We made it!  Home Sweet Home    9 weeks in Spain was an amazing adventure full of memories and experiences that we both will always treasure.  The people we met are wonderful and we have made many lifetime friends.

 The last few days in Granada were filled, taking in all we could .  The hotel was the best of the trip, and convenient walking distance to all sites.  Loved walking through the different areas. Only one incident where we both thought we were being watched, possible pickpocket situation.   We had been warned so were cautious and finally got away from this person.

The drive to Madrid was traumatic for Ter, got stopped by two Civil Guard on motorcycles.  Ticketed for no lights in a tunnel and not driving in the slow lane.  Great last night in Madrid.  Took the reception's suggestion for tapas and supper and it paid off, wonderful food and exceptional service.

Been sorting through over 1000 pictures,, planning on making a photo album so hopefully some of you will see more of our adventure.

Hope you all have enjoyed our postings we have had fun sharing with you


Adios amigos          with love from Kansas

More update on Seville,  we enjoyed ourselves though the city is much too big for our liking.  Took the sightseeing bus again first thing in the morning and it was much more tolerable.  Visited the Cathedral, which is truly amazing, so vast and ornate.   Walked around a lot of the centre of town,seeing lots of street entertainers, horse carriages and different sections of town.

Now have spent two days in Granada and it is so much more fun.  Okay "Jill" our garmin GPS got  us lost and it took two hours longer circling around  and down the wrong way on a one way street,to find our hotel and parking but we made it!  Great hotel in center of things.  Spent the first afternoon sight seeing, the cathedral here is even more impressive than Seville.  Walked through the Jewish and gypsy sections.  Terry had fun bartering with the people.  Got a guided tour through the Alhambra, three hour walking tour that was very informative. It is so Hugh can not imaging visiting it without a guide.  To even get in you have to make reservations a month ahead of time.   Made friends with Arab named Mohamed (imagine that)who joined us for tapas.    Heading to Madrid tomorrow , then home. Have tons of photos but will take a few days to get them loaded and sorted. Will post more soon.

Just a quick note, hard day!   Started off with getting separated, took forever to find each other.  Yesterday we missed the last bus to hotel had to walk forever, previously had taken a sightseeing bus, only seats were on the inside and we were so hot got off after two stops.  Most of you know how I do when HOT and tired :). Got mixed up with a HUGH crowd coming out from a bull fight.  So have had some mishaps in Seville be ready to move on to Granada.   Seville is beautiful and lots to see but also a very big city.  Cordoba was a lot easier to navigate and lots more charm and character.  

Buenos noches.  Will post more pictures soon

Having trouble loading pictures,will try again tomorrow in Seville.  This is our third day in Cordoba, it is a beautiful town and I have taken over a hundred pictures.  The first day we got here mid afternoon, walked around till around 10 seeing numerous histories sites and neighborhoods, soaking in the culture.  Yesterday started the day with an audio tour of the Mosque/Cathedral which took about three hours then on to the Alcazar an ancient Moorish military post now filled with amazing gardens.  Rested a couple of hours then out for an evening of site seeing and a Flamenco show at 10:30, walking back to hotel about 1.   Today was a demonstration parade followed by a May Day parade and every square in town is having their own parties, three days of celebrating. All the squares are by churches and they have big crosses decorated with flowers as part of the celebration.  We are heading out again now for supper and to take in more of the celebrations, music and dancing.  Will head to Seville tomorrow for two nights then to Granada.   Doing as much as we can in these last few days.  Then home to recuperate!!!  Sending a hug with love from Spain

7 1/2 weeks have flown by have only 1 1/2  to go. We pick up John and Mair tonight will spend one more night here and then head to Cordoba tomorrow.  Hoping to leave mid day, about a four hour drive if you know the way.  Will have them check over everything make sure they are happy with the care provided.  Terry spent all morning draining the water in the pool and cleaning it before putting more water in.   When we got here the pool had a leak so some pool guys came and took out all the tile on the bottom and fixed the leak and retiled.  We have kept a foot of water in it to protect the grout, but with all the leaves, it was becoming a habitat for mosquito breeding so needed to clean it out.  Yesterday spent the day doing last cleaning, and washed the car.

Talking of cars the Subaru looks fantastic in the picture, this car is a wreck but makes it to the trash containers in town every week, if you put water in it first.  That is all it is used for, another wreck of a car is used for tool storage, they are quite frugal here .

Thought you would enjoy a few pictures of this place before we leave.  Been a busy week having friends over to say goodbye.  Out or up till midnight last four nights, ready for some early to bed time:).  We have had a wonderful time here and met a lot of great people, leaving with very fond memories.

Sitting having coffee on the patio this morning heard a real cocoo bird, went to town to find a barber, Ter getting pretty shaggy but was told the barber is known for liking to drink so may wait a day

Will write more from Cordoba, Adios for now

Tuesday night Bunco party was lots of fun,  I won the prize for most snake eyes. Snake eyes cause you to loose all your points!  Hard to say goodbye to these ladies I have had so much fun with.  Will keep in touch with several on Facebook.   The hostess, Mags is a 70 year old actress, quite a character.  She had just auditioned for a play that day, and was hoping to hear from them.  She is an incredible hostess, with fancy English sandwiches, tons of desserts...  

No more guest till Saturday so doing our final sprucing up around here.  Ter has tighten up several chairs, fixed lawn chairs, gate latches and hung another clothes line.  I have been dead heading and trimming plants and bushes.

Yesterday took a trip to Cabo de Gato a national park, stopping in a small seaside village (San Jose) on the way.   Yes we do know the way to San Jose, after getting lost last time.  Enjoyed a great lunch by the beach.   Took some pretty rough gravel roads but made it to Cabo de Gato.   Always amazed at the beautiful scenery.  On the way home stopped to help a car broken down on the side of the road.  Older man, his car had overheated.  Last time we stopped to help a hitchhiker did not go as well.

Last night invited Angie and Peter up for dominoes, Ter ordered a regular set of Mexican Train dominoes for them to have after we leave.  They love the game.

A bit windy today, will be meeting up with friends for tapas.   Wishing you all the best, with love from Spain

Friday night met up at our favorite tapas bar with friends, took some of our guest.  Scottish couple here looking to buy a place. On Saturday went to flea market and ran into Hadyn, Kristy and Isabelle so we ate lunch together and then we took Isabelle for a couple of hours.  Later Hadyn took us to the goat farm where he was a shepherd for a year.   Way back in the hills, quite a ride, very narrow steep,curvy gravel road with shear cliffs.  There is a 97 year old lady that lives back there all by herself, saw her out picking oranges.  Kristy told us the ambulance goes back there every two weeks to pick her up for doctor appointment.   Baby goats all over,  500 goats that two sherperds milk twice a day.
 Easter Sunday went to church and took it easy, lots of late nights.   In the evening took two guest to a restaurant about 5 km from here and as we were driving there we saw several large fires in the distance,quite alarming.  Luckily over night they were able to get them in control.  There has been no significant rain here since last April when they had a flood, the road by this cortijo was 6 feet deep in water.  The couple we went with were very interesting, she is an archeologist and he plays in several jazz bands, even plays country (Hank Williams).

Monday all guest gone so busy cleaning, no more till Saturday so gives us a few days to take a few more day trips. Last knitting circle this morning and a chance to say goodbye to several ladies.  Have met over 60 people that we have interacted with several times in last 6 weeks.  Tonight off to a Bunco party.   Ter invited to dominoes with the men. Adios for now

Very busy few days, on Thursday Nicola and Laura left, hated to see them go.  We all ate together at El Molina's a favorite local restaurant.  (All 6 guest and us)

Friday being a holy day we headed to Cuevas de la Alamanzora.  Kind of took the wrong road ended up on a narrow gravel road through the mountains but got there JUST as the parade started.  One of our neighbors had informed us about the Good Friday celebration in this town. People come from all over to participate and observe.  Most of the Spanish come very dressed up.  We were totally in awe of the size of this parade.  We got there at 11 am and did not leave till after 2pm and there was hours left to go, we both took so many pictures at the start that our batteries died.  Facing the sun at first so hard to get good shots.  The people in the parade were dressed in velvet robes and hoods and walked for HOURS in the heat.  I was getting overheated just watching and in much cooler clothes.  There were at least 10 bands, 20 floats, several groups of hooded marchers, horses.... beyond words to describe the atmosphere and the significance of the celebration.  Several of the floats were actually carried by men, with spare men walking behind to relieve those carrying.  On one float I counted 52 men, they would move a few inches at a time go 20 or so feet and rest, and the crowd would applaud.The floats were very elaborate draped with live flowers. It was a very unique experience which we totally enjoyed.  Lots  more to tell you about but will end on this event for today.  Wishing you all a very Happy Easter.   With love from Spain

Hard water here as you can tell by Terry's hair in the morning.  We have been calling it the "Einstein Look"   Been having fun visiting with guest. Learning interesting facts about England.  Stories about the "travelers" the Irish gypsies in the north of England.   Still have arranged marriages at 14 years of age, and devoted Catholics.  Keep pretty much to themselves.  Lots of interesting facts and stories.  We have an owl here that sounds like an electronic beep, it is called a Scops Owl. (sp?)

Sunday was Palm Sunday and everyone gathers at the town square  to collect olive branches. The priest blesses the branches and then everyone follows "Jesus"on the donkey to the church.  Have learned that in towns around their our possessions all week to celebrate Holy Week, hoping to see a few.

Tried a new place last night, only open 5 months.  A young couple from England bought the place and completely restored it.  Great food and nice place, Corinna in our knitting circle works there.

Off to knitting today, hoping to finish the crochet top, Ter is going to do some handy work for an elderly lady in town.  New guest coming today.   More later  - love to all!

All guests left on Wednesday, sure hated to see them go. Bronnie and Keith invited us to England and New Zealand.  Will be fun to keep in touch with them.  So it has been a busy few days getting all places cleaned and ready for next guest.  Laura and Nicola checked in on Thursday.   Both from England, and they both have fun accents.  Spent most of the afternoon visiting with them and showed them the town and went for tapas.  They are in their thirties and have traveled extensively.  Took a trip with 30 others on an old restored bus and traveled from England to Australia.  Had the bus shipped there.  On their journey  they visited Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, Indonesia, Vietnam, China, Tibet, Mongolia, Russia.   Sure I have missed a few.   fascinated by their stories.  Of all places they said that Iran was by far the friendliest.  We took them for tapas again last night and introduced them to several English residents.  They also joined us for a trip to Albox to the flea market.  Second set of guest arrive this afternoon and another on Monday.  Just got another booking for Thursday.  Keeping busy!

Had to move a few beds around so Hadyn came over and lent a hand.  He brought Isabelle (4) and so I got my "Mima" fix.   Been missing the grandkids.

It is so nice to sit outside and hear the goat bells as they pass.

Every door has chains or beads hanging down to keep flies out,they can be pesty.

One of our guest left some computer cords so we went to the post office to mail them.  Found out it is  only  open  from 1 - 1:45 Evidently one person to deliver mail and run office.

Tomorrow heading to town early to see the Palm Sunday Parade, the carry a statute of Jesus to the Church and throw palms.

The weather here is getting really nice, no more hot water bottles!  Wildflowers are blooming, adding lots more color.   Adios for now Sending a hug!

Time to catch up.  Saturday we went to the flea market, ran into 9 people we knew from Lubrin.  Good size flea market and reasonable prices.  That night we went to supper at Angie and Peter's.  Peter cooked a fabulous meal, quite the gourmet cook.  We sat out on the terrace and enjoyed a beautiful evening.  Later went inside to teach them Mexican Train dominies, which they loved, had a great night.  Josie and Tony joined us.  Have to cover wine glasses or there are several fruit flies next sip!  That is how tapas started,they would bring out your wine covered with a piece of bread.  Has evolved from that.

Sunday off to church, I was the only non Spanish one there.  Turned out to be a funeral mass, at the beginning everyone stood and turned towards the door and the coffin was carried in.  At the end of the service the coffin was carried out put in a "hearse" and the whole church followed the hearse, walking through the town to the cementary.  A lot of men stay outside of the church, do not go in but join the procession.  Tony told us that a lot of people have turned against the church after the church supported Franco.

We cooked up all the peppers Hadyn brought and shared them with guest and took some for supper at Angie's.  Very different but not bad.

Funny to walk around town,  you see ladies with pieces of cardboard to shade themselves, they do not wear sun glasses.

Last night a  couple of guest Keith and Bronwyn invited us for drinks and tapas, all the guest joined so 7 of us.  Ended up playing Mexican Train dominoes which most of them had never heard of and listening to Tom Jones.   Fun evening later went for drinks at local bar and ran into Angie and Peter.
To bed to be woken up at 4 am by a 4 inch centipede, that bite Ter on the arm!!! No sleep after that.

Keith and Browyn are a very interesting couple originally from New Zealand. They live in ChristChurch and experienced the hugh earthquake in 2010.  Did not loose house or family but close to many effected.  They lived on a canal boat in England for several years, now Keith does computer programming and she is a "Matron" at a very posh private school (Bradfield)   Looks a lot like Hogwarts.  She says the Russian girls are very wealthy and have their own private drivers. She looks after 64. Her friend from New Zealand works their also.  

Today, off to knitting.  Was able to get half a top crocheted.  Home to treat Sammy who is covered with fleas.  Got phone call about a packaged, the poor guy just kept SIGHING really big. Finally he evidently found someone who speaks English who called and we were able to set up a meeting place to pick up the package.  Flat tire on the car but hey with these roads you do not even notice.  We all drive on old rocky creek beds,they call them ramblas.    Wishing you all the best  Adios for now

We decided to go to the monastery yesterday so tomorrow can spend more time in Albox at the flea market and looking around.  The trip was again amazing I am always surprised  how far you can see.  The hills are covered in olive, almond and orange groves.   Ter is impressed with how straight they are planted up and down and around the hillside.  The monastery was really beautiful, the pictures do not do it justice.  It was really interesting learning the history, Vern I got a medal for you.   There is a fancy restaurant below the monastery, so we gave it a try.    We were the only ones there, the waitress did not speak English.  The menu was all in Spanish so we just gave a guess and ordered.   We loved it, hugh salad then Ter had soup, which was like egg drop soup, I thought I was getting fruit (Berenjenas Fritas con Miel) turned out to be eggplant with a chocolate sauce.  It was a lot of fun!  Actually drove all day without getting lost.  My favorite cat,  Sammy is now bring me presents - ticks!!!  two on her in the last day.

Ter is working on plans for after we leave here on the 28th.  We will have till the 7th to tour Granada, Seville and Cordoba... so getting car rental and lodging booked.   Planning on driving back to Madrid.  All for now, more soon    

Will the phone call with the wood guy did some good he showed up at the door.  I was just starting to put on my makeup, still in pj's.  Of course Ter was taking Meg for her daily walk.   Thought the stranger at the door could be the wood guy.  After a lot of pantomining, we got the point across, he would bring 70 euros of wood today at 4 pm.  He did and the wood box is stocked, ready for guest.  He (Cristobel) was so kind and patient I had to give him a big hug!

So now time to get ready for church, Ter walked down with me and we ran into Josie, Angie and Peter at the plaza.  No church, they changed the time and besides that I was an hour late, everyone moved their clocks ahead 1 hour, like we did at home 3 weeks ago.

We have enjoyed visiting with guest from all over England.  The ladies at knitting circle say there is quite a difference is accents from different areas of England.  But I really have not noticed that much difference.  They do use the word "proper" a lot.  I finished my first knitting project a cowl neck scarf, will put up a picture.  Feeling like a success!

Getting use to Meg and having to dust and sweep daily, socks look furry all the time!  Luckily she does not seem to bother my asthma.  Took a few nights to get use to her heavy breathing under our bed, kept thinking it was Ter at first:)

Planning a trip to Albox and then on to a monastary in the hills, we were going to go tomorrow, but Warren and Betsy informed us Albox has a flea market on Saturday that sounds inviting.

At knitting this week, we got to talking about bugs.  They said that now that the lizards are out so will the scorpions be out.  They have centipedes here too and some thing called procession caterpillars that our suppose to be very toxic to dogs and humans if you touch them.  Great one of the ladies told me she checks her bed every night.   Okay this was on April 1st, but I really think I trust this person.  so guess who is now checking her bed.  Thankful the work I had planned to do in weeding and sprucing up the yard is all done! Working on more pictures having some technical difficulties

Our travels on Thursday turned out to be a bit of an adventure. Found out that our Garmin does not like the curvey roads or round a bouts.  Got lost several times, did not help that the roads signs have been changed and the numbers are now different than on most maps. Jill (the voice on our Garmin) had quite a time, recalculating!!!  she sent us down some pretty narrow streets, had to even pull in the mirrors.  SO thankful we did not met another car!   We forgot to take our phone :)  Lucky did not need it. But still a fun day, the landscape changes so much from desert to olive, orange groves.... tons of rock terraces.  We went over one hill and saw an "ocean" of  greenhouses.  Locals call it the sea of plastics.  Where vegetables are grown for the rest of Europe.   There are several granite quarries in this area and some Windmill farms.

We had Hadyn and Kristy over for supper Friday night, yep made it till 9 to eat.  Cooking was quite an adventure.  The Lasagna noodles are like the size of postcards and I separated them to cook, well they all stuck together.  Ter asked the lady at the  grocery store for sausage by saying oink or moo.  The sausage was very bland so added some Chorizo.  Had to us my dictionary for spices.  Looked one up and the translation said - " I don't give a damn. I did not use that one.  Did find Albahaca (basil) Perejil (parsley) , garlic and oregano.   The stove turns off when timer not set, the readings on the stove say. Carne/pescado, pizza, gratin Eco or gratin.  We found out pizza setting not enough and crane too much.  Had a house full of smoke when guest arrived.  Small oven and only one rack a challenge when cooking lasagna, garlic bread and apple crisp.  But dinner a success and had a great time.  Taught Hadyn and Kristy how to play Mexican train dominoes.  Wow Hadyn is a ringer, and competitive.  (Dee, he really is but in a a real fun way as he blocks you).  They brought us some paprika peppers, told us how to cook them in Olive oil and they turn into chips.   Kristy told us they grew so many she uses them as drapes in her house. They invited us to watch their daughter do flamenco dancing next week.

Walking about the villages on Saturday morning ran into Betsy and Warren and they invited us in for coffee.   They just bought a house here in January and Hadyn has just finished remodeling it. Nice three story home with a terrace on top overlooking the city.  They are a really interesting couple, really living their dream.  Their next book comes out on the 23rd, hoping to get a copy. Warren said they are now writing one about Lubrin and are scheduled for a book tour,12 cities across Europe.  Going to talk about romantic cities, and couples in those cities. They are making a living, loving what they are doing and it shows in the joy you feel when around them..

Our newest guest arrived last evening. We we'll have only 5 days with no guest till we leave.  Pretty will booked!  

Just tried to order wood, he did not speak English.  Do not know if got it ordered or not?  

Sending a hug, especially to Vail,Stella ,Ruby,Wyatt,Mamie  and Winnie!!!  Love you!  Mima and Pipa

Off for another adventure today, been a busy week around here.  Guys came on Monday to take out the bottom of the pool, redo the cement and tile to fix a leak.   Water is scarce and expensive here.  We had a pump failure for the water booster pump and  had John call the plumber twice.  When it goes off no water.  Happened 5 times the other day when we had guest here.  Terry has since put in a bypass valve so you can still get water just not as much pressure.    We walked a round town the other day, I am always amazed how quiet and sleepy this town appears.  Probably 80% of the window shade/coverings are always closed.  I asked a real estate agent about this, and she said half the houses are empty, families do not want to sell.  They have moved to other areas for jobs, but come back for holidays and fiestas.  Even during weekdays you see less than 20 people in town.   Yesterday I took a break sat down soaking in the warm sun, on a secluded terrace, since it was a very windy day, and very crisp wind.  I am reading a book recommended by Hyden, called Driving on Lemons.  It is about a couple who bought an old cortijo(farm) here 15 years ago and wrote about their experience.  really applies to today and the young couples we have met here.   The other day we went in search of some steel wool, luckily we are able to type it in google translate and they can read it in Spanish, the talking aspect of google translate not so accurate.  Okay may be our pronunciation.  On our last outing I forgot to mention our stop at a second hand store run by gypsies. Hugh place but not so cheap.   Bought a picture frame and Ter bargained successfully.   Still enjoying my weekly knitting circle, there were 22 ladies this week.  It is amazing the quality of things they are knitting, I look pretty pathetic but they are all so supportive. :). We are having Hyden, Kristy and their daughter Isabelle over for supper tomorrow night   At 9 Pm, hope Ter and I can last that long, we find ourselves pretty sleepy by then, guess a siesta is in store.  Saturday will be getting our next guest and then two more couple Wednesday.  We got a great review from our first guest and John was really pleased.  They posted it on responsible travel.com where they had booked this place.   Terry has been busy on small jobs, and I have been "grooming" the garden.  Ter also made me a walking stick which really helps up and down the hills, silly knee is still having some swelling.   Meg the sheep dog is adorable, Ter walks her every day. Sammy is another matter, love attention and buts you in the face to get it.  She determines wether she wants in or not a night, either way she wakes you up about 3 am with her meow sounds like Hell-woah... Till you get up and let her in or out.  Will get some more pictures post soon.   Adios for now. Sending hugs!

Been a couple of days, we went to Bedar on Thursday, loved the drive.  I kept saying WOW and Ter said he was going to start charging $5 everytime I said it.  The view from the mountains to the Mediterranean is amazing.  Wish I had Keith's camera and skills.  The pictures I try to take do not do justice.  Mojacar is a village of whitewashed houses on the hillside, very stunning.  Driving on to Bedar you are in the mountains and there are many scattered beautiful homes each appears to be sitting on their own hilltop.  We had a fun day exploring.  Our first guest are delightful to visit with, they are from New Yorkshire, England and own a bed and breakfast.  David runs marathons and had just completed one in Barcelona.  Their web site is jelleylegs.co.uk.   Damaris is a nurse and also first cousin to John Kerry.   They left this morning, hope to keep in touch.  They asked us if we would like to housesit for them, would be fun!( sorry hit underline key on this small keyboard and can not figure out how to get rid of it)    Looks like we have 6 more bookings , next couple coming on Saturday.  Ter met a young family that moved here 6 months ago.His wife took a two year sabbatical from her job, he is hoping to make a living here gardening, been doing a lot of trimming on olive trees.  Their 6 year old son  (Marshal)hiked with Ter up to the moors outpost.  Which as been restored and is now a clock tower.  Twice a day ti shows the correct time:)   We found out Warren and Betsy have a web site . Married with Luggage, it tells all about them and the books they have published.  Went to town yesterday to take trash and do a few errands.  Parking is so limited Ter parked illegal and left me in car with flashers on.  Luckily there is only one policeman in town and he just walked by.  Gasoline here costs not quite $8 a gallon.  Marhal is on a soccer team, guess it has been several years since they have had enough children to have one here in Lubrin, so a bit behind the curve. Their record is 0 wins, 20 loses, 1 tie.   We walked to town tonight for supper and found out they do not even start serving till 7, it was only 6.   Francis an Irish neighbor invited Ter to a bar tonight to watch football (soccer) suppose to be the Super Bowl of soccer Starts at 9 pm, need to adjust to these hours, we still get up early and have not really gotten into the siesta lifestyle.  Town does pretty much close down from 2-5 everyday.  Off to church at 12:30 then Paella with friends on the plaza.   Adios  for now

Sunday went to church, an absolutely beautiful old church that is in the middle of town and stands tall above everything else.  Will try and get some pictures of the inside. Very few young people in church, mostly older generations, though a good attendance.  They say the size of the church indicates the wealth of the community or use to.  This beautiful church is in need of repair.  Went with three friends from UK.  Ter met us at the plaza afterwards for Paella.   Very tasty but shrimp a bit stringy not like we get in Puerto Vallarta! Sat around most of the afternoon visiting.  Monday working around the place, tidying up things... Tuesday it was off to meet the girls at a different restaurant for knitting.  So okay I have casted on and now know one stitch , several roles made for my scarf but hey they are a few holes.  Even our expert knitter Pam could not figure out.  Looks like I may start again. Early evening our guest arrived from New Yorkshire, England.  They came to do a bit of hiking, so we gave them a tour and got them settled.  Then I was off to Bunco.  Went at 8 and home at 11:30  pm, what fun!  These  Brits are quite spunky and  have quite the quirky sense of humor.  Today we went to town, met several friends and stayed for tapas and beer. Thought I was getting a fish tapa but turned out to be a very rubbery squid, Ter tried black pudding (sausage) not a fan. Easy to waste a day away here.  Weather is getting warmer and a siesta in the sun feels heavenly.  Tomorrow may venture out to explore some surrounding towns.  Will keep you posted

Been getting things ship shape here.  Cleaned two apartments ,some rearranging and a bit of decorating :)  Getting ready for guest (with a t) on Tuesday.  Ter refers to John affectionately as Mr. Magoo,  you love him but how he does things is amazing.  The chain on the chain saw was backwards...   We saw a whole herd of goats on the hill about a 1/2 mile a way, Ter yelled  Hola!  and the shepherd waved.   We went for wine  and tapas tonight ran into Hayden so he joined us.  Hayden is 37, he was born in England, moved to the US at 10, he is married to a nurse from Louisiana, they have lived here for  6 years.  the nicest young man, been helping Ter out with tools and how things work here,  he does odd jobs.  Even was a shepherd for 9 months, amazing young man.   Christy his wife does home health nursing for a lady from the UK.  They have a daughter Isabella that it 4.    Employment is always a concern here,the unemployment rate is over 26% Went to town earlier today for groceries and did great, the lady that owns the store gave us an English/Spanish dictionary, very helpful.  Everyone  is really friendlly. A bit colder  here than expected and no central heat, lots of fires, shutters closed as soon as it starts cooling down and we are talking BIG water bottles to bed!  Eating too much but sure enjoying it,off to church tomorrow and then to plaza for Paella.   Will post again in a few days, time is going fast

Monday was busy getting all the information we needed to take care of this place and the guess.  For those of you who do not know we are housesitting  at a farmhouse over 150 years old. The bottom has two apartments and there is a cottage that are rented out.  Our first guess will be coming next Tuesday so gives us a bit of time to get our feet on the ground.  After "orientation". John and Mair took us to town and introduced us to several people and then we went for beer and tapas. Tapas can be almost anything from pork,chicken, chips vegetables ....  Seems like there are always scrumptious. We all went out to dinner over on the coast on the Mediterranean.  A fabulous restaurant, family owned and operated.   We had a three course meal, wine included all for 10 euros each ($15). The drive was mostly olive groves.     Went to my first knitting lesson yesterday morning, met 7 more woman from the UK.  Some towns around have almost 50% population from UK.  Lubrin has less that 10%. The population of Lubrin is 500.  John and Mair left for their holiday yesterday afternoon.

We had our first incident, Ter working on the lawn mower, plugged in an extension cord and half the power in all units was gone.  He has learned some nuances about the electrical workings in Spain.  Ter says the  tool situation is minimal so getting things done is a challenge.  Went to town today to "market" streets loaded with vendors, fruits, veggies, bread, meats , clothes.  Went to  a hardware store to get a rasp, actually were able to get our request understood but no rasps.  Luckily or (as the Brits say we were Jammy)  we ran in to Hayden one of the Young Americans we met and he had the tools Ter needed.  A bit cold and rainy today so the fire is going.

Time to catch up, been a very busy few days and not much sleep :)  Plane ride was good except Ter did not have TV.   I watched 3 movies.   In Madrid at 7 a.m. then bus to train station, and finding hostel by using the Garmin.
We were able to check in early at 11 so got a few hours sleep before a bit of  site seeing  and tapas. Were going to play it safe at Burger King but tapas and wine was the right call.  Meet three girls from states.  Ter  is enjoying people watching (short skirts) 

Early train ride, beautiful country, olive groves,wheat fields, mountains and desert.  6 hour train ride, very relaxing.  John met us and we made a short stop at the market then an hour drive to Lubrin.   Mair had a delicious supper prepared and we enjoyed an evening of getting to know each other.

Slept in till 8:30 which is late for us.  Took a walk to check out the village. Very pictureques!  Very quiet, it does not come to life till around noon when people get out to go to church  for 12:30 service.  It is a big beautiful catholic church sits in the center of town  Was told later that most people gather at the plaza after church for Paella.  

Mair and John had about 20 friends over to meet us, mostly from the UK though two young couples from the USA. Really enjoyed visiting with them.  Was invited to a knitting circle, bunco party and a few homes.  Mair and John are fantastic host.   Tomorrow we will be shown "the ropes" around here to be able to take care of things while they are gone. 
 Will  be taking care  their adorable sheep dog - Megan and cat  - Sammy

Ready to blow!

Made it!  Had to stand on suitcase but all packed for carry on no checking.  So 6 pair of pants,14 tops, 4 pairs of shoes PJ's , two jackets, a vest, make up, curling iron. and standing mirror ...  YA!
Supper at Granny's, couple of errands this afternoon  Anxious to get on the plane and on our way. Ter says he is thinking of checking my suitcase in case it blows it will be in cargo :)

One more day, getting excited:)  learning my Spanish !  Checklist complete

Countdown

Countdown is on... Just got a call from John and Mair  in Spain.   First time actually talked with them and they are very friendly and so thoughtful.  Planning supper the night we get there and a lunch to meet friends the next day.  Sounds like there are a few Americans that live in the area, which will make things a lot easier.  Looking forward to meeting them in person.  More later...

As we start a new adventure we thought we would create this blog to share our experience with family and friends.  Most of you know we love to travel and experience new places, meet new people.  Our latest adventure is a house sit in Spain in a small village in the south of Spain. We will be there for 9 weeks so will really get to experience the culture.   We only speak minimal Spanish and the village people only speak minimal English so should be interesting.   As our blog name implies  we have a lot to learn.  Though as most know Terry has never met a stranger.  We just have a few days left before our journey starts so the fun of packing, as we have decided to just do carry on. Will be flying into Madrid, stay at a hostel there, then on a 6 hour train ride the next day. Will keep you posted and send pictures as able.  Adios T&G