Between U.S.A. and Spain.

IN SPAIN. DAY 12. MY FAMILY!!!

 

DAY 12

SEPTEMBER  25

 

Yesterday, I had no photos to post. Today... will be less talk

and more photos....

Please allow me to introduce you to some of my wonderful family

members as we celebrate Carmen´s birthday. My niece turned 13

on September 22!

Here are just a few.....LOL!

 

My sister Cary and my nice Carmen, the birthday girl! 

 

And...my nephew Alejandro,  Cary´s son. 

 

 

 My daughter Mayra....

 This lovely young lady, is Judith...another niece...

from right to left: My niece Carol, her husband Santi, Goyo a friend

of the family, my sis Maribel and her boyfriend Juan Carlos,

and the one meditating is my son in law Raul...

This is my cousin Pili, we both think this is a great photo!

 Another great shot with my sister Maribel. Poor thing she had a bad cold!!!

 Just having fun!

 

 

 

 

Adriana looking beautiful...

and, her husband Ruben 

acting silly behind her!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Hmmmmm....the kids gathering , there must be something interesting....

 No wonder ....a kitty cat!

 

 

 

 

 

Here is my niece Monica, striking 

a pose for me!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Gabriel has the perfect cheeks for pinching!

 

 Time to munch ....

 

And here...from left to right, My sis Cary, my niece Ana, 

My cousin´s wife Mañi, her daugher Mayte and her son Marco!

 This family loves to eat and talk....

 

 The little ones have macaroni for lunch and eat first.

 

The adults have PAELLA!

 

YUM....roasted peppers salad!!!

 

Time to gather around the food....

My plate....

The three sister, Ana, Carol, and Adriana. I love them all!

 

 

 OH, MY .....SO GOOD!!!

 

having a fun moment with Nela, our niece! Nela, Monica and Mayte are

daughters of my cousin Alfonso and his wife Mañi-

 

 

 Nela´s boyfriend, Alvaro.

 

Belen is Carol´s best friend since their early teen. Soraya is

Ana´s girlfriend.

 Cake time....and Carol is ready to "help"....

 

 Oh, yeah....take a look at what we left!!!

 

 Ana and Carol to the rescue..

 Extra help...

 Cheering on....

 lot´s of love.....

 and more love....

 We want cake....

Play time....

 
   The three cousins having fun....

 

 This crowd wants cake!!!!!!!!!

 Time to open presents....

 Carmen reading the handmade card Mayra made for her. 

 nice....

 Everything fitted!

 Everyone was having a blast!

 

 My niece Ana always takes time to play with the little one!

 

 Nela feeding her nephew Marco. Ivan posing....and Gabriel investigating...

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 

I have so many more to show...but, today I have had

a magraine. Hopefully, I will be able to catch up ....

 

IN SPAIN. DAY 11.

 

DAY 11

SEPTEMBER 24

 

This was going to be a day to enjoy. First, Raul brought "churros" and

"porras", still hot, for breakfast. Yum, they are a traditional fried dough

that Spaniards eat millions of for  breakfast each year. I would say,

 Churros are to Spaniards what doughnuts are to Americans. I was going

to show a photo...but, I actually deleted the ones I had. Why? Because,

 my memory card was full. However, before I leave I will eat churros again,

and take photos. I promise. 

After savoring my churros dipped in hot, thick, Spanish chocolate,

Pepe, Mayra and  I, were off to Plenilunio Mall. First place we hit was

Pepe´s shop...where of course, the first thing we did was have coffee.

From there we had some  shopping to do, Carmen´s birthday party was

tomorrow...and we wanted to buy her some cute clothes. How exciting!

I hadn´t celebrated one of my niece´s birthday´s since she was ONE!

I would also get to see many of my family  members. I couldn´t wait. 

As I couldn´t wait for tonight. After 11 days, we were going to have

dinner with a couple that we shared years of friendship. Pepa and Luis are

like brothers to us. Actually, Pepe and Luis, met when they were only

8 years old...imagine! And, I was 24 when I met them. What wonderful

memories we share!

 

Done with our shopping, and content with our choices, we headed back

home to a late lunch, and try to rest a little before going to  Pepa 

 and Luis´s home. Mayra and Raul, would go with the kids to their home

also, but a little later on during the night.

 

How wonderful when our friend´s door opened, and they received us

with the warmest hugs....and a loving look in their eyes. Pepa had a

great dinner prepared, and as years before ...we ate...we remembered

our younger years...we talked about our present, and future plans....

we laughed a lot and very loud ...and... we left very happy in the wee hours.

 

I would have posted photos, but...the ones I have were a little dark.

When I go back home I will post photos with our friends. I promise.

 

Hmmmm....I am promising a lot! I better

keep my word!!!

 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

P.S. I have fallen behind in my blogging, because...Pepe and I went

for a few days  to the region of LEON. My husband´s family is from

 there.I thought it would be wonderful to do a little road trip together.

I have wonderful photos of the Cathedral of Leon, Astorga,  and....my

husband´s little town of Rabanal del Camino!!! Thirty two years have

passed since he visited his home town....Stay tunned!!!

IN SPAIN. DAY 10. Searching...Part 2

DAY 10

                                                      PART 2

Please read part 1 before  continuing...

              IN SPAIN. DAY 10. Searching....Part 1

                          But, first let´s check out this area...

                       Alberto wondering why the chains are so big....

                                            Just hanging out....

        

Now let´s go around and check out the front of the church. Alberto, take a 

look at a stork´s  nest way up high by the small cross!!!

                            

                                        Part of the front of the church...

                                  

                                               part of the steeple....

                                                                                                                                                                     a little more detal. ...

                                             The front door....

                                                                                                                                                                   A closer look at the artwork....

                                                                                                                                                               Alberto....that is not a sandbox.....

              And...I just had to take a photo of this ...The plants on the roof add

              such a  nice touch!

              Now...it´s time to walk back to the car, and go to another town...

              Boadilla del Monte.

    

      Before I got in the car I took this photo. I thought it was a cute little chalet.

                                           ARE WE THERE YET? 

                 YES, Alberto....WE ARE IN BOADILLA DEL MONTE...In this town

                 your Yayos had a fish market, or "pescaderia" for about 3 years! 

                 But, now we are going to show you an old palace....

                                

                                       

                                  Palacio Infante Don Luis                 

          And here it is....and it´s PINK! But, let´s take a look at the fountain

          across from this building.

                     This is just a small one compared to what you see in Madrid. 

                                     Old fountains fascinate me.....

                                                     lovely....

   

                                          Alberto being sweet!  

                                              Nice shot Alberto! 

                                                     This one for my husband...

                             This one for ALberto and me!!!!!!!!!!

            

              Now...up the stairs next to the fountain to get to the old convent...

                             This part is the hotel.....

                                   This part....is the restaurant....

         And, they also do catering....by what the  advertising on this little car says.

 

 

           Let´s leave the Old Convent and WALK toward the town.....

 

If you plan on visiting Spain buy some good shoes...you will be

doingA LOT  of walking!!!!!!!!!!

 

                  O.K. NOW...we are in town...See the palace?

 

              

                             Here´s a bank...

 

I love the way you can get around walking....or a bus...or metro...

or train...you really don´t need a car. 

 

                                 INTERESTING CHAIRS....

 

                          AND...of course the church.....

 It´s late and I have to go to bed....tomorrow I might add some more photos of 

Boadilla. I hope everyone enjoys them. I have so many more I wish to share. 

 

Good night everyone!

IN SPAIN. DAY 10. Searching....Part 1

 

DAY 10

September 23

 

                    Part 1

 

I woke in worse shape than when I went to bed. A contracture, in 

my back and neck, made me walk slow...and I could not turn my 

neck to the left.  Oh, boy... somehow, I needed to get better.

Pepe and I had talked about going back to Brunete, and maybe some

other town to see were we would settle once I moved back to Spain.

Today, we needed to keep our minds busy. Therfore, I tried stretching

slowly, then... took an envelope of "Espidifen", a granulated form of 

Ibuprofen, that tastes like S**t...but works wonders, and Mayra gave

me an ointment that Raul uses when his back hurts.  

 

After a couple of hours, I was able to move freely, except for my neck.

Alberto, was back from school, and we decided it would be nice to take

him with us to Brunete. He was happy to come along with us in our search.

 

 Let´s take a walk, Alberto! Your Yayos lived in this town from 1998 to 1999.

When we left...we moved to Georgia. Your mommy was only 18, your uncle Chris

16, and "tata" Sandra 12. 

              First the park...it´s right down this street. We came here every afternoon.

                                                                                                                                  Look what a pretty gazebo. Let´s check it out! 

 

         If we keep walking down this same street...you will ge to the main Plaza. 

 

We crossed the street. Alberto spotted another park, but.. this one with a

large playground. Pepe rested while Alberto played.

DEJA VU....LIKE I HAVE LIVED THIS BEFORE.....OH, YEAH!!!! WITH MY SON

CHRIS.....LOL!!!!

 

Here is a typical round about....Spain is full of them. It saves energy..

no traffic lights!

 

               Now, we have crossed the street and we are almost there....

   Hmmmm....the town´s festivities must have been recent. See all those flags?

 

                                               I love it....

                                          love it...

             Awesome....but, we have to take a closer look at the fountain.

 

                                      Simple and beautiful...

 

              We went trhough an arch in the plaza to visit the adjecent church,

              Nuestra Sra. de la Asuncion, where we attended.

 

        This is the back wall of  the church....Why do I love these walls so much?

 

                   This is  right side of the church, as you stand behind it.

 

    On this side ...just one small stained glass window with Jesus on the Cross.

 

                     TO BE CONTINUED.....

 

IN SPAIN. DAY 9.

 

DAY 9

SEPTEMBER 22

 

Today is my niece´s birthday. Carmen, turns 13. I called to  wish

her a happy birthday. She was so excited about her birthday. Her

voice was cheerful and giggly as we spoke. Today, Carmen, celebrated

becoming a teenager with her girlfriends. Saturday, there would be

a big family celebration. I am looking forward to that....

When I hung up the phone, I thought... and now, to Marian´s

funeral. Every muscle in my body tensed up as I picked up my purse

and went out the door.

IN SPAIN. DAY 8. GRIEF.

 

DAY 8

SEPTEMBER 21

 

Once again I didn´t sleep a wink. Well, a wink or two. At 3 A.M. I got up...I felt

restless thinking about the hospital visit. Thinking how we would see Marian 

this time. 

It took me hours to fall asleep again....somewhere around 6:30 A.M. We had to 

leave the house later than we had planned. At the mall I felt down. Tired. Restless.

We had lunch, and from there to Brunete to house hunt. When we got there I felt

better. I love that town it´s beautiful and saw a duplex that I loved. But, before

continuing I needed to go to the restroom. We found a cafeteria right next door

to a Realty and decided to go there next and quickly check out some prices.

We didn´t want to go to see Marian too late in the afternoon. 

 

So, Pepe ordered two coffees, and I went to the restroom. When I got to 

the table his face was pale. Next thing he said was that he just got a phone call

from a cousin, and that Marian had passed away about half an hour ago.

 

Loss....sorrow.....grief....

 

May you rest in peace dear cousin. You were a beautiful person, a loving daughter, a

wonderful sister, an amazing  mother, a good Christian. We will always remember you

with great love. 

 

 

    

IN SPAIN. DAY 7. MIGRAINE.

 

DAY 7

SEPTEMBER 20

 

It was a horrible night. I tried ignoring the signs. But...they didn´t ignore me.

Instead, they got stronger and stronger. And, the nausea was weakening me 

by the minute. What time was it? I wondered. I got out of bed, and went to the

kitchen to take the only migraine pill I had left and the promethazine for the

nausea. Ah...what a fool I had been!!! I had convinced myself I would not have any

while in Spain...why spend $100.00 for 10 Relpax pills! 

 

In the kitchen, as I grabbed the bottles, I saw it was only 2 A.M. Wonderful, I 

thought...another sleepless night. I crawled into bed, this time waking up Pepe.

And, thank God...because without his help I would have made an even bigger 

mess in that bedroom! In a matter of minutes I was not even able to get up 

to the restroom and the pills came out with what seemed I had eaten since the 

day I was born. Yuk!!! Pepe just kept bringing towels...and cleaning up! With

my last Relpax gone, I had to bear with it. I didn´t complain this time thinking

how much worse Marian had it. 

 

Ice packs and tender care from Pepe and my daughter Mayra was the only remedy

during the long night.In the morning as soon as the pharmacy opened, Pepe went to

buysome "Hemicraneal". I had heard it was an over the counter medicine for migraines.

Oh, boy....did it work!!! And, it was only 5 Euros for 20 pills!!! What a relief....

what a relief! After that I slept for hours.

 

Later on that day, since I was feeling well, we decided to go see my cousins Mañi

and Fofi. Years back we had a store near where they live, and got together often.

We spent wonderful days together during the summers... making paellas, and

watching our kids have fun in the pool. We have always felt very loved by all of 

them. The feeling is mutual. Thank you Mañi for always making us feel so

welcomed at your house.

That house. The house with the beautiful palm tree and the awesome view. It

holds so many memories for me. For a moment, I could see our kids running around

wet, laughing, and me telling them to go dry off first!!! As always we had a great

time chatting, talking about our grandkids, and of course eating!!! 

 

Driving back home Pepe and I made plans. First, go to Plenilunio. Pepe had to do

an order and check that everything was being taken care of properly. Second, go

house hunting in Brunete. Third, go to the hospital to visit Marian. Fourth, go by

my nieces who lived near and that way I could spend a little more time with them.

Fifth, once home call my cousin Pili and Amparo, to see when we could meet. 

Wow....that was a full day!!!

 

IN SPAIN. DAY 6. Enjoying a Sunday morning.

 

DAY 6

SEPTEMBER 19

 

What a beautiful Sunday morning!  Blue skies...white clouds...perfect

temperature...We had no plans for today, except for going to the bakery,

in the plaza, to buy a couple of hot, crusty, loaves of bread, and going

to Mass later that afternoon.

 

Gabriel woke up with a cold, but was in a good mood. Alberto watched

cartoons. Mayra and Raul worked on a project she has to start a business

of her own. I tried to wake up drinking several cups of delicious coffee.

Pepe was sleeping well into the morning. Poor guy...my tossing and

 turning, getting in and out of bed, had woken him up several time

during the night.

 

But, around noon we were all ready to go for a Sunday stroll, and the

traditional buying of the bread at the "panaderia".  Raul remembered

the Medieval Flea Market was in town. They only come every 3 or 4

months. Something different to see is always welcomed!

 

Every town in Spain has it´s main Plaza. This is Ciempozuelos´.

 

My hubby...probably wondering how much money I would spend here...

 

                     Aaahhhhhhhhhh! Yummy bread!!!

 

           Ohhhhh....Spanish "rosquillas". Our version of doughnuts.

 

Pepe showing me some "cecina", or beef jerky, from his home town 

of Leon! Interesting....

 

          Here´s some pretty Moroccan pottery! I love these plates!!!

 

         Natural soaps....Who said medeaval people were not clean???

 

                       Alberto, of course, had to ride on this....

 

               Down this street something smelled very good....

 

 

                      Aha! No wonder....Our type of BBQ. 

 

        

                O.K.   I know I want some of these Spanish olives!

 

        My favorite, "Campo Real". These olives are mild and delicious!

 

          And how about some kettle chips fried in olive oil??? YUM!

 

This is real ham, and not what comes packaged at supermarkets! LOL!

                 This is the type of stand my daughter Sandra would be

          checking out...lol!!!

 

                      Here´s some entertainment....

 

      At the end we decided to sit here and enjoy something to eat...

 

                               How is that chip Mayra?

 

All I can say is that the different meats were ummm, ummmm, good!!!

 

                 A little out of focus, but I love his little face here!!!

 

      How wonderful to spend time with my lovely daughter Mayra!!!

 

                    And of course ....with my husband!!!

 

Later that day, Gabriel, woke up worse from the cold and Mayra

recognized the  symptoms of bronchiolitis. Therefore, she and Raul

took him to the clinic, while Pepe, Alberto and I went to Mass at

Santa Maria Magdalena Church. This church dates from the 14th

Century. My daughter Sandra did her first communion there, and Mayra

and Raul their  confirmation. And, now my grandson loves to attend.

                  I took this photo right before going in. 

After Mass...we walked back home. Mayra and Raul had just arrived,

and Gabriel was better after a breathing treatment. However, now

I was the one not feeling to well...I had Marian on my mind, and

thinking about what she was going through was going to affect me...

one way, or another....

A violent migraine hit me that night. One of the worst I have had.

 

    

IN SPAIN. DAY5. Non stop day. PART 2.

 

DAY 5

September 18 

 

             ATTENTION, PLEASE READ PART 1, BEFORE CONTINUING:

                                          IN SPAIN. DAY 5. Non stop day. PART 1

 

                     PART 2

 

On the way to Alcorcon, I realized I was feeling drained. However, I 

pretended to be fine. I did not want to ruin the fun for Alberto and Ivan.

Also, I was looking forward to spending some time with my sister

Maribel.

We met at a cafeteria inside the mall, and from there we went to the

playground area.

I was in shock with the crowd. Was it possible that Spain was one

of the world´s countries with lowest birth rate??? What was going on...

were they all at this mall??? LOL!!!

 

Here is my sister Maribel. Observe everyone behind...the news talk

about this country´s crisis. If there is one, people sure don´t know 

about it. Everyone is shopping...sitting at the cafes...

With so much playing...the kids worked up an appetite. Snack time!

 

                              TWO PROUD "YAYAS"

 

    This photo kills me!!!!!! I love it...those eyes...that mouth!!! LOL!!!

 

It was time to go

bowling!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Watch out...it´s heavy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I can do it by myself...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Watching it roll....

 

 

 

 

 

Alberto ended up being

a natural...and won the 

match.

 

 

 

 

 

 

During the match, Mayra and Raul showed up. These two

just can´t stay home and miss the fun!

After bowling, it was dinner time. Dinner time in Spain is late,

especialy on the weekends, so there was a waiting list anywhere

we went.

Did you know that the restaurants and the food court inside

the mall stay open until 1 A.M.? AMAZING.

We ended up  enjoyed a nice family dinner at a popular" VIPS", and

from there we went home. By the time we got home it was 1:30 A.M.

I was exhausted. What a day ...with only two hours of sleep the night

before, I figured I would sleep all night. 

At 3 A.M. I was up walking around

the house!!!

          My body is so confused...

IN SPAIN. DAY 5. Non stop day. PART 1

 

DAY 5

September 18

 

         PART ONE OF TWO.

After only 2 hours of sleep I got up. I tried to put my tiredness aside

and concentrated on waking up. We could not put off seeing, Marian,

Pepe´s cousin, a single day more. Why didn´t I go see her right away?

I needed to spend time with my own. I needed to feel stronger,

because seeing Marian at the hospital would be a hard to handle. I

knew it would make me fall apart.

 

When we were in the car ready to go, I asked Pepe if we could go see,

Cesar and Ana, dear friends of ours who lived in town and had been

waiting to see me since I arrived. Our sons, Chris and Gaspar, were

best friends while growing up. Oh, those two....the memories we

have of them having fun...

 

Pepe agreed, and we made a surprise visit. It´s amazing the love

friends have for each other even with years of separation. I felt

that love in their hugs...in their eyes. We feel the same for them.

The bond we made during our 5 years living in Ciempozuelos will last

a lifetime. We chatted, laughed, and made plans to spend more time

together later on during the week.

 

Now, it was time to go on with our plans. And so, we headed toward

Pozuelo de Alarcon, where Marian was hospitalized. When the elevator

doors open, we immediately saw Marian´s dad, sister, and aunt out in 

the hall. My heart sank. The look on their face said she had taken 

a turn for the worse. The embraces between us were long and strong,

the kind you say everything you  feel without having to say a single

word.  The room´s door then opened, and her children, 17 and 10 years

old, came out with their dad and another of Marian´s sister. How sad...

how sad...

 

When it was time for us to go in, I got myself together. I won´t go

into detail here. All I will say is she recognized me right away, and

we spent a loving moment holding hands....

 

We left after spending some time with the family.  From the hospital

we headed to Villa Nueva de la Cañada, the town were my sister Cary

lives with her daughter Carmen and son Alex.

 

This is my sister Cary and her daughter Carmen.  My American

friends are always  surprised at blond, blue eyed  Spaniards. When

I show photos of my family, my friends can´t believe we are related.

I alwayshave to explain that Spaniards are Caucasians. Some of

us are olive skinned, brunettes...some of of fair skinned, blonds.

                         ------------------------------------------

 

Villa Nueva is  Another town with lots of memories for me. The year

before moving from Spain,  we lived in the neighboring, beautiful,

town of Brunete. This town is known for one of the bloodiest battles

during the Spanish Civil lWar.

                   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Brunete

 

Going back to my visit with my sister Cary... she had made for lunch,

"COCIDO",  a typical dish from Madrid. It was wonderful to enjoy this

delicious meal with my sister, and my niece, Carmen.  I enjoyed it

so much, I realized I needed to blog about this dish before I leave

Spain, since I can´t find some of the  ingredients in the States....I am

looking forward to this!

 

After lunch, we all sat in Cary´s office and enjoyed seeing some of her

latest photographs. She is a television producer, but her passion is

photography. She is such a talented woman...I admire her! I couldn´t

wait for her to feel better and share more time together. We had

told Alberto we would take him and his cousin Ivan, bowling later

that afternoon for the very first time and it was time to head home.

 

Therefore...from Villa Nueva to Ciempozuelos, and...from Ciempozuelos

to Tres Aguas Mall in Alcorcon, where we would meet with my sister

Maribel, Juanca, and Ivan.  Alcorcon....we lived 5 years there. Hectic

town, where I have great friends....I miss the friends, but not the

town. Trying to park your car is a nightmare , traffic is crazy ...lol!!!

 

            END OF PART ONE

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IN SPAIN. DAY 4. An evening with Alberto.

 

DAY 4

September 17

 

It´s Friday. Earlier this week we had promised Alberto we would take him to the

movies. Before going to school...he made sure we remembered. I don´t know

who was more exited, if he ...or us! 

We were in no  hurry  to do anything in particular during the day. Therefore, I 

took some time to empty the suitcases, which still had most of my clothes in it,

and helped Mayra with lunch. She had some chicken quarters....onions....lemons...

hmmmm...perfect for  IT WILL NEVER BE THE SAME CHICKEN..... 

However, I made a quick version using Mayra´s pressure cooker. In about half an 

hour it was ready! We acompanied it with mashed potatoes and a salad. Delicious!

Around 4 P.M. we started getting ready. Toy Story 3 was playing at Plenilunio Mall,

http://www.plenilunio.es/el_centro.php, right were Pepe works. 

 

                                  That meant ice cream for Alberto.

 

                                                           ice cream for Yaya......

 

                           And ice cream for Yayo toooo!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Oh, I have found out there are some of these shops in the U.S.! Which makes

sense, because, it is an American company.... I just  had´t seen any!!!

Thank you internet....lol!!! 

 

Alberto enjoyed the ice cream, but....he was ecstatic about watching Toy Story 3

in 3-D!!!

 

And he wan´t the only one having fun....

 

 

Look at the finger prints on Alberto´s  glasses...was he actually able to see

the movie???? Too funny....

 

When we came out of the theatre we saw Mayra and Raul, that had come to join

us and spend some time together.

 

What a great couple these two make.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here´s my cutie pie Gabriel.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

lWas Alberto asking for more

 

lice cream????

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now...please, check out Alberto pretending to be asleep! Anything to get in a

photo!!!

 

After the mall we went back home. I felt extremely tired, and thought I would

sleep all night. But, at 1:30 A.M. I got up! NOOOOO!!! I guess it was a U.S. time

zone nap. After waking up there was no sleep. We had plans to go see Marian, 

Pepe´s cousin, who was hospitalized and, I kept thinking about her. Oddly, Raul

got up too. We walked back and forth to our rooms, but...neither could reconcile

sleep. I ended up blogging. Raul ended up ironing, in the kitchen, a pile of clothes!

Around 6 A.M. My body and mind gave up.....

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Saturday,  would be a very emotional day.

IN SPAIN. DAY 3. PHOTOS OF CHINCHON.

 

DAY 3

September 16

Dedicated to Chris, Beth, Sandra and Alonso. Whom I wish

 were here....

 

Pepe and I checked out of the hotel, and "checked in" with Mayra and

Raul. My grandson Alberto was ecstatic to have both his Yayos, sharing

his room. What a sweet child he is. He reminds me so much of his uncle

Chris....

After lunch, we all took a nap...(Isn´t being on vacation just

wonderful?). After the nap...we played Wii...

 

                         

I have discovered  bowling!

Alberto and I are the family

champs!!! 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is Alberto after learning

he had the best score!!!

This kid is amazing.....

 

 

 

 

After playing Wii, it was time to go out for a walk. But, this time

it had to be in a neighboring town.

That way we got to ride in our new car! Isn´t it cute?

 

I am feeling wonderful!

Does it show?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

O.K. baby!!! Let´s go for 

that ride!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On the way over there we

crossed the new bridge of 

the town of TITULCIA....

Chris, Sandra do you remember

the old one?

 

 

 

 

 

 We ended up 15 Km. from Ciempozuelos....in CHINCHON!  I love

this town...Well, I love every townin Spain. They are all

historical gems!!! It´s fascinating...Just take a look!!!

This is the famous Plaza de Chinchon. Isn´t this inviting?

 However, we opted  have a "merienda" (afternoon snack) right

outside a very well known bakery...

 Making decisions on what to order....

 

Look at that bread! You can order anything or any word, and they

will bake it for you for eating...or decorating!

I don´t know....I want it all...

Don´t forget to order some of these....yum....

Although, we all ended up ordering "preñaos" or pregnant bread...lol...

the names please! These are little loaves of bread filled with chorizo

or morcilla, typical Spanish sausages. You can have them sliced for

easy eating....

We ordered some drinks and started eating....

Gabriel sure enjoyed that bread!

Mayra and Raul sharing....how sweet!

 

Alberto had to have a chocolate pastry...

 

Talking about sweet...my Alberto sure is sweet! I love you so much!

 

I love these typical signs...o.k. let´s get going and walk this food

off....

Although....I brought some of these along to munch on!

Here is another side of the plaza...look at the restaurant´s balconies!

 

AH....how about going up this street? No, wait I spotted a fountain!

Let´s take a better view...

LOVE IT!!!

OOOPS, I better follow my husband!

OH, yes!!! Let´s go up!!!

And...have some fun while at it!

Up, up, up...we are almost there!!!

We turned on another street, and I just had to take a photo of this

view. What can I say...I love it!!! 

 

LOL! It´s just a joke...the brakes were on!

More of the view...

 

How Spanish is this.....

Time to go down...

 

The plaza at night....From here we went home. Next time another

town!

IN SPAIN. DAY 2.

 

DAY 2

Pepe and I loved the little hotel in town," El Volante". I loved the

tile floors and how clean it was. Just lovely!!!

 

.http://www.hostal-elvolante.es/

 

It is fantastic to be together again. To sleep together again. To

laugh together again.

A thought about how I would feel once again when I return to Georgia

crossed my mind....I let it go. I will deal with that when I get there,

for now I will live the moment.

 

Therefore, there are no real plans to follow....So what did we do on

day 2? Well, we woke up around 10 A.M. with a phone call from Raul,

asking us to join them for breakfast at the cafe next door to where

we are staying. And, that´s exactly what we did! We had a simple

breakfast consisting of coffee and toasted Spanish bread.We stayed

talking for a while, and from there we went to pick up Gabriel, who has

started day care, and is in "adaptation" period, so he only staysfor a

couple of hours. It´s wonderful to be here to enjoy every day life with 

my grandkids...

 

From daycare we went to Plenilunio Mall, in Barajas. That is where

Pepe works. He is on vacation, but he needed to do some changes on

the schedule, and wanted to do it in person...he is the manager for :

Yum....best ice cream in the world!!! I always wonder why they have

these ¨"ice cream / coffee shops" in Spain and not in the U. S., at 

least that I know of.... 

Here is my hubby, preparing us some delicious expresso....

UMMMMM.... can you smell the aroma?????

My Pepe...taking care of business.

Meantime, I took photos...wow, this looks delicious!

 

Hmmmmm....today is early for this, but I will be back to have some!

 

It sure is a beautiful mall...those tables belong to "us".... I mean

Haagen -Dazs!¨

 

Look at that nice McDonald´s. Did you know that McDonald´s has

a larger variety of burgers in Spain than in the U.S.? Funny.

While we were there, Pepe´s district manager made a visit. Did

I tell you she is also my sister Maribel?

 

With her I had a Diet Coke, while we talked....tube glasses are a 

classic here. 

After the mall we returned to the hotel to take a nap. We forgot

about eating lunch...later we went to Mayra´s and decided we should

all go visit my niece Carol. It was great fun ...my three nieces were there,

and we had a blast! I love these girls and their families!!!

 

After hours of chatting, it was time to go back "home" and rest....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IN SPAIN AND LOVING IT!

 

DAY 1

SEPTEMBER 13, departure

SEPTEMBER 14, arrival

 

 

       DELTA FLIGHT 108. ATL-MAD

 

                  
 

Great take off. Smooth ride. Safe landing.

 

It was a long, sleepless flight. However, not even the young, South

American couple sitting  behind me in the plane, that did not stop

amicably chatting all night long, were  able to take my peace away

from me. I figured....all that mattered was getting to Madrid...and that,

I was. 

Everything went smooth after landing. I didn´t  loose my luggage, and 

was eagerly waiting for those tinted-glass, sliding door to open and

be reunited with my husband, Pepe. And so....it happened. The doors 

opened, and I spotted him, Mayra, Raul, Gabriel and Alberto in a sea

of people. 

How wonderful to be able to hug and kiss my husband after so long!

How wonderful to be with my daughter and her beautiful family. How

wonderful to be in Spain!!!

On my first day here, we went from the airport to Ciempolzuelos, where

Mayra and Raul live. Pepe and I went to check in  at a little hotel, two

streets down from Mayra´s building .  We had planned to stay there two

days.  After checking in...we all met at the cafe next door to have 

breakfast. OH....that Spanish coffee is sooooooo good!!!! Everything

just tastes so good over here....YUM!!! After breakfast, Pepe and I went

back to the hotel... Mayra, Raul and the kids went home. We would 

meet later that day and go for an afternoon walk around town and take

the kids to the park. An everyday thing, here in Spain.

 

People here just love being outside....Here is my family.

Sitting in an outdoor cafe and relaxing. This is my hubby and my

daughter Mayra.

 

The little ones like my grandson Gabriel, enjoy it too!!!

 

 

And here´s Alberto...doing something he is not supposed to...

But, Yaya thought it was amusing and took a photo. Just don´t 

sit on the statue again! Ahhhh, kids!!!!

 

This is the plaza by Ciempozuelo´s church Santa Maria Magdalena.

We actually lived in this town for 5 years. In this plaza my kids 

played when they were growing up. 

 

You can see the Church´s steeple in this photo. Another day I will

post more photos, and more information on this Church that I believe

it´s from the 17th Century.

After the walk, we went back home. The kids took a bath, put on 

their new pajamas I bought for them, which they loved, we played

and then they had dinner.

 

For dinner we ordered ....CHINESE..yes, chinese. There is a great 

restaurant in town that delivers, and we love it. My sister Maribel

and her boyfriend, Juanca joined us for dinner. It was wonderful!!!

We spent hours talking and catching up. 

This first day, being with my husband, and my family was

heaven  for me.

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

DAY 1 OF COUNTDOWN!!! REUNION TIME !!!

1

 

It's here....finally!!!! Delta 108 to

Spain...here I come!!!

 

IT's the day I have been waiting for ....September 13th. I got

everything ready. Bags packed...Passport at hand! I am soooo

excited....sooooo nervous!!!!

I got so much acomplished yesterday....I went to Mass at St. Matthew's

...did some shopping...AND, I even  managed to squeeze some time

in the park with Sandra and Alonso!

Ah, he had a blast running around. Although...he liked more being

UNDERNEATH the playground....???

Oh, my goodness. It was hard saying bye-bye to Alonso this morning.

Yaya loves you. I will miss you!!!

Yes, Sandra....You know  I love you and I AM GOING TO MISS YOU

TOO!!!!! 

 

I better get jump in the shower!!!!!!

 

I don't think I am forgetting anything....I got Alberto's Kraft Macaroni 

and Cheese....and his Campbell's tomato soup. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yeap, that's what my grandson is waiting for!!! LOL!!! And, I got 

some goodies that Mayra and Raul like...

 

I got some goodies for Pepe too...but I didn't take a picture...too

much going on! Hey, what can I say!!!

 

I am so excited!!! SOMEBODY PINCH ME!!! 

 

I will blog when I get to Spain, and post photos with my hubby!!!

 

Oh, look honey...do you like my nail polish? I just came back from

having a mani-pedicure.

Now, with my hands and my toes done....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I AM READY TO GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

See you soon, I love you!!!

DAY 2 OF COUNTDOWN

2

 

On a Sunday, just like today, 28 years ago,  a little baby boy was

in a hurry to be born...

September 12th! HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO MY Son CHRISTOPHER! 

This is my son Christopher with his beautiful wife, Beth. Don't

they make a wonderful couple?

Chris is a a wonderful artist, who is currently  studying animation,

at the Art Institute of Atlanta. Mom and Dad are SO PROUD!!!

 

I HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL DAY!

LOVE YOU

MOM

=========================================

 

 

I am so close....SO CLOSE to getting in that airplane. I am so excited!

So many emotions  intertwining. I want to laugh. I want to cry.  So

many butterflies flying in my stomach! I am almost there. I wonder....

how am I going to really feel this time when I see Madrid, from the

air, as we are landing. That sight has always fascinated me. This time

is so much more special, after not seeing my husband in six 1/2 

months! 

 

I better get going. I have to work a few hours today. Then Mass at 

12:30 P.M.

After Mass....I think a nap...Then, maybe I can drop by Chris' for a few

minutes...

I will post later on the day!

==================================================

DAY 3 OF COUNTDOWN

3

It's almost midnight. Therefore, it's going to be a quick review. I need

my rest!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

* It's 9/11. What sad memories this day brings...My heart goes out

to the families who lost their loved ones. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------

* Today my stomach is dealing with the nerves that I am not trying

to show. 

 *I left work early to go cut my hair. What a relief to get that out

of the way!

*Then, I went home to do laundry and organize the mess in my

room. Chris, my friend Mary's son was working on my gutters when

a huge storm started. I find it hilarious that every single time he comes

to my house it storms. The look on his face is priceless! 

 

*Around 11 P.M. Spanish time (5 P.M. here), I called my sister

Maribel's cell phone, wanting to say hi, and....wanting to find out

who won the photo contest "La Coc' Quina de Oro"

                                .

AWWW!!! I didn't win in any category! But that's OK, there is always

next year!!!

*Went to Zaxby's with Sandra and Alonso. From there to Kohl's 

to buy a watch and some earrings...

 

*My room is finally neat...Bags in order... Now, I just need to put my 

makeup in my handbag and snacks...I think I will be fine. No last 

minute running around. Except for Monday. That morning I will head

for a pedicure!

 

Good night...soon it will be day 2 of countdown. 

DAY 4 OF COUNTDOWN

4

 

Four days to go! The day went fast today. So glad it did....I got to talk to Chris who

called me at lunch time. I hope I can see him Sunday. He is turning 28, but not doing

much celebrating because he is studying for his finals. I can't wait until he graduates.

He is always so busy...always dealing with so many things plus working full time. I

get exhausted just listening to him! Somehow, I must see him that day...if not, he 

talked about being able to squeeze going to the airport  between classes and

work. We will see....All I know is that somehow I WILL see him before I leave.

 -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TODAY IS MY NIECE'S BIRTHDAY!!! I LOVE MY NIECE CAROLINA....SHE IS

AS FUNNY AS SHE IS BEAUTIFUL....

CAROLINA, FELICIDADES!!! TU TIA JUANI TE ADORA!!!! MIL BESOS!!!!

 

Is she gorgeous or what!!!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Later that afternoon, it was my turn to pick up Alonso from daycare. I love the way

he throws to the floor whatever he has in his hands, and runs to me as soon as

he hears me calling him! Alonso is always very hungry by the time he is picked up.

Therefore, we always take him a snack for him to munch on in the car. That keeps

him content until dinner time. But, Yaya took him some juice and...forgot his snack!

What  a "no-no" thing to!!! I felt horrible. HORRIBLE! To make things worse

I needed to go to the bank on my way home. Bottom line.... with Alonso hungry,

I needed to stop at Burger King, and get him a kid's meal (chicken nuggets)...

 But ...he was hungry and upset at me. Worse of all he did not understand I

was going to stop to get him some food!!!  How could I have forgotten

his snack on the our foyer's table when I grabbed my keys in a hurry to pick

him up!!! He fussed and cried....

For some reason, he cried even more when he saw Burger King. I guess it was

an "I want it now moment". He cried some more as they handed me the little

brown bag at the drive through...Only when he had a chicken nugget in his hand

did he stop crying. THEN...with my head going cu-cu ...and my heart pounding

from hearing him  cry, I headed to Publix, where my bank has a branch.

 

As I sat him in the buggie, I thought about my friend Barbara Shallue,  who

wrote a wonderful story titled, To the Young Mom in Aisle 7, on her blog Long Hollow.

I could relate perfectly to that young mom in her story....I have been there...

sometimes, I feel I am still there...except,  I am the "Young Grandma Trying

To Do Her Banking At Publix".  I adore my grandson....I do with all my heart, and

my daughter can tell you how much I play with him, and how much fun I have with

him. My grandkids keep me young, but at times...when you can't get them to

understand and there is a tantrum....OH, BOY! My hair turns greyer...my wrinkles

deeper...and the bags underneath my eyes pop out like air bags. WOW....15 minutes

of crying in the car left me a mess! I dragged myself around the store while he

happily stuffed his mouth with fries and chicken nuggets, and smiled with his mouth

full, waiving  goobye to people as I pushed him around in the buggie at Publix...

He was an angel the rest of the evening...and had a good dinner later on too! By

nine he was fast asleep. My little angel. I am going to miss him these next few

weeks while I am in Spain. Although,I believe Sandra will be joining us the first

week of October. If so, Pepe and I will  have our 3 grandkids together for the

very first time. How awesome! 

I wonder what would happen if Pepe and I decided to take them

all to the supermarket!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Oh, I did make some progress with my luggage....and tomorrow the most awaited

photo awards in the history of the Aragon women! "LA COC' QUINA DE ORO".

Seventeen of us in three categories...I want to win!!! I want that trophy!!!

Can't wait to see the party's videos and the photos turned in by all of us!!!

 

 

I WILL SHARE the photos...if they 

let me ....lol!!!

 

Day 5 OF COUNTDOWN

5

 

Only 5 days to go, and I feel like an AIRPLANE has run over me. Once

again, at 4:40 A.M., that sneaky, miserable, hateful, nasty, S.O.B.,

Mr. Migraine showed up with his hammer to make my life HELL. He is

getting stronger. He has found a way to defeat Relpax, and hang

around for hours, and hours, when before he would quickly retreat after

taking the medication. Eleven years I have been dealing with this guy...

What a nuisance!!! Mr. Migraine, why don't you go fly a kite instead of

visiting me so often?

 

At 5:40, I took the second pill, as recommended on the package, and

hoped this one would work. If not I would be doomed, just like yesterday.

Only two allowed per day. At 6:30 A.M., it was as if I had had a glass of

water. NOTHING. AND, to make things worse, nausea was setting

in....making me think of the times I have had to be taken to the hospital

and be knocked out! I thought, S**T, S**T, S**T!!! I don't want to go...

I don't want to call in sick. My boss is very understanding, but still... 

it's such a hassle to find someone to open my department...it's so 

embarrassing to call in always with the same excuse. 

 

I had to do something. If the Relpax was not working, how about

maybe freezing  the pain away? I got up...got a zip lock bag, and

filled it with ice cubes.Once in bed, I put that bag right on the painful

 spot and somehow managed to fall asleep. 

 

It worked.

 

Now, I am going to work. My plans for today????

ANYTHING I CAN GET TO DO...

...WILL BE FINE WITH ME!

DAY 6 OF COUNTDOWN

6

 

Bad. This is bad news. I woke up with a migraine. 

 

I have taken two Relpax, and they have not worked.

 

It's somewhere around 1 P.M....???

 

It's hospital time. I better get Sandra to take me. Anyways, I think

my kidney? Ovary? Something on my right lower side is bothering me

A LOT.

 

I am going to crawl back to bed now......gaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!!!

DAY 7 OF COUNTDOWN

7

 

When I opened my eyes this morning I could tell the sky was grey, no beautiful 

sunshine coming through my blinds. I got up and peeked out the window. Was

yesterday my last sunny day of summer?, I asked myself. The trees were

looking as gloomy as the sky. I noticed a big change in the leaves...many where

scattered about on the dewy grass. I shrugged my shoulders,  and said talking

to myself, "Oh, well...did you think this wasn't going to happen? HA!". I just

hoped it wouldn't bring me down, like it usually does. 

However,  The bright pink stripes of the Victoria's Secret bag sitting on my

bedroom floor  sure brought color to the gloomy room.  I smiled thinking about my

shopping experience at that store yesterday afternoon. Alonso, was with his dad, 

Sandra had been all day studying, and I asked her if she wanted to go to the Mall.

I figured, she could shop somewhere else while I shopped at Victoria's Secret, but 

she wanted to look around too. I wasn't planning on that ...it made me feel slightly

uncomfortable. I wondered if the young girl working there thought I was a crazy

old lady. But, I guess by looking around the store nothing surprises them. All kinds

of women, young, old, skinny, or fat...want to look their best for their partner, or maybe

just for themselves. It's something natural, and I had just forgotten somewhere in

time, what sexy was. 

 At the beginning I was shy looking around. At the end, I couldn't care less what

anyone thought...and, Sandra, was very helpful. Maybe she noticed how lost I was,

maybe she realized her parents were going to see each other twice this year...

I don't know, but I was glad she was there. She made it a very special shopping

experience. I was very pleased with my choices...too cute! And, by the way, if you 

have never bought a bra there, DO SO! I couldn't believe my eyes...was that me?

Comfortable, beautiful, and a look worth a million! Unbelievable, no wonder it's so

popular! Never again, never will I buy anything else,amazing ...makes you feel so

much younger too!

 

Passing the Disney Store at the Mall I had to go in and check out something for 

Alberto and Gabriel, my grandkids. I left with two wonderful pajamas. For Alberto, 

Toy Story's Andy....for Gabriel, Buzz Lightyear. Perfect! I promise to post a photo

of them with them on. They are going to be so cute!!!  Oh, how I love them!!!

 

When we got home I started with laundry and started "operation suitcase". Thing

are going well.

 

Now, today I am thinking of relaxing with Alonso, I will rent Furry Vengeance.

I think he will like that!

DAY 8 OF COUNTDOWN.

8

 

It's a beautiful day in Auburn, Georgia. Clear skies, cool weather.

Autumn is near. So is my trip....only 8 days to go! Today my plans

after work is to go to Victoria Secrets at the Mall of Georgia.

WOOOOOOOOOO!!!(I can just imagine my daughter Sandra's face when

she reads this). Do you know I have never actually bought anything there

before? Why not buy something real pretty! This time my husband

is not seeing me in old T- shirts and flannel pajama pants... 

 

Also, I will go to my favorite store, Barnes and Nobles to buy "The

Girl With the Dragon Tattoo". That will be part of my entertainment

during my flight. Oh, how I love to roam around that store! I wish I

could spend more time there. Can't wait.

 

Once home, I will...I WILL...look for my suitcase in the garage and

bring it to my room where I will proceed to put my  new clothes in it.

I will also do laundry and check what else to put in that suitcase.

 Oh, please...please...I hope my luggage doesn't  get lost this time ...

or misplaced like always.

 

Well, Alonso is up, and he has come to say "good morning" to me,

like each and everyday. His finger is so much better!(If you want to

know what happened to it you must read DAY 9 OF COUNTDOWN). I

better go to work.

Day 8 is going to be a busy one. 

 

DAY 9 OF COUNTDOWN.

 

9

 

Sunday. Nine days to go. It's getting closer and I don't feel I am getting

much accomplished. Last Night I could not sleep. I watched Tyler Perry's

"Why Did I Get Married Too", and stayed up later than usual...altering

my "sleepy" time. Therefore, at three in the morning, I couldn't take it

any longer and decided to take a sleeping pill. After all, I didn't have to

work on Sunday, and I could just stay in bed a little longer than usual.

I never do, but ...this time I would have to. Because, taking it this late

or should I say early, would make me sleep at least until 10:30 A.M.

Hmmmmm....not a bad idea. 

But it was.

 

Because, my Sunday morning started with Alonso crying. Loud. My eyes

opened. Sandra was preparing him breakfast. He kept fussing and crying,

so I got up to help out. Breakfast was ready and he wasn't hungry wich

was very strange. Well, maybe he had a tummy ache. He drank his juice,

and I told Sandra I was going back to bed...I was still groggy.

As I was falling asleep again, Sandra comes in the room. "Mom, look!

Look at his finger!". I was in a daze, "What! What finger?", I said as

I sat up in bed as I could. Sandra, carrying Alonso, waves his left hand

in front of my face. I squinted and tried real hard to focus on his fingers.

I am looking at his  left, little, index finger and see something on it. I

said, "What wrong with his finger, it looks...fine." I tried focusing a bit

more...by looking closer, which was silly of me because without glasses

the closer I look, the less I see...Even so , I noticed a piece of nail

sticking out. "Oh, I think you just have to cut that nail a little bit."

as I pointed to it. "Why the big fuss?". She rolled her eyes as she

said very seriously, "MOM, PLEASE, that's a little piece of napkin that

must have gotten stuck there when I wiped his sticky fingers!", then

she held his ring finger out and said, "It's THIS finger Mom, THIS

finger!!! Was it hurt when Ines (his other grandma) brought him home?

last night?" I didn't even need to focus. My eyes opened wide. The very

swollen finger tip, certainly stuck out. I felt ill. I replied, "NO! He was

fine! I think I would have noticed Sandra!". We couldn't figure out what

or how he did it. Unless...he closed a door, or a drawer on it. Most likely.

What happened next? Sandra took him to the hospital. I would have

gone with them, like I always have.(high fevers, allergic mosquito bite)

But, not being an extremely serious injury, and Alonso acting like it

didn't hurt him, I decided to go ahead with my plans of attending

a baby shower that my friend, Cheryl, was giving for her daughter. 

 

Sandra, later called me from the hospital to let me know his finger

was just swollen, not broken...and, he was prescribed an antibiotic. 

What I relief! She arrived home as I was leaving with my friend,

Mary, to the shower. Alonso was thrilled with his visit to the hospital

and, was in a good mood. Kids....

 

Mary and I had a great time at the baby shower. It is always so wonderful

to share a great occasion like this...And with so many gifts, baby Justin,

surely is not going to need anything but love when he arrives!!!

 

I must mention that at the baby shower Cheryl introduced us in the

following manner: "These are my good friends Mary and Juana."

Frank, the father to be jumped with, "Mary and Juana?" That's too

funny...Marijuana!!!". (Years of friendship with Mary and we never

came up with this ourselves?). I replied jokingly, "Yeap, that's who

we are and we are here to liven up the party!" ...Oh, dear....

 

After the baby shower, I was going to go to Kohl's to buy a couple of 

outfits for the trip, but I was needing a nap...and, that is exactly what

I did. When I got up, feeling much better I took off. And, you know what?

It was the first time in a long, long,long, time that I was actually buying 

clothes for my husband to see me pretty! Unbelievable, I was enjoying

too! I grabbed at least 12 tops...jeans...I even surprised myself and

grabbed a couple of skirts! Although, I was uncomfortable with the fact

that since Pepe left, I have gone up to a size 10, I managed to not let

it bother me.

In the fitting room I was content with my choices, and was trying my

first outfit, when Pepe called! How amusing, we talked as I tried

on clothes. As always...multi-tasking! Come to think about it, I just

realized what the other people in the dressing room heard me 

saying as I talked with Pepe ..."Oh, honey wait...I am going to try

something new...I think you are going to like it....What color do you

prefer? Purple or blue? ....Yeah, this is nice! I like this!!!... Oh, no...

noooooooo!!! Not this one ...Oh, honey, stop!!! I need a minute here!

..........Alright! definitely not my cup of tea.....Nah, too big!!! Nah, too

small!!! Baby, wait. I am sorry, but I need a moment to breath. I am so

out of shape...O.K. Ok....Wow, I hadn't tried so many things since

I was in my 20s! ....Actually, I am having fun with this..... Wait! Let me

try this other thing...What? you're tired?  I know it's late!  It's OK hon,

we'll continue tomorrow ...I love you!!!". 

 

I was quite happy with my shopping experience. I can't wait for Pepe

to see me in my new clothes!

Tomorrow will be day 8!!! YAY!!!

 

 

 

DAY 10 OF COUNTDOWN.

10

 

Ten days to go. Today I feel different. Nervous, perhaps? Probably.

There is a hot pink traveling  bag on my bedroom floor awaiting to be

filled with my personal items . The usual I put in it every time I travel;

my wallet, make up, a small mirror, a small hairbrush, my Zoloft, so I

can be "normal", Relpax for migraines (Can't leave home without that!),

gum...lots of gum, breath mints (I don't want the flight attendant

ignoring me), a pen or two, over the counter sleeping pills that only

work on me a couple of hours, but...that's better than nothing, a pair

of sunglasses, my reading glasses, Kleenex, floss, antibacterial wipes,

a book, my prayer book, my rosary, salty snacks, sweet snacks (Hey!

It's an 8 1/2 hour flight!), AND... my passport,which, I will check a

million times to make sure it's there.

Furthermore, a small, red carry-on bag is standing  by my bed

unzipped, claiming Alberto's Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, video camera,

a change of clothes just in case my suitcases get lost, and whatever

else I can stuff without it bursting! Tonight, hopefully I will look for

a suitcase. I am not sure of taking a second one yet. What to do, 

what to do...I guess suitcases always give me pre-flight nerves!

Or...is it that having a severe UTI (yesterday I went to the Doctor)

is worrying me? Probably.

Well, just as yesterday ...I better get going to work. Bye. I will come

back and share a bit more.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

DAY 11 OF COUNTDOWN.

11

 

Here I am early in the morning...wondering what today will bring my way.

A cup of coffee on my desk getting cold as I try to wake up and write

a few lines before going to work.The phone rings. I know who it is before

I answer it. At this time of the morning, each and every day, my husband

calls me to chat before eating lunch. That's how it is. Breakfast time 

for me...lunch time for him. In eleven days, after all these months

we will finally be in the same time zone. 

I better get dressed and go to work. Tonight I will  look for a suitcase,

and put Alberto's Kraft's Macaroni and Cheese in it...lots and lots of

macaroni and cheese...and Campbell's tomato soup. That is what

he wants from the U.S. A.. That is what I take him. Ah, what one does

 for a grandson. It always looks so funny when they X-Ray my luggage at

the airport...

 

Well, day 11 of countdown has started, let's see how it ends.

DOUBT...ANXIETY....QUESTIONING THE TRIP.

 12

COUNTDOWN: DAY 12

HOSPITALS AND LOSES.

PRIORITIES.

 

If yesterday I was jumping for joy as I started my countodown on my

awaited trip to Spain, today I was full of anxiety and doubt. Late

last night my husband, Pepe, informed me that his cousin, Marian,

a wonderful, bright, young woman had been hospitalized in critical

condition. The doctors had informed that her brave battle against

cancer would  soon come to an end. What painful news! Marian's

mother, an angel of a woman, passed away only 8 months ago! Pepe's

family is heartbroken. So is he. So am I.

 

Yet, my mind started wondering. As terrible as this was, a thought

crossed my mind...actually, I think it's that darn 6th sense I have

that jumped the alarm. Would I arrive to a funeral? Sadness set in.

Doubt set in. Anxiety set in. My feelings overwhelmed me. I thought

about postponing the flight to another month to avoid this terrible

situation of loss and grief.  I asked myself,  "Should I stay, or should

I go?". I cried and cried not wanting to face reality. Deep down...all

I wanted was to  crawl under my bed, and avoid any thoughts on how

this would impact my trip, since these situation depress me so much.

Afterall, there has not been a single trip in the last 10 years to Spain

that hasn't been clouded by hospital stays and loss of loved ones!

 

Furthermore, the memories of those trips to Spain made their entrance

in my mind: 

 

In 2001, I traveled to see my Mom before she would no longer recognize

me. Her Parkinson was taking a toll on  her memory. And my dearest

brother-in-law Fernando had cancer. It was a tough situation to deal

with...two loved ones at once. Fernando passed away a few months later

leaving my sister devasted.

 

In 2002,  my Mom passed away. My sister, Hilda, and I were called

to rush to the airport and get on the next flight to Madrid. Our Mom was

dying. We hurried home, our husbands helping as much as they could,

and raced on I-85 to the airport. Air France was our only option. The

flight  made a stop in Paris, where we lost the connecting flight... and

arrived in Madrid a bundle of nerves, and to make it worse Air France

lost our  luggage. Our niece, Ana, drove us directly to the hospital

where amazingly, Mom was waiting for  us. She passed away six

hours later.

 

In 2006, I traveled to see my best friend Maria, who on Christmas

Eve informed me she had cancer and aked to see us one more time

before it was too late. Pepe and I didn't think twice about it, in February

we visited her and said our goodbyes to the friend we loved so much.

 

In  July, 2009, I travel again, this time for my grandson Gabriel's birth.

Although a wonderful event, the combination jet lag, knowing he

was to be born with cleft lip and palate,  and a full month of not

sleeping ...made me a walking zombie.  I arrived in Atlanta

exhausted...and feeling much older.

 

In October, 2009, once more I head to Madrid. This time for Gabriel's

surgery. A joyous ocasion,yes...but oh, how hard to see my 4 month

grandson, and so many other children going through so much! By the

end of the first week in the hospital with Mayra and Gabriel, I looked

like I should be one hospitalized....a mean virus brought me down.

 

After my review, I called my husband to ask his opinion on my possible

change of dates. All I can say is that I felt terrible to even mention

it, but he was so understanding as always. Why is he always so good to

me? I wondered that instant, how could I not be by his side in a moment

like this...a man that has so much love for everyone. A man that during

his hospital visit the night before,was able to bring Marian to tears...

but from laughter! I thought...that is what life is about. Being there

for the people you care, no matter how hard it is. So I dealt with my

feelings, and I reminded myself once again that God is in control,

not me. Focused, and with priorities in the right order, I hopeI can

see Marian when I get to Spain and be able to help out in any 

way I can. 

 

I forgot about my doubts...I forgot about my anxiety...I forgot about

changing dates.

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SEPTEMBER 1, 2010. COUNTDOWN!

 13

   

   

THE TIME HAS COME.

LOOKING BACK.

13 DAYS AND COUNTING.

 

 

The time has finally come! I feel like jumping up and down...I feel like

running around the house shouting with joy...I feel like going  outside

and letting  out the loudest "YEEEEESSSSS!!!" ever heard. It's the first

of September, and  I can officially start my countdown to the most

awaited event in the last 27 weeks. On September the 13th, I will fly

to Madrid, Spain and see my hubby, Pepe, after what has seem to me

an ETERNITY.

To be exact, by the time we are at the Barajas Airport, hugging and 

kissing, it will have been 29 weeks. It might not sound like a long time

to you, but...to me...being without my husband for the last six and

a half  months has been one of the toughest experiences I have had

to deal with in my life....

 

If you have followed my blog from the day Pepe left to Spain, then you

know what I have gone through. If you haven't, but you have been

checking out my blog lately, and liked what you have read, then...you

might want find out  how this blog started and the reason behind it by

reading: ONCE AGAIN... A HUGE CHANGE IN MY LIFE.,  I can stay, I can

cancelall the plans if you ask me to. and PRETENDING IT'S MONDAY. 

 

You might even understand how very eager and desperate I am to get

away from it all...to feel warm and safe in Pepe's arms, if you read:

TUESDAY'S MELTDOWN PART 1,  TUESDAY'S MELTDOWN PART 2 .....

ALL WORK AND NO SLEEP MAKE JUANA AND SANDRA CRANKY AND

MEAN...,and one of my darkest days..THE KNOT (PART 1), THE KNOT

(PART 2) ,THE KNOT ( THE END ). Wow, I had to write it in 3 parts 

during my sleepless nights!

Now...not all has been  bad. I have had  my daughter, Sandra, and my

grandson,Alonso, to share these days with. I have discovered the

pleasure of blogging,which in turn  led me to write "FOOD STORIES",

 the humorous recipes that have become a family favorite. I have re-

connected with my husband in many levels, and have missed him

like I never knew I could. And, I have become a stronger person!!!

 

So...today, after looking back at my experiences, I have something

to look forward to...flying out of ATL with destination MAD. It will 

only be three weeks. But, Pepe and I plan to make the most of it,

and best of all we will look for a new "home". Ahhhhhh, can't wait!

So many loved ones I will share my time with too! My beautiful

daughter Mayra, my wonderful son-in -law Raul, my AWESOME

grandkids, Alberto and Gabriel...my sisters, nieces, cousins!!! What 

can I say, it's going to be great. 

 

In the next 13 days, I will try to post day by day. Therefore, this is

day 13 and I am counting...finally

counting!!!