For Your Delictation

I just had to share with you Allens latest culinary acheivement.  Made especially for me because Rocky Road is my all time favourite.  First attempt at Rocky Road Cheesecake.

And it tastes as good as it looks. Am I lucky or am I lucky?

Shopping for Dear Sister

Having seen the photos of my recent purchases, dear sister Lynda let me know she would like some things getting and taking over in August when we brave the UK weather.

Having already got her black shoes in the same style as the 2 pairs she got when visiting .

Today's trip with Marina & Gill was for sandals, handbag and jewellery. First off it was Anti crisis shoe shop where I got Lynda a pair of sandals like my blue ones but in her chosen colour - beige.

Of course I ended up buying 2 pairs of sandals for myself - will post pictures later so Lynda can see if she wants some.  Marina & Gill both got sandals for themselves.

We then decided it was El Corte Ingles time.  Gill and I found some knitting wool on special offer - mine cerise, Gills purple and Gills winter evenings are now organised.

The sales in Spain have now started and unlike UK they have to be at a set time so we stood the chance of more bargains.  The only other purchase in ECI was a funky dress for Gill who is tiny and gets the bargains as the bigger sizes get picked over first.

Then we were off to the Chinese warehouse and first stop in there was a red & black bag for Lyndy loo.

I had gone with instructions to get a lime green necklace and some of the peacock earrings, but true to form I got more than that.  Lyndy is now the owner of a lime green necklace, a turquoise one and a creamy white one which all came with matching earrings, and I didn't forget to get the peacock earrings which are just slightly different to mine.

I didn't get out without getting myself a couple of pressies but those I'll also keep for later.

Having vacated the Chinese warehouse we retired to the restaurant next door for a leisurely lunch and a chat, before making our way home - happy with our purchases and already planning a monthly date.

Wildlife in Spain

The cuckoos have departed so they are no longer to be seen.  

Allen was lucky enough to get a photograph of a kestrel who was in the middle of his evening meal of rabbit.

Just further along these 3 rabbits were watching intensely - probably thinking glad that's not me!

But did they call for Divine intervention from this special religious bunny with his dog collar.

When Allen arrived home he found one of the deckchairs occupied by a very large cricket.

Lisa of course thought he had come to play with her as she loves her insect friends!

Provincial Team play Country Bowls

Last Saturday the Costa Blanca Provincial team travelled to Country Bowls for their match.  The weather was at boiling point and you could feel the heat coming through the soles of your shoes. But as they say "Mad Dogs & Englishmen" (with a couple of Scots, Welsh & Irish thrown in) "go out in the midday sun.

At the end of the match the Provincial had won on 3 rinks, courtesy of Mal Broughton, Bob Cockell, Len Rudge & Brian Pocock 33-11, Carol Rudge, June McMillan, Barbara Brown & Val Hignett 24-10, Allen Bowen, William Holtham, Dave Melville & Barry Latham 24-17.We also managed a draw by Jan Pocock, Kath Reid, Glenda O'Dell & Lynn Greenland 17-17.

Unfortunately, we also had 2 also ran teams Anita Brown, Mary Cockell, Wendy Latham & Yours truly losing by a single shot 18-19, Arthur Brown, Gerry Gough, Dave Greenland & Bill Hawthorn 11-22.

After the match we all adjourned to the restaurant for an enjoyable meal and a bevvy (or 2, or 3 or even 4).

Country Bowls Squad

Costa Blanca Provincial Squad

Notice how the Provincial team are nicely arranged for the photo - my job at all the matches - I might not win but I do organise a good photo!!

Snakes Alive

Just a quick post with Allens' latest nature photos. Two snakes seen on his evening walk.

New Concept Cards

A designer on Craftsuprint (Karin Johansson) has come up with a new concept for cards - a Doolirama. I just had to have a go.  The card is so easy to make, looks effective but most import still fits a standard C5 envelope and the box folds down.

I think this must be my favourite of the new concept cards to come out recently, and I'm sure I'll be doing others in the range.

To view more of my cards click on the Craftsuprint banner above to take you straight to my gallery.

Lizards abound

Allen came back from his evening walk having seen various large lizards tonight. So many he could have been visiting a reptile house at a zoo.

He also saw a couple of Hoopoe birds and a buzzard.

Todays special card

I bought a lovely sheet from Craftsuprint by designer Helen Williams. The sheet is a vellum backing sheet of lilies & roses. When I came to make up the card I couldn't find a decoupage to add and finish the card. I sent a message to Helen asking if she had a decoupage sheet to match. She hadn't but offered to send me the jpeg image so that I could make up my own decoupage. Five minutes later the email arrived and I printed off 4 copies.
Whilst watching Doctor Who I cut out elements to make up my decoupage. Having attached the backing sheet to cerise pink mirror card and then added to a white card I assembled the decoupage. Added iridescent glitter to some of the flowers and a cerise pink greeting.
Really happy with the finished card and sent a photo to Helen with a big thank you for sending me the image.

Safari

Allen is still taking his camera on his evening walks and the cuckoos are still around.

The rabbits are now posing for him

We dont know for sure what this is - its similar to a pray mantis so if anyone knows - post a comment.

Christmas Is coming

My card group have been making at least 1 Christmas card each week since the end of April.  Its difficult to have different types so that they have a good selection when sending.  Have done a couple this week which are different and one is more a keepsake.

I have managed to finish the card order which included the two cards from the previous blog and the whole order was varied to say the least.  It included a Christening card 

A Mens Gay Wedding

And a red roses bouquet for a wife