Yesterday morning I was up and about early, very early, so went for a walk around Gran Alacant.  At 1pm I met Paul and Michele for a drink at Zest.  I am finding myself, more and more at a loose end at the moment, so it is good to get out of the house once and a while, especially now the weather is improving!

I was about to leave Zest, when Katie came in.  The internet, in our urb, had gone down again, as it often does here; when that happens, there is no television, internet or telephone. I have no idea, why Grannet can't solve these connection problems; they are getting worse and worse; another downside of living in Spain!

I spent the evening with Katie who cooked a meal back at her house.  Salmon and noodle sir fry; it was a welcome change from the austere rations in my freezer. It was an evening of discussing the highs and lows of living in Spain.  There are more lows than highs at the moment and surviving can be very difficult at times. Katie has recently found out, she has a new position, working for an airline at Alicante Airport, so that is something to look forward to.  My circumstances remain as difficult as ever, but these testing times are really life and character building.  I am stronger, wiser and more resilient than I ever have been.  

​Of course I am not the only person who has ever experienced issues when living in Spain. Many people I have met, have had their own problems to deal with.  As people we all believe our life, is at times,  worse than our peers; this may or may not be true. Challenging periods  are a reminder, that not everything comes quickly.  In my case I have to bide my time, until the winds of change take hold.  

I am struggling, every day that goes by but nothing is forever; I just hope all of these trials and tribulations pay off in the end: there are no guarantees of course.  Hard work and determination is the only way forward. Whoever suggested going to Spain, 'living the dream,' wasn't fully telling the truth.  Spain can be a wonderful place but nothing prepares you for the struggles ahead. Those of us in the 'No Wives Club', are here in Spain for many different reasons, but the things we have in common have bought us close together as friends, a team if you like.  These people are extremely important to me and offer hope when I am feeling down.  Everyone offers advice and a sounding board for offloading problems and discussing solutions.

I just wanted to say a brief word about blogging in general.  People blog for many different reasons; for me it is about recording my life in Spain.  I have had many emails from people, thinking about moving to Gran Alacant or Spain in general, thanking me for my honest approach, when writing about my experiences. At the moment, for me at least, there are a lot of negative thoughts and emotions, whilst dealing with some difficult circumstances; those that brought us to Spain and continue to play a major role in our life; employment difficulties, survival as well as living apart from ones partner.  I will always write honestly about what I am feeling at a particular juncture in my life.  Writing for me, at the moment, is about offloading, reflection and releasing.  My style of prose, just like an artist paining a picture or any creative pastime, is very much dependent on how I am within myself; there is no point hiding the truth, claiming everything is rosy in Spain's back yard.  Quite honestly, for me, there is very little positivity currently, consequently, my muses will reflect that.

The 'No Wives Club', lift my spirits, every time we meet, that is the positivity in my life, until Darrell returns and the stability we desire is finally a reality.  Everyone needs someone, I am just lucky to have found a good bunch of characters, in which to confide, converse and chat with, that can't be bad!

When you take the plunge and move to this Country, it is vital that you form friendships, especially if you do not know the local language.  For an expat, living alone, like myself, people are a link to normality, when there seems to be none.  My life hasn't been easy or normal for many years, so anything the projects an aura of alacrity is welcome.  The 'No Wives Club', is my stable link, my Spanish family and my key to success; everyone needs their own special group, I've found mine, now I just have to wait for everything else to fall into place! 

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!