Sunday Lunch in the Garden - 6 Feb 2011

Whilst the Daily Telegraph predicts an average temperature today of 5 degrees, we had lunch in the garden at over 16 degrees. Annie is wearing her swimsuit and we all needed suncream! This was a complete change from the weekend when the Arkholme ladies visited, when it was cold and drizzly. The day before, we went skiing at La Pinilla, an hour north of Madrid, with our french friends, the Leca's. Although a few slopes were closed, the pistes were good enough for a family ski and all are improving.

A lazy lunch menu featured lamb chops, spanish style followed by cheese and membrillo and a good french red, left over from New Year's Eve.

Arkholme Ladies visit Madrid - 28-30 Jan 2010

The Fuenfria Valley, Cercedilla- January

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Alhambra Granada - Sat 8 Jan 2011

Skiing Sierra Nevada 2-7 Jan 2011

We stayed in an apartment in Edificio San Bernado  at the very top of the Sierra Nevada Resort. It was so far above the centre of the village you had to take a chairlift (or drive) to get to the bottom. It had snowed all through the Christmas week so the conditions were perfect. We had 4 days of glorious sunshine but lost the 5th day to strong winds.

Carrie and the girls had lessons each morning and in the afternoons we skied the family slopes together. At the end of day 4, the girls were able to ski the blue run down to the bottom of the resort.

The ski area extends from 2100 to 3100 metres above sea level. From the top, you can sea across the Mediterranean to the African Coast. The skiing away from the family/beginners bowl area was fantastic and surprisingly quite given that the first week of Jan is still a holiday week in Spain.

Annie takes the lead in Little Robin Red Breast!

Fri 17 Dec 2010, Runnymede College Madrid.  Annie played Little Robin Red Breast in the school Christmas production.

Comares, Andalucia

The small town of Comares is perched on top of a mountain in Andalucia 2500 feet above sea level.  The views are stunning but not for those scared of heights.  An old lady dragged us into her house, still in her dressing gown, to buy her homemade wares... mountain honey, juicy sultanas, figs and almonds. The fruit is dried on frames which line the surrounding villages. Even on a relaxing holiday, we managed to explore and go shopping!