of the week.Sep 21, 2025
- Another trip to Santa Pola, Carlos Alcaraz US Open champion and World Number 1, Kathy and Phil came to stay, joined by Suzy, Oli in Nantes and a good time was had by all by the beach.Sep 13, 2025
- The barbecue of the season, a chance encounter at Alverán, deadly funicular crash in Lisbon, birthday dinner for Juliet who turned 4, Alcaraz beats Djokovic to meet Sinner in the US Open final and other stories of the week.Sep 06, 2025
August
- Back from Galicia, home again, the heat has receded but the summer is not over, we resumed our daily walks, birthday preparations and other stories of the week.Aug 30, 2025
- Montrondo in danger of fire, hottest day of the year, to the Rias Bajas in Galicia with Suzy for this year's wedding anniversary, 5 days of sun, sea, Albariño wine and good food and other stories of the week. Aug 23, 2025
- Spain on fire, our last week in Montrondo where the mountains are still burning, Habemus internet thanks to Vodafone, Oli and family in France, home to 40ºc, no peace deal in Alaska between Trump and Putin. Aug 17, 2025
- Time with the family in Montrondo, disconnected from the world, village life, Juliet learns to ride a bike, problems with Movistar, Oli and family off to France, a mountain fire and other stories of the week.Aug 10, 2025
- On holiday with the family in Montrondo. Time with our loved ones and the Santa Marta annual fiestas.Aug 03, 2025
July
- Family reunited, Oli on holiday in Ahetze, the French Basque Country, family therapy session, Movistar fibre down so no wifi at home, RIPJulio Navío Romero, retail therapy with Suzy, home made water melon gazpacho, so to Montrondo and other stories of the week. Jul 26, 2025
- The journey back from Paris, home again, time with the girls, Oli and Suzy bridesmaids at Copi's wedding and other stories of the week. Jul 20, 2025
- A romantic trip to Paris, the city of light revisted, meeting Marie, Alcaraz and Sinner through to the Wimbledon final and other stories of the week. Jul 12, 2025
- Lazy last day in Montrondo with Amanda and Andy, off to Asturias to cooler weather, visiting Llanes, the local beaches, our goat moment, Colombres and its "Indiana" houses, Santillana del Mar, Ribadasella and La Cuevona, home again to the heat of Madrid, friends and family time by the pool, photos from 2008 and other stories of the week.Jul 05, 2025
June
- USA joins Israel and Iran war, Alcaraz wins Queens, Mounjaro doing the trick, Amanda and Andy arrived, our holiday begins, family lunch, dinner with Gerardo and family, off to Montrondo and other stories of the week.Jun 28, 2025
- Girly time in Santa Pola, Villajoyosa revisited, a glorious morning on the beach, picnic by the pool, home again, swimming time with Elliot and Juliet, José Antonio and Dolores for lunch, Trump bombs Iranian nuclear sites and other stories of the week.Jun 22, 2025
- To Santa Pola with Suzy and Eladio, Carlos Alcaraz Prince of clay at Roland Garros, alone in the apartment, Elliot graduates from infant school, Air India crash, Spanish government corruption scandal, time out with Sandra and Adele and other stories of the week. Jun 14, 2025
- Home from Montrondo, warm weather, 3.5 months on Mounjaro, my first bathe of the year, lunch at Filandón with Julio, Elon Musk and Trump at war on social media, a reunion with Mohammad and other stories of the week. Jun 07, 2025
May
- The heat came, Roland Garros tribute to 14 times champion Rafa Nadal, retail therapy with my husband, a stop for wine and ham in Rueda, to Montrondo for 4 wonderful days, Eladio and his scythe, market day in Villablino and other stories of the week. May 31, 2025
- A sunny week in May, news from St Giles Church in Ickenham, remembering Aunty Gloria, Olivia turns 40, birthday celebrations and other stories of the week.May 25, 2025
- A postcard from my mother to Olivia, my new Samsung Galaxy S25+, to Santa Pola for the week with Suzy, work and play, happy moments and places and other stories of this week. May 17, 2025
- Flowers for Mothers' Day, retail therapy, the Conclave , Habemus papam, Robert Prevost - Leo XIV - first North American Pope, VE Day, special dinner with my Spanish family and other stories of the week.May 11, 2025
- My iPad conked out, trouble with Apple, Suzy's birthday, an unprecedented nationwide blackout in Spain, tired, a bit overwhelmed and other stories of the week. May 04, 2025
April
- Easter day at home, the world in shock as Pontiff dies on Easter Monday, Pope Francis a man of the people who led through example, "kulich" from my neighbour for Russian Easter and other stories of the week.Apr 27, 2025
- A handsome man, buying flowers for the pool, Nobel prize winner novelist, Mario Vargas Llosa dies, Olivia and family enjoying the sun in Santa Pola, a woman is a woman, Easter at home and other stories of the week. Apr 20, 2025
- Last days in Santa Pola with Andy and Amanda, a walk on the beach, playing Parchis, visit to Elche, home again, Pippa goes to the vet, helicopter accident in New York kills a Spanish family of 5, celebrating Miguel's 50th birthday, and other stories of the week. Apr 13, 2025
- A week in Santa Pola with our friends from England, a cracked floor, a trip down memory lane to Callosa, Bolulla and Algar, a day on the Island of Tabarca, a visit to the market in Santa Pola and other stories of the week.Apr 05, 2025
March
- No water on Sunday, our virus continued, EU recommends 72h emergency kit, the sun came out, Olivia and Miguel in Brussels celebrating their 40th and 50th birthdays, José Antonio and Dolores came for lunch and cheered us up, the clocks went forward and other stories of the week. Mar 29, 2025
- Another week of foul weather in Spain, no deal for Ukraine ceasefire, we both got colds, babysitting our grandchildren, the boiler is working again, hurray I finally got the Land Registry number for our house and other stories of the week.Mar 23, 2025
- A funeral, meeting "Sr. Cervera", ceasefire for Ukraine? The boiler broke down - no hot water or heating, 5 years since Covid lockdown, 4th dose of Mounjaro and other stories of the week. Mar 16, 2025
- Europe in trouble, raining all week, time with our grandchildren, Elliot and Juliet, routine medical appointments, RIP Nacho Salcedo and other stories of the week. Mar 09, 2025
- Week 2 of Mounjaro, Slava Ukraini, to Asturias in search of a cleaner, Starmer meets Trump, Juliet and Elliot get a haircut, angry meeting with Zelensky at the White House, home again and other stories of the week. Mar 02, 2025
February
- Fun in Devon in the UK with my oldest friends, Amanda and Andy, an awful storm brewing over Ukraine, home again, Olivia interviewed for a documentary for HBO about the Rubiales case, I started taking Mounjaro and other stories of the week. Feb 23, 2025
- A family birthday dinner, off to England, time with my friends Amanda and Andy in Devon, foul weather, eating, drinking, playing cards and having fun and other stories of the week. Feb 16, 2025
- A crappy Monday, my knee gave in again, Olivia reporting on the Rubiales unsolicited "kiss case", Trump wants to take over Gaza and expel the Palestinians, to the coast for a winter break and a bus man's holiday, Elliot goes skiing, my birthday and other stories of the week. Feb 08, 2025
- Resilience, my motto of the week, 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, routine medical appointments, babysitting our grandchildren, Elliot's family tree, air crash in Washington DC, more Israeli hostages released and other stories of the week. Feb 02, 2025
January
- A quiet, cold and rainy week, first two groups of Israeli hostages released, Elliot and Juliet try tea for the first time, Trump sworn in as President again, a bit of pampering with Suzy, coffee with our Chinese friends and other stories of the week.Jan 26, 2025
- Not a good start to the new year. grounded again after my torn meniscus flared up, RIP Mr. Brierley, 11th hour peace treaty between Israel and Hamas goes into force, my Lazarus moment and other stories of the week. Jan 19, 2025
- Breakfast with the kids, a watered down Kings' Day; chocolate with churros and present opening, snow in Yorkshire, Los Angeles is burning, Trump wants Greenland, the Panama Canal and even Canada, and other stories of the week. Jan 12, 2025
- Recap of last year. Goodbye 2024, welcome 2025. Our New Year celebrations, lunch in Madrid with Julio and other stories of the week. Jan 05, 2025
202452 posts
December
- Christmas at home in peace and harmony, the family united, this year's official Christmas Day photos, the King of Spain and the King of England's speeches, Boxing Day, annual dinner with Julio, my last blog post of 2024. Here's to a wonderful 2025 and other stories of the week.Dec 29, 2024
- Happy Christmas to you all. Putting up the decorations, getting into the spirit of Christmas, making baklava with Suzy and Oli, the children's school concert, buying El Gordo lottery tickets, Dominique Pelicot to rot in jail and other stories of the week. Dec 22, 2024
- The end of Bashar Al-Assad's brutal regime in Syria, not much festive spirit, farewell Mohammad, lunch with old friends at Filandón, Eladio at a demonstration, visit to St. George's Christmas fair and other stories of the week. Dec 15, 2024
- A quiet week in December, Spain's new Big Brother tourist registration rules, my raspberry mille-feuille tart, José Antonio and Dolores for lunch, babysitting Elliot and Juliet, remembering Fátima and not many other stories to tell this week. Dec 08, 2024
- Back from Santa Pola, a tea cabin in the making, a quiet week, time with Elliot and Juliet, ceasefire in Lebanon, Olivia reporting from Valencia one month after the floods, Notre Dame restored and other stories of the week.Dec 01, 2024
November
- Never a dull day hosting guests, 1000 days since Putin invaded Ukraine, farewell Rafa Nadal, to Santa Pola for a few days for work and not play, good news, Christmas comes early for Elliot and Juliet and other tales of the week. Nov 23, 2024
- Fun and emotion in New York. Central Park, Times Square, Empire State Building and the 9/11 memorial on Veterans' Day, Rockerfeller Centre, FAO Schwartz, the MOMA, meeting Fátima junior in New York, home again, a surprise Airbnb guest and other stories of the week.Nov 17, 2024
- Family time, aftermath of the Valencia floods, Trump won the US elections. And we are off to the USA. Staying at the Carlyle, Hi and cheers from New York. A day in Brooklyn and Manhattan with Juana, Oscar and PatiNov 10, 2024
- Our girlies together, quality time with Elliot and Juliet. Flash floods cause death and destruction in Valencia; a country in mourning, time out in Madrid, visit to the Lázaro Galdiano Museum, lunch with Julio and other stories of the week.Nov 03, 2024
October
- Eladio has his second cataract surgery, another quiet week, out and about in Boadilla, Israel attacks Iran, the clocks go back and other stories.Oct 27, 2024
- Eladio has his first cataract surgery, a quiet week, Hamas leader, Sinwar, killed by Israel, the rain has gone, a family lunch and other stories of the week.Oct 20, 2024
- 1 year since the Hamas attack on Israel, autumn is here, a trip to Vitoria to see wooden cabins and a burst tyre on the way, Rafa Nadal to retire from tennis, National Day of Spain in Madrid with Geraldine and other stories of the week.Oct 13, 2024
- Suzy is home and she is back, the family reunited again, time with Elliot and Juliet, 25 years since my mother died, Airbnb super host again and other stories of the week.Oct 06, 2024
September
- Eladio's big birthday, a family lunch at La Espiga, a trip to Burgos and living the good life at Hotel Landa, RIP Grainne, home again and other stories of the week.Sep 29, 2024
- Living the life in London, a heavenly stay at Rosewood Hotel; fun, sightseeing, food and shopping, a banquet on board the Silver Sturgeon yacht on the Thames, Elliot turns 5, Olivia presents the World's 50 best hotel awards at the Guildhall and I set off the fire alarm by mistake. Home again, belated birthday party for the children and other stories of the week.Sep 22, 2024
- Home from Santa Pola, a few days in Madrid, dreaming about a little house in the garden, to London for a 4 day luxurious jaunt with Olivia and other stories.Sep 15, 2024
- Last day in Montrondo, home again, London and New York calling, Juliet turns 3, an emergency trip to Santa Pola and other stories of the week.Sep 08, 2024
- Back from Santa Pola but our hearts are still there, a quiet week in hot and sultry Madrid, Elliot at the barber's, time out in Montrondo and other stories of the weekSep 01, 2024
August
- Time with Suzy in Santa Pola after leaving the hospital, celebrating our 41st wedding anniversary at La Finca, home again and other stories of the week.Aug 25, 2024
- A short update after a break from this blog. Difficult times in Santa Pola, Olivia and family came, Suzy is home and other stories.Aug 17, 2024
- Elliot reunited with Pippa, to Santa Pola to see Suzy and get the apartments ready for guests, a day by the pool, meeting Magda, home again, some retail therapy and other stories of the week.Aug 04, 2024
July
- Family Sunday in Montrondo, Biden resigns from Presidential race, Kamala Harris his successor, home again and oh so hot, Paris Olympics kick off in the rain with a radical opening ceremony.Jul 28, 2024
- Attempt on Trump's life, Alcaraz wins Men's Singles at Wimbledon and Spain beats England to win the Euro Cup, village life in Montrondo, a day trip to Gijón (Asturias), Microsoft worldwide outage, Olivia and family arrived from Galicia and other stories of the week.Jul 20, 2024
- Elections in France, to Asturias for the week but not for a holiday, my two countries Spain and England through to the Euro Cup final, lunch at Casa Niembro and so to Montrondo. Carlos Alcaraz through the Wimbledon final.Jul 13, 2024
- Life is back to normal. The Euro Cup continues, France, Spain, England and Holland through to the semi finals. A new fridge, greengages from the garden, farewell dinner for Mohammad and Sarang, Kier Starmer wins landslide victory for Labour, time with our grandchildren and other stories of the week.Jul 07, 2024
June
- The end of our road trip, Bologna: the red, fat and learned city and the stomach of Italy. Finding Fabbri Amarena cherries. The journey home through Diano Marina on the Italian Riviera, Nîmes – the French Rome - and back to Spain. Home again, reunion with Pippa and our grandchildren.Jun 30, 2024
- Week 7 of this year's road trip. Discovering Syvota and Parga. midnight ferry from Igoumenitsa, Greece, to Bari, Italy. Challenging drive to Vieste on the Adriatic Coast, discovering Peschici and Vasto and on to Rimini, San Marino, Ravenna and Bologna.Jun 22, 2024
- Week 6 of this year's road trip. Pamukkale the white cotton castle of Turkey and bathing in Cleopatra's pool at Hierapolis. Cats and dogs in Turkey. Visiting the red springs of Karahayit and the ancient Biblical city of Laodicea. Back to the Dardanelles. Güle güle Asia Minor, Γειά σου Greece. A hell of a journey to Greece, time out in Thessalonika and so to Plataria on the Ionian Sea. Alcaraz wins Roland Garros.Jun 14, 2024
- Fifth week of our road trip. From Kavala Greece to Turkey. Crossing the Çanakkale bridge and sunset by the Dardanelles. A visit to Troy, then to Selçuk to see the ruins of the ancient cities of Ephesus, Priene and Meletus. From there to Pamukkale. Olivia shines in Las Vegas as MC for this year's World's 50 best restaurants.Jun 08, 2024
- Fourth week of this year's road trip. Cisternino, wine tasting in Locorotondo, Bari for a day, Ciao Puglia, Ciao Italia. Ferry to Durres, "Pershendetjie" Albania, a night in Kukës, stop off in Prizren - Kosovo, onto North Macedonia, discovering Skopje and so to Greece.Jun 01, 2024
May
- Third week of our road trip. Naples, Sorrento, Herculaneum and beautiful Ravello. To the heel of Italy to visit Sassi di Matera (Italy's troglodyte city) and then Puglia. Staying in a "trulli" house in Valle d'Itria near Locorotondo, visiting Alberobello, Martina Franca, Monopoli, Polognano a Mare and Ostuni.May 25, 2024
- Second week of our road trip. the medieval towns and cities of Tuscany: San Gimignano, Volterra, Siena, Florence and Boccaccio's birthplace, Certaldo. Down to the Naples area through Orvieto (Umbria) and visiting Pompeii, Eladio's dream.May 18, 2024
- Road Trip 2024. We are off, first stop Huesca (Aragon, Spain), an adventure crossing the Pyrenees from Spain to France, medieval city of Carcassonne, a one night stop in Aix-en-Provence, and a long journey to Italy. Beautiful but overcrowded Cinque Terre, visiting Portofino - a dream come true - and so to Tuscany. Stop off in Lucca and arrival in San Gimignano. Wow, I love Italy!May 11, 2024
- Pedro Sánchez to say on as Spain's PM, preparing for this year's road trip, time with our grandchildren, remembering my father on 1st May and other stories of the week.May 03, 2024
April
- Got our international driving licences, to Santa Pola to see Suzy, Pedro Sánchez threatens to resign as Spain's PM, time with our daughter who turns 40 today and other stories of the week.Apr 28, 2024
- Hottest day of the year so far, waiting for Israel to respond to Iranian attack, flowers in bloom, fun at the park with our grandchildren, dinner at McDonalds (of all places), World Press photo of the year comes from Gaza and other stories of the week.Apr 21, 2024
- Direct attack by Iran on Israel, a warm and quiet week, finally got on the scales, the total eclipse, too many yoghurts, planning the Italian part of our road trip, Oli live on TV, Olé Juliet, visit to a psychologist and other tales of the week.Apr 14, 2024
- Home from Santa Pola, Easter is over, taking our grandchildren to school, World Central Kitchen aid workers killed in Gaza by Israeli forces, the pool is ready for summer, a full house, the stuff of dreams and other stories.Apr 07, 2024
March
- First barbecue of the season, off to Santa Pola to see Suzy, Elliot and Juliet experiencing snow (and a mice invasion) for the first time in Montrondo, home again, the clocks go forward and other tales of the week.Mar 31, 2024
- Our last day in Asturias, home again, babysitting, Spring is here, Kate Middleton has cancer, massacre in Moscow and other stories of the week.Mar 24, 2024
- Kate's photo is much ado about nothing, 20th anniversary of the Madrid train bombings, the Oscar goes to Oppenheimer, making progress with my book about our road trip to Armenia, a sunny break in Asturias and other stories of the week.Mar 17, 2024
- "For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health": always together, final dental appointments, some good news, International Women's Day and other tales of the week.Mar 10, 2024
- Don't let us forget Ukraine, an unfortunate fall, taking our grandchildren to school, Leap day, Putin's opponent Navalny laid to rest and other tales of the week.Mar 03, 2024
February
- 2 years since the invasion of Ukraine, astonishing blog statistics, getting my teeth back, sorry for Russia, new clothes, Spain's "Grenfell tower" burns in Valencia, another bear near Montrondo and other stories of the week.Feb 25, 2024
- Remembering George on his birthday, a letter from the past, grandparent duty, a night away at the Parador of La Granja to celebrate Valentine's Day, visiting the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Ildefonso this week and 43 years ago, home again, Navalny killed, the kids in Zaragoza and other tales of the week.Feb 18, 2024
- Tomato war between France and Spain, Jumble sale in Gran Alacant, time out and lunch in Alicante, The King has cancer, home again, my birthday, words of love, family lunch and other stories of the week.Feb 11, 2024
- Secrets to a successful marriage revealed, Grandparent duty week, off to Santa Pola, happy to be by the seaside in February and other stories of the week.Feb 03, 2024
January
- Registered to vote in the UK - hurray, spring weather in January, a morning in Boadilla village, lunch out and other tales of the week.Jan 28, 2024
- Sunday in Santa Pola, Suzy came home with us, reunited with Elliot and Juliet, Brits abroad for more than 15 years regain general election vote and other stories of the week.Jan 21, 2024
- Christmas is over, returning presents, Pippa and I go to the dentist, to Santa Pola to see Suzy and other stories of the week.Jan 14, 2024
- New Year's Eve, family gathering on New Year's Day, Airbnb super host again, Kings' day and other stories of the week.Jan 07, 2024
- Change of plans, Elliot meets Santa Claus, Christmas Eve dinner, home alone, Christmas Day 2023, lunch out, making baklava and other tales of the week.Jan 01, 2024
202351 posts
December
- The week leading up to Christmas 2023, TV series Vigil, Elliot's school show, Julio came for dinner, "Maestro", time with our grandchildren and other stories of the week.Dec 24, 2023
- Christmas as a child, a dental nightmare, poinsettias, meeting with the tax people, our grandchildren enjoying the decorations, taking Elliot on the metro to Madrid and other stories of the week.Dec 17, 2023
- Asturias in December, painting the hall, 45th anniversary of the Spanish Constitution, "Rizz", word of the year, mornings in Llanes, remembering Fátima, home again, Olivia and family in Montrondo, Christmas came and other stories of the week.Dec 10, 2023
- More Israeli hostages released, grandparent duty, ceasefire over and bombing of Gaza renewed, opening my Advent calendar, my guests' electric scooters and other stories of the week.Dec 02, 2023
November
- Recovering from flu, Israel and Hamas agree on ceasefire and hostage exchange release, cooking spree and other stories of the week.Nov 26, 2023
- Home from Santa Pola, one month since the Hamas attack in Israel, two years since my father, Charles Courtenay Lloyd, died, a nasty bout of flu and other stories of the week.Nov 12, 2023
- Unexpected trip to Santa Pola, Crown Princess Leonor swears Constitution oath, quality time with Suzy, visiting Elche and other stories of the week.Nov 05, 2023
October
- Guests from 5 nations; Peru, Canada, China, Slovenia and Irak. Olivia MC at an EU event in Madrid, Israel calls for UN chief to resign and war escalates, a Yoigo reunion, the clocks go back and other stories of the week.Oct 29, 2023
- Israeli Hamas war, journey back from Santa Pola, home again, rainiest day in Madrid in a century, time out in the city, Juliet in her flamenco dress as well as other stories.Oct 22, 2023
- War in Israel. A wonderful girly week in Santa Pola with my daughter Suzy and my soul sisters Adele and Sandra. On the beach, lunch on the island of Tabarca, walk to the lighthouse, trip to Callosa, Algar and Bolulla, Alicante by night, tapas at Nou Manolin, a "mascletà" on the National Day of Spain, visit to Elche, the city of palm trees and other stories.Oct 14, 2023
- Home from Asturias, lots of time with our grandchildren, the kids enjoying the pool in October, taking them to school, off again, this time to Santa Pola, reunion with Suzy and my best friends Adele and Sandra.Oct 07, 2023
September
- To Asturias in glorious weather, problems with Reale Seguros, our insurance company, visiting old haunts and discovering new ones: Playa de la Huelga, St. Peter's walkway in Llanes, Playa de Toró, Playa de Póo, Asiego in the Picos de Europa, and other stories.Sep 30, 2023
- Elliot turns 4, a raucous kids' party in our garden, Royal visit to France, grandparent duty, Eladio's birthday and other stories of the week.Sep 24, 2023
- A quiet and rainy week, earthquake in Morocco, tragedy in flooded Libya, birthdays in September and other stories of the weekSep 17, 2023
- First mass mobile warning alert activated in Madrid, torrential rain in Spain, sweet Juliet turns two, one year since the Queen died and other stories of the week.Sep 10, 2023
- Last days in La Teillée, to île de Ré, exploring the island: Phare des Baleines, Ars-en-Ré, Portes-en-Ré and Saint-Martin de Ré, the end of our holiday in France, back to Spain and once again in Montrondo.Sep 02, 2023
August
- Spanish Women’s football World Cup win tarnished by unconsented kiss from football chief, celebrating our Ruby wedding anniversary in Saint Jean de Luz, to La Teillée to stay with my cousin Zuka and to Mareuil and Talmont-sur-Gironde for a Russian Orthodox wedding.Aug 26, 2023
- Olivia and family in Montrondo, a bear in the village, what to do if you come across a brown bear, coffee with our Chinese friends, home alone, we're off again and other stories of the weekAug 19, 2023
- Last days in Montrondo, a perfect Sunday, home again, another heatwave; escaping it in the pool with Elliot and Juliet and other stories.Aug 13, 2023
- A quiet week in Montrondo, photos from Eladio's past and present, Oli and family leave, coffee in Villablino with Tere, the "Camino Valle" walk, my favourite places in the world and other stories of the week.Aug 06, 2023
July
- Voting in the Spanish general elections, goodbye Matteo and Simona, a breakdown on our way to Montrondo, joined by Olivia and family, village life with Elliot and Juliet, Santa Marta fiestas and other stories of the week.Jul 30, 2023
- Carlos Alcaraz, King of Wimbledon, a few days in Santa Pola, early morning bathe and walk on our beach, home again, time with Elliot and Juliet and other stories.Jul 22, 2023
- The end of our stay in Asturias, a gorgeous day in Llanes, I can finally vote in Spanish general elections, debate between Pedro Sánchez and lesser known Nuñez Feijóo, Wimbledon, home again, family time in the pool and other stories.Jul 15, 2023
- Quiet and sunny days in Montrondo, off to El Cuetu. Enjoying Asturias in July, bathing and having dinner at Poo Beach. "Orbayo" rain and other stories.Jul 09, 2023
- Oli and family on "honeymoon" in Cádiz, off to cooler Montrondo, the official wedding photos are out, lunch in a prison and other stories of the week.Jul 02, 2023
June
- After the wedding, Olivia MC at the The World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards, The irony of the submarine that imploded while visiting the Titanic, dinner at La Espiga, Putin in trouble after Wagner mutiny and other stories.Jun 24, 2023
- Getting used to being home again, wedding planning, the big day came and Olivia and Miguel finally tied the knot. A beautiful wedding reception in our own garden.Jun 18, 2023
- The last week of our epic road trip from Madrid to Armenia. Sarajevo, "the Jerusalem of Europe, where East meets West, a visit to Split and a night in Trieste. Our journey home through Italy and France. We made it back to Spain. Home sweet home.Jun 10, 2023
- Odyssey of a journey from Thessalonika to Albania, Koli shows us the highlights of Tirana, an insight into Albania's past, journey to Kosovo, city tour and a hair cut in Pristina. Our road trip continues to Podgorica and Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic". Coffee in Mostar and the drive to Sarajevo in Bosnia and Herzegovina where Archduke Franz Ferdinand was assassinated.Jun 03, 2023
May
- An afternoon in Sivas, staying in a cave house in Ürgüp, falling in love with Capadoccia, sunset in Ankara, discovering Bursa, güle güle Turkey, hello Greece and our epic road trip continues.May 27, 2023
- First half of our adventurous road trip to Yerevan completed. Discovering Tbilisi, tour to Mtskheta. We made it to Armenia, a night in Dilijan and on to Yerevan. Infernal drive from Armenia to Georgia and challenging border crossings until our return to Turkey.May 20, 2023
- Road trip from Madrid to Armenia continues. Istanbul to Safranbolu, onto Samsun and Trabzon in the Black Sea region. Crossing the border into Georgia, a night in Butami and Kutaisi and so to Tbilisi on scary roads.May 13, 2023
- Road trip to Armenia continues. Zagreb, Slavonski Brod, Vukovar and Belgrade. Finally in Sofia to discover my mother's roots. Welcomed by my grandfather’s church and Aunt Olga’s convent. Visited my mother's family home. Goodbye Sofia, hello Turkey. First stop Edirne and then Istanbul.May 06, 2023
April
- Our road trip to Armenia continues. From Provence to the Côte d'Azur, on to Italy; sleeping in a tiny mountain hut, fleeting visit to Verona and so to Venice city of dreams. From Italy to Ljubliana and Zagreb, our first taste of The Balkans.Apr 29, 2023
- Getting ready for the trip of our life, "Reisefieber", and we are off. First stop in Blanes (Gerona). France, a stay in an Airbnb in Provence, luggage left behind in Spain, "Sur le pont d'Avignon and we're off again.Apr 22, 2023
- Easter Day and a birthday celebration, Jon Rham wins Masters at Augusta, US President Joe Biden visits Belfast, the swimming pool cover comes off, Richard Nerurkar, UK athlete and former BGS pupil of my father, comes to dinner, the route to Georgia and Armenia and back for the "trip of our life" and other stories.Apr 16, 2023
- Fast internet in El Cuetu thanks to Adamo, last days in Asturias, Finland joins NATO, home again, Holy Week in Spain and other stories.Apr 09, 2023
- Reply from Sofia, trip to Asturias, bathing in the sea at Poó beach in March, playing at houses, coffee at Playa de Toró, Asturias on fire, surrogate pregnancies and other stories of the week.Apr 02, 2023
March
- Home again, Fathers' day, Shetland, it's Spring again, coffee dressed in yellow, chaos in France over the rise in pension age, fun with Elliot and Juliet, Spanish film The Beasts, the clocks go forward and other stories of the week.Mar 26, 2023
- Another quiet week by the coast, and the Oscar goes to "The Elephant Whisperers", a trip to Benidorm where it all began, three years since the first Covid lockdown, two brothers in Santa Pola, lunch in Calpe, home again and other stories of the week.Mar 19, 2023
- Rediscovering Helen Keller, International Women's Day, to Santa Pola to the sun, our house on TikTok, bathing in the sea in March and other stories of the week.Mar 11, 2023
- Fun with Elliot and Juliet, Internet down thanks to Movistar incompetence, Northern Ireland protocol "sorted" by Sunak, into town on Friday and other stories of the week.Mar 05, 2023
February
- 1 year since Russia invaded Ukraine, fun in the park, my fight with Movistar continues, Shrove Tuesday / Pancake day, Elliot and Juliet in Cáceres and other stories of the week.Feb 26, 2023
- St. Valentine's, route planning for our trip to Georgia and Armenia, grandparent duty, sleepless nights and other stories of the week.Feb 19, 2023
- Earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, a day when everything went wrong, to Toledo to celebrate my birthday, rediscovering Spain's medieval capital; the city of three cultures, RIP Phoebe, home again, family celebration and other stories.Feb 12, 2023
- Goodbye Montrondo, farewell snow, an adventure leaving for Madrid, home again, Nokia - "reuniting colleagues", "itchy feet" travel syndrome, so long Yoigo - hello Telefónica, time with our grandchildren, a Chinese balloon in US sky and other stories.Feb 05, 2023
January
- Sub zero temperatures in Montrondo, "empty Spain", the perfect Spanish "tortilla", a white horse in a white field, further adventures in the snow and other stories of the week.Jan 29, 2023
- St. Nicholas church in Sofia, an adventure in the snow, winter wonderland in Montrondo, a cozy and relaxing time in the village and other tales of this week.Jan 22, 2023
- Life is back to normal, Bolsonaro rioters storm Brazilian congress, my frozen phone, Harry's book Spare goes on sale, planning our road trip, my Bulgarian roots and other stories of the week.Jan 15, 2023
- The year gets off to a good start, New Year's Day lunch for 18, dinner in Madrid with Julio, Harry's book "Spare" out early in Spain by mistake, Kings' Day, Christmas is over and other stories of the first week of this new year.Jan 08, 2023
- Looking back on 2022, Christmas and Boxing Day, lunch at L'hardy with Julio, friends over for a festive dinner, New Year's Eve party and other stories of this last week of the year.Jan 01, 2023
202252 posts
December
- Argentina wins the World Cup, Jorge Blass' magic show, my new British passport, Elliot's Christmas function, Zelensky meets Biden in US historic meeting, discovering Chat GPT, our "Nochebuena (Christmas Eve) and other stories.Dec 24, 2022
- Christmas shopping with Eladio, a morning in Madrid with the girls, home made strawberry and cream mille feuille, out and about with Elliot and Juliet, Julio came to dinner and other stories of the week.Dec 18, 2022
- Remembering Fátima, Spain and England out of the World Cup, I beg to differ, Christmas came to our house, a visit to St. George's Christmas market and other stories.Dec 11, 2022
- Getting into the spirit of Christmas, World Cup continues in Qatar, annual Xmas shopping outing to Madrid, a walk to see Elliot and Juliet and other stories.Dec 04, 2022
November
- Waking up to sunshine in Sowerby Bridge, Hebden Bridge, visiting Heaton Grove and Bradford Grammar School, meeting Michael at Betty's in Harrogate, to sleep like a "Siberian marmot", goodbye Yorkshire, home again, my DNA ethnicity revealed and other stories.Nov 27, 2022
- Home from Santa Pola, RIP Val, international gathering of guests, off to Yorkshire, shopping in Leeds, visiting my parents' grave, school reunion, Juliet walks and other tales of the week.Nov 20, 2022
- Sunny days in Santa Pola, energy tourism in Spain , a year since my father died, bathing in the sea in November, Season 5 of The Crown, RIP Tyotya Valya, Remembrance Day, a morning in Alicante and other stories of the week.Nov 12, 2022
- Last family barbecue, "Hawolleen", a friend from Iran, death on the border and how Spain looked on, trip to Santa Pola and other stories of the week.Nov 06, 2022
October
- Boris Johnson out, Rishi Sunak in, a day in the city, goodbye Phil and Kathy, KIng Charles greets the new PM with Diwali sweets, Elon Musk, now "Chief Twit", best Airbnb review ever, a 60th birthday party, the clocks go back and other stories of the week.Oct 30, 2022
- A week in El Cuetu with our friends from Yorkshire. Showing them our favourite places in Asturias and discovering more. Political turmoil in the UK, Liz Truss resigns and home again.Oct 23, 2022
- Family barbecue, 12th October - National day of Spain, visitors from Yorkshire, "dear, oh dear", says King Charles to PM, Truss ousts chancellor and makes another U turn, dinner for our guests, journey to Asturias and other storiesOct 16, 2022
- U turn for the 45% income tax cut for the rich in the UK, Oli's TV report on women's football team scandal , Olivia top name for girls, video of sexist hall of residence, favourite reading corners in the garden, Putin's poisoned birthday present and other stories of the week.Oct 09, 2022
- Summer is over, Madrid sunniest capital in Europe, The Queen died of old age, UK in economic crisis, measuring my sleep, Putin goes mad and annexes 4 Ukraine regions, 1st October, fun at the park with Elliot and Juliet and other stories.Oct 02, 2022
September
- Farewell to Her Majesty, Britain's greatest show of pageantry, a rather flat week improved by yet another September birthday, a broken Colin Caterpillar cake, my first taste of Georgian wine, Putin's threats and mass mobilisation, an unsatisfied guest and other stories of the week.Sep 25, 2022
- Mourning The Queen, "Carlitos" wins US Open, time with my friend and with my grandchildren, Amanda's birthday, Tuesday 13th, reunion with my Spanish family, "The Queue", Elliot turns 3 and other stories of the week.Sep 18, 2022
- The Queen has died, the end of an era. Amanda came to stay, girly trip to Asturias, new PM for the UK, Póo beach, Mirador de Toró, feeding stray kittens, discovering "Dobble", Elliot and Juliet "back to school", the Picos de Europa, Cuerres, Ribadesella, hearing THE news, more exploring and home again.Sep 11, 2022
- The end of our holiday in Portugal, home again, family time, isn't she beautiful? Pernille, our Danish au pair came to stay, Juliet turns 1 and other stories of the week.Sep 04, 2022
August
- Part two of our holiday in Galicia and Portugal, taxi boat to Caminha, this year's anniversary dinner, "essentials" I take everywhere, Mount Santa Tegra, Suzy is home, off to Oporto; Lello bookstore, Luiz 1 bridge, tour in a VW Beetle, Fado, dinner at Cais da Ribeira, Taylor's port wine cellars, sailing on the River Douro and other stories.Aug 27, 2022
- Fun with our French family, a visit from Julio - "French exit" - leaving without saying goodbye, a Franco Anglo Spanish party, to Galicia for the first part of our anniversary trip and other stories.Aug 21, 2022
- Home from Montrondo and back to sweltering Madrid, bothersome hairdresser visit, Elliot's first selfie, my thoughts on "woke" and "cancel culture", Serena Williams retires, RIP Olivia Newton John, satisfied customers, family barbecue, French lessons from Marianne and other stories of the week.Aug 14, 2022
- Farewell Elliot and Juliet, a quiet week in Montrondo, the heatwave continues, shameful Spanish body beach campaign, the "silly season" - busy on holiday - my it's all yellow" moment in Villablino and other stories.Aug 06, 2022
July
- Our week in Montrondo, walks, barbecues, shopping in Villablino and in the village, fun in the water with Elliot, lunch in Senra, Santa Marta fiesta and other stories.Jul 31, 2022
- Further adventures in La Teillée, the boulangerie in Vivonne, café au lait, kayaking with my cousins, extreme heat in France too, the market in Lezay, goodbye Tyotya Valya, visit to Marieul, home again and off to Montrondo,Jul 23, 2022
- Home from Pamplona, heat wave in Madrid, visitors from England, road trip to France - Las Campanas revisited, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, arrival in La Teillée, reunion with my cousins, a garden party and other stories.Jul 16, 2022
- A week babysitting in "Pam bloody Plona", Oli reporting on Spain's most international "fiesta", the "Sanfermines" Boris Johnson finally resigns, magnicide in Japan and other stories.Jul 09, 2022
- Wimbledon week, Booboo's house, nearly all male NATO summit in Madrid, "the beast", Russian salad on the menu, a Spanish wedding like none other and more stories of the week.Jul 03, 2022
June
- Lunch in Lastres, final days in Asturias, Jesus the plumber, becoming an Adamo customer in Posada de Llanes, home again; best place in the world, Elliot "graduates", dinner at Lúbora and other stories.Jun 26, 2022
- Last day in Montrondo and so to El Cuetu, a fabulous week in Asturias, Elliots "graduation" photos, heatwave, bathing in the sea, visiting Comillas and Ribadasella and other stories.Jun 18, 2022
- Got the BBC, end of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, Nadal King of tennis, Boris Johnson wounded but won't resign, off to Montrondo, time out in the village and other stories.Jun 12, 2022
- The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, Bradford wins UK City of Culture bid, a quiet time in Santa Pola and home again, a new suit, reunited with the grandchildren, family pool time and other stories of the week.Jun 05, 2022
May
- Last day with Sandra and Adele, Oli's birthday, the pool ready for the summer , off to Santa Pola, a trip to Callosa, Algar and Bolulla where it all began, Real Madrid win their 14th European cup and other tales of the week.May 28, 2022
- Girly reunion and trip to El Cuetu with Sandra and Adele, showing my friends Asturias - Niembru, Barru, Playa de Póo, Llanes, Picos de Europa (Lakes of Covadonga and Cangas de Onis), Llanes, rescued by the Guardia Civil and home again.May 21, 2022
- Showing more of Yorkshire to the girls, St. Joseph's College school reunion, moved to Phil and Kathy's, dinner at Susan's, a day in York, reunion with Maureen, lunch in Addingham and home again.May 15, 2022
- "I once was lost but now am found", Skipton and Bolton Abbey, Ruskington oh Ruskington, reunion in The Dales with friends from 50 years ago, the burial, reception at Bradford Grammar School, the amazing Memorial Service at Bradford Cathedral for my father, Charles Courtenay Lloyd and showing my family Yorkshire.May 07, 2022
- Bringing my father home to Yorkshire. A return to my roots, staying in Haworth, back to 6 Heaton Grove, a visit to Ilkley and other tales of the week.May 01, 2022
April
- Back from Montrondo, home sweet home, goodbye face masks indoors, "Is this my country?" Olivia back on TV, news of FT, the Queen turns 96, Olga Villiers, née Kapnist, preparing my father's memorial events in Yorkshire and other stories.Apr 24, 2022
- 50 days of war in Ukraine, last days in Asturias, Playa de Toró, reading again, a day in Cantabria with Gerardo and family, RIP Xavier des Horts, and so to Montrondo, joined by Olivia and family and other tales of the week.Apr 16, 2022
- Chickens on our walk, butchery and genocide in Ukraine, happy times in Asturias, meet Margarita the lamb that thinks it's a dog - visting Mirador de Fitu, Gijón, Bufones de Santiuste - and other stories of the week.Apr 09, 2022
- The week our "KGB" squatter Felipe Turover finally left. Goodbye Covid, the war in Ukraine continues, exciting preparations for a special trip to England, visit to a jumble sale, coffee and cakes at Balbisiana Patisserie and other stories.Apr 03, 2022
March
- Like mother like son, the barbaric war in Ukraine into its 5th week, I finally got Covid! Farewell Suzy, the clocks go forward and other stories.Mar 27, 2022
- Putin's brutal and senseless war intensifies, the week of our trial: a celebration lunch, 2 years since the first lockdown, "bloody weather", Suzy is home, the trial: a bittersweet outcome, oh no Covid finally strikes the family, Fathers' Day and other stories.Mar 20, 2022
- My five year journey to retirement, Putin's barbaric war continues, "Slava Ukraini", we will fight until the end, and other stories of our week.Mar 13, 2022
- The world against Putin, the Ukrainians fight back, RIP Magda, reasons to smile and the stories of our week.Mar 06, 2022
February
- War in Europe, Putin invades the Ukraine while we all watch in fear and the stories of our week.Feb 27, 2022
- Trial delayed, meeting with a prophetess, celebrating St. Valentines Day, "Fika", "women brainwashed to hate their bodies", Line of Duty Season 6, lunch with Julio and other stories.Feb 20, 2022
- RIP Ernestina, a night in Montrondo, breakdown on the motorway, I turn 65 and am about to retire unwillingly, remembering George, birthday dinner with the family and other stories.Feb 13, 2022
- Nadal the men's singles G.O.A.T, Sue Grey's "partygate" report, KGB squatter Felipe Turover climbs the gate to get in and out, TV cameras are back, discovering "wordle", Juliet turns 5 months old, Platinum Jubilee begins and other stories.Feb 06, 2022
January
- Ex KGB spy, Felipe Turover, entrenched in the room next door, letter to Judge Inmaculada González Cervera, justice in Spain, found him on a list of Russian mafia, the news reaches Russia, the secret police intervene, besieged in our own home, he vandalised our house but no injunction from court.Jan 29, 2022
- Living with our squatter Felipe Turover, playing the victim, a top secret service officer gets involved, the media campaign slows down for a while, taking a breather and other stories.Jan 22, 2022
- Felipe Turover exposed, the "KGB operative" squatting in our own home and how he groomed and duped us. Revealed too Spanish laws that give squatters the upper hand and make it impossible to evict without breaking the law. Media pressure to highlight the injustice of the situation and our nightmare week.Jan 16, 2022
- 2022 begins but the party isn't over, Elliot says "shopping no", my father Courtenay Lloyd's obituary in The Telegraph, "Putin's People", Djokovic detained in Australia, Kings' Day, 1921 census in England and other stories.Jan 09, 2022
- Our year in 2021, Boxing Day, got my booster jab, some retail therapy , negative Covid test, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day and here's to a better 2022.Jan 02, 2022
202152 posts
December
- Wrapping up the presents, RIP Carlos Marin (Il Divo), torn meniscus, festive dinner at home with Julio, a pre Christmas family lunch, "Nochebuena" dinner, Christmas Day 2021 and other stories.Dec 25, 2021
- Omicron on the rise, babysitting for Juliet in the streets of Madrid, Olivia presenting at an awards ceremony, Elliot's class in quarantine, cooking for a festive lunch and other stories.Dec 19, 2021
- Constitution Day in Spain, continuing our journey through hell, Juliet grows, Tax form 790 code 012, Christmas decorations are up, Elliot spends the night, RIP Manolo Santana.Dec 12, 2021
- "When you're going through hell, keep going", grief process interrupted, my father writes about his feelings for my mother, Omicrom Covid variant, now a Spaniard thanks to Brexit, a day spent in hospitals, and other stories.Dec 05, 2021
November
- The week I lost my father - Charles Courtenay Lloyd - tributes and messages pouring in, Bradford Grammar School flag at half mast in his honour, taking comfort from his "old boys", becoming Spanish, the funeral; a celebration of his life, Remembrance Sunday, finding a treasure trove of photos and documents and other stories.Nov 20, 2021
- Tribute to my father, Charles Courtenay Lloyd (1919 - 2021); his life and times. Thank you for the journey. RIP.Nov 11, 2021
- Sunday in the rain, tossing a coin in the Fontana de Trevi, Glasgow - last chance for our planet, Elliot rides a horse for the first time, Magritte, the Belgian surrealist artist, a cultural day out in Madrid, "remember remember the 5th of November" and other tales of the week.Nov 07, 2021
October
- Grandparent duty, picking up Elliot from day care with Pippa, not a fan of Halloween, no water for 23 hours, coffee with Juana, the clocks go back and other stories.Oct 31, 2021
- Goodbye Asturias, home again, family time, Spanish nationality approved, mangoes and avocados straight from a fruit farm, walking again, the King's libido, actor Alec Baldwin accidentally kills crew member with a prop gun on a film set, reunion dinner with my Spanish family and other stories.Oct 24, 2021
- Covid not in control in the UK, good news for Adamo, Autumn break in Asturias, National day of Spain, RIP Eddie Jaku, a visit to Lastres and Cantabria, home again and other tales of the week.Oct 17, 2021
- The Pandora papers, Armed forces deliver fuel to petrol stations in the UK, Juliet turns 1 month old, time with my grandchildren, Facebook in trouble, Airbnb "superhost" again, barbecue and pool time and other tales of the week.Oct 10, 2021
- RIP Norah, auf wiedersehen Mutti, mobile again, La Palma volcano lava reaches the ocean, Polish and Russian, alphabets of the world, 1st October, dinner with Elliot and other stories.Oct 03, 2021
September
- Time out in Santa Pola, sibling love, volcano erupts in the Canary Islands, grounded and out of action, home again, Eladio's scaled down birthday and other tales of the week.Sep 26, 2021
- Where am I from? Scenes from hell on the Costa del Sol, an alliance against China, online shopping spree, a new spice rack, our grandson turns 2, his birthday party and other stories of the week.Sep 18, 2021
- Grandparents again, looking after Elliot, trip to Faunia, Elliot meets his sister, his first day at school, Juliet goes home, 20th anniversary of 9/11, my father meets his great granddaughter, Emma Raducanu, the new queen of tennis and other stories.Sep 12, 2021
- Return to El Cuetu in Asturias, discovering Ría de Barro, lunch at Casa Pedro Parres, walk on the Borizo Peninsula, rush home, freak rain, Elliot learning to swim, Abba is back and other tales of the week.Sep 03, 2021
August
- Part two of our anniversary trip to La Rioja, entertaining Nellie and Shar in Nájera, home again, reunited with Rania, carnage in Kabul, dinner in Pozuleo, off to Asturias and other stories.Aug 28, 2021
- Leaving Montrondo, the Taliban take over Afghanistan, meeting Nellie, figs from our garden, trip to La Rioja to celebrate our 38th wedding anniversary and other stories.Aug 21, 2021
- On holiday in Montrondo with Elliot, showing my grandson real live animals, breakfast in Villablino, "empty Spain", a heatwave, Plymouth shooting, market day and other stories.Aug 14, 2021
- An Italian wins the 100m final in Tokyo, more fruit in our garden, dinner for two, the girls in Montrondo, Norah has been a bad dog, Belarus sprinter defects from Olympics and other stories.Aug 07, 2021
- Madrid gets first world heritage site, last days in Montrondo, home again, crazy night swim with Elliot, Oli and family go to a wedding in Pamplona, dinner at El Quinto Sabor, Miguel gets the bouquet and other stories.Aug 01, 2021
July
- Greengages from our garden, family time by the pool, off to Montrondo, a stop at Rueda, a quiet time in our village, the Olympic Games begin, TV cameras at home again, a walk with friends and other stories.Jul 24, 2021
- From the heat of Madrid to the rain and cool of Asturias, a picnic in Alar del Rey, Richard Branson flies to space, England didn't bring it home, enjoying Llanes, sprucing up the terrace, beach hopping and mountain animals, home again and other stories.Jul 18, 2021
- Home for a week, looking after Elliot, super host again, a dinner to celebrate life, England through to the final of the Eurocup, the question of meat in Spain and other stories.Jul 10, 2021
- Summer break in Santa Pola, , "our beach", the pool on TV, fish and chips in Spain, EU Covid vaccine certificate comes into force, making new friends, home again and reunited with Oli and Elliot.Jul 03, 2021
June
- Jon Rham first Spanish golf player to win the US Open, Summer Solstice, rainy days in Montrondo, visiting Eladio's mother, home again, happy 90th Mr. Lindley, goodbye masks in public, UK health minister resigns and other stories.Jun 27, 2021
- Biden has tea with the Queen, View from my room, my second vaccine, TV cameras come to our house again, Elliot at the beach, off to Montrondo and other stories,.Jun 20, 2021
- Family reunion, remembering my mother on her birthday, our first bathe of the year, visiting Elliot, dinner in the city with Julio, precious time with Suzy, just 3 women at the G7 summit in Cornwall and other stories.Jun 12, 2021
- Entertaining Elliot, Oli and family move into their new house, Bolton Abby, getting out of Nicaragua and Costa Rica, Suzy is home and other storiesJun 05, 2021
May
- A day to reflect, Sally's note, Belarus hijacks Ryanair flight to arrest journalist, "The Last Days", my eDreams nightmare is over, precious time with Elliot and other stories.May 30, 2021
- Last days in Asturias, discovering new beaches, thousands of migrants cross from Morocco into Spain, "Indiano houses", home again, The BBC in trouble over Diana interview, Suzy gave us a scare, Oli's birthday, the 50th anniversary of the death of Aunty Gloria and her family and other stories.May 22, 2021
- My tribute to Aunty Gloria, Uncle Derek and my cousins Jacqueline, Michael and Antony who died tragically in an air crash 50 years ago today.May 22, 2021
- Spaniards party as lockdown ends, Prince Michael of Kent accused of selling access to Putin, my potato salad, off to Asturias, stop in Alar del Rey, time in El Cuetu, a nightmare with eDreams, a sunny day, remembering George and other stories.May 16, 2021
- 2nd May celebrations, 9th May the end of the state of alarm in Spain, conservatives win snap elections in Madrid, my father gave us a shock, dinner on the street, our first barbecue of the year and other stories.May 09, 2021
- Love Story revisited, Rafa Nadal does it again, "sofagate", Suzy's birthday, a parcel from England, Eladio gets his 2nd Covid jab, my father, Charles Courtenay Lloyd, turns 102 and other tales of the week.May 02, 2021
April
- Last days in Montrondo, goats in Murias, RIP Valya, home again, Janssen vaccine go ahead, George Floyd murderer guilty, The Queen turns 95, flowers for our garden, the "Ñ" letter in Spanish and other stories.Apr 25, 2021
- Covid deaths pass 3.000.000, to Montrondo, stop at Rueda, Janssen vaccine halted, an emotional reunion with Eladio's mother, quiet time in the village, Prince Philip laid to rest and other stories.Apr 18, 2021
- Easter day at home, AstraZeneca vaccine - EMA finds possible link to blood clots, my father gets his second jab and Eladio gets his first, HRH Prince Philip the Duke of Edinburgh dies aged 99, Rachael Blackmore the real live National Velvet and other stories.Apr 11, 2021
- Palm Sunday, Suez Canal reopens, Torimbia beach in Asturias, Juliet is coming, a funeral, the Ickenham connection, I got my first anti Covid jab and other stories.Apr 04, 2021
March
- 40 years in Spain, more conflicting news on the AstraZeneca vaccine, "coffee time", "Doric", Scotland's 4th language, remembering Cathy from St. Joseph's College, lunch out with friends in El Pardo, musical discoveries, a visit to the hospital with my father, dinner at "Oli's", "habemus domum", the clocks go forward and other stories.Mar 28, 2021
- The vigil for Sarah Everard that went wrong, Mothering Sunday, thank you Geraldine, homemade hot cross buns, Astrazeneca vaccine possible links to blood clots, Elliot turns 18 months, European tree of the year is Spanish, Father's Day at home and other stories.Mar 21, 2021
- Anniversary of Spain's first lock down, Spring is in the air, International Women's Day, the Meghan and Harry interview, The Queen responds, a new anti Covid vaccine, photos of the girls from the past, to the hospital and back with my father, reading with Elliot and other stories.Mar 13, 2021
- Home made paglia e fieno, farewell Elsa, my father gets his first anti Covid jab but gives us a fright, a right royal battle at Buckingham Palace, the Pope visits Iraq, Elliot came to stay and other stories.Mar 07, 2021
February
- To the police station for my new residency card, end in sight for the UK, 40 years since Spanish Coup d'etat, great news for the family, vaccine roll out is slow in Spain, farewell Captain Tom and other stories.Feb 28, 2021
- St. Valentine's Day, Catalan elections, caring for Elsa, the gardeners came, Olivia's beginnings in TV, reunited with Keka, Mars Landing, Elliot came to stay and other stories.Feb 21, 2021
- My birthday, "When I'm 64", Elliot and The Very Hungry Caterpillar, a voice over job at the UNED University, tougher rules for travellers to the UK, remembering my brother George and other tales of the week.Feb 14, 2021
- RIP Captain Sir Tom Moore, 600.000 vaccinated in one day in the UK, 4 years since I left Yoigo, Groundhog day and Candlemas, a photo from my past, Elsa our Labrador operated, Sound of Music Christopher Plummer dies and other tales of the week.Feb 07, 2021
January
- First Whatsapp photo from Elliot, picaresque behaviour in Spain, The Hague Apostille, vaccine delivery row in the EU, Olivia in blue, our weekly treat, Sutton Hoo burial site in Surrey and other stories.Jan 31, 2021
- A walk in the snow, looking after Elliot, Covid on the rise in Spain, Storm Hortensia brought the rain, the power nap, an explosion in Madrid, Biden sworn in as President in an emotional inauguration ceremony, meet Amanda Gorman, Bernie Sanders' mittens and other tales of the week.Jan 24, 2021
- After the historic snowfall in Madrid, remembering Michael, snowbound, an adventure to get food, a question about Felix Yusupov, Trump to be impeached, odyssey to Madrid to get a vital piece of paperwork for Spanish nationality, 2 million deaths from Covid and other stories.Jan 16, 2021
- Slow start to the vaccine programme, my grandmother's cookery books, England goes into full lockdown, Airbnb superhost again, Kings' Day, Trump supporters storm The Capitol, The House of Fabergé , biggest snowfall in Madrid in 50 years and other stories.Jan 09, 2021
- First vaccines administered in Spain, beware of the next pandemic, Brexit comes into force, the best Brownie ever, good riddance 2020, hello 2021, our New Year's Eve dinner and other stories.Jan 03, 2021
202052 posts
December
- UK isolated from Europe, to the police station with my father, squatters leave, last minute Brexit deal struck, Covid Christmas, The Queen's speech and other stories.Dec 26, 2020
- Our own Christmas wonderland, a deal or not a deal, steeped in paperwork for Spanish nationality and new residency card, squatters in Valencia, Christmas cancelled in the UK and other storiesDec 20, 2020
- Covid "V Day" in the UK, Christmas shopping with Olivia, appointment at the Ministry of Justice and a trip into the city, Elsa our labrador unwell, no deal looming for Brexit and other stories.Dec 12, 2020
- Winston Churchill - his quotes and Covid - UK issues emergency approval of Pfizer vaccine, The Emperor's new clothes, Pippa turns 6, Remembering Fátima, out and about with Elliot and other tales of the week.Dec 06, 2020
November
- Covid even changes our vocabulary, the non profit Oxford vaccine , precious time with Elliot, Trump grudgingly agrees to transition, football legend Maradona dies aged 60, family dinner and other stories.Nov 29, 2020
- Reunited with The Crown, flu jab and a brush with Covid, another new vaccine, a new cold, binge watching Call the Midwife, the luxury of coffee with friends in this "new normal" life and other stories.Nov 22, 2020
- The week after the results of the US elections, Norilsk not a city to visit, a vaccine "that works" on the horizon, Elliot came for lunch, Armistice Day, RIP baby Joseph, Yorkshire Ripper dies, goodbye Dominic Cummings, dinner at Oli's and other tales of the week.Nov 15, 2020
- Last few days in Asturias, The enchanted path (El Camín Encantau) again, more areas to go into lockdown in Spain, terror attack in Vienna, the US Elections, walk from El Cuetu to Meré and back, Playa de Torimbia, Purón riverside walk, leaving Asturias, home again, Biden wins - bye bye Trump, Suzy in Costa Rica and other stories.Nov 08, 2020
- State of alarm and national curfew in Spain, family time in Asturias, Cangas de Onis, "Camin Encantau", cider pump "Isidrin", my moment with goats, Póo beach, Suzy leaves El Cueto and flew to Costa Rica on Friday, Lakes of Covadonga, Ribadasella and other stories.Nov 01, 2020
October
- A family walk and a family photo, the world reaches 40 million Covid cases, Enid Blyton, some retail therapy, Pope supports same sex civil unions, off to Asturias, the clocks go back and other stories.Oct 24, 2020
- Coronavirus on the rise in Europe, sleeping dogs, Nadal equals Federer, Elliot comes to stay, Spain's national day, we caught a cold, a bit of fun with the girls and other stories.Oct 17, 2020
- State of Emergency in Madrid, The Social Dilemma, back in Santa Pola in search of sun, the parrot woman, Elliot's first steps, market day, a new lift, "Plaza de los Luceros" Alicante and home again.Oct 10, 2020
- Swimming pool cover goes on, reunited with Mariano, Miguel Angel and Mar, the price of a haircut, remembering my mother, Donald Trump and the First Lady test positive for coronavirus, Madrid in semi lockdown, Julio came for dinner, reunited with Elliot who can now walk and other stories.Oct 04, 2020
September
- Last week in Asturias, visit to the "Bufones de Pría", my first booking for "Casa del Cueto", second wave of coronavirus, Suzy in Menorca, Eladio's birthday, exploring more beaches, home again and a birthday lunch for Elliot and his grandfather,Sep 27, 2020
- To Asturias to settle into our new house, signing the deeds, Elliot turns 1 year old, exploring the area, Madrid in semi lock down and other stories.Sep 19, 2020
- Oli's debut with TVE's new programme La Hora de la 1, exams, new Airbnb guests, Elliot starts nursery, remembering Fátima, massage for two at Templo de Masajes and other stories.Sep 13, 2020
- Massage parlour at our house, to Santa Pola, Olivia and her new programme, La Hora de la 1, enjoying our first bathe in the sea, walk to the lighthouse cliffs, market day, home again, reunited with the family and other stories.Sep 06, 2020
August
- Leaving Portugal, a picnic by the River Erja, home again, picking more blackberries, family dinner, top countries my blog readers are from, Phoebe our cat turns 13, Elliot on holiday in Montrondo, Eladio my gardener, photos from his past and other stories.Aug 29, 2020
- Coronavirus on the rise in Spain, Elliot turns 11 months old, grandparent duty again, a trip down memory lane to Nazaré Portugal to celebrate our 37th wedding anniversary, Batalha, Alcobaça - meet Joâo Paulo Ferreira -and Obidos, Sitio, time on the beach, Obidos revisted and other stories.Aug 22, 2020
- The rain came, family dinner at Elliot's, picking blackberries from the garden, my father fell and went to hospital, home again, Friday night out, the girls reunited with Copito, Corona virus spikes and other stories.Aug 15, 2020
- Goodbye Montrondo, home again and reunited with the family, contracts exchanged on the house, grandparent duty, former King Juan Carlos 1 of Spain flees the country amid financial scandal, Casa del Cueto now available on Airbnb, 75th anniversary of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atom bomb attacks, a celebration dinner and other stories.Aug 08, 2020
- Sunny days in Montrondo, Coronavirus cases on the increase, record number of twins in the village, Suzy had to leave, 37 years ago we were officially married, found our house in Asturias and other stories.Aug 01, 2020
July
- House hunting in Asturias, Elsa has a broken leg, family dinner, cooking with Eva, to Montrondo with Suzy, coronavirus news is bleak and other stories.Jul 25, 2020
- Last day in Cudillero; a beach for dogs, Salinas and Cape Vidio. To El Choco cottage near Llanes, St. Peter's coastal walk, Olivia back in front of the camera on TVE, Ribadasella, Cangas de Onis, Covadonga, Potes, Fuente Dé, the end of our holidays in Asturias and home again. Elliot turns 10 months old and other stories.Jul 18, 2020
- Summer days in Montrondo, TV report at our house for Swimmy, Elliot goes to the beach, off to Cudillero, Asturias (Patria Querida); staying at La Casona de la Paca, a coastal walk and visit to the beach of silence as well as other stories.Jul 11, 2020
- Last day in Santa Pola, home again, reunited with Suzy, welcome to Swimmy - the Airbnb for private swimming pools - planting fruit and veg with the family, Airbnb superhost for the 12th time, to Montrondo, and other tales of the week.Jul 04, 2020
June
- End of lockdown, operation beehive, off to Santa Pola, our sea view apartment listed on Airbnb, Elliot on TV and reunited with Suzy, the Brits flock to the beaches ignoring the virus and other tales of the week.Jun 27, 2020
- Week 14, final week of lockdown in Spain, the end of State of Alarm, grandparent duty, Elliot turns 9 months old, lunch out with friends, goodbye Vera Lynn, Campaign "Spain for sure", the apiarist and other stories.Jun 21, 2020
- Week 13 of lockdown in Spain, week 1 of Phase 2 in Madrid, flowers for my mother's grave on her 100th birthday, planning a short holiday in Asturias, Sister Ana's prayer, Samsung photo shoot at our house, a hoglet in the garden, dinner at El Tuareg, memorial statues in danger during anti racist demonstrations and other stories.Jun 14, 2020
- Week 12 of coronavirus lockdown in Spain, week 2 of Phase 1 in Madrid, grandparent duty, Black lives matter, dinners on our kitchen patio, My father and The Times, to the shops with Oli and Elliot, remembering my mother and other storiesJun 07, 2020
May
- Week 11 of coronavirus lockdown in Spain, week 1 of Phase 1 in Madrid, Elliiot has his own little boat, celebrating Phase 1 with dinners out, the terrible killing of George Floyd, our first Airbnb guests since lockdown and other stories.May 31, 2020
- Week 10 of coronavirus lockdown in Spain, Elliot masters crawling, weekend barbecue, grandparent duty, Elliot's first time in the pool, face masks now obligatory in Spain, Oli's birthday, good news: Madrid to move to next phase of lockdown lifting, Fuenquesada olive oil and other storiesMay 23, 2020
- Week 9 of coronavirus lockdown in Spain, "Fauda", shopping online, RIP Ulpiano, 5% of the Spanish population have had coronavirus, remembering my brother George, roses from our garden, Elliot turns 8 months old and other tales of the week.May 17, 2020
- Week 8 of coronavirus lockdown in Spain, we opened the swimming pool, finally to the hairdresser, discovering new walks, tree fell and cut the telephone line, 75th anniversary of VE day and other tales.May 10, 2020
- Week 7 of coronavirus lockdown, first day out for children in Spain, our "secret garden", Happy Birthday Suzy, Spain announces slow and staggered lifting of lockdown measures, a play pen for Elliot, my father turns 101 and other stories.May 03, 2020
April
- Week 6 of coronavirus lockdown, Anne of Green Gables, Spanish government back tracks and finally lets children out, The Queen's 94th birthday, World Book Day, flowers from the garden and other stories.Apr 26, 2020
- Week 5 of coronavirus lockdown, Boris Johnson leaves hospital thanking the NHS and "foreign nurses" and is recovering in luxury at Chequers, Easter Sunday in confinement, get better Brian, Andrea Bocelli sings to the world, Oli back to work (at home), meet Captain Tom Moore, the 99 year old British veteran walking to raise funds for the NHS, Elliot turns 7 months old, my first face mask TV interview, Happy Russian Easter and other tales of the week.Apr 19, 2020
- Week 4 of coronavirus lockdown, Boris Johnson in hospital with the virus, the Queen addresses the nation, Oli and family join us, Miguel's birthday, family time in the garden, Easter week in confinement and other stories.Apr 12, 2020
- Coronavirus, 3rd week of lockdown, the first things I want to do when this is all over, photos from the past challenge, cooking, reading and watching films in confinement, Olivia Fátima is born and other stories.Apr 05, 2020
March
- Coronavirus, 2nd week of confinement, sticking to a routine, keeping in touch with friends and family virtually, UK finally goes into lockdown, shopping during the crisis, when I was 24, Prince Charles and Boris Johnson both test positive, discovering music with 8d technology, the clocks go forward and other storiesMar 29, 2020
- We are in this for the long haul so let's fight it together. Our brave new world of coronavirus, lockdown, figures soar, borders close, empty streets and empty shelves, Clara Ponsati's hate tweet on death in Madrid, snow in Montrondo, Elliot turns 6 months old, Suzy leaves for London, home again, schools close down in the UK, walks in our garden, how a positive attitude will help us get through this and other stories.Mar 22, 2020
- How the coronavirus is changing our lives, flowers for the garden, British hymns, home made hot cross buns, RIP Fran, Boris Johnson's "herd immunity strategy", to Montrondo and other stories.Mar 15, 2020
- Elliot gets a high chair and tries chocolate for the first time, Coranavirus continues to spread and disrupt our lives, the perfect cup of frothy coffee, lunch with Julio, computer crash, International Women's day and other stories.Mar 07, 2020
- A walk in the mountains, Elliot tries food for the first time, Coronavirus panic, Plácido Domingo admits "inappropriate behaviour" to women, last days in Montrondo, home again, dinner at "El Tuareg" and other stories.Mar 01, 2020
February
- Elliot turns 5 months, Pippa's 5th anniversary, remembering Ramón Sampedro, UK closes door to non English speakers and unskilled workers, to the cinema to see 1917, off to Montrondo, day out in Villablino and Robles, the girls and Elliot in Santa Pola and other stories.Feb 22, 2020
- A poisoned birthday present: sciatica, the Oscar goes to Parasite, "One woman's story", Storm Ciara batters UK, Elliot goes shopping, Mobile World Congress cancelled by fear of Coronavirus, what is love? St. Valentine's dinner and other stories.Feb 11, 2020
- Our winter break in Santa Pola, Aunty Alika and Aunty Mary, Air Canada emergency landing in Madrid, a visit to Biar, home again, death of doctor who warned about Coranavirus, my birthday and other stories.Feb 08, 2020
January
- Green eyes rarest in the world, more revelations from my mother's past, RIP Kobe Bryant, 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, lunch with 3 sisters, EU bids Britain goodbye, Coronavirus declared international emergency, Brexit happened, off to Santa Pola and other stories.Jan 28, 2020
- January blues, unraveling my mother's past, connections to the Romanovs, the Yusupovs, the Ribeaupierres and the Stachoviches, Storm Gloria, Olivia on stage, 100th birthday plaque from the town hall for my father and other stories.Jan 25, 2020
- Cousinade in January in La Teillée, visit to the market in Poitiers, feeding the horses, Queen gives go ahead to new role for Harry and Meghan - no longer to use HRH titles - photos of my Russian roots, home again, Elliot turns 4 months, and other stories.Jan 19, 2020
- Last day in Montrondo, home again, in search of a "roscón", Kings' day, out and about in Madrid, the wrong restaurant, Sandra leaves, a royal bombshell, off to France and other stories.Jan 11, 2020
- Julio visited us for tea, Sandra came to stay, red knickers, our New Year's Eve party, off to Montrondo, the Pope gets angry, "the owl and the pussy-cat", a day in León and home againJan 04, 2020
201952 posts
December
- Family time, lots of preparations, fake lottery win from Spanish reporter, our first Christmas with Elliot, The Queen's Christmas broadcast, an unexpected parcel from England and other stories.Dec 28, 2019
- Suzy is home, my two best presents arrived early, Elliot turns 3 months, El Clásico riots, Trump impeached, family dinner and a very Happy Christmas to you all.Dec 22, 2019
- Fátima forever in my heart, an all woman Finnish government, GretaThunberg, Time's Person of the Year and the forces behind her, Conservative landslide win in the UK elections, Fátima's funeral, Suzy coming home and other stories.Dec 14, 2019
- Farewell Fátima, Christmas came to our house, my best present ever , to Montrondo with Elliot, tribute to my best friend.Dec 07, 2019
- Copi met Elliot, Spain wins its 6th Davis Cup, violence against women, shopping with the Yuca app, Nokia dinner in honour of Fátima, Christmas shopping in Madrid and other stories.Dec 01, 2019
November
- A humiliated prince, Elliot here for the week, Season 3 of The Crown (spoilers), to the cinema, Friday night dinner at Tuareg, mother and baby school reunion and other stories.Nov 23, 2019
- Remembrance Day, voting on Sunday, fragmented results in the Spanish elections and a pact with the devil, Elliot came to stay, Bradford, UK's most improved city, a special Motorola dinner for Fátima and other stories.Nov 16, 2019
- Home again, reunited with Elliot, TV debate with all male Spanish election candidates, a special lunch with Fátima and Julio, 30th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and other stories.Nov 09, 2019
- In Montrondo with Kathy and Phil, Oli in Valencia, day trip to León, a hike in the mountains, Elliot goes to the beach, other adventures and home again.Nov 03, 2019
October
- Last few days with Suzy, abuse in the work place, Elliot and his great grandfather hold hands, Franco's remains exhumed, to Montrondo with Phil and Kathy, a day in Oviedo and other stories.Oct 27, 2019
- Home again, reunited with Elliot and how our grandson has changed our lives, Fátima meets Elliot, violence and hooliganism in Barcelona after Catalan separatists sentenced, the new EU deal for Brexit, Moroccan pastilla and other stories.Oct 19, 2019
- Santa Pola for a late summer break, swimming in the sea in October and why I love Spain, time with Suzy, Elliot grows, Quo Vadis Boris Johnson and other stories.Oct 12, 2019
- Sunday with little Elliot, lunch with Belén and Mónica, 20 years since my mother died, grandfather and grandson and other stories.Oct 05, 2019
September
- My father meets his great grandson, Eladio's birthday, lunch with Sophie, Democracy restored in the UK, The end of Thomas Cook, an angry Greta Thunberg, Norah is ill, more about Elliot and other stories.Sep 29, 2019
- A new member of the family. All about Elliot. Nearly everything else pales in comparison.Sep 21, 2019
- Sunday with friends and family, Nadal the king of Flushing Meadows, publishing contract signed, Fátima came to visit, waiting for Elliot and other stories.Sep 14, 2019
- 80th anniversary of WW2 and my parents role in the war, Boris Johnson defeated in the House of Commons, my new toy and other stories.Sep 07, 2019
August
- To Montrondo for a few days, Boris Johnson suspends Parliament, honey from a quaint house, home again, Gordon the guinea pig; Elliot's first friend, family dinner and other stories.Aug 31, 2019
- Home alone! exciting news about my book, 36 years together, our anniversary dinner, Elliot is coming and other stories.Aug 24, 2019
- The last day in Île de Ré, "Nokia reuniting colleagues" the end of the Cousinade, home to La Teillée, RIP Bruce and our road trip back to Madrid, EU no longer on UK passports, lady in red and other stories.Aug 17, 2019
- Road trip to France with Suzy, time in La Teillée, our Kiwi family came, kayaking in Vivonne, cycling with my cousins and this year’s cousinade in Île de Ré.Aug 11, 2019
- The end of our stay in Montrondo, Pippa meets her lookalike, home again, a nasty surprise: my father's bank account blocked by Bankia and all that that implied, mother and daughter in the same dress, "reisefieber" and other stories.Aug 03, 2019
July
- Our holiday in Montrondo, more emails from my father's past pupils, God save England from Boris Johnson,the girls came, a wet Santa Marta fiesta, Colombia to win the Tour de France and other stories.Jul 28, 2019
- Plums from our garden, hacked, home alone, a surprise email from Holland, friends will be friends, 50 years since the first moon landing, off to Montrondo to escape the heat and other storiesJul 20, 2019
- A quiet and hot week, the girls are back, chilling in the garden, "The last Czars" and our connection with Felix Yusupov and other stories.Jul 13, 2019
- Visit to Howth, last day in Dublin, home again and too hot for words, a party in Madrid, biography of my father now available on Amazon Kindle and other stories.Jul 06, 2019
June
- Goodbye The Cotswolds, a stop in Shrewsbury, to Anglesey to find my grandfather's roots: Llanfairairpwl, Llandegfan, Beaumaris, the Menai Strait, South Stack lighthouse, Holyhead with Barry, Treaddur bay, Church Bay, a last night dinner in Anglesey and off to Dublin.Jun 29, 2019
- Journey to my roots: an emotional day in Sledmere, visit to 6 Heaton Grove and Bradford Grammar School. Return to Nottingham University. The Cotswolds, Clifton College, Henbury, joined by Andy and Amanda, Uphill and Weston-super-mare, Castle Combe, and Bath.Jun 21, 2019
- Rafa the King of Paris, to Yorkshire for the first stage of our summer holiday, day in the Dales, school reunion dinner and other stories.Jun 15, 2019
- The perfect Yorkshire pudding, Christopher Robin, lunch with Julio and Fátima, 75th anniversary of the D-Day landings, remembering my mother and other stories.Jun 08, 2019
- Voting with my father, housewarming party, Suzy in London, Oli in Mallorca, letter from the Royal Navy, Victoria and Abdul, Tobermory and other storiesJun 01, 2019
May
- Time in Valencia with the girls, 'Racy Lady' rose, a queue to climb Mount Everest, Sledmere, Theresa May resigns, Oli and Miguel in Mallorca, and other stories.May 25, 2019
- To Montrondo to enjoy country life, remembering George, home again, Suzy the teacher, celebrating Oli's birthday and other stories.May 18, 2019
- After the 100th birthday celebrations came the calm, Olivia reporting from Alcoy, Altea and Barcelona, it's a boy and he's called Archie, time with Suzy and with the family, RIP Alfredo Pérez Rubalcaba and other stories.May 11, 2019
- Charles Courtenay Lloyd. Celebrating his 100th birthday; a formidable linguist and Royal Navy WW2 hero who helped liberate Norway, a spy and a spymaster who married a Russian princess and an inspirational teacher to generations of Yorkshire boys. All other stories of the week pale in comparison.May 04, 2019
April
- Easter Day, bombings in Sri Lanka, photos from my mother's past, World Book Day, a debate without women, Clifton College Bristol to honour my father's centenary, the pool opens for the summer, Happy birthday Suzy and other stories.Apr 28, 2019
- Easter week, Notre Dame on fire, the book cover, outing into the city and other stories.Apr 20, 2019
- Hot cross buns, a visit from Selwyn College Cambridge, it's a boy, a big day for astrophysics, a breather for Brexit and other stories.Apr 13, 2019
- Jennifer found, my grandfather's WWI records, the manuscript is finished, "About this book", tribute to my father from Bradford Grammar School and other stories.Apr 06, 2019
March
- The clocks go forward today, St. David's College Lampeter, Ruskington, my father's WW2 R.N. service records, Brexit day came and went, wonderful news I am finally allowed to share and other stories.Mar 31, 2019
- Fathers' Day, Owen Noel Lloyd's grave found, the mystery of Aunty Emily's mother solved, more on Uncle David's "White Elephant" medals, Olivia 30 years ago and today, Eladio painting the walls in the garden and other storiesMar 23, 2019
- Last day in Brussels, the Scottish connection to my father's family, home again, my second masterclass, meet Emily Collins MBE, Olivia reporting on the River Tagus and other stories.Mar 17, 2019
- The mystery of Owen Noel Lloyd unraveled, time in Brussels with Sandra and Adele, visiting Puigdemont's house and Waterloo, International Women's day, chocolate tasting and other stories.Mar 09, 2019
- Time in Santa Pola, Spain healthiest country in the world, visit to Villajoyosa, the city of joy, and Finestrat and home again.Mar 02, 2019
February
- University master class, the family tree grows, discoveries of more ancestors, the mystery of Owen Noel Lloyd, to Santa Pola for a break and other stories.Feb 23, 2019
- My first book, Suzy singing again, George's birthday, Uncle David's white elephant medals, St, Valentines and other stories.Feb 16, 2019
- Long lost letters from my brother George, more photos from the past, shopping spree, Orbaneja del Castillo, a press conference, my birthday and other tales of the week.Feb 09, 2019
- Montrondo in January, finally some snow, polar vortex in the USA, home again, stories and photos of my Father's life, and other tales.Feb 02, 2019
January
- RIP Julen, taxi driver strikes bring Madrid and Barcelona to a halt, Juan Gil wine from Jumilla, another chance meeting, a visit to the city, off to Montrondo and other stories.Jan 26, 2019
- Fight to rescue boy in a well, preparations for my Father's 100th birthday, Brexit D Day, my 10 year photo challenge, my top 10 films and other stories.Jan 19, 2019
- Kings' Day, С Рождество́м, the end of Christmas and back to normal, some retail therapy in the sales, dinner at "the club", freedom for Rahah al-Qunun and other stories.Jan 12, 2019
- Oli returns to TVE, New Year's Eve, RIP Gloria, bumping into old friends, Kings' Night and other storiesJan 05, 2019
201852 posts
December
- Mary Poppins Returns, our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, Boxing day farewell dinner, Suzy left for Bali and other storiesDec 30, 2018
- To Valencia with the girls, paella and orange trees, Lobster goes live, Merry Christmas to you all, home again, drones at Gatwick, presentation of Mariano Guindal's memoirs, naughty Norah and other stories.Dec 22, 2018
- Oli in Switzerland, Suzy home from Bali and Christmas came, a special choir concert, all together again and other stories.Dec 15, 2018
- A shift from left to right in Andalusia, my tribute to Paul Sherwen, Pippa turns 4, George Bush Senior laid to rest, visit to the Madrid Christmas market, revolution in France and other storiesDec 08, 2018
- Queueing in Spain, a smile from Bali, Mariano's memoirs, Christmas cracker shopping and traffic in Madrid, a letter from Bradford Grammar School, a choir rehearsal at St. Michael's and other stories.Dec 02, 2018
November
- To the cinema, Mr Wong and Mr Wang arrived late, Hello Lobster, a choir rehearsal, the Gibraltar obstacle in the Brexit agreement and other stories.Nov 25, 2018
- No British leaders in Paris for Armistice Day, Oli in Austria and home again, terrible fires in California, Nokia girl lunch, mother and daughter retail therapy and other storiesNov 17, 2018
- A Zonkey is born, the bank always wins, with love from Indonesia, Oli's programme on New Mexico, Oli in Austria, 100 years since Armistice Day and other stories.Nov 11, 2018
- Autumn break in Santa Pola, air crash in Indonesia, Real Madrid manager sacked, picking dates, visiting Alicante, a trip down memory lane to Altea and other stories.Nov 04, 2018
October
- Flash floods in Malaga, dinner at Oli's, off to Santa Pola, the clocks go back and other tales of the week.Oct 28, 2018
- Olivia home from the USA, Spain to top world life expectancy, Mariano Guindal receives prestigious press award, what happened to Jamal Khashoggi? Chocolate from Norway, the people marched in London and other stories.Oct 20, 2018
- Oli in New Mexico, surprise flowers on my mother's grave, Airbnb guests from all over the world, the house of love, lunch with three sisters, death and destruction in Majorca and other stories.Oct 13, 2018
- Norah unwell, remembering my Mother, RIP Charles Aznavour, a press prize invitation, Oli to New Mexico, Adios Montserrat Caballé and other stories.Oct 06, 2018
September
- The birthday boy, my French expressions of the week, the difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims, Motorola turns 90, lunch with Julio and Fátima, dinner at Oli's and other stories of the week.Sep 29, 2018
- Oli and Miguel in Agua Amarga, Marathon man, Suzy on Mount Agung, RIP Celia, time with my best friend Fátima, the sound of discord in Salzburg and other stories.Sep 22, 2018
- A visit to the local market, Catalonia's national day, 7 nationalities in our house this week, La Roja is back, a girly outing, Naughty Norah and other stories.Sep 15, 2018
- An Israeli judge for tea, my Russian guests from Lithuania, relearning French, Suzy starts her teaching job, good news from India, Rania from Lebanon and other stories.Sep 08, 2018
- Afternoon in Alicante, Oli joined us, sick, last days in Santa Pola, home again and other stories.Sep 01, 2018
August
- Goodbye to our French Airbnb family, off to Santa Pola, our 35th wedding anniversary, Kathy and Phil came to stay, celebration dinner at La Finca restaurant in Elche, stories of our holiday and other tales of the week.Aug 25, 2018
- The end of our stay in Montrondo, home again, tragedy in Genoa, summer dinners, our French Airbnb guests and other stories.Aug 18, 2018
- Earthquake in Indonesia, escape from the heatwave, off to Montrondo, Katty visits Suzy in Bali, a day trip to Oviedo and other stories.Aug 11, 2018
- A Welshman wins the Tour de France, baching it with Olivia, picking plums again, Eladio home at long last, goodbye Brody, heatwave and other stories of the week.Aug 04, 2018
July
- Baching it alone, a new eye operation, time with my best friend Fátima, Oli in Galicia, James Rhodes and Albert Einstein and other tales of the week.Jul 28, 2018
- The World Cup goes to France, Trump meets Putin in Helsinki, a hundred years since the Tsar was killed, enjoying our Mediterranean garden, “baching” it with Olivia and other stories.Jul 22, 2018
- The end of the “Cousinade” in France, goodbye my "Kiwi family", back to Spain, The World Cup is not coming home, Trump visits the UK and other stories.Jul 14, 2018
- The World Cup heats up, an insight into Saudi Arabia from my Airbnb guests, off to France, our annual cousin reunion and other stories.Jul 07, 2018
June
- Olivia in Florida, Suzy continues her adventures in Bali, our time in Santa Pola, the World Cup continues to surprise, home again and other stories.Jun 30, 2018
- The Aquarius migrant boat arrives in Spain, Oli in Florida, Suzy in Bali, World Cup brings surprises, summer solstice dinner with friends, off to Santa Pola and other stories.Jun 24, 2018
- A 60th birthday in Lombardy, Nadal makes history in Paris, leaving Italy in style, Trump-Kim summit in Singapore, home again, the Aquarius refugee boat to come to Spain, the World Cup takes off and other stories.Jun 16, 2018
- Women outnumber men in Spain’s new government, a farewell dinner, Suzy left for Bali, off to Italy and other stories.Jun 09, 2018
- Airbnb guests from all over the world, Spiderman hero in Paris, raining cats and dogs, my royal mug collection, celebration dinner, new Prime Minister for Spain and other stories.Jun 03, 2018
May
- Suzy left London, Oli’s birthday and all the family together again, Suzy on TV, we are the champions and other stories.May 27, 2018
- The end of our stay in Montrondo, Oli continues her travels in Croatia, a puppet chief for Catalonia, US Embassy move to Jerusalem provokes massacre, RIP George, the royal wedding and other stories.May 20, 2018
- A relaxing Sunday, trying out Signal, a quiet time in Montrondo, Oli in Croatia, 100th birthday party and other stories of the week.May 13, 2018
- The end of Suzy’s stay, my Father turned 99, encounter with a wild boar, Madrid capital of European football, the end of ETA, Nokia girl lunch, a barbecue made by our Argentinian guests and other stories.May 05, 2018
April
- Uncovering the pool and getting the garden ready for the summer, scandal in the Madrid government, San Fermin wolf pack sentence causes uproar in Spain, Suzy came for her birthday as well as other tales of the week.Apr 28, 2018
- The end of our stay in Santa Pola and home again, Oli back from Germany, the Windrush scandal, getting ready for the summer, flowers for the garden and other tales of the week.Apr 22, 2018
- Oliva in Bavaria, her programme on Monterrey, Airbnb Super host again, off to Santa Pola, US attack on Syria and many other stories of the week.Apr 15, 2018
- Back from Santa Pola, Queen Sofia and Queen Letizia a controversial video, goodbye to glasses, elephants on the loose in Spain, event in Toledo and other stories.Apr 08, 2018
March
- Puigdemont in prison in Germany, to the seaside for Easter, exploring the island of Tarbarca, Murcia, Alicante, Elche and Calpe, the Russian church in Altea and other stories.Mar 31, 2018
- Father’s Day in Spain, the Auschwitz exhibition, a new phone, my eye operation and other stories.Mar 24, 2018
- To Santa Pola for the week, RIP Gabriel, the new cold war, walks on the beach and to the lighthouse, RIP Stephen Hawking, home again and other stories.Mar 18, 2018
- The Oscars and my film of the week, death in London, Oli in Mexico, living without central heating and hot water, international women’s day and other stories.Mar 10, 2018
- Beast from the East meets Storm Emma, this year's MWC which I didn't attend, Oli in the sun in Mexico, Suzy in the snow in London, rain in Madrid and other stories.Mar 03, 2018
February
- The story of a ring, clothes shopping, press conference in Toledo, an eye test and other tales of the week.Feb 24, 2018
- George’s birthday, St Valentines dinner, Airbnb guests from South Africa and Taiwan and other stories.Feb 17, 2018
- Snow in Madrid! To Pamplona for a press conference, my birthday and other stories.Feb 10, 2018
- Filming in Manchester for Spanish TV, the end of our trip to the UK, Oli visits the BBC, home again to sun in Spain, another tribute to my Father, Charles Courtenay Lloyd, the mysterious poem on my mother's grave and other stories.Feb 03, 2018
January
- A week in January in West Yorkshire, learning new English words and expressions and a weekend with the girls in Manchester and other storiesJan 27, 2018
- An unexpected trip to England, Oli stunning MC at an awards dinner, my first Adamo press conference in Madrid and off to Yorkshire for the week.Jan 20, 2018
- The end of Christmas, a week of breakdowns, Manchester is not in Lancashire, a surprise birthday dinner for Fátima and other stories.Jan 14, 2018
- New Year’s Eve at home, first walk of the year, more Christmas dinners, the celebration of the 3 Kings in Spain and other stories.Jan 07, 2018
201751 posts
December
- Family Christmas, bronchitis, Suzy back in London, a look back at 2017 and a Happy 2018 to all my readers.Dec 30, 2017
- Sunday morning in the centre of Madrid, Oli continuing her adventures in France, Suzy home for Christmas, annual seasonal dinner, Catalan elections and other stories.Dec 23, 2017
- Home from Montrondo, team lunch with Ketchum, a sweet table, the Yoigo family Christmas party, Oli in Montpellier, more preparations for Christmas and other tales of the week.Dec 16, 2017
- A seasonal family lunch, Christmas shopping, Puigdemont stuck in Brussels, 100 years of Finnish independence, our ancestor Mikhail Stakhovich was Governor General of Finland, to Montrondo for the bank holiday and other stories.Dec 09, 2017
- Home from Montrondo, a new Kenwood, lunch with friends, a royal engagement, a sad trip to Valladolid, a visit to Simancas, Christmas came and other stories of the week.Dec 02, 2017
November
- To Montrondo for the week, sun in November, a missing submarine, International day against violence to women and other stories.Nov 25, 2017
- "I must have done something good", Skangenröra, goodbye swimming pool, discovering Primark, Oli; St. Petersburg and The Maldives, a day trip to Barcelona and other stories of the week.Nov 18, 2017
- The antics and adventures of Puigdemont in Brussels, to Segovia for a foodie winter break, visit to Pedraza, home again, Oli went to the Maldives and other stories.Nov 12, 2017
- Puigdemont’s circus arrives in Brussels, I was sexually harassed too, a cake for Lucy, All Saints’ Day with Oli, RIP Aitor and other tales of the week.Nov 05, 2017
October
- The end of Suzy’s time with us, lots of cooking, a goodbye family dinner, more Airbnb hosting, a rushed PR job, the pantomime declaration of independence followed by the stripping of regional power in Catalonia, the clocks go back and other stories of the week.Oct 29, 2017
- Back from Montrondo, Galicia on fire, Olivia returns from St. Petersburg, girly time, Spanish government to take control of Catalonia and other stories of the week.Oct 22, 2017
- A trip to Montrondo with Suzy, crisis in Catalonia, Oli in St. Petersburg, the fair in Villablino and other stories.Oct 15, 2017
- My thoughts on the Catalonian referendum, leaving Santa Pola, a week at home with Suzy, dinner at Oli’s, keeping calm and carry on making bread and other stories.Oct 07, 2017
September
- My Chinese Airbnb guests, to Santa Pola for the week, a new look at our apartment, the four of us together at the weekend and other stories.Sep 30, 2017
- More bread making, an earthquake in Mexico, Suzy home from Bali, all together again, Eladio’s birthday and other stories of the week.Sep 24, 2017
- Hurricane Irma hits Cuba and Florida, Suzy in Bali, remembering Bletchley Park, the amateur bread maker, terror in London and other stories.Sep 17, 2017
- Suzy leaves Malaysia for Indonesia, Oli in Cyprus and me in France, Hurricane Irma, Nadal and Muguruza both number one in the world and other tales of the week.Sep 10, 2017
- Suzy on holiday in Malaysia, Hurricane Harvey hits Texas, remembering Diana the Princess of Wales, Oli in Cyprus and other tales of the week.Sep 03, 2017
August
- The cousin reunion, the end of my stay in France, Prince Felix Yusupov and how we are related to him, back to Madrid, our 37th wedding anniversary and dinner to celebrate, march against terrorism in Barcelona and other stories.Aug 27, 2017
- Back from Montrondo, a few days at home then off again, to France for a multicultural wedding and time with my Russian family, terror in Spain and more stories.Aug 19, 2017
- A week’s holiday in Montrondo with Olivia, cooking together, we climbed the 2.101 metre high Tambarón peak and other stories.Aug 05, 2017
July
- The end of our stay in Montrondo, home again to receive more Airbnb guests, Oli and Miguel home from Thailand, 34 years of marriage, off to Montrondo for the Santa Marta fiestas and other stories.Jul 30, 2017
- Wimbledon Champions Dinner, a Zara outfit fit for a Queen, snorkeling with a shark in Thailand, fire in our neighbourhood, to Montrondo and other stories.Jul 23, 2017
- My Yorkshire Airbnb guests, Oli and Miguel in Thailand, Spanish state visit to the UK, the hottest temperature ever recorded in Spain, Garbiñe Muguruza wins women’s singles at Wimbledon and other stories.Jul 16, 2017
- Wmbledon, a short week in Santa Pola, our place by the beach, Oli and Miguel in Thailand and Cambodia, Leopoldo López released from prison and other stories.Jul 09, 2017
- The end of our stay in Montrondo, fire in Doñana, home again, our first Chinese Airbnb guests, a sleep test, the girls in Ibiza and Formentera and other stories.Jul 02, 2017
June
- Hottest weather in 52 years, fire in our village, summer solstice, the Queen dresses down for the opening of parliament, to Montrondo for a long weekend and other stories.Jun 24, 2017
- Rafa Nadal the champion, Oli’s programme on Norway, a towering inferno in London, 60th birthday weekend and party and other stories.Jun 19, 2017
- Our first bad Airbnb guests,the Spanish skateboard hero, Pippa gave us a scare, a hung parliament in the UK and other stories.Jun 11, 2017
- Garden lights, Santander with Adamo, press trip and press conference, Oli at a wedding, We are the Champions, more terror in London and other stories.Jun 04, 2017
May
- Back from Hong Kong, terror in Manchester, Oli back from Norway, celebrating her birthday, trip to Barcelona and other stories.May 27, 2017
- A week in Hong Kong; work and pleasure: Victoria Peak, the Star Ferry, Soho, Lantau Island and the Big Buddha, Stanley Market, the Ladies Market, afternoon tea at the Peninsula hotel, harbour cruise, the symphony of lights and my experiences.May 21, 2017
- A new President for France, Yoigo's last summer party, Suzy home for a wedding, off to Hong Kong and other stories.May 15, 2017
- Last day in the Cotswolds, goodbye London, home again, The Duke of Edinburgh retires, TV cameras came to film the house and our Airbnb guests and other tales of the week.May 06, 2017
- French elections, to León for a funeral, trip to the UK for Suzy’s birthday and a girly extended weekend, discovering The Cotswolds with Suzy and Oli, my yellow rapeseed field moment and other stories.May 01, 2017
April
- Easter in Montrondo, home again, snap elections announced in the UK, the girls have new jobs, spring flowers and other stories.Apr 22, 2017
- Bloody Palm Sunday in Egypt, Spanish golf victory, Korean Airbnb guests, hosting Kathy and Phil, to Montrondo for Easter, US bombs ISIS in Afghanistan and other tales of the week.Apr 16, 2017
- War talk about Gibraltar, I joined the Mini club, Oli making a programme on “Urban Tribes”, a week of terror, dinner with Fátima and other stories.Apr 08, 2017
- Oli’s programme this week, the search for a new carer, a sad day for Britain and Europe, little red coat, goodby “Salud” and other stories.Apr 01, 2017
March
- A visit to the Retiro, a birthday lunch, surprise goodbye dinner for Fátima, Suzy’s phone snatched in the street in London, terror at Westminster, snow in spring in Madrid and other tales of the week.Mar 25, 2017
- Seven Sisters, Airbnb, Nutrition and Hydration day for Suzy, Salud leaving us, Oli with priests and nuns and other stories of the week.Mar 18, 2017
- Life is good, the Nokia spirit lives on, flowers for Olivia, lessons with Carmen, International Women’s Day, BBC interview "videobombed" and other stories.Mar 11, 2017
- Fiasco at the Oscars, a different experience at this year’s MWC, networking in Barcelona, Nokia stole the show, home again, "Husum", an emotional farewell Yoigo dinner and other stories.Mar 04, 2017
February
- The secret German church in Madrid, Oli goes skiing, Julio and Fátima for lunch, a last minute decision to go to the Mobile World Congress, "astronomical" news, Theodore Storm in German Gothic script and other tales of the week.Feb 25, 2017
- Philosophy lessons, birthday lunch with QuintaEsencia, Oli’s TV programme this week, rhizarthrosis here again, St. Valentine’s Day and other stories.Feb 18, 2017
- Lunch with the Nokia girls, to Barcelona for my first press conference as a freelance communications consultant, Oh my God I turned 60, I’m getting a Mini One Clubman, birthday celebrations with the family and other storiesFeb 12, 2017
- My new website and first new client, goodbye to my company car and Oli's first new car, hello Dilan Alexander and other stories.Feb 04, 2017
January
- Golubtsy, a new CV, Congratulations Suzy on your new job, a brave new world as a freelance communications consultant, Theresa May meets Donald Trump, dinner with Pedro Delgado and other stories.Jan 28, 2017
- Insulting prank calls, a car accident, Oli MC at a gala dinner, visiting Microsoft, lunch with Ketchum, light at the end of the tunnel, Trump's big day and other stories.Jan 20, 2017
- Kings’ Day, the end of Christmas for us but not for the Russian Orthodox, annual Kings’ Day dinner at Julio’s, the New Year begins, goodbye Yoigo, and other tales of the week.Jan 14, 2017
- Our woman in Havana, New Year’s Eve in Cuba, a trip to a tobacco plant, Miguel and Claudia’s wedding and stories of our stay in one of the last bastions of communism in the world, Castro’s Cuba.Jan 06, 2017
201652 posts
December
- On the rampage at Zara and last minute preparations for Christmas, lorry terrorist attack in Berlin, time with Suzy, annual festive dinner for friends at home, our family Christmas and other stories.Dec 26, 2016
- Putting up the Christmas decorations and getting ready for the festive season, scales are my friend, the Huawei 15th anniversary party, Nokia reunion Xmas dinner, Suzy came, shopping with the girls and other tales of the week.Dec 18, 2016
- "Aqueduct" in Montrondo, a family lunch, James Rhodes, Oli in Ezcaray, Polish grandfather learns English for Christmas, home again and other storiesDec 10, 2016
- RIP Margaret Rhodes, “new clothes”, Oli’s programme this week, the Christmas parties begin, Pippa turns 2, off to our beloved Montrondo and other stories.Dec 04, 2016
November
- A rainy week, what a difference a few kilos makes, mentoring session, Thanksgiving and Black Friday, goodbye Fidel Castro, becoming an Airbnb host and other stories.Nov 27, 2016
- Super moon, Oli’s TV programme on “Mi Cámara y Yo” this week, a girly lunch and a girly dinner, an unasked for day in bed, better again and other stories of my week.Nov 20, 2016
- In love with Lord Melbourne, US Elections dominate the world, hearing my Mother’s voice, a fabulous Chinese party, remembering the 11th hour of the 11th day, RIP Leonard Cohen and more tales of this week.Nov 13, 2016
- Last day in Peñacaballera, home again, a new Government in Spain, All Saints’ Day holiday,“The Crown” on Netflix and other stories.Nov 06, 2016
October
- Sunday in Montrondo, home again, week 3 of the diet brings good news, the end of the “jungle” camp in Calais, a weekend with friends in Peñacaballera, the clocks go back and more stories.Oct 30, 2016
- Week 3 of the Pronokial diet, Oli in a hot air balloon, Pakistani blue eyed tea seller turns model, remembering Aberfan, off to Montrondo for another family wedding,Oct 22, 2016
- Summer officially over at our house, week 2 of the Pronokal diet, Samsung hit hard, National Day of Spain, singer Bob Dylan wins Nobel prize for literature, Michelle Obama hits out at Donald Trump for sexual assault bragging and other stories.Oct 15, 2016
- A visitor for Suzy in London, lunch with my Spanish family, turmoil in Spanish politics, “a bitter future for Britain”, the premiere of Olivia’s new TV programme, an historic day for Yoigo, Suzy in Zurich and other stories.Oct 09, 2016
- To Málaga, pre-wedding celebrations, Paula and Pedro's wedding, a day with the girls at the Málaga Golf Parador, home again, Oli and her new programme, "Mi Cámara y Yo", 1st October anniversaries and other storiesOct 01, 2016
September
- Montrondo, a visit to León and home again, Oli joined a new TV programme, Liesl from The Sound of Music dies, visitors from Geneva, the Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Madrid, Eladio’s birthday and other stories.Sep 22, 2016
- Colombia wins La Vuelta a España, Oli on holiday in Cantabria and Asturias, more Emma Bridgewater pottery, photos from my past, back to school, to Montrondo with friends, a wedding in the village and other tales of the week.Sep 17, 2016
- Home again, nice to have my daughter Oli back, Mother Theresa beatified; a brand became a saint, sizzling Spain, my villages on fire, Apple removes sockets for headphones, Facebook bans iconic war photo, an international 50th birthday party and other stories.Sep 11, 2016
- London in August, afternoon tea at The Langham, Suzy in Harley Street, a sad trip to Ickenham (the Rijeka air crash in 1971), Cliveden House, a naked man on the Overground, binge watching films on Netflix, Kew Gardens revisited, home again and other stories.Sep 02, 2016
August
- Emotional messages from afar, celebrating our anniversary in Alicante, a trip down memory lane (The Callosa days), goodbye Santa Pola and other storiesAug 24, 2016
- 33 years ago, farewell Montrondo, home again, more on the Rio Olympics, Suzy moved to Hoxton, holidays in Santa Pola, the boy in the ambulance, visit of Toño and Dolores, the Queen of Badminton, shopping with Jackie and other stories..Aug 20, 2016
- Last week of our holiday in Montrondo, happy birthday Mr, President, first medals in the Rio Olympics, a new walk, Miguel and Claudia’s wedding celebration with the family, I climbed El Tambarón peak and other stories.Aug 13, 2016
- Last day of the fiestas in Montrondo, Javier and Ana came to stay, Constante’s son, Roche, discovering his roots, playing Mölkky with the family, goodbye Roche, Suzy's new flat, "bacalhau à brás" and other stories.Aug 06, 2016
July
- Suzy at work, 84 year old priest Jacques Hamel beheaded by ISIS during mass in a church in Normandy, Alicia spent the day with us, 33 years ago, the Pope visits Auschwitz, Olivia reporting live for TV from Baoadilla, to Montrondo for Santa Marta and other stories.Jul 30, 2016
- Eladio’s Mother came to stay, rhizarthrosis, Yoigo press conference, a new guest room, Alicia and Julio visited, Miguel and Claudia got married, Constante’s son, Eadberto (Roche) visits Montrondo for the first time, terror in Germany, a weekend with Oli and Miguel at home, Suzy has guests in London and other stories.Jul 25, 2016
- The end of a marvelous weekend in Montrondo, Murray wins Wimbledon, Portugal stuns France to become European football champions, Obama visits Spain, Theresa May new Prime Minister and the controversial appointment of Boris Johnson, Oli reporting in Boadilla, a terrorist bloodbath on Bastille Day in Nice, an attempted coup in Turkey and other storiesJul 15, 2016
- Centenary of the Battle of the Somme, an emotional family reunion in La Teillée, France; bridesmaids revisited, Suzy’s travels in Nicaragua, discovering “Mölkky”, well done Iceland, dinner at Oli and Miguel’s new flat, off to Montrondo for the weekend and other stories.Jul 09, 2016
- Ikea with Oli, Spanish elections; deadlock again, Spain loses to Italy and England humiliated by Iceland and out of the EU and the Euros, a goodbye dinner, Suzy in Nicaragua, Yoigo meets MásMóvil, Oli flies the nest, trying to fly to Paris and other stories.Jul 01, 2016
June
- Home from Montrondo, Suzy’s new job, Summer Solstice, proud of my Welsh surname “Lloyd”, Goodbye Telia Hello MásMóvil and a bright future for Yoigo, my first bathe of the year, gutted and shocked by the Brexit referendum outcome and other tales of the weekJun 25, 2016
- Hooliganism at the Uefa Euro Cup, planning a family reunion in France, gun attack in Orlando, filling the pool, summer fruit and canine siestas, a new look for our bedroom, Nokia girls lunch, Jo Cox British Labour MP shot and stabbed to death, off to Montrondo with Julio and Fátima and other stories.Jun 18, 2016
- 10 years in this house, Oli in Formentera, alone at home, dinners with Fátima, oh so hot, Hillary Clinton clinched it, retail therapy, the Queen’s official birthday and other stories.Jun 11, 2016
- A 4th anniversary, major repairs to the pool, using Wallapop for the first time, the return of Mary Poppins, dinner in Madrid with Americans, a friend from Finland for the weekend, RIP Casius Clay, Spain conquers Paris at Roland Garros, Oli in Formentera and other storiesJun 06, 2016
May
- Family birthday with the girls, Oli’s new flat, roses from our garden, Winnie-the-Pooh and the Queen’s 90th birthdays, Obama visits the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, Lucía’s wedding, Hala Madrid and other stories.May 30, 2016
- Back from Montrondo, Pippa’s bath time, the Queen’s speech, Air Egypt plane crash, Suzy here for the weekend, Oli’s birthday and other stories.May 22, 2016
- Spanish journalists released in Syria, Suzy in Pontevedra, rain and more rain, Pope Francis opens the door to women in the church, to Montrondo and more stories.May 14, 2016
- A very special 1st May, the King Haakon VII Freedom medal, Spanish football the best in Europe, first of the summer roses, a Muslim Mayor for London and other stories.May 08, 2016
- Back from Alicante, justice for the victims at the Hillsborough stadium, goodbye Bare Biology, hello Hifas da Terra, Suzy’s birthday, a family lunch, my Father turns 97 and other stories.May 01, 2016
April
- Vodka for my Father, an earthquake in Ecuador, a midweek party and a Yoigo press breakfast, the Queen turns 90, the girls together in London, to Alicante for the weekend, 400th anniversary of the death of Shakespeare and Cervantes and other stories.Apr 23, 2016
- A snowy Sunday in Montrondo, a Yorkshireman wins the US Masters, last dinner with Keith and Lorraine, “Hala Madrid” and Aupa Atléti”, royal visit to The Taj Mahal, ex Bradford Grammar school pupil comes to visit my Father and other stories.Apr 16, 2016
- A visitor from India, the Panama Papers, lunch at Dstage ,a birthday breakfast, to Montrondo with Keith and Lorraine and other stories.Apr 09, 2016
- Easter Day, Oli and Miguel back from Gijon, on a secret mission, RIP Ronnie Corbett, Javier Fernández world ice skating champion again, shopping with Oli, clearing rubbish on our walk and other stories.Apr 03, 2016
March
- Goodbye Suzy and goodbye London, a bus crash in Spain killed 13 Erasmus student girls, horror in Brussels, to Montrondo for Easter, the clocks go forward and other stories.Mar 27, 2016
- More Russian cooking, the girls in Lanzarote, chatting to my Father’s ex Bradford Grammar School pupils, our temporary new office, “Je suis Ankara”, never fly on #Norwegian airlines, Mother and daughter time in London, a trip down memory lane to Cambridge and other stories.Mar 20, 2016
- International Women’s Day, an unexpected feline visitor, Suzy’s last day at Planet Organic, anniversary of the Madrid train bombings, the girls in Lanzarote and other stories.Mar 13, 2016
- Last days in the snow in Montrondo, “we must stop Trump”, my Father reflects on the tragedies in his life, Leap day, this year’s Oscars go to …, Peter Rabbit gets his own 50p coin (and “he didn’t have to steal it”), Suzy in Primrose Hill, a speeding fine, a political kiss during Spain’s fraught parliament investiture, another old pupil from Bradford Grammar School reaches out to my Father, “The Secret Classrooms”, my thoughts on the BBC War and Peace series and other storiesMar 06, 2016
February
- TV series “The Heavy Water War”, Daddy fell, to Barcelona for this year’s Mobile World Congress (encounters with an EU member of Parliament, a Romanian beggar and women of ill repute), Roman Polanski’s film “Doubt”, the Yoigo party, Spain’s the place to live, Oli and Miguel in Paris, home again, my book of the week, off to the snow in Montrondo and other stories.Feb 27, 2016
- Valentine’s Day, our last day in Brussels, my film, series and books of the week, major repairs looming at home, snow in Montrondo, Norah is in trouble, retail therapy, Suzy moves to Camden, a birthday lunch, a crazy hairdo and other stories.Feb 20, 2016
- My birthday, an interview in Brighton, a red letter day for Suzy, a reunion in Brussels, remembering George, a day in Bruges and other stories.Feb 13, 2016
- RIP Terry Wogan, “Men still run the world; I’m not sure it’s going so well”, a radio interview, Pedro Sánchez said yes to the King, lunch at El Bohio of Spanish Masterchef fame and other tales of the week.Feb 07, 2016
January
- Sunrise walks, a family outing with my Father, poor Pippa, covered nude statues at the Vatican for Iranian PM, figure skater Javier Fernández does Spain proud, press breakfast for results’ day, a girly afternoon shopping in Madrid, Laura and Maya came to visit and other stories.Jan 31, 2016
- Blue Monday, having it all and wanting more, a year since I broke my leg, Rajoy declines offer from the King, Oli and Miguel in Chinchón and other storiesJan 23, 2016
- "Who is David Bowie?", The tiger and the goat living in peace, Suzy in Tenerife, a controversial parliamentary opening, cloudberries, Platea a gastronomic discovery, a family outing to see Titanic The Exhibition and other stories.Jan 17, 2016
- Lunch in Tordesillas, the end of Downton Abbey, Zinedine Zidane the new coach of Real Madrid, Kings’ Day, Oli reporting on the controversial Madrid Kings’ parade, my Grandmother’s cookery books and making Yorkshire pudding, our Christmas is over, the Julian vs the Gregorian Calendar, Russian Christmas, Goodbye Motorola, Hello Moto, a surprise family lunch and other stories.Jan 10, 2016
- What’s with the weather? Spanish April Fools’ Day, Dinner at Julio’s, farewell Suzy, goodbye 2015 hello 2016, New Year's Eve and snow in Montrondo, friends for lunch and other things.Jan 02, 2016
201552 posts
December
- Difficult outcome of the Spanish General Elections, on the TV again, Suzy back for Christmas, to Montrondo with the girls, “El Gordo” (the fat one) lottery, home for a family Christmas, floods in Yorkshire and other stories.Dec 27, 2015
- From Queen of the kitchen to Queen Anne Boleyn, “pruritis”, Yoigo fancy dress party, “adios José”, “Yoigoland” children’s party, Ex Nokia girl Christmas lunch and dinner, a sad day for Yorkshire, a Norwegian mountain for Finland, Miss World title goes to Spain for the first time, game changer elections in Spain today and other stuff.Dec 20, 2015
- The end of the Bank Holiday in Montrondo, “YouAintNoMuslimBruv”, good news for democracy in Venezuela, a political debate in Spain, the first of the Christmas parties, another fall, a “hyggelig” Christmas came and other stories.Dec 13, 2015
- Britain wins the Davis Cup, Suzy and Christmas time at Planet Organic, happy birthday Pippa, bank holiday in Montrondo with the family and other stories.Dec 05, 2015
November
- Leaving the snow in Montrondo, St. Lucia invitation, a visit to Anovo, to Barcelona and back, new clothes, Thanksgiving and the unknown Spanish origin, the craze of Black Friday, Suzy in Bath and other stories.Nov 29, 2015
- The aftermath of the Paris attacks, #NotInMyName, Benares restaurant first Indian Michelin star, “La Marseillaise” sung by English and French fans at Wembley, Miguel operated for appendicitis, to Montrondo again and away from the horrors, snow in the village, the end of the Indian summer and more.Nov 21, 2015
- Back from Montrondo, Oli and the choir at Amazon, summer or autumn? Making pancakes, arthritis, massacre in Paris, more cooking and other stories.Nov 15, 2015
- Life in Montrondo, Spain ranked second in the world for life expectancy, presents from my neighbour, missing Pippa, the visit of Javier and Ana, the man of my life, Suzy in Bristol and other storiesNov 09, 2015
- The WHO says processed meat causes cancer, don’t buy an Ikea Uppleva TV, “parkin” from Jacky, Pippa reaches puberty, #VideoForNepal, no I’m not celebrating Halloween, cooking for pleasure, and other stories.Nov 01, 2015
October
- Dinner at the Madrid Stock Exchange, a special press conference, subscribed to Netflix, to Montrondo again, another operation for Suzy, goodbye Eva, shooting in Sweden, a surprise visit from Olivia and Miguel and other stories.Oct 26, 2015
- Spanish National holiday, the Villablino Fair (“La Feriona”), “Madreñas” (Spanish clogs), homemade apple crumble, leaving Montrondo on Tuesday 13th, lunch at the Parador in Benavente, marathon cooking and other stories.Oct 18, 2015
- The animal trainer, lunch with Karin and Greta, US Prison inmates beat Harvard debate team, World Egg Day, moving into our dream house in Montrondo and other stories.Oct 11, 2015
- Back from Montrondo, water on Mars, Pippa was ill, bittersweet 1st October, the Shetland Islands, Mother and daughter in stripes, Suzy in Oxford for the day, the Seat 600 car, the perfect British roast, covering the pool – goodbye till next summer- and other storiesOct 04, 2015
September
- “Call me Dave”, the Yoigo family in El Rocío, Eladio’s birthday, the end of the summer and a hoodie for Pippa, the weekend in Montrondo, the new kitchen and other stories.Sep 27, 2015
- Undercover Boss (El Jefe Infiltrado) premiere, the repercussions and then to El Rocío for the annual Yoigo summer party, Eladio in Montrondo, Suzy dressed in bin bags to escape the rain in London, Oli and Miguel back from Ibiza and Formentera and other stories.Sep 20, 2015
- A giant pumpkin, Oli’s carrot cake, revealed I’m the Undercover Boss – “who dares wins” - a tribute to the Queen, The Clifton Chronicles, Oli reporting on TV this week, Jez we did it, Jeremy Colbryn new leader of the UK Labour party and other stories.Sep 13, 2015
- Eladio home from Montrondo, blonde again, sleeping dogs, a special dinner, Aylan Kurdi symbol of the refugee crisis, Oli reporting on robberies in Rivas, tea with Lisbeth Salander, a man with an eagle on our walk and other stories.Sep 06, 2015
August
- A cow in the garden, home from Montrondo, R.I.P. Geoffrey Brindley, a girly week, a new toy for Pippa, TV journalists shot dead during a live report in Virginia, this week’s new books, dinner with the cousins, a migrant tragedy in Austria, missing Eladio, and other tales.Aug 30, 2015
- The Bradford Jesus man, orchids from Thailand, the waiting is over and it’s good news, 32 years of marriage, to Montrondo with Suzy, the furniture came, buying bread in Senra and other stories.Aug 23, 2015
- Leaving Montrondo, home again, off to Santa Pola, Spain no country for dogs, the crime of Cuenca, history in the making in Havana, shopping with Jackie at a British supermarket, back to Madrid and a lovely welcome from Norah and Elsa, Carolina Marin did it again and other stories.Aug 16, 2015
- Suzy’s last day at home, goodbye Cilla Black, to Montrondo with Pippa, habemus internet, some progress on the house, walks and more walks, shopping in the village as well as other stories.Aug 09, 2015
- Chris Froome wins this year’s Tour de France, Spain the healthiest country in Europe, Suzy home, an improvement on the new look, Oli and Gustavo coincide again on TV, more progress on the house in Montrondo, a weekend with the girls and their friends from “la manada” and other stories.Aug 02, 2015
July
- More heat but please don’t go to Benidorm, Olivia reporting on sharks, a Finnish Swedish dinner, three Spanish journalists missing in Syria, final stages of the rebuilding of our house in Montrondo, a wild fire nearby, a new look I now regret, Spain the best country in the world for food and other stories.Jul 26, 2015
- Oli is back from Almeria, a new deal for Greece, sweltering in Spain, visit of Isidro and Yoli, a TV interview, Elsa finally took the plunge, Suzy got her HCPC card, Alicia beginning her nursing career, Toño and Dolores back from Cuba and other stories.Jul 21, 2015
- The record heatwave continues, Oli and Miguel on holiday in Almeria, farewell Nokia mobile phones, Muguruza reached the Wimbledon final, Gloria is 40, friends for tea, goodbye Dr. Zhivago and other stories.Jul 12, 2015
- Sizzling in Madrid, Pippa is 7 months old, this year’s summer party, my adventures in London and Bath with Suzy, a much awaited letter, the Greeks vote no, home to 40ºc.Jul 07, 2015
June
- Good news for Suzy, a goodbye lunch, The Roof, planning my trip to England, frightening lone wolf ISIS attacks in Europe and the Middle East, Oli reporting on the increased terrorist alert in Spain, gay marriage legalized in the USA, a heat wave and time by the pool.Jun 28, 2015
- Pippa at a dog show, a visitor from Sweden, serenaded by Tuna singers, dinner at Dstage, the most common names in Spain, a red letter day for Suzy, a family gathering to celebrate Alicia’s graduation, Oli reporting for TV on robberies at high street cash points, summer solstice and other stories.Jun 21, 2015
- Oli in Valencia, Suzy barbecuing in London, greengages in our garden, meetings and more meetings, David and Goliath, Iker Casillas Real Madrid legend to leave the club, a site inspection trip to Huelva to visit Doñana and El Rocío, the King of Spain strips his sister Cristina of Duchess of Palma title, Manuela Carmena communist ex judge new mayor of Madrid, Oli and Suzy in Barcelona and other stories.Jun 14, 2015
- An email from afar, a visitor from Marseilles, Corpus Christi, a pit stop in Rueda, another weekend in Montrondo, remembering my Mother and other stories.Jun 07, 2015
May
- The best rose in the garden, voting with the family, Suzy’s last day, furniture for Montrondo, chocolates from India, to the Swedish Embassy, discovering the “e-cloth”, Oli’s debut as a TV presenter, dinner at De María, Oli’s second birthday party and other stories.May 31, 2015
- Yoigo best mobile operator for customer care, Suzy came, fun trying to donate blood, English is weird, making räksmörgås, a girly lunch, Oli turns 30, God voting yes to gay marriage in Ireland and other stories.May 23, 2015
- 150th anniversary of Nokia, making salmorejo, the hottest day of the year, visitors from England, remembering George, a glorious weekend in Montrondo and other stories.May 19, 2015
- The swimming pool season begins, Pippa is 5 months old, 3 names for the royal baby, the outcome of the British elections, walks in flowery fields, oxtail made the Spanish way, and other stories.May 10, 2015
- A devastating earthquake in Nepal, Suzy’s visit to celebrate her birthday, Pippa was ill, Olivia reporting on the “house of horrors”, my Father’s 96th birthday, a sister for George and other stories.May 03, 2015
April
- Taking Pippa to Oli’s newsroom, Results day, retail therapy at Zara, a surprise party, Suzy with Sandeep in London and other stories.Apr 25, 2015
- Remembering Russian Easter, International kissing day, Spain’s archaic business habits and working hours, the “rise and fall and rise again of Nokia”, Game of Thrones for the King of Spain, Oli reporting on TV, 70 is the new 50, Spain’s Rodrigo Rato ex IMF chief arrested for suspected financial crimes, the dog walkers, Suzy in Copenhagen with “our Danish family”, visitors from England for the first BBQ of the season, dinner with ex Nokia friends and many other stories.Apr 19, 2015
- Winnie the Pooh and breakfast, Miguel’s 40th birthday, to Valencia with Samsung, a man called Burger to marry a woman called King, Pippa’s new toy, ordering meringues, imperial leather soap and other British produce online and other stories including me live on TV talking about Whatsapp callsApr 12, 2015
- Unboxing Bettys’ Easter eggs, R.I.P. Mrs. Leonard, to Montrondo for Easter with Pippa and the family, a village hall meeting, walks to Senra, fauna and buying bread, home again for Easter day and other stories.Apr 05, 2015
March
- The “diversion ends” and false friends, Olivia back from Cuba, the fatal German Wings’ air crash, no more crutches, dinner with Laura and Cris, to the beach for the weekend with Pippa, fish and chips at Darby’s Chippy, Javier Fernández, Spain’s first figure skating world champion and other stories.Mar 30, 2015
- My daily walks resumed, Oli and Miguel in Cuba, an interview with Spanish students, managing 3 dogs at home, Isis terrorist attack in Tunis, Fathers’ day with the family, sweet and savoury Finnish bread, the solar eclipse, Suzy has visitors in London and other stories.Mar 22, 2015
- The second part of my trip to Finland, Anne’s birthday, reflections on Finnish culture, an ex Nokia get together, the European communications meeting, home again to Spring weather, Pippa’s first walk; mine too, Jill’s 50th birthday party and other stories.Mar 15, 2015
- To Barcelona for this year’s Mobile World Congress, media coverage euphoria after Yoigo’s press conference, home again, journey to my beloved Finland, staying in Salo with Anne, Eladio in Montrondo and other stories.Mar 08, 2015
- This years’ Oscars, rehabilitation, an earthquake in Spain, a meeting with a difference, Pippa settling in, an international coffee experience, regaining independence, Olivia in Extremadura for the weekend and other stories.Mar 01, 2015
February
- 21 Egyptian Coptic Christians beheaded by Isis, Betty’s came to our house, Pippa’s arrival and settling in, Shrove Tuesday, walking again (with crutches), lunch with Marika and Claudia, my rehabilitation started, hacked sim cards, Oli and Miguel skiing in Navacerrada, a chance meeting at dinner on Friday and other stories.Feb 22, 2015
- Animals in the snow in León, how women could vanish into the dark, my new “office in bed”, my brother George would have been 60 this week, a manicure at home, a visit from Vanessa and Angeles, skyping with Suzy, the horrors of North Korea, out to dinner for St. Valentine’s in my Father’s wheelchair, jihadist attacks in Copenhagen of all places and other stories.Feb 15, 2015
- A red letter day for Suzy, a surprise sequel to “To Kill a Mockingbird”, more extreme brutality from the jihadists, recovering from the accident and operation, the list of things I want to do when I can walk again, a parcel from Jackie, the biggest snowfall in Montrondo in more than 50 years and Javi the local heroe, mittens from Finland, Oli trapped reporting on the snow, watching Last Tango in Halifax, Ana came to visit, Pippa is growing, out to dinner, red roses from Juana and Oscar, thank you for a wonderful birthday and other things.Feb 08, 2015
- To the hospital to change my dressing, news about Greece, a visit from José Antonio and Dolores, another beautiful get well present, watching more films and series, Suzy left for London, Julio came, the 70th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, how Betty’s tea rooms featured in our romance, making bread with Gema, the Podemos “march for change”, Suzy visited Nottingham University where I studied and other stories.Feb 01, 2015
January
- Home and grounded, setting up my office in bed, visitors and lovely presents, a special meeting at home, watching lots of TV series, Bradford City make football history, cheated by a false Michael Kors website, Suzy and Oli in a makeup session and other storiesJan 25, 2015
- After the attacks in France, an ex and non ex Nokia girl lunch, brave Maureen, a bad end to a snowy long weekend in Montrondo, to hospital for an operation on my ankle, home again to a different life style, Suzy came and other stories.Jan 21, 2015
- Kings’ day and Russian Christmas, jihadist horror in France, Je suis Charlie, Je suis Flic, introducing Pippa, dinner at Julio’s and other stories.Jan 11, 2015
- Goodbye Suzy, New Year in Montrondo with slippery paths and new equestrian friends, “Intrepid apostles”, farewell 2014 and other things.Jan 04, 2015
201451 posts
December
- “El Gordo” the biggest lottery in the world, a tragedy in Glasgow, Olivia interviews the family, our Christmas, Gael is born and other stories.Dec 27, 2014
- A surprise from Suzy, show cooking with a Master Chef judge, massacre at a school in Peshawar, the US to restore full diplomatic relations with Cuba, Dinner at Dstage, the Yoigo children’s Christmas party, Christmas dinner at home with Julio and Fátima, time with the girls in downtown Madrid, a lamb was born and other stories.Dec 21, 2014
- Goodbye Fátima, hello Gema. Little “Yoigo” part of the team, the longest train in the world arrives in Madrid full of Christmas presents, personal shopping at Ikea and a break in in my car, parties in Madrid, Queen Fabiola of Belgium’s funeral, Christmas came to our house and other things.Dec 14, 2014
- A girly weekend in London with Suzy and Oli, home again, a meeting with a magician, a press conference to announce Yoigo’s revamped image and a big party to celebrate it all on the same day, in love with “little Yoigo” a miniature dachshund puppy and the new company mascot, a new home help, Suzy with Pernille and her family in London and other stories.Dec 07, 2014
November
- Another interview, a sad end to Monday, Downton Abbey Season 5, Thanksgiving and Black Friday, Yoigo is “the pear”, off to London to see Suzy and other stories.Nov 28, 2014
- What every European country is worst at, a meeting in Madrid with my PR and events agencies, Olivia reporting for Telemadrid, Suzy on coffee at Apple in London, the Duchess of Alba dies, progress on the house in Montrondo plus the kitchen and lounge plan, autumn colours and a “madroño” tree in the Retiro Park, buying pelmeni at the Russian shop in Madrid and other stories.Nov 23, 2014
- Armistice Day, interviewed by “PR Noticias”, the top ten most powerful passports and the top ten most visited countries in the world, Olivia reporting on the story behind this year’s Spanish Christmas lottery advert, a visit to a funeral parlour, a surprise for Suzy, dinner with Ana and Tomy, a Hispano Russian English afternoon tea and other storiesNov 16, 2014
- Nik Wallenda the tight rope daredevil, to Barcelona and back, the horrors of North Korea, Suzy in Cambridge where it all started, Sunday 9th November; Remembrance Sunday, a pseudo referendum in Catalonia, the 25th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and other stories.Nov 09, 2014
- Olivia in Valencia, Gone Girl the film, a 25 hour day, the good weather continues, corruption in Spain, an interview on the radio, a “Chinese” girly lunch, Suzy counselling on nutrition in London, All Saints’ Day weekend in Montrondo and other stories.Nov 02, 2014
October
- Olivia off to Valencia, summer is back, Gone Girl, ex Nokia girl lunch, Spanish nurse Teresa Romero declared free of Ebola, Suzy working as a dietitian in London, a kitchen for our house in Montrondo, the clocks go back this weekend and other stories.Oct 25, 2014
- US nurses contract Ebola, in love with Joe Malone, reunion with my Finnish friend Anne, my Father’s 9th anniversary in Spain, voted best Communications Director in the Spanish telecoms sector, Olivia disconnecting with Miguel at the Hoces del Rio Duratón Natural Park in Segovia, Suzy busy in London and other stories.Oct 19, 2014
- The National Day of Spain, one Ebola case in Spain but thousands in West Africa. A birthday in London, this year’s Nobel Peace prize and other stories.Oct 12, 2014
- Our Indian summer, "North Korea Undercover", cooking, 1st October anniversaries, lunch with Javier, Víctor and Vicente, Islamic State did it again, a family dinner and other stories.Oct 05, 2014
September
- Suzy moved flats in London, Eladio’s birthday, a trip all the way to Lithuania, my impressions of Vilnius, an awful trip back thanks to Lufthansa and other stories.Sep 28, 2014
- Autumn is here, consolidation in the Spanish telecoms market, Edge of Eternity, the United Kingdom continues to be united, a fox on our walk and other stories.Sep 21, 2014
- Visit to a new doctor, Suzy moving house, goodbye Emilio Botín, a gift from Brittany, the difference between the Scottish and Catalonian independence issues, Olivia reporting on the Madrid Fashion Week, ISIL beheaded English Aid worker David Haines, and other stories.Sep 14, 2014
- A missed flight, Santander again, a second barbaric atrocity committed by the Islamic State, the last of the summer roses, a barbecue at home and other stories.Sep 07, 2014
August
- To hospital and back, a horror story from Rotherham, my book of the decade “I am Pilgrim”, progress on the house in Montrondo, the truth behind the abduction of Aysha King from a British hospital and other stories.Aug 31, 2014
- What the ice bucket challenge is all about, a “British” Islamic State militant beheads American photo journalist James Foley, 31 years together, Juana and Oscar came to dinner, Spain’s best swimmer ever and other stories.Aug 24, 2014
- A quiet week at home in August, rediscovering Nevil Shute, a new walk, Oli reporting on the “fiestas” of the Assumption, prickly pears, Suzy with Sandra at a Toastmasters' event in Hyde Park and other stories.Aug 17, 2014
- Annual family reunion in Montrondo, a visit to Santiago de Compostela, home again, Olivia reporting on the repatriation of the Spanish priest infected with Ebola, Suzy’s last days in Madrid and other stories.Aug 10, 2014
July
- A wonderful week in London with Suzy including a day in Brighton with Keith and Lorraine and an evening with Sandra and all together at home againJul 31, 2014
- The Germans won, to Santander and back, my summer holidays begin, off to see Sandra and Jeffer in Santa Pola, the MH17 air crash in the Ukraine conflict zone and other stories.Jul 22, 2014
- The best “grand depart” ever, Suzy in Tenerife, Hemingway’s grandson runs with the bulls, Brazil’s humiliation, Eladio’s invention for picking greengages from the tree in the garden, Sandra and Jeffer in Santa Pola, a presentation in Madrid, Olivia fencing and other stories.Jul 13, 2014
- Fruit from our garden, Oli reports on Pedro Delgado’s new book, freak hailstorms in Spain, this year’s Yoigo summer party, Suzy in Tenerife, The Tour de France departs in “God’s own country” and other stories.Jul 06, 2014
June
- Suzy at Oxo, Olivia our royal correspondent again, a silly fall, to the hospital, a Motorola reunion dinner, to Montrondo for the weekend and other stories.Jun 29, 2014
- A barbecue in London, the end of the World Cup for Spain and England, our royal correspondent, a new king and queen of Spain, summer is here and other stories.Jun 22, 2014
- Tales from the Tour of France, what is “Uber”, a family announcement, a bad start for Spain in the World Cup, a family lunch, work in progresson our house in Montrondo, and other stories.Jun 15, 2014
- The King of Spain abdicates, Olivia’s debut on Telemadrid, English visitors, the 70th anniversary of D Day, remembering my Mother, Rafa does it again and other stories.Jun 09, 2014
- "Podemos" (we can), goodbye TVE, hello “TM Aquí en Madrid”, a parcel arrived in London, another weekend in Montrondo and other storiesJun 01, 2014
May
- Oli’s birthday, a visit to Huelva, strawberry fields, Doñana, home again, Madrid wins “la décima”, voting day and other stories.May 25, 2014
- Roses from the garden, a killing in León, grounded, remembering George, to Montrondo again, Suzy’s first anniversary in London, KO for a day and other storiesMay 20, 2014
- Olivia reporting for TVE1 from Galicia, Suzy on bank holiday in London, getting the pool ready for the summer, visitors from abroad, coca cola in Toledo, remembering Bruce, happy birthday Sam, the plight of 223 Nigerian girls and other stories.May 12, 2014
- Suzy’s 30th birthday visit, this year’s top restaurants, an all-Spanish Champions League final, my Father’s 95th birthday, Finnish Vappu, off to Montrondo again, Mothers’ day in Spain, Olivia in Galicia reporting for TVE1 and other stories.May 05, 2014
April
- A rainbow in Montrondo, a claw foot bathtub, Olivia reporting for TVE from Cartagena, a business lunch with Julio, a letter to The Local on why I’m a Brit who is staying in Spain, another photo from the past, the end of an era; Nokia becomes Microsoft Mobile, RIP Tito Vilanova, Suzy is home, a shopping expedition with the girls and other storiesApr 27, 2014
- A photo from the past, hot cross buns, Mao’s last dancer, family “cocido”, the dog trainer, Easter in Montrondo, Suzy has visitors in London, home again and other stories.Apr 20, 2014
- A delicious meeting, illegal to work after 6pm, lunch and a meeting with Julio, it feels like summer, remembering Adrian Mole, Suzy making fruit cocktails in London, Oli off to Ponferrada and other stories.Apr 13, 2014
- A busy week, an inaugural flight, sunshine in Stockholm, chutney for the Pope, a hit and run episode in Spain, Suzy has visitors in London and bought a bike as well as other stories.Apr 06, 2014
March
- Adolfo Suárez father of Spanish democracy RIP, Olivia off to León to cover the snow for TVE1, a wonderful weekend in Montrondo and other stories.Mar 31, 2014
- Father’s Day in Spain, a lost sheep, international happiness day, Adolfo Suárez at death’s door, the singing nun, Suzy’s move, shopping with Olivia, dinner in Madrid and other storiesMar 23, 2014
- Out of hospital, a missing airplane, anniversaries, 25 years of Internet, spring is on its way, the death of Tony Benn, the richest town in Spain, Oli went to Soria and Suzy found a flat, troubles in the Crimea, the best place to live in England and other stories.Mar 16, 2014
- This year’s Oscars, wonderful pre spring weather, another new dress from Zara, Oli and Miguel went skiing, suddenly to hospital and other stories.Mar 09, 2014
- To Barcelona for this year’s Mobile World Congress, “free” calls from Whatsapp will not be free, a controversial mockumentary, visitors from Yorkshire, Siberia near Madrid, Suzy in Devon and other stories.Mar 02, 2014
February
- Off to Barcelona, Blue shoes, Goodbye Javier, The 16 billion dollar question, 12 years a slave, an engagement ring, I’m a Ukranian, and other stories.Feb 23, 2014
- A bread and butter letter, birthdays and deaths in February, snow in Montrondo, Oli reporting from Zaragoza and Toro, life is full of wonderful surprises, St. Valentine’s weekend in Soria, home again and other stories.Feb 16, 2014
- Pedro J’s last day, storms in Spain and snow in Madrid, Facebook’s look back video, my early birthday present, a trip to El Escorial with the girls, my birthday weekend, the Winter Games take off, a Spanish princess in the dock, thank you Google and other stories.Feb 09, 2014
- British hymns, nostalgia and belief, a wet and blustery walk, Motorola sold again, Spanish football in mourning, puppy love and other stories.Feb 02, 2014
January
- Spanish sport does it again, a trip to Stockholm, hacked, Suzy in Paris, home again, walking, cooking and other tales of this week.Jan 26, 2014
- Olivia in Andorra, The Ballon d’Or, President Hollande’s private affairs, how to make real fish and chips, Suzy in Paris, who is Ibn Sina and other stories.Jan 18, 2014
- Kings’ Day, Suzy living it up for once in London, Oli reporting for TV from Barcelona, news from a past pupil and words of wisdom from Charles Courtenay Lloyd when he was a teacher at Bradford Grammar School, the “polar vortex”, the best and worst lovers in the world, and other stories.Jan 12, 2014
- The San Perrestre dog race with Elsa, to León for New Year’s Eve, more Christmas presents, Oli and the elephants, Kings’ cake, my “fitbit”, dinner in the dark and other stories.Jan 05, 2014
201347 posts
December
- Suzy came home for Christmas, a special dinner party, Oli reporting on TVE, the story of this year’s Christmas and other things.Dec 29, 2013
- Christmas parties, stomach bugs, preparing for our own Christmas, Suzy coming home and other stories.Dec 22, 2013
- The news from Nelson Mandela’s funeral, Pope Francis: Time Magazine’s person of the year, Christmas came to our home, k.o. on Saturday and other storiesDec 15, 2013
- Yoigo turns 7, Bradford Grammar School, Nelson Mandela dies, so to London and home again.Dec 10, 2013
- Olivia is home from Indonesia, snow in Madrid, fruit trifle, Skyping with Suzy, a pre- Christmas family lunch and other tales.Dec 01, 2013
November
- The end of Suzy’s surprise visit in London, Oli in the Gili Islands, more Homeland, Downton Abbey Series 4 arrived, an illustrious visitor to Yoigo, 50th anniversary of the assassination of John Fitzgerald Kennedy and other stories.Nov 24, 2013
- In Flanders fields, typhoon Haiyan devastates the Philippines, Oli and Miguel continue in paradise (Indonesia), clothes shopping again, the first dog to climb Everest, a trip to Barcelona and back, addicted to Homeland, Suzy receives a surprise visit in London.Nov 17, 2013
- The heating and hot water are back, Olivia and Miguel in Indonesia, a photo shoot, a communications team meeting in Madrid, "If" by Rudyard Kipling, more tales of Suzy in London and other things.Nov 10, 2013
- The most honest city in the world, St. Jude’s storm, sixty million Spanish phones monitored by the NSA, my beloved Yorkshire, the visit of Ziuka and Aunty Valya, Russian food, no hot water or central heating and then no water and other news.Nov 03, 2013
October
- A meeting with colleagues, “The time in between”, photos that make Royal history, member of a jury, cooking and more cooking and other stories.Oct 27, 2013
- Olivia in Santiago reporting for TVE, English visitors, my Father’s 8th anniversary with us, a telecoms dinner at the Palace, Suzy working on a Saturday, dinner with friends and other stories.Oct 20, 2013
- Our Indian summer, this year’s Nobel prize winners, a great laugh from Tommy Cooper, a 50’s themed birthday party, a family dinner in Madrid and other stories.Oct 13, 2013
- Coca Cola “loses its fizz”, Olivia in London with Suzy, a visit to the BBC, 1st October bitter sweet memories, the voice of young Spaniards in London, in Dublin’s fair city and other stories of the week.Oct 06, 2013
September
- Olivia in Galicia reporting on the murder of Asunta, Suzy started her new job, Yoigo launches 4G in Valencia and Málaga, the two sisters reunited in London, a family barbecue and a very wet walk and other stories.Sep 29, 2013
- To Stockholm and back, off to Montrondo, Eladio’s birthday and other stories.Sep 24, 2013
- A disappointing Apple launch, remembering Beryl Ranwell, Suzy got the job, a weekend in Campello, off to Stockholm and other things.Sep 16, 2013
- Feeling like Phileas Fogg, Santander again, Microsoft bought Nokia my old company, home again, a birthday weekend with the Maher sisters in Badalona and other stories.Sep 09, 2013
- A visit to Peñacaballera, Olivia came home, off to London to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary and visit Suzy and back again.Sep 01, 2013
July
- Suzy and the ice cream van, “the great Kate wait”, by George a future King is born, Olivia reporting in Galicia, a terrible train accident in Santiago and everything else seems irrelevant since then.Jul 28, 2013
- We launched 4G! Moroccan food, the pain of getting a new passport, a lazy weekend by the pool, Nairo Quintana makes cycling history for Colombia at the Tour of France and other things.Jul 21, 2013
- Ramadan, Olivia reporting from Córdoba on the high profile Bretón filicide court case, a chance meeting with old neigbours, another family Saturday together, JK Rowling unmasked and other things.Jul 14, 2013
- Olivia reporting from Andalucia and so to Ibiza, Master Chef España, back again, a lazy sunny weekend at home with the family, history made for British tennis and other stories.Jul 08, 2013
June
- Summer’s here, Oufa is leaving, welcome Fátima, the supermoon, Inda came to visit Norah and Elsa, a trip to a secret destination, a family barbecue and lots of other storiesJun 30, 2013
- Remembering my first job with Defex in the arms industry, a “surprise visit from Suzy”, Oli reporting for TVE from Galicia, a heat wave in Madrid, the Ghosts of Spain and the connection with Tárbena, a lazy day by the pool with the family and other stories.Jun 16, 2013
- A close shave, first dip of the year, the 7th anniversary of our moving into the new house, Spain: the healthiest country in the world, remembering my mother, an all Spanish final at Roland Garros, welcome Inda and other things.Jun 09, 2013
- Family barbecue, off to Stockholm, Eladio in Montrondo, Suzy and Olivia in London and home again.Jun 02, 2013
May
- A tornado in Oklahoma, a meeting of colleagues from the competition, Oli’s 28th birthday, Suzy’s London experience, terror in Woolwich and other storiesMay 26, 2013
- Oli in Galicia, Russian Easter, Yoigo announced 4G, a secret mission, remembering George, Madrid the coldest capital in the world, finally Suzy went to London, a day trip to Montrondo and lots of other stories.May 19, 2013
- Mother’s day, Oli in León reporting on the snow, a quiet May bank holiday, the best restaurant in the world is Spanish, a new King in Holland, a Bridget Jones Dinner, my Father’s 94th birthday, deep water marathon swim between Formentera and Ibiza, a Spanish garden in Spring and other stories.May 05, 2013
April
- Press interviews and a meeting with the Minister, bad news for Spanish football, Master Chef, Oli on the TV this week, the Paradise, Suzy is 29 and other stories.Apr 28, 2013
- Maduro for President, bomb attack at the Boston Marathon, the Pulitzer photography prize, English neighbours, “the lady’s not for turning” laid to rest, Clarks shoes, the girls came back from Tenerife, wonderful weather and meals outdoors, Suzy in Avila and other stories.Apr 21, 2013
- The aftermath of the death of Margaret Thatcher, goodbye Sara Montiel, Olivia in Galicia, quality time with Suzy, lots of cooking, Spain vs Germany, a family dinner, a girly day out shopping, more new clothes and finally some good weatherApr 14, 2013
- Oli reporting from Valladolid and her faux pas, 40 years of mobile phones, friends from abroad, a night at Hotel Fontecruz in Avila, Goodbye Margaret Thatcher and other things.Apr 08, 2013
March
- A trip to Montrondo and back, Easter, the clocks went forward, Suzy’s coming home and other stories.Mar 31, 2013
- Olivia in Galicia, new church leaders, Father’s day and birthdays, making oxtail croquettes, Spring came, more Downton Abbey, the two Popes meet, home made soda bread and other things.Mar 24, 2013
- The flu virus continues, discovering Downton Abbey, Pope Francis, Olivia in Lisbon, Samsung’s new phone and other thingsMar 17, 2013
- Royalty in hospital, the best team lost, goodbye Hugo Chávez, Oli had a stye, the Blackberry Experience, in bed with flu and other storiesMar 11, 2013
- And so to Barcelona for this year’s Mobile World Congress, the Oscars, Olivia reporting on the snow in the north of Spain, Goodbye from the Pope, Suzy went to Berlin for the weekend and lots of other stories.Mar 03, 2013
February
- A quiet week, Paula is 25, a bail hearing, a royal mess, and other stories.Feb 23, 2013
- The fast diet, the Pope resigned and the importance of knowing Latin, remembering George, Valentine’s Day, black and white is in fashion and other stories.Feb 17, 2013
- More corruption scandals, a meeting about robberies, girly time, a perfect birthday, greetings from Burma, Carnival and more.Feb 10, 2013
- Oli went skiing, sorting out her room, birthdays in February, Suzy at work, intermittent fasting, a political scandal in Spain and other things.Feb 03, 2013
January
- Snow, to Barcelona and back, a reunion weekend with Andy and Charlotte, farewell Dave, great sporting news, goodbye Sara and other things.Jan 27, 2013
- Welcome Lidia, back to Dukan, Phoebe returns to our lives, Lance Armstrong confesses, trouble in Mali and Algeria, my readers on the world map, the perfect storm and other things.Jan 20, 2013
- A depressing task, searching for a cottage in Ireland, Oli reporting from Valencia, Zero Dark Thirty and other storiesJan 13, 2013
- Happy New Year, our trip to León, a special dinner party, Christmas cracker jokes, Kings’ day and other stories.Jan 06, 2013
201246 posts
December
- Christmas at home, my films of the week, more dinner parties and finally an iPadDec 30, 2012
- Finally a new iPhone, a happy week, some good news, parties, a day trip to León, foreign food for the “abuela”, last minute preparations for Christmas and more.Dec 23, 2012
- A flea market at home, food glorious food, Oli reporting on Christmas prices, a special date, the Connecticut tragedy and the magic of Christmas at home.Dec 16, 2012
- Olivia reporting for TVE in Valencia, a royal baby, finally the iPhone, the ex Nokia Christmas dinner reunion and other stories.Dec 09, 2012
- Robberies where we live, Oli reporting in Valencia, a funeral and a goodbye party, a woman and a phone, off to Brussels, Yoigo is six, a reunion dinner and other stories.Dec 03, 2012
November
- Welcome Oufa, a general strike in Spain, a chocolate Christmas tree, the girls in Cubillas de Santa Marta, Oli running in Valencia and other stories.Nov 18, 2012
- Looking for a new home help, Obama did it again, Oli working in Valencia with Miguel, chocolate caramel shortcake, a family reunion and other things.Nov 11, 2012
- Hurricane Sandy, Oli our weather reporter, the heating went and so did Ivanka, horrid Halloween and other stories.Nov 04, 2012
October
- The dark age of cycling comes to light, site inspection in Madrid, the Poppy appeal, Nuba came to stay, Olivia a bride for one day, my film of the week, the clocks went back and other things.Oct 28, 2012
- Fearless Felix, Olivia reporting for TVE in Galicia, an interview of my memories of the Motorola Cycling Team, Yoigo best mobile operator of 2012 and other things.Oct 21, 2012
- My novel of the week, Jimmy the creep, a courageous girl, Oli reporting on the Red Cross day, a Chinese writer, the truth about Lance Armstrong, a funny peace prize, a national holiday and family lunches and the film about the Spanish family that survived the Tsunami.Oct 14, 2012
- 1st October anniversaries, a coincidental TV appearance, recipe for Spanish oxtail, “the path to Spain”, a Nokia girly lunch, on a yacht in Valencia, moon lit and red sky at night walks, a surprise visit and other things.Oct 07, 2012
September
- When it rains it pours, controversial pictures of Spain, anti austerity protests in Madrid, a goodbye dinner, Apple says sorry and other things.Sep 30, 2012
- A family lunch, the death of a communist, interviewing Michael O’Leary, a weekend at the beach, Eladio’s birthday and other things.Sep 24, 2012
- Andy’s first grand slam, 11th September and new Arab protests, Oli in Valencia and a dangerous sport, Apple vs Samsung, goodbye Motorola, a nude princess, a Bollywood first, Winter of the World and more.Sep 16, 2012
- Changes at Yoigo, to Stockholm and then Santander, the girls in Valencia, Conchi, customer 20 million and finally home to staySep 09, 2012
August
- Home again and a quiet hot week in August, our 29th wedding anniversary, the stories of Julian Assange and Lance Armstrong, the sentence of Norway’s mass murderer, the naked prince, a ruined fresco in Spain and RIP Neil Armstrong.Aug 26, 2012
- Girly reunion in London, remembering George and Sanya, "Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all" and home again.Aug 19, 2012
- Home again, off to Santa Pola and back again, the hottest day of the year, the Olympic Games and where my sentiments lie and other things.Aug 13, 2012
- Our summer holiday in Galicia and Asturias, this year’s family gathering in Montrondo and home again.Aug 06, 2012
July
- Spain makes football history, the cats are back, a scientific discovery, the porch arguably the best place in the world, our holidays are approaching, Wimbledon and can Andy Murray do it?Jul 08, 2012
- 104º Fahrenheit, Football, Oli live from Galicia, a press conference, this year’s Yoigo Summer Party and 10 years since the girls left St. Michael’s school.Jul 01, 2012
June
- “Something to look forward to”, summer came and the semantics of Midsummer, football and the difference between a French and Spanish omelette, lunch at Suzy’s and more.Jun 24, 2012
- Olivia reporting from Galicia, The Coupe des Mousquetaires is Spanish, the Motorola press conference, a reunion in Orléans and home again.Jun 18, 2012
- A special present and a party, wonderful Copenhagen, home again, a family weekend and a sporting Sunday.Jun 10, 2012
- Olivia reporting from Valencia, 40 years of Inter rail and my journey across Europe in 1973, good news for Suzy, missing the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and other stories.Jun 03, 2012
May
- Oli’s 27th birthday, Suzy “on stage”, Yoigo a trending topic, RIP Jambo, shopping again and this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.May 27, 2012
- Masha Lloyd's blogMay 21, 2012
- Summer is here, shopping online at M+S, the Mercado de San Antón, Elsa’s first birthday, “panem et circenses”, my film of the week, the first bathe of the season and lots of other things.May 13, 2012
- New home help, 4 sisters reunited, Olivia reporting from Galicia, a 93rd birthday, the new Samsung Galaxy SIII, dinners with friends and family, a super moon and other things.May 06, 2012
April
- April showers, more football, interior decorating, a special cake, Suzy’s birthday, Olivia off to Galicia and other storiesApr 30, 2012
- The King said sorry, shopping at Ikea, lots of football, a wedding and other thingsApr 22, 2012
- Olivia, our TV correspondent in Santander, a thousand million dollars for Instagram, invited to a party, the King who kills elephants, centenary of the Titanic, “Bozhe Moi” Suzy is leaving and other stories.Apr 15, 2012
- To Oropesa and back, Easter week, the latest social networks and other stories.Apr 08, 2012
- Spanish Tuna music, another trip to Sweden, shopping in Stockholm, a letter from the past and a quiet weekend at home.Apr 01, 2012
March
- A memorable weekend in Yorkshire, spring brought snow, chocolate eggs and vintage bowls, well done Chesterfield F.C. and other things.Mar 25, 2012
- Fit as a fiddle, a 90th birthday party in León and other storiesMar 11, 2012
- My Oscar goes to … , this year’s Mobile World Congress, home again, a visit to Suzy’s new flat, farewell Gustavo, the week I discovered Jackie Evancho, Spanish treasure, and other things.Mar 04, 2012
February
- The girlies are back, the story behind Dr. Zhivago and other thingsFeb 25, 2012
- A romantic break during the week to Almagro and other thingsFeb 19, 2012
- Birthdays in February, a dickens of a week, my new present, the girls in Africa, news that made an impression on me, the best picture of the year and other thingsFeb 12, 2012
- To Stockholm again, a stressful journey home, the Margaret Thatcher days and remembering Nepal.Feb 05, 2012
January
- Flat hunting with Suzy, to Barcelona and back, feeling the crisis in Spain and other things.Jan 29, 2012
- Blue Monday, the sinking of the Costa Concordia, double mashed potatoes, Norah’s adventure and other things.Jan 22, 2012
- A bombshell, off to Stockholm and home againJan 15, 2012
- Christmas came and went and brought a lot of joy.Jan 08, 2012
201144 posts
December
November
- Suzy in Barcelona, Oli in Brussels and I in Madrid and a lot to tell you this week.Nov 27, 2011
- Elections in Spain, a busy week, bumping into friends, Ali came to stay and the girls in Barcelona.Nov 20, 2011
- To Barcelona and back, a holiday in the middle of the week and other thingsNov 13, 2011
- A quiet and wet first week of November dedicated to the family, Suzy on the TV, potatoes from Montrondo, the walking family and other stories.Nov 06, 2011
- Home from the hospital, juggling with life, back to normal, visitors and a wonderful trip to Andalucía with Adele and Bernard.Nov 01, 2011
October
- A wrong diagnosis and a simple question: Sir, Why can’t you lift your leg up? My Father in hospital and no other stories to tell this week.Oct 16, 2011
- Shopping with the girls, RIP Mrs. Wright, an eccentric Duchess, goodbye Steve Jobs, homemade cooking and other thingsOct 09, 2011
- Looking after Grandpa, remembering my Mother, something to celebrate, Alicia came to stay, 5 years with Yoigo and other stories.Oct 02, 2011
September
- A weekend at the seaside, a birthday and other stories.Sep 25, 2011
- The anniversary of 9/11, the cousins in Ponferrrada, royal glamour in Santander, dinners out, and other stories.Sep 12, 2011
- Santander here we come again, Oli’s debut live on TV, Grandpa fell, Almodóvar’s latest film and other things.Sep 04, 2011
August
- Cooling off by the pool, a family barbecue, our 28th wedding anniversary, Grandpa went to hospital, Oli’s debut on television, Elsa was run over, much ado about nothing and other stories.Aug 28, 2011
- Another week in August, a few days in Santa Pola, Elsa’s first walk, riots in England, Google buys Motorola and other things.Aug 16, 2011
- The summer holidays continue, Elsa’s news, “la bomba” and Montrondo again.Aug 07, 2011
July
- Back from England, a new member of the family, Oli and Suzy, a visit from León, this year’s Tour de France and a tragedy in Oslo.Jul 25, 2011
- You can take a lass out o' Yorkshire, but you can't take Yorkshire out't lass, what a great holiday, goodbye England and lovely to be home again.Jul 20, 2011
- A well needed injection of Yorkshire, a trip for nostalgia’s sake and England’s green and pleasant land.Jul 10, 2011
- Another big party and a special performance and so to England. Good news for Olivia.Jul 03, 2011
June
- Summer is here, remembering Aunty Gloria, Raoul Wallenberg, “righteous among nations” and going to see Elsa.Jun 26, 2011
- Up at the crack of dawn, Norah unwell and a weekend in Brussels.Jun 19, 2011
- A quiet week, my Mother’s birthday and her connection to the Yusupov family, a Mediterranean garden, time for reading and other stories.Jun 12, 2011
- A girly week, Oli in London, a change in plans, broken plates, first barbecue of the season, the cucumber crisis grows and other stories.Jun 05, 2011
May
- From Stockholm to Andalucía, a surprise on the TV, man of the week, a cucumber crisis and other things.May 31, 2011
- Montrondo again, the Spanish revolution, Elections in Spain and Oli’s birthdayMay 22, 2011
- The curate’s egg, bad news from the Giro, an earthquake in Spain, remembering George and news from abroad.May 15, 2011
- Goodbye Lancia, reflections on the cycle of life, farewell Seve, the most universal Spanish sportsman of all times and an enjoyable birthday party.May 09, 2011
- A new walk, two birthdays, a royal wedding, a circus, some good and some breaking news and other thingsMay 02, 2011
April
- Back from Asturias, a trip to the Pitiusa islands and home again for a quiet EasterApr 24, 2011
- Asturias “Patria Querida” beloved Asturias, a natural paradise. Along the coast from east to west, from Cuerres to Puerto de VegaApr 23, 2011
- A trip to the north of Europe, to Stockholm, Helsinki and Salo and home againApr 13, 2011
- A royal visit to Spain, well done India, shopping, cake making, sharing clothes with my daughters, Gretel’s story, Paula came for lunch and many other tales.Apr 03, 2011
March
- The clocks go forward, RIP Liz Taylor, my film and book of the week, itchy feet, Yorkshire, my roots and more.Mar 27, 2011
- Spring is here again, help for Japan, rest in peace George K, a trip to Santa Pola, Norah on Facebook, war with Libya, a super full moon, and more.Mar 21, 2011
- Women’s Day, Pancake day restored, bad news from Japan, a visit from León and moreMar 14, 2011
- Quiet times and not enough action, Norah, Carnaval and Shrove Tuesday, the Oscar goes to The King’s Speech, my books and film of the week, a small PR crisis, Madrid Restaurant week and other things.Mar 06, 2011
February
- A stressful week, a special video or rather a film, a press release, 23rd February 30 years ago, time to rest, 60.000 readers and other things.Feb 27, 2011
- Birthdays in February, a burning platform, Egypt is free, the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, home again and a family trip to La Granja de San Ildefonso.Feb 20, 2011
- An implant, VID of the week, on the road again: to Barcelona and Stockholm, good news for Yoigo, CV plagiarism and the revolution continues in the Middle East.Feb 06, 2011
January
- Spanish sport in the news, a respite for me but lots of hard work, more lunches, dinners and shopping, disturbances in the Middle East and Lina Ben Mhenni, an extraordinary woman.Jan 30, 2011
- Home again, nearly as cold as in Stockholm, on to the consolidation phase and a week of hard work.Jan 23, 2011
- Swine flu, mission accomplished and the week I went to Stockholm again, to the land of snow and smörgåsar.Jan 16, 2011
- The end of Christmas, the girls in Amsterdam, awful colds, bad weather and our Christmas Part 2Jan 08, 2011
201052 posts
December
- The week running up to the festivities and our Christmas Part One 2010.Dec 28, 2010
- Christmas social events and shopping, a taste of England, Spanish (Ibérico) hams, another new toy, oh so cold, Norah's new coat and other things.Dec 19, 2010
- December bank holiday, a VIP flying trip to Valencia, Christmas is coming, I need your votes please and lots of other things.Dec 12, 2010
- Reunions, an anniversary, a new toy, a metro hero, Spain in a state of alert, the story of WikiLeaks and more.Dec 05, 2010
November
- A cold week in November, lunch with Alex, an invitation, a mistake, North Korea attacks South Korea, and other thingsNov 28, 2010
- A family reunited, farewell Katty, Tony, Luc, Sam and Ruby. We will never forget you.Nov 21, 2010
- Another holiday, Morocco in the news, a hand written letter, the Alfa Romeo died, dinner at El Viejo Almacén de Buenos Aires, friends in Bombay and the world rejoices at the release of San-Suu-KyiNov 14, 2010
- A confession from Felipe González, a quiet week, remember remember the 5th of December, an air crash in Cuba and remembering Aunty Gloria. A Papal visit, a Bahai wedding and a dog that adopted a piglet.Nov 07, 2010
October
- Good news for Juan, lunch with Laura, Oli back from Marrakech and a wet weekend in MontrondoOct 31, 2010
- A busy week, good news for Oli, a Government reshuffle in Spain, a weekend in Barcelona and a happy Monday for Yoigo.Oct 26, 2010
- A trip to Stockholm, a Japanese hotel, shopping, the Chilean miners’ incredible story, home again and the girls go to SalamancaOct 17, 2010
- Mario Vargas Llosa wins the Nobel Literature Prize 2010, a special week for many people, a wedding on Facebook and Spain continues to excel at sportOct 10, 2010
- Battling with Dr. Dukan, a general strike in Spain, 4 years at Yoigo, Suzy joins the workforce, good news for my friends, remembering my Mother and other things.Oct 03, 2010
September
- Coming home, crossing the Allenby Bridge into Israel, Eladio’s birthday, routine again, a new diet and the girls’ newsSep 26, 2010
- Our Arabian Adventure and impressions of The Hashemite Kingdom of JordanSep 18, 2010
- Following in the footsteps of Jesus in Nazareth and Galilee. Exploring the north and more impressions of Israel.Sep 11, 2010
- Shalom and Shana Tova from Israel. Exploring Jerusalem, Yad Vashem, a harrowing experience, the West Bank and Bethlehem and Shalom JerusalemSep 07, 2010
- Journey to Israel, our arrival and first impressions of Jerusalem, meeting people and visiting the old town, Eladio is a very lucky man and plastic weapons will not help peace.Sep 04, 2010
- September is here, the first step of our trip to the Holy Land, Santander again, a little black dress and a disaster in a Chilean mine.Sep 02, 2010
August
- Picking your own fruit, visitors from Yorkshire, a trip to Salamanca, our 27th wedding anniversary and all together again.Aug 23, 2010
- Recovered, Santa Pola, another trip down memory lane, the story of Frank and Julia, Gandía and home again.Aug 15, 2010
- Stuck at home, Suzy in Montrondo, curry in Bradford, Michelle Obama in Marbella and the week Olga came to stay.Aug 08, 2010
- Out of action, bullfighting, the Montrondo annual family gathering, Once Upon a Time in India, queues for the iPhone 4 and other things.Aug 01, 2010
July
- An important visit from India, more good news for Spanish sport, a sad affair in Duisburg and other stories.Jul 26, 2010
- Spain won its first ever World Cup, the psychic octopus Paul, a visit to Montrondo, a TV appearance, legal again and a trip to Santa PolaJul 17, 2010
- Fireworks, Valencia and the Yoigo Mid Summer Party, a celebration, more on the World Cup 2010, good news from Wimbledon, Hennie Kuiper at the Tour of France and sandals from Menorca.Jul 03, 2010
June
- A bad start to the week, shopping, a visit from Finland, Suzy’s good news, apartheid and more on the World Cup.Jun 26, 2010
- Barcelona again, a Hawaiian Barbecue, a Swedish royal wedding, the girls in Copenhagen and moreJun 20, 2010
- Remembering my Mother on her birthday, Oli continues in Brazil, launch of the iPhone4, Suzy’s last week of studying, the World Cup kicked off in South Africa and other things.Jun 13, 2010
- News from Brazil, Corpus Christi, goodbye Nesca, sewing, a snake on our walk and other things.Jun 06, 2010
May
- The last week in May, storms, news from abroad and more.May 30, 2010
- Birthdays and Russian food, Puppies and a weekend in MontrondoMay 25, 2010
- Britain’s accidental revolution, remembering George, a trip to Valencia and good news for Spanish sport.May 17, 2010
- A bomb scare in Times Square, the volcanic ash strikes again, an economic crisis in Greece, a hung parliament and the meat in the sausage, English culture, planning our trip to Israel and Jordan, a quiet week at home and other things.May 09, 2010
- Trip to Santa Pola, robbed, reunion with Jackie, two birthdays, Gordon Brown’s faux pas, the British elections, Mislit and a new addiction.May 01, 2010
April
- The week a volcano in Iceland brought air travel to a halt, an Irishman called Colm O’Gorman, a notorious Russian called Zherebkov, Xhristos Voskresi, dinner at home with friends and a very wet walk.Apr 18, 2010
- Back from the USA, visitors from abroad and a trip to Segovia, a disaster in Poland and other stories.Apr 11, 2010
- Our trip to New York, “this is America Mam”, a reunion in New Jersey and all about the Big Apple.Apr 03, 2010
March
- The days before our trip, the joys of flying in 2010 and the obstacle race to get on board our flight destination JFK.Mar 26, 2010
- Spring is here, more success for Spanish sport, people in our lives, my regional tour continues, preparations for New York and a dreadful mistake.Mar 21, 2010
- A new work room, biscuits, great women and women’s day, a trip to Valencia, remembering the 11th March, goodbye Miguel Delibes and the girls in LisbonMar 14, 2010
- Mother Nature continues her cruelty, a new month new activities and a red sofa from the Calle Montera.Mar 07, 2010
February
- Home again, more technology in my life, waiting for Pedro J Ramírez, capricious Mother Nature and more.Feb 28, 2010
- A very special reunion weekend in BrusselsFeb 24, 2010
- To Barcelona for the Mobile World Congress 2010 and a warm welcome backFeb 22, 2010
- Birthdays, Oli’s tales from afar, remembering George, a visit to the Red Cross, a new look, off to Barcelona and more.Feb 13, 2010
- TVs and fires, interviews, social engagements, recipes, birthday celebrations and Oli back from Israel.Feb 07, 2010
January
- Finally an iPhone, the holocaust remembered, Olivia in Israel, a bit about religion, retirement at 67 and more.Jan 31, 2010
- Dreaming of travelling, more on Haiti, the end of La Señora, the Queen of suspense, and other news.Jan 24, 2010
- The week Haiti was devastated by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake, a personal implication and other news.Jan 17, 2010
- Diana was born, Kings’ day, a lot of snow and an adventurous dinner at Julio’s.Jan 11, 2010
- Happy New Year, the family is growing and love at first sight.Jan 03, 2010
200958 posts
December
- My year in Facebook status updates 2009Dec 29, 2009
- Christmas comes but once a year, Spanish and English traditions, 2009 in pictures and Happy New Year to you all.Dec 27, 2009
- So cold, more parties, a real reindeer, back to El-Aaiún, Pili, Andrés and the “abuela came” sad news and a Happy Christmas from Yoigo and from me.Dec 20, 2009
- Well into December, happy with myself, Aminatou Haidar, a political problem, a good deed, new toys before Christmas and more.Dec 13, 2009
- Parties, getting into the Christmas spirit, the up and down diet, and Spain won the Davis Cup.Dec 06, 2009
November
- Barcelona again, a 3rd anniversary, dinner at Irene’s, a family trip to La Rioja and remembering Aunty MashaNov 29, 2009
- Spring in November, a very busy week, new internet applications, luxury food shopping, getting ready for Christmas and the spice of lifeNov 22, 2009
- A visit from China, a new look, new wine for my collection, Goodbye Miss Fair, and moreNov 15, 2009
- Coughs and colds, a visit from Pernille and Thomas and broken glassesNov 09, 2009
- The girls are back from India, a bout of sickness, new clothes, Halloween and Dorothy the chimpanzeeNov 01, 2009
October
- The girls’ trip to India continues, itchy feet, more Lis Salander and dinner with friendsOct 25, 2009
- Getting on with life while the girls are in India and a boy in a balloonOct 19, 2009
- Shopping with Suzy, goodbye Lis Salander, Montrondo again and a farewell Indian dinnerOct 12, 2009
- It’s autumn again, the 10th anniversary of my Mother’s passing away, her recipe for Golubtzi, tea, the Spanish Olympic dream is over, and life goes onOct 04, 2009
September
- A sporting nation, La Parra revisited, Eladio’s birthday and playing with fire.Sep 24, 2009
- A quiet week in SeptemberSep 13, 2009
- The girls are going to IndiaSep 10, 2009
- Santander and post Santander, Norah's first social outing and other newsSep 08, 2009
August
- End of the holidays, a visit to Salamanca, Usain Bolt the fastest man in the world, a new face for Spain, our anniversary and more.Aug 23, 2009
- And so to Santa Pola, all the family together, bombs in Mallorca and the death of Harry PatchAug 18, 2009
- Yearbook, the latest online craze.Aug 11, 2009
- Santa Marta 2009, the Freijo family reunited once again. What was different from other years and what was not?Aug 10, 2009
- A memory packed holiday in Yorkshire, reunions, church and too much food.Aug 05, 2009
July
- Playing at houses in Montrondo, Russian folk music, the oldest man in the world dies and how I remember the first landing on the moon.Jul 19, 2009
- Home and off again, a fall, reading and languages, Winston Churchill, a farewell dinner, strawberries without cream, Tour de France and other thingsJul 10, 2009
June
- Summer Party in La Rioja, Michael Jackson died, Oli in Guatemala, Suzy away and the end of an era.Jun 30, 2009
- Montrondo, La Rioja, castles in Burgos and Oli in Guatemala. Eta killed again. Quënco, 26 years later.Jun 21, 2009
- Oli’s leaving home, Montrondo again, cut off from the outside world and more Emma Bridgewater potteryJun 14, 2009
- Not just any Sunday, Federer, remembering my Mother, European elections, exam time, leaving home, Coco Chanel, Magritte and other stuff.Jun 07, 2009
- North Korea explodes an atomic bomb, another plane crash, a lesson in French literature, I went to La Rioja and many other thingsJun 04, 2009
May
- Lots of things happened, Tiger balm and Chinese tapestry. It was Oli’s birthday and we went to Montrondo again.May 26, 2009
- A peaceful Sunday afternoon, a time to remember George, reunion with the González-Gálvez family, Spotify, Norway wins the ESC and other thingsMay 17, 2009
- Calle de Paris, Emma Bridgewater, a visit to Santa Pola, a pig in quarantine, the Pope visits the Middle East and other stories.May 11, 2009
- 1st May bank holiday at home, Vappu, more swine flu, Obama’s 100th day in office, sex on the Queen's lawn, a woman Poet Laureate and other things.May 03, 2009
- My Father, Charles Courtenay Lloyd and his 90th birthday.May 03, 2009
April
- Swine flu, Spanish cuisine, a state visit from France, the Queen emails bloggers, visitors from abroad, a very big party and less social networkingApr 28, 2009
- Sarkozy’s boots, Afghan women protest, Indian elections, Imagine never having been kissed at 48? Internet and me, my Danish princess and other storiesApr 19, 2009
- Semana Santa, women in government, off to Montrondo with Anne and all good things come to an end.Apr 13, 2009
- A holiday in Extramadura, world politics – the Queen meets the Obamas, royal protocol is broken, Obama meets Zapatero and an earthquake in Italy.Apr 07, 2009
March
- Work, the only Georgian taxi driver in Madrid, Armstrong crashed in Spain, the week I began to tweet with fervour and Earth Hour 2009.Mar 28, 2009
- It’s Spring againMar 22, 2009
- “Todo va bien”, everything is fine and the wrong places at the wrong times.Mar 15, 2009
- An uneventful week, news from a distant relative in New Zealand, discovering Boadilla and a weekend without my laptop.Mar 08, 2009
- The Hollywood connection, a very social week, in love with Norah, Primo won a car and a course on DTV for the elderly.Mar 01, 2009
February
- Barcelona, the MWC, parties, men in black and meeting old friends. Culture, Catalán and home again.Feb 22, 2009
- George’s birthday, Oli in Amsterdam, Suzy in London, Norah fell ill, St. Valentine’s and off to Barcelona to the Mobile World Congress.Feb 15, 2009
- Camino and the Goya film awards, birthdays, a birthday puppy and a family celebration.Feb 08, 2009
- History in the making, the Cow Parade, Mt. Everest, Ruth Lorenzo, a make up session, Valkyrie, snow again and planning new excursions.Feb 01, 2009
January
- Liam was born, Barack Obama, the first black President of the United States, was sworn to office, a windy week in Spain and other things.Jan 25, 2009
- Home again, settling down, back to work, yet part of me still in India.Jan 19, 2009
- Getting out of Nepal, a cat and a mouse, thick fog, goodbye Nepal and India, the end of our journey, till we come again.Jan 12, 2009
- Bhaktapur City, the dictionary episode and life on the street in Nepal, Nagarkot and the end of our trip to the roof of the world, Namaste!Jan 10, 2009
- Varanasi to Kathmandu, Santosh’s story, the subject of toilets, Nepal, the Dwarika Hotel, Mr. Lama, flight over Everest and getting to know Kathmandu.Jan 09, 2009
- From Agra to Varanasi and the Ganges, the holy city and holy river of India, a humbling experienceJan 07, 2009
- More observations on India, elephant polo, animals, women, village life, more on driving, religious harmony and men’s underwear.Jan 06, 2009
- From Udaipur to Jaipur, the pink city and a hotel fit for a King, on the road from Jaipur to Agra and the Taj Mahal, the world famous monument of loveJan 05, 2009
- Observations of India and the Indian way of life where nothing is the same and birds are green and carrots are red.Jan 04, 2009
- From Jodhpur to Udaipur, a harrowing journey. Udaipur the city of palaces and lakes, romantic dinners and fish and chips in a palace.Jan 02, 2009
200888 posts
December
- Jodhpur, the blue city, a fortress, meeting people, learning Hindi and happy new year from IndiaDec 31, 2008
- From Mandawa to Pushkar and Pushkar to Jodhpur and roads where human and animal life coexist. The Hindu religion and learning to make chapatisDec 30, 2008
- From Delhi to Mandawa, not quite the silk route. Our second day in India.Dec 28, 2008
- Arriving in India and impressions from our first day in Delhi. Mahatma Gandhi and “time is not a problem Mam”.Dec 27, 2008
- A concentrated but beautiful Christmas; childhood stockings and Christmas carols. And so the journey to India began, Namaste my friends.Dec 26, 2008
- Happy Christmas 2008 and a wonderful 2009Dec 24, 2008
- Final preparations for India, more Christmas parties and shopping, news from André, Bush in trouble, Russian cuisine and what's cooking next weekDec 21, 2008
- Christmas preparations and getting ready for IndiaDec 14, 2008
- The week I found my cousin in Canada, some long lost friends in the USA, the week that Christmas came and many other things.Dec 08, 2008
- Aunty Masha laid to rest, a Russian funeral and the story of how Spain became a part of our lives and how I came to live here.Dec 07, 2008
November
- A trip to Stockholm, India’s 9/11 and another death in the family.Nov 29, 2008
- Goodbye Aunty Masha! The Lieven story, the end of an era. My obituary.Nov 29, 2008
- A film, more lunches, preparing Christmas, a surprise party, 45 years since JFK was killed, Spain in the Davis Cup final, off to Stockholm and more.Nov 23, 2008
- Another week in November and news from Havana, Zagreb, Belgrade, Switzerland and Helsinki and stories about other places.Nov 16, 2008
- Remember, remember the 5th of November and so to London with a heavy heart, but young again. Good bits and bad and other stuff, of course.Nov 08, 2008
- A call from the police in London. Sanya’s story.Nov 02, 2008
- A week of good news and badNov 02, 2008
October
- Barcelona and home with a bangOct 25, 2008
- The rest of the week’s news; Carlos, Fátima and Julio, Santi and the Quixote giants.Oct 18, 2008
- The “X Motorola Girls”Oct 17, 2008
- Rosy, the cousin from Cuba. Return to Montrondo.Oct 16, 2008
- Oh Fuck!, Alonso makes a double win in Japan, Martti Ahtisaari and Le Clézio win the Nobel peace and literature prizes and Rajoy puts his foot in it.Oct 12, 2008
- On the home front, Oli and Eladio are back, Oli starts with RTVE, news from abroad, my role as an employment recruiter and other thingsOct 12, 2008
- A long, lonely and significant week in many waysOct 05, 2008
- Working from the kitchen table, an emptier house, while the cats are away ….. planning the weekendOct 03, 2008
- The tables have turned, remembering my Mother and 2 years with my new company.Oct 01, 2008
September
- Autumn is here, a family celebration, “The house of the Duke” (La casa del Duque), a surreal photo shoot and enterprising friends.Sep 27, 2008
- Dinner "with" Guti, social engagements and a visit to Bilbao and the Guggenheim MuseumSep 21, 2008
- Lance Armstrong to return to cycling - "the same old son of a bitch" - my memories of Lance.Sep 14, 2008
- “Pigs”, a battle with a castle, a visit from Alberto, goodbye Julian, another TV chat show and other things.Sep 14, 2008
- Home again, August is over, back to routineSep 06, 2008
- InterviewSep 06, 2008
- Las Campanas 30 years onSep 06, 2008
- LinkedInSep 06, 2008
- Networking in Santander, Lerma and round and round in circles.Sep 06, 2008
August
- Silver Wedding Anniversary celebration trip to AmsterdamAug 26, 2008
- A few days at the seaside, the annual summer visit to Santa PolaAug 20, 2008
- Home again, the Olympic Games, Russia invades Georgia, life goes on and I fell flat on my face on spilled wine!Aug 11, 2008
- The family united again in Montrondo; different ways of experiencing Santa Marta.Aug 09, 2008
- No hassles holiday in Galicia. Paradors, history and castles. Food and wine, walks and talks, siestas and swims on rainy beaches and vistas of the seaAug 05, 2008
July
- Congratulations Spain, another first, another Tour de FranceJul 27, 2008
- The familyJul 25, 2008
- Can't wait for tomorrowJul 24, 2008
- Last weekJul 19, 2008
- Santander with the Chauffeur and the Inspector, Frómista and Santa María de Mave and too expensive Marques de Riscal wine from RuedaJul 19, 2008
- Silver shoes, cats, Wimbledon and other thingsJul 09, 2008
- Work life balance, from San Sebastián to La Rioja and home again; the parties are finally over until September and Suzy in Alicante + Oli in MallorcaJul 01, 2008
June
- Anne Marjut and Jupe came to stay and I wasn't there!Jun 29, 2008
- Joe chilling out in the Spanish sun!Jun 29, 2008
- Olé Olé SpainJun 29, 2008
- Family party, all the secrets are out, Anne Marjut came, in San Sebastián again and off to La Rioja. Olé, Olé, Olé, Spain is in the Euro Cup Final.Jun 26, 2008
- My new picture.Jun 20, 2008
- Helen’s story, Oli's graduation, Yoli and Isidro came and so did “It”Jun 18, 2008
- Back to San Sebastián 15 years on, Covarrubias and home againJun 10, 2008
- Celebrations, Oli’s last week at University, the wild boar again, a new Blackberry and a new found author.Jun 01, 2008
May
- Visits to Madrid, driven out of the house, robbed of a walk, fancy dress party, La Señora, dinner with friends and Oli finishes University this week.May 26, 2008
- Goodbye HenryMay 24, 2008
- The grand old age of 23May 22, 2008
- Back from England and off to MontrondoMay 18, 2008
- An emotional trip, England again, St, Joseph’s College reunion, my childhood revisited.May 14, 2008
- Getting ready to go the UK. Do I miss it? My beautiful girlsMay 08, 2008
- More about our May Bank HolidayMay 04, 2008
- A short working week, Grandpa’s birthday and the May bank holidayMay 03, 2008
April
- Lunches and dinners with politicians, friends and family. Summer is coming, Suzy is 24, TV again and we met a wild boar!Apr 28, 2008
- It’s Friday again. Suzy’s African experience, Elegy, a more feminine Spanish government and other thingsApr 18, 2008
- Life goes on, …..the sun comes and goesApr 12, 2008
- The Anglo Spanish weekend, a reunion of the past.Apr 04, 2008
March
- Spondylolisthesis, lunch with my new Chinese friend and on the telly againMar 31, 2008
- From Granada to Santa Pola and back home for EasterMar 23, 2008
- Me and Gibraltar today, and 28 years ago.Mar 23, 2008
- Journey to Andalucía and Gibraltar, 28 years later - 13th to 17th MarchMar 21, 2008
- LauraMar 11, 2008
- A typical week in March but a sad week for SpainMar 09, 2008
- A very social week, another voice from the past, more news from Andy and Spring is in the air!Mar 02, 2008
- So much to look forward to: Gibraltar, the Alhambra, an Anglo Spanish weekend, Cavalia and back to school.Mar 02, 2008
February
- After Barcelona, a school reunion and someone from the past.Feb 24, 2008
- On the TV yesterdayFeb 23, 2008
- Barcelona and the Mobile World CongressFeb 20, 2008
- Red roses, a first for St. ValentinesFeb 15, 2008
- My birthday, Mallorca, meeting Mr. Cervera, a late cake and other thingsFeb 09, 2008
- All's quiet on the home front, Nancy Reagan hairstyle, we went shopping for string but ended up buying new clothes and other things.Feb 04, 2008
January
- The History Boys, a fresh look for my Blog but I didn’t read the instructions, did I and no news from Stephanie yet ……………..Jan 27, 2008
- Long time no write, lots to tell you, a black week in general, friends, voices and music from the past. Oh and Oli got a Cum LaudeJan 25, 2008
- Cats, cooking, the cinema and important decisionsJan 13, 2008
- Poor Phoebe, I hope she doesn't feel like thisJan 09, 2008
- Family gathering for t 3 Kings’ day, goodbye Christmas, congratulations Mario and "reise fieber"Jan 07, 2008
- Links to new friends' blogsJan 04, 2008
- Visit to El Escorial, New Year’s Eve in León, snow, lunch in La Moraleja, surprise visit from Pili, visitors from Moscow plus birthday greetingsJan 04, 2008
200790 posts
December
- Happy New YearDec 31, 2007
- Christmas should begin with “F” as it’s all about family, friends and food! “F” for mystery fish and thanks Mercadona!Dec 28, 2007
- Happy Christmas everyoneDec 28, 2007
- Martina for tea, a bad back, me on the TV, parties galore, a visit from Aunty Masha and Sasha, getting ready for Xmas + an invitation to an eventDec 19, 2007
- A trip to Gredos (6th to 8th December 07)Dec 10, 2007
- A 3 day week and off to GredosDec 09, 2007
- Corporate blogs and protocol lectures, dinner at Casa Lucio, a restaurant fit for a king, Federico García Lorca, new friends on Facebook and Twitter.Dec 02, 2007
November
- What is there to tell this week? Plaza Norte, Oliva Negra, shopping for tablecloths, wine glasses, a new mattress, ....Nov 25, 2007
- A quiet week with not much to report. Spain beat Sweden 3-0 and classifies for the Euro Cup.Nov 18, 2007
- Trip to the Cazorla National Park in Jaen and the route of the Paradors.Nov 12, 2007
- Oh my God I reached 10.000!Nov 06, 2007
- Rubbish on our walk - my photo published in Qué! todayNov 06, 2007
- All Saint’s Bank HolidayNov 04, 2007
- Halloween Oct 07. Is this my daughter Susana?Nov 01, 2007
- The day we went a bit far with the bubble bath.Nov 01, 2007
October
- A lot of lunches, celebration and shopping, Mencía is born, 13 Roses and a day trip to Segovia.Oct 28, 2007
- Lunch with a friend, tasting outing, visit to the flea market, visit to the cinema, back to the Alpagateria and planning our next trip away.Oct 22, 2007
- Requiem for a dogOct 22, 2007
- The Autumn colours reach Montrondo; a family weekend.Oct 16, 2007
- Lunch with a friend, a funeral, Amazon.com and preparations for a holiday weekendOct 15, 2007
- An emotional week in many ways.Oct 07, 2007
- Goodbye Gerardo!Oct 04, 2007
September
- Lots of men in the house, a diet of sorts, lunch with Julio and Fátima, the birth of "Público", the Doctor's prescription, Fergus came to stay.Sep 30, 2007
- Oli's make over in MiaSep 30, 2007
- PR and girlie lunches, Rudyard Kipling, a boyhood dream and another birthdaySep 25, 2007
- The boy in the striped pyjamasSep 24, 2007
- After Stockholm, back home, renovation going on at home, lunch with Cristina and Paloma, a visit from Pili and family and a bad back.Sep 16, 2007
- Spirit of the Wild Exhibition in StockholmSep 16, 2007
- Stockholm, a romantic and wet weekendSep 10, 2007
- Back to Santander with a splash!Sep 04, 2007
- Changes to my blog, link to Facebook, language translator and the weather. 9000 visits.Sep 02, 2007
- Update of the week; catching up with friends, some happy birthdays, welcome back Miguel and off to Santander and Stockholm.Sep 02, 2007
August
- FacebookAug 24, 2007
- You know you’ve lived in Spain whenAug 24, 2007
- Phoebe, a new member of the familyAug 21, 2007
- Today is our 24th wedding anniversaryAug 21, 2007
- Trip to Santa Pola 14th to 18th AugustAug 21, 2007
- A visit from Ponferrada, a funny stomach and off to the coast for the final lap of the Summer holidays.Aug 13, 2007
- Home again, Summer in El Bosque – 3rd to 7th AugustAug 07, 2007
- Montrondo, León, the Hospital, Benavente and home againAug 07, 2007
- Diary of our holiday in GaliciaAug 01, 2007
July
- Safe arrival in GaliciaJul 23, 2007
- Siesta in the hammockJul 23, 2007
- Annual Summer “Cocido” and the beginning of the holidaysJul 20, 2007
- Congratulations Ana and TommyJul 20, 2007
- Visit of Adela, Primo, Marta and MinistroJul 18, 2007
- Not much to report.Jul 16, 2007
- Quiet summer weekend, another family visit for the Abuela.Jul 09, 2007
- Oli’s graduation, the “abuela” came to stay and a visit from the familyJul 02, 2007
June
- Mid week postJun 28, 2007
- Midsummer in Salamanca, catching up with friends again, Isidro and Yoli came to lunch, the first swim of the Summer and peaches in the garden.Jun 25, 2007
- The newly weds visit MadridJun 20, 2007
- The Wedding. Roberto and Ana joined together in matrimony in León on Saturday 16th June, 2007.Jun 18, 2007
- Catching up with colleagues from the past. Lunch with Santi and CristinaJun 12, 2007
- Summer dinner party, a sporty weekend and I can see againJun 10, 2007
- A year ago yesterdayJun 07, 2007
- Mummy's BirthdayJun 07, 2007
- Catching up with old friends. Lunch with "Pelo Pincho", dinner with Marta.Jun 02, 2007
- Roses GaloreJun 02, 2007
May
- Another wet weekend, Local elections, Quillo and Elsa are leaving and something to look forward to.May 27, 2007
- 22 on the 22nd May, Happy Birthday OliviaMay 25, 2007
- Montrondo again; thanks Antonio. Ulpiano and the potatoesMay 20, 2007
- Back to Helsinki and the Eurovision Song ContestMay 15, 2007
- The garden in Spring. A quiet weekend and nice to be home.May 06, 2007
- Diary of our trip to Cornwall – 26th April to 1st May 2007May 02, 2007
April
- Spring is definitely here and brought with it an active social lifeApr 24, 2007
- Susi and the puppiesApr 20, 2007
- A weekend in April; good weather at last, Oli going againApr 17, 2007
- An unexepected midweek trip to Montrondo, goodbye Virginia and and how mourning unites the familyApr 13, 2007
- A rather wet Easter 2007. Easter eggs and orangesApr 10, 2007
- Finally got my red leather patent high heeled shoes!Apr 02, 2007
- Weekend away at La Senda de los CaracolesApr 02, 2007
March
- A voice from the past.Mar 26, 2007
- In search of red patent high heeled shoes.Mar 26, 2007
- Spring has come, Fernanda and Jerónimo's party and a new member of the family came from Jérez de la Frontera.Mar 26, 2007
- Dinner with Anne and Graciela, The five day headache, Oli came back, Easter Eggs and Hot Cross Buns and The Bad GermanMar 18, 2007
- Going to the Cinema, the influence of communism and the Second World War. Spring is in the air. Anniversary of 11th March Madrid train bombingsMar 11, 2007
- Visitors, surprise party for Tomas’ 40th, Eladio and the breathalyser and love is in the airMar 04, 2007
February
- A quiet week in FebruaryFeb 25, 2007
- 3GSM Barcelona 07Feb 18, 2007
- My 50th birthday, otherwise known as the Indian WeddingFeb 17, 2007
- Birthday SurpriseFeb 07, 2007
- New bedclothes, lunch with friends, an hour long massage, Black Book and an anti terrorist demonstration in MadridFeb 04, 2007
January
- PR lunches, the company of the leader of the opposition, getting interviewed by Metro, it snowed, went to see Babel, lunch at Benito and Loli'sJan 27, 2007
- A change is as good as a rest – visit to Barcelona and other thingsJan 21, 2007
- Back to full speedJan 14, 2007
- Dinner at Julio’s, something of a traditionJan 09, 2007
- Oli - Leaving on a jet planeJan 09, 2007
- The Three Kings, our three “roscones” and the last but one day of ChristmasJan 06, 2007
- New Year's Eve in León - the 12 grapes and 60 kisses!Jan 01, 2007
200683 posts
December
- An outing to the Retiro and an encounter with a GypsyDec 30, 2006
- Christmas Day 2006 and the English traditionsDec 28, 2006
- Dinner at Fátima’sDec 28, 2006
- Christmas Eve / Nochebuena 2006Dec 26, 2006
- Outing to the Christmas Market in the Plaza MayorDec 25, 2006
- Casa Paco, Alex and DianaDec 17, 2006
- Encounter with the Oreja de Van GoghDec 17, 2006
- Lunch at Jill + Paco'sDec 10, 2006
- Olivia came home and Christmas came to El BosqueDec 10, 2006
- An afternoon and evening with Finns and Swedes and back to Midnight Rose!Dec 06, 2006
- Midnight Rose and I met Il DivoDec 03, 2006
- Those pretty people who can they be?Dec 02, 2006
November
- Anne came for the weekend and Manuel's a FatherNov 26, 2006
- Ex Motorola gatheringNov 19, 2006
- Weekend in the UK with Amanda and family - seeing Olivia again. Meeting Roger too!Nov 19, 2006
- A heavy social life this week. It all started with SandraNov 12, 2006
- Susi and Oli - a weekend in LondonNov 12, 2006
- The Retiro Park todayNov 12, 2006
- Weekend in LeónNov 05, 2006
October
- Halloween 2006 and Susi gets dressed up againOct 31, 2006
- Shopping with Susi, the ex-Motorola gathering and a relaxing weekend.Oct 29, 2006
- Miguel back from London, family gatheringOct 22, 2006
- Busy again, The Hispanic Bank Holiday, San came for lunch and Henry/Courtenay and Mao Tse Tung!Oct 15, 2006
- My first week – just like I’d never been away. Plus Pedro, Ludy and Enrique.Oct 08, 2006
- And then I got to choose – 2 jobs in one week, from the French to the Swedish!Oct 01, 2006
- Elena’s celebration – 50 years of religious lifeOct 01, 2006
- The Housewarming party that turned into a celebration dinner.Oct 01, 2006
September
- Eladio’s birthday and the broken cake!Sep 23, 2006
- Seeing Oli offSep 23, 2006
- Life is beautiful! And I have some news … Read on.Sep 18, 2006
- Storks busy and romance in the airSep 14, 2006
- The Gardner and a Full HouseSep 10, 2006
- The lazy Summer days are coming to an end.Sep 09, 2006
- A quiet and very hot week. Spain won the Basket Ball World Championship!Sep 04, 2006
August
- Cooking with the girlsAug 29, 2006
- Julio came to lunchAug 29, 2006
- Pensión El Bosque open again – visitors from Yecla. Lazy August days, visit to Copenhagen.Aug 28, 2006
- 23 years ago todayAug 21, 2006
- Eladio cutting the leafy treeAug 16, 2006
- Lazy days in Santa PolaAug 16, 2006
- The Mystery Play of Elche (Misteri d’Elx)Aug 16, 2006
- Summer ShoesAug 04, 2006
- The Freijo brothers and sisters with their MotherAug 04, 2006
- Montrondo – The Annual Family GatheringAug 02, 2006
July
- Job Hunting, Going to the Cinema, Too much chocolate, Iberia Plus dinner, Ruby's latest adventures, Sara (Salita Guapa) came to visit.</strongJul 24, 2006
- A weekend in MontrondoJul 19, 2006
- The cat and the rabbit. Who said they couldn’t live together?Jul 19, 2006
- The girlsJul 19, 2006
- Busy times: Pensión “El Bosque” , To London and back, looking after the old folk, housewarming party and back to normal. But oh so hot !Jul 12, 2006
- Eladio and his Mother enjoying her stay at our new house.Jul 12, 2006
June
May
April
- So what happened this week?Apr 22, 2006
- A lovely Easter Week .... Easter day with Fernanda + the Mexican connection.Apr 16, 2006
- Quiet Easter weekApr 10, 2006
- We have a new house, finally!Apr 08, 2006
- Dinner with old friends + we finally got to meet Santi!Apr 04, 2006
- A busy weekend socialising and house huntingApr 02, 2006
March
- Sold!Mar 31, 2006
- Volver - "Coming Back"Mar 26, 2006
- Fathers' Day Bank HolidayMar 20, 2006
- Back to the world of work. Tired but happy!Mar 16, 2006
- New project and off to the seasideMar 09, 2006
- The first signs of SpringMar 07, 2006
- Playing CupidMar 04, 2006
- New lookMar 03, 2006
February
- Dinner at BiceFeb 27, 2006
- Snow on a Sunday in MadridFeb 26, 2006
- What's up this week?Feb 20, 2006
- St. Valentines day is on the 14th Feb isn't it?Feb 15, 2006
- A family gathering and the last of the birthday celebrationsFeb 12, 2006
- The birthday party (The Nokia Connection)Feb 11, 2006
- My latest bits of news and activities and, by the way, today is my Birthday.Feb 08, 2006
January
- Rome was great but very cold.Jan 31, 2006
- So we went to the theatreJan 21, 2006
- Family outing to El PardoJan 12, 2006
- A Roman Holiday in JanuaryJan 10, 2006
- Happy New Year everyone.Jan 07, 2006
- The last day of ChristmasJan 07, 2006
200515 posts
December
- Christmas highlights at Río Tajo, 5. Dec 05Dec 30, 2005
- Christmas is coming and the goose is getting fatDec 18, 2005
November
- This could be it - our dream house?Nov 24, 2005
- My latest news and a quick trip to León - 17th Nov 2005Nov 21, 2005
- All Saints' bank holiday in Istanbul 29 Oct - 1 NovNov 04, 2005
October
- Goodbye 6 Heaton GroveOct 21, 2005
- Still searching for a new houseOct 21, 2005
September
- Searching for a new houseSep 27, 2005
- My husband, Eladio's surprise early retirement party - Madrid 25th June 2005Sep 15, 2005
- My blog became public - Tuesday 14th September 2005Sep 14, 2005
- Andy and Amanda's wedding party do - 11th September 2005Sep 13, 2005
- Helsinki July 2005Sep 13, 2005
- Mummy and the girlsSep 13, 2005
- My familySep 13, 2005
- Hello everyoneSep 12, 2005