Sunday 27 December 2015

Green Christmas

This is what I look like I think. Yes, I had to get sick for Christmas. I'm forcing myself to eat and at least that is staying down - something that wasn't happening before. I also slept fairly well last night, but am still moving slowly. Needless to say, I missed Christmas dinner at my friends'. I missed the turkey and my friend's delicious mashed potatoes. I have to say she makes the most delicious mashed potatoes.

Other than being ill, I had a quiet Christmas. So far, I've received two lovely gifts - a necklace and some more artwork from my artist friend. This time it was a sun angel. Do you know about sun angels? I'd never heard of them. He says not to expose the picture to direct sunlight, because it will disappear. Today he sent me an e-mail saying that the technique he uses to make such pictures uses solar energy and only he knows how to use it; it's a secret he says. Now he's going to make me more pictures. I think my house is going to turn into an art gallery.

I hope everyone had a good Christmas, and hope I have better news next week. Enjoy your new week.

Sunday 20 December 2015

Family Rules

Today my post is going to be extra short. I'm still making Christmas goodies, so have to get back to them. These family rules are what my sister-in-law posted on facebook, and I think they're perfect for our Christmas get togethers and every day. Hope you all enjoy your time time with family and friends this Christmas. Stay safe if you're travelling.

Sunday 13 December 2015

Crowdfree

In my last post I said that in the end I'd have to go to the centre and face the crowds. I also mentioned that our favourite Mexican restaurant's closure was the reason. Well, surprise, surprise! We didn't run into any big crowds as we took the nearest underground station on our line to the restaurant. We were even able to get a seat there and back. The only disappointing thing was the food was a bit cold and the arroz con pollo wasn't up to standard.

I, being the social secretary that I am, made the reservations and sent a whatsapp message on our group page and called the one friend who refuses to be on whatsapp. I saw that everybody answered except Chris. On Tuesday morning I saw that she still hadn't answered. When it got to be what I considered to be late, I started calling her mobile only to get the message that it was turned off or had no service. Then I left a message on her home phone. In the end I left to join Cathy in the underground all the time worried that something had happened to Chris or someone in the family. When we were near the restaurant, I made one last attempt at getting in contact with her. This time she picked up saying she'd had her phone charging and was running late. I know Chris by now to know that she's always late, but she could have phoned or left a message. Pretty inconsiderate of her, especially since I was worried. 

On to a sweeter subject. This is what I've spent considerable time doing at the weekend.
I've been making buckeyes since my sister Diana introduced us to them years ago. Today I will have made and packaged 5 batches or 14 buckeyes per package. I've already made and gifted some Mexican wedding cookies - another treat I make at Christmas.

Yesterday one of my ex-neighbours in Kentucky posted on facebook that they were mowing the grass on 12 December, and today one of my cousins posted some photos of their family Christmas get together of them outside jumping rope. It's not quite as warm here. As a matter of fact, I laugh when I see it's warmer in Paris or London or sometimes in Helsinki than in Madrid. So far we've got almost no snow in the mountains, and we sure could use some rain. It's supposed to rain a bit tomorrow. Let's hope it does.

Since I've been busy today, and I have more things that need doing I'll leave you with a have a good week. 

Sunday 6 December 2015

When a Bridge Isn't Just a Bridge

Language has always fascinated me ever since I started speaking at the age of one.  Probably my favourite way of expressing language is through Spanglish. Some ideas are just easier and quicker in Spanglish. For example, which is easier to say 'cinnamon' or 'canela'? They both have the same number of syllables, but I prefer canela. The same goes for a long weekend. In Spanish, a long weekend is a 'puente' or 'bridge' in English. Today is the official day of the Constitution and Tuesday is the holiday of the Immaculate Conception giving some lucky people a long weekend or puente.
Years ago before this physical bridge was built if we wanted to get to either side of this road on foot, we had to go through some winding dark and not very safe tunnels under the road. I always opted for public transport even if it was for one stop, or took a long way round. I have no idea when this photo was taken since it's almost impossible to see this important and busy road so empty. At least now when I want to cross to the other side, I don't have to go out of my way to get to where I'm going, and the bridge has a roof over it for protection against the weather.

In a previous post, I stated that I didn't want to go to the centre for Christmas lunch. Now it looks like I'll have to give in and go. Hopefully where I'm going there won't be too many people. Our favourite Mexican restaurant, and one that I've gone to since living in Spain, is closing. Chris has sent a message on whatsapp for our group to go before the restaurant is permanently closed. So far, no one has answered, and I, the social secretary, need to know for the reservation. I'm thinking most must be out of Madrid.

December this year will have an extra attraction: general elections on the 20th. The official start of the campaigns was the other day. I'll try to avoid as much information about the elections as possible.

There are some things I need to get done, so I'm going to say have a good week to everyone. Before I do, I see at least one post I can read and enjoy.