Welcome to the Terrace Diary
Hola Terrace Crew, 🌞🍹
Pull up a lounger, find a shady spot, and make yourself comfortable. This is the Terrace Diary — my personal corner of Sun Sea Sangria where I share unfiltered thoughts on life here on the Costa Blanca North, the world around us, and the real, everyday realities of living with osteoarthritis.
At 49, I’m navigating grade 2-3 osteoarthritis that’s likely leading towards a new hip one day. Some mornings the joints creak louder than others. Some days I feel every bit of it; others I’m still chasing sunsets (just a little more gently). Writing here is my way of turning those experiences into something honest and hopefully helpful. No polished perfection — just real talk from the terrace about adapting, staying hopeful, managing physio, enjoying the sea and fiestas at my own pace, and finding joy in the slower rhythms of life in the Marina Alta.
You’ll find diary-style entries about:
• The emotional and practical sides of living with osteoarthritis abroad
• Everyday wins, challenges, and adaptations (gentle dog walks, terrace lounging, physio insights, and keeping the sangria-and-sea vibes alive)
• Broader reflections on expat life, the beautiful chaos of Spain, and whatever else is on my mind
The first entry (25 June 2026) dives straight in: “At 49 with Osteoarthritis Heading Towards a New Hip — Real Talk from the Costa Blanca North.” It’s raw, hopeful, and full of the practical bits I’m learning along the way.
This space is for connection. If you’re dealing with similar health journeys, chronic conditions, or simply love the honest side of expat living, I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Share your tips, stories, or questions — this Crew supports each other through the sunshine and the stiff mornings alike.
Life here is still full of sun, sea, and sangria… it just looks a little different some days. And that’s okay.
Thanks for sitting with me on the terrace. More diary entries coming soon.
With love and a little extra care,
Joanne xx 🌴🐾
