Strawberries and cream

It's been a hot week here in the Alpujarras, with temperatures in the shade reaching 28 degrees centigrade and more. It feels more like July or August than May, but the extended forcast suggests temperatures are to lower again next week to a more seasonal norm. In order to keep on top of work here the household has moved into 'summer mode' which means that we are all up and out working by 7.30am, but retreat at about 2.00pm to enjoy a leisurely lunch and the finest of all Spanish traditions, the siesta!

Of course, as a dog, I get to siesta quite a bit, winter, spring, summer and autumn, but I want to declare here and now that where work is concerned I am there with the tall ones, cheek by jowl, offering advice, inspecting the work and ensuring that we are all progressing in the right direction and that nobody is taking his or her eye off the bone.

Then there is the well being of our guests to think of. I try to pass by for a chat at least once a day to make sure they have all they need and that Ella isn't bothering them too much. Recently we have had the pleasure of the company of Jim, Sophie and their new baby, who is, unbelievably to me, called Ella. I'm sure that had their baby been a boy he would surely have been called Fergus. I must say she seemed delightful with a beautifully happy looking face and I hope that the family had a relaxing time here. These comments were to be found in the visitors book on their departure:

May 24th 2009 Our third stay at Cortijo Opazo and the first with our five month old daughter. Another lovely holiday thanks to the beautiful scenery and Robert and William's great hospitality. All our worries about holidaying with babies soon disappeared with such a warm welcome. Looking forward to our next visit. thank you Robert and William for once again being the perfect hosts! You're stars! We'll be looking at that availability calendar when we get home. Sopie, Jim and Ella.

And from the garden this week, the bounty has commenced. Along with lettuce and rhubarb we are picking broad beans, chard, broccoli and strawberries - see picture above.

Yours, with cream in my whiskers,

Fergus