Zzzz

Last night, for the first time since we traveled to Virginia last Thursday morning, Little Miss Itty Bitty slept all night without waking.

Can I get a hallelujah?

I am fairly certain that at around 11:30 pm or so she acted like she was going to wake, as I distinctly remember thinking something along the lines of you have got to be kidding me, but apparently she managed to get herself back to sleep since I didn't get up.

I bet you are wondering why I am up now.

No, it is not because I am all rested and just don't know what to do with myself and all of this sleep. If it were up to me I'd be in bed right up until she decides to wake up this morning.

However.

I speak some Spanish; my husband does not.

I was gently woken at 5 am...is any waking gentle at that hour in my situation? Not so much...to call a credit card company in lovely España.

It was great fun using my old skills at that hour. Especially since my brain ceases to function most of the time now that I've had a baby.

Babies: they make you stupid.

We are fairly confident that we are going to get what we need, so I guess that is something.

Of course now I am UP with an exclamation point.

Figures.

Super-Cooper

A Trans-Atlantic Doggy Tale

We have the best lones (lone-ess) ever.

A lones is a dog.

His name has evolved over time. It began by Señor CC calling him crazy-pants two-plus years ago when he was younger and, well, more crazy and we were in Houston. Then for a while there I found it HI-larious to call him just plain old pants. I have no idea why.

When we arrived in Spain, I explained that in Spanish, pants would be pantalones. More specifically, since Cooper is so short, he would be pantalones cortos. Señor CC has (had?) quite a knack for butchering the español, and he immediately mispronounced the name as Pantalones Cortéz. This became Cooper's alter ego. You know, the one that got grumpy when we bothered him when he was sleeping...the one that was still testing his boundaries from time to time...the one that got really upset when we first left him alone in the hotel room. HOW DARE WE!

As Cooper grew, and as we moved from small hotel room to slightly larger apartment with a balcony (joy of doggy joys) for viewing his kingdom, he settled down. He learned that he was not allowed to bark at everything that thought of moving, nor was he allowed to fuss just because another animal was fussing or making noise (we had goats and seagulls galore...not to mention cats and RATS of all things...but that is another story). He learned to walk properly and to follow many more instructions. Basically, he grew up a bit and therefore settled down.

This is when I took to calling him just lones. He is my lones, and we see lots of other loneses out when walking or on the television (his favorite shows are The Dog Whisperer and the Humane Society/Animal Police shows that come on Animal Planet). He is quite aware that I am pregnant and that things are a-changing. He is way more snuggly and cuddly and just sweet and therefore he is my lones.

Back to the point.

We have the best lones ever. He is full of character and yet all the good things all in one 17 pound package. Some proof that he is fabulous:

On our trip from Spain back to Houston, we had two flights. This meant Cooper had to be in his kennel for 24 hours. He also had to wear a muzzle (the first airline required it...though they don't remove the animals from their cages - they make you do it for the x-rays). He sat in his kennel through Málaga Airport and barked from time to time when we rolled him. When we were still, he was quiet.

Airline number one decided to tell us that they couldn't guarantee that he'd get on the second airline's plane for our connection. That is called covering one's behind. That I understand. We had confirmation with airline number two, so it didn't matter. Then they decided to tell us we had the wrong papers. That is called they don't know what they're talking about. No, we didn't have an EU Pet Passport. Would you like to know why? Because we didn't need one. We weren't going to the EU, only through it to the US. So we had all of the proper forms for THAT trip. The trip we happened to be on. Imagine that.

Needless to say, it upset me a bit. I imagine things were worse because I was exhausted what with all of the moving of furniture, cleaning, and packing I had been doing to get everything ready. It was just one.more.thing. that I didn't want to even think about.

We had to take him to the other end of the airport to let his kennel go through the x-ray machine. I held him and then placed him back in his kennel...which he wasn't too fond of. We then all went our separate ways. Once on the plane, we asked if he was on there yet. We needn't have asked because once he was on the plane, we could hear him. Apparently he is not fond of the changes in pressure when one takes off and lands, since that is when he was most vocal.

We get to our connecting airport in Paris and collect all of our bags and the dog. Once again, he barks a bit when we move but not when we are still. We get to the second airline and they are perfectly happy with all of the papers we have...in fact, they didn't even check them, just the dog. He must have looked good because off he went with someone and we were off to the plane. We couldn't hear him on the second one, but they confirmed his presence for us.

Everyone sleeps quite a bit on the trans-Atlantic flights, and it is no different for loneses. We arrived in Houston and collected our bags as well as Super Cooper. We then had to wait and wait and wait for a taxi-cab that was a van so that it would all fit. Where were we headed? Like 3 minutes away - to the rental car place. By this time, Cooper was fussing a little more...so the driver got a good tip.

We got there and unloaded everything outside the builging. I stand guard while Señor CC goes to get a car. I let Cooper out (FINALLY) and he immediately finds some grass. Amazingly, he had not relieved himself for the entire trip.

NO POTTY-GOING FOR TWENTY-FOUR HOURS.

Needless to say, it took him a wee bit o' time to finish up.

Then he began licking the wet sidewalk.

Eww.

My poor lones needed some more water. Luckily, we had some left in his water dispenser that was in the kennel. It took some doing (duct tape is awesome stuff), but I got it loose and poured it in his bowl. He then commenced water-logging himself completely.

We finally arrived at our hotel that night and Cooper was re-introduced to carpet. It went something like this:

"Ohhh, carpet, how I've missed thee. Let me rub myself all over you to show you how fabulous I think you are. Also let me sleep on as many sections of you as possible the first night that I am with you to show you how I love you."

The next day, lones had discovered that he could lie down on the window sill:



Apparently this was equally fabulous.

The most fabulous thing, however, is my lones. As I've said, he is the best lones ever.

Noticias

A.K.A. My Last Post From Spain?

Howdy. I am practicing for our imminent return to the states and, more specifically, Texas. That's right. We're unfortunately leaving the wonderful country of Spain and are returning to Houston. When do we leave?

Ummm....this Friday.

Apologies for the late notice, but we've been a little busy.

How have we been busy, you ask? Well, there was a small thing, that is now a slightly larger but still small thing that began in September called pregnancy. Mine, not Señor CC's (thank goodness). We are expecting this phenomenon to end (the pregnancy), but not stop growing of course (the baby), in the first week of June. Or, at least, that is what La Doctora tells me.

Yes, I am aware that everyone thinks first babies are late. No, I don't need everyone to tell me that the uncomfortable-ness that comes at that point will most likely be extended, thanks.

Aside from that, we traveled a bit. Ha. A bit. We went to Milan in September, I got nauseous for October (what a fine thing to be), we flew to Paris in November and climbed the Eiffel Tower.

Yes, climbed. Pregnant, nauseous, climbing.

Good times.

And then came: The Great Divide

Señor CC was sent home for over a month in November. Oh. Joy. He then came home for less than a week and we went home for Christmas for a week at the end of which he was sent directly back to work away from home for two more weeks.

So, he missed all of my doctor appointments up until January. The Great Divide, indeed.

Since we've been back together, he's been working all hours of the day and night to transition and complete last tasks and I've been slowly but surely preparing for Move Version 2.00.8. We did get to drive up to Cordoba (see last post) in January for a day and we spent this past weekend in Seville for our last hurrah.

Movers came on Monday right after our return from Seville and they finished up today. In total, it took them just under six hours to do everything. We didn't have a lot of stuff.

As for those of you who may wish to contact us or who are waiting for a call from us - not going to happen. Our phones (Spanish and International) have been packed away and all we've got left is internet (woot for that) and Señor CC's cell phone.

Chompy-lones has been reunited with his kennel and has been making semi-frequent trips to it today to practice sitting/lying down in it and adjusting the towels for maximum comfort. He obviously doesn't remember what we are going to use it for...but that is of little importance. He'll know well enough come Friday.

I believe that is all for the news on our end. Was it better than the election coverage and/or Britney Spears fake-news? I hope so! I imagine this is my last post from Spain, though certainly not my last about Spain. I've still got lots to tell you. It should take me years to get it all out now that we'll be so busy.

Oh well, better busy than bored out of our minds.

Adios de España!
~ CC

A Picturesque Day in Cordoba

Senor CC and I spent our final Saturday in January in Cordoba, Spain. We drove up in the morning and came back home the same day. I'd say it took us about two and a half hours to get there and park...you know, if you don't count the required first-time-we've-ever-been-there detours that always apply to our attempts to find a parking garage.

Now of course, we know exactly where to park, and oh boy is it easy-peasy. So if any of you out there reading this...if there are any of you out there reading this...would like directions, then simply email me and I can give them to you!

I should also mention that we had a slight pee-break detour thanks to hubster. It is amazing how incredibly small his bladder is. I wasn't exactly helping things as I have been gifted with the I-just-wanna-get-there-already-so-no-stopping-ness of my father. I have no idea who the small bladder came from, but it afflicts just about every road trip we take together.

People, I had to take the next exit (or else!) and pull over while still on the ramp to let him get out, wearing a bright red shirt, and become a true Spanish man by relieving himself right there for all to see.

Oh, the many joys of immersing ourselves in Spanish culture.

Ha!

Anyway - this post is called A Picturesque Day in Cordoba for a reason, so let's get to it, shall we?




The parking garage we found is on a main street beside the old town, so we simply followed the moorish walls until we found a gateway we liked the looks of and ta-da - we were in the itty-bitty streets looking up at buildings like this one.




We walked aimlessly for a bit and then made our way to the synagogue. There were only three in Spain that were not destroyed during the reconquest and this is one of them.




The upstairs room is where the women would worship. As you can see from the people in the photograph, the area is tiny. The whole synagogue itself is quite small but well preserved.




One of the major tourist attractions in Cordoba occurs in April when the flowers are really blooming. The town has a number of beautifully decorated patios that owners open up once a year for viewing. This one is open all year because there are shops that surround it.




The patio walls are typically covered in pots like these. I am sure that there are many varieties of flowering plants that bloom in the spring...this time of year is good for the geraniums.




We ate lunch at El Caballo Rojo, which was right across from the entrance to the patio or orange trees that serves as the entrance to La Mezquita. The patio was beautiful and the orange trees were heavy with fruit.





In the middle of the patio is a fountain with these fabulous spouts. Water used to flow through small canal-like structures throughout the patio.




The former minaret can be seen here in its covered Christian form. It now houses giant bells to ring the hours of the day.




Finally, we are inside the mosque. This place contains over eight hundred columns above which are two sets of arches made from red and white stones. This set has recently been refurbished and look striking.




Towards the front of the mosque, where the worship leader would have stood as everyone faced him during the service, the decor becomes more intricate. This intricacy includes the ceilings.




The columns in the mosque appear to go on forever. The view would be even more impressive if a section of the place hadn't been torn down so that a cathedral could be built in the center.




Here is where the worship leader would have been during services. This area is called the mihrab and it is the most decorated sections of the mosque. Above it is a large dome that is also decorated.




The cathedral, as I mentioned, is in the center of the mosque. It is a strange juxtaposition of styles. The cathedral seems very out of place and takes away from the symmetry of the mosque.




Another photograph so that you can see the huge difference in styles between the two religions.




The outer walls of la Mezquita are also decorated with colorful tiles and stones. Unfortunately some of the doorways were blocked by the Christians and this is what makes the interior so very dark.




What tourist town in southern Spain would be complete without horses-drawn carriages? I thought these two looked lovely with the building as their background.




We spent a few more minutes wandering the old town and made our way through numerous streets such as this one.




Eventually we came upon this archway that leads from the old town through the Moorish walls. We had but a short walk from here to our car and then we were on our way home.



All in all, a wonderful way to spend a Saturday. We had a good time are are very happy that we were able to see such a building and town before we leave Spain.



Hasta Pronto,
~ CC

Cordoba

Okey dokey, people. Today we are off to Cordoba and the Mezquita. I will hopefully post some fabulous photographs soon!


~ CC

Friendly Weather Advisory

Notice to all living within a 10 km radius:

I am about to go running. This usually results in rain.

Today I cleaned the car inside and out. The last time I did this, it hailed golf-ball sized chunks-o-ice and damaged the entire car.

The combination of the two could cause weather so bad that Sotogrande is wiped off of the map completely.

You have been forewarned.

~ CC

October 12 of 12

October is Cooper's birthday month. He will be four years old on the 20th. I decided to let him show you a day in his life for this month's 12 of 12. The rules for the photos are over at Chad's site. Head on over to check out what everyone else in the world was doing today. Enjoy!

10:56 - Sotogrande, Spain

This morning I spent some time with Dad since he was home on holiday. I did my usual first position pose: paw on the leg to show ownership. I've gotta make sure he knows who is in charge!

11:34 - Sotogrande, Spain

Since Dad was home today instead of off wherever it is he goes all the day long, I was very hopeful that we would get to play...

11:35 - Sotogrande, Spain

...but unfortunately, he had other plans. Woe is me.

12:32 - Sotogrande, Spain

YAY! My favorite time of day: walking time. I wear my halt collar and Dad and I inspect the neighborhood together while Mom runs.

13:33 - Sotogrande, Spain

Ahhhh - water. There's no better way to end a walk. I like to drink copious amounts of water to ensure that I get to go back outside as soon as possible.

13:34 - Sotogrande, Spain

I carefully select a couple of tiles to lie down upon while I cool off.

14:18 - Sotogrande, Spain

Mom brought out the blue blanket after her shower and we snuggled for a little while. She thinks that blanket is hers, but I'm telling you - if she leaves it out, I am totally taking over.

15:54 - Sotogrande, Spain

Walks always wear me out. I napped until Mom took this photograph. Silly woman and her camera...I'll never understand those humans.

16:14 - Sotogrande, Spain

Dad was poking that small black box thing all day. By now, I was really trying to make him feel bad - check out the pouty-face made in his direction. Again, woe is me.

16:15 - Sotogrande, Spain

Someone a whole building over dared to ring someone else's doorbell. I am the master of protection (especially from something so awful as a doorbell), so I immediately ran to the front door to inspect.

16:16 - Sotogrande, Spain

No one was at the door, so I ran through the apartment to the patio and searched my yard for the intruder...to no avail.

16:16 - Sotogrande, Spain
Bonus Photo: Orange

Here is my blanket. It is warm and snuggly, so I love it.

17:06 - Sotogrande, Spain

At last!!! Shoe success! Dad played with me while he was working out. Hooray!


There's a day in the life of Cooper AKA chompy-lones. Hope you enjoyed it!
Hasta pronto,
~ CC

This post is for Kathy S.

DUDE!

Have you seen this?!?


~photo from bakersedge.com~

As soon as I came across it, I thought of you!!

Imagine how your life in Spain would have been different with this lovely pan...no more mushy middles, no more crispy sides - just perfectly baked all around brownies!

Perhaps you should put the Baker's Edge Brownie Pan on your list for Christmas...you know, to make up for all of the Spanish stuff SlyKat stole took home with her...

Here are the details.

Morning in Park Güell

Our third day in Barcelona was a very short one. We had a plane to catch early that afternoon, so we got up and going rather early. Where were we headed?

Park

Güell.

This Park was assigned to Gaudí by his faithful patron, Eusebi Güell. It was meant to be a private urban development in the style of the English gardens that were popular at the time. Today, Park Güell is a short metro ride followed by a fifteen minute walk away from the center of Barcelona. Back in Gaudí's day, it was a much longer trip.

The distance from the city center caused the project to fail. Plots were meant to be purchased by individuals who would then hire an architect to build their estate. Unfortunately, only two of sixty-two parcels were sold. Luckily for us, Gaudí was able to finish his work on the public areas despite the lack of interest.

The entrance is flanked by two small buildings. The one on the right would have served as the porter's lodge:



The one on the left was designed to be the area's administration center:



Both evoke memories of the Gingerbread House from the Brothers Grimm fairy tale Hansel and Gretel.

We walked from this entrance towards the stairway immediately in front of us. This set of stairs leads to the Hipóstila Room, which is full of columns. On the way, we passed what is probably the most commonly known symbol of the park today, the lizard fountain:



At the top of the stairs is the Hipóstila Room, commonly referred to as the Hall of 100 Columns (although there are in fact only eighty-six of them). Each column is supposedly slightly different and each was designed to carry water through a central pipe to a reservoir below. In this way the Hall serves as drainage assistance to the plaza it supports above.



Where there are no columns in the hall, round ceramic collages are present as false keystones within the vaults of the ceiling. These were created by Joseph Maria Jujol, one of Gaudí's preferred disciples who used ceramics and other unused materials in his creations.



In the areas to the left and right of the Hall of Columns, there exist some examples of common natural occurences (waves, caves, trees, etc) that are made out of rocks. This is where we could really see how Gaudí architecturalized nature in Park Güell.

An Ocean Wave:

A Cave:

Up above the plaza: Palm Trees:
(I love how he emphasized his rocky palm trees by planting real ones directly above them.)

Perhaps the most fabulous part of the park - and I could be wrong since we didn't see the whole thing, nor did we go into the Gaudí house or any other building - is the plaza with its serpentine seating.



The collages on the seats were also done by Joseph Maria Jujol and they are fantastic. The park is definitely a place for people of all ages. If we ever make it back to Barcelona, we will spend the good part of a day here exploring the place. How could we not, when the plaza is so inviting?



Hasta pronto,
~ CC

An Evening in Barcelona

I love desserts. We hardly ever have them because we try to be healthy. Okay, Señor CC truly rarely eats them (and if he does it is fruit or sorbet), and I take advantage of our travels to try new ones whenever I can.

Therefore, I just had to have churros con chocolate while in Barcelona. We attempted to find an appropriate restaurant, known for their chocolates and desserts, our first evening in Barcelona, but no such luck. We also attempted to go see the Font Màgica, but due to a Home Depot type home construction show going on, access was denied.

Fast-forward to Sunday evening. We had strolled La Rambla, the main pedestrian artery of the city, a couple of times during our trip and found it interesting. There were all kinds of street performers - people with marionettes, usually skeletons, dancing to music as well as guys dance-performing with a ladder - as well as flower stalls, and some excellent people-watching. While on one of these walks we noticed a sign that said churros con chocolate. Do these people know what tourists want? of course they do!

The place is called Cafè de L'Òpera, and the building has been in its current locations since the 18th century. The business has changed a couple of times, but now it serves churros con chocolate, which was what I wanted.

Just so that we are clear, the chocolate that comes to you is not anything like the hot chocolate from home. Oh, no. This chocolate is simply melted chocolate ready for you eat. It is thick and yummy. So thick, in fact, that your spoon can rest on top of it:



Churros are actually a breakfast food for los españoles. It is basically fried dough in what reminds me of the shape of play-doh when you use the fun factory. It is a very thick and heavy meal and it definitely sticks to your bones. I was only able to eat half of them because we had eaten dinner only a short while ago.



We then took the metro back to the Font Màgica, and this time we were successful! The home show was over and done with, so people were able to walk freely up to the fountain. There is a show that lasts about twenty minutes. It begins on the half-hour and comes complete with music, lights, and (of course) water.



The fountain is huge and the water can shoot up about 100 feet into the air. We were pretty far away from the fountain; I imagine that the people who get up close and personal with it get a little wet. The fountain changes shapes frequently and there were multiple color combinations. It was spectacular and a great way to end our last evening in Barcelona.



Hasta pronto,
~ CC