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!

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 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!

Had a wonderful evening at Zest last night. Most of the 'No Wives Club' were there, enjoying a glass of red wine or two. It was good to see Katie, who I haven't seen for a few weeks, since she started working at Jet2; all going well, by all accounts; After a long day out, we were home relatively early.  Darrell made me an avocado, emmental, red pepper, tomato and herb, toasted baguette.  He wouldn't tell me, what the herbs were, but it tasted gorgeous. Considering Darrell never cooks, I was pleasantly surprised. He will most certainly, be cooking more in future!

We had a couple of drinks and a catch up with Dawn and Andy last night. I actually don't think I've chatted so much for ages.  We must have totally chewed Steve's ear off, behind the bar.  I don't think he minded too much and was happy to join in our conversations, commenting 'We do chat about some strange things, don't we?' Our chatter did range from 'what was your favourite time, in your life?' 'motorbikes,' 'religion' and 'death.' The thing I like about Zest, is the staff, their welcoming nature and the relaxed atmosphere, always a pleasure having a drink or two.....Thanks Steve for putting up with us! 

Andy finally flew in to Alicante for the summer on Sunday, the last of the 'No Wives Club' to come back to Spain. Only Pete is now out of the country, working abroad. It was a day of drinking at Zest, after picking Andy up from the airport, with Paul and Michele joining us in the afternoon and Dawn in the evening.  The weather was glorious in the main; it was lovely, sat in the sun chatting; nearly all of us back together in the same place.

For myself and Darrell, the hard work starts now.  We have a mountain of paperwork to sort out for Darrell's Residencia, here in Spain. As readers are aware, I got my residents status on my Birthday, last year. Darrell however, chose not to; that was a bit of a mistake, one we are rectifying now.  The process however, is not easy and we have a lot of documents to sort out, before he can even apply for his green card. In order for everything to complete successfully, I have to obtain suitable employment, sooner rather than later now, so will be hoping to overcome this hurdle very soon.  Waiting is no longer an option for me; I need to do what ever is necessary, to secure our life in Spain. Important documents also have to be legalised.  These will include our Marriage certificate and possibly birth certificates.  The legalisation Office in Britain will legalise the documents by attaching a stamped official certificate (an ‘apostille’) to it.​

The Legalisation Office (UK)

The whole process should take a few months to complete, then finally we will  both be legal in Spain. We do seem to spend our whole life, filling in forms, because of the relationship we have; that is something, that will continue for a lifetime.  This is just how it is, if you have a foreign partner, who is non EU; on top of that , Brexit will have its own problems, for our ability to stay in Spain.  Other factors that are aggravating the issues we are facing, include, Australia  not recognising gay Marriage and  Darrell's 'Indefinite Leave to Remain' visa, expiring once he has been out of the country, for two years. Added together, we have quite a few hurdles to overcome, still.

We have a busy few months ahead, that's for sure. Hopefully we will finally be able to relax in a few months, when we have both overcome, all we need too, fingers crossed!

We had a few drinks down Zest, last night, Nigel also joined us, our newest member of The No Wives Club. I haven't seen Paul and Michele for a while; I have been hibernating in this dreadful Spanish winter weather, so it was great to catch up with them.

It was good to get out of the house for a change, talking and chatting, trying to put the world to rights, moaning about the Spanish and the current meteorological conditions, battering Spain; I even did a little bit of hand reading, something I don't do that often these days. As ever, I had a wonderful evening, with fabulous friends!

It was farewell to Nia, Paul and Michele's daughter.  Today she left for Toronto, Canada, after spending Christmas with Mother and Father here in Spain.  It was a joy getting to know her and I look forward to seeing her again in the summer.  We spent a pleasant evening, with a few drinks at Zest, to toast her journey home!