Today is actually November 6t. I have to comment on the election. Yesterday, I was talking with a father at the girls’ school who is from Canada. I apologized that I couldn’t speak in Spanish, because I was concentrating on English. I told him that I had been listening to National Public Radio in the United States – listening to all of the political events. He said something to the effect that, “You now can understand how the United States is so global, when there are celebrations throughout the world of Obama being elected.” He also stated that he cried when he heard Obama and McCain speak. I have to say that I feel like I can be proud to be an American in Europe again – where there have been times I felt like saying I was from Canada, in order to avoid conflict.

Thursday October 9th

Today I picked up Grandpa and Grandma Alvar. We were sooo lucky to have Ana’s car during their whole visit – which was more than appreciated.

Grandpa and ma had a crazy schedule, and I was their tour guide. Friday (10-10) morning we drove to El Escorial to tour the Monastery. I did see a floor that I hadn’t seen before. As I explained to them, “It rains everytime I have come to El Escorial.” Well it poured, but the lucky thing was that we were inside. We got to examine how well the gutter systems worked on these historic buildings – I can say very effective.

Jocelyn had a field trip to the Botanical Gardens. She was taken with the nice busses and watching the Venus Fly Trap being fed!!!!

Saturday (10-11) we enjoyed churros and chocolate in Boadilla before we drove to Segovia as a whole family. We were a little squished in Ana’s 5 passenger car – but managed very well. We used the Tomtom to get there – indicating no toll roads. This drive was amazing. It was through the mountains with way curvy roads – good thing Jocelyn took her Dramamine. The villages along the way were beautiful. On the roads we could read writing that said, “Go Lance!” etc. Apparently this is a leg of the Tour de Spain (Voulver) and Lance Armstrong has participated in and ridden his bike on these same roads.

As we reached a round-about to change directions, I looked out the back window because there was lots of activity. Well, it was the Royal Family’s Summer Palace in Segovia – La Palacia de Fuentes y Jardins!!!! Yeah, I couldn’t have planned it if I tried. We got out and enjoyed much of the fountains before the rain started to ruin our parade. We then successfully maneuvered the aqueduct, ate suckling pig at the oldest restaurant, toured Fernando’s castle (Sleeping Bueaty), and then hung out in the rain waiting for Brent to run back and get the car.

Brent and his mom enjoyed the grocery store. Jim and Gayle spoiled us rotten by buying most of the groceries and cooking while they were here. It wasn’t much of a vacation for them – but an excellent one for us. On that same drab point, it rained everyday that Jim and Gayle were here!!! They definitely got the use of their raincoats.

Sunday (10-12) we (Jocelyn, Kelly, Chelsea, and I) took Gayle to the Flea Market. It was a first journey for everyone but the Alvars.

Monday (10-13) we drove to Toledo. We parked at the train depot and took the bus tour to the top. This was great for many reasons. 1 – Brent’s dad didn’t have to deal with uphill, elevation, and cobblestone streets etc. 2 – We got some valuable historical information that made the 2.50e per person worth it. It was amazing how close the cathedral is to the main square. I think I walked every avenue of Toledo when the Mejors were here. It was really only a few meters away from the center!!! We had a wonderful time.

Tuesday (10-14) we did a leisure day of Madrid. We did the Puerto del Sol, Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral, the Palace, and the Jardins. After we got the girls from school, Grandma and the kids (Jocelyn, Bryce, Luke, Kelly, and Chelsea) tie dyed Halloween shirts. Steve and Laurie were in charge of dinner tonight. Now the only reason that I mention this is because they burned the garlic bread. So Brent had to take the battery out of the smoke detector. Cool!!! I didn’t think we had one, so we have one and it is very effective!!!

Wednesday (10-15) the kids then drew pumpkins all over their shirts!!! They were so dang cute. In fact, Kelly and Chelsea still use their shirts as night shirts. That evening, I asked Brent to put the battery back in the smoke detector. So he did. Then the house alarm started going off. Piercing!!!!! Screeching!!!! Nerve Racking!!! The thing would not go off. Brent then played with all of the breakers and figured out which one it was. This left only power in the kitchen and downstairs for the Ladies. It did leave some outlets along the hallway working. We called the owners to have them try and help. Nothing could be done until tomorrow. So we got to live in the house with only partial electricity. At least the hot water and heating system are in the kitchen.

Thursday (10-16) we stayed home waiting for the electrician to show up. He didn’t get here until 9 in the evening. All he did was cut all of the wires to the house alarm, which wasn’t hooked up anyway. So now we have electricity, there in no more ticking in the ticking room and throughout the house, the fire alarm is no longer blaring, and we have a simple battery in our smoke detector.

That evening, Brent, Steve and Laurie had a UEM (university) function. So all of the Alvars took Luke to our favorite “sandwich stop.” At the table there are paper menus, similar to when ordering sushi. You get little sandwiches on bread shaped like little hoagies that taste like bagels. We especially like the chocolate one!!! Steve gave me money for Luke, so I had him fill out his own order and pay on his own. I then let Jocelyn and Bryce do the same. It was sooo cool seeing how grownup these guys were.