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    Diarist!

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    Somebody asked me the other day, why I enjoyed blogging. Still unpacking boxes, at home today, I came across some old diaries, which I used to keep religiously. Writing a diary when I was younger, is the reason why I enjoy blogging, so much in 2017. Sadly writing ones thoughts down, is a dying art. Looking back through time, has given me an insight into the person I was then and of course, who I am today!
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    Remembering!

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    I received an early Christmas present today, one I had ordered for myself and Darrell; two memorial necklaces, to house the fur of our three cats, who have died. Each time one of our pets have passed away, I have kept some of their hair, as a memory of the time we spent with them. Wearing memories around ones neck, is a fitting tribute to our tiny friends, who made our lives, a little bit better!
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    Rab's World!

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    ​"You know that voice in your head that says "don't do it" ? well mine says "stuff that, it will be as funny a hell lol!"
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    Very British kinda day!

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    I had one of those rare days off work this Tuesday, so we left the house early this morning, for a shopping trip to Torrevieja and La Zenia. Today has been lovely it has to be said; a warmish 22 degrees, travelling through Santa Pola, past the salt lakes and onto La Zenia, via the Chinese supermarket. I was going to buy a rug for the lounge, to keep the winter chill away, but at 92€, thought better of it; I'll cope with the cold for now. To be honest, I wanted to buy a new laptop, but in keeping with my frugal living, decided against it, waiting instead for the summer before I invest in a new work horse. Darrell bought some new socks for work and I bought a hooded dressing gown at Primark (classy as ever); 26€ for the lot; cheap and cheerful, just like me.

    On the way home, we had a brief stopover at Pets World, where we bought Mollie and Wildling a new cat tree. As usual we had a look at the pets upstairs. Sadly, against my own personal views, there were some puppies for sale. The one aspect I hate about Spain, is their continual selling of dogs and cats from shops in the high street, at 500€, they aren't cheap either and there are no guarantees they came from reputable breeders. Come on Spain, ditch this terrible practice!

    Finally it was into Iceland, Overseas Supermarket in La Marina, for some essential provisions; Twiglets, Cheddar Cheese, Baked Beans and British herbs and spices; a bill that came to 50€, not cheap; one will always have to pay a premium for imported items. Despite the expense, it is well worth a trip to Iceland, before Christmas, if you get the chance. I only buy essentials there, but if you want a traditional Expat Christmas, this place is for you!

    All stocked up, now time for some chicken stew and dumplings; it really has been a typically British day today, apart from the weather, which made a change for both of us!
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    Rab's World!

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    ​​"Appears to have lost "it", along with so many other things over the years, such as my marbles, plot, youth, virginity, innocence, dignity...the list is endless!"
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    Fascinating Facts - Window Grills!

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    Here is a photograph, taken from my front window, as you can see there are metal grills adorning the front, a very common convention in Spain. I've always wondered why, well today I found out!

    It has long been common practice to fit window grills to Spanish homes; it is said to be a cultural tradition, where an unmarried woman could safely talk to a male suitor, from relative safety, behind a grilled window or door.

    Barred windows have their roots in the Moorish architecture of the past. At a time when glass was expensive or in many cases non existent, bars or grills on windows were used as a security measure. This has not only become part of Spanish culture, but also a necessary requirement.

    Grilled windows allow a household to keep windows and doors open, during the hot summer months, without fear of being broken into. Today it is also a feature that many Spanish insurance companies demand, to insure properties, especially in more rural areas. Apart from anything else, the grills give an aesthetically pleasing aspect to a home and can be used to hang ones smalls out to dry, as I often do; functional, practical and traditional, typically Spanish and a must for the security conscious!
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