Walking around Droushia

Today Nicky and I walked.  Rachel was due to join us but had been unwell overnight so called off this morning.  I very nearly did at 6.30 am when it was as black as your hat and threatening to rain but it had and hour and a half to buck its idea up.  It didn't rain as it happens but it was cool and chilly so we set off walking with purpose so that we kept warm.  The sun was shining on the coast - I love how the mix of clouds adds a different dimension to the view.

We did what we called the 'piggy' walk which takes us across towards the bandstand and then up the hill past where we saw the pigs enjoying a bit of freedom and then we have a number of choices as to how we walk back home.  A lot depends on the weather or Nicky's hip.  Today once we got into our stride we were really enjoying the fresh air so probably walked further than we have done for a while.

We actually walked down to the bandstand to have a look out to Lara - you can't see from this photograph but there was obviously a storm out to sea and there were funnel clouds visible pointing down to the sea like mini tornadoes except I have learned that funnel clouds point down but do not touch because when they touch they are then classed to be a tornado so there is a distinct difference!  We walked back up the hill and cut through along the side of the cemetery in Inea before getting home.

We nipped out when I got home - John wanted to get the key fob for The Pug sorted and there is a place in the Mall that will do that except today they didn't have the fob that was needed so we will have to return.  We did a wander around Jumbos which was being restocked and the layout has changed a bit so we were a bit confused as to where some of the things we normally buy are now located.  We weren't out for long but it killed a pair of hours and then we returned home and spent the afternoon watching the Olympics.  The conservatory is the best place to be as it is the warmest room in the house and I really don't know how we would manage without it because the smallest amount of sunshine warms it up and we have a TV and TV Box in there.  In the conservatory is our cash cow money box which we bought in a second hand shop that used to be in Emba for the princely sum of 3 euros.  This is where we put our small change - anything less than a 50 cent coin goes in there and when it is full we aim to have a big count up and spend it on something special.  We refer to it as the pig!  The pig is getting pretty full.

The weather deteriorated as the day went on, in fact they gave out a severe weather warning for tonight and until 4pm tomorrow - deep joy.  John got the fire lit and we settled down in the lounge for some evening viewing.  We are currently watching Trigger Point but hadn't realised it was still being broadcast so were trying to find Episode 4 without success.  The cats seemed to know that the weather was going to be pants so they came in with us.  Mr Boo got himself comfy on John's lap - he always gives me a stiff ignoring but I think that is because he is so big that he cannot get settled on me.

It's nice to see that the cats take full advantage of the wood burner and to be honest we would much rather have them in and know where they are than for them to be wandering around.

Over the years things have changed so much here for them.  When we first had Minnie (with our beloved Chivers) we, and Ollie and Trish at 6b, were the only ones living here permanently and there were about a dozen empty houses and the remainder only had people in for short periods of time.  Our cats had the run of the place and regarded every one of the houses as somewhere they could go quite safely.  

Now there are only 3 houses without owners and eleven which are lived in permanently and there are quite a number of resident cats and dogs - some of which are friendlier than others and some of which are quieter than others!  although I have to say that the newbies Pete and Gail have two dogs and we haven't heard a peep out of either of them.

The weather forecast was correct and we had howling winds and driving rain throughout the night.