Tuesday, 11 September 2012
Thinking of mountains, snow and Jake Blauvelt
This is amazing. Winter season, I can hardly wait for you. Back in the mountains. Back in Morzine. Back to early mornings, cooking, baking, cleaning, smiling, changing, meeting, riding, riding, riding, drinking, changing, cooking, hosting, changing, meeting, partying, sleeping. Lather, rinse, repeat every day for five months. Oh yeah, did I mention riding?
Jake Blauvelt's 'Naturally' Teaser a Snowboarding video by onboard
Monday, 27 August 2012
Free fig drive thru
Or maybe it should be a drive by, but that implies I'm poppin' caps in people's asses and that's definitely not what I'm up to! On the same little road where I met the hopalong sheep the other day, there are numerous fig trees at the side of this little road that one can feast from, for free (just like hopalong, but she eats the ones on the floor). When I say it's a little road I mean it's just wide enough for my van. So today, driving from one villa to another I stopped, rolled down the window and sat for a few minutes picking and eating sun warmed figs, straight from the tree. It's like the best drive-thru ever! (BTW, I know how to spell through, just in case you were wondering.)
Today I read an article that I wanted to share with you, because it features my beautiful friend Miss L who came to visit a few weeks ago. Here is the link: http://anke.blogs.com/anke/2012/08/the-wonderful-pottery-of-lucy-charlton.html Meet Lucy and her charming pottery.
Off to the pool now, it's sunny, my work is done and I need to top up my tan.
Today I read an article that I wanted to share with you, because it features my beautiful friend Miss L who came to visit a few weeks ago. Here is the link: http://anke.blogs.com/anke/2012/08/the-wonderful-pottery-of-lucy-charlton.html Meet Lucy and her charming pottery.
Off to the pool now, it's sunny, my work is done and I need to top up my tan.
Sunday, 26 August 2012
sheep recognize faces
At one of the villas there is a garden next next door that contains two very friendly sheep. They come to the gate and baaabaaaa at you and you can pet them. I popped by the villa today and one of the sheep was enjoying the shade of the fig tree, we stood and looked at each other for a bit, they have such lovely faces. I was chatting away to the sheep and telling her about another sheep I met on my bread run the other morning. She was in the middle of a tiny little lane I drive down, she was feasting on fallen figs and hopping along. She was missing her front right hoof so even though I had bread and papers to deliver, I decided to just chill and not rush the little hopalong. She was stuffing her cute little face with yummy figs. It was a nice moment and made my bread run quite a bit more interesting. So, I wonder if the garden sheep now recognizes my face? Anyway, enough musing about sheep....
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2001/11/1107_TVsheep.html
Got a pleasant last minute visit from friends that we made earlier in the season. That is indeed a very welcome surprise!! Looking forward to the next week now, should be fun!
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2001/11/1107_TVsheep.html
Got a pleasant last minute visit from friends that we made earlier in the season. That is indeed a very welcome surprise!! Looking forward to the next week now, should be fun!
Friday, 24 August 2012
Hellos and goodbyes
The very nature of my job and my current lifestyle means that I spend an entire season, actually an entire year practically, saying hello and goodbye. Some are easier than others and some you don't want to say at all, goodbyes especially. Guests come and go every week, some you're sad to see leave because they were fun, nice, hassle free and others, well you're not that sad for whatever reason, to see them go. I've had friends come to visit all season and those hellos were awesome and the goodbyes were hard, because it's always tough to say goodbye to your nearest and dearest. Saying bye to my Dad was hard before I came out here, but he's doing well and we talk all the time so the distance doesn't seem insurmountable and hopefully soon we'll be saying hello again, I can't wait!
Some goodbyes you know are going to be hard, because in your heart of hearts you don't want to say them but you have to, for whatever reason. So today I'm feeling a bit down because I had to do just that yesterday. Of course I hope it's not goodbye forever but it has to be for now, because that's the way things are. How I'm feeling today has frankly taken me a bit by surprise, I knew I'd be sad, but didn't realise it'd be this bad. I hope I don't feel like this for long.
My furby is bringing me pancakes in bed to cheer me up. She's a star. She has a plan, it involves a bucket of whisky, karaoke and dancing....
Some goodbyes you know are going to be hard, because in your heart of hearts you don't want to say them but you have to, for whatever reason. So today I'm feeling a bit down because I had to do just that yesterday. Of course I hope it's not goodbye forever but it has to be for now, because that's the way things are. How I'm feeling today has frankly taken me a bit by surprise, I knew I'd be sad, but didn't realise it'd be this bad. I hope I don't feel like this for long.
My furby is bringing me pancakes in bed to cheer me up. She's a star. She has a plan, it involves a bucket of whisky, karaoke and dancing....
the past month
Well wouldn't you know it, a whole month has passed. Time sure flies. In a stream of consciousness sort of way I'm going to tell you what I've been up to for all those weeks. Friends came out, Miss Lucy, Dan & Doro. Drove to cool places. Saw Europe's longest stalactite - in the coolest caves! If you ever get the chance you should go - Campanet caves, just down the road from me here in Mallorca. Watched a clusterfuck of cars at the Formentor lighthouse which could've amused me for hours. Ate some amazing food, tapas, paellas, fish, roast suckling pig. The best value "menu del dia" ever, where every course was the size of a main!! Met new people, made some friends. Kissed a plumber. Ended up in some funny situations with my furby Jamie-lee (she's a furby because when her and Becky sit down to talk it's like they're furbies, talking at each other in fast, incomprehensible gobbledygook, and sometimes I have to threaten to take their batteries out), situations that I should probably not broadcast on the internet! Took the other furby to a festival in Pollensa where she thought for a brief moment that she might get killed, Moros i Cristianos festival gets a bit rowdy, it involves all day drinking, swords and guns (health and safety - what's that?! And AMEN to that!!). Chivas, late night dancing, late night drinking. Buckets of whisky. Karaoke, karaoke and more karaoke, sometimes god and sometimes really bad. Pool time, beach time, work time. Interesting work requests - using plastic chicken wire and cable ties to baby proof a stair case. Satellites that interfere with remote control gates effectively keeping your guests hostage in their villa. Dogsitting for a small ewok called Tim. Horse riding with the furbies as a staff day out. Packing one furby off to France, we're down to just two team members now a nanny (who drives cars like she stole them and likes to drive too close to ditches) and me, supposedly a jack of all trades.
Yeah, I think that about sums it up. Let's see what the next few weeks hold in store.
Yeah, I think that about sums it up. Let's see what the next few weeks hold in store.
Tuesday, 24 July 2012
Blog traffic
I checked the sources of traffic to my blog and was thoroughly amused. Certain blog posts get more views than others and they include - toilet brush etiquette, the easily led girl and the sewer rat population of Morzine. So basically every day, people Google how exactly they should use a toilet brush. Why do people not know this already? I'm baffled. But anyway, toilet cleaners of the world, welcome to my humble little blog where I drone on about my silly little life. FYI, when your toilet brush gets a bit funky and discoloured, I find that an overnight soaking in hot water and bleach does the trick, brings them up just like new! There's a little tip from me to you, now don't say I never give you anything. ;)
Sunday, 22 July 2012
The scent of Oleander, sun warmed avocado straight from the tree and how exactly do you 'borrow' a goat?
It's been a wee while since I last blogged again, but in my defence, I've had visitors and been busy entertaining...oh and working of course!
Had a visit from the two Nats last week and it was fabulous. It was basically like I was on holiday, that's what everyone thinks my job is anyway. We went to Deia, hiked to Cala San Vicente, went to Formentor beach and snuck in to the luxury Barcelo hotel for a sundowner cocktail. We didn't have a cocktail though, at 12 Euros a pop we decided not to. Last time the three of us went for sundowner cocktails it was June 2011 and it was the perfect end to our west coast adventure on beautiful Barbados, we had rum punch and it cost considerably less than 12 Euros. I feel like we ate a lot last week, tried some local restaurants that I'd been wanting to try and we weren't disappointed. Had so many laughs and giggles all week too. It's always so lovely to see the girls, thank you for coming out ladiekins!! xxx
Summer is in full swing now, town is busy, holidaymakers have descended. Lots of Scots over the last few weeks, think their kids break up from school earlier but plenty of other nationalities too now. Yesterday marked the usual changeover day, with guests leaving and new ones arriving. As changeover days go, yesterday was super chilled. The big boss was on the island last week, I think I made a good impression. I turned up on the first morning doing my usual bread, pastries and paper round, I had no idea anything was amiss until the little girls started sniggering and finally his wife whispered to me "your top is inside out". Well I could've just died right there. The week got better and I even got a round of applause the next morning for managing to dress myself correctly! Oh the joy. Anyway, they left early and our new arrivals didn't want to be met at the airport and didn't want a welcome chat last night, they've been before and were happy to just get on with it themselves, happy days! That meant an unusually relaxed changeover day so Chef B and I went to the pool and lay in the sun for hours, with the lovely scent of oleander all around us.
At one of our villas that is in use this week, there is an orchard, so yesterday we picked some beautiful yellow plums and some absolutely divine avocados. When I picked them they were warm from the sun and as I walked through the orchard the air was rich with a warm citrus aroma. What a heavenly place.
There's also a chicken run in the grounds of the villa, pretty chickens and some not so pretty turkeys, but I think they're charming in their own way. Got a chance to practice my animal husbandry skills this morning, after we'd been to see the guests (who are absolutely lovely) we had to rescue a turkey lurkey that had somehow got out of the run. Fairly amusing if you'd seen us stalking a turkey and trying to cajole it back to where it belonged. Ah, the life of the island manager, what adventures lie in store for me next? Well, if I've got anything to do with it then the next adventure involves a goat.
How do you go about borrowing a goat for a few hours? Suggestions welcomed. I spied some today not too far from the apartment while I was out on my walk. The reason for the goat borrowing is simple really, I want to scare the crap out of one my staff! The nanny has a strange aversion to goats and she's away this week, so I thought the funniest thing that could happen was if we borrowed a goat and installed it in her room prior to her return. (I'm slightly concerned for the goat as it would get screeched at.) I'd like to think I could pull this off, I just need to solve the conundrum of procuring a goat and making sure that no animals get harmed in this production.
On to non goat related issues, a few weeks ago I met this guy: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Christian-Marcussen/381289055246196 he makes music, and it's good. http://soundcloud.com/christianmarcussen Have a listen. If you like it, let him know.
I got confirmation this week that I'll be going back to Morzine and to my lovely Chalet du Pre. Pretty stoked about that I must admit. Unbelievably there's only about 7-8 weeks left of the summer season out here, maybe 1 or 2 more if we get some extra bookings. Then I'll be back in the UK and in Denmark to see my Dad, who's over there getting treatment for his cancer. Things are positive so everyone think happy thoughts and send good vibes to the Snow Pixie's Dad.
It's been overcast today so have taken the chance to lie on the sofa like a fat slug and do nothing this afternoon. I've watched the Formula 1 (muy bien Alonso, mi amor!) and now the Golf. Thinking of golfers and what they wear, I've not seen anyone with red or orange trousers today. Anyway, random thoughts of golf clothing aside, I've really enjoyed my lazy day which is now even better with the addition of a cold San Miguel.
I think I might be rambling now so I'm signing off. Tune in next time to see if I manage to get a goat! Hasta la vista baby.
Had a visit from the two Nats last week and it was fabulous. It was basically like I was on holiday, that's what everyone thinks my job is anyway. We went to Deia, hiked to Cala San Vicente, went to Formentor beach and snuck in to the luxury Barcelo hotel for a sundowner cocktail. We didn't have a cocktail though, at 12 Euros a pop we decided not to. Last time the three of us went for sundowner cocktails it was June 2011 and it was the perfect end to our west coast adventure on beautiful Barbados, we had rum punch and it cost considerably less than 12 Euros. I feel like we ate a lot last week, tried some local restaurants that I'd been wanting to try and we weren't disappointed. Had so many laughs and giggles all week too. It's always so lovely to see the girls, thank you for coming out ladiekins!! xxx
Summer is in full swing now, town is busy, holidaymakers have descended. Lots of Scots over the last few weeks, think their kids break up from school earlier but plenty of other nationalities too now. Yesterday marked the usual changeover day, with guests leaving and new ones arriving. As changeover days go, yesterday was super chilled. The big boss was on the island last week, I think I made a good impression. I turned up on the first morning doing my usual bread, pastries and paper round, I had no idea anything was amiss until the little girls started sniggering and finally his wife whispered to me "your top is inside out". Well I could've just died right there. The week got better and I even got a round of applause the next morning for managing to dress myself correctly! Oh the joy. Anyway, they left early and our new arrivals didn't want to be met at the airport and didn't want a welcome chat last night, they've been before and were happy to just get on with it themselves, happy days! That meant an unusually relaxed changeover day so Chef B and I went to the pool and lay in the sun for hours, with the lovely scent of oleander all around us.
At one of our villas that is in use this week, there is an orchard, so yesterday we picked some beautiful yellow plums and some absolutely divine avocados. When I picked them they were warm from the sun and as I walked through the orchard the air was rich with a warm citrus aroma. What a heavenly place.
There's also a chicken run in the grounds of the villa, pretty chickens and some not so pretty turkeys, but I think they're charming in their own way. Got a chance to practice my animal husbandry skills this morning, after we'd been to see the guests (who are absolutely lovely) we had to rescue a turkey lurkey that had somehow got out of the run. Fairly amusing if you'd seen us stalking a turkey and trying to cajole it back to where it belonged. Ah, the life of the island manager, what adventures lie in store for me next? Well, if I've got anything to do with it then the next adventure involves a goat.
How do you go about borrowing a goat for a few hours? Suggestions welcomed. I spied some today not too far from the apartment while I was out on my walk. The reason for the goat borrowing is simple really, I want to scare the crap out of one my staff! The nanny has a strange aversion to goats and she's away this week, so I thought the funniest thing that could happen was if we borrowed a goat and installed it in her room prior to her return. (I'm slightly concerned for the goat as it would get screeched at.) I'd like to think I could pull this off, I just need to solve the conundrum of procuring a goat and making sure that no animals get harmed in this production.
On to non goat related issues, a few weeks ago I met this guy: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Christian-Marcussen/381289055246196 he makes music, and it's good. http://soundcloud.com/christianmarcussen Have a listen. If you like it, let him know.
I got confirmation this week that I'll be going back to Morzine and to my lovely Chalet du Pre. Pretty stoked about that I must admit. Unbelievably there's only about 7-8 weeks left of the summer season out here, maybe 1 or 2 more if we get some extra bookings. Then I'll be back in the UK and in Denmark to see my Dad, who's over there getting treatment for his cancer. Things are positive so everyone think happy thoughts and send good vibes to the Snow Pixie's Dad.
It's been overcast today so have taken the chance to lie on the sofa like a fat slug and do nothing this afternoon. I've watched the Formula 1 (muy bien Alonso, mi amor!) and now the Golf. Thinking of golfers and what they wear, I've not seen anyone with red or orange trousers today. Anyway, random thoughts of golf clothing aside, I've really enjoyed my lazy day which is now even better with the addition of a cold San Miguel.
I think I might be rambling now so I'm signing off. Tune in next time to see if I manage to get a goat! Hasta la vista baby.
Wednesday, 4 July 2012
Fifty shades of sunburn
I've been in Mallorca for six weeks and two days. And I have blogged only once during that entire time, that is monumentally slack of me and I do apologise!
I went to Formentor beach yesterday, which was lush, and I got so engrossed in my book that I forgot to reapply sun cream and am consequently looking like a lobster. Only on my back though! So today I will lie on my back and tan only my front. My darling Dad got me a Kindle for my birthday which I'm loving, and like the rest of the world, I'm totally engrossed by my current book - Fifty Shades of Grey. Yes, my name is Trine and I like to read a bit of light "Mummy Porn" (as it's been dubbed) while I'm sunbathing.
After a bit of work this morning chatting to our IT Manager about routers and data cards, I am going to head to the beach in a moment. It's a very hard life you know....
More updates to come on what I've been up to so far and some photos too. Stay tuned!
I went to Formentor beach yesterday, which was lush, and I got so engrossed in my book that I forgot to reapply sun cream and am consequently looking like a lobster. Only on my back though! So today I will lie on my back and tan only my front. My darling Dad got me a Kindle for my birthday which I'm loving, and like the rest of the world, I'm totally engrossed by my current book - Fifty Shades of Grey. Yes, my name is Trine and I like to read a bit of light "Mummy Porn" (as it's been dubbed) while I'm sunbathing.
After a bit of work this morning chatting to our IT Manager about routers and data cards, I am going to head to the beach in a moment. It's a very hard life you know....
More updates to come on what I've been up to so far and some photos too. Stay tuned!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)