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 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!

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 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!
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Thank you to Paul and Michele, for a delicious meal this evening, at their lovely villa in Gran Alacant. it was fantastic reminiscing about the old days, living in Britain; the way things used to be. Stories about school dinners, cooking with lard, growing ones own vegetables, carpets and central heating. All the things, that seem a long time in the past now, as all of us make a new life in Spain! 

A big congratulations to our friends and members of the 'No Wives Club', Paul and Michele Stokes on the opening of there new shop at the Santara Life Resort, in Gran Alacant.

After our trip to Santa Pola market, myself, Darrell and Dawn, stopped off at Michele and Paul's shop, in Gran Alacant.  It was their opening day; we were offered a free glass of wine, while we had a look round. The shop is light, bright and airy, with a modern  feel, situated, just off the main road, near the reception of the resort.

Paul is offering mobility scooter leasing, for the exceptional price, of 70€ a week or 15€ a day.  You can also hire a range of kitchen equipment, for your stay, self catering in one of the bungalows at Santara.  Paul is also offering the rental of DVD's and other essentials. to make your stay more relaxed and trouble free!

Half of this spacious shop, is dedicated towards holiday and travel gifts; hats, scarves, toiletries, adapters and other items for the discerning traveler.  Managed by Paul's wife, Michele; always welcoming, ready to help and look after you, while you browse around. As the season progresses, Paul and Michele, aim to offer an extensive range of goods, including swimwear, books, maps, greeting and postcards!

I would like to wish  Paul and Michele every success, for their new venture. I have only known these two, for a short period of time, but their generosity, positivity and sense of purpose, has always shone through. Two people, who I have the pleasure of calling friends!
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