And then the rain came.

Well so far October has been one of those up and down kind of months here.

At the start of the month I had a couple of days of feeling uneasy and then Archie my lovely old rescue donkey buddie got sick. It was awful. His body gave up on him on a hot, beautiful day and I was completely distraught and devastated in a way I never thought possible.

I have tried to keep reminding myself that he died being loved, but that old boy really pulled on my heartstrings and I really miss him.

Since then we have managed a hospital trip, a solar panel disaster and a sick car, (none of the aforementioned are quite fixed), amongst various other dilemma's, so all in all it went a little tits up as they say.
 Hey Ho.

But there are always positive's. We have had glorious weather well in the 30's, with some of the most beautiful skylines I have ever seen. My neighbours here in the village have proven to be wonderful - all of them. I was overwhelmed by how kind and helpful they all were. I have no idea how I would have coped without any of them the day Archie got sick and the days after and I have got to know many of them just a little bit better.

We have spent several days with our friends Viv and Brian from Travanca picking our olives too which I have loved. Picking olives is not really a financially sound way to spend your time.It is a lot of work which results in very little material reward. It is however a bloody lovely way to spend the afternoon; in a warm and beautiful place with a blue sky and good company - I have enjoyed every minute. A highlight for me last weekend was going to see Viv & B's friend Othelia to get our olives sorted in her machine....(I know, I need to get out more), but it certainly beats sorting them by hand, what a wonderful, simple bit of kit. 175 kilo's sorted in minutes.  (Thank you Othelia). x

So having had 4 days of well needed rain here, I am hoping that whoever is in charge can switch it off for me tomorrow so I can get outside and finish the other half of my tree's and get to the mill to press them.. ! I cannot wait to taste out new oil and the crop has been so much better this year...