What I'm Up To

One of my recent pet portraits - Abby the Cat

I've been having some great adventures this year.

I sold my house to my youngest son, and bought a van. You can read about my van adventures here: https://anniesantiago2.blogspot.com/

I've been doing pet portraits and wildlife art also, and have a new website being built as I write this.  For now, you can see my artwork in albums on my Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/anniecarvalho123

I'm presently pet sitting for my son until December 29, at which time I fly back to Palm Springs to pick up my van. From there, I'll be traveling to Bouse, Arizona to attend the WRTR, Women's Rubber Tramp Rendezvous and the regular RTR in Quartzsite. 

After that, I'll spend the winter camping in the desert with friends and will head back to the Pacific Northwest sometime in late April, early May.

I have no plans to do the Camino this year, but may lead a small group next season.

Life is good! 

I wish you all a Merry Christmas and/or Happy Holidays!

Love,
Annie

One of my recent pet portraits - Leo.

Santiago! and O Sendeiro

Carol was up and gone before Diane and I woke up!  WOW!!  That was a first!

Diane and I took a bus to Santiago and had breakfast at San Martin Pinario while we waited for Carol’s call. We wanted to all walk into Santiago together.

Diane and I found a nice table to sit at but these two ornery guys wanted the table and tried to bully Diane off. It was only about 9 AM and they were already drunk. Diane didn’t budge. I was so proud of her.

Soon we saw a familiar face coming around the corner.

After taking some photos, we all walked to the cathedral together.

There were a few temptations on the way to the Cathedral!

We made it!

We attended the pilgrims mass and got to see the botafumeiro swing. It was pretty cool and probably the last time I will see it. 

That night, Carolyn and Diane took me out to dinner to O Sendeiro, the #2 rated restaurant in Santiago. It was an amazing dinner!

Oh yes!  Galician Gin!

These two gals were a kick in the pants and I had a really good time with them. Thank you Carol and Diane, for making my Camino so memorable.

Pazo Xan Xordo at Lavacolla. - part 2

The gardens were really pretty. 

There was a duck couple living out back. 

Carol REALLY enjoyed dinner (as usual) 

We had pig cheeks again. Diane had chicken. 

I think she ate too much!

Pazo Xan Xordo at Lavacolla. - part 1

At Lavacolla we stayed at a centuries-old family home called Pazo Xan Xordo.

The first thing we noticed as we walked in the gate was the family chapel.

Carol and Diane really enjoyed their visit under the shady grape arbor. 

The sound of nearby fountains made the air feel cooler.

Side Trip to Santiago

Next day, while Carol was walking to Pedrouzo, Diane and I took the bus to Santiago for the day to visit the Museu de Pobo Gallego, a wonderful folk museum.

There we saw many examples of lifestyles of the people living in this area of Spain. 

I’ve made fish traps but have have never seen them with rocks attached. I have to admit I slapped my forehead and said, ‘Duh!’

Festival costumes. 

Model of inside of a house. 

There were so many other wonderful things, farm implements, tools of cobblers, barrel makers, masons, farmers, and more. The slow internet here won’t allow me to post more than a few photos so I’ll try to add to them when I get homeboy at any rate, this is the best museum in Santiago in my opinion. 

Not to be missed!

We headed backwards to Pedrouzo on the bus and had lunch at a local restaurant. The food was awesome!  But then, it always is!