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.

With Eladio, Olivia and Elsa at the San Perrestre dog race on Monday

Hi everyone,

Today is Sunday and it’s been a week since Suzy left. You will be glad to know she arrived safely in England where the population is suffering terrible storms.  The weather has been a big topic on the news this week with freezing temperatures in the US and boiling temperatures in Australia.  Here in Spain the weather has been foul for days, with lots of wind and rain. 

The main news of course last Sunday was of Michael Schumacher’s skiing accident.  He is now fighting for his life at a hospital in Grenoble with severe brain trauma.  I wish him a quick recovery and somehow think that such a strong and valiant sportsman like the “Kaiser” as he is known, will somehow get through with few repercussions.

Monday was really the highlight of the week for us.  Olivia had been asked by her TVE programme, La Mañana de la 1, to cover the New Year “San Perrestre” dog race in Madrid that morning.  In fact they had asked for a reporter who had their own dog to do the job and also to run the 3km race through the streets of Madrid.  Olivia immediately volunteered to do so with our lovely 2 year old golden Labrador Elsa.  However she needed our assistance which I was delighted to provide.  Eladio was more reluctant although later on he admitted he’d had a great time.  You see it was Elsa’s first time in the streets of Madrid and her longest car journey.  However she behaved perfectly.  We would have liked to take Norah our beagle but she is a nervous dog and would not have behaved as well as Elsa.

Elsa was the star of the show on Oli's TVE programme

600 dogs would be racing from the centre of Madrid (Cibeles) in an event, in its 3^rdyear, organized by “El Refugio” an organization that protects animals.  The name “San Perrestre” is a play on the famous New Year race that takes place the next day in Madrid which is called “San Silvestre”.  At the end of both races, grapes are eaten on each chime of the clock in an early celebration of New Year.  You probably already know that that is the way Spaniards celebrate the New Year.  For the dogs however, there were 12 dog food pellets. As dog lovers, Eladio, Olivia and I were in our element as was darling Elsa.

Oli about to race with Elsa at the San Perrestre dog race on Monday

Eladio and I had a great time, despite the freezing cold, seeing the behind the scenes of Olivia’s job when she reports live.  We had never seen her before and were very proud to watch as she coordinated each live report with the organisers and her cameramen and producer.  She also talked to dog owners participating to find out good stories to tell in her reports.

It was my job to hold Elsa’s lead whilst Olivia was reporting and also my job to hand her the 12 dog food pellets during the simulated New Year celebration.  Thus both Eladio and I were on camera throughout both live reports.  It was the first time that occurred since Olivia has been a TV reporter.  I must say the whole morning was hugely successful and great fun.  Maybe even next year I will race with Elsa and Eladio will race with poor Norah who got left at home.  You can see the first live report here if you fast forward to 10.16h.  The second report you can see from beginning to end on this link.  You will notice how Olivia hugs me live on television.  The screen shot of that moment is just below.

Oli hugging me live on TVE on Monday

Only her family and friends would have known that the person she was hugging was her Mother.  It was a wonderful moment for us both. Thanks Olivia for a marvelous morning.  You can see more photos of our morning at the dog race here.

Olivia’s boyfriend, a cameraman for TVE based in Valencia would have loved to have been with us this morning.  He had to make do with watching us on his mobile whilst coming from Valencia that day but he was as pleased as punch to see the three of us together on TV! 

His arrival in the early evening brought with it more Christmas present opening.  They had bought each other many presents. I was chuffed to receive some lovely Carolina Herrera fragrance from him as was Eladio to receive his Paco Rabanne Invictus Eau de Toilette. I hope he liked the watch I had got him.  Later we had dinner together and chatted enthusiastically about the San Perrestre dog race; the highlight of my week.

The next day was Tuesday, New Year’s Eve.  Eladio and I were up quite early to get a good start on our car journey to León where we would be celebrating with his numerous family, as we have done now for years and years.  The nicest part about driving to León, which takes about 3 hours, is the traditional stop at Rueda in the Valladolid province and famous for its white wine.  We always stop at the Palacio de Bornos winery and here I am making a toast with some wine and ham.  I look happy don’t I?

Toasting the New Year in Rueda on 31st December

We arrived in León just before lunch and on time to go out for some wine and tapas with my brother-in-law Andrés.  Lunch was at Pili and Andrés’ house where we would be staying and Pili prepared a splendid meal which we enjoyed with their grown up “children” Mario and Paula.  Afterwards I was in need of a siesta which I enjoyed with their delightful dalmation Trébol on the sofa in their lounge.  The photo Eladio took of us is one my favourite ever.  I wonder if you agree.

Chilling out with Trébol on Pili and Andrés' sofa on New Year's Eve

The afternoon was spent as it always is on New Year’s Eve in León at Adela’s house nearby.  We were also to celebrate her son Roberto’s 42^nd birthday.  The photo below is also priceless; of Roberto surrounded by most of the women in his life; his two daughters, Lidia and Diana, his grandmother Ernestina, his wife Ana, his Mother Adela and some of his cousins.

Roberto my nephew with the most important women in his life and some of his cousins on New Year's Eve

It was too wet and cold for a walk that evening, so we skipped it although my body would have benefitted from a brisk walk in between heavy meals, and went back to Pili’s house to get changed for the annual dinner.  Here is a photo of Pili and I dressed to the nines.  We both commented that we didn’t look too bad in our “50s”!

Pili and I dressed up for New Year's Eve

Dinner was at Amancio’s where we celebrate New Year’s Eve nearly every year.  Here is a photo of most of us, as it is nearly impossible to get all of us on camera.  We were 18 this year and would be 21 when we were joined for coffee afterwards by Roberto and his family. 

Our New Year's Eve family dinner in León at Amancio's.

Our family would be separated again this year.  Suzy was spending New Year’s Eve in London at her Whitechapel flat with 6 of her flat mates.  I called her an hour before midnight to hear her voice and wish her happy new year.  She told me they would be having their grapes at 11pm,  Spanish midnight, and thinking of us. This is the “selfie” photo she sent me.

Suzy celebrating New Year's Eve in London

Meanwhile Olivia was at home having dinner with Juli, Rocío and Anita and this is the photo she sent me.

Oli celebrating New Year's Eve at home in Madrid

She had forgotten to get grapes for midnight so they ate mandarin segments instead!  Later they would be joined by Miguel.  I heard later that they did not go out partying afterwards which must be a first.

After our own copious dinner at Amancio’s some of the family gathered at Pili’s house where we spent a good two hours watching old videos of the family which Andrés had converted into dvds.  It was amazing to see us all in 1994, 20 years ago, during Eladio’s parents' golden wedding anniversary.  I was 37 and looked amazing and the girls were 8 and 9!  Eladio’s hair was jet black! It is thanks to Andrés, the only member of our family able to afford a video camera at the time, that we now have videos of when we and our children were young. 

After breakfast the next day we watched more videos, some of 1990.  I had long hair, the girls were tiny and there is a priceless one of Suzy aged 6 in her birthday suit telling Andrés not to film her like that after which she immediately said ok go on film me undressed! 

This year we stayed in León for lunch, invited by Adela and Primo.  Adela had made a typical regional dish called “llosco”.  That’s the name of it in Montrondo but the proper word is “botillo”. You can find out more about this dish here.

Soon it was time to leave and head home in the ghastly rain and wind.  The roads were full of other New Year celebrants returning home.  On our way back we did not stop at Rueda as the winery was closed on New Year’s Day. Once home I unpacked a wonderful homemade hamper Adela had made for me.  I think it was to thank me for taking her to London; but that wasn’t necessary.  Thanks anyway Adela, the hamper is lovely and full of wonderful produce we will enjoy.

Me with the Christmas hamper Adela made for me at home on New Year's Day

You can see the full collection of my photos of our New Year’s Eve in León here.

It was nice to see the family and dogs again.  Miguel and Olivia joined us for a frugal dinner where we had some more of one of the 3 hams I had been given for Christmas.

Thursday was a boring cold day when I fasted for the second time which always makes the day feel so much longer.

Friday was more fun.  Olivia would be reporting from a circus that morning and we were eager to watch her, as was my Father.  The live report was about 3 female elephants’ morning snack at the American circus – mostly fruit and vegetables.  You can watch it here if you fast forward to 13.23.

Oli live on TVE on Friday morning presenting the elephants at the circus.  She is wearing one of Miguel's Christmas presents - the lovely burgandy dress by Purificación García which I, incidentally, have also worn.

Oli, who does not know much about mammoths, told her audience that each one weighed more than 2000 kilos and actually fed them live on the TV!  When asked by the presenter how much an elephant eats in a day, she produced an answer out of the hat, not really knowing the right answer, and replied that they ate an awful lot and that this was just a morning snack!

Oli feeding the elephants live on TVE on Friday morning.

In the afternoon Eladio and I braved the weather and took the dogs for a walk in the rain and wind.  I needed a hot shower afterwards.  Dinner that night was at Tony Romas where we feasted on delicious ribs.  We brought back the bones for our dogs in a doggy bag to the amazement of our waitress whose first day it was at Tony Romas.

On Saturday morning, we had Kings’ cake (roscón de reyes) for breakfast. Olivia and Miguel had bought us the cream variety.  I am very traditional and only ever buy the “roscón” to be eaten on Kings’ Day on 6^thJanuary, but who was I not to succumb to the temptation at breakfast yesterday?  Later that day I bought the plain variety as I prefer to toast my “roscón”. 

A "roscón de reyes" cake

Christmas, New Year and Reyes (the 3 Kings’ day on 6^th January– so important in Spain and the main day for receiving presents) are killers if you want to maintain your weight.  My new year’s resolution this year is to shed the extra kilos I have put on since the summer and I promise I will do it. I have a new helper, a wearable fitness device, “one” by “fitbit” which Olivia bought me for Christmas; the idea being prompted by my friend Juana.  It’s a little device you clip into your bra and via Bluetooth it synchronises the data monitored on both your mobile phone and pc. It helps monitor your daily activity and even your sleep.  On a walk day it tells me I generally walk about 10km and burn about 2000 calories.  Last night I used the sleep monitor for the first time and found out something which did not surprise me: I slept 9h.42 mins, 36 minutes of which I was awake, 34 minutes of which I was restless and that I woke up 4 times to go to the bathroom.  These wearable fitness devices are very much in fashion and I’m not sure whether I really want to monitor all my activity every day of my life.  Yesterday I read an article in The Guardian entitled “The unhealthy side of wearable fitness devices” and was appalled to read that there is even a device called a jawbone.  I can only imagine it fits in your mouth and either stops you eating or monitors your food intake.  Isn’t that taking it too far?

My wearable fitness device, the Fitbit "One"

Yesterday, Saturday was a busy day. After the “roscón” breakfast, we set about giving the dogs their bi weekly bath.  While I was putting their blankets and collars in the wash, I heard a tremendous noise coming from the downstairs guest room bathroom.  I rushed in to find Eladio patiently carrying on bathing Elsa after about a quarter of the plaster had just crashed from the ceiling onto the toilet, floor and basin.  It was amazing it hit everywhere except his and the dog’s heads.  I hate to imagine what would have happened had they been hit as the plaster is pretty heavy. 

Unscathed and with clean dogs, Eladio and I set off to El Corte Inglés (Spain’s most famous department store) in nearby Pozuelo.  We had to get presents for Kings’ day on Monday.  Of course our main presents are given on Christmas day but we give token presents on Kings’ day too.  The place was buzzing with last minute Kings’ day shoppers and the queues were enormous and the shop assistants’ tempers a little frayed. Purchases done, we were home in time for lunch with my Father and Olivia and Miguel who had been out swimming at the indoor pool in Villaviciosa. 

In the afternoon we watched a film recommended by Olivia on the TV in our bedroom via Miguel’s external disk (we are keeping up with the times!).  It was Headhunters, a very entertaining Norwegian thriller which kept our eyes wide open when normally we would probably have fallen asleep. 

Our walk yesterday was very blustery and at one stage I fell in the mud.  Meanwhile in the centre of Madrid gales of up to 140km caused Christmas trees in two main squares to fall.  In the evening we watched another film, courtesy of Miguel’s external disc, The Flight with Denzel Washington, which we didn’t enjoy half as much as Headhunters and were asleep by about 10pm – thus the 9.45h sleep recorded by my “fitbit” last night.

Suzy yesterday was having the time of her life with her boyfriend Gabor in London.  They were enjoying her Christmas present to him: a blind dinner at Dans Le Noir – I’m dying to hear what it’s like to eat in total darkness.  This was followed by a night at a 5 star hotel where she got a discount from a friend who works there.  This is the photo she sent us on whatsapp of the two of them in their wonderful room at the hotel where they would be drinking champagne and enjoying a massage!  This was her present to him.  Well you know his present to her is probably even better.  He has bought tickets on the Eurostar to take her to Paris for a long weekend at the end of January. All I can say is long live romance.

Suzy and Gabor enjoying one of her Christmas presents to him yesterday - a night at a 5 star hotel in London.

And today is Sunday.  Finally the rain has disappeared but probably not for long.  Tonight is Kings’ night when Spanish children cannot sleep for the excitement of waking up to the presents the Magi from the East will be bringing during the night.  We will have our own family Kings’ breakfast tomorrow when we will exchange our token presents and then we have a big family lunch to look forward to.  José Antonio, Dolores and their three grown up kids, Miguel, Sara and Juan will be coming from Montrondo where it has been snowing heavily since yesterday morning. But I trust the roads will be clear and they will be able to leave the village today. 

Snow in Montrondo yesterday

And I have now reached the end of the tale of this week, the last week of Christmas, if I don’t count Kings’ day tomorrow. 

So wishing you all a great week ahead, cheers till next time,

Masha.

Suzy came home for Christmas, a special dinner party, Oli reporting on TVE, the story of this year’s Christmas and other things.

Shopping with Olivia and Suzy, it was great to be with both girls.

Hi again,

It’s Sunday, Suzy has gone and Christmas is over, at least the main part of it.  So let me tell you how it has been.

Last Sunday night Eladio and I drove to the airport to pick Suzy up.  She hadn’t been home since August and was coming to spend Christmas with us and would be at home for one full week.  Whilst Eladio was in the car outside I waited for her inside the terminal but there were so many people we missed each other and finally I found her outside.  The reunion was sweet and tearful; tears of joy.  We drove home where Olivia was waiting and the four of us would be reunited.  Oh how wonderful that feeling was.

Monday was a full day and I spent most of it with Suzy as I would all week, when she wasn’t out meeting her friends.  First we went to the hairdresser where Suzy would get a new hair cut to go with the new colour of her hair – darker and no longer red!  Then we went to the dentist for her dental appointment after which we made our way to Centro Oeste (shopping centre) where Olivia was waiting for us.  The picture illustrating this week’s post is of that moment.  It was lovely to be out shopping with both my girls.

I spent the afternoon cooking as that evening we were hosting a very special dinner.  It was for Mar and Mariano, a journalist couple we are very close to and their adopted eleven year old Chinese son San.  We have dinner with them every year at Christmas and it was our turn to host them again. San is very close to the girls as Suzy, and Olivia, sporadically, was his private teacher for many years.  Since Suzy left for London, Copi (a great friend of the girls since about the age of 3) has taken over as his private teacher.  So Copi came to dinner too.  Dave, another friend and spare teacher when Copi can’t make it came too, as did Juli a great friend of the girls.  There were 10 of us around the packed dinner table which looked like this before our guests who always arrive late, came.

The table laid for dinner on Monday night.

And this is a photo of all us at dinner. Sorry about the quality.  

Mar and Mariano and all our guests around the table at home on Monday night.

For the record I made chicken Waldorf salad for starters.  The main dish was baked hake with béarnaise potatoes and asparagus.  Pudding was simple: strawberries and cream.  Afterwards we gathered around the fireplace (lit for the first time this year) and caught up on how our year had been since we saw them last year.  The “kids” meanwhile “played” with San.  I just love this photo Juli took of them with him. 

The "kids" playing with San, from left to right: Copi, Suzy, Dave and Olivia

The next day of course was Christmas Eve which in Spain is even more important than Christmas Day.  Again I spent all day cooking, this time with the help of Fátima, although I had cooked and frozen part of the menu beforehand. 

I was so engrossed cooking that I missed a whatsapp from Olivia telling us she would be live on the TV at 12.15h reporting from Madrid Barajas airport on Spaniards, like Suzy, coming home for Christmas.  Thankfully I could watch the report later.  You can too if you click here and fast forward to 02.00.

Olivia reporting for TVE on Christmas Eve

It turned out that, as usual, I made far too much food. My family was very impressed with the table.  This is the picture Olivia took before we sat down and tucked in.

Our Christmas Eve table

The photo of all of us around the table was taken by Fátima who joined us for our Christmas Eve dinner, but I’m afraid it didn’t come out very well. 

The family on Christmas Eve

Christmas Day, the most important day for the English, finally came and we spent it as we always do.  We were up early for a formal family breakfast.  Whilst I was preparing the table the girls would have been opening their stockings. But the day only starts when we are sitting around the dining room table for breakfast – notice the girls always wear their pyjamas!

Breakfast on Christmas morning

The most awaited moment of the year; the opening of our presents, takes place right after breakfast where we all gather in the lounge around the Christmas tree for the most pleasant time of the year.  The dogs join us for the occasion and Christmas carols play in the background.  Before we started I asked the girls to take the customary photo of Eladio and I which has now become a tradition.  Norah got in the picture as you can see below!

Eladio and I on Christmas Day, just before opening the presents

We go for quantity more than quality, although this year I was told Father Christmas had been more generous than usual.  I certainly couldn’t complain and was as pleased as punch with the presents I bought for myself “from my Father and Eladio”: Marc Jacobs Daisy fragrance, a pair of gold earrings and the finest present of all a camel trench coat. 

After the wonderful present sharing, whilst everyone went off to enjoy their gifts, I of course had to start on the Christmas Day lunch.  The menu never varies and is always: a big roast capon with all the trimmings: sage and onion stuffing, cranberry sauce, roast potatoes, brussel sprouts and gravy.  I got some help from Olivia who kindly pealed the carrots for me – well she did a bit more hahahaha.  Eladio caught us on camera and I love this photo of the two of us in harmony in the kitchen together on Christmas Day.

Cooking with Olivia on Christmas Day

Lunch was splendid.  I don’t have a photo of all of us around the table, but here is one of my Father waiting for us.  I think he enjoys Christmas as much as any of us and it’s amazing to think he has celebrated 94 in his life.  I look forward to many more with him.

My Father on Christmas Day just before lunch

We were lucky to have Fátima at home with us at Christmas this year, thus she did all the clearing away whilst the girls, Eladio and I retired to the lounge with the fire on and switched on the TV.  There wasn’t much on so finally we opted for hiring a film on cable TV which was not a good choice – it was about the fall of the Lehman Brothers Bank and we all fell asleep.  A walk was in order afterwards if we were to burn at least some of the enormous amount of calories we had consumed on Christmas Day.

Meanwhile in Montrondo, where Eladio’s brother José Antonio, his wife Dolores and their “children” Miguel, Sara and Juan were spending Christmas, it snowed.  This is a photo they sent us telling us that they were enjoying a real snowy day.  How great for them!

Snow in Montrondo on Christmas Day

The next day was Boxing Day.  It is not a holiday in Spain so Olivia had to work but as she doesn’t start until 1pm, there was time for shopping again with both girls.  It was more about returning goods than actual shopping.  But I must say I picked up a nice jumper at H+M and a great polka dot dress from Zara.

My new polka dot dress from Zara

Lunch was with Suzy at home and my Father and Eladio and of course, it being Boxing Day we had left overs.  We have been having left overs until yesterday actually after which I threw the rest away!  Suzy suggested watching The Sound of Music together in the afternoon and I couldn’t think of anything better to do with her on a Boxing Day afternoon, even if it meant sacrificing my walk!  We loved every minute of it and were joined by the dogs which lay on the sofas us by the fire and seemed to be just as happy as us.  The Sound of Music was part of my childhood as it was a part of my girls’ childhood and it is definitely my favourite film of all times. Suzy it was great watching it again with you on Boxing Day!

Friday was another very full day.  I had breakfast with Olivia after which I went into the office on several errands.  That evening an important event was happening at our house. The girls, or rather Suzy, had organized a sleep over pyjama party for their friends from the “manada” (herd).  There would be 11 for dinner and I think 9 of them stayed the night.  This is a photo of them having dinner that night.

The "manada" who came to the sleep over pyjama party on Friday night.

A big mention should be made here to Anita’s cake. Ana or Anita, who studied at University with Olivia at the UEM (Universidad Europea de Madrid) is turning into a professional cake maker in her spare time.  She brought two cakes to the “manada” dinner and here is a photo of her with Suzy holding both cakes.  The green one is a work of art I’m sure you agree.

Anita (right) who makes marvelous cakes.

Olivia had to miss the dinner, although she would join them all later, as the class from her school, St. Michael’s had organized a Christmas reunion in Madrid, funnily enough at Macadamia, where Yoigo had its Christmas party.  Here is a photo of all of them that I bagged from Facebook.  It was great to see them all together, Paula, Zeus, Tamara, Sonia, Virginia, etc and it took me back a few years remembering them when they were little children at school!

Oli's school reunion Christmas dinner on Friday night.

As the house was so full, Eladio and I decided to go out to dinner. After all it was Friday, the night we usually go out.  We decided on La Txitxarrería in Pozuelo where we happily chatted about this year’s Christmas so far, over a wonderful piece of steak (me) and fish stew (Eladio).
 

As the “manada” was still at home on Saturday morning, Eladio and I went out shopping to Gran Plaza 2 (shopping centre).  We were home at 2, just as the girls were leaving.  They promised they would be home by 3. Thus a late family lunch was in order.  I was very conscious that Suzy was leaving the next day and wanted to savour as much time with her together with the family before she left.  Thus I spent the afternoon lounging with the girls in the rooms before they got ready to go out again.

This morning, Sunday morning, I spent all my time with them again; watching Suzy pack and helping Olivia sort out her bathroom (hurray!).  We were to have the last lunch all together before taking Suzy to the airport.  Just before lunch I caught both girls on camera again, putting make up on. This is the result.

Suzy and Oli this  morning.

We had an early lunch and I made Russian pelmeni (sort of ravioli) at Suzy’s request.  Straight afterwards she had to say goodbye to Grandpa before we drove her to the airport.  There we met up with Chati, her friend and flat mate with whom she would be travelling back, her sister and Mother, both called Elena.  We saw the girls off until they finally disappeared behind security.  I’m not sure when we will next see Suzy, although I’m hoping she’ll be back in February for my birthday.  That remains to be seen, if not, London’s not that far and a trip can be organized any time really.

And that is the story of our Christmas so far. Of course we have New Year’s Eve to look forward to.  We will be travelling to León on Tuesday to spend that night with Eladio’s family and will be back the next day. But more about that next week, ok.

All that remains now is to wish you all a splendid 2014.  I only ask that 2014 be as good as 2013.  So, hoping for that, cheers till next week,

Masha
PS You can see all our Christmas photos here.

Christmas parties, stomach bugs, preparing for our own Christmas, Suzy coming home and other stories.

 

Me with Baltasar, the "black" king at the Yoigo Childrens' party on Thursday

Good morning everyone,

How has your week been? Mine has been up and down, mostly due to stomach bugs, but more about that later. Let me start with last Sunday.

Sunday was the day the new direct high speed train railway line between Barcelona and Paris opened.  It was also the day Peter O’Toole died.  Does this talented and ironic and iconic British actor need any introduction?  He will be remembered most for his role as Lawrence of Arabia.  When Eladio and I visited Jordan we saw where part of the film was shot in the Wadi Rum Desert and where his desert hideaway was.  It was the perfect location for the film.

Peter O'Toole as Lawrence of Arabia

Finally last Sunday the technicians from Telefónica came to install optical fiber, i.e. superfast internet.  For that to happen we had to build a trench all the way across the garden to bury the cable.  This is what the trench looked like.  I was amazed to learn that optical fiber is the same size as one single piece of hair.  Imagine!

The trench in the garden to lay the cable for optical fiber

Unfortunately not all could be done in one day, so the technicians promised to come back on Monday.  And they did, but it wasn’t until the end of the day that finally we had between 60 and 105 megabyte speed. It certainly makes a difference.

I didn’t feel well on Monday and was still recovering from the stomach bug which started on the Saturday.  It was a good job it was a fasting day, although in any case I had no appetite for food.  In the morning I was at work on various errands and later in the day I started on preparations for our Christmas Eve dinner by making and freezing loads of croquettes and perushki (Russian meat pies). 

I felt worse as the day went on and Monday night was one of the worst in a long time with frequent bouts of diarrhea and then at about 5 in the morning I was suddenly attacked with cystitis, something the girls have always suffered but I had never had before.  I can tell you it is awful. Thankfully there were some pills in Suzy’s bathroom which after an hour or so did the trick and that awful burning feeling went away.

On Tuesday I was on the mend, although I didn’t feel 100%.  In fact I still don’t.  But I’m hoping I will by Christmas Eve.  Once again I went into the office.  There I was delighted to see how the marketing department had decorated the bus stop outside the office with Christmas greetings to all the employees which included a list of all our names. This is what it looked like.

The Yoigo bus stop wishing all employees a happy Christmas

It was a good job I felt better on Tuesday as I had a lunch appointment with my ex women colleagues from Nokia: Jill, Juana, Fátima and Susana.  We chose Aspen, a favourite of mine but also near where Fátima and Susana work.  It was great to see my ex colleagues again and so nice that we make the effort to keep in touch.

Lunch with the ex Nokia girls on Tuesday

That evening I had another Christmas event to attend, a cocktail party hosted by my PR agency, Ketchum, but frankly I just didn’t feel up to it.  Instead I stayed at home and watched the last episode (12) of season 3 of Homeland whilst Eladio was out teaching at the UNED University.  Of course I cannot include any spoilers here in case you haven’t watched the last episode.  All I can say is that it really surprised me and left with rather an empty feeling.

On Wednesday the big news was the death of the famous great train robber, Ronald Biggs.  The train robbery took place in the 60’s and is one of my first memories of news.  He was larger than life and escaped from prison and went to live in Brazil for many years until giving himself up to return to England where he said he was missing the British pint of beer. 

Ronald Biggs enjoying life in Brazil.

Wednesday night was the Yoigo employees party which I had organized at a fashionable venue in Madrid called Macadamia.  Wednesday was the first day I began to feel normal again so was able to eat and drink.  However the former gave me a dreadful headache that night, as it often does.  The party was a success and I heard later that many people stayed on until 4 in the morning. Not me, I headed home at around 1 in the morning.  Here is a photo of me enjoying the evening, or rather watching the young violinist, Pablo Violín performing for us.  He was just amazing.  At only 24 he is a permanent violinist with the orchestra at the Teatro Real (Madrid Royal Theatre) and in his spare time, plays at parties like ours. If you want to know what he sounds like, hereis a clip of him on You Tube.

Watching and listening enraptured to Pablo Violin at the Yoigo employees Christmas party

You can see all the photos of the Yoigo employee party here.  I think it was one of the best to judge by many of the comments made to me by the staff.

Thursday saw me cooking again.  This time I was making the dessert for the annual Christmas dinner at home with Julio and Fátima who were coming on Friday night.  I decided to make fruit trifle, my absolute favourite dessert.  This is what it looked like.  Notice Elsa got in the picture too!

The trifle I made for dinner at home with Julio and Fátima - notice Elsa looking on!

On Thursday it was the Yoigo children’s party.  As always it took place at the offices or rather outside as each year the number of children coming increases. This year we had 170 children plus parents and grandparents of course.  This is the party they look forward to all year.  This year we had a show called ratatouille but also a donkey for them to ride and then the traditional 3 Kings.  I was enamoured with the donkey called “elegante” and which came from Zamora.  Here I am trying to get on it.  I finally made it with a bit of help.

I'm a rather big child! - Trying to get on the donkey at the Yoigo childrens' party on Thursday

The photo illustrating this week’s blog is of me with Baltasar, the “black” king, who is always my favourite.

I got home exhausted and very hungry as it was my fasting day.  So I ravished my single omelette and tomato before going to bed.  Eladio was out at his only Christmas party event, with the UNED University.

Friday was a busy day.  Finished with all the corporate Christmas events, finally I was able to concentrate on our own Christmas.  The house was decorated, I had bought most of the presents and prepared menus but still had to get some presents. So I invited Eladio to go Christmas shopping with me, not always a good idea as he keeps telling me not to spend too much at Christmas. He says that every year and I don’t take a blind piece of notice.  Actually I did all the shopping whilst he looked on.  It was my fasting day so I left him having lunch at the Corte Inglés cafeteria whilst I went in search of my present from him and my Father! It’s always like that.  They are dear men but have never had a clue about present buying.  I got myself a wonderful camel coat, a garment I have always wanted.

Finally on Friday I got Eladio to put the lights on the tree outside.  He had been putting it off for a while. He needed me to hold the ladder at one stage and I must have left the door open as later I found Norah in the kitchen gorging on one of the cheeses I had brought home as part of two of the lovely Christmas hampers I got.  I reckon Norah ate a whole half cheese!

Eladio at the top of the tree putting up the Christmas lights.

That evening Julio and Fátima were coming for dinner but first I had to do the weekly food shopping with Fátima (our home help with the same name as my best friend coming that night).  I was home just on time to put the finishing touches to our meal, or rather put the soup on and cook the fish and béarnaise potatoes.  Luckily the dessert was made.  But of course I had to lay the table too.  Apart from the best china, I put out crackers, party poppers and wonderful green gnomish style Christmas hats.

And here we are around the table with our Christmas hats.  It was a great dinner and a great tradition.  Our next meeting will be on 11^thJanuary for another annual tradition, dinner at Julio’s which the girls and my Father used to come to but no longer do or can.

Dinner at home on Friday night with Julio and Fátima

On Saturday, 21^st December, Solstice, or the first day of winter, was unfortunate for Eladio.  We were going to get up early to drive to Montrondo to meet the builder and then go on to León to have lunch with the family and pick up the abuela (my mother-in-law) who would be spending Christmas with us.  Well, all that went out of the window, as Eladio woke up feeling sick and was sick at around 7 in the morning.  Upon his first bout he said he was ok and we could go but after his second he agreed we just couldn’t go.  The poor guy had a stomach bug like mine.  We are not sure whether it was a virus or food poisoning. Whatever, he spent most of the day in bed being sick and with a temperature.  I left him in bed to go out and buy the very last presents needed for Christmas as well as a lovely poinsettia which now graces our lounge. 

Miraculously he woke up this morning feeling fine.  Today is the lottery day, or rather the day of the big Christmas lottery called “El Gordo”.  Olivia has had to go to work as it is her TVE programme that will be covering part of the broadcast and the story of the winners.  We have 8 tickets between us which if any of them is a winning ticket could bring up to 40.000 euros each.  Who knows?  The Christmas lottery is Spaniards’ biggest Christmas tradition.  When I first came to live here I couldn’t understand why Eladio spent so much on the tickets when we were poor as church mice.  But now I do, and as I write I have the 8 tickets next to me and the TV on.  I am crossing my fingers we may win something. 

But of course my lottery winning today is having Suzy back for Christmas.  My darling daughter will be arriving tonight, late, from London.  The three of us, Eladio, Oli and I will be going to pick her up and I can imagine the tears of joy that we will shed when she arrives.  She will be here just for a week and we will have to share her with lots of people, but that’s ok.  Our own Christmas will be complete when she arrives. Welcome darling, I can’t wait to have you back.
 

So, all that remains for me to do now is to wish you all a wonderful Christmas.  Ours is looking good, nearly everything is ready.  Next week when I write it will be over, but of course there will be New Year’s Eve to look forward to.  Looking forward to something is the spice of life.  I’m sure you agree.

Cheers everyone,

Happy Christmas,

Masha