What a nice start to the year. “Thrice upon a Time” is at Afterburn SF and “Screamcatcher” is at Untied Shoelaces of the Mind. Now I’d better get busy and submit a ton more.
In Spain, the Three Kings bring the kids their presents on the morning of January 6th. And the stinking cold turned into flu at midday on the 5th. It was so bad that I decided that a) I couldn’t drive safely, and therefore b) the Kings weren’t getting any more help from me. I collapsed into bed with the usual aching joints and head I wish I’d thought to take…
Landslides in Fuencaliente, La Palma
One of the landslides in Fuencaliente Just before Christmas we had two winter storms back-to-back. It was a pain, but for most of the island, it was just wet and windy. Things were worse in Fuencaliente. Because a forest fire damaged much of the forest and farmland, ther were far fewer roots to hold the soil in place. So the heavy rains caused numerous landslides. Nobody was hurt, but some…
The Secret Garden
I got this book for Christmas. I read it as a kid, (back in the Jurassic) and enjoyed it, and I’m surprised at how much I’m enjoying it again. I know some people get all sniffy about children’s books, but I think I good children’s book is far, far better than a mediocre adult one. Besides, I’ve got a stinking cold, and I really needed something lightweight and cheerful. Part…
The Kings are Coming to La Palma!
Although Father Christmas does visit Spanish children, he’s a new arrival. Traditionally the presents arrive on the morning of January 6th, when the three kings visit baby Jesus. This is why the sales haven’t really started yet – Christmas isn’t over here. And on the evening of the 5th, they ride in procession through most of the major towns and villages in Spain. In previous years we’ve usually gone to…
La Gomera
One of my friends is spending a week on Gomera. Since it’s only a ferry ride away, I couldn’t resist going to see her. The original plan was to take the 6 am ferry from La Palma to La Gomera, which arrives at about 8 am, and then take the 9pm ferry from Gomera, which would get me home for about 11pm. And then spend most of the next day…