Mothers Day

Mothers day is a very special day for me because in a way it measures one's success as a mother when her siblings are able to show their appreciation for what has been done and is still being carried out on a day to day basis on their behalf perhaps unmindful of distances, but mainly in consideration of their own good interest, independently of the sacrifices which turn out to be a pleasure more often instead.  And more  than the appreciation which is given mostly as a material favor, which undeniably proportions cheers and invokes generosity, it is the recognition of the day with special thoughts for the mother, memories of the kind deeds and happy moments shared of joys and sometimes probably sadness, but what really ends up to reinforce family ties.  Our mother is our source of life, let us always remember that.  My mother could not be just any other more special and inspite of being 87 and still counting more healthy years, she lives life to full glory.

As for me, celebration was different since I only had Ron to celebrate it with, Mel having to take care of other tasks in UK.  But it is not the first time I have celebrated it only with Ron, my constant buddy.  

Here is how we celebrated Mothers' Day this year.  Ron came to fetch me to take me to Chinchón and he came with a bouquet of flowers (Ron and Mel) which I initially left in a basin to keep them fresh since I did not have a vase big enough to put them all in one place.

The day was quite cloudy with threats of rain but the temperature was just right for a light outfit. It was not too far to go to Chinchon, about an hour ride from our place of about 45 kms.

There were a lot of people in the plaza, the best part of the place.  After taking some pictures in the plaza, we went to go up to a higher level where the church is and we saw some of the images clothed with long gowns with beaded motifs and embroideries in subtle colors. Quite impressive and I took some time to pray for everyone in the family. We were surprised by a procession as we came out from the church. It seemed to be the procession of the cross so we spent sometime to observe it. Then off to go for lunch.

Again, Ron chose to take me to a Parador. It was not too amazing in architecture but the food was exquisite. We had the special Mothers Day Menu with the following food:

For a starter, we had a special Iberian ham, goose paté rolled in almonds and smoked salmon with goat cheese. Then a cold creme of potato, leeks and mustard with a tail of big dressed shrimp. It was followed by fried floured  hake fish  in a bed of red pepper and onions topped with creme of chick peas cooked with cider. For the main entree: pork sirloin inside a puff pastry garnished with couscous of broccoli and cauliflower.  For dessert, we had chocolate mousse with sweetened milk, lemon and canela (leche merengada). The wine that they served us was a Castroviejo Rioja Reserva of 2005, with mineral water, tea for me and coffee with milk for Ron. Everything was yummy, yummy.

After which we took a stroll in their garden and then back to reality. We enjoyed a great day.