Early March

We met with our JM Vacations contact person on Friday and booked our trip to Seville for Monday, March 11.

We also learned, to our disappointment, that the Douro River Valley trip that we had hoped to do is not possible. Apparently they now only run the river and vineyard tours beginning at the end of March, not enough time to get to the area and back comfortably before we leave on April 3rd. :-(

That leaves us with the possible second option, namely the 3 day trip to Granada (the Alhambra) and Cordoba in Spain  - and this is not certain yet as they need more paying customers for it to go. So, we wait. We have been on this trip a couple of years ago but the weather was so cold and wet that we didn't see all of the Alhambra and virtually nothing around Cordoba except for the inside of the giant Mosque, so it would be a nice trip even though it would be  a repeat.

I included the photo above, made from our balcony, for those who have in the past confessed to liking the chimney pots.

Jean and John are leaving a week from tomorrow for a 3 day trip to Lisbon and will not join us in Seville or on the Granada trip - if that one materializes.

I took this photo this morning on our walk - the sun is shining though there are some very dark clouds in the north which we hope are moving north!









Ruth's hip discomfort is lessening so mobility is improving, thankfully. Yesterday we walked to the bookstore, which went well for her, and today we are going to the bakery - about a 15 minute walk.

And the temperature has improved significantly - about 12 C this morning with lots of sun and supposed to reach 17 C this afternoon, conditions most welcome!

As we are looking forward to the arrival of our friend, Rose Janson, this coming Wednesday we are happy that it is supposed to be warmer during the week that she is here.

Last evening I spent some time on the beach trying some long exposure photos. Unfortunately there was a strong wind which made it a bit uncomfortable but most annoying is that the tripod is not totally steady when the wind is so strong. In spite of that I think the images are not bad and I am feeling more confident about getting the exposures I want.

As you can see from the photos below it seems John keeps an eye on me from their room while I on the beach.

Here I am bravely facing the tsunami like wave bearing down on me.

But, I am very safe with lots of company on the beach.

Above is yet another image of part of the breakwater, which I seem to find quite photogenic. You  will no doubt see more variations.

And another sunset for those who, like me, don't tire of them.