Blog #Rita

"Animal House" is a 1978 American comedy film directed by John Landis. It stars John Belushi, Tim Matheson, John Vernon, Verna Bloom, Thomas Hulce and Donald Sutherland. ​The film is about a trouble-making fraternity whose members challenge the authority of the dean of the fictional Faber College. "Animal House" became one of the highest-grossing comedy films of all time. This article has absolutely nothing to do with the film, by the way.

I turned 75 on May 18th 2025, last Sunday. I was in Germany at the time attending the confirmation of my third German grandchild, which was on the same day. On May 19th I started two-and-a-half-weeks "de Rodriguez". On that date I flew back to Spain, while my good lady, German Rita, lingered in Germany to catch up with family and friends and to attend the latest Familientreffen, family reunion.

The last four weeks have been incredibly busy for us, with lots going on. It all started with the death of a Pope and ended four weeks later on my 75th birthday. Let's take a look at what's been going on..

I grew up in a rural area in North Devon (England) where I lived in three different houses between the ages of nought and 14. I remember that my Dad, from rural South Wales, always had either a garden or a big allotment. Here's my story of how I went from being a novice English gardener to an apprentice Spanish jardinero, despite the challenges: hot sun; ice cold winters; heavy rainfall; pests; exhaustion; poor quality soil.

The Olive Press has recently published an article about five less well-known places away from the popular big cities, like Barcelona, Granada, Madrid, Málaga, Sevilla, and Valencia. The choices are good ‘uns. I’ve been to all five. Here’s what I think:

Just as I am preparing to apply for Spanish citizenship – deadline end of January – the country is doing its best to put me off going ahead! First of all, two of Spain’s police forces have p**sed me off big-style and on top of that two places have convinced me never to visit again. What’s the story?

That’ll be different. My first-ever Christmas "de Rodriguez" or "Home Alone"! "Footloose and fancy-free". For the first time in 74 years! What’s going on? Has my wife left me? Or is there a simpler explanation? This is what I'm planning .....