Paul Stokes, friend and member of the 'No Wives Club,' has made the local paper this July. Paul celebrated his 60th Birthday last month; photographers were on hand, to document his big day; out and about, in Gran Alacant! 

It was yet another 'No Wives Club' Birthday yesterday. There has been so many celebrations this month, that I have lost count. Paul was celebrating reaching the grand old age of 60. 

Let me first say a little bit about my friend Paul, without making it sound like an obituary, after all 60 is the new 40, so I am told. Paul is one of those decent people, you come across rarely. He has been a great source of strength for myself and Darrell, during our time in Spain; we both appreciate all he has done for us. Nothing is too much for Paul, he will always go out of his way to help others if he can. The one word I would use to describe him, is 'gentleman!' Paul does love to swear, but has this knack of doing it in such a way, that you just couldn't take offence. A loving father, doting husband and special friend; this is Paul, it's why we love him!

Paul came to Spain to relax, but has ended up taking on a business in Gran Alacant. In truth Paul will never relax, preferring to keep busy, with his wife Michele. I can't thank both of them enough, for being two genuine, generous and gregarious individuals, who are always a pleasure to be around.

A very Happy Birthday to you Mr Stokes, I hope you enjoyed your evening yesterday, as we did; the buffet provided by Zest was wonderful, the company exceptional; here's to many more Birthdays to come!

It was a brief catch up with Dawn yesterday, who Darrell hasn't seen since he returned from the UK. Dawn has been busy working, as the summer season kicks in, here in Spain.  The weather was perfect, so we had a few pints, sat outside Zest, putting the World to rights. Dawn's husband flies in tomorrow, so there will be one less 'No Wife' for a while!

Yet another May Birthday to celebrate, among the 'No Wives Club!' Katie  celebrated her 27th Birthday, arranging a party at her home in Gran Alacant. It was a fabulous evening, as her husband Andy hosted a BBQ on the solarium; each of us bringing something to the gathering. Many congratulations, for your Birthday on Saturday Katie; thank you for your hospitality, as ever!

So yesterday I reached the grand old age, of 46, not something I was looking forward to. To be honest. Since I reached the age of 40, I haven't really celebrated Birthdays. I don't see the point of celebrating, getting a year closer to death.  That sounds morbid doesn't it; it's not meant to, just a fact of life!

My friends here in Gran Alacant, went out of their way, to make sure, I enjoyed my day; I really couldn't ask for a better group of people, to be a part of my life. With Darrell, away in the UK, they have been their for me, every step of the way, yesterday was no exception.

After having pre dinner drinks at Zest, in Sierra Mar, we headed to my favourite Spanish restaurant, La Bodequite de Pascual y Agus in Gran Alacant, for some of their fantastic Paella; Paul and Michele had arranged a Birthday cake and champagne, which was an absolute treat and delight. I haven't had a Birthday cake in many years. Sitting, eating, drinking wine on a warm spring evening, was just the tonic I needed, to feel more positive, than I have for a long time. A fantastic Birthday, spent with some special friends!

Thank you to everyone who sent me Birthday messages; I am always grateful, for your thoughts and good wishes! 

Click on the photo above, to take you to the La Bodeguita de Pascal y Agus, facebook page!

It was Michele's Birthday yesterday and her husband Paul invited the 'No Wives Club', round for dinner, to celebrate. It was another relaxing evening spent with friends, on Michele's special day. Paul cooked spicy chicken, prawn and chorizo and his famous garlic bread, which is to die for. Lots of chatter and conversation, it was another wonderful day, spent in pleasant company, here in Gran Alacant. A very Happy Birthday Michele!

Today, I have the hangover from hell.  I have spent most of the day in bed, after going out with the 'No Wives Club' yesterday. We started off at the Sunset Bar, in Carabassi. It has just been taken over and recently reopened. The outside looks fantastic; a lot of hard work has been put in to the new decor; it looks great!  It was a bit of a shock to see my old work colleague, Laura working there. I used to work with her at Dunbar's, last year. It was great to catch up; she's a lovely girl!

After getting something to eat, we left for some more drinks, at The Pub, in Masa Square. It was Karaoke night and there were some great performances, especially by our very own Katie. Everyone had a fantastic night, especially Michele, who looked like she thoroughly enjoyed herself; beaming smiling face and lots of dancing.

Another happy night, with no drama, just a group of friends spending time together.  All of these guys, make my life in Spain, a lot easier to cope with, especially when Darrell is away; another month to go and he should be back home in Gran Alacant!

It was good to finally get out last night. I hadn't been out and about for a while, mainly due to illness and looking after Lily, as she came to terms with her companions death. Paul and Michele had invited me out for a meal at La Bodeguita, a place I have been to before, but never for a meal.

​After a few pre dinner drinks at Zest, we headed to this Spanish restaurant, very near to where I live, in Gran Alacant. I think from what the waiter said, it was under new management, although I can't be sure. There were, at least, different staff working there. Talking of the waiter, he wasn't half bad; in fact he was a bit of all right; the biggest hands I've ever seen.  We paid 20€ each for what I can only describe as a banquet; starting with Spanish Tapas, followed by toast, with a selection of meat, olives, cheese and calamari; a tuna salad, seafood paella and finally desert, ending with a strong Spanish drink, the name which, I can't recall. The service was exceptional and the food was out of this world; the best mixed seafood paella I've ever tasted, actually the best paella full stop. The restaurant also sells wine, poured from the barrel from 1,50€ a litre bottle; that's what living in Spain is all about; good food and cheap wine! 

As Expats, we probably spend far too much time eating in restaurants serving British food. Getting out and experiencing Spanish cuisine and culture is something I intend to do more of, as and when I can, after all I am living here!

Thanks to Paul, Michele and Nigel for a wonderful night. a pleasure as always!

It was a gorgeous day, for the 'No Wives Club' party at Dawns on Friday. All of us made food for the day; Paul and Michele, made the starter, Prawn Piri; Myself and Darrell made the main, Lasagne; Dawn and Pete had the BBQ going, for chicken and potatoes and Katie, made dessert, Chocolate Pots with strawberries. 

We played 'Black Jack' on Pete's, well stocked bar; a game, I've never played before and one I actually enjoyed. Plenty of chatting in the spring Spanish sun, copious amounts of alcohol, a game of darts, swimming in the pool, talking until the early hours of the morning.

This is what Spanish life is all about. This was a party about husbands leaving and returning and a last hoorah before the start of the busy summer season  begins.  The day was perfect, relaxing and a good time was had by all.

Thanks to Dawn and Pete, for their hospitlity!

It was an early start, for me at least, this morning; we went with Dawn, to Carrefour, in Santa Pola; first, we stopped at a local  merchant, so Dawn could get some locally produced red wine; at 1,40€ a litre, you can't go wrong. We were getting supplies for the 'No Wives Club' party tomorrow. Once again, it is all change here in Spain. Andy has already left, Gran Alacant, returning to the UK today. Pete, Dawns husband, flies in from Africa today and Darrell leaves on Tuesday.

With the summer season on the horizon, our new bar opening soon and people, once again on the move, Dawn suggested, it was time, to sit and relax at her villa and have a get together.  The weather is gorgeous at the moment, so it is a perfect opportunity, for us all to spend time in each others company, before everyone departs, on  their separate ways.

Dawn and myself are making the main meal; I am preparing a lasagne today; Paul and Michele are making the starter and Katie is dealing with desert.  With Dawn also providing the alcohol, it's all systems go, for a party, by the pool, in the sun tomorrow afternoon!
​