The rain in Spain

Oh my giddy God.

I was not ready for this. I don't think the rest of the island was either. It was biblical. First snow, then the winds and storms - and then days and days of rain. Not the pissy kind you get in the UK, the sort which dampens you constantly - no, this was like the rainy season in Asia, on a rainy day.

Spot has been highly unamused about being whizzed around on the end of a lunge for a bit of exercise. Kira, being the utter crazy kid she is, gallops around in the mud thankful for the leg stretch. I have changed clothes three times a day for a week.

It has to end soon. Google reckons Friday.

Spot practices his his 'sad donkey face' in his paddock

Er, 'scuse me!

Bienvenido a Mallorca

That, my friends, is snowy, sleety hail.

We've all gone into shock and lock down. Spot, the pony was utterly disgusted to be put outside while I mucked out. I think I will make a soup and get my sheepskin slippers on. This is not exactly what we signed up for!

Leaving - to come back

It was my first time off the island in 6 months. And it's not until you leave that you realise that you needed to leave - to appreciate and be grateful for all you have on your return.

I love England for my friends and family. For the choice in the supermarket, for the abundance of spices and wonderful diversity of people. I like England because I can understand everything being said to me and over-hear conversations on the bus with glee. I like England for its familiarity and ease, for its (mostly) acceptance and for the memories.

But I love Spain too. It's not one or the other. They are both great places for great reasons.

I love Mallorca because I can't understand everything being said to me, for its eccentricities and customs. I love the mountains which change daily and the sun which is always there. I love the hoopoes which hop about my lawn and my horses who munch their paja and garba loudly. I like the food, our neighbours and new friends, as well as the diversity of cultures in the children's school. I love the wild coastline, the bluest of seas, the olive trees and carobs. I love what we haven't yet discovered.

As common as a magpie over here

A new year

It started with snivels and snotty noses, my 2017, although I didn't want this to be the focal point of the first day of the year on the island of Mallorca.

My horse had acupuncture and some opium homeopathic treatment to chill her out, she yawned a big fat yawn or two and retired to her garba, munching away happily as though the last few days never happened. The relief was beautiful for both her and me.

We made a picnic and drove away from the sick house to the intensely beautiful Cap de Formentor. The sun was warm on our cheeks although the wind a little chilly. The jagged mountain edges, the thrilling roads, the navy blue sea dotted with turquoise calas and the pine forests with their native mountain goats made this day the perfect start to the New Year.

Only to be topped by a sighting of four dolphins, frolicking around the bay of the lighthouse, swimming in the direction of Menorca. Such freedom, peace, health and beauty  - a sign of good things to come.

Happiest of New Years everyone!

Those are dolphins, I promise you