First Throws Of Winter!

Winter came to Gran Alacant yesterday, in a first show of strength before the season really sets in. A storm was brewing off the coast, luckily it mostly passed us by, as often happens in Gran Alacant. However the views from my bedroom balcony of the rolling dark clouds was spectacular, as you can see from the photo.

Like most people who live here, we are all beginning to plan for the winter ahead, which can be particularly cold. Houses are not insulated; they do not have central heating or double glazing; as one would expect, there are no carpeted floors either, making homes much colder than their British counterparts. We still have our calor gas heater from last year and a rather large rug, carpeting the lounge floor. Of course we are moving in November, to a South facing property, which should also keep the house warmer, compared to our current north facing home on top of a windy ravine.

Despite the storm just missing us, it was a pretty dismal day, raining on and off for most of it. Everywhere was quiet, as most people chose to stay in on what seemed like a British winters night. It was a quiet evening in Plaza Mayor, where I work each day, with the odd one or two stalwarts coming out for a drink or two.

I cooked a stew before work, always good on such days. After posting a photograph on facebook, my Aunty Carol asked me where the dumplings were. Now I was always a big fan of dumplings and the stew my Mother used to make and have the belly to prove it, but since moving to Spain, I haven't been able to buy suet, for making the little fluffy balls, anywhere. Luckily, a friend from GA, suggested I try Kwiksave on Av Escandinavia, who sell a dumpling mix, something I shall buy next time, now I know.

Today the weather a more or less back to normal. As I got in bed last night, I could hear thunder and rain again outside, but this morning the sun was out and the sky, blue once more; rain never lasts too long in Spain, unlike the UK. The temperature in Gran Alacant is a rather nice 24 degrees today, although to me, that is a little on the cold side. My body has adjusted to the Spanish climate. With Darrell Just left for work and not finishing his shift until 1.30am tomorrow morning, I shall be walking home from Plaza Mayor tonight. Usually I would wait for him to finish and pick me up on the way home, but having lost two and a half stone, working in the bar, I want to lose more; so walking it is, whatever the weather.