Today, Saturday, there was no time for a swim or walk as it was wash day - bedding and clothes - and as they dry quickly here - followed by the ironing.
However I have had time to undertake a brief review of the local press.
The Costa Blanca News highlights that benefits for expats are being threatened particularly those receiving the winter heating allowance.
The paper quotes the Independant Newspaper: Tens of thousands of British Pensioners who have left to live in hotter climes are set to have one of their benefits cut as part of the coalition government's campaign to drive down spending".
The winter fuel payments were introduced to help pensioners pay their heating bills, but the government believes it can save around 14 million pounds a year by stopping payments to those who live in other EU countries.
From personal experience I know that not all expats receive the fuel allowance as the first claim must be made whilst you are living in the UK and reach the age of 60. If you have emigrated and then reach the age of 60 in your new EU country- no allowance.
Should not benefits, therefore, be available to those who have paid into the system no matter where they live AND it does get cold in Spain - I should know I make my own logs (see 15th May).
On a brighter note the Costa Blanca News also reports that Benidorm's beach, Playa Levante, has recouped the prestigious blue flag award exactly one year after the environment education foundation stripped it of the award to the poor quality of the seawater. The town now has a blue flag for all three of it's beaches which can only be good for Benidorm and it's tourists.
Finally, there is an article about mayors in the Valencia region - they must take a pay cut. Would you believe that those earning more than the Prime Minister (96,000 euros) must take a pay cut of up to 15%. More than the Prime Minister? I just don't know what to say.
More next week..........if I finish the ironing!
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