Archive for December, 2003
- New Year’s Eve in Madrid
It’s 5 hours till 2004! Samuel and I have been sick for the past four days and are trying to mentally, physically and emotionally prepare ourselves to walk to Puerta Del Sol where thousands of others will ring in the New Year. The gathering is comparable to Times Square on New Year’s Eve. My guess [...]
- Spanish Men
I had heard that Spanish men would be more forward than American men. I was told to expect to hear random men make comments – most of which, I figured, I could easily ignore due to my lack of knowledge of the language. Until last week, however, I hadn’t noticed. I was walking to the [...]
- Celebrating Christmas
Although the beautiful, sunny, 50-ish degree days and lack of snow make it difficult to believe it is Christmas, we have believed the calendar and streets full of Christmas lights and have forged ahead with celebrating Christmas. First was the Christmas program at our church, Mountainview International. Samuel and I were both involved in the [...]
- Thank You
I want to say “thank you” to all you – friends and family – who have made comments on my website and who have expressed well wishes and prayers for my family and me as we recently lost my grandpa. I appreciate knowing how much I am loved and also, how much love was felt [...]
- Goodbye, Grandpa
Mom just called to tell me that Grandpa Tom died at 11pm last night Wisconsin time – 6 a.m. this morning, Madrid time. This picture was taken at the end of July 2003. It was the last day I saw my grandpa. My parents and my uncle are also in the picture. I want to [...]
- Soon
I just read an email from my mom that was sent four hours ago. In it she told me that my Grandpa has been unresponsive for two days and is exhibiting signs that he will die within a few days. Shortly before I read that email I got a call from my friend April who [...]
- A day in Sol
We finally had another sunny day, so I went for a walk through Puerta de Sol – considered to be “the center” of Madrid – although you wouldn’t think so by looking at the map, this is where “everything is happening.” The famous “Tio Pepe” sign. The bear and the strawberry tree (I’ve never seen [...]
- Our Flat
The living room. Tama and Segu on their favorite couch. One of Samuel’s pet peeves is having someone read over his shoulder though he doesn’t seem to mind when Tama is the one reading over his shoulder! Tama likes to hang out in the kitchen, too!
- Thanksgiving In Madrid
We enjoyed a Thanksgiving Dinner on Saturday, November 29, at the home of Troy and Heather Cady. Forty “international” guests were in attendance including friends from England, Finland and Spain. Heather cooked a great meal, and we even had a few homemade, from-the-pumkin-not-a-can pumpkin pies (it’s easier to find a pumpkin than a can of [...]
- Grandpa Tom
My Grandpa Tom, my dad’s dad, is dying of cancer. He was diagnosed about a year ago, and I knew before I left for Spain, that my visit with him in July was going to be the last time I would see him here. My mom has been keeping me updated. He is in Home [...]