There is a bitter north wind now blowing down the main streets of Granollers. This morning the lake in park Ponent was frozen over and a man from the council was wading through breaking the ice. For the ducks?
freezing
Granollers
Walks round Granollers
We went for a beautiful walk on Saturday. It wasn’t far away – just up the hill past the hospital and then through the industrial estate and suddenly there was the countryside. When you get to the edge of Granollers or somewhere up high, you realise it isn’t so huge really.
We took the car so Blue could come too and after parking she walked up the hill in fine fettle (what is fettle I wonder?)
We took the car so Blue could come too and after parking she walked up the hill in fine fettle (what is fettle I wonder?)
In the distance that’s Montseny crested in snow
On the top of the ridge there is a mirador, a sort of folly which was build in the early 20th century. There were wonderful views all around – Montseny on one side and Montserrat on the other.
It was the end of the day and the moon had risen – here visible through the bare branches of this tree.
A figuera, fig tree – such a stout strong tree which is resistant to both dry and salty conditions.
I love discovering these new walks and this one although too far for Blue, could be reached entirely on foot. We had a phone call while up there asking if we wanted some last minute tickets for a Barça game. Somehow I didn’t feel like starting to rush home after this lovely walk so we decided to wait for another time. Also, the cold was beginning to bite and home and the sofa began to seem very tempting.
Going to the vet in Granollers
Second vet visit this week.
We continue to look for the best clinic in Granollers.
This one is cheaper, busier and more friendly.
Bonnie has a swollen face and (had) blocked anal glands(don’t think about that too closely).
Hospital Veterinary Lauro in Granollers so far so good. I am hopeful.
postscript : This was the veterinary clinic for us. We still go there and I can’t recommend them enough. They are helpful, kind, friendly and open all hours of the day and night.
Cereria Fatima in Granollers
If you read my last post you’ll know that I finally went into the mystery candle shop last week. It is always full of people and sometimes with queues forming outside.
I took a friend with me to help with translation and because she knew what to expect.
We were lucky and there was only one person in front of us and within five minutes I was speaking to Fatima and describing the question I hoped to answer with the help of the candle. I have been curious for two years now about this shop but I wasn’t just being a psychic tourist. There are many ways to focus on life dilemmas and I don’t have a problem in asking for help by lighting a candle. It’s an ancient ritual and perhaps could throw some light on my path. I believe the answers are within me but sometimes they are hidden from view. I am not sure at the moment what is the best way forward with my work – what should I be concentrating on?
I took a friend with me to help with translation and because she knew what to expect.
We were lucky and there was only one person in front of us and within five minutes I was speaking to Fatima and describing the question I hoped to answer with the help of the candle. I have been curious for two years now about this shop but I wasn’t just being a psychic tourist. There are many ways to focus on life dilemmas and I don’t have a problem in asking for help by lighting a candle. It’s an ancient ritual and perhaps could throw some light on my path. I believe the answers are within me but sometimes they are hidden from view. I am not sure at the moment what is the best way forward with my work – what should I be concentrating on?
Fatima recommended a particular candle and gave me instructions on how to burn it. Once lit it must be left until there is nothing left but a pool of wax. The candle is set on a sheet of aluminium paper and once it is finished and hard you take it back for Fatima to read.
Some candles weep, that is they drop wax as they burn. This one didn’t cry one tear. It burned from Wednesday evening until Monday morning and all that is left is a circle of wax about the size of a jam jar lid. Later this week I will take it to Fatima and see what she says. Today whenever I looked inside the shop was crowded with people waiting – chatting and laughing – it’s not a solemn place and Fatima herself is round and twinkly and warm.
Trips out from Granollers
Saturday
We cycled along the river path in the direction of Barcelona, with Bonnie and Duna running along beside. Bonnie is new to this so we walked through the town part and only started cycling when we arrived in the park. Duna is more practised and can do the road as well, doing a rapid walk rather than break into a run. They really feel like part of a pack when we are all speeding along together and don’t even glance at the other slower pedestrians – human or canine
There is a Viena restaurant further along the river – it is a Catalan chain of fast food restaurants which has been going for 40 years. It’s a good place to stop for breakfast, as I did with Tiffany last week, or lunch as on Saturday
Sunday
This time we took the van out of its parking space and I drove to Montseny and up the steep windy narrow road to Tagamanent(1056m). The top of this little mountain can be seen from Granollers and looks flat but it actually has an old disused monastery up on the summit.
We cycled along the river path in the direction of Barcelona, with Bonnie and Duna running along beside. Bonnie is new to this so we walked through the town part and only started cycling when we arrived in the park. Duna is more practised and can do the road as well, doing a rapid walk rather than break into a run. They really feel like part of a pack when we are all speeding along together and don’t even glance at the other slower pedestrians – human or canine
There is a Viena restaurant further along the river – it is a Catalan chain of fast food restaurants which has been going for 40 years. It’s a good place to stop for breakfast, as I did with Tiffany last week, or lunch as on Saturday
Sunday
This time we took the van out of its parking space and I drove to Montseny and up the steep windy narrow road to Tagamanent(1056m). The top of this little mountain can be seen from Granollers and looks flat but it actually has an old disused monastery up on the summit.
Blue had a potter around the lower slopes and then happily settled into bed in the VW while we fitter ones climbed to the top. There are amazing views over to the snow capped pyranees
and a deep silence enfolds you when conversation pauses. The sun was shining straight into the chapel and illuminating the statue of the Virgin Mary
The shadow creature beside me is Bonnie.
Which reminds me that last week a small child pointed at us as we walked by, saying, ‘lobo, lobo!’ The mother said ‘no mi niña, es un perro’
How wonderful to be that age when it is possible a wolf walks past you in Granollers!
