It was just myself for Christmas dinner this year. Jamie was supposed to be there at some point, but was recovering from a large bout of 'hangover.' That actually suited me fine and I was glad of the quiet.
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It was lovely to see Peter, Paul and Michele, together with Andy who has just returned from The UK for Christmas and of course his wife Katie. I have to admit I wasn't feeling too good this morning, after celebrating my new venture and the aquiring of a new bar. Happy Christmas guys, hope to see you on Christmas Day!
It was a gorgeous sunny day on Friday, after a couple of days of rain. so the 'No Wives Club' met for a drink at Zest. Jamie came along with us; he had just got back from the Doctors, after getting the results of his XRAY. It seems that he has several hairline fractures. So his hand was strapped up and he seemed a little happier at least.
Dawn had baked some banana muffins, which she brought in with her; They tasted fantastic. My new column was out in the G A Advertiser, 'Very British Problems;' we were discussing the trials and tribulations of living in Gran Alacant. It was a delight, sat outside Zest, with friends, as it always is!
I went over to Dick Turpins afterwards with Denise and Richard, who had popped into Sierra Mar for a drink, to help celebrate their thirteen years together. It was perfect, sat in the sun talking about this and that, nothing in particular or of any importance, just general chit chat with two lovely people.
I met these two, when I first moved to Gran Alacant and they have been a great source of inspiration and advice. Denise is great to talk to, always messages and does her best to help whenever she can. Finally Denise and Richard invited me for a meal with them. I had an absolutely wonderful afternoon and evening, spent in pleasant company; no drama, arguments trouble or strife; just what going out should be about. I would of course like to wish both Denise and Richard a Happy Anniversary and many more years of happiness together. When one is alone in a foreign country, while one's partner or husband is away, it is important to have friends around one; not just friends, but people who you can connect with, through similar experiences, challenges and diffiuculties. Dawn, Paul and Katie are all going through exactly the same things as myself; thoughts, feelings and emotions; so we do have much to talk about. Luckily for Paul, his lovely wife has returned to Gran Alacant today. I am pleased for them both. In the end, it is what all of us want, to be with our loved ones. For some of us, it will take longer than others to achieve. Until then, it is good to know there are good people about, who understand the trials and tribulations of separation! As individuals, we all have opinions; as a group we discuss, argue and stimulate conversation. Interaction is important to eliviate the spectre of isolation and seclusion; without it, life here would be even more difficult than it is!
Popped along to the Quesada Restaurant with Dawn and Katie yesterday afternoon. To be honest we were supposed to go shopping at Euroski, but ended up drinking red wine at this lovely venue on the coast, at Santa Pola. I nice bottle of Rioja, chatting with the 'No Wives Club!' We ended up talking about families and family trees, which is one subject I am passionate about, having researched my own tree, back to the 1500's. I is also difficult, living abroad, without one's family and was nice to hear about Dawn and Katie's similar feelings and experiences. After dropping Katie off at home, I went back with Dawn for a glass or two more, of wine; where we chatted more. Dawn was interested in what had happened between myself and Oxfam; what exactly had brought us to Spain? She has been reading my blog and was interested in my 'Charlatan or Confidant' entries and my conversations with Penny, the secret Director, Psychic and Manager. Well, these were her words not mine. To this day, I still have no idea who the woman was and probably never will. Explaining to another person, just what happened, during that period of my life is difficult. People normally sit there, blank expressionless, or looking a little confused. Dawn was a bit different to most. She has studied psychology herself, rather like my old friend in the UK, Ramona, so was well aware of what I was talking about. She was able to offer advice and empathise, is a way that others can't. My story is a little bit different from most of those who live here and is not something I talk about to everyone I meet. I am a writer and will always detail those events in the way I need too. It helps me come to terms with what exactly happened. Dawn was more interested than most. That is great for me, because talking about that time is a great healer, just as writing about it is, also! I do sometimes feel that people disbelieve what you are telling them. That is most certainly true with individuals, who don't really know me. All I can say is, my partner and husband went through it with me and we were both abused in a way that is difficult to comprehend. In time, we hope to be able to return to Britain, briefly, to give evidence against these people. That is an ongoing saga and one that will end one day, Until then, it is great to have people, like Dawn, Katie and many others to talk to, especially when feeling lost or down; which does happen often, although less and less as time goes on! After another bottle of wine at Zest, watching British quiz shows, we were done! Thanks Dawn and Katies for another 'No Wives Club' afternoon!
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