Year: 2009

I think it rained most of the night. Rain was one of the reasons we left the UK, having worn wellingtons for 6 months for dog walks (with the Goldie we then had), I had enough. What has happened? I now have the wellies out here and waterproofs. I am sure winters weren’t as wet as this when we first came here. So Rosie and I went out and got drenched.

The day ended as it began with torrential rain, not just rain but a cracking thunderstorm.

Rosie and I managed a dry walk in the morning. Mal phoned and said there had been a flurry of snow.

Lunchtime the ex SOS committee met up for a ‘ladies that lunch’. It was really nice seeing everyone again. One of the girls was in the middle of dental treatment. I think we were all shocked by the prices they are now charging. My advice is before they do anything, get a quote FIRST. They seem to be another group of professionals who are treating us as cash cows.

Ingrid came back for a coffee afterwards and brought Ozzie, her dog with her. Rosie and Ozzie were so funny together, Ozzie gave a little growl and then Rosie came and sat next to me and Ozzie, by Ingrid.

Shortly afterwards we had yet another storm and torrential rain. We then had a power cut. (This is the second time I have attempted this post because of the power loss.)

I did watch the last episode of ‘Changing Lives’ on the laptop which thankfully was fully charged. It was quite interesting that the family chosen, who never recycled a thing, after being ‘green educated’ had changed their lives quite a bit after 10 days and had become eco aware.

The sun was out and so I made the most of it, washing out and also a lot of weeding done. Funny Mal should do an article on oxallis, it is everywhere.

Rosie insisted on chasing very lethargic wasps again and I am certain one stung her. She will never learn, she gets stung and then is out for revenge!

I heard from Mal and he told me it was -1 degree when he woke up in the caravan. It soon warms up once the heat is on but that is cold!

No rain for a change and I even managed to get washing dry. Mal was at his second day of meetings in Coventry.

In the morning I went to see Bev and Gary and deliver their Christmas card. They are going back to the UK to spend Christmas with the family.

I spoke to Mal in the evening and he was on his way back to Margate, having completed the meetings. I think it may have been just a little cold in the caravan before he got the heat going!

Rosie and I were out very early in the morning, before the hunters. On our way back home a 4 wheel drive with hunting dogs in the back passed us, so just in time before we got shot at.

I spoke to Mal who was off to his exam meeting. Another miserable day weatherwise.

In the evening I spoke to the grandsons and they were full of the wedding. River is going to be the best man and also make a speech, bless him.

First, a question. What on earth will all us ex pats do without Tel’s dulcit tones every morning??

A sad day for Radio 2 and all us “TOGS”.

Mal and I took Rosie out first thing and then I took Mal to the airport as he has exam meetings on Sunday and Monday. He landed at Heathrow (CTA flight on time!) and then went straight up to Coventry. By the time he arrived at the Hilton, the restaurant was fully booked, so he had to have room service but they said they wouldn’t charge. I think he was relieved anyway after his journey.

Meanwhile back in Malatya I was watching the footie, Man City drew, Chelsea drew so a good chance for Man U to go TOP! What did they do? LOST their game. Oh dear.

In the middle of the night Rosie started her high pitched barking, which I always pay attention to as she has excellent ears. I got up only to discover that a pile of logs Mal had left by the front door, about 8 of them had toppled over in the wind. She is an excellent house dog and although she looks very sweet would not let anyone near the house.

What a shame that Mal didn’t have time to sort all the logs out the previous day, the half left outside were soaking as I think it rained all night and the thunder woke me up at 5.00am. Rosie had to wait until 9.30 for her walk and we still got soaked.

Mal did an article in his online paper about www.britains-smallwars.com a very interesting read. David Carter has been communicating with me and has a new book due out in the Spring ‘Aphrodite’s Killers’. I can’t wait to read it. Of course, I will be announcing on this diary when it has been published.

In the evening we watched the next episode of Gavin and Stacey…it was ‘lush’! Mal then had to pack as he flies back to the UcK in the morning as he has exam meetings on Sunday and Monday.

For anyone following the Aga Buyers Action Group, read the following:
http://latchfords.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!AED4FE7679CA3C33!2229.entry
Good timing heh? This is not the first time I have heard of ex pats being summoned to court over Christmas. As correctly stated apart from anything else, airline tickets for the Christmas period are very difficult to purchase at this late stage. You can make your own minds up.

Also see the link on www.northcyprusfreepress.com