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Saturday 24 August 2013

In Packing Mode

   Clothes all washed and dried, ready for ironing tomorrow, then into the suitcase. Have spent the day scurrying up and downstairs with additional items to pack, but I think I have everything ready. We depart Toronto at 7 p.m. tomorrow and arrive in Frankfurt Monday morning just before 9:00 a.m. The flight to Barcelona leaves 50 minutes later so I can only hope we get there on time. I'm hoping to be able to post some news while away but that's not always possible. Will be back September 3rd. Goodbye!!

  

Thursday 22 August 2013

Last Days of Summer

   Grandkids over for their last day in the pool. I will probably be in on Friday, but the "pool guys" will be here Saturday morning to close it for the year. It is sad to see the end of summer but there was really no point in keeping it open while I was away. When I get back there wouldn't be too many opportunities for swimming.

    They had an excellent time this morning, coming over to the park to meet me after tennis (including snacks and play at the splash pad), and returned home for an hour in the pool. Then we took a break for lunch, after which Natalie and Elliot were back in the water for further fun while James slept. When he woke, he was back in the water for another half-hour as the jollity continued. It was sad to see them leave, but there's always next year.

  

Wednesday 21 August 2013

Counting down

    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!

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.

All kitted out but no swimsuit.
   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.
Not sure about the temperature!