Sunday 31st March 2013

Clouds loomed in the distance, but the temperature was good.

Kids were up sharp as buttons all dressed ready for breakfast before the Easter Egg hunt.  Cassey the mum in the other house had kept her children busy yesterday by painting lots of eggs and decorating a few plants on the terrace.

The kids excitedly came bounding up the stairs shouting, come on Jane said to come out when your ready.  But to my clock it was 8.30 she was early.  But what I hadn't realised was the fact that Spain also moves an hour ahead just like the UK - I thought they stayed the same so half of the year they are the same time (just as Nigeria do) - So it was 9.30!  Eeeeek - I was still in my nightie, not ready at all - had to prepare the food ready to present to the table that was already laid on the terrace.

The Easter Egg started so at least the kids were out of the way - and Jane, Joss and Graham had hidden absolutely loads (114 exactly) of little eggs and chocolates around the whole of the three houses - that will keep them out of mischief for a while.

Gas on,  the cooking begins!  As kids always love sausage - and it was a special treat these were already in the oven.  Spain do chicken and turkey sausages - they also mix chicken and turkey together - I suppose they are both poultry and tasted good.  Paul was on the stove rustling up one of his Famous Mean Omelettes, and I had managed to get the rest of the food onto the table before the Hunt finished (including a large bowl of strawberries - a fraction of the price of UK ones - a firm favourite).

The rain held off and everyone sat on a long table eating, chatting with classical music playing softly in the background and the sun peaking through the clouds behind the mountains - aaahhh bliss.  We had hot apricot hot cross buns, pancakes, honey, eggs, sausages, breads, juices, tomatoes, coffee, it was certainly a feast for the eyes too.  The children were coaxed into looking for the remaining eggs, so the adults could chill and chat some more it was great.

After we all tidied up time for more sitting on Jane's terrace where they were polishing off a few bottles of white wine, followed by more chatting - my kids decided to linger in the adult company, occasionally running off to find the dogs.  Aston was making himself too at home in Jane's house, Joss (Jane's friend who was visiting, she grew up with Jane's children) was exceptionally good with the kids.  Later on she took the kids inside and she, together with Gordon (Jane's husband's friend who helps with handy/odd job work) helped the children to make guacamole and salsa, whilst I went to our house.  1/2 hour later kids a mini banquet of feta, salsa, guacamole and nacho's was awaiting.

Joss dressed Aston up as a cowboy and shrouded Corrine in one of her gorgeous chiffon scarfs.  The kids had definitely better come home now as it was late afternoon - they had been entertained all day!

During the festivities my mum had sent us a text saying that she had gone to Eastbourne for the day, so will be late for our usual Skype call.  Blackboys and East Sussex have not only been such a huge part of mine, Paul and the kids life.  But my mum too - whenever she and Marcus (her partner) come to stay at half term or just down for the day, there was always a trip to Eastbourne town or the beach -she just loves it so - and I suppose it was their way of feeling a little closer to us ......................

Anyway the kids were eager to tell Grandma about the day and each had their own little slot - although you've guessed it - Aston - decided to spend his mucking about and talking absolute jibberish!  Still searching for that something to keep his attention and energy levels.

Well tomorrow should hear from Rosana (the Estate Agent at API Tres) as we do not have Bank Holiday Monday here.  Got to sort some paperwork our end too and just discuss a few more things about the house.