(Town of Riano - where we begin our ascent over the mountains and then descend into the Valdeon Valley)

Miguel started the fireplace this morning to get the chill out of the house. After breakfast, we got ready to drive to Cistierna to go to the bank, which is a good hour away. You need an appointment and the bank is only open from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m.

After that, Miguel's cousin, "Yoli" Gonzalo, invited me, Miguel, and Pedro for "la cena" in the town of Riano, a town in which she works and is on the way home. The three of them had fish for dinner and I tried the "hamburgueser yankee." I didn't like it very much (very dry) but the bean soup was delicious and the ice cream dessert was good. You do not go hungry in this country!

When we got home, Miguel and Pedro took a little siesta; then, when they awoke, they went for a walk to visit their brother, Fidel. I stayed home and paid bills over the phone.

(Gijon, Spain)

(Beautiful beach on the Cantabrian Sea)

Miguel made a fire this morning. It's going to be 72 degrees F here today with no rain in sight. The people here think it's "mucho calor" (very hot) . Today, Miguel's brother, Fidel, and his wife, Conchi, took us to a northern coastal town called Gijon. It was a beautiful long mountainous drive. We stopped and viewed the Cantabrian Sea, which is part of the Atlantic Ocean.

We continued on the road and stopped at a nice restaurant called "La Padilla." It was very good. We continued driving east to Cangas de Onis. (We had been here on a previous day.) From here, we headed back over to the Valley of Valdeon. We had made a complete circle by the time we arrived home at about 7:00 p.m. It was a long day, but so enjoyable as Miguel and I do so like to see the countryside.

It looks like it's going to be a nice day today. Every morning there are clouds covering the peaks, but by 1:00 p.m. they clear up. It's still on the cool side, but comfortable if you wear a sweater. When Miguel gets up, he always gets the fire going; but when it burns down, he doesn't start it up again until late - around 9:00 p.m.

After doing a load of laundry and hanging it outside, I waited and brought it in when it dried. It took all day to dry. (You can see my clothesline rack in the picture to the right.) I went to our next door neighbor's house (Miguel's Aunt Conga and her husband, Tony) to invite them to dinner tomorrow. Miguel and his brothers, Pedro and Jesus, went walking to their home town, Prada, to bring some wood to our house. It seems like we use a lot.

Jesus put some pork ribs in the oven and we had that and leftover chicken soup along with fresh tomatoes for dinner. Like always, fruit and cheese are the usual items for dessert. After the cleanup, the three brothers went to visit Fidel. I stayed home and enjoyed the quietness.

(Jean and Miguel's back yard along with the towering Los Picos de Europa)

We had a fire going early this morning. After eating a continental breakfast (bagel with cream cheese and hot tea) I did some ironing.

Today we're going to have our neighbors over for "la cena," so I'm making hamburger pie and salad. Aunt Covalonga is bringing the dessert. The dinner was set for 2:00 p.m. Our company came on time, but Miguel and his brothers were a little late. This was the first time they had eaten my hamburger pie recipe and it was a great hit. After dinner, I cleaned up the dishes and they still sat at the table. Our company went home and the brothers took a nap while I read.

When they woke up, we took a little ride to Cain, which is the lowest town in this valley. They hardly get any snow in the winter. The fog rolled in, but the ride was nice. It's only three kilometers away from us, but the road is narrow and "wind-ey." All-in-all, it's been a pleasant day. Tomorrow is a big day - THE GONZALO REUNION!

(Village of Cain - the lowest town in the Valdeon Valley)

(Gonzalo Family Reunion - There were 11 of us - 10 seated and I took the picture)

Woke up early. This is going to be a big family reunion day. I made two batches of chocolate chip cookies. Miguel and Jesus expanded our dining room table to accommodate everone. Miguel and Jesus got the barbecue ready.

At about 2:00 p.m. the people started to come. Conchi made some "alubias" beans with chorizo. She also brought some "pancetta." Pancetta is uncured bacon, while bacon is cured and smoked, but both need to be cooked before being eaten. They can be used interchangeably in dishes, depending on whether or not you want a smoky flavor. There was also "morcilla." Morcilla is a spiced Spanish blood sausage made of pork and rice with a rich, slightly tangy flavor. Conchi also brought "budin" (Spanish pudding) made with crumbled up croutons. Santa made a cake. Everthing was delicions.

We finished the dinner around 4:00 p.m. In Spain, it seems as if talking a lot always accompanies dinner. It was nice to have all of Miguel's siblings together. In order they are: (1) Pedro,(2) Honorino, (3) Teresa, (4) Miguel, (5) Fidel, and (6) Jesus. Another brother, Baudilio, passed away when he was only 26 years old. With the wives and one nephew, there were 11 of us.

After dinner, Miguel, Pedro and Honorino took a siesta and I read. Miguel's nephew, Felix, has two daughters, Marina and Paula. They came by to wish us a safe journey home and to say goodbye. When they left, Miguel, Pedro, and Jesus went to Soto to watch a soccer game.

All-in-all, it was a great day. I'm sure I'll sleep good tonight!

Woke up to a very chilly morning. Miguel started the fire right away. The forecast is cloudy with the sun appearing off and on today. The low is 49 degrees F and the high is 59 degrees F. Today we're packing our suitcases to leave for Madrid tomorrow morning,

Jesus is taking us back to Madrid. We are eating leftovers today. As is the custom around here, when relatives are leaving, all the family come over the night before to say goodbye and wish you a safe journey. That's exactly what happened around 8:00 p.m. The same people who came over to dinner last night are the same people who came over tonight - plus Miguel's niece, Maite, and her husband, Pedro, and their son, Miguel. They stayed until 10:00 p.m. Now it's time for bed

My telephone woke us up at 4:00 a.m. Our daughter forgot about the time difference, but we were anxious to get ready to go home to California. We had a quick breakfast and then the four of us (Miguel, Jesus, Pedro and me) were ready to take off for Madrid. Jesus was kind enough to take us to Madrid - about a five hour drive.

First, we took Pedro home. His family was waiting for us and we all went to eat dinner around 2:00 p.m. We talked a while and said our goodbyes. Then Jesus took us to a place where his family was waiting to greet us. We visited a little while. Then Miguel and I took a little nap. When we awoke, Jesus, his wife, their son and daughter, and her husband, David, took us out for tapas.

Tapas are hors d'oeuvres. I wasn't that hungry, but they ordered my favorite Spanish food, "gambas-al-ajillo" That's a very good dish comprised of baby shrimp fried in an earthenware dish. Now it's 11:00 p.m. and I'm ready for bed. Miguel is still talking with his brother and sister-in-law. It's been a long day!

(gambas-al-ajillo)

(Barajas International Airport - Madrid)

We stayed with Jesus and Maribel in Madrid last night. They live very close to Barajas International Airport. We slept very well, but woke up early as we were very anxious to be on our way. Jesus and Maribel took us to the airport around 10:00 a.m. and our flight took off on time at 12:35 p.m.

It was a beautiful flight packed to capacity - around 400 passengers and crew. There wasn't any turbulence. The seat belt sign didn't come on at all during the flight except on take-off and landing. It took 12 hours, and our daughter, Teresa, was there to pick us up.

Even going through Customs was a breeze because we didn't have to declare anything. They just took our photos as we were going through. This has been a long and unforgettable trip. Let me extend the invitation to family and friends to come and visit us in Spain and in California.

One of Miguel's brothers (Fidel) says they might come to the USA in February, 2023. If anyone else is interested, my e-mail is jeangonzalo42@att.com.

I hope you enjoyed reading about my journey and maybe I'll see you at our "Gardner's Reunion" next year.