ann and andy lawrenson

Hi All, I’d just like to reassure everyone that contrary to the photographic evidence on Ann’s last post I am NOT pregnant. She took this after we had ploughed our way through five courses and several bottles of wine, and I did ask her to choose something a little more flattering! As she mentioned, Christmas lunch was superb, though enlivened by the bout of fisticuffs that broke out at the next table. One young chap took a swing at another and knocked him flat on his back before storming out in a huff followed by various members of the family. By the time we left they were sharing a bottle of brandy and bosom buddies again. Volatile people the Spanish!

Last night was pretty horrendous. Seventy mph winds and garden furniture, bins etc flying everywhere. Building standards here are dire. There’s absolutely no sound insulation, none of the shutters bolt closed properly, and we still have a leak somewhere that leaves water on the lounge floor when it rains. Our straw hut in Africa was built better than this house.  We are managing to stay warm, but have used sixty euro’s worth of logs in the past three weeks. Hope Osborne doesn’t go ahead with doing away with the heating allowance for people overseas!

We had a chat with Ross, Ben and Jan on the phone, but didn’t manage to get in touch with Nina or Pam. I’m sure the number we have for Pam is about five years out of date! It was also good to catch up with cousin Chris in Australia, and several of our past students. We are looking forward to a couple of days in Valencia early in the New Year, then home for a week in January. Looks like being a real rush-around, and we are hoping it isn’t too cold as we are a bit short of clothes!