Schools

Last night we finally submitted our choice for Beth's schooling in the UK. It was difficult making the decision and there is no certainty that she get the school of our choice next year but hopefully it will happen. Meanwhile, in Nerja, Beth went back to school and enjoyed herself. Her mum also started three weeks of studies at the language school and I started a new fitness regime.

Almuñécar: We spent a lovely afternoon in Almuñécar at the aquarium. Beth enjoyed gawping at the great big sharks and did a little fishy dance (which was nice).

Almuñécar: Parkes topping up on fish.

Almuñécar: Parkes, Beth & Granny B.

Nerja: Beth in the tea house on Calle Granada. Very nice it was. And they serve tea.

Nerja: We are due some rain in the coming days so we took a gentle stroll around town today. The oranges are now quite ripe in the trees but eating one would put you on the toilet for days.

Nerja: The best coffee in town. Just down the hill from the Parador but I cannot remember the name of the bar.

Vélez-Málaga: We spent Monday afternoon in Vélez. Quite a nice place and deceptively large. We walked up to the fort on the hill and back down, stopping for a well-earned coffee at the bottom.

Vélez-Málaga: Beth gives her new body-warmer an outing.

Vélez-Málaga: Nice town if a little unspectacular.

Vélez-Málaga: Photo taken up by the hill fort.

Nerja: Sunday afternoon walk with Granny B (absent). Starting to get a
bit chilly out here.

Nerja: Sun goes down on Playa de Playazo.

Stop The Press!!

Parkes took Beth to the clinic today to get her neck cleaned and dressed. Beth was very brave. Her neck didn't look too pretty this morning but hopefully the gland will now return to its normal size. However Bekie was told we need to return to the clinic every day for the next few days or so to get the wound cleaned. Very nice of them to do this. Meanwhile, Parkes' is beginning to feel a little better, aided by a constant supply of cheese and crisps.

Glands

Beth has been back to hospital today with a very swollen gland in her neck. I has a big white head on it and doesn't look particularly good. She has been given some strong antibiotics to get rid of it. Apart from that she seems absolutely fine. Her mother is also unwell and hopefully both will make a speedy recovery in the coming days. School has been really difficult this week and I am the dunce of the class (again). However it is great fun learning this stuff even if you make some mistakes.

Granny B

Granny B arrives in Spain on Saturday and we are all looking forward to that. Although we haven't killed each other yet it will be nice to have someone else in the house to natter with. The weather is now cooling down and we are getting daily temperatures of 18 - 20 degrees centigrade and more rainy days (although these are the exception not the rule).

Language school is going great for me and I have another 5 weeks to go too! I managed 89% in last weeks test which I was pleased with since I was pretty rubbish at that sort of thing at school. Vamos!!

Nerja: Beth and Parkes on a Friday afternoon treasure hunt.

Nerja: Catching fish for Friday's supper.

Nerja: It was 'Otoño' day at school today to celebrate a harvest festival of sorts. Beth made a raindrop and wore it as a hat. Rather nice.

Bath

View from the apartment in Bath, Parkes had a fabulous weekend and came back thoroughly pooped.

Nerja: Beth hasn't been too well over the last few days. She's had a temperature and the doc says it's viral. She's good a good appetite though and is sleeping well. Hopefully it'll clear up in the coming days.

School is going well for me - really enjoying it! Parkes is off to Bath on Friday for a girls weekend which she is thoroughly looking forward to.

Nerja: Parkes' Halloween look.

Nerja: One of these bastards landed on the pram as I was pushing Beth back from the swimming pool on Saturday. A local gentleman kindly removed it for me. A beautiful creature but it hadn't paid the fare so it wasn't going anywhere.

Rainbow

Sunday met us with gale force winds then rain, then sun and then more high winds.