Christmas 2014, as far as our family is concerned, went to history as the year when X-Mas  preparations were as close to nil as possible. A Scandinavian style ham, a Christmas tree, and that’s it!

The reason for this is a little West Highland White Terrier puppy, the answer to my dreams of many years back.  Her name is Marta, and she looks and behaves just as described in every article  published on the Internet about this Scottish breed. A big dog in a small package, courageous, feisty, full of energy,friendly and loving. But by now I have learned that with a Westie, you have to show who is the boss, in a consequent and calm manner, without punishing.

After two weeks with us, she seems adapted to our way of life. She knows what the words “nej” (no!) and kom! (come!) mean. She is 2 ½ months old now, and looks like a miniature polar bear. And the “calling cards” in our big kitchen becomes fewer every day. Yesterday she did everything in the garden. Good prospects for 2015 as far as this detail is concerned. And by the way, when everything in the world looks a bit gloomy, better concentrate on the small things of everyday life. A good New Year´s promise is to try to become a better person to your family, friends and those who need your support.

The lack of Christmas paraphernalia in our house has largely been compensated by the fantastic Christmas concerts in the Encarnación Church and the beautiful illuminations all around town in Almuñécar. As a citizen of Taramay, I appreciate the work being done on the Taramay roundabout, with an illumination spot in the middle looking like a modern monument and with beautiful tiling all around. I have always felt that Taramay has been a bit neglected. The area around the big Moorish-style hotel Playa Calida is very beautiful, with nice houses, a lovely park and handsome houses. When this was built, there were obviously big expectations for the future, with hopes of a  larger population with shops, cafes and restaurants. Due to the recession this did not come about.

Let´s hope for a change in the near future. There is a lot of potential there. On the other hand, the northern area from the Taramay roundabout to Pozuelo, especially above Tesorillo and the Taramay tunnel is a mess.  When driving house guests guests to Citalsol from central Almuñecar we use to go through the Taramay tunnel and turn at the next lights in order to avoid the ugly street above the tunnel and take the main street up to our house on top of the hill.

A Happy and Prosperous New Year to the fantastic people of Almuñécar, to all our friends and to our fellow members of our Nordic association Los Nórdicos. Thank you for another term with interesting programmes, trekking, golf, boule, travel, jazz, parties etc.

Feliz 2015!