One year on...

It was a year ago today that we boarded the overnight ferry to our new adventure. Here's a brief summary of our time here so far.

As you know, we had a bit of a rocky start but it all came good in the end. We have met and made friends with, some wonderful people.  I can honestly say that we would be lost without them. They have helped us with so many things. They came to our rescue when the language got a bit much for us, helping us to fill out forms and negotiate appointments with routine things like opticians or the vets. They gave us recommendations for great days out, places to eat, things to see. We have joined them for picnics and parties and hopefully many more to come. They are a real support network and I thank each of you from the bottom of my heart (you know who you are!).

Spain is a warm and friendly country, Asturias particularly so. We love the old traditions that are very much kept alive here. The nature that is on our doorstep is beautiful. Shanna still gets excited when she sees the buzzards circling above us or hearing the deers call out to each other when we are walking to school. The climate is great. Yes, it rains a lot but that's what makes it so beautiful and green (a bit like Wales on steroids). The summers are longer but not as dry and oppressive as in the South. It's a win-win!

Nathan is happy to be back in the garden. He is trying his hand at permaculture and a bit of sustainability style gardening. We recently got ourselves some chickens and he made their coop himself which he enjoyed doing. He loves going for long walks in the woods with the mad dog Hettie. Yes, he has had to take a job overseas but needs must. We only see him for 2 weeks out of every 8 but we make that time together count. He has also found his love of sidre (although I never really thought he's lost it)!

Shanna has adapted so well. She enjoys school and has made some fab friends. There are only 20 (ish) children in the school in total and being so small has made it less daunting for her. She has the most supportive teachers who are on hand to help her when she needs it.
She experiences a much more free childhood. She is confident enough to go on her own to the park (only 10 mins away) and meet her friends. She's on her bike and she's off!
She has joined a local Scout troop and has been on overnight camping trips with them. She has just finished music lessons and swimming lessons too. She's a happy and confident 8 year old.

Me? Well, after the initial stress of everything, I'm feeling much calmer. Those of you who know me know what a worrier I am. I have learned to accept the situation for what it is. Everything happens for a reason. I feel much more at ease with everything. My days are my own. After my household chores I spend time doing what I want to do - mainly sewing! I could never find the time back in the UK but here I make time. I also spend time in the garden and the most important thing is that I have more time to 'play' with Shanna. Nothing more is needed.
I've learned to write good old fashioned letters again. Yes, we would be lost without our technology (couldn't write this post otherwise) as it keeps us in touch with our nearest and dearest but we all love getting a little something in the post don't we?

Life is simpler and we are all happier for it.

So, to sum it all up...

How has it been so far? Fantastic! With many more adventures to come.
Are we happy? Hell, yes!
Would we do it again? Nope, cos we ain't leaving but seriously yes, we would.

Don't let anything stand in the way of your dreams. Life is for living, get out there and live it!