Teeth, Thyroids and Tricky Times

Well it seems to be baring my soul time on my blog at the moment, so I may as well carry on!  Regular readers of my blog will I'm sure have read about my implants (that's not the booby doo type)  but the far less glamourous dental sort, and I have been suffering!  Not from pain or discomfort from them, simply the embarrassment, and the fact that I can never for a minute forget this blooming foreign body in my mouth.  As good as it looks, its like a tasteless sole of a shoe, which will be staying with me until the end of the year.

When I arrived home to Spain from Brighton, Alan met me at the train station, with my bag already in the car ready to do a zumba class I'm not embarrassed to say I had a little cry, I was feeling so low.  I can talk and type about it now as thankfully I am feeling a lot better.  However that feeling stayed with me for a month... actually I lie, it got far worse!

My sarcoidosis mainly affects my thyroid, although I do have quite a few other niggles that often rear their ugly bits.  Itchy eyes, dry cough (which I have had for about 3 months), tiredness, although being unable to sleep properly (had that recently too)  and my brain ..... well that is certainly not on form, saying the wrong words and being unable to find the correct word is often a problem I have..... and that's just for starters!

When my thyroid is misbehaving, I will wake up and feel there is a physical weight on my shoulders and head and it kind of wraps it's way around me, like a grey foggy cocoon.  I even feel I cannot stand straight or walk tall.  I go very quiet and only speak if I have to, it totally consumes me.  I know Alan picks up on it straight away although we don't talk about it.  Strangely enough I seem to be able to open up, not when it's at it worse, but maybe a day or so after.  Possibly thats the hormones beginning to correct themselves and the edge has been taken off!

This time it was particularly bad and I would wake up with dread on the days I had to do my zumba classes with my lovely ladies.  Of course all dance teachers are great actresses and I got through it, although sometimes close to tears on the journey into town.  It would remind me of how I felt in the UK, before I stopped teaching.

I did a bit of research and apparently after the dental procedure I had done, and in fact any procedure at all can trigger the Sarc, and of course if your immune system is low you may become unwell. It is nearly 6 weeks since I returmed from seeing my lovely family, and I am starting to feel better.  Normally I will wake up one morning and know immediatly the cloud has lifted, this time though it's lifting gradually, which is ok as long as it's shifting.

Last weekend we had a lovely time with friends that I'm sure helped me no end, plus I ate different foods!  I had been eating a main meal of either pasta or egg fried rice every night.  It had become a psychological battle with myself.  I ate some lovely food, which proved I could eat it, and I'm sure therefore will feel much better for it too.

It must be very tough on Alan, we are together 24 /7 and he is so patient and caring. Bless him... thank you!

Brighton for the Beautiful Maisie's Birthday

It was lovely to be met at the airport by my great mate Jo.  Mark and Frankie were both working, so I took her up on her offer, and of course we had a good ole catch up on the way home.  We made our way back to Brighton where Frankie was teaching one of her dance classes, then home to Frankie and Jordan's little flat.  Jordan had picked Kaci up from her nursery, so it was lovely hearing her shout "Nanny!" as soon as she came running through the door!

I was very sad not to see much of my son Mark or my beautiful Maisie over the holiday.  My first day was taken up at the dentist, which of course lead me to look like Nanny Mc Phee for the next few days, when I really didn't want to see anyone.  Mark was working long days over that week and Maisie was at nursery all week, whilst Callie was also working hard.  Sadly I didn't feel great over the holiday so I only saw a handful of good friends. 

I did wrap up like a mummy of the Egyptian type one day, and took Kaci for a walk along the seafront at Hove.  It was a beautiful day with blue skies, although blooming chilly. 

Kaci with the lovely colourful beach huts at Hove Seafront

She likes to strike a pose!

Lolly Time

I did manage to see two very special friends.  Polly, Mo and I were all neighbours when we all first married in the early 80's.  We were all great friends then, you know kind of friends that you may not see for a while, then it's like you had never been apart, well that was us.  We had all been working hard and had moved about, and our children had all grown up.  Mo had also moved to Spain and her and her lovely hubby Les had come up to see us last year.  It was great to catch up, and we laughed so much.  Mo was one of those salt of the earth friends, always laughing, and would give anyone the shirt off her own back if she thought someone needed it more that she did.  Dear  Mo had  had a lung removed due to cancer about 2 years ago and we knew it had spread.  She really was the most inspirational person I have ever known.  She would keep us all up to date by email, and they were always funny, positive and remarkably upbeat.  We had a lovely afternoon together.  As usual we laughed and reminisced and Mo was having a good day.  Sadly since arriving home my dear friend has passed away. Just a few days ago, leaving a loving husband, family, grandchildren and friends that adored her.  I'm so pleased we managed to meet up, even though it took me bloody hours to get to you on the bloody bus Mo, it was so worth it!!! I had Kaci with me, and she was the photographer for the afternoon.  Not bad for a 3 year old!

Polly, Mo and I

Polly and Mo with the little photographer

It was also great to catch up Cathy, Claire and their gorgeous girls and of course the beautiful baby Daisy.  Your food looked gorgeous ladies.  Can we do it again and I'll eat double as I couldn't eat this time?

Two beauties, Lucia and Daisy

Great friends!

If you are wondering about the nudies on the wall, Rich is a great artist, as you can see.  Here's the link to his website http://www.richard-newman.co.uk

Frankie kaci and I popped over one morning to see Callie and Maisie, Maisie was getting ready for her ballet lesson but was feeling a little tired.  I did manage to get a couple of photos of her all ready for dancing! 

Pretty as a picture

My gorgeous girls

At last the weekend was here and I could see Maisie on her birthday and Mark too.  I couldn't believe I had been in Brighton nearly a week but not managed to see him, due to working long hours.  We had a great time for Maisie's birthday party at an indoor play area.  It was perfect.  The kids had a great time and the food was included too.  At one point they even had a little disco which of course the girls loved, and they both had a good jig about.  After the party we went back to Callie's house, whilst Maisie opened her presents, helped by Kaci naturally!

Mark and Maisie

 My beauties

Cheeky Girls

 Maisie singing Happy Birthday to herself!

 Cutie

My lovely family! (Maisie smelling the playdoh!)

On the Sunday we had planned that Mark, Laura and Maisie, plus Frankie, Kaci and I would all go to a little farm near Lewes.  Boy oh boy was it cold!  We spent a long time eating lunch in the warm, and the girls did manage to hold and stroke a few small animals.  It would be a great place to take the kids when the weather warms up a little, as there was also a huge amount for the girls to play on.  Slides, trampolines and even an indoor play area.  The highlight of the day for us all, I think was when both of the girls were brave enough to go on the ponies.  Kaci was extremely brave from the word go.  Maisie was a little more nervous but the lady held her hand as she went round.  She was so excited bless her at one point she shouted "Daddy, I'm on a horse!"  Love her!

Lunch in the warm

Patiently waiting for animals

 Stroking a little mouse

Getting ready!

Clever Kaci!

Clever Girl Maisie!

Towards the end of my stay the weather turned so cold and we had snow.  One particular day we had a light snowfall over night, but living on the coast it never usually comes to much.  I continued to go with my plans to meet best mate and her family in Newhaven.  On the bus I phoned her " Wendy, how's the weather your way?"  "It's fine, hardly any snow here!"  Oh great I thought, I had been considering turning back, it looked like a blizzard from the bus!  The man beside me on the bus said "Don't worry it only looks bad here because the snow is blowing off the golf course!"  Silly me why didn't I think of that.  "Oh great, thanks" I replied.  Wendy's daughter Jenna, my Goddaughter had arranged to pick me up in town.  After "ooohing" and ahhhing" at Wendy's beautiful grandaughter Mia and rattling through all our news top speed we realised it was getting worse, much worse!  Jenna head off back to Seaford first, followed quickly by Wendy's sister Mandy.  Jenna phoned Wendy having skidded and spun her car within minutes of leaving the house.   Poor Wendy was so worried about her.  Jenna promised she would take it slowly and phone the moment she got back home.  The next phone call was Mandy who was at a stand still on the South Coast Road.  The road was gridlocked in both directions and when moving the tiniest bit her car was sliding.  She was so scared.  The next phone call was Jenna saying my bus was just leaving Seaford and she thought I should head to the bus stop in case the buses stopped running, it was that bad.  Quick kisses and hugs from Wendy, and her hubby Richard drove me to the bus stop, well he tried but he skidding pretty badly, so I walked the last few hundred meters.  The bus stop had 3 other ladies waiting.  One said she had been waiting nearly 2 hours, the other said she had heard the buses were being diverted and not even going through that particular part of Newhaven.  Wendy phoned "Lorna come back here, sleep over!"  If only!  My flight back to Spain was the following day, and in the morning.  "I'll be fine, I'll let you know when I'm home!"  Luckily we spotted the bus about half an hour after I got to the bus stop, I was lucky.  

The bus crawled, but at least it was moving.  It was like we were all in the war together.  Discussing how long we had waited for a bus and where we were going.  Wendy phoned, "I'm on the bus, don't worry."  About half way home passengers were muttering.  They had heard the driver say he wasn't happy driving.  The buzz went round the bus.  Going down the steep hill to Rottingdean the driver stopped and stepped out to talk to us.  "I can't control the bus down this hill, I'm so sorry you will all have to get off.  Bad news though all the buses have been told to go to their neared depot!"  Bum!  I was about 7 miles from home, and was dreading walking the rest of the journey, especially in a thin coat and high heel boots.  

As I was about to get off the bus with everyone else, a slightly hysterical lady began shouting for a phone she could use.  Everyone else ignored her, but I said I didn't have much battery but she could use it quickly.  I believe this helped me, and I received my reward when I got off the bus last.  A lady in a car wound down her window, as she crawled along beside me.  She was travelling alone and said "Can I give you a lift into Brighton?"  Obviously once again we were in the war together and being a lady on her own I jumped at the chance.  It must have taken some courage for her to ask me too.  As I climbed into the warm car she told me she had been following the bus and watching it slip sliding down the hill, and she was considering giving someone a lift, and when I was last off she felt she couldn't drive past me.  How lucky!

In actual fact she was going home to Shoreham, practically passing Frankie's flat and drove me almost to the door.  We talked lots.  What a lovely lady, an angel in fact.  She worked for the NHS, inserting IV drips into patients with cancer, and had just finished work for the day.  If anyone from Brighton knows who this could be please tell her to contact me. I hope she would have told her colleagues of her extremely good deed.  I left her my email details in the car but I haven't heard from her yet.

Frankie was home not long before me, she had been teaching and 2 parents were having problems getting to her.  That night became a planning operation for the following morning and my journey home.  First check were the planes flying out from Gatwick, then were the trains running from Hove our nearest station, otherwise I would have to get to Brighton Station. Step 3 would taxis be running?  Ok up early the following morning .... easyjet Gatwick to Malaga...check, Hove station, open but with cancellations and delays.... check, taxi?  No chance!  A very nice man said between a one and three hour wait, so if I could walk to my destination in less than 2 hours he recommended I did that!  Bum!  The clothes were thrown on and a bite of a hot cross bun was had, as I still can't eat due to my dental work, a quick kiss on the cheek and told my gorgous girl I loved her and off I went dragging small (thankfully) case behind me.

It took me 20 minutes to walk to the station,however I was very lucky and managed to get a train after just a short wait.  Unfortunately my flight was delayed which meant I did miss my train connection from Malaga, so I had to wait 2 hours for the next train.  I had decided to take a zumba class that night so I wouldn't be letting the ladies down, I so wish I hadn't but I did it, as of course we always do!

Ever thought of having implants?

Now that title got your attention didn't it!  Now, do I waffle on for a bit, or just let you know immediately that I'm not actually posting about the boob variety.  Ok so a little lift and point wouldn't go amiss but I'm afraid that's not what it is about!  I wonder how many people have already stopped reading.....

This is actually about dental implants.  My reason for writing about something so personal?  Well for a start I feel that a blog should be like a diary, and I try to be as honest about things as I can.  The only thing I tend not to share are personal things in my children's lives as of course that is private to them.  Also I was looking for blog posts on dental implants and couldn't find any.

I have always had problem teeth.  Maybe it was because I was brought up in the days of giving tea with sugar in to your kids, or that they simply fell to pieces after I had my children.  It certainly wasn't due to not looking after them.  Being an ex dance teacher my teeth were always cleaned at least twice a day, usually 3 times, with an extra brush when getting ready to go off out to get close and personal, especially in my ballroom and Latin American days.

I have many crowns, and also a bridge on the front left side of my mouth.  Strangely a slight crack appeared in a front tooth beside the bridge a few years ago.  We all tried so hard to save it, but eventually the white filling needed to repair it, was having to get larger and it was eventually coated over the complete front tooth, until as time went by, it would crack once again with the tooth.  I had lived on a softish diet for ages, or at least being extremely careful.  The time had come when I knew something needed to be done.  That front tooth also was a rest for the bridge beside it.  So this wasn't going to be an easy job to fix.

Now this is my story, not an advertisement for implants nor is it to put anyone off, simply about my story.  I wish I could have read other peoples blog posts to confirm what I was feeling was normal'ish.

I do see a very nice dentist in our home town here in Spain, however when a job is going to be major you need to be able to fully understand the procedue, that is why I chose to have it does in the UK, nothing at all against my Spanish dentist!

I was booked in for a 2 hour appointment and came out two and and half hours later!  The first thing was to have an x ray that moves 360 degrees around your head to get a full idea of what is going on, and discuss the results of the x ray.  The original plan was to take out 3 teeth, including the 1 at the front and have 2 implants, however this was changed to removing 4 teeth. I was given a concious sedative, as I'm a total wuss, and I'm sure I'm usually far less trouble out of it, than awake, although this sedative was different.  In the past if I have had a sedative, I do not remember anything of what has happened, but I was totally aware of everything that was going on, but to be honest I didn't give a hoot (to put it politely).  My gums were rubbed with anaesthetic, and an injection was put into the back of my hand, and then I remember my gums being injected.  At this point I clearly remember saying, in between having a syringe in my mouth "Errr you do know I'm not asleep, don't you?"  I was assured I wouldn't feel any pain or discomfort, and I pretty much can agree with this.   I was vaguagly aware of the pressure of the teeth coming out.  I'm sure years ago the teeth were pulled, unless that is just what you expect to happen, as opposed to the actually pushing to break them, and then the removal from there.  I'm pretty sure a head lock was required at one point, but I didn't really care!

I was unaware until after the procedure was finished that a bone graft was needed.  Having done some research, I see this is often the case.  Especially if there has been a large amount of infection,  the bone is simply not strong enough to take the implant.  So a small part of bone was taken from the jaw by the last tooth at the back that needed to be extracted ,and placed at the front where my front tooth used to be.  The next step was the implants to be drilled into place, through the jaw bone.  I was aware this didn't sound like the normal high pitch of the dentist drill, rather like there was a workman in the corner of the room with his black and decker.  Again it didn't particularly feel it was being used on me.  Although once again I did feel a head lock wrestling hold, and a very slight pain, but as I was showing a little sign of discomfort I was immediatly topped up with something to ensure I was comfortable again.  I overheard the word suture so I knew that stiches were about to take place.  I have to admit to feeling a little pain on one.  I'm not sure if it was the first or last, but it felt like it was going up my nose.  Also something that upset me greatly was the feeling that one of the two dentists attending to me, was holding my nose (weird).  I couldn't work out why he would be doing that, and as I had a nurse also regularly checking my blood pressure as well as inserting things into my mouth, it was difficult to breath.  It's also a game Alan likes to play, and will hold my nose at all sorts of unappropriate times as he knows I'll panic, which entertains him greatly... yes I know we really should get out more!  The nurse thought this was quite funny I should be affected but this, more than most things that were done to me and laughed as she explained it to my daughter.  In actual fact the dentist was not holding my nose, he had his fingers up my nose... how awful!  It was actually to lift my nose and expose the top gum for it to be stitched high around the bone graft area.

The procedure was finished and I was sat up, when realisation dawned on me I had no teeth on one side.  I had been told I would need a partial denture, which appalled me, however somehow I imagined this would be magically appeared into the surgery and all would be fine with the world.  Er no, I was told I would have to wait until 3 or 4 days for this.  I was embarrassed, I looked awful!  I was taken home by Frankie, with a bag of pills including ibruprofen, antibiotics and also pills to stop the swelling, plus a very soft tooth brush and  I went to bed for an hour as suggested.  

The hardest part of this whole situation was been looking like Nanny Bloody Mc Phee!  I wanted to lock myself away.  I didn't see anyone, only my daughter and her boyfriend, but I would have rather hidden myself in a hotel, simply because I was so embarrassed at the way I looked.  I really did feel fine when I left the dentist, and took an ibruprofen plus the other tablets I needed to take when I woke up, and I really was suprised and pleased at feeling no pain or discomfort.  I was however reminded on leaving, not to under estimate what had been done, and to take it easy. The day after I had a phone call from my dentist to see how I was feeling, which I thought was very kind. I just relaxed over the weekend then on the Tuesday morning wrapped a scarf around my face like a crazy woman and had a little walk for some fresh air.  I had a phone call from the surgery the same day to say my partial denture had arrived.  I had mixed feelings, I would be over the moon to be looking normal again, but I had major reservations about wearing a denture.

As I child I had a brace, not a fixed one, but I just couldn't wear it.  The feeling of the plate against the roof of my mouth made me feel sick, and I could not eat with it in.  The thought of food going in it quite repulsed me. I told myself things would had improved from then and it would be fine.  I sat in the dentist's chair and immediately felt comfortable as the denture was put in, and it looked fantastic.  The color was perfect and no great crack in a tooth I had been trying to hide.  Although it was comfortable, it still felt weird though, and I spoke like a ventriloquist, and it took me a moment to trust it would stay in place. My immediate thoughts were that I was very happy with it!

I got back to Frankie's and the question of dinner was raised.  I had only eaten soup for the last 3 days although did try a little pasta, which wasn't too difficult, however now I had the dreaded plate.  I decided to try a crumpet, nice to eat and not too wet.  I ate it with my head down so it would not go towards the back of my mouth until I was ready to swallow it, tiny mouthfuls eating on the other side of my mouth and it was ok... ish!  After sucking and swallowing loads to make sure there was nothing between the roof of my mouth and the denture, I had to try and take it out and clean my teeth, and it!  It was horrible!  I reached twice whilst removing it and quickly rinsed it under the tap so I couldn't see anything, or I knew I would be sick. I quickly cleaned my teeth, and popped it back in. During my stay, I progressed to hot cross buns, and one for breakfast and another during the evening became my meals throughtout my holiday!

A couple of days after my teeth were taken out and I had the new partial denture, I was extremely tearful and very emotional, I felt like I may have been suffering a little bit of shock.  I kept Alan up all hours whilst I meaned and whinged to him online.  I bet he was pleased he was so far away! 

Three weeks ago now, my teeth were taken out.  I still have the stitches and they will dissolve in time.  My teeth still look great although it has been extremely difficult.  It still repulses me to wear it.  It feels like an old tastless sweet I really cannot stand in my mouth any more.  I am trying with food but cannot bear the thought of anything getting trapped it it.  I am living on rice, pasta and bread mainly as I cannot chew very much.  Most mornings I wake up and don't really talk to Alan for a couple of hours, as I feel a bit sick with it in my mouth still and I guess it has made me feel a little low in myself.  I then feel guilty for people that are really ill!

This will not be for ever.  The next part of the procedure will be done in a few months time, when the gums have healed.  Impressions will be done and the gums opened again to expose the implants which will then have the "teeth" attached to them.... and no denture!!!!! Wooooo hoooo! 

If anyone one esle has had epriences with implants or dentures they would like to share please email me lornaalpacaselsol@gmail.com and I shall keep you up to date with my story.

Nanny Mc Phee

Franks back on the road... yippee!

Well after 25 long miserable days we finally have ole Frank back on the road again.  After breaking down en route home from zumba he sat patiently waiting to be made better, outside our house.  We had to consider the option of taking him to a local garage and risk it being hugely expensive, or even not touched, which is what happened a few years ago. Back then we eventually had to get him towed down to the coast and have a new reconditioned engine (if that makes sense).  The other option was  to have Frank towed home and searching out the part on ebay and waiting for good samaritan Ken to be available to fit it.  We chose the second option, we will never know if this was best option, but at least Frank is mobile once again!

It was a tough 25 days and we relied heavily on friends to help us out.  Our great friends Kev and Sue were absolute stars, picking us up from home, twice a week to take us into Montoro.  I would take my zumba classes and Alan would do the shopping, they would then drop us back home again, miles out of their way, in the pitch black too.  It was great to have their company and have a chat over a cuppa, which gave Alan a break from just listening to me moaning of course!  Alan ordered the long thing that had dropped off on the motorway, when it arrived the long thing was 10 cms to short, bugger!  So he re ordered the correct sized long thing on a 24 hour delivery..... errr this arrived 7 days later. It had gone via Germany and also spent a long weekend in Jaen too.  Apparently having arrived in the capital someone decided that although the address was correct it should have had  the fact that it was being delevered to a pharmacy on it too.  So it sat for 48 hours whilst we were contacted about this and typed the words Guttierez Pharamcy with the same bloomin' address still.  Of course this being done on a Friday meant it would not leave the depot in Jaen until the Monday.  I swore quite a lot, I believe I cried a bit too.  It is ridiculous just how much we rely on ole Frank.

At the end of the 3rd Frankless week, Kev and Sue were about to travel back to the UK, so we had to hire a car.  This meant a trip into town thanks to Good Samaritan Ken, and a bus journey to Cordoba to pick up a little Polo, of the driving kind, not the eating kind.  Wooo hooo we were mobile again.  We took the opportunity to do a little shopping and just be out and about which was fab.  G.S. Ken came when we had long part, and low and behold the thingys that attach it to whatever they attached to DIDN'T FIT!!! Ken hammered and bashed, but to no avail.  A trip was needed to the ferriteria (local hardware store) for new attachy things then lo and behold Frank was back on the road.  Sadly his first outing was to take Saturday and Sunday to Cordoba!

Good ole Frank

The story of Saturday and Sunday!

There is no doubt that the hardest thing for me living here is being away from my lovely children, grandchildren and friends.  After that the toughest thing is seeing the stray dogs.  In Montoro at the the moment there are about three.  They scavenge  from bins and generally roam around the streets.  Even if you won the lottery it would be difficult to help, as dogs here can, and often develope the dreaful leishmaniasis, eventually killing the dog however also infecting other dogs too.  The only way of preventing the strays is a cheaper castration of the animals, rather than allowing them to breed every year and throwing out into the streets the puppies that are not wanted.  Having said that, many families have dogs they love and care for very much, things are improving!

About 3 weeks ago we had a man working outside on our land, trimming the olive trees.  Running around beside him was one of the funniest looking dogs I have ever seen.  Legs and feet too long for him, and ears that looked like they simply didn't belong to him and had been stuck on for effect.  He appeared to be having a lovely time, running up and down, driving Big Arthur mad and calmly watching the alpacas and chickens.  Later that afternoon we heard the car start up and drive off down the track, but Arthur was periodically having a good old bark up.  Alan went outside to see what the fuss was all about, and he came bark rather angry!  "The man has gone, but the puppy is still outside... I don't bloody believe it!"  Oh no!  The last few nights had been very cold, and the unmovable car was still covered in ice at mid morning.  Alan said we'll have to bring him in, I don't want him to die out there in the cold.  So he brought him in and put him in Geri's big dog crate, in the barn.  He wolfed down some food, had a little drink and wailed like a small child, bless his heart, and then eventually settled down for the night.

When in the past this sort of thing has happened, I cannot get involved.  Even when we are feeding the other animals, I will walk round the long way so I don't have to see the little lost soul. I feel very sorry for Alan as I know he feels exactly the same as me!  The following morning Alan checked on our little fella we named Saturday... just because it was.  Alan cleaned out his crate, whilst he had a run around, and fed him again.  Saturday didn't want to play, he only wanted cuddles!  He would just try and climb up Alan, or sit on his lap.  That afternoon Alan went looking for his owner.... Yeah right!  The work man was back but denied any knowledge of owning the little fella, our only other hope was Rafael our neighbour who owns many dogs, we were so hoping he may have belonged to him, but sadly no!  

That afternoon little Miliko was on his wall, guarding over the chickens, cats and boy alpacas and he started to bark loudly.  We had no idea what was wrong, but if the boys are fighting he usually lets us know, then we can go and take them some hay or alfafa, but they were all calmly nibbling on the few starnds of grass coming up.  We went to the upstairs apartment to get a better view, and we could just spot a tiny puppy at the bottom of our track!!!!! BUM!!!!!!!

Once again there was no way Alan wanted this little one to die in the cold outside our house, so he brought him in, and introduced Saturday to his new mate, Sunday!  Alan had confided in me that he really was considering if there was a way we could have kept little Saturday, however when Sunday came along too we relised they would both have to go!  We were still carless apart from a small polo we hired, unfortunatley Geri's giant crate would not fit in that, we would have to be patient.  So for the next week, Alan, bless him cleaned out the crate the pups were in, fed them and gave them fresh water and let them run around and climb all over him, he then had to harden his heart and take them to the pound in Cordoba.

Alan has to lie when taking dogs there, and say he is from the city of Cordoba, as they will not take dogs from Montoro.  At least being in the pound there is a chance they will be homed.  Whilst Alan was there a family were adopting a dog.  They also have a professional looking website with testimonials from people that have rescued dogs from there.  In my heart I know they cannot keep all the dogs, we have to hope and pray our Saturday and Sunday are now with loving families.  Believe me if money was no object we would rescue more, but it's not just food is it!  There is vetirinary care, annual injections, scalibor collars!  It's tough!

Saturday

Sunday

Well, what a night!

Tuesday evening, last week, en route to zumba, and Alan and I were playing the "how many are going to come" game.  Yes we are easily entertained!  The classes have been increasing with new ladies, since we returned in January, and of course the more people, the better the atmosphere, it's been great!  I had decided to video one of the dances, which I do ocassionaly and put it on youtube.    Something however has been going on in my class for the last few weeks.  They have been getting into huddles, huddles can be worrying, although the speed they talk, I can't usually understand them anyway, so they needn't of huddled!  We had thought maybe it was talk of the crisis, or something vaguely political, as one lady works for the town hall, or even the Montoro Mafia!  My Montoro Mafia ladies have recently shown their true support towards me, as there is a new zumba teacher in town... shock horror!  In fact she came to my classes for the first couple of weeks I took the classes, then I didn't hear from her again, until about 6 months ago when she advertsied her new zumba classes at exactly the same time and day as mine.  To be honest healthy competition purely made me raise my game, and I heard nothing more of her.  I did however congratulate her in on her facebook page, but say what a shame she had decided to run her classes the same times as mine, as I was sure we could have dancers that would like to attend each others zumba nights!  January however she seems to have come out of the closet again and re advertise, once again the same time and day as mine.  My Montoro ladies obviously heard the rumour of this, and she had approached one lady, and tried to encourage her to attend her classes instead of mine, and my loyal following were really quite angry, they wanted to know if she was a qualified instructor, and were certainly showing me that they were remaining with me, and they did not like the way she was going about this one bit!

So we were warmed up and ready for action. Alan was poised like a BBC camera man, ok not really, he was sitting on a chair pointing the camera in the appropriate direction.  The intro to the dance started, and I suddenly heard a huge cheer go up, I turned round to see my ladies peeling off their tee shirts to proudly reveal their newly printed tee shirts on underneath, saying "Zumba Lorna"  I was chuffed, I was speechless, it was a good week for the hormones so I didn't cry... phew!  Then they huddled round me and all took turns to high five and hug me, and of course presented me with a top too.  Bless their hearts, what an amazing new bunch of friends I have.  Alan videoed the dance, which I have shared below although I was so overwhelmed I went wrong in that dance, and I think every other dance that night too.  How embarrasing, but I don't think they minded that much!

We actually had 17 dancers that night, some must have hidden!

                             

Alan had gone shopping whilst I did the rest of the class as usual, and we set of home, in Frank our old Mitsubishi.  Poor ole Frank had been rattling like crazy and he wasn't a particularly comfy ride, but he was getting us from a to b, just!  Sadly Frank didn't manage to get us home that night.  Just as we indicated to turn off the motoway it sounded like the floor of the car had fallen out, and I was expecting to have to start running, like in the Flintstones cartoons.  We pondered over what to do.  The car wouldn't move after we eventually came to a stop, it wouldn't accelerate at all, so there was no way we were getting home.  We could get it towed to a garge, but then not get home, or get home and then hope our good samaritan Ken could come out and fix it.  Eventually that was the choice we made. The Montoro garages did not like our right hand drive!

We have break down cover with our insurance and they were exteremely helpful.  As were the 5 drivers who all stopped to check we were ok as they passed us.  One man Alan recognised, we buy our hay from him!  We only waited about 40 mintes when the tow truck came along.  Sadly he was a miserable bugger.  The Spanish men can look a little "down in the mouth" although we always make an effort and find they are very much the opposite.  Not this guy.  He wasn't happy taking us home, so Alan was having a conversation with the insurance company over the phone, telling them we had no way of getting home.  This was then translated to the miserable bugger.  He was very unhappy going on the country road which is tarmac, and he tutted and sighed the whole blooming journey.  When we turned onto the track, oh my God, you would have thought he was in a low sports car.  Now our track is fantastic at the moment, it is not at all muddy and it is very smooth.  Four years ago a lorry carrying our 8 x 4 swimming pool on it, got to our house, but once again he stopped a phoned a friend, moaning about this journey.

I don't think the journey to our house has ever taken so long, he was driving so rediculously slowly, to prove a point.  I would love to complain about him, but I have a horrible feeling if ever we were to break down again, he would be the one to be sent out!  Now we are at home, playing the waiting game!

Living off grid, a 24 hour view!

This was our day in our lives over the weekend.  I was going to write it as a blog post, and Alan blooming well beat me too it.  So here you go, I'll share it with you.  Treasure your central heating, carpets and lights that go on and off at the flick of a switch, but we'll think of you in the summer!

Enjoy!

Alan Parks and Lorna Penfold live off grid, with only solar panels for electricity, so if the weather is a little cloudy for a few days the electricity is limited.  Here is a rundown of a fairly normal day, off grid for Alan and Lorna.

8.30am Look out of the window to see it starting to get light. Clouds again, and the electricity is off for now, who knows when it will come back on.

8.35am Dogs wake up and start mooching about. Alan gets up to let ‘the boys’ out. Geri is sound asleep. Back to bed for a quick snooze.

8.40am Hear movement. Lorna gets up to find Geri mooching about having pooed on the move all over the floor and weed as well. Geri gets thrown out. Might as well get up.

8.45am Electricity still not on, and the weather is threatening rain, but the dogs are excited as it is walk time. The two big Spanish mastiffs are first up (with five dogs we have to do two shifts). Alan has Blue and Lorna has Arthur. Keep an eye out for stray dogs or fresh horse poo, just in case we are pulled this way and that.

9.15am Return and swap dogs. This time it is Geri (our 14 year old Collie crosss from England), Carlos (a stray who found us) and Miliko (thrown over our fence as a puppy, with a dislocated hip and broken jaw from being hit by a car). Wait for Miliko to calm down, and stop running in circles.

9.45am Return from walk, and have to drag Miliko past the alpacas, who have been here since here arrived, as he will not walk past them. Electricity still not on.  Have some breakfast, porridge to warm up, as there is no central heating and no carpets on the floor. Cold.

10.30am Still cloudy, but electricity comes on for a while. Try to turn on laptop, to make sure all is ok in the world and with the family. Alan goes out to feed alpacas and let the chickens out of their house. Chickens are already out of there house having had the door blown open by the wind. Two are in the hay barn, and two are outside the fence desperately trying to find a gap to scramble back in. Alan goes out to round them up, two cars go past just as chicken makes a mug of Alan and evades capture.

11am Alan returns with clothes covered in mud, but no solar electricity to do any washing and no sun to dry anything so keeps muddy clothes on.

11.30am Electricity goes off again, as sun still has not made an appearance. Spain in the winter can be cold and horrible.

12 midday With no electric we resort to manual tasks, cleaning, digging, gardening, maybe writing using an old fashioned pen and paper.

2pm Dogs barking madly. Chickens are out again. Go out in to the rain to round them up. Two sit down waiting to be mounted by a cockerel (me I guess), but the other two run away. Corner them eventually and grab hold of them, throwing them unceremoniously over the fence. Turn to walk back to the house to find two old Spanish farmers parked in their car laughing at me. Nod acknowledgement and retreat in to the house, post haste.

6pm After an afternoon of intermittent electricity, we decide to use the generator for the evening (costs too much in petrol to run all day), and allow ourselves a bit of television. Watch the news to find the UK has ground to a halt because of a few flurries of snow, and laugh at the irony.

10.30pm Go out into the rain, to turn of generator, and using a torch negotiate way past the evenings dog poos, and turn of generator and go to bed. Dogs are settled.

1.30am Something disturbs Arthur who is on guard at the front of the house. All the other dogs hear Arthur and decide something is up. After five minutes of shouting at the dogs to ‘Shut up’ in all sorts of language, they settle down again.

1.37am Ok there must be something up, Arthur is going mental, so Alan gets up, grabs a torch, puts on three layers of clothes and goes to investigate. After looking thoroughly around the property, Alan decides it must be that the alpacas strayed too close to Arthur’s area and he was telling us. Nothing else untoward going on. Shut Arthur in kitchen which means he is ‘off duty’ and settles down. Wide awake now, Alan lays in the darkness, unable to read or to go to sleep.

3.30am Having drifted off for a while both Lorna and Alan are awoken by the sound of a dog vomiting. Both grab torches and jump out of bed in the vain hope that they might be able to get to it before it happens and throw dog out. Get there to find dog standing staring at vomit on sofa, considering re-eating it. Shout, wave arms about and throw dogs out. Geri is oblivious. Remove cushion and cover, and throw cushion cover out. Wash hands and go back to bed with the smell of dog vomit in the nose. Lay awake for a few more hours.

8.30am Hear Geri jump down from sofa, jump out of bed to find more poos, spread about the room, but manage to throw her out before she wees. Go back to bed.

8.45am Alarm goes off, here we go again. Clouds in the sky, no electric. Bring on the summer and the unbearable heat. Please.

To hear more about Lorna and Alan’s life in Andalucia, check out www.whats-an-alpaca.com or download the book, Seriously Mum, What’s an Alpaca? By Alan Parks.

Sad looking Santa, in the rain!