10am Sunday morning, croissants and coffee, 24C and the sun is still shining. What’s new?
We were very sad to hear that Chloe’s half-sister Iona-May died this week. Our thoughts are with all those who were close to her but particularly Vicki who has showed such tremendous courage and determination in ensuring that Iona-May had the absolute best life she could have. We both have great respect for her and hope that she will take some small comfort from knowing that nobody could have done more than she has.
What else? Ann has become a regular blood donor and is also decorating the caravan. These two activities are often sequential. Between bed-time and 2am she donates a pint or two of blood mixed with white wine to the local mosquitoes. Then at about 2am she leaps out of bed cursing, grabs the fly-swatter and decorates the bedroom liberally with bright red splats. Not a style I like very much, but it does make her feel a little better. I got one small bite in Carcassonne about six weeks ago, but I think that was from a mosie with faulty radar.
I’d have won my bet about the car spares. I phoned on Friday to confirm that they would fit it that afternoon and I’m sure they hadn’t even ordered it. They’re supposed to be doing it on Monday but I’m still not holding my breath. I’ve also got a doctor’s appointment on Wednesday to get my ears sorted. Virtually completely deaf at present, which is awkward. We are beginning to be accepted by the Spanish people on the campsite and it is quite difficult to converse in a foreign language when you have to lip-read at the same time!
We are both doing quite a lot of exercise, which is just about balancing out the food and wine intake at the moment. We sent a fine curry odour right round the campsite the other night which caused a few raised eyebrows, but we are increasingly eating a Mediterranean diet. It is very difficult to cut down on the alcohol intake when you can get a decent bottle of red wine for 1.90 euros, but I expect we will get round to making the effort eventually.
If you are reading the blog please feel free to leave a comment. It’s good to feel that people know we’re still alive! Hasta la vista. Andy.
ann and andy lawrenson 
Mmm…… Mossies….. Funny to hear mother attracts them, in our family it’s me, and Sveta barely gets touched. I was wearing a strong repellant in Maine, as there were plenty of them up there, particularly in the forest walks, but I would not suppose you’d want to do this long term. I would spray in the inside of the caravan thoroughly every afternoon to set them back a bit.
Next weekend we’re driving to hot springs in Arkansas. Its the state immediatelt to the north but its still going to be a seven hour drive. We will stop in some hick place half way to rest on Thursday night. Actually I expect Sveta will do most of the driving as I tend to fall asleep really quickly on the boring interstates. I’ve booked the famous hotel in hot springs, the Arlington, Al capones favorite hortel apparently. They seem proud that the last four presidents have stayed there too, and have a Reagan, Clinton room etc.
love roger&sveta
Hello Ann and Andy. Well the blog does read well. You are certainly getting used to the life out their. Andy, I may have made a mistake about Findon going up. Goring failed to, and I’m sure now that Findon did not succeed. Anyhow, it’s the return of football now. Do fancy a trip out to Australia to watch the Ashes. Don’t think it will be that easy for England. I’ve done a few paintings, and started a portrait class. Good discipline. Hope you are getting you’re mail OK. I drop it off regularly at the address you gave me. Where will you over-winter? Sorry to hear about the car. at least it wasn’t too serious. No more dents in the caravan I hope. Like to see some of Ann’s paintings. With regard to midges; a very good secret is to use ‘Avon Skin so Soft’. Known to the Scottish fishermen on the lochs as a good deterrent. . Kind regards. Paul