On the move!

We have been a bit quiet of late.

The news is that we are leaving The Mill and moving to another home - a more permanent one without the need of a generator. It has a 'real' shower, not a waterfall, there's hot water too (can't wait!) and we won't have to share with bats, mice and the odd escaped sheep!

At times its been hard living here. Having to adjust to a different, pared back, simple way of living is not for everyone but we have survived. I have great admiration for those who follow this way of life. It has certainly made me appreciate what is around me more. 

We have seen an array of creatures which has kept Shanna happy - me, not so! Did I mention the bats - urgh!

 Nathan has enjoyed revisiting his childhood (some will say he's never really left!) and being a little bit 'Huckleberry Finn'. 

We have laughed and cried but we have come to realise that we will always have each other, no matter what situation we find ourselves in - good or bad, we are blessed. 

Whatever you do - be happy doing it!

Fab Fiesta Frenzy!

Its August which means in Asturias its fiesta time! 

Every village hosts their own and they are  either a day long or last a full weekend. They normally come to an end mid September.

Close to The Mill are the villages of Priede and Samalea so we went along to see what it was all about.

After a 3km trek uphill (for uphill read mountain!) we arrived and had a cold beer.

The beer was cold - I was hot and almost the same colour as my t-shirt!

We arrived to silence! The menfolk were in a serious card game. Nathan went to watch. There were only 40 cards in the deck but he couldnt figure it out which game they were playing. 

Next came the childrens games!

Despite having only a smattering of Spanish Shanna joined in.

Huddling together to think of a team name.

Hoopla!

Carrera de sacos.

The children were from ages 3 to 10 years old. They all got on, there was no sulking or moaning. It was quite refreshing!

The finale was a tug of war!

Needless to say Shanna was thrilled with her prizes!

We headed home soon after as the music and singers weren't due to start until midnight! Eek! It had already been a long day.

We couldn't leave without a final go on the bouncycastle!

The bouncycastle with a view!

We are busily trying to find out where our next fiesta will be...

 

Jardin Botanico Atlantico

It was a hot n humid day so we decided to visit the Botanical Gardens in Gijon.

The site is 25 hectares with 16 hectares open to the general public. There is over 30000 plants to see and enjoy and at only €2.90 per adult and free for children under 12 years old, it seemed like another cheap and easy day out!

We were given a brochure in English which included maps and recommended walking routes. The gardens are split into four themed areas. There are plenty of picnic spots, indoor exhibitions, items of interest along the way and a childrens forest (tick in the box for Shanna!).

Off we went to the Plant Factory. This is set out to show the plants we use for food, medicine, textiles etc as well as invasive and unwanted plants - weeds.

There is also a typical Asturian farmhouse with a mill, sidre press and stables.

A 'Buddha's Hand' citrus fruit.

Pomegrantes.

Quinoa.

An educational video in the Chemists Workshop.

We met a few creatures along the way too!

We definitely recommend visiting.  Another good day out had by The Bell's.

Hasta luego!

 

 

Groundhog Day!

Day 27 in the Big Brother House - I mean the Old Mill!

The inmates have awoken again to bright sunshine. This has confused them as the forecast said it was due to rain! They will now have to change their plans.

Meanwhile, Shanna is playing with her dolls after having eaten campfire pancakes for breakfast. 

And Nathan is yet again preparing Padron Peppers in the makeshift kitchen!

Cheryl is knitting a blanket to aid her sanity after the trauma of breaking her Kindle. She only attempts Soduku intermittently.

To while away the hours the inhabitants play 'spot the dog'.

They try to catch the dangerous animals that attempt to steal their food.

They defend their land from potential stampedes.

Mostly they are happy and surviving as they know there is light at the end of the tunnel and it is approaching at speed!