We've been in our new house about a week now, and it's coming together. Pictures are fitting, furniture is placed, and the kitchen is capable of just a bit more of Spanish-made dishes. We love it, and know that pictures are required. I promise that once our internet is up, you'll be inundated with pictures of what we've been busy doing here.
This weekend we're heading to Ubrique with our friends Nacho and Mari. We're excited to purchase some authentic Spanish leather, see un pueblo blanco (a white village), and more of the province of Cadiz. To get an idea of the distance, check out this map... it's about an hour and a half, so the kids don't have to sit too long.
To take advantage of the gorgeous views of the Bay of Cadiz, we purchased a new patio set from El Corte Ingles in Jerez. It's wonderful to sit out on our covered patio space, and look out over the bay to Rota and Cadiz. There are sailboats, jet skis, and fishing boats to watch, and every so often a cruise ship lumbers past. I know I haven't been able to give you the photos you'd like, so check out the Rota tourism site to get an idea of what the sights are like here. Be sure to click on various links to see all the amazing sights.
I'm off to let C run through the sprinklers, so I'll catch up with you manana. Hasta luego!
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Happy Independence Day!
I'm amazed...
There are only a few days a year here we can fly the American flag, but you can bet that on those days, many people go all out. I mean ALL OUT. Which seems fairly ordinary back home; here, it's a feat! I mean, you only get 2-3 days to display your patriotism with American-themed stuff. So they make it count, storing stuff, ordering things online, or picking things up at the only store here that sells American patriotic products.
I can honestly say that I didn't realize how much I enjoy that junk until I was told I couldn't do it on my terms. Imagine it like this... don't think about your shoes. Don't think about how they fit, their color, where you got them, or which outfit they match best. Don't! So... what are you thinking about? Exactly. I wasn't mad; I wasn't even surprised that I couldn't do it... just surprised at my reaction. All I thought about was how I'd decorate my house, hanging bunting and flag-related garb from anything that would stand still long enough.
Now, realistically, I don't decorate this way. I've no idea how to hang bunting, and though I've never bought any, I'm sure if I were to do so, my Sohlmate would make me remove it... he's a patriot, just not the overtly decorated, outdoor music-blaring type. But back home, I do have the freedom to do it in just about any way I choose.
Nonetheless, I find that Independence day means more to me this year than in years past. We in the states are so free to... whatever. We can dress, we can eat, we can think, we can say, we can print, we can decorate, we can... whatever, however, whenever (obviously within limits of our democratically determined laws).
What's even more interesting is that we've taken that freedom to a "whole 'nutha leevel," as Pastor Ed Young says. We are free to challenge each other on what we're free to do, and when we're free to do it.
I'm so thankful that there are so many who are committed to the idea of fighting for our freedoms that they sacrifice their family time, their individualism, and the idea most Americans have of independence, to defend ours. I'm thankful that I have the independence to decide for myself whom I think will do the best job of deciding what the right path is for our nation, and I'm thankful that person can be me (should I completely lose my mind) if I want to try. I'm grateful for the freedom to pray at anytime and any locale for those selected to choose the direction our country will go. I'm grateful for the ability to choose just about any thing I'd like to do - work or not; be in the military or not; go to school or not; have children - lots or a few - or not.
It's an amazing freedom we have, and I'm thankful that we have so many who willingly volunteer, many multiple times, to serve to protect, defend, educate, and heal our country.
Happy Independence Day! Celebrate how you'd like: it's a free country!
There are only a few days a year here we can fly the American flag, but you can bet that on those days, many people go all out. I mean ALL OUT. Which seems fairly ordinary back home; here, it's a feat! I mean, you only get 2-3 days to display your patriotism with American-themed stuff. So they make it count, storing stuff, ordering things online, or picking things up at the only store here that sells American patriotic products.
I can honestly say that I didn't realize how much I enjoy that junk until I was told I couldn't do it on my terms. Imagine it like this... don't think about your shoes. Don't think about how they fit, their color, where you got them, or which outfit they match best. Don't! So... what are you thinking about? Exactly. I wasn't mad; I wasn't even surprised that I couldn't do it... just surprised at my reaction. All I thought about was how I'd decorate my house, hanging bunting and flag-related garb from anything that would stand still long enough.
Now, realistically, I don't decorate this way. I've no idea how to hang bunting, and though I've never bought any, I'm sure if I were to do so, my Sohlmate would make me remove it... he's a patriot, just not the overtly decorated, outdoor music-blaring type. But back home, I do have the freedom to do it in just about any way I choose.
Nonetheless, I find that Independence day means more to me this year than in years past. We in the states are so free to... whatever. We can dress, we can eat, we can think, we can say, we can print, we can decorate, we can... whatever, however, whenever (obviously within limits of our democratically determined laws).
What's even more interesting is that we've taken that freedom to a "whole 'nutha leevel," as Pastor Ed Young says. We are free to challenge each other on what we're free to do, and when we're free to do it.
I'm so thankful that there are so many who are committed to the idea of fighting for our freedoms that they sacrifice their family time, their individualism, and the idea most Americans have of independence, to defend ours. I'm thankful that I have the independence to decide for myself whom I think will do the best job of deciding what the right path is for our nation, and I'm thankful that person can be me (should I completely lose my mind) if I want to try. I'm grateful for the freedom to pray at anytime and any locale for those selected to choose the direction our country will go. I'm grateful for the ability to choose just about any thing I'd like to do - work or not; be in the military or not; go to school or not; have children - lots or a few - or not.
It's an amazing freedom we have, and I'm thankful that we have so many who willingly volunteer, many multiple times, to serve to protect, defend, educate, and heal our country.
Happy Independence Day! Celebrate how you'd like: it's a free country!
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Spackling...
Hola mis amigas!
We've been eyeing our "permanent" home, waiting to move in. We heard that it had some cracks in need of repair. Mostly, they are just cracks in the stucco, and so they need spackling - or something similar (keep in mind I know next to nothing about home improvement). It seems our house isn't the only thing...
Soy triste, por que mis amigas no estan aqui. (I'm sad, because my friends aren't here)
Like Pastor Bil often suggests, I'm making an "ask" of myself: I need some spiritual spackling. I've been working hard to keep them covered with pretty stuff, but dang if they aren't showing through. Can you mix up some for me? I need that special formula, the one Paul suggested in Phil. 4:4-9, extra strength, so it resists cracks... so I can spread it all over, anytime I need it.
I'm working on the strokes I've watched so many experienced work-women demonstrate. I'm struggling to replicate the peace I've felt before... that peace which comes as I walk in His will.
I'm humbly asking, then, that you'd pray for me. I know that only God truly knows what's going on, so I won't limit His will by asking for a specific prayer. I am grateful for my loving and caring friends who will help me do the messy work... mixing up that spackling that I am in need of spreading.
We've been eyeing our "permanent" home, waiting to move in. We heard that it had some cracks in need of repair. Mostly, they are just cracks in the stucco, and so they need spackling - or something similar (keep in mind I know next to nothing about home improvement). It seems our house isn't the only thing...
Soy triste, por que mis amigas no estan aqui. (I'm sad, because my friends aren't here)
Like Pastor Bil often suggests, I'm making an "ask" of myself: I need some spiritual spackling. I've been working hard to keep them covered with pretty stuff, but dang if they aren't showing through. Can you mix up some for me? I need that special formula, the one Paul suggested in Phil. 4:4-9, extra strength, so it resists cracks... so I can spread it all over, anytime I need it.
I'm working on the strokes I've watched so many experienced work-women demonstrate. I'm struggling to replicate the peace I've felt before... that peace which comes as I walk in His will.
I'm humbly asking, then, that you'd pray for me. I know that only God truly knows what's going on, so I won't limit His will by asking for a specific prayer. I am grateful for my loving and caring friends who will help me do the messy work... mixing up that spackling that I am in need of spreading.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
OY! Muy delicioso!
I don't know about you, but my response to stress is enjoying some tasty morsels. I've had many, many morsels lately... (which could be why Matthew 26:41 keeps popping into my view and thoughts...) and I thought I'd share with you some of the fare I've enjoyed.
In Huelva (well-vah) they grow some tasty, juicy, sweet strawberries, which remind my of my sweet grandparents, who I've been missing terribly. Finding myself at the fruit markets at any given chance, I've bought 2 kilos each time, and the locals look at me like I'm a crazy woman. Seriously: who buys 4.4lbs of strawberries at a time?!? It works out to about $1.13/lb if my math is correct, though it's never been my strong point so I could be waaay off... We've also enjoyed fresh mandarin oranges from markets in Cadiz (CAH-dith) and Jerez (hair-ETH), and bananas from Jerez as well.
In Puerto (pwer-toe) Sherry, we had a farewell dinner at an Italian restaurant for the previous director where my Sohlmate's taking over. He and I shared an amazing salad with pesto, field greens, black olives, provolone, sun dried and fresh cherry tomatoes. Fantasmo! We've started eating our salads with only EVOO (as Rachel Ray calls extra virgin olive oil), vinegar, salt and pepper. MMMM! There are a few more options here when it comes to olive oil. Intenso is a stronger flavored oil, used for dipping or breads. When cooking or frying, suave is the oil of choice. Either way, I'm in!
The drive from Rota to Jerez is gorgeous, passing fields of girasoles (hir-a-SOL; sunflowers) and vineyards filled with the grapes to produce sherry wine. I'm anxiously awaiting my 1st bodega (bo-deh-gah) tour, where we'll sample the local sherries... obviously a feat for after the arrival of my Young Sohl (thanks C-Tooley!).
In SanLucar (sahn loo-car), we visited el centro comercial, Las Dunas. This is essentially a mall, though it includes the equivalent of a Super Walmart. One interesting thing is that before entering Alcampo (the WalMart-esque store [or actually any large shopping center]) you use a fuser to seal your other shopping bags closed. Then you use a 50 cent or 1 euro coin as a deposit to borrow a shopping cart. Another unique trait is you can buy anything from a 220 fridge to still squirming fish, scales, head and all. Mmmm! Nothing like the smell of old seafood to encourage you to shop! LOL!
Anyway, at Las Dunas we stopped at a small cafe, where my friend Mari and I ordered the same thing - a chicken, cream cheese, and pineapple croissant and a tall limon ice cream/slushy drink/treat thing. If you've ever had a lemon flavored italian ice, the taste is very similar, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am in heaven here, as I LOOOOVE tartly-flavored lemon treats. Lemon cookies, lemon drinks, lemon desserts, lemon breakfast items... ahh!
This is dragging on, but there's so much more to share: fresh bread, pastries, cookies, fruits, and cheeses. Jamon serrano, a unique taste all its own, is best with queso iberico IMHO, though I look forward to sampling other flavors as well.
All that to say, I have a few cautionary hints. I discourage all jamon/meat-flavored chips, smoked salmon anything (just too fishy for me), and overheating olive oil. It's also helpful to know that most eggs are not refrigerated, most stores do not sell canned fruits or veggies, and that milk is often sold in unrefrigerated boxes. As I mentioned before, fish is sold as is, often with all its glory, and in smaller markets you can request to have it "cleaned," though it can cost more to have the guts and head removed (but, if you're like me, it's most always worth it... GROSS!).
All in all, we've enjoyed what Spanish fare we've had. Even our McD's experiences have been unique. But that's another blog.
Love you all!
In Huelva (well-vah) they grow some tasty, juicy, sweet strawberries, which remind my of my sweet grandparents, who I've been missing terribly. Finding myself at the fruit markets at any given chance, I've bought 2 kilos each time, and the locals look at me like I'm a crazy woman. Seriously: who buys 4.4lbs of strawberries at a time?!? It works out to about $1.13/lb if my math is correct, though it's never been my strong point so I could be waaay off... We've also enjoyed fresh mandarin oranges from markets in Cadiz (CAH-dith) and Jerez (hair-ETH), and bananas from Jerez as well.
In Puerto (pwer-toe) Sherry, we had a farewell dinner at an Italian restaurant for the previous director where my Sohlmate's taking over. He and I shared an amazing salad with pesto, field greens, black olives, provolone, sun dried and fresh cherry tomatoes. Fantasmo! We've started eating our salads with only EVOO (as Rachel Ray calls extra virgin olive oil), vinegar, salt and pepper. MMMM! There are a few more options here when it comes to olive oil. Intenso is a stronger flavored oil, used for dipping or breads. When cooking or frying, suave is the oil of choice. Either way, I'm in!
The drive from Rota to Jerez is gorgeous, passing fields of girasoles (hir-a-SOL; sunflowers) and vineyards filled with the grapes to produce sherry wine. I'm anxiously awaiting my 1st bodega (bo-deh-gah) tour, where we'll sample the local sherries... obviously a feat for after the arrival of my Young Sohl (thanks C-Tooley!).
In SanLucar (sahn loo-car), we visited el centro comercial, Las Dunas. This is essentially a mall, though it includes the equivalent of a Super Walmart. One interesting thing is that before entering Alcampo (the WalMart-esque store [or actually any large shopping center]) you use a fuser to seal your other shopping bags closed. Then you use a 50 cent or 1 euro coin as a deposit to borrow a shopping cart. Another unique trait is you can buy anything from a 220 fridge to still squirming fish, scales, head and all. Mmmm! Nothing like the smell of old seafood to encourage you to shop! LOL!
Anyway, at Las Dunas we stopped at a small cafe, where my friend Mari and I ordered the same thing - a chicken, cream cheese, and pineapple croissant and a tall limon ice cream/slushy drink/treat thing. If you've ever had a lemon flavored italian ice, the taste is very similar, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I am in heaven here, as I LOOOOVE tartly-flavored lemon treats. Lemon cookies, lemon drinks, lemon desserts, lemon breakfast items... ahh!
This is dragging on, but there's so much more to share: fresh bread, pastries, cookies, fruits, and cheeses. Jamon serrano, a unique taste all its own, is best with queso iberico IMHO, though I look forward to sampling other flavors as well.
All that to say, I have a few cautionary hints. I discourage all jamon/meat-flavored chips, smoked salmon anything (just too fishy for me), and overheating olive oil. It's also helpful to know that most eggs are not refrigerated, most stores do not sell canned fruits or veggies, and that milk is often sold in unrefrigerated boxes. As I mentioned before, fish is sold as is, often with all its glory, and in smaller markets you can request to have it "cleaned," though it can cost more to have the guts and head removed (but, if you're like me, it's most always worth it... GROSS!).
All in all, we've enjoyed what Spanish fare we've had. Even our McD's experiences have been unique. But that's another blog.
Love you all!
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Keeping you in the loop...
Hola!
Last week my Sohlmate and I took a class to learn about the Spanish culture, language, driving laws, and about the rules we must follow while we're here. I enjoyed the class, including the two tours we took to Cadiz (cah-dith) and Rota (rrrro-tah). While we were in Rota, we dined on breaded fish (grouper), a fresh dish of potato salad, Spanish style of course, with tomatoes, green peppers, garlic, and olive oil. While in Cadiz, we dined at this place, and I have to say that it's somewhat ridiculous how good our gastronomic experiences have been.
We had an ultrasound yesterday, and the baby looks good. It's a boy, in case I hadn't already shared that with you, and as of right now, he weighs about 1lb and some odd ounces. His older brother is getting excited and asks many questions. His sister is currently entranced by cars, dogs, juice, and her brother's bike.
My Sohl son, who I'll now have to find a new name for, got a much needed haircut today. This is an event of sorts, because it's the first time he's had someone outside the family cut his hair. His reward, he decided, was ice cream... blue ice cream. It was messy, as you might guess, and he loved it.
The kids are switching days at "school" with Carter getting 3 days, and Elaina 2. This is my way of ensuring they both get some one-on-one time, and I get some sanity back.
We love it so far, and other than being unable to locate fruit snacks, wrinkle releaser, and a 110 oscillating fan, we're loving it here. Sometimes the language barrier is frustrating - like when my mobile company calls in Spanish to offer me the latest in something... no entiendo (I don't understand). Overall, I have to stress how friendly and accomodating I've found the Spanish to be. I see that once they realize I'm trying to speak in Spanish, the level of patience increases greatly, and I'm much more likely to remember how to conjugate that verb.
Though it's not even the surface, I have to run. I know I'm holding out on the pictures, but I promise that as soon as I am able to, I'll post more. In the mean time, just know the water is gorgeous (but COLD) and the buildings are beautiful (and OLD!!).
HUGS!
Last week my Sohlmate and I took a class to learn about the Spanish culture, language, driving laws, and about the rules we must follow while we're here. I enjoyed the class, including the two tours we took to Cadiz (cah-dith) and Rota (rrrro-tah). While we were in Rota, we dined on breaded fish (grouper), a fresh dish of potato salad, Spanish style of course, with tomatoes, green peppers, garlic, and olive oil. While in Cadiz, we dined at this place, and I have to say that it's somewhat ridiculous how good our gastronomic experiences have been.
We had an ultrasound yesterday, and the baby looks good. It's a boy, in case I hadn't already shared that with you, and as of right now, he weighs about 1lb and some odd ounces. His older brother is getting excited and asks many questions. His sister is currently entranced by cars, dogs, juice, and her brother's bike.
My Sohl son, who I'll now have to find a new name for, got a much needed haircut today. This is an event of sorts, because it's the first time he's had someone outside the family cut his hair. His reward, he decided, was ice cream... blue ice cream. It was messy, as you might guess, and he loved it.
The kids are switching days at "school" with Carter getting 3 days, and Elaina 2. This is my way of ensuring they both get some one-on-one time, and I get some sanity back.
We love it so far, and other than being unable to locate fruit snacks, wrinkle releaser, and a 110 oscillating fan, we're loving it here. Sometimes the language barrier is frustrating - like when my mobile company calls in Spanish to offer me the latest in something... no entiendo (I don't understand). Overall, I have to stress how friendly and accomodating I've found the Spanish to be. I see that once they realize I'm trying to speak in Spanish, the level of patience increases greatly, and I'm much more likely to remember how to conjugate that verb.
Though it's not even the surface, I have to run. I know I'm holding out on the pictures, but I promise that as soon as I am able to, I'll post more. In the mean time, just know the water is gorgeous (but COLD) and the buildings are beautiful (and OLD!!).
HUGS!
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