Lazy, hazy days of summer

From time to time, I pinch myself.

This could all be a dream.

Wall to wall sunshine; sunflowers, a swimming pool, happy children, generous neighbours, good food, great friends...

I do appreciate it. 

Here's just a little, unembellished glimpse of what we've been doing recently.

The boys picking tomatoes from Sergio's huerto (allotment)

Cycling home with a bagful

Honing some cooking skills - Ruy's take on Scotch pancakes - he adds 'Nesquick'!

Very pleased with my crystallised oranges - it's taken three weeks to get them to this stage and I'm delighted with them

Imagine them dipped in a strong dark chocolate.....

Stunning view of La Mota and the firework display last night.

Taken at our friends house - La Mota Vista Casa Rural.
A great evening!! 

Welcome to Berta's puppies - one of Sergio's dogs. Guess who wants one?

Super gorgeous - not sure who is poking them with a walking stick...

I made a recycled apple. What else do you do with them?

My sunflowers grew BIG!

Hope you're having a lovely summer. Or a lovely winter if you're on that side of the world! 

Family time

In amongst having an unexpected couple of honeymoon days, which I shared in my last post, we have had FR's parents here to stay with us. They are always good value on the entertainment and guest front as they arrive, spilling gifts and food and bits of lace; vital pills are found rolling on the floor and there is non-stop conversation from morning til night. Great fun and just as it should be!

Impromptu picnics at the bottom of the garden

Everyone invited...or at least that assumption was made!

Grandmothers will be grandmothers - at least in Spain!

Eat it, hijo, it's good...go on, try it....just for me...you should, you must.





(He didn't.)

Romy and her gorgeous grandmother in the background. 

Meals all together (oops, with milk bottle on the table too!)

Favourite spot for early supper together. 

Preparing the ground.....

for a temporary pool and sunbathing area!

Everyone very happy with the arrangements.

And my sunflowers came out to celebrate.

The house seems very quiet and empty now they've gone. But I do believe they'll be back before very long. I think they liked it here.

We liked having them.