CatchingUp

From leaving home on 20th July, we spent 6 days travelling  then 2 days catching up on our rest. By this time we were knocked for 6 with news of a bereavement. A clost family member had passed away but it was a very complicated situation which turned quite nasty. It knocked out out of action for a further couple of days so I have really fallen behind again. Anyway, here is a run down on the 6 days that we spent travelling.

GRANADA

We spent the first 2 nights with the couple who we rent our house from. They have a beautiful 8 bedroomed house just out of Granada and made us feel so welcome.Took us into Granada on the Thursday evening and again on Friday for the day. Treated us like royalty and didnt want us to pay for anything. We did manage a couple of things though.

We decided against walking around The Alhambra Palace as it was 38c and too hot to be walking around any more than necessary, but we did get some photos from a distance.

A few more random shots as we were walking around Granada

 

CORDOBA

On Saturday morning we set off to drive to our overnight stop in Cordoba. For all that is was so very hot in Granada, everyone that we spoke to, when told where we were heading for next, told us that it would be even hotter – they weren’t wrong! Cordoba was 40c and terrible to walk around in that heat. We did, however, walk into town from our  hotel ( about 20 mins walk) on Saturday afternoon and again on Sunday morning but we did get a taxi back on Sunday lunchtime.

A couple of things we passed on our walk into town. The building was a block of flats and the different colours were shutters on the windows. The fountain looked so cool and inviting.

On Saturday afternoon we went round the Mezquita, which is a Cathedral built onto a Mosque.It is stunningly beautiful as you will see from the photos and also, lovely and cool.

On Sunday morning we went round the medina and did a little gift shopping before getting a taxi back to the hotel for a sandwich before setting off for the next leg of the journey.

 

SEVILLE

When we arrived in Seville, we soon realised that it was, indeed, hotter than the other places that we had visited. At 42c we decided that we would take the bus into the city and then catch the city tour on an open topped but. We did the complete circuit without getting off, as did everyone else – everyone was feeling the heat!

Photos will be added tomorrow

 

Does Absence Really Make the Heart Grow Fonder

I don’t think so and I apologise that I haven’t posted for such a long time. I have no excuse other than that it is hot – too hot, too hot for crafting, in fact too hot to hardly move. Most of the time around 35c but up to 40c, the last couple of days have been particularly bad as we are getting ready to go away on holiday so had to do cleaning, ironing etc. in this heat.

Tomorrow though, we set off on our travels. First stop Granada, for 2 nights then on to Cordoba for one night and then  Seville for 2 nights. We have never been to any of these places so we are really looking forward to it.

Next Tuesday we arrive at our destination in Portugal, where we will be house and dog sitting. We have never been to Portugal either and as we are there for a month, we have plenty of time to explore.

Lots of photo opportunities along the way so keep checking back in here for the latest photos

April / May Pinchicks Challenge

As you will appreciate, April was a busy month all round. First our anniversary , a week later our vow renewal celebrations and after the clean up operations we also had frequent trips to the nurse for Dave to have dressings changed on his back and I had to catch up on card making and get started on my scrapbook of our anniversary celebrations. It was with this in mind that I decided to look on Pinterest for some scrapbook layout ideas. I chose 3 different ones to work around.

You can find the layouts for all of them on my pinterest page under scrapbook page layouts. The first one, was based on several layouts that I liked which looked like the picture was in a window with flowers growing around the sides. Here is my effort based on this.

I used a brown glitter card as my backing sheet. Stuck on the photo using double sided tape and then stuck some cream knitting in lace across the top to give the appearance of  a lace pelmet. Across the bottom I stuck three rows of self adhesive flat backed pearls and underneath them I added a row of beads which I bought from the Chinese shop as they were very similar to the beads on my necklace set. I used clear silicone glue to stick these on, this was to represent the window sill. I then took pale, delicate flower and leaf die cuts, some in pearlescent card some in vellum and layered around the window. I felt that the sentiment underneath was all the page needed.

At this stage, I might add that I prefer a more simplistic style of scrapbook layouts, nothing too busy, so this next one was a bit of a change for me. Here is the layout that I based it around

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The only idea that I really wanted to use from this page was the idea of layering hearts to make a bunch of balloons. As the reception was decorated with balloons, I felt that this was appropriate. Here is what I did .

As you can see, all the chairs at the reception had balloons  on them and as they are pictured in these photos , I felt the use of the hearts was novel. I had purchased a bag of self adhesive foam hearts at the Chinese shop ( these places are really handy) So I took a flowered background paper. To lessen the busy look I matted and layered the 2 photographs with white and gold paper, which reflects the colour of the balloons in the picture. After sticking these on I then layered the hearts, remembering to stick some gold cord underneath some of them to look like strings. once they were in place I gathered the strings together and secured them with a  pink bow.

For the final page,  I printed off this layout plan

I had to adapt it a little as it wouldnt all fit onto a 12 x 12 page so I took out one of the 3 rows of 7 pictures  and made the heart slightly shorter. Here is my page

I used a plain, pale pink backing paper and edged it with bright pink and white cord, top and bottom. Once I had stuck all the photos in place I felt that the sentiment was once again , all that was needed to complete the page.

Next time, a complete change and I have already started on it

If you would like to join in with this bi monthly challenge please contact me or the other Margaret. Here are links to the other members of the pinchicks challenge ( to be added later)

Anniversary Scrapbook Album Finished

I have spent several weeks now working on this album and I am pleased to say that I finally finished it about an hour ago. I am not entirely happy with all of it as I have been scrimping around for papers but I managed.  I am only posting some of the pages, some I have done for my pinchicks challenge which will go in on 1st June and Iwill probably put the rest in next week sometime. Anyway here we go…..

 

This is the opening page, which I think sets the scene

These are from signing in to the hotel and the meal in the evening at which 23 attended

The next ones were in the foyer of the hotel and arriving at the venue

This is one of my favourite pages, it is so simple, just shows all the bits and pieces ready.

I will try and post some more tomorrow and then the pinchicks challenge on 1st June

 

 

Back to Cardmaking

After a break of almost a year, during which time, all I have done is make flowers, wrist corsages, bottonholes and table decorations for our recent vow renewal, it has made a refreshing change to at last get back down to some cardmaking. My box of stock cards that I keep in for emergencies had gone right down and with plenty of birthdays and anniversaries looimg, I decided that it was time to kick start myself. I started by paying a visit to one of my favourite sites https://www.craftsuprint.com/

I purchased some sheets and got to work. Here are some of the ones that I have already completed, I still have a fewmore to do but I am now busy working on my scrapbook abum of our anniversary weekend.

Petrer Moors & Christians Parade

Last week was the annual moors and Christians fiesta in the town in which we live. This is a huge event in the Spanish calendar and in this area, which is known for its castles, which were , of course,  built for fortification against the attacks of the moors, every town holds its own moors and Christians fiesta. It is celebrated on or around the saints day of each town. Petrers’ patron saint is St. Bonifaci the maryr and our fiesta is held the second week in May. There are events, parades and battle re-enactments going on throughout the week but at the week end, there are 2 huge parades. The first starts at 11.30 a.m. on Saturday and the second, at 5.30 p.m. on Sunday. The parades are the same in that it is the same people in it , wearing the same costumes the difference is that Sundays parade is the reverse of Saturdays. So, on Saturday,  the Christians lead the parade, followed by the moors. This is to represent the moors attacking and driving the Christians into the town. The mood of this parade is slightly more sombre. On Sunday the parade is led by the Moors and the Christias follow, to represent the Christians winning the battle and driving the moors out of town. Obvioudsly the mood in this parade is very different, very happy and upbeat.

Each town insists that its parade is the best.We are assured by everyone that the best of all is in Alcoy, which we havent yet been to , but in our opinion, the one at Petrer takes a lot of beating and we have seen quite a few in different places. This parade on Saturday took three and a half hours to pass. The Costumes are outstanding, and as elaborate at the back as at the front.

I will put a lot of the photographs on and let you judge for yourselves.

 

As you can see, all ages of people take part from the youngest babies to the older people who still enter into the spirit of it as it is such an intrinsic part of their culture.

Bands from all the towns around here and some from as far away as Alicante and Valencia come to play and offer their support

 

 

There is some very elaborate headgear

Some of the costumes are so elaborate that it is impossible to make out who the people are underneath

So much detail

 

Most people walk but some of the captains and their ladies

Others are transported

Even those who are not taking part, like to get involved

A truly fantastic parade and well worth seeing

After the Ceremony

Sorry it has taken me so long to get back to updating this, we had a couple of week s of back and forth to Los Montesinos to see the nurse as Daves wound opened up as soon as they took the stitches out so we have  done that for 2 weeks and since then have been re charging our batteries. Anyway, once the ceremony was over , people just sat around chatting whilst we had photographs taken. We then went into the restaurant and enjoyed a lovely meal , then speeches. It was now time to cut the cake.

The room before we went in.

The Cake

Cutting the cake

Some of the guests enjoying their meal

The cake was delicious

Speeches

Once all the formalities were over it was time for the entertainment, spectacular Flamenco dancers, who did 3 spots throughout the evening.

These photos were of their first spot and as you can see, it was enjoyed by everyone.

Not to forget that it was also, Rebbeccas and Frans birthdays  that day, so we had a special birthday cake made for them between them, it was the island of Tenerife, where they live. Jaqueline at Villa Salada managed ( without saying anything to us) to get a special candle, which, when lit, looked like the volcano was erupting.

Then after a period of dancing, came the second spot of flamenco

Once again with an entralled audience

During their third spot, the flamenco dancers got people up to teach them and some of our party really entered into the spirit

It was a really good evening and at the suggestion of Diego, we finished up as we were leaving at around midnight, by releasing a huge bunch of helium filled balloons, which headed straight towards the moon.

50 Golden Years

It is a week since our wedding anniversary but this is the week end that we planned to celebrate. After a comfortable night at the hotel, we left for Dave to drop me at the hairdressers. I had planned to go alone but he wanted to take me and said he would park close by and sit and read the paper – I later learned that he wanted to sit and make a list of things which he wanted to say in his speech. The plan was that I would ring him when I got out and he would drive round and pick me up. I was out  within half an hour and tried to ring him but it wouldnt connect. I tried several times to no avail, so I rang Rebbecca and Martyn, neither of them could connect with him either. Now, if he had told me where he intended going to park up, I would have just walked round to him, but I had no idea. I started walking and thankfully, met him walking in the opposite direction. It seems, the taxi driver had rung him to confirm details for that evening, which was why no one could get hold of him.

We went to pick up a couple of thank you cards and then straight back to the hotel, where Dave wanted to start getting ready as he had intended being the first at the venue. He jumped into the shower, only to find that there was no water!!! I went down to reception to report it but they said that the hotel had a problem, there was no water at the hotel and the plumber was trying to fix it, he would be 20 – 30 minutes. 15 minutes later, Dave was getting increasingly more frustrated, so he rang reception. The answer was still the same 20 – 30 minutes. He went mad! He said that wasn’t good enough, it was a special celebration which started at 2pm and he needed a shower – they apologised, to which he replied, I dont want sorry I want a shower. 2 minutes later, the water came back on. Panic over thank goodness, could have been a bit of a smelly vow renewal.

Rebbecca was running late, which set Martyn back so he was late coming for me at the hotel. I left the room and went to reception to wait for him there. The ” photographer ” was waiting in the foyer and my ” chauffeur” was outside. I was immediately  required to have photographs taken

.

No, I dont play the piano, it was just set up to look good.

When Martyn arrived, we set off for Villa Salada, fashi

I was greeted by a few people who were waiting to take photographs and the bridesmaids and ushers, whilst I had been having phtotgraphs taken at the hotel, some of our guests had been arriving.

Also, the bridesmaids

After kisses from Francesca and the boys I finally got in and announced that I wasnt going anywhere until I had had a cold drink, a glass of tonic water was produced

Once refreshed, it was time for the grand entrance.

First the ushers, Oliver, Joshua and Diego ( from left to right)

Here we are all lined up and ready to go

Then bridesmaids Kacia and Michaela

Francesca in the front then Rebbecca and Samantha, dont they all look beautiful?

Finally, the proud moment as I was escorted in by eldest son, Martyn.

The music being played was You’re Still The One by Shania Twain

………………………

So many people who werent able to attend , have expressed a desire to see the service as it was so I will attempt to write it down here just as it went on the day, accompanied by relevant photographs

As Martyn and I made our entrance, everyone stood. It felt so different to 50 years ago when I was so very nervous, this time I was completely relaxed and was able to savour every moment.

WELCOME

A warm welcome to you all today; a special day, in a special place, surrounded by family and friends, which makes it even more special. Today is a very personal journey and I know that Margaret & David would like to say a heartfelt thank you  to those of you who have travelled fromthe UK, Canada and Tenerife. Also to the many friends, old and new, that they have made since moving over to Spain, who are here today. This is the day when Mararet & David have pledged to renew their marriage vows before all of you.

I know that over the past 50 yeas, Margaret & David have travelled extensively, however, Spain is a special place for them having lived here for almost 14 years and it seemed so right to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary here, where they have found happiness, enjoyment and peace.

Today , we have come together to witness the fact that real love, true love is something sure and powerful and that it canendure the challenges of life and withstand the tests of time.

Margaret & David,  50 years ago on April 1st 1967, you took your marriage vows and though many things may have changed in your lives since then, one thing remains constant – your love.

When you married, you promised to love, honour and obey each other whether you were rich or poor. You promised to love each other in sickness and in health. Probably, like most people, you have had  your share of all these times, but your love has grown and matured into the wonderful relationship we see today. Now , you have come here to recommit yourselves to each other and to those promises you made over 50 years ago.

 

CELEBRANTS MESSAGE ABOUT LOVE

Love is giving, not taking, mending , not breaking,

Trusting, believing, never deceiving,

Patiently bearing, and faithfully sharing,

Each joy and sorrow, today and tomorrow

Love is kind, understanding, but never demanding.

Love is constant, prevailing, it’s strength never failing,

A promise once spoken, for all time unbroken,

Love’s time is forever.

During these 50 years together, you have lived inLaceby, Sax, Los Montesinos and now Petrer, but you still retain your close connections to Lincolnshire where you lived when you had your late daughter, Sarah – Louise, sons Martyn and Matthew and daughter Rebbecca. Your children have in turn, given you your grandchildren: Paul, Adam, Dylan, Jessica, Danielle, Nikki, Stephanie, Coley, Diego, Oliver, Maya, Joshua, Kacia, Michaela, Francesca and several great grandchildren. I know how proud you are of the achievements of your family who have excelled academically, musically and in sport and languages.

It is fitting at this point that we make a special mention of your firstborn daughter, Sarah – Louise who sadly passed away before her 16th birthday. Also of Dave’s parents, Jane and Cyril and Margarets, Clarice and Norman. I know that you are thinking of them as you celebrate today.

 

50TH ANNIVERSARY PRAYER   read by Samantha  Swaby

Dear Lord, these two have been as one

Through times of trial and times of fun

50 years as man and wife

They’ve built a home, a love, a life.

Please bless them in the times ahead

With love as strong as when they wed

We pray their love will always hold

A solid bond, as good as gold.

 

RENEWAL COMMITMENT

Couples who decide to renew their vows have lots of life’s experience under their belts. They have been on the journey of life together and as Margaret & David look forward to the rest of their lives, today is the beginning of the next chapter.

EXCHANGE OF VOWS

Margaret I love you. You have brought joy into my  life. Thank you for loving me as I amand aking me into your heart. I vow to return your love in full as we continue to grow together as husband amd wife. Through all the changes of our lives I promise to be there for you today and always

David .I love you. You have brought joy into my  life. Thank you for loving me as I amand aking me into your heart. I vow to return your love in full as we continue to grow together as husband amd wife. Through all the changes of our lives I promise to be there for you today and always

 

WEDDING BAND FOR MARGARET

This is a solumn part  of todays ceremony, but before we go into that I have a story to share with you as Margaret has quite a history with wedding bands!!!

When David first placed the wedding band on Margaret’s finger I’m sure he thought it was forever. However, it didn’t turn out quite like that. Margaret’s first wedding band disappeared down the toilet courtesy of Matthew when he was going through the throwing everything down the loo stage. This band was eventually replace by another but it wasnt of the same quality of the first one. This one was replaced on the occasion of their 40th wedding anniversary,( ring number 3 for those of you who are counting) but to Margaret, it never had the same sentimental meaning. Today, this band represents the band of renewal, celebrating your commitment to each other for the joyous years yet to come. Your past and your future are as an unbroken circle, like this ring, symbolising the memory of all your yesterdays and the hope for all of your tomorrows.

To be said by David

Margaret you are more precious to me today than yesterday and you will be more cherished tomorrow than you are today. Please wear this ring as a symbol of my love for you as we look forward to all of our tomorrows together.

 

READING – Excerpt from Winnie the Pooh, by Kacia Hurley and Michaela Swaby

Michaela:   Forever and ever is a very long time.

Kacia:   Forever isn’t very long at all when I’m with you

Michaela:   I want to call your name… forever

And you will always answer forever

And both of us will be

Forever you and me.

Both:   Forever and ever

Kacia:   I want to stay like this forever

If only I could promise forever

Then we could just be we

Forever you and me

Both:  Forever and ever

Michaela:  I want to be with you forever

I want you right here beside me forever

Kacia:   One thing I want you to know, No matter where go.

We will always be together

Both:   Forever and ever

 

…………………………..

Signing of the vow renewal certificate

The music being played in the background was Golden by Sir Cliff Richard

 David and Margaret you stand together after 50 years of marriage and we all see a love that is priceless. Your example has renewed our faith in the strength of hope and the power of love. Because you have now recommitted yourselves to each other and to the institution we call marriage, I now bestow upon you once again, the most honourable titles of husband and wife.

David …   you may now kiss your wife.  

The music for us to walk out to was My Endless Love by Lionel RIchie and Diana Ross

 

The celebrant who conducted the ceremony was the lovely Lynda Gibson of Torrevieja

Then it was time for some photographs

This was us with all of our guests

Than we attempted to get all our guests into a heart shape

There were a few laughs

Some special moments

 

 

Friends

Family

 

And grandchildren

Friday 7th April

Busy day today. Pam & Dave arrived late on Tuesday night , Our friend, Steve on Wednesday morning and  Martyn , Sam and the children on Thursday and then today, we spent the morning packing and loading up the car, ready to go to the hotel.

The afternoon wasspent running around picking up shopping, the birthday cake and  dropping it off at the venue , then back to the hotel to get ready for our dinner for friends and family .

The hotel La Laguna   http://www.hotellalaguna.com/en/ is beautiful, the rooms are  spacious and comfortable and our meal was superb. 23 of us sat down together and had a really good evening, which didnt end until gone midnight.

These were all taken at the table in the hotel restaurant

Happy times with good friends and family

50 Years of Marriage

April 1st 2017 – we have been married for 50 years today. We are having a very quiet week end – the calm before the storm , as family start arriving on Tuesday night, Wednesday and then meeting the rest at the hotel on Friday.

Everything is done here and we are just looking forward to the forthcoming celebrations next week end.

Opened quite a few cards and some presents too but I suppose they will be arriving all week. Been and ordered a birthday cake for Rebbecca and Fran as they both celebrate their birthdays on the same day that we renew our vows.