Madrid February 2011

Three weeks for Susan and Stan with the family in Madrid.   There is never enough time. 18 month old Katya smiles and smiles and smiles.   4 1/2 year old Isabel is always busy and especially loves princesses (of course)

Madrid is one of the greenest cities in world. Another enormous park - Juan Carlos I - this one with sculptures and all kinds of artistic construction.  Bikes were available for free. We couldn't even begin to see it all.

 I've spent enough time here now to begin to understand why Madrid is ranked as one of the ten most livable cities in the world.   A Sunday flea market in the city, a visit to the Cervantes monument in Plaza de España and a view of the ever present towers in northern Madrid.   Jorge works in one of the towers, 15 minutes by metro or car from their home.

One more beautiful park - a summer retreat for a king with an olive grove and gardens that are filled with roses in the summer.  

Anna Maria Island, Florida December 2010

A great Christmas week on the beach with Janny, Ruby and Bernel.     Great weather plus one exciting storm with lots of very big waves.   More of Janny's photos.

The Gulf of Mexico and miles of beach on one side and the inland waterway on the other side of the condo.   Anna Maria Island is on the south end of Tampa Bay.  

Exploring the island, shopping, puzzles, cards, Christmas dinner and the neighbor's pool.

Harry Potter in Orlando - December 2010

A day trip to Universal Studios in Orlando with Janny and Ruby. The Park had other attractions but we were focused on a visit to Hogsmead. Many of these photos (and all of the best ones) were taken by Janny.

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter lived up to all of our expectations.

A frog choir performance, an insane roller coaster, another Tri-Wizard Tournament performance, and a tour as well as a wild ride through Hogwarts.

Lunch and

dinner at the Three Broomsticks included butterbeer and pumpkin juice (or was it apple juice?) Chocolate frogs and Botts Many Flavored Beans at Honeydukes.

It wasn't easy to leave. The park closing, kids wanting more rides, everyone tired and still a two hour drive ahead. Great day!