Tag Archives: casa azahar

siesta time

05 Tuesday Feb 2019

Posted by in casa azahar, cats, home, sevilla

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Morcilla has turned into a serious snuggler, which makes me very happy. She especially likes cuddling when I am in my “comfy chair” watching TV, and also when I am working at my desk. Her favourite thing is to jump onto my shoulder, then curl around and make herself comfortable, using my “rack” as a shelf, and then commence to purring and nudging her little nose against my cheek.

This photo of Morcilla I took today reminded my of one of my favourite photos ever, taken back in 2010, of me and Azar all cosy in bed – Azar was definitely a bed snuggler. I can still feel how I felt in that photo, and how he felt in my arms, remembering everything and bringing up a whole tangle of emotions. I’ve never got over losing that lovely little guy, nor do I want to. But I feel very lucky that Morcilla came into my life.

anybody listening?

25 Friday Jan 2019

Posted by in casa azahar, cats, life stuff

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I have long been in the habit of talking to the cats when I am at home. In fact, I tell them everything! But lately I have noticed the somewhat alarming habit of speaking my thoughts out loud when I am out of doors. Alone.

Seriously. I’ll be in the supermarket and say – OUT LOUD – oh! I almost forgot to get coffee!. Or out in the street I will comment – OUT LOUD – on something that catches my eye. Stuff like that. And I can’t seem to stop myself. Heck, I probably don’t even notice I’m doing it half the time.

Then I remembered how we used to think that people talking to themselves in the street were, well, nuts. But now it’s commonplace to see people talking to their mobile phones with an  earphone/microphone set up, so it’s more likely these days that we will assume the person seemingly yakking away to themselves is taking a call, not crazy in the head.

Hence my new plan to wear a earphone/microphone set while out and about, with the jack end of the cord just tucked into my top. That’ll keep ’em guessing!  🙂

garam masala vs central heating

12 Saturday Jan 2019

Posted by in casa azahar, homecooking

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Coldest day of the 2018-2019 winter so far – overnight temps 2º, daytime high of just 14º. Brrrrrrrrr…. and so while I do have the luxury of functioning central heating here at Casa Azahar, it’s also nice to feel warmed up from the inside. Hence this spicy chicken garam masala, chock full of veg (red & green peppers, onions, garlic, spinach, courgette, parsley, cilantro) which is making the house smell amazing. Will add yoghurt when it’s served. Only problemita is that I’ve made enough for at least 8 people.  Who’s coming over?  😉

birthday 2019

07 Monday Jan 2019

Posted by in birthdays, casa azahar, food & drink, friends, gastronomy, hope, sevilla, sherry, spam, tapas, tapas bars

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So yikes! I am 62 years old today. Like, how’d that happen?  😉  It’s a total cliché and absolute truth about time flying. And especially with all the cancer stuff, ten years ago now and hopefully completely in the past, it’s amazing I’ve made it this far. Unlike a lot of people, I’ve always loved my birthday, even though the getting older thing comes with some drawbacks (KNEES for example) it certainly beats not getting older! So I do like to do something special to celebrate still being here.

Today I met my friend (and colleague) Cinta @cintaromero75 for a fabulous seafood lunch at Cañabota. Great food and wine, and even better company. It was great catching up.

By chance Charlie & Sam, co-owners of @vinoveroleigh were arriving in Sevilla this afternoon, though too late to join us for lunch, so I met up with them afterwards for a penúltima.

I first met C & S in 2016, when mutual friends Phoebe and Ollie invited me to a rooftop dinner at their place in London. They came to Sevilla a few months later that same year, and are back for a quick getaway. After our cava I headed home, delighted to see the Christmas lights were still on! An excellent birthday.