foto #23

One of the two hermitages in the village. This one, La Hermita de San Anton, is in a peaceful setting, with an overlook of the valley, just at the edge of town.

foto #22

Most of the white houses dotting the landscape were not here ten years ago. And now many are already empty.

foto #21

One of the local butchers saves bones for our dogs at no charge. This one was twice the size of Buster.

foto #20

Over three years, this kitty and I found one another on the street. But his one true love is my husband.

foto #19

The first of the celebrations was tonight. We decided to invite one of the village's biggest gossips over for drink, and then let her spread the word. The wine will help, too, of course.

foto #18

Top of my reading pile for the next few months.

foto #17

So I got the job offer. Which means I only have a few more weeks of this guy sitting on my lap at the office. The upside---I get to go to India for four months. And I know he'll be keeping my desk chair warm until I return.

foto #16

Blue skies covered over by the combination of cold temperatures and too many wood fires burning in the valley. But a little light shines over the Med.

foto #15

Just when I had given up hope, was shutting down my computer for the day---the e-mail came. The e-mail that can change everything. But no answer yet, will be revealed Monday morning. And I get to spend weekend on....

foto #14

I see the world mostly through this eye, having lost most of my vision in the other six years ago. I'm still adjusting.

foto #13

 

I have nice clothes that don't get worn often because 1) my office is in our house and 2) we live at the crossroad of Rednecksville and The Holler. Today I made an exception.

foto #12

We don't have Christmas decorations; rather, we have Winter decorations, to add light to this season of darkness. And yes, we display them all winter.

foto #11

This one is chamomile, but I've also had mugs of chai and decaf PG tips today. The sun was brilliant but the air cold and swift.

foto #10

Cyclamen, on the kitchen windowsill. A much-needed burst of color on this cold January day.

foto #9

 

"Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love; this is the eternal rule." Buddha

In memory of the victims of violence in Tucson, 1.8.11.

foto #8

Bayliss Lily with the old soulful eyes. And now with a white muzzle to match. She turns twelve in March.

foto #7

At the end of this first week of 2011 I find my new year enthusiasm waning a bit. Or perhaps I'm just tired. Managed to get to yoga though.

foto #6

foto #5

 

Grated grana padano, waiting for the pasta.

foto #4

Ceiling light in our lounge, made by refugees from Iraq. Or at least that was the salesman's story at the Hotel Continental, Tangier.

foto #3

 

One of the markers that our winter has arrived---when the olive oil begins to thicken.

foto #2

The aforementioned kitty, enjoying today's bright sun and watching the birds fly by.

foto #1

First day of this new year, so full of possibility and hope. The sun shone today as reaffirmation. I've spent the hours making plans and sorting yarn, much to the dismay of kitty.