The cookery course!

The cookery course for the Amas de Casa of Torre del Compte has started again and this week it was off to a fine start with 3 great recipes from Carlos.




The first was for Rollo de carne picada or a Minced meat and egg loaf...



...the 2nd was Alcachofas rellanas de jamón de Teruel or Artichokes stuffed with Teruel ham....



...and the 3rd was Tarta de almendra con Queso y Mango or an Almond, cheese and mango tart.



All 3 dishes had to be fully tested by the ladies present!

To see more photos and the recipes in detail, (in both Spanish and English), click HERE

Logs on the blog!

The idea was that if we went away in January when it was very cold and returned in February when it was getting warmer that we wouldn't need so much heating and that we would then get logs during the summer ready for next winter.


However, while we were away in January it was relatively mild and as soon as we returned the temperature fell and we have had a severe cold spell since. Consequently, we needed a fresh supply of logs.


Ramón brought them yesterday and at the same time pulled out a small apple tree which had been looking decidedly sick.


Here they only burn olive wood; it gives out a lot more heat and burns longer than pine.


Earlier today, Margaret stacked the logs so now we have a plentiful supply again.

Jorge's 50th birthday present!

Just over 2 months after Jorge's birthday party, his present is ready!

We all met in his mother's house in the village where he was given it.

The view is of the street where he lives looking towards the church and is painted and then fired onto a tile by a local artist. An original present and well worth the wait!

Santa Águeda

It was so cold this year that Santa Águeda was only given a shortened tour of the village.


However the temperature outside didn't stop the ladies of Torre del Compte enjoying a great meal in the bar/restaurant...


...and dancing with entertainment throughout the afternoon into the evening...

...organised this year by 5 very enthusiastic young ladies.

To see more photos, click HERE

To see the video of the dancing and entertainment, click HERE

Gran Canaria

It's holiday time and so to get some winter sun we have just spent 3 weeks in Gran Canaria at the same hotel we stayed at last year.

Our apartment has a great view over Puerto Rico...

...and has a large south facing terrace.

You just can't get too much of views like this!

The hotel has a couple of swimming pools...

...which look picturesque at any time.

During our stay the sea was very calm...

...however, the harbour walls are being reinforced. I don't think the crane driver has made a very good job of stacking the blocks!

Whatever time of year, there are always flowers in bloom...

...and the bougainvillea is as colourful as ever.

Yes, that is a large coffee pot in the garden.

Each night in the hotel there was a different theme for the food. Above, the chef is stuffing his enchiladas on Mexican night...


...while on Canarian night, local cheeses are served on cheese boards made in the shape of the islands.

Yes, we would go back again!

Click on a photo to see it full size.

To see more photos click HERE.

It's 3 Kings!

Although it's windy this evening, it doesn't deter the walk through the streets with the flaming torches. (Although I did get some wax from mine blown onto my coat!)


After following the 3 Kings and their pages through the streets to the hall by the bar, they pose for photos.

It's an expectant time for the children as names are read out to receive presents.

Excitement mounts for the children and their parents as the pages announce the names...

...as well as their grandparents!

La Fontcalda

Not far from us, on the very picturesque road down to Tortosa is the pueblo of Prat de Compte.


Like so many villages they were connected by a railway line which was closed in the name of progress and the route was turned into a Via Verde, Green Way. It is used extensively today by walkers and cyclists. The old stations still exist even though they are often far from the village they relate to.

The old railway line winds it's way through some very beautiful scenery...

...and I'm sure that if the railway existed today, it would be well used.

We can see light at the end of the tunnel but shortly after that, there's another tunnel!

A short distance from the station we come to La Fontcalda down in the river valley.

Here there is a sanctuary which is documented from the 14th century and is now a popular tourist destination. During Easter and the summer months there is a hotel with bar and restaurant closeby. The church is the 3rd that has existed on this site and dates from 1753.


The name La Fontcalda is taken from the local spring which provides medicinal mineral rich water.

All the tunnels, cuttings and bridges still exist for this railway line - why not bring it back?

And then more people would be able to see these fantastic views!