27th October A Domestic Day

After our mountaineering day yesterday it was time we set about some domestic chores. This meant stripping the bed, sorting through clothing and using the sniff test when unsure (on items that we can't remember washing recently and we haven't worn for a while now the sun has lost its intensity - yes, I have varying degrees of clothing from really hot days to cooler ones).

Anyway we were successful in squashing every thing in the machines to be washed. Then once we'd confirmed that water and soap was being sloshed around (the launderette we use seems to get the machines churning around for at least a minute before there is even a hint of water making its way into the drum), we put our timer on and returned to the apartment for the allotted washing time. 

This gave me time to mend a hole in a shirt that I'd put off for a while (I told you it was a domestic day!). I even organised myself to clean the fridge and take a detailed look of food supplies for an accurate shopping list.

Garnered into action with the alarm going off we returned to sort the washing. Sheets and pillow cases go in the tumble drier and the remainder of the washing was brought back to be hung up. Experience has shown us that trying to dry sheets on an outside drying rack is a bit of a faff. You have to keep unfolding and refolding to ensure the inside bits get properly dry. Hanging out towels and clothing is straightforward. After just a few hours they are ready to be smoothed and folded (no ironing here!) and put away.

Once we'd completed the washing, tumble load and hung up what was left over our next job was food shopping. As it was likely to be heavy we took Rolo to Lidl ... and nearly turned round. There were people parking out on the main road as it seemed that the car park was full. It didn't bode well for a quiet shop but we persevered as we had nothing planned for the rest of the day so if we had to queue we'd just join in. Well initial impressions were unfounded. No idea where all the people in cars were as they weren't doing their weekly shop in Lidl. It was pretty much plain sailing getting round with only a bit of a back track when we couldn't find cheese biscuits. These were typically in the first aisle!

Anyway, other than there being a shortage of eggs (this happened a few weeks ago as well) and having to buy a whole cabbage (that's coleslaw sorted for the next few weeks) we came away pleased with our shop. Back to the apartment to unload and it was time for lunch.

As Ian realised he'd left his phone in the car we picked it up on our way for an afternoon peramble initially along the seafront. This was so I could show Ian the Castell de Montgri on the skyline across the bay (he'd not noticed it previously).

Quite a different view this week. Very few beach goers, other than those who lie out in all weathers. It was breezy along the front so we ended up finishing our walk along the road behind the promenade to get some shelter. 

Once back in the apartment sitting out on our balcony we've been sheltered from the wind. It's been quite pleasant outside in the afternoon sun. Only one more day and then it'll be getting cool by 5pm and dark by 6.30pm. Oh well, at least it's warmer than the UK. I can't imagine myself sitting outside at that time listening to Ian work his way through the 'Teach Yourself Spanish' CD - he's on the numbers and greetings section. I have to remind him to have a practice every day as he's keen to get a grasp of a bit of Spanish by next year.

Well, it's now getting a bit chilly so time to go inside. Tomorrow looks like a day out on the bikes so I'm mentally preparing myself for a numb backside 😅.