La versión en español está después de la versión en inglés. San Geraldo and I went to Mesón Salvador last night for an early dinner. We started the meal with berenjenas con miel de caña (fried eggplant/aubergine with cane honey), a popular local dish we had never heard of until our arrival in Málaga province (more than 11 years ago). Sugar cane was introduced to Málaga sometime around 1,000 years ago by the Arab rulers. By the 17th century, there was even a sugar factory in Frigiliana (click here) to mill the cane. It’s now produced exclusively at Nuestra Señora del Carmen Sugar Factory. The t ..read more

La versión en español está después de la versión en inglés. My walk today took me in the opposite direction along the Paseo, toward the center of town (although never leaving the shoreline). I behaved myself and walked less than 4 km (2 miles). I walked out on the other jetty which is about 10 minutes before the port. It’s T-shaped and can be a fun place to look at the view, and people. I did both. Before I reached the “T” I came across a boy holding two sea urchins. He told me he was about to release them back into the water but allowed me to take a picture first. Later I saw a man in the sha ..read more

La versión en español está después de la versión en inglés. I had an excellent walk this morning, although I went a bit too far. I had to stop and sit on a bench twice on my way home and was even tempted to phone San Geraldo to come and get me. But I managed. (You know me, I don’t complain.) I thought I was ready but I suppose I should rein myself in. My still slightly water-retaining legs get tired and heavy feeling. I walked around 6 km (nearly 4 miles). I forgot to mention that on my wanderings around town the other day I stopped at Casa Simon for some fruits and nuts. I bought dark chocola ..read more

La versión en español está después de la versión en inglés. It’s now called the International Fair of the Countries of Fuengirola and it begins this Thursday. When we first moved here in 2013 and for many years to follow, it was still called the International Fair of the Towns. The parade, Saturday, with its music and costumes, is my favorite part but I won’t be doing all that standing around this year (2 hours or more). So, if you’re interested, click here to check out a bit of 2018. I walked through the fairgrounds Tuesday to see the activity. Today is I’m sure much busier and more festive l ..read more

La versión en español está después de la versión en inglés. Life goes on in Fuengirola. Today we had the pleasure of meeting Luke and Beckett (and their parents, Pedro and Kathleen) at a chiringuito (beach bar) across the street. The boys played on the beach while we sat and visited before and after the meal. We haven’t seen each other in months, so it was a true pleasure. I hope to get out for a good (everything is relative) walk Monday. It’s long overdue. My healthy lunch was delicious, and I got to indulge in a couple of spoonfuls of San Geraldo’s dessert. This evening we get to FaceTime wi ..read more

La versión en español está después de la versión en inglés. I’ve done more than I expected in my first two days at home. We went to Mesón Salvador Thursday for dinner with Nick and Alyson. I didn’t want the evening to end. And the greetings I received were heartwarming — especially the hug Adrian gave when he saw me. After dinner he poured chupitos (shots) of Pionono (click here) and he and Manu attached a message to mine: Welcome home. It warmed my heart but not my tummy. Pionono is not on my list right now. Yesterday, the plan was to take it easy. I got up for breakfast and then went back to ..read more

La versión en español está después de la versión en inglés When I was told I was being admitted to hospital last Wednesday, my first question was “Just for overnight, right?” San Geraldo smiled and rolled his eyes. It turned into more than a week’s stay but I’m home! To be honest, it wasn’t a bad stay — as far as hospitals go. But I sure am happy to be home with the cats and San Geraldo the Great (whom I think has had it worse than I have — well, except for the catheter). The doctors still don’t know how the infection started, but they haven’t stopped intently researching. More antibody tests ..read more

La versión en español está después de la versión en inglés. The title is already out of date. I’ve been free to pee on my own for more than 24 hours. No tube. And I’m no longer wearing a bustier. The cardiologist had me wear a heart monitor harness overnight. It was a teal-colored spandex combination sports bra, crop top, and bustier. The pecs/boobs poked out from cutouts in front. It was a few sizes too small and crushed the bottom of my pecs and squeezed the rest out the top. The spandex immediately curled up below my pecs. My doctor thought it was quite “modern.” If it had fit, it might hav ..read more

La versión en español está después de la versión en inglés. My doctor “prescribed” two walks outside every day for me “to visit the birds” that can be seen and heard outside my window. San Geraldo and I went walking together before lunch. As you can see, it’s a beautiful day here in Benalmádena. Tests are still being done. Blood pressure is still high. Lots of questions. Lots of attention. So much kindness from you all. Thank you! I promise if I have anything to report, I will let you know. And now the latest from San Geraldo. My doctor recommended that San Geraldo buy a package of small cathe ..read more

La versión en español está después de la versión en inglés. First today’s good news. I had blood drawn first thing this morning. My doctor was here shortly after. The infection is completely gone. My heart and lungs sound good. She can clearly see the catheter is doing the trick. Excess fluids are greatly reduced. She looked at my hand and very happily said, “I can see the wrinkles!” Um, thanks? The urologist was here later. Catheter needs to remain until Monday when he’ll evaluate again. Thanks to the catheter I slept well last night, so I’ll stop complaining (or at least I’ll try). San Geral ..read more