Floyd

Our good friend Floyd died on the 2nd May.

We had known him since our arrival to the village of Torre del Compte at the start of  December 2005.

He had been battling with cancer for the last couple of years and had been receiving treatments during that time.

As can be seen from these photos taken over the years we have spent many hours sitting at various tables enjoying meals!

To see the dedications from some of those who knew him click HERE.

To see the dedication from Margaret and myself, click HERE.

To see Floyd's funeral, click HERE.

Floyd will be sadly missed by us all, especially at the various social gatherings we have become so used to.

Fórnoles

Fórnoles, around 25 km from Torre del Compte, is playing host this weekend to the "Health to Life" fair, Feria, Salud a la Vida.

It is a small village, even smaller than Torre del Compte, with just over 100 inhabitants...

...and is just over 200 metres higher at 706 metres above sea level.

However, this feria brought it to life at least for this weekend.

The main street was decorated with mobiles made from egg boxes - no expense has been spared!

One of the main claims to fame for this village is that it lies on the Greenwich Meridian and the coordinates are 40°54'N 0°0'E.

Wandering along the main street there are some very interesting old buildings.

Unsurprisingly, there are no shops but there is a bar.

In the 18th century Fórnoles was a thriving village with 154 houses and several hundred inhabitants who worked the land. It had 2 flour mills and 3 olive mills.

The church of Santa Maria dates from this time.

Fórnoles was the birthplace of 2 famous 18th century personalities, one a famous doctor. Andrés Piquer, and the other a famous author, Braulio Foz.

In an attempt to attract people to the village only a couple of years ago properties were virtually being given away.

This is the Plaza Mayor where the village clock chimes regularly.

There were quite a few stalls in the main street...

...with a range of items for sale...

...both antique and modern.

This weekend the weather has been glorious...

...and many people will have enjoyed visiting the village...

...to see the feria de Salud a la Vida.

Joy's birthday celebration

Tomorrow is the birthday of our dear friend Joy.

But, as most proper restaurants around here are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays,... 

...we decided to treat her to a meal today, Sunday, the day before her birthday.

The Virgen de la Fuente at Peñarroya de Testavins is one of our favourite places to eat.

This looks similar to a Maple tree but it has different fruit/nut as opposed to a seed pod in the photo above. It's very attractive though.

Another tree producing it's seed - we think this could be a walnut.

As usual, the food is excellent, it may look like 'ham and eggs' but it is Huevos rotos con Jamón de Peñarroya y trufa...

...which is followed by Secreto de Cerdo a la brasa...

...and then finished off with a special birthday cake!

After the meal, coffee in the 'lounge' downstairs in the cloisters.

There are some interesting 'sculptures' on display in the art exhibition in the adjoining ermita...

...and then a walk around the grounds.

We return home to our terrace...

...to finish off that delicious birthday cake,...

...enjoy a glass or two of cava...

...and to open the birthday presents.

A thoroughly enjoyable way to spend a pre-birthday!