Orange Grove

Very cold today, thermometer was at two degrees this morning.  When we got back at mid morning, it still had not risen above 10.  The day was mainly sunny, though there appeared to be some threatening clouds in the distance.

Hoopoe

Today we walked along the river from Jalon, hoping to cross over the river to Alicalali for a drink in a bar.  We eventually found the crossing over the river, only to give up because the water was a little too deep and would have come over the tops of our boots.

Egret

The walk took us through lots of vines, olive groves, orange groves and almond groves.  There were some other trees, such as carob, but others were unrecognisable.  Place was teaming with birds, including a hoopoe, an egret, chiffchaffs and Crag Martins.  Some intriguing climbers were on some of the oranges.  They had very large seedpods one of which had sprung open to reveal a multitude of tiny seeds each with a parachute attached.  Parasites?  Who knows.

Not a Santa

We retraced our steps back via the Hallelujah Bar to the supermarket and stocked up on more essentials such as gin & mananzilla sherry.

Tonight the meal is some excellent pork meat balls cooked by the Chef.  At least I hope so, as I have blogged before eating!!!

Benissa fountain

Saturday, another dry and sunny day.  Not quite what the weather forecast predicted.  It did though start to rain in the evening.

Market in Benissa

Today we went to Benissa and the local market there.  Here knitting needles (I am reliably informed they were a set of rare five double-ended 2.5 variants) were triumphantly purchased, along with the vegetables for the evening meal.  Popped into the local church where there was an excellent Nativity display.  Carol bought two poinsettias, but what to put them on?

Nativity scene

Lunch back at the house, but it was beginning to cloud over and was getting a little cool, so an early start for the fire today.  A swift visit to Jalon revealed the ideal poinsettia saucer, miniature paella pans.  The Christmas decorations have arrived.

Supper was razor shells in butter and parsley sauce (Steve ate these in great trepidation after his last experience), followed by  Bonito with potatoes and spinach.

Father Christmas

Calpe rock

Today we went to Calpe for a wander around the fishing port.  Lots of fishing boats in port, nets being repaired, and a boat being filled with ice in preparation for a fishing trip.  A walk through the town took us to a lagoon with pink flamingos, and an island filled with herons.  Alas the flamingos were a little too far off to make a good photograph.

On the way back to the car we took a walk under and part way around Calpe Penon de Ifach, the rock.  Here we saw some scuba divers in training, followed by a flying display of starlings.  On the Calpe rocks there were a group of midgets scaling its dizzy heights.  We will be meeting them at the top on another, less windy day.

View of Benidorm

Flock of birds

Back home for lunch, and then a visit to Chris, Yvonne and Scamp.  Plans were laid for a Thursday wine tasting and tapas lunch. Afterwards a drink in the Hallelujah bar  to meet Jim  followed by shopping in the local Jalon supermarket.

Walls replastered

Plaster drying out

Friday evening and the walls had been re-plastered, Saturday morning and the coving had been stuck to the walls to cover up the cracks and missing plaster in the ceiling. It’s amazing the transformation achieved by the neat walls.

Sunday was spent by me applying two coats of white emulsion to the ceiling. Alas a third coat is required. I also had to apply a layer of gloss paint (oil based) in one area. This was to seal an area of ceiling where a pipe had once leaked. This, though dry for years, still stained when a coat of emulsion was painted over the area. Hopefully problem has been solved.

Cooking

Eating has been a problem, mainly evening meals in a restaurant, but very kindly John and Carol took pity on us and invited us over for an evening meal on Sunday. We have set up the camp stove in the lean-to, and have treated ourselves to bacon and eggs for Sunday breakfast.