Valencia

We were invited by DD's boyfriend to join them in a sightseeing trip to Valencia. Having only been to the city for the airport, this was something completely different. We both drove to the outskirts then left our car at a commercial park and tranferred to theirs. He had lived in the city for two year and certainly knew his way about. We headed towards the science and exhibition halls which were built on the dry river bed.

Here there is no such thing as a dry river bed, as when the gotafria comes everything is awash. Apparently this happened in 1957 when the city was swamped with 15 ft of water, they decided to redirect the river and build a motorway on the bed, luckily they changed their minds and created a beautiful park.

These futuristic buildings were built to house the planetarium, opera house, oceangraphics and exhibition halls.

Viewed from different angles they created different images and reminded us of a set for Star Trek.

We had a lovely afternoon and were so glad A was driving, it was mad and manic, we drove towards the port along a very straight road that had 24 sets of traffic lights, luckily after hitting the first one red the rest changed just as we got there. The city is built on a grid system so you can understand the need. A was a brilliante guide showing us some of the cities most beautiful buildings along with the America's cup area, the bullring, football stadium, and we drove along the grand prix circuit.

Towards evening the streets suddenly hit a standstill, then everyone started sounding their horns, what a din, didn't help ofcourse but perhaps it made them feel better. Turned out it was a (peaceful) demontration marching along with bands keeping them in step as they travered the street. We scooted off to an underground carpark and wandered around for awhile.

We finished the day off by having a menu del dia at one of the many restaurants. With an hour and a half journey back we arrived home late, but it was worth it for such a lovely day.

Smithy

Very little stitching going on, the weather has turned a little warmer so have been outside gardening, tidying, pruning, altering beds, must be time for some seed sowing. We are going to try something different this year by growing more veggies and salad in the courtyard where we can keep a better eye on them for watering purposes, thats as long as our furry friends dont decide its a new playground and dig everything up.

We went to our miniatures club this week where we were discussing the exhibition, as DH has more or less completed the smithy, he volenteered to make a bakery for the village.

Fred has been busy in his smithy, he has arranged his tools on the walls and built himself a work bench where he fixed his vice, he lit a good fire so he could start his first commission.


Fred even managed to get his bellows in position, these a fully working bellows and is one of the first things everyone tries when they see the scene.

Another nice morning..... more gardening?......

A prize and new arrival

when we went to town to our post box the tell tale little parcel card was in there, after collecting the parcel, this is what was revealed, these lovely cross stitch and Hardanger books from Liz over at Broderie. I won these back in November but Liz and I agreed that the postage was extortionate for air mail and settled for surface, Liz commented on hoping it was not a slow boat to Spain, well I think it may have gone around the houses for a bit first, enjoying a cruise, but any way what a lovely gift, I shall enjoy doing some of the patterns, thank you so much.

We also had some very good news that our immediate relies were safe and sound in Christchurch, but had a very long tense wait to hear from DH's best friend who in the end managed to briefly contact us saying he was safe, although shaken and with no imenitites and a damaged house was living away. DH, having lived there for 13 years was really upset for the loss of everything and has been avidily following the NZ news and aftershock sites. Our thoughts go out to all.

We are now introducing Fred. Fred is a newcomer to the village, he is a beefy blacksmith trying out his anvil for size before getting to work. As he has just moved in everything is quite clean and tidy, but this won't last for long once he gets the furnace going.

Fred is just awaiting delivery of his protective apron and has to arrange his working tools on the wall before he can accept any commissions.

It is quite amazing how each character takes its own way no matter how you try to make them conform, the anvil is carved from balsa wood and then finished with metallics, the bricks are clay and tools fimo.

Happy crafting.....