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…

January 9, 2010
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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…

January 9, 2010
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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…

January 6, 2010
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La Gomera

January 3, 2010

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…

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Happy New Year

And a very happy 2010 to both my readers. I had planned to write a review of 2009, but I haven’t done it yet, partly because I’m always busy with family at this time of year, and partly because I have a stinking cold, which really slows me down. If you’ve made a bunch of new year’s resolutions, I strongly recommend you look at http://6changes.com/, and think again. It works…

January 1, 2010
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Winning -ish

I’m winning – sort of. The Christmas cards and UK presents have been posted, and the turkey’s been ordered. The house is a little tidier, and the decorations are up. There’s still plenty to do, but I did get out last night for a little fun. Manifold had a concert, and all three of us went. Our son got sleepy after only three songs, so I had to leave then,…

December 19, 2009
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