It’s been a funny old couple of weeks.

First, our beloved Mitsubishi starts playing up and our esteemed Spanish mechanic was having trouble isolating the problem and then getting the right parts. I would hate to lose the car. She has now been away for a week and hopefully we pick her up tomorrow. It could be expensive. On a positive note, our old Opel Kadet GTi (Belmont in the UK) passed it’s MOT with flying colours. The test is not as strict here in the UK but nevertheless a detailed check is made on Brakes, lights, tyres and emissions. Given that the car was first registered in January 1990, that is pretty good considering also that the mileage , I think, is on its third revolution on the clock so exceeds 300,000 kms, as does Mitsy, first registered in 2003. I need a name for the Opel. Perhaps Uriah (Heap).

Then, I accompanied our good friend John to hospital in Murcia for the results of blood and urine tests. He was high in Cholesterol and his sugar levels were astronomic on his first visits. I have even had to go in the consulting room with him each time. Just as well too as he has a habit of “forgetting” to tell the consultant about his Fanta Orange (other fizzy orange drinks are available) habit and his propensity for triple chocolate cake when eating out, and chocolate in general. To illustrate the problem he has just booked four days in Brussels, ostensibly to sample Belgian chocolate. Naughty boy!! Like any good friend would, I informed the consultant, a really nice chap who promptly wagged his finger at John and in no uncertain terms, told him to desist consuming so much chocolate forthwith! And have a brisk one hour walk each day. Not John’s favourite pastime.

My diet has taken a knock this weekend having been to an all you can eat Chinese Restaurant on Friday with our neighbours the Jacksons and then the next night, a sumptuous Indian meal with our friends, the Clarkes. A kilo added in 48 hours but I think that will go again quickly.

The rain has come and we need to harvest the olives soon. They are about ready and have started falling onto the ground. Many commercial olive farmers have already got nets under every tree to catch the wind falls but we only have two nets. We are hoping the rain stops soon so we can start collecting. Our oranges are also ripening nicely and we have already taken a third of them off one small tree producing 8 litres of fresh orange juice which we have frozen for later. it is absolutely delicious.

Our Swedish neighbours, Anita and Johan got back from visiting their home country this week and found a water rates bill for over €8oo. The waterboard called to see them and I was called upon to help as their Spanish is a bit lacking. The representative was very nice and had come to see if there was a leak that was Gestagua’s responsibility. I had to explain to him that Anita’s automatic garden watering system had failed and had got stuck in the open position when the battery had run flat. Jenny had first spotted the problem and when we checked the garden it was a couple of feet under water and had also been soaking through to Bill’s land. Bill and I scaled the fence to turn the whole system off. Sadly, not before 330 cubic meters had poured out. Equivalent to 12 of our swimming pool water requirement. The water board rep suggested Anita monitor home usage for a week and try the automatic system again and then go and see them. There may be something they can do. I hope so but am pessimistic. It is your worst nightmare when you are away from home for four months. Over the years, Anita has never left a house or garden key with any of us. She may need to rethink that if they go away again.

We tried to appoint another estate agent last week but they emailed to say the weather was too bad to take photos. It was bright sunshine outside and I was in shorts. Apparently it was dull near their office. They have not been in touch since. What a waste of time.

I need a drink!