California here I come...

After spending a week with my Mom and sister Mary we drove on over to California and visited with my niece Debee and her children, Gabe, Wyatt and Colleen, for a day and Debee was gracious enough to drive us from Bakersfield to Clovis where my sister Dawn and husband Terry live. Fun times... While we were there my nephew Clint stopped in with his new girlfriend and her daughter.

Arizona in August

First thing back to the U S of A was to visit my Mom and Sister Mary. Arizona is very much like Spain only warmer. Which felt good to me. Air conditioning is way over used here. You have good heat AZ why ruin it with AC.

Rain in Elche on my last day here...

Well, my bags are packed and I am ready to go. This morning I woke early and decided to go for a run along the river. Things were going fine until it started to spinkle a little and I thought no biggie, rain never hurt anyone. After about an hour, it started to rain a little harder, and since I was already wet (or so I thought) I decided to keep heading in the direction of home. Finally when I had passed the point of any shelter, it downpoured, I mean serious downpour. By the time I got to my flat I was soaked through and through. (now I know what wet really is, I don't think my shoes will be dry by morning). Coming into our building I noticed that it was in fact raining inside as well. The water had flooded on the roof and was coming in under the door and flowing over the stairs all the way down to the bottom. (Sorry no pics of that, I was too concerned at this point to getting myself inside and dried out). After a warm shower and dry clothes I snapped the pictures of the streets below my flat. While doing this I heard my name from across the street and saw the sister Missionaries out on their balcony watching the water flow as well. I guess it was just Spain's way of saying goodbye, Seattle style. :)

Boxes leave tomorrow.

My boxes are ready and the shipper comes tomorrow. My ticket home is for August 20th. First stop in Arizona to visit my mom and my sister Mary and then next stop to California to visit my sister Dawn and nephew Clint and final destination Washington with hugs for everyone.

Plantlife in Elche, Spain

Took a walk along the river that runs through Elche, though I don't think it would qualify as a river back in the states. It was a lovely walk. Not sure of the names of any of the plantlife but they are pretty and huge. The plant I do know is the Palm tree and above it you can see the green buds of the dates growing on it.

Spain, the final chapter.

Well, sad to report my adventure in Spain is coming to a close. The divorce is finally finished for José, but so much has happened from our first internet meeting to this point that it is obvious to me that we have no future together. So, I have taken upon myself to initiate my return to Washington State. I have had a great time living in Spain and travelling all over from here to France and back. Spain is a beautiful country with a lot of history and great Castles. The people are friendly and encouraging when you try to speak in their language. If you ever get the chance you must visit.

Sunrise in Santa Pola

Got up early to see the sunrise in Santa Pola with a friend. Only to find out that the sun rises from the opposite side as the water. Guess we will have to come back another day and watch the sunset to see it on the water. :)

France trip day 4

Okay, day 4 begins with a visit to the old city of Loches, tribute given at the night shot to Joan of Arc who was Sainted for her Martydom, the Church, the Royal house and a view looking over the green part of the city, and what visit to France would be complete without stopping for a French Pastry. The next two pics are of a small Castle Montresor, which we found out after entering that it was a private home, please leave. Oops, sorry. It did seem a rather small Castle. The next Castles were one of my favorites to visit. Valençay, they even included a handset to listen to details of the rooms and a little history for those that cared to push the history buttons. I loved that they have the rooms decorated with furniture of the period. After Valençay garden there are two pics of the city of Orleans, the Cathedral here was massive. Finally our trip ends with the Castle Sully again a favorite. Don't know why since we didn't get to go inside, it was just real peaceful to me. It included a mote that ran all the way around it as well complete with a family of ducks and geese. The trip was truly amazing.

France trip day 3

This day begins crossing one of the many bridges they have going over the Loire River in France. A visit then to the city of Amboise, and look they have a Bellevue in France as well. Next is an old Church in Aboise adorned with a garden in front. Along our way we happened to pass another small but still grand looking Castle Montpoupon from the side first and then a front shot. Beautiful. The Castle behind closed gates and a small open doorway is d'Azay le Rideau and they simply would not let you close unless you paid a good sum of money. Sorry, we weren't planning on spending so much on entry fees, and once you see the inside of one, you have seen them all right?? not, some are much better than others. On we go to the famed Usse Caslte from with Disney modeled the Small World Castle from. It is also famed for being the Castle the writer of Sleeping beauty thought of when describing her Castle. It was even equiped with figures throughout one of the towers representing characters in the story which also included a lovely garden. Next we visited the Langeais Castle, but again no admittance without ticket. Still the city was worth the visit. Last on our stop included a canoe ride along and under the Castle Chenonceau. Situated across the Loire River. It was worth the entrance fee.