Fuerteventura sculptures

I'm just back from a week in Fuerteventura. We always have our family holiday in February as that is when Paul (a gardener) has his quietest time and can relax. Unfortunately we can't have a fortnight though as we have to fit in with the half term holiday. When I say 'we' I mean 'we' as a family. This year Paul had a week in Lanzarote first, staying with a neighbour in their apartment. He then caught the ferry to meet us.

We booked the hotel and flights separately. The hotel had a few
rough reviews, but it was such an absolute bargain we couldn't resist it! We had a great apartment in the hotel; a quiet spot, with a sunny balcony as requested. H and I arrived just in time to catch dinner, and I can honestly say it was the worst hotel food I have ever had, both for choice and quality. It was edible, but it wasn't a good mealtime experience!

The two pools were lovely. We avoided the pool where the 'animation team' spent the day. We could still hear them though and they were quite funny (I don't think intentionally). They had a really bad bingo caller. There were no 'quack quacks' or 'two fat ladies', just the number. That was except for one number that got smutty comments each time. They had a quiz one day and we heard the 'quiz master' asking where Lake BarLar was. I went to Lake Bala in Wales at east once a year for the first 20+ years of my life, but I had no idea he was speaking about the same lake.

There was a bar with 'entertainment' at night, but we didn't bother with that. We had a good walk each day, called in the supermarket for wine (at €1.09 a litre it was cheaper than the €1.29 milk), and spent lots of time catching up on reading and relaxing.

Trips were quite expensive so we had the 'Judith Kelly Special Mystery Tours'. These were great, and we got to see the sculptures of the island. I absolutely love anything like that. As well as a few we found around the place I found the Puerto del Rosario sculpture park/trail. I found it on an overcast day so it wasn't too hot walking round. They were quite spread out too so it was a good day out with a great walk, all on the coast.

Tribute to Suso Machin

We had a great time. We got back about noon on Sunday, and by 1pm I was out in Ramsbottom campaigning for the by-election on 6 March. I've been out in Tottington today on the Labour Doorstep. I didn't expect such a good response on a weekday but we were lucky and spoke with lots of people. Some I recognised and some recognised me, so it was good to have a bit of a catch up. There were lots of positive comments and I cam home quite pleased. I then had to whizz of to the I Will If You Will burlesque class! I'm loving it, and the instructor is starting 'bellrobic' classes. These are a cross between belly dancing and aerobics, and my sneaky preview made me want to go!

Miguel de Umamuno

I'm busy busy again now but still very pleased I got my week away somewhere nice and warm.

Monument to the unity



The Water Carrier

The Lookout Man

Viejas fisherman
 

It's all go

As usual there seems to be a lot going on.

At the beginning of January I saw a poster for Bury's I Will If You Will initiative (see here). It was for a burlesque dancing class, and I couldn't resist finding out what that was all about. It was brilliant, a good laugh and a place to meet other women who liked trying new things. The best thing about it is it gives go lots of confidence, which I lack, and makes you feel fabulous about yourself. I'd highly recommend it. We were also featured in a Bury Times article (see article here).

Following on from the success of The Big Tidy I organised last year, I have organised the second Big Tidy in Tottington. The rangers were more than happy to help out, and they are spreading the word in surrounding areas too. I've registered the event with Keep Britain Tidy and their new initiative 'Love Where You Live', and they have sent me tabards, posters, stickers etc. This year The Big Tidy will be on Sunday 30th March. We haven't a definite time or place yet but it is likely to be around 10am on the Kirklees Trail end of Laurel Street in Tottington. Further information will be posted on Twitter @TottingtonLife using the hashtag #tidytotty, and hopefully the Bury Times will publicise it too.

In other news a date has been set for my MS Cake Break Wine Time. MS MS Cake Break is a way of

raising money for the MS Society by getting a group together to buy cakes while socialising. I did the cake thing one and raised about £60. Knowing my friends and family I knew there must be a way of raising more. I didn't have to think for long; they quite like a sociable glass of wine/beer or three. My first Wine Time was last year and £555 was raised. This year's date has been set so fingers crossed we raise if not quite such a staggering amount a good contribution to the MS Society funds. This year I was delighted to be asked if my 'handy hint' could be used in the Cake Break magazine. No publicity is bad publicity etc.

I haven't done too well keeping this up to date, but I'll try! If I haven't worked myself into an early grave between now and 22nd May I'll enjoy relaxing with friends while raising money for a great cause while having a quite drink.