Fri - September 15, 2006
Relocation!
I've moved! Well, not so much me, but this blog.
I've taken the opportunity yesterday to teach myself how to use WordPress and have transported this blog to here. With WordPress, I have more control over the design of the blog, and that makes me very happy.
I'll keep this blog here. It would be far too much work for me to move over all 3 years' of entries over to WordPress - iBlog doesn't have an export function! Argh!
I've taken the opportunity yesterday to teach myself how to use WordPress and have transported this blog to here. With WordPress, I have more control over the design of the blog, and that makes me very happy.
I'll keep this blog here. It would be far too much work for me to move over all 3 years' of entries over to WordPress - iBlog doesn't have an export function! Argh!
Posted at 09:52 AM
Thu - September 14, 2006
American thoughts
This is all over the internet already. But I
couldn't help posting a link to it here as well. Keith
Olbermann on 9/11.
Why do Americans seem to think it's more serious for a president to lie about his sexual indiscretions that for their president to lie about something far more serious?
Inaction is louder than words, Mr Bush.
Why do Americans seem to think it's more serious for a president to lie about his sexual indiscretions that for their president to lie about something far more serious?
Inaction is louder than words, Mr Bush.
Posted at 08:21 AM
Sat - July 22, 2006
Summer cocktails and high maintenance
Reading though a few of my regular online 'reads'
the other day, I stumbled High Maintenance Gimlets from fancytoast. I absolutely love, and totally agree
with, her take on the high maintenance/high quality thingie... (Thanks to gastronome for the link originally!) I love
cocktails. I have tons of books on cocktails, along with fancy glasses so every
drink can be served in the appropriate glass: highball, martini, tumbler, etc..
We also have quite a well-stocked bar down in the pool room.
But sadly, I rarely make mixed drinks. Steve is more of a beer/wine guy - instant gratification I suppose. And making a fancy cocktail, when it takes me half an hour and he's already starting another drink, is a bit of a downer - especially in the summer when it's hot and I'm only making the drink for myself. Cocktails really are meant to be shared...
So imagine my surprise when I actually made some cucumber gimlets on friday night! And they were good! And looked pretty. And very refreshing. And, dare I say it, probably somewhat healthy, no? (All right, perhaps I'm pushing it a bit there...)
But sadly, I rarely make mixed drinks. Steve is more of a beer/wine guy - instant gratification I suppose. And making a fancy cocktail, when it takes me half an hour and he's already starting another drink, is a bit of a downer - especially in the summer when it's hot and I'm only making the drink for myself. Cocktails really are meant to be shared...
So imagine my surprise when I actually made some cucumber gimlets on friday night! And they were good! And looked pretty. And very refreshing. And, dare I say it, probably somewhat healthy, no? (All right, perhaps I'm pushing it a bit there...)
Posted at 05:49 PM
Tue - September 13, 2005
Nissan Patrol Corto 4 Cil 4x4 for Sale!
In my always-quashed effort to own and drive a
Chrysler PT Cruiser, we are selling our beloved Nissan Patrol. Obviously it's a
spanish registered vehicle. In typical 'us' fashion, it's old - 1985. Although
it has to be said, I always think to myself, 'gosh, my first car was only 1984,
this can't be that old!' But then I realize that was back in 1992 or so, which
is different. It doesn't appear to take much to confuse
me.
The Nissan is in reasonable condition, for a car of its age. It's got about 230,000 km on it, but as a spanish 4x4, it's built to last. We're only asking 2000 euros for it, which is a darn good price considering the price of used 4x4s in Spain that I see advertised in the used car magazines.
My theory is that when we sell it, before winter, then we'll -have- to go out an get another car. And as the PT Cruiser is the only car that Steve and I can agree on, I'm onto a winner. Right?
The Nissan is in reasonable condition, for a car of its age. It's got about 230,000 km on it, but as a spanish 4x4, it's built to last. We're only asking 2000 euros for it, which is a darn good price considering the price of used 4x4s in Spain that I see advertised in the used car magazines.
My theory is that when we sell it, before winter, then we'll -have- to go out an get another car. And as the PT Cruiser is the only car that Steve and I can agree on, I'm onto a winner. Right?
Posted at 07:42 AM
Sat - September 3, 2005
Oh... Ouch.
While I have every sympathy for all those
affected by hurricane Katrina, El Pais, one of Spain's papers, really summed up
how I'm feeling...
Up until Monday, Bush was the president
of the war in Iraq and 9/11. Today there are few doubts that he will also pass
into history as the president who didn't know how to prevent the destruction of
New Orleans and who abandoned its inhabitants to their fate for days. And the
worst is yet to come.
And from France's Le Progres...
Katrina had more than the power of the
wind and water, because, now, when they have subsided, it can still reveal the
emptiness of an era, one that is represented by President George W Bush more
than anyone.
And the Saudi Gazette in Saudi Arabia echos what Steve and I were talking about last night in La Sala (Where they have started serving gin and tonics in the most marvelous and huge glasses!)
The episode illustrates that when the
normal day-to-day activity of society disintegrates, the collapse of
civilisation is only a few paces behind. We all walk on the edge of the
abyss.
For more outstanding observations, have a look at the BBC's Press Reactions page.
The world's media has taken notice of the complete lack of competence the US government seems to have. Let's hope the American people have as well.
This blog makes for fascinating reading - he's in New Orleans and appears to be sticking around.
Posted at 08:19 PM
Tue - June 28, 2005
Oh geez, it's hot.
It was 32 degrees here yesterday. And today it's
cooled down a bit - about 30.. I have dreams of air conditioners and rate shops
and restaurants at the moment on how good their air conditioning is. Currently,
Can Lladó in Viladesans is best - no matter how many people cram in there
at lunchtime, it's nice and cool. As for shops - I spent an extraordinary amount
of time in Media Markt last thursday - even though I didn't need anything - as
it was rather pleasant (temperature-wise) there as
well.
Last night our air conditioning consisted of a fan and a wet washcloth. It wasn't that bad! It's amazing how ingenious you can get when the need takes you. Speaking of geniuses - Steve flooded the bathroom yesterday. I had to laugh (and don't worry, so did he..). He was clearing out the calcium in the pipes that brings water to the toilet - and kinda forgot to put the pipe back on when he switched the water back on. Well, at least the half inch of water served to cool the bathroom AND clean it! Good thing we don't have carpets, I guess.
The long weekend was a pleasure - except, obviously, for the heat. We had a relaxing afternoon bbq on sunday up on the new terrace (I swear I'll put pictures up eventually - when it's not so hot...) On saturday we went into Girona although, to be honest, I can't really remember what for. It was quiet - as it usually is during the midday and in the summer. We noticed a poster for The Queers and were surprised to find that it was not only a current poster, but they were playing on Sunday! And in Vidreres, no less! (Which is about 50 minutes away from us.) I have to admit, come Sunday night after a long, hot weekend, we were both feeling a bit lethargic, but at the last minute we hopped in the car and went down there, not knowing what to expect.
There weren't a lot of people there (30?) but it was a great show. (Look, I even managed to take a picture with my mobile to put on my flickr photostream there on the side of the page!) THe opening band was excellent as well - Copache. They were more hard rock than punk rock, citing influences like Queens of the Stone Age, Fatso Jetson and Kyuss. But seeing as we have all those in our collection as well, that was no bad thing. I'm sure Steve will blog more about the show - eventually. Those wacky guys from the Queers were off to Italy after the show. I'm sure that the folks that plan European Tours have no inkling of geography - from the sounds of it, the UK leg was all over the place. I can imagine the Tour Guy going 'Heck - that li'l ole England place - it's just a small island. Just book whatever nights, wherever and we'll pop round in the bus! And all those other European countries are connected - shouldn't be a problem to nip over to Italy from Spain after the show.' Sheesh.
Last night our air conditioning consisted of a fan and a wet washcloth. It wasn't that bad! It's amazing how ingenious you can get when the need takes you. Speaking of geniuses - Steve flooded the bathroom yesterday. I had to laugh (and don't worry, so did he..). He was clearing out the calcium in the pipes that brings water to the toilet - and kinda forgot to put the pipe back on when he switched the water back on. Well, at least the half inch of water served to cool the bathroom AND clean it! Good thing we don't have carpets, I guess.
The long weekend was a pleasure - except, obviously, for the heat. We had a relaxing afternoon bbq on sunday up on the new terrace (I swear I'll put pictures up eventually - when it's not so hot...) On saturday we went into Girona although, to be honest, I can't really remember what for. It was quiet - as it usually is during the midday and in the summer. We noticed a poster for The Queers and were surprised to find that it was not only a current poster, but they were playing on Sunday! And in Vidreres, no less! (Which is about 50 minutes away from us.) I have to admit, come Sunday night after a long, hot weekend, we were both feeling a bit lethargic, but at the last minute we hopped in the car and went down there, not knowing what to expect.
There weren't a lot of people there (30?) but it was a great show. (Look, I even managed to take a picture with my mobile to put on my flickr photostream there on the side of the page!) THe opening band was excellent as well - Copache. They were more hard rock than punk rock, citing influences like Queens of the Stone Age, Fatso Jetson and Kyuss. But seeing as we have all those in our collection as well, that was no bad thing. I'm sure Steve will blog more about the show - eventually. Those wacky guys from the Queers were off to Italy after the show. I'm sure that the folks that plan European Tours have no inkling of geography - from the sounds of it, the UK leg was all over the place. I can imagine the Tour Guy going 'Heck - that li'l ole England place - it's just a small island. Just book whatever nights, wherever and we'll pop round in the bus! And all those other European countries are connected - shouldn't be a problem to nip over to Italy from Spain after the show.' Sheesh.
Posted at 04:26 PM
Tue - April 26, 2005
Welcome to the 20th century, Steve
Never thought this day would happen.... It all
started off with vinyl, then moved to CDs. Then onto mp3s on iTunes on
your very own computer. Your girlfriend starts a blog. You discover the internet
and learn how to use google. You keep telling your girlfriend what
she should write on her blog (Shut Up.). You figure out how to use your own
email address. Then, you get an ipod shuffle for your birthday (and like it,
especially since it's in a black silicon case) and realize that perhaps all
that geeky stuff from your girlfriend is rubbing off. You worry. But then you
accept the inevitable... Steve has published his very own blog. (All
right, I helped a little...)
Posted at 11:10 PM
Sat - August 28, 2004
Reluctant web designer strikes again
I think I've mentioned my previous aversion to
designing websites for other people before. Well, it's subsiding now.
Considering I've done a number of sites, it's only fair to say that I'm
obviously not THAT adverse to web design. My latest site is Fantasy Spanish Breaks.
They offer tailor-made group holidays here on the Costa Brava. Apparently that
includes corporate events (Ah, those wonderful team-building weekends!), hen
weekends and stag do's (better them than me..), golfing holidays, and all sorts
of various fun things to do in a group. And there's loads to do around here -
made me want to have a go at scuba diving and quads, personally. Although I
think I could do without the showgirls, but hey. Check them out - obviously
you'll be wanting to ooh and ahh at the lovely web design. Ahem.
Posted at 11:50 AM
Fri - July 16, 2004
Top 10 things I never heard Steve say before we moved to Spain
No, I'm not making these up. For those of you who
know Steve, you'll find these as surprising as I
did!
10 Where's the catalan verb book, I'm going to read for a while...
9 I know it's a bit more expensive, but I think we should go for it anyway.
8 Let's go to France today for a bit of shopping.
7 Hola, em dic Steve.
6 That espresso machine is great!
5 Shall we go down to the beach for a swim?
4 That's okay, I'll drive on friday night.
3 It's worth getting the more expensive ham.
2 Wait, I need to change my shoes. These are my work sandals.
1 Here - I got you some flowers.
10 Where's the catalan verb book, I'm going to read for a while...
9 I know it's a bit more expensive, but I think we should go for it anyway.
8 Let's go to France today for a bit of shopping.
7 Hola, em dic Steve.
6 That espresso machine is great!
5 Shall we go down to the beach for a swim?
4 That's okay, I'll drive on friday night.
3 It's worth getting the more expensive ham.
2 Wait, I need to change my shoes. These are my work sandals.
1 Here - I got you some flowers.
Posted at 02:54 PM
Mon - April 12, 2004
Happy Birthday Steve!
The first birthday in Spain
So today is Steve's birthday, and what is he
doing? Painting. Well, I suppose it needs doing, but hey... As it's Setmana
Santa, he has the day off, which makes a nice change. We went to our friends'
house yesterday outside Girona for a birthday bbq. That's right, a bbq. I
pointed out to Steve on the drive home, "So, that's the first time you've ever
had a bbq for your birthday, isn't it?" Last year, we spent his birthday in a
moroccan restaurant in Foix, France, while on the way back from the failed
Orkney Trip. The year before it was spent at the Ravin' Mad Rally in Orkney.
(There's a theme here..?) With the new house and everything, going to Orkney
this year just wasn't going to happen, but there's always next
year.
We've begun painting and decorating the house. We've had many complaints about the lack of pictures. The previous owners stopped by last week to see how we were doing and if we were settling in well, which was nice!
Steve's started knocking out the old bathroom and we've ordered the bits and bobs for the new one. He's started making all the granite pieces that go in and hopefully it'll be done before my parents come back to their flat and we can no longer use their hot water!
We've begun painting and decorating the house. We've had many complaints about the lack of pictures. The previous owners stopped by last week to see how we were doing and if we were settling in well, which was nice!
Steve's started knocking out the old bathroom and we've ordered the bits and bobs for the new one. He's started making all the granite pieces that go in and hopefully it'll be done before my parents come back to their flat and we can no longer use their hot water!
Posted at 10:44 AM
Thu - January 1, 2004
Happy 2004.
Two wonderful views...
My view last night - Steve, Liza and
Peter.
And the view this morning from our room at the Hotel Mar Condal in Platja d'Aro. I would have taken a picture of the sunrise that I watched at around 8 this morning from the bed, but I didn't want to get up to get the camera.
Happy New Year, everyone.
And the view this morning from our room at the Hotel Mar Condal in Platja d'Aro. I would have taken a picture of the sunrise that I watched at around 8 this morning from the bed, but I didn't want to get up to get the camera.
Happy New Year, everyone.
Posted at 02:48 PM
Tue - December 23, 2003
Cool places to stay in Brighton
I found them, you should, too
In my search for a nice place to stay in Brighton
in February for our 'quick weekend break', I found a number of really nice bed
and breakfasts.
Hotel Pelirocco - by far the most amazing, if only because they have a room called Betty's Boudoir, dedicated to Betty Page.
Hotel Nineteen - very swish and swanky, probably too swish and swanky for the likes of Steve and I!
Seaspray Hotel - another great looking hotel (with a very nice and simple website as well); the kind of place I wish every b & b was like.
Blanch House - another nice themed b & b. Is it a trend in Brighton?
Marina Beach Hotel - this place looks like a nice place to stay as well, and yes, I'm a bit biased - there's a room there with leopard print sheets.
Of course, I have yet to book a place yet. So any suggestions are welcome!
Hotel Pelirocco - by far the most amazing, if only because they have a room called Betty's Boudoir, dedicated to Betty Page.
Hotel Nineteen - very swish and swanky, probably too swish and swanky for the likes of Steve and I!
Seaspray Hotel - another great looking hotel (with a very nice and simple website as well); the kind of place I wish every b & b was like.
Blanch House - another nice themed b & b. Is it a trend in Brighton?
Marina Beach Hotel - this place looks like a nice place to stay as well, and yes, I'm a bit biased - there's a room there with leopard print sheets.
Of course, I have yet to book a place yet. So any suggestions are welcome!
Posted at 06:53 PM
Leopard print boat?
So unfair.
A friend of mine in California told me he bought
a boat a while back. Neat, I thought. And then didn't think much more of it.
Until today when I went to peek at his website and he's put pictures of the boat up. Now, of course, I'm
upset. I mean, why didn't he have a boat with leopard print and red velour
interior -when I lived in California-. Why does that inconsiderate guy have to
have a dream boat that is after my own heart after I've left the country and
live in Spain? Men. I tell you. It's not fair.
I think the only way he can redeem himself is to sail that lovely boat over here. That would be nice, wouldn' it?
I think the only way he can redeem himself is to sail that lovely boat over here. That would be nice, wouldn' it?
Posted at 04:46 PM
Sun - November 30, 2003
Go4Spain.net, just a little plug!
You can't expect me not to mention
it...
I don't normally spout on about my work on here,
in fact, I never have. But as it's my My First Professional-For-Someone-Else
website, I had to make a mention here.
I've just finished designing and producing Go4Spain.net. They are a new, small holiday company based about 20 minutes from here at Castell Montgri in L'Estartit. So one of my first 'local' clients! I know, I know, I vowed never to take on web design, being a mainly print designer, but this seemed like a fun project. And it meant I got to go and visit Castell Montgri campsite, which I've never been to. That place is huge and has one of the biggest pools on the Costa Brava. Who knew? I'm going to have to try and sneak in during the summer...
We drove past there today to get breakfast in L'Estartit this morning for a change. Steve was kerplexed (is that a word?) when he ordered a Cafe amb llet and the waitress had no idea what he meant. I relayed my previous tale about ordering in Catalan in a cafe in L'Estartit and not being understood. Ah well, as soon as we can speak in Catalan, we'll work on the Spanish.
I've just finished designing and producing Go4Spain.net. They are a new, small holiday company based about 20 minutes from here at Castell Montgri in L'Estartit. So one of my first 'local' clients! I know, I know, I vowed never to take on web design, being a mainly print designer, but this seemed like a fun project. And it meant I got to go and visit Castell Montgri campsite, which I've never been to. That place is huge and has one of the biggest pools on the Costa Brava. Who knew? I'm going to have to try and sneak in during the summer...
We drove past there today to get breakfast in L'Estartit this morning for a change. Steve was kerplexed (is that a word?) when he ordered a Cafe amb llet and the waitress had no idea what he meant. I relayed my previous tale about ordering in Catalan in a cafe in L'Estartit and not being understood. Ah well, as soon as we can speak in Catalan, we'll work on the Spanish.
Posted at 06:48 PM
Thu - November 27, 2003
RCA Secret 2003
It's got to be worth a longshot...
I can't help but notice from my strangely compelling site tracker, that a lot of folks
have arrived at my website through searching for RCA Secret. Hope you then found
bowieart
where he's got all the postcards up for this year. And if any of you, at this
last possible moment, are feeling particularly nice and helpful, I have a list
of postcards that I like. Seeing as I'm in Spain, this is rather difficult for
me to get them - that is, even have the slightest -chance- to get them.
So, if anyone happens to go to RCA Secret and any of the following postcards are still available, I will happily buy them off you for 35 pounds (plus postage, obviously!). 31, 231, 267, 375, 600, 837, 2070, 2415, 2441. I have to have a big list, because once, I went with a small list, and they were obviously all gone. I would be one happy girl if someone out there in Internet Land would be so kind!!
I know it's a longshot, but hey. The first time I bought postcards from the exhibition, the boss at one of the companies I was freelancing for offered to go to the sale. We had viewed the postcards together and he liked a couple, so figured Why Not? Why not indeed. Poor Tony arrived on the morning of the sale at 8:30 am. He rang the office at 10:30, saying he was still in the queue. At 1, he rang again and was thrilled that he was finally in the building. He finally came into the office around 3:30. He had a great time, apparently, and met lots of interesting people. But being that I was, at the time, being paid by the hour, you can see why it was a good thing that I didn't go!
Oh, and I managed to get my 2nd and 3rd choices that time, as well!
So, if anyone happens to go to RCA Secret and any of the following postcards are still available, I will happily buy them off you for 35 pounds (plus postage, obviously!). 31, 231, 267, 375, 600, 837, 2070, 2415, 2441. I have to have a big list, because once, I went with a small list, and they were obviously all gone. I would be one happy girl if someone out there in Internet Land would be so kind!!
I know it's a longshot, but hey. The first time I bought postcards from the exhibition, the boss at one of the companies I was freelancing for offered to go to the sale. We had viewed the postcards together and he liked a couple, so figured Why Not? Why not indeed. Poor Tony arrived on the morning of the sale at 8:30 am. He rang the office at 10:30, saying he was still in the queue. At 1, he rang again and was thrilled that he was finally in the building. He finally came into the office around 3:30. He had a great time, apparently, and met lots of interesting people. But being that I was, at the time, being paid by the hour, you can see why it was a good thing that I didn't go!
Oh, and I managed to get my 2nd and 3rd choices that time, as well!
Posted at 08:19 PM
Quick Links
Amazon Featured stuff!
Photos from the Road
Interesting stuff from the mobile...
My sites
whangdoodleland
freelance designer
vdoubleu jewellery
the great escape
the wren and stinky show
view from the roof
vww2.com
freelance designer
vdoubleu jewellery
the great escape
the wren and stinky show
view from the roof
vww2.com
Sites I designed
MDO Spain
Body Obsessions
Go4Spain
Tourside Barcelona
Mobile Homes Overseas
Space Ranch
Catalunya Modulos
Harveys Bar and Diner
Barracuda Holidays
Body Obsessions
Go4Spain
Tourside Barcelona
Mobile Homes Overseas
Space Ranch
Catalunya Modulos
Harveys Bar and Diner
Barracuda Holidays
Interesting Sites
Catalan Encyclopaedia
CAT365
Catalan Webcams
Catalan Webportal
Online Catalan translator
Catalan Slang
Catalan Phrasebook
Online Catalan Course
Even more sites
Guestmap
Clustr Map
Local weather
Stay informed
Archives
Search the web
Search
Spanish translations
Categories
Counters
Listed at
Statistics
Total entries in this blog:
Total entries in this category:
Published On: Sep 15, 2006 09:52 AM
Total entries in this category:
Published On: Sep 15, 2006 09:52 AM