Category Archives: casa azahar

post-traumatic heebie-jeebies

12 Monday Aug 2019

Posted by in casa azahar, cats, home

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I speak for all three of us – myself, Luna and Morcilla – when I say that this morning’s exploits were nothing short of heroic. Leaving Loki out of this because, well, he’s a big lazy galoot and chose not to get involved. It all started when I sat up in bed and saw both girls staring intently at the little bookcases that are under the bedroom window. And I just knew it had to be my worst nightmare, something I always dread in summer.

Of course I am speaking of Periplaneta Americana, AKA the massive cockroaches that arrived in Spain on the ships travelling back here from the Americas. The largest of the cockroach family, these muthafuckas also FLY. Yes they do. Arrrrgh.

In all of my years here in Sevilla, in the various casa azahars, sightings have been limited to maybe once or twice a year and always in summer (they “come out” more when it’s hot… shudder). Until now I thought my latest casa az was somehow magically protected from these creepy crawly horrors. Alas, it is not. But I suppose I’ve been lucky as it’s been over two years without having seen one.

Anyhow, back to this morning. The girls were not budging. They sat with their bodies rigid, eyes fixed on the bookcase, ready to pounce, and all I could think was… PLEASE DON’T LET IT RUN UNDER THE BED (this actually happened once at the previous casa az, resulting in the disassembly of the bed in the wee hours). I was too stricken with terror to move the bookcases, mere inches from the end of the bed. It was a stalemate situation.

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little salad dressing shaker thingy

09 Friday Aug 2019

Posted by in casa azahar, cooking, food & drink, home, homecooking

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Damn these summer sales! I once again find myself with another kitchen gadget that I didn’t know I needed until I saw it… and then also saw it was ON SALE. Not only cute but look how practical it is. The lid closes with an airtight snap while you shake up your favourite salad dressing, then easily opens for pouring. Also did I mention… SO CUTE!

I was actually looking for one of these simple squeeze bottles, like the (totally life-changing) one I bought for washing up liquid. Seriously, if you are not using one of these babies for your dish soap instead of a big clunky value-sized bottle of Fairy liquid, you do not know what you’re missing. It almost makes washing up a pleasure. Top tip: cut off the attached cap – not necessary.

So why was I looking for a squeeze bottle you ask? Well, I was remembering a time when I always had a pre-mixed “house dressing” ready to go that was not only perfect for drizzling over salads and other fresh veggies, but also was great on boiled potatoes, rice, even grilled fish and meats. I was reminded of this when I visited Finca Buenvino and watched the fabulous Jeannie whip out her bottle of “secret sauce” salad dressing and use it on almost everything, and it’s been on my mind ever since. So now I have the cutest bottle ever and just need to perfect my own secret sauce. Anyone want to share theirs?

good omens companion

08 Thursday Aug 2019

Posted by in books, casa azahar, friends

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Every now and again I receive a WATCH YOUR MAIL advisory from the lovely Kate (aka sledpress), when she happens upon something that she feels I must have. As always, I had no idea what to expect, but this time…. WOW. She really surprised me. I wanted to see this series so much that I signed up for an Amazon free one month trial thingy and then watched it twice during that time.

I was actually thinking the other day that I’d love to see it again and wondered how long I’d have to wait before Amazon made me another free offer… but now I have this. And it’s delightful, full of interviews, behind the scenes photos, set designs and costume boards. Plus lots about dear Terry. You may recall that I got rid of more than 3/4 of my books when I downsized before moving house two years ago. Well, I kept every Pratchet book. Couldn’t bear to part with them. And so this is a lovely addition. Thanks again Kate, for this little bit of Christmas in August.

two years on…

07 Wednesday Aug 2019

Posted by in casa azahar, cats, home, sevilla

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So it has been just over two years since I moved to the new Casa Azahar, which is officially the 5th Casa Azahar in my 26 years living in Sevilla (if you count moving across the hall from number 2 to number 3). I spent 1 year in Casa 1, 18 years in Casas 2-3, 5 years in Casa 4 and now 2 years in Casa 5. I have fond memories of all my homes here, even though Casa 4 ended on a sour note with the landlady. But each time I changed homes it was for somewhere better.

At first I wasn’t sure how I would feel about the present Casa Azahar. It was smaller than the previous two, so some serious downsizing was required, which in retrospect was probably a good thing (though in the end I also had to buy some new furniture). And I knew the cats would miss having stairs to play on. But it was attractive, had good light, and was in a good location, so I decided to go for it.

And now, two years on, I can’t imagine ever wanting to live anywhere else. I’ve never felt so at home before and every day I feel delighted and grateful to have this comfy-cosy place to live in. I really love it here, crazy downstairs neighbour notwithstanding, and okay, the kitchen could do with some love. Though the BEST LANDLORD EVER did replace the old cooker with an induction one and install the oven I brought over from the previous place. He also installed all the light fixtures I’d bought after moving in, and quickly replaced the A/C unit when it died. In fact, he has always been amazing about everything.  So I really hope I can continue living here for a long time to come.

Anyhow, I thought it would be fun to make a present day photo collage just like the one I made after I first viewed the apartment. This time with furniture and… cats! (you may have to zoom in to spot them)

Where was the best place you’ve lived?