Only four days until I depart for Spain! This will be my first trip in two years and I am very much looking forward to it. The suitcase is gradually filling and all my important documents have been assembled. Can't wait!!
The weather in Madrid is very hot at the moment but, hopefully, it will be cooler in the north where we are headed. We start in Barcelona and then travel across to San Sebastian on the Atlantic coast. There are many interesting architectural and cultural sights to see. Learning about the Catalan and Basque cultures are a major part of the trip. We will be visiting a UNESCO World Heritage sight featuring the works of the renowned Spanish architect, Antonio Gaudi. I am also looking forward to sampling all the great food from this region. Another excursion will be to the Penedes wine region where I am sure we will get to sample some of the local wines. It's only a short trip but packed full of interesting experiences!
Wednesday 21 August 2013
Sunday 18 August 2013
In the Pool
Had a fun day with the grandkids while Judy was taking part in a 15k run - she did well, finishing in 1:39.
The kids had a great time in the pool as it was a perfect afternoon. James took a little while to make up his mind about going in but was eventually persuaded to get in to his swim suit. Once in, he was splashing with the best of them!
We finally got out and dried off by 5:00 p.m. and they kept themselves busy while I cooked dinner. I had decided on baked chicken drumsticks in a crispy coating, corn-on-the-cob and sweet potato fries. They were all good and hungry by the time it was ready and cooled off, so not much was left. Natalie ate the best - three drumsticks and two corn cobs - but the boys ate their share too. Dessert was rhubarb cake and ice cream with a variety of toppings.
James hadn't slept in the afternoon (too much going on) so he faded later in the evening and was sound asleep when Judy arrived to take them home. The other two managed to stay awake but I'm sure slept in the car! I will find out today when I go to their house for a barbecue.
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| All kitted out but no swimsuit. |
We finally got out and dried off by 5:00 p.m. and they kept themselves busy while I cooked dinner. I had decided on baked chicken drumsticks in a crispy coating, corn-on-the-cob and sweet potato fries. They were all good and hungry by the time it was ready and cooled off, so not much was left. Natalie ate the best - three drumsticks and two corn cobs - but the boys ate their share too. Dessert was rhubarb cake and ice cream with a variety of toppings.
James hadn't slept in the afternoon (too much going on) so he faded later in the evening and was sound asleep when Judy arrived to take them home. The other two managed to stay awake but I'm sure slept in the car! I will find out today when I go to their house for a barbecue.
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| Not sure about the temperature! |
Friday 16 August 2013
More better
Managed three short sets of tennis this morning and a bit of a swim so things are definitely looking up. Now I will take a break until Tuesday and should be back to normal by then.
Judy and the boys over for lunch (egg salad sandwiches again but at least they are popular!). Elliot helped(!) me clean the pool and then we had a brief dip as the water was still a bit on the chilly side. They were off to watch Natalie's final dance performance later in the afternoon so I had an opportunity for a nap and felt better for it.
Basa fillet for dinner. I think I will fry it in a little butter and make some quinoa with peas. I have started on the onions from the garden so will add one. Should take me all of 20 minutes to prepare. My kind of meal!
Judy and the boys over for lunch (egg salad sandwiches again but at least they are popular!). Elliot helped(!) me clean the pool and then we had a brief dip as the water was still a bit on the chilly side. They were off to watch Natalie's final dance performance later in the afternoon so I had an opportunity for a nap and felt better for it.
Basa fillet for dinner. I think I will fry it in a little butter and make some quinoa with peas. I have started on the onions from the garden so will add one. Should take me all of 20 minutes to prepare. My kind of meal!
Thursday 15 August 2013
Food
I made a tasty dinner yesterday, rotini pasta tossed in a cheesy veggie sauce. It started with an onion, then I added a couple of mushrooms, a tomato from the garden, sun-dried tomatoes and, finally a couple of ounces of goat cheese to make a sauce and, lastly some shrimp from the freezer. This time I defrosted and peeled the shrimp first which made for easier eating. It made a huge plateful but was so good I ate the whole thing!
Tonight I have a big corn cob from the farmer's market - picked this morning - and garlic and bacon mashed potatoes. Some cherry tomatoes from the garden will round off the meal. Sadly, there are only a few tomatoes left on the vine but I am enjoying them while they last.
I hit a bit on the tennis courts this morning but not able to run for any balls yet. Will try again tomorrow.
Tonight I have a big corn cob from the farmer's market - picked this morning - and garlic and bacon mashed potatoes. Some cherry tomatoes from the garden will round off the meal. Sadly, there are only a few tomatoes left on the vine but I am enjoying them while they last.
I hit a bit on the tennis courts this morning but not able to run for any balls yet. Will try again tomorrow.
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