Big News Day

Wyatt and I went for our Mommy Date. 

There's chorros and chocolate in a boring cafeteria in our neighborhood, and then there's churros and chocolate in Madrid Center. 

Here is a statue in front of a library. 

The sign say Chocolateria, but otherwise this looks like dead end. 

Grafitti on a ... Is it a garage door if it actually covers a storefront?  Anyway everything is closed at 9:00 a.m. 

Ah!!! Now things are looking a little more lively. Those people in the background are tourists in line. 

We got there before the crush and got a seat. It was plenty of churros for a good price.  I would still rather have donuts. 

You don't realize when you are in these tiny streets that you are next to a church. 

Later in the day, Troy had a judo tournament. He is the only yellow belt among black belts, but he was happy and learned to avoid some tricks that these guys used. 

From the judo tournament we went on to the Spartan race. 

It is a 5k run with obstacles and mud. 

Troy is not in these pictures, so don't look for him. 

We will do it together next year, plus there's a kids' challenge. 

And the biggest news, my brother Nelson married his girlfriend Christie on Friday!  New sister- in-law, new aunt :-)

Judo champion

This dragon gate is in our neighborhood, but since we are studying Revelation, I think they might be cherubim. 

Winston was third overall in his judo class. He is very proyd of his medal. 

He brought the trophy home and then took it back to school the next day, wrapped in paper and in the box. He was very concerned that it might get broken but more concerned ti show it off.  

This is my new dust mop. Cuddles is under the kitchen cabinets. There shiuld be little panels but they are worthless and fall down at the least touch.  

This bridge is near the Plaza Mayor. I finally feel like I can get around. This is a magical neighborhood with narrow streets and secret stairs. I went back the next day with Wyatt for chocolate and churros. 

First day as Cancer Volunteer

Thank you for all your prayers and encouragement about volunteering at the hospital.  

     There were four of us, two veterans and two new people. We went in pairs to all the different cancer-related areas of the hospital. My partner was Julia, who is half Greek and half Peruvian. She did all the talking. I was thinking a couple of times, "What have I got myself into?" I understood 90% of what the coordinator said and only 25% of what was said with the patients. She encouraged me though, and said she was the same way on her first day, stiff and silent. 

     The other two volunteers were Carlos, a retired man and cancer survivor, and Amelia, a nursing student.  Carlos waited a long time to be assigned as a volunteer and Amelia wants to work with kids, but they have enough volunteers already. So it wasn't just me who had a hard time. 

     We saw every stage of the process. We talked to one mother there with her daughter in the oncology waiting room for a consultation. This is the point when you first find out. She said she felt like she was floating, disconnected. In the course of a five-minute conversation she was joking and laughing and then crying and then joking and laughing again. The goal with that group is to give them a flyer and make sure they know about us. The same is true for out-patients who are there for radiation and chemo. 

     We saw a few patients who are admitted, one with bone cancer. They were all in fighting spirits. And we saw the hospice patients. With them, we visit with the families. 

     What impressed me most was how after just a few minutes, we left them in better spirits. One wife of 50 years was on the point of tears, so Julia took her out of the room. I stayed and the brother- in-law told me about his travels as an engineer for Iberia Airlines. They were smiling and standing straighter when we left. 

    I'm surprised at how little time we have with each person, but I could see how it was good. I really liked this group of volunteers, but I will be with a different group next week because I will go on Friday instead of Thursday.  Now I have to take a nap! Love and kisses to you all.  

     

Hoopoe

This kind of hoopoe bird flew right up to my kitchen windowsill, not 3 feet from me. 

You can tell from his long curved bill that he eats bees and insects. 

     I am off to a training session on laugh therapy. Doesn't that sound fun!  I will also meet the other people on my volunteer team. 

Church retreat

We all liked different things best. For Tristan it was playing Pokémon with his friends. 

For Winston it was running, jumping and playing with his friends. 

There were hillside gardens and old hermitages everywhere you looked. 

We were east of town where we haven't been before. Red poppies and golden wheat were glowing brightly on a perfect day. 

Troy sat out on this patio with a Spanish friend who is a medical journalist. 

This spiky purple flower

Turns into this scary looking seedpod. 

We hoped to swim in the lake, but it wasn't accessible. Wyatt was the most disappointed. I wasn't so much because it was too cool to get wet. 

We went on past the lake to play a pirate game that involved treasure maps and water balloons.

Wyatt is the master treasure finder, so of course this was his favorite part of the trip. 

The European soccer finals were the same night. Despite the fact that it was a really good game, these puppies were tuckered out. We were rooting for the underdogs, Atlético Madrid. But Real Madrid is the rich team with a seemingly limitless budget, and they won in the end. So it was two Madrid teams in the European final. 

El Gaupo Chef; & We're finally passing!!!

Le Cordón Bleu had a free cooking demonstration for the embassy. It has a full-on cooking school in Madrid. For $40,000 you can do that nine-month course. 

Several of us want to go back for classes with El Guapo (the cute guy).  He is the head chef for their new Spanish cooking specialty (as opposed to French or international).

I finally learned how to put a good crunchy skin on meat. Let it sit with salt for 10 minutes to get it really dry. 

Here is the baby roast pig chops with a tiny salt boiled potato. It was something special from the Canary Islands with black skin because of the volcanic content of the soil. 

This is black paella with garlic fluffy foam. The black comes from squid ink. 

Winston fell asleep with Cuddles, and I was surprised that Cuddles was perfectly happy to cuddle. I just supposed that Winston is always holding him against his will. 

I walked to a medical appointment from the embassy. 

Here are more statues, buildings and this bas relief. 

I finally understand what is meant by a hanging garden. 

I always take pictures of old buildings so here are some new ones. 

The school gives out nasty letters that advise parents that the student is not meeting the expectations of the course. We found out today that none of the boys will get those letters. That means that Wyatt can watch TV again after two months. There was rejoicing in our house  and much congratulations. 

First Aid

Winston bandaged himself up after he cut his lip on the glass tabletop. I got the call while I was stuck in rush hour traffic. The boys were going to miss the bus and Winston was crying and I could do nothing about it. Troy told me to go on to my appointment, that Winston was fine with ice and TV.  I reschuduled the appointment and went home anyway and found things exactly as Troy predicted. 

The older boys said it was SOOO hard leaving Winston to catch the bus.  Yay!  They really do care about each other. 

Some Madrid street corners while I was waiting for another appointment. 

A Competent Princess, Part 2 of 2

     A girl almost grown was the last refugee to enter the gate as it closed against the siege.  Lady Grace, Lord Grant and Princess Mainsail held their breath as metal, stone and wood reverberated together. A  last shower of clay dust from the swallow nests sifted down and billowed in the light of the watchtower.  Once the solemn moment had passed, the three regarded the newcomer.

     "Send word to have her brought up," Lord Grant said to an orderly.

     "But she's a refugee," said the princess.  "The poor things are too shell-shocked to be any use."

     "She's not shell-shocked.  She's taking in every detail and arguing with the guard."

     "But she's a commoner from Rocky Point.  The weave of their skirts is so gaudy, not at all the practical clothing we have here.  Comfort is most important, I always say."

     "She's educated and well-born.   Look how the guard won't touch her how he advises her to go to the Horse Gate but she won't go."

     "But that could just mean she's ill-bred and stubborn.  I shall have a word with her."

    

     By that time the girl had been brought up.  Lord Grant tried to interview her while the princess interrupted.

     "Where do you come from?" asked Lord Grant.

     "She comes from Rocky Point," answered the princess.

     "Yes, My Lord," the girl agreed.

     "Where is the enemy army?"

     "They are four days away," supplied the princess.

     "At your gate.  They will be here tomorrow," corrected the girl.  

     "How did you escape?"

     "Her parents sent her, which reminds me that we must prepare to flee the city.  Summon everyone here to the gate."

     "I was not in the city, because I am a scout."

     The conversation proceeded in a similar manner for what seemed to Lord Grant an eternity, but he learned what he needed about the enemy position, numbers, and tactics.

     The girl said finally, "With your permission, My Lady, I will take a horse and go on to Running River."

     "And sleep on the cold ground?  Now, Girl, don't be silly." said the princess, "Go down to the kitchen, sleep by the warm fire and Cook will give you something to do."

     Lord Grant nodded pointedly as Girl opened her mouth to argue, and with a snap of his fingers, sent her off with a guard until the princess forgot about her.

     "Now I must see to my people," sighed the princess.  Even the swallows were still as she stepped from the parapet and made her way grandly down the steps.  She wore a cloak, fancier than her comfortable dress, that spread out behind her.

     "I have not done enough, but I hope you will remember me fondly.  Now you have some time with your families."  She reached the bottom of the stairs and greeted people by name:  "Jane Tanner, God be with you.  Missy Cooper, keep little William close.  Mother Box, I will not forget you."  Then to the astonishment of Lord Grant, all three knealt down to kiss the hem of Princess Mainsail's cloak.  Poxum Crossing was a free city; people did not kneel to the princess.  One after another, the townspeople said their tearful goodbyes.  "You were always in the street, never proud and aloof.  You made me welcome in the castle.  You visited when I was sick.  You gave wool in a harsh winter.  We love you.  I love you."

     The princess stopped at the road leading to the stable, where mounted riders watched the tearful scene and listened to what she had to say.  "The enemy is strong," the princess continued.  "We are not prepared.  But life goes on.  Those who want to leave should prepare to leave.  That's all."

     There was no rush to leave.  After a moment a voice rang from above, from one of the riders.  "That was a TERRIBLE speech.  You haven't even lost yet.  FIGHT!  Fight for your homes!  Fight for your princess!  Sound the horn, summon your huntsmen to Lord Grant."

     Girl dropped from her horse and took the princess by the arm.  "Come, My Lady, I'm sure cook can find some work for you in the kitchen."  

Fiction: A Competent Princess

A Competent Princess

Once upon a time, there was a very silly princess.  Princess Mainsail was slightly overweight and winded from climbing up the parapet with Lord Grant.  Below was the gate, her townspeople, and a small but noteworthy straggle of refugees.  A swallow zipped by her head, or possible a bat, which startled her into looking up.  She shielded her eyes for a moment from the light burning brightly from the watchtower. From the watchtower, Lord Grant told her to look north, as if that would explain why he had dragged her up here.
"The sunset, Lord Grant?" she asked, petulant, but trying to be polite.  There was a pronounced burning glow.
"That is NORTH, My Lady," whispered the lady in waiting, Lady Grace.  "The refugees are coming from Rocky Point."
"Oh yes," answered the Princess, "all those unfortunate people at the Horse Gate.  I have been thinking about how to put them to work.  One told me she is a smith.  How useful!"  The princess noticed for the first time a sword mounted on the wall, along with assorted other weapons.
"A blacksmith, My Lady?" said Lord Grant.  "The smith would have stayed to defend Rocky Point."
"The daughter of the smith, then," the Princess conceded.  "I'm sure our smith can find a use for her, though she is a timid little thing..."
"My Lady," interrupted Lord Grant, "Her city is burning, her family lost, and the enemy is four days' march from here.  The training of future blacksmiths is not our first concern.  We must shut the gate."
"Certainly not!  Not in 30 years has it been shut.  From my father's time we have been a free city, with an open gate."  After a brief silence, she went on, "What exactly is it you do, Lord Grant?  I see that you are a military man, though why we need so many weapons is hard to understand.  Why can't we all get along?..."
Lady Grace apologized to Lord Grant, "I always told her to pay attention in council meetings, but she was always preoccupied with her dog, or her banker, or the new footstool she was having made."
"...This is a very fine horn," Princess Mainsail was still talking.  She twirled the long, curved horn into the 'carry arms' position and straightened her shoulders.  "I will go out to talk to them."
"Rocky Point is burning.  They are not here to talk."
"Then you go out and fight."
"They have more troops and we have the advantage of a fine wall, except for one weakness."
"Which is?"
"The gate."
"Well then, shut the gate!"
"Yes, My Lady.  If you would please, sound the horn...Not yet!  Outside."
At the blast of the horn, Lady Grace saw clearly that the flying darts were swallows, and that their clay nests were built into the crevice between the doors of the gate and the surrounding wall.  "My Lady, the swallow nests will be destroyed!"
Princess Mainsail, now that she had decided to shut the gate, forgot that she had ever opposed it.  "Don't be sentimental.  One of you will fly away homeless:  you or the swallows.  Lord Grant, in my experience, it is better to be prepared.  When I go for a picnic, I check to make sure everything is working.  The groom checks the carriages, the porter checks the baskets.  We can't have the handle breaking after all.  We can't have anyone being bitten by spiders, but that's just me."
"Very wise, thank you, My Lady."

Tomorrow:  Princess Mainsail gives a very bad speech.

Food Photos

Troy had the week off and we went out for lunch. He has our first bowl of gazpacho for the summer season. They take that little plate of  onions and peppers from one table to the next, so I am glad we got it first.  I meanwhile had goat cheese with balsamic vinegar. 

The best way to eat out is to go for lunch during the week. Restaurants have a Menu del Día with three or four choices for a starter and main dish. People used to go home for the big meal of the day and the siesta. But not anymore. So restaurants offer a good deal for working people. 

Troy got a hamburger with an egg congealed over the top like melted cheese. I ordered fish and was delighted to get little fried fish with the heads on.  I loved that dish in southern Spain and this is the first time I've had it here. 

     Troy has a mountain of use-or-lose leave. It was miscalculated for five years because his military time should have counted towards seniority. I guess it is good that he received it here where the office is fully manned instead of Oman where he got two weeks off in two years.

Cuddles Update

Today was a holiday for San Isidro, the patron saint of Madrid. 

Of course the boys chose to do the shooting gallery. 

This is traditional dress for Madrid. Other parts of Spain have other traditional dresses. It made me wonder why medieval style sticks in one place and Victorian sticks in another. They wouldn't call it Victorian but I don't know the Spanish contemporary ruler. 

There were hordes of people in a hilly park that went on and on. Some elderly couples were dancing something not very noteworthy, and on another stage they were setting up for a rock concert. Tristan thought that sounded fun, and soon enough he will be going with his friends. 

The mounted police were just coming out of the horse trailer. Supposedly there are giant slides in this park and the best playscape in the city. We didn't find anything trace of that. I'm sure the park will look completely different when we go back. 

We did go ahead and take Cuddles to the trauma vet. His leg is not broken, but he has to be restrained for two months with no running or jumping. While we were there another family counted out an enormous pile of cash. Their dog was nearly dead, eight years old and having surgery for cancer. I nearly cried, which is crazy because were talking about the dog and because now I am a trained professional!  The assistants brought out an enormous German Shepherd on a stretcher. I wished the mom well.