Mother's Day in Spain, May 2012 Isabela Market

Mother's day, what an important event!  Unlike in USA and the Philippines, Mother's Day is celebrated in Spain  on the first Sunday of May.

Mel called me up early to greet me from Bournemouth in UK. And today was quite a cloudy day with the sun  trying to shine through and hardly could,  being held by the dark clouds, but the temperature was pleasant inspite of a faint wisp of the wind, every now and then.

Ron came in time to join me to hear mass in our church in town, mass was officiated by a bishop from the nearby town of Alcala de Henares, and the bishop came particularly to bless our baptismal font and our church bells in the parish church. It felt good to get a special blessing from a bishop and a special message on the importance of Christ in our lives.

After mass, Ron and me decided to go and eat in the newly inaugurated Isabela Gourmet Market, in Madrid.  Even if finding a parking space in Madrid is oftentimes difficult, we were lucky that Ron found one that was close to where we wanted to go.

Here are some of our pictures taken from the Isabela Gourmet Market and what we chose to eat:  crepes of shrimp and mushrooms, and Serrano ham, mini hot dogs on buns, tempura shrimps, (small fried squids, not shown), grilled tuna, salmon and  ice cream for dessert.  Tapas were a little bit expensive, ranging from 3 Euros above, but for a place that is in the plush area of Madrid, prices were still relatively cheap.  It was a different way to celebrate a special event like Mother's Day.  Just missed Mel, but we will soon be seeing each other anyway. Another more day to be thankful for.

Holy Week Celebration in the world

Spain celebrates Easter Week much more than most European countries. During the whole of Semana Santa, (Holy Week), street processions are organised in most Spanish towns each evening, from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday.

People carry statues of saints around on floats or wooden platforms, and an atmosphere of mourning - which can seem quite oppressive to onlookers - and the Easter week processions end with Easter Sunday, a day full of light and colour when church and cathedral bells are heard ringing throughout the country.

In some of the processions, marchers wear clothes reminiscent of the klu klux klan. Infact their clothes are meant to depict the Nazareños, people from Nazareth. The religious fraternities and brotherhoods are responsable for carrying the statues and organising the penitents and musicians. The Nazareños follow the people who carry the floats bearing sculptures and models of biblical scenes.
The people who carry the weight of the floats are called "costaleros" and are expected the carry these "thrones" with solemnity and grace. They use a small cushion, "costal" to protect themselves from getting sores from the wood rubbing against their skin during the long processions.
The most famous Easter celebrations are held in various Andalusian towns, Valladolid, Toledo, Segovia, Burgos, Zamora and Cuenca.
Source of text:    Euroresidents.  Source of images:  El País.

Here are some photos of the celebration.

Triana Bridge, Seville

Alhambra, Granada

Malaga

Penitent, Seville

So It Is Valentine's Day

Valentine's day is a yearly celebration specially among lovers and depending on each one's financial means and creativity, there usually is a gift for everyone.  But here is something for a change.  How about spending the event in a heart-shaped island?  Here are some islands with the form of a heart.

1. Galešnjak (Croatia)

In the "Island of Love" there lives only one colony of rabbits and and some eagles that go for them as a prey.  Its real name is  Galešnjak and is located in the Adriatic, near the Dalmatian coast of Croatia.  Although its peculiar heart shape has been  registered since 1806,  as acknowledged to the cartographers of Napoleon, it was  Google Earth who gave it  world fame.  When its romantic geography was highlighted by a virtual map, it was converted as an attraction for lovers who were enthusiastic to celebrate  their Valentine's Day there.  Its owner, Vlado Juresko, gave his consent so that some couples can get married in this island.

2. Heart Reef  (Whitsundays Island, Australia)

Heart Reef is a coral formation in Whitsundays, Australia, probably physically small in size, but the archipelago uses it as a symbol for  its tourist logo. Whitsundays is an attraction for deep sea diving and weddings, including some weddings are celebrated under the water.

3. Tavarua Island (Fiji)

In the middle of the Pacific, within  the archipelago of Fiji, Tavarua is a private island of 29 hectáres that lodges a tourist resort.  It accommodates 36 persons and can be rented totally as for a wedding for example, where second cousins can no longer fit in.

And to end, here is Elvis Presley's Island of love song.



Source of images and text:  Turistario
By:  Patricia Gosálvez

Love comes in different sizes and shapes, and anyone can have his own imagination to make any day a special one.  But the richer one is, the more can one afford to make his imagination fly.

Happy Valentine's Day to all, lovers or non-lovers since love is for everyone and makes no distinction.

Filipinos New Year's Beliefs and Practices

December 31 is the time of the year when children have a good time blowing their plastic toy trumphets called "Torotot". It comes in different shapes and sizes, colors and designs, it is a replica of a trumpet, Pinoy style.

Children also enjoy stamping on their watusi - a kind of small firecracker that when rubbed against a rough surface and released, crackles into a little sparkwork dance.

Aside from lighting firecrackers and having firework displays, Filipinos have other beliefs and practices which are associated and believed to bring good luck, fortune, and prosperity in the New Year.  Hubpages

Filipinos New Year's Beliefs and Practices

The noise and the firecrackers is believed to drive the evil spirit away and make the New Year bountiful and blessed.  Hubpages

GIjoh.con

One of the well-known Filipino beliefs during New Year is that children need to jump at the stroke of midnight if they want to grow taller.  GIjoh.com

You should open all the windows, doors lights so that all the graces will come to your home as you welcome the New Year.  This lets the aura of good luck into your home.

GIjoh.com

Some believe that you have to wear polka dots shirts or dress because it symbolises money, and it must have a deep pocket and filled with money bills and coins and jingled it at the stroke of midnight for good luck . GIjoh.com

All Filipinos know this New Year belief – displaying circular fruits (such as oranges, grapes, longgan, watermelon, etc).  Why? Filipinos think that these circular items symbolize money and having them at the start of the year will definitely bring them good luck.  GIjoh.com

GIjoh.com

Some people pay off their debts in the hope that they will not be saddled with debt throughout the year.  Hubpages          

Manigo at Masaganang Bagong Taon Sa Inyong Lahat !!!
A Happy and Prosperous New Year To All !!!

Philippine Christmas

Christmas: A National Fiesta

The Philippines, similarly to Spain,  has one of the longest and merriest Christmas celebration. It begins formally on December 16 with the first of nine pre-dawn or early morning masses and continues on nonstop until the first Sunday of January, Feast of the Three Kings, the official end of the season. 

Being  a predominantly Roman Catholic country, the only Asian country where Christians predominate,  Christmas, therefore, is an extremely important and revered holiday for most Filipinos.  It is a time for family, for sharing, for giving, and a time for food, fun, and friendship.

The bamboo parol (pah-role), or star lantern, is the symbol of Christmas in the Philippines, representing the guiding light, the star of Bethlehem.   It emits a warmth unparalleled among holiday adornments and is unique to the Philippines.  Many Filipinos make their own lantern and it is common to compete in making the best lantern.

Recently, Filipinos have begun choosing wreaths and other decorations made with local native materials rather than those patterned after western designs.  And many houses, particularly those in the urban areas are strung with tiny multi-colored lights both inside and out. Most Filipinos think that decorating their homes for the Christmas holidays is a must.

Filipino Christmas Traditions

Christmas in the Philippines is a mixture of Western and native Filipino traditions.  Santa Claus, the Christmas tree, sending Christmas cards, and singing carols have all been inherited from the cultures of the West.   However, these have all been  adapted to fit the nature and personality of the Filipino people.

Christmas Eve in the Philippines is one of the traditions most families celebrate.  It is a night without sleep and a continuous celebration moving right into Christmas Day.  As December 24th dawns, the last Mass of Simbang Gabi is attended; then preparation begins for Noche Buena, which is a family feast that takes place after midnight.

The Noche Buena is very much like an open house celebration.  Family, friends, relatives, and neighbors drop by to wish every family member "Maligayang Pasko" (Merry Christmas).  Food is  in abundance, often served in buffet style.   Guests or visitors partake of the food prepared by the host family (even though they are already full or bloated!). 

Among the typical foods prepared in the Philippines during Christmas are: lechon (roasted pig), pancit, barbecue, rice, adobo, cakes (Western and native rice cakes), lumpia, etc.  There is also an abundance of San Miguel beer, wine, and liquor, which makes the celebration of Christmas indeed intoxicating!  

Christmas day is a popular day for children to visit their uncles, aunts, godmothers, and godfathers.  At each home they are presented with a gift, usually candy, money,  or a small toy.  Food and drinks are also offered at each stop.  It is a day of family closeness, and everyone wishes good cheer and glad tidings.

In the Philippines the countdown to New Year varies depending on family or even region. At the strike of midnight, the noise becomes deafening with firecrackers shooting and blooming in the sky while everyone gape in awe.

The banging and booming rise to a climax as people make noise by clanging old pots and pans, blowing a jeepney, car or tricycle’s horns, using assorted whistles, firecrackers to any kind of noise both awful or simply maddening. For children who wishes to grow taller in the new year, adults cajole them to jump 12 times around midnight in hopes of getting their wish fulfilled. Similar to other Asian countries, the loud noises and sounds of merrymaking are not only meant to celebrate the New Year but are supposed to drive away bad spirits.

After midnight the family also gather for a thanksgiving feast called Media Noche (midnight meal). Filipinos believe having a food-laden dinner table augurs well for the coming year and brings good luck. At least 12 round fruits are placed in the fruit basket as a sign of prosperity for the next 12 months. All-time favourite dishes such as noodles (for long life), pork, beef, chicken, rice cakes and assorted sweets are served. For Catholics there is also a midnight mass to welcome the New Year.

Long live Philippine festive traditions!

Source:  Philippine Christmas

              365 Great Pinoy Stuff

Christmas in Spain

Source:  Deck the holidays

Christmas is a deeply religious holiday in Spain. The country's patron saint is the Virgin Mary and the Christmas season officially begins December 8, the feast of the Immaculate Conception. It is celebrated each year in front of the great Gothic cathedral in Seville with a ceremony called los Seises or the "dance of six." Oddly, the elaborate ritual dance is now performed by not six but ten elaborately costumed boys. It is a series of precise movements and gestures and is said to be quite moving and beautiful.

Typical X'mas delicacies

Christmas Eve is known as Nochebuena or "the Good Night." It is a time for family members to gather together to rejoice and feast around the Nativity scenes that are present in nearly every home. A traditional Christmas treat is turron, a kind of almond candy.

December 28 is the feast of the Holy Innocents. Young boys of a town or village light bonfires and one of them acts as the mayor who orders townspeople to perform civic chores such as sweeping the streets. Refusal to comply results in fines which are used to pay for the celebration.

As in many European countries, the children of Spain receive gifts on the feast of the Epiphany. The Magi are particularly revered in Spain. It is believed that they travel through the countryside reenacting their journey to Bethlehem every year at this time. Children leave their shoes on the windowsills and fill them with straw, carrots, and barley or the horses of the Wise Men. Their favorite is Balthazar who rides a donkey and is the one believed to leave the gifts.

Source:  Christmas Around the World

Celebrating Christmas is a joyful event and it is filled with a lot of food preparation and gathering with family and friends.  For those of us who have emigrated to a different country to raise our own family, we tend to adapt our traditions to those observed where  we have  settled in.  But no matter where we are, the feeling of joy is still the same, for it is the  festive event of the birth of our Saviour that kindles the special gladness that comes only once a year specially on Christmas day.  Peace and joy to men.

Michael Bublé - Christmas Songs

The Christmas season, the holiday season, or simply the holidays is an annual festive period that surrounds Christmas and various holidays. While we most often think about Christmas as a single day, it is actually a season of the year. In its popular sense, it extends four weeks before Christmas Day and for two weeks after. However, the time before Christmas is a special season called Advent, comprising the four Sundays before Christmas Day.  Source:  The Voice

Today is the first Sunday of Advent.  We start to see Christmas commercials on tv and on publishing materials, and the streets start to gain decorations and luster.  Christmas  is already in the air as wind drifts and leaves fall, another season of cheers has began.

Thanksgiving Day Celebration

Thanksgiving Day, celebrated on the fourth Thursday in the month of November, every year, is essentially a harvest festival. It is a time characterized with lot of fun and frolic, gifting, family feasting, community praying etc.

Thanksgiving is most jubilated in the countries of America and Canada. These countries witness a lot of fervor and zeal among its residents. It is a time to thank not only God for a bountiful harvest, but also your fellow for their continuous support and care.

Parades, fetes and fairs, eating at restaurants, shopping are an inherent part of the festive celebration. Football game is closely associated with thanksgiving celebration in America. Foot ball matches are organised every year to mark the occasion. Thanksgiving weekend is also the official beginning of the Christmas season in America.

It is also celebrated in parts of Asia, Africa under different names. The theme behind all the celebrations is uniform- being grateful to Lord Almighty and your fellow men.

Source: SCFI

Here are some  quotes on Thanksgiving Day:

It is delightfully easy to thank God for the grace we ourselves have received, but it requires great grace to thank God always for the grace given to others. ~James Smith

Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds. ~Theodore Roosevelt

Thanksgiving is America's national chow-down feast, the one occasion each year when gluttony becomes a patriotic duty. ~Michael Dresser

Source:  Quote Garden

Happy Thanksgiving Day to all!

Getting Married at 85!

Today the Spanish billionaire  Duchess of Alba, or more familiarly called as "Cayetana de Alba" at 85 fulfilled her wish of getting married to Alfonso Diez, a civil servant 25 years her junior after appeasing all her children's qualms  dividing her vast estates and properties among her clan before her marriage.

It is amazing how a woman of her age can be so upbeat.  As she came out from her nuptial ceremony with the people shouting with joy, she improvised some flamenco steps, after kicking off her shoes, to the delight of the crowd.  Spontaneity spells her name and it is  tremendously surprising how one can seem to be at the peak of her life at 85!  She was radiantly happy on her wedding day and nothing seemed to be more important than having been married to the man she loved.  On the other hand, Alfonso Diez, also had the look of a good looking man who just came to rescue his princess.  It just seemed like a fairy tale.

In the news, everyone centers on the fact that she is too old for him or that she is too rich for him but on final count, what really matters is that love conquers all and eliminates all barriers.  Love works miracles.

Source of Image:  The Guardian

World Youth Day in Madrid

Pope Benedict XVI has gathered more than a million young adults to celebrate in Madrid the JMJ or World Youth Day.  It is very interesting to note how young pilgrims from different countries are living together the day to day activities in Madrid  without minding the inconveniences of sleeping together on hard floors and bearing the sometimes more than 35 degs. temperature,  depending on the time of day,  to celebrate a big festive Catholic event preceded by Pope Benedict XVI.

According to Cardenal Archbishop of Madrid and president of the local organizers of JMJ Madrid 2011, the  JMJ carries the implicit message of joy, life, love, freedom and future.  Naturally, and mainly, of course is faith.  Here is what  Antonio María Rouco Varela said:

1) Joy - There are more than enough reasons to lament so many tragedies in the world, such as hunger that strikes a brother muslim country like Somalia or unemployment and the lack of housing that  hold a tight grip to millions of Spanish people.  Even then, my encounter these days with thousands of youth who came to Madrid makes me believe that there are reasons to celebrate and ideals to keep on doing good.  The youth understand more than any other the Pope's affirmation:  "I think that God has a great sense of humor.  Sometimes he gives one a shove and says:  Do not think highly of yourself too much".  Actually, humor is a part of the joy of creation.  In many questions in our life, it is noted that God also likes us to be a little lighter; to perceive joy, to descend from our pedestal and not to forget to have fun".
(Dios y el mundo, pág. 13).

2) Life - I am grateful to the youth for so many lessons that they frequently give us, to us  who are not so many anymore. Change, improvement, freshness, movement, advances... they are all related to what Cardenal Newman said:  "to live is to change, and he who has changed much has lived much". From the vital contexts, each generation  can  discover new dimensions that the Church has not previously recognized".
(Dios y el mundo, pág. 31).

3) Love -  It may seem paradoxical that the commandment that Jesus Christ  handed 2000 years ago, sometimes, seems to be learned the first time.  Love  is in tune with listening, forgiveness, caring, comprehension... as a legacy to the gentleness of God who loves us, who listens, who forgives, who understands us and wants us to be happy.

4) Freedom - The evangelical phrase that says "the truth will make you free" continues to be  valid as ever. He speaks to us about courage and geniuneness ... without fear to search and discover the truth about ourselves.  It is not seldom to resist acceptance of it.  An objective compromise with freedom and respect for all.  That is why, when in certain occasion the thereby Cardenal Ratzinger was asked how many ways there are to get to God, he replied immediately: "So many times as there are men.  Because even within the same faith, each one has his own personal way.  We have the words of Jesus Christ:  "I am the way".  Therefore, there is only one way and all that leads to God is in a way already in that path, that is Jesus Christ.  But that does not mean that consciously, voluntarily, all the paths are identical, it means that the path is so wide that everyone else can take it as a personal path for himself". (La sal de la tierra, pág. 36).

5) Future - The foundation of JMJ arises from a message with a long and protracted past, whose geniune effect is sustained until now and  impulses us towards the future.  That is why it stimulates illusion, trust and hope that a better world is possible.  The Pope and the Church both trust in the youth... because God trusts even more in them .

Source: Reggio's
Source of image:  Adelaide Now

Vatican colors to Welcome Pope

The merchandizing of the Pope's visit to Madrid has come up  with  the launching of rolls of toilet paper. The  Renova, brand, which has caused a sensation in luxury hotels with its roll of black paper, has launched a limited number of toilet paper packs  using the Vatican colors to celebrate the World Youth Day that will take place in Madrid from August 16 to 21.

In accordance with the  organization, the brand will donate  7,000 rolls to the pilgrims, in packs of two, one white and another one yellow, decorated with sticker which reads:  "I ♥  Pope.

According to the press release from the company, the idea is for this  paper to be used as streamers to foment the "good atmosphere" in the Pontiff's visit.  It has been  agreed with the organization that the streamers will be thrown from the bridges where the Pope will pass by on August 18 upon his arrival and transfer in the Popemobile from  Barajas airport to the Nunciature and thence to the Puerta de Alcalá.

"With such an original pack  associated to this event, Renova aims to liven up Madrid and help the young and not too young pilgrims, to receive the Pope in a colorful and amusing manner", the Company says.

Aside from the donated rolls, the toilet pack can be obtained for 3,50 Euros.  It is 3-ply paper, scented and is dermatogist tested, which means that it is also fit to be used for less festive purposes. 

Source:  Turistario By Patricia Gosálvez

For Kate

Slice Of Life

by Felix LeRoy Perry

Take a taste of a new slice of life

Carve it with an aging knife

Taste it all both sweet and sour

Sometimes feel the lack of power

You may need to add some seasoning

Perhaps temper it with reasoning

Share it often with somebody

Wash it down with water muddy

Try not to choke on the bones

Watch out for them evil gnomes

Try not to let it all turn rotten

To become just trash soon forgotten

Not perfect is the changing recipe

So be prepared with sympathy

But more important then all above

Treasure your slice with all your love

      May you have a lucky, lucky, lucky full year ahead! ... and a beautiful birthday cake  with its candles to blow all your wishes to come true!

Source of images:  Image 1
                                 Image 2
                                 Image 3
Source of poem :   Authors' Den

Happy Birthday Ivy

Family Graphics

Sonnet 18 - Shakespeare

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?
Thou art more lovely and more temperate:
Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,
And summer's lease hath all too short a date:
Sometimes too hot the eye of heaven shines,
And often is his gold complexion dimm'd;
And every fair from fair sometime declines,
By chance or nature's changing course untrimm'd;
But thy eternal summer shall not fade
Nor lose possession of that fair thou owest;
Nor shall Death brag thou wander'st in his shade,
When in eternal lines to time thou growest:
So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,
So long lives this and this gives life to thee.

[Glitterfy.com - *Glitter Photos*]

Sisters we two are as a gift and a blessing.  Enjoy your day Ivy and many happy returns of the day.  We love you!

Source and interpretation :  Sonnet 18
Image from :  Family Graphics
                        Glitterfly 

Fiesta In Soria

Beatriz and I spent last weekend in Soria, taking advantage of its popular fiesta de San Juan. Every day was significant: Friday was a bullfight day (the day before, bulls are driven from a closer town through the countryside, it must be spectacular, maybe we will see that another year). It was weird because between a bullfight and the next one people got down to the ring centre to party.

On Saturday, the bull killed the day before was sold quartered in a popular auction where bull meat, tail, bollocks, hoof, and wineskin bags are sold and some of them can cost a thousand euros (which usually happens when people are pretty drunk).

On Sunday, there was a pot parade and exhibition, traditionally in those pots the bull meat is cooked but nowadays they are just decorated with flowers. Bands of music were always playing and red wine was the most popular drink so red stains were all over and they were easy to notice as people were commonly dressed in white colours.

In the evenings, there was always a band playing (all types of music) so party was unending and there were people from all ages all night long and we never found any trouble despite the huge quantity of booze!

We were lucky because Beatriz's friends and relatives invited us twice to have lunch at their homes , very welcoming and nice. One day we had river crabs (I've never tasted them before but I liked them) and another day lamb chops.

Here are some pictures to share with you.

 

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.

My Birthday in Nerja

We had lunch in the Parador of Nerja to celebrate my birthday and hereunder  is what we ate.  As appetizers, we had cold avocado soup, bread and tomato cream soup with diced Melva fish and fried floured codfish.  Among others, we had the "Pumpkin Paprika", a soup of the XVI century, added to which are the Victorian anchovies that can only be fished in Eastern Malaga.   The main plate consisted of tender goat meat with garlic and wine garnished with aromatic herbs and paprika.  And for dessert, we had sweet potato ice-cream topped with sugar cane honey.  If there is any dessert defining Nerja, this is the cane honey.  This is a local product, produced by the only cane honey factory existing in Europe, located in Frigiliana, close to Nerja. (Information taken from Arte Breve de Cocina  Parador de Nerja).

We chose from the menu the "Ruta Gastronomica", (gastronomic route)  where for 29 Euros you can eat a set menu of the typical regional food at a Parador, translated as  a  hotel situated in  rural beauty spots and  places of historical interest often in converted castles and monasteries and aiming to provide a  high standard of accomodation with the emphasis on local character and cuisine of the region.

Appetizers, anyone???

Mel's Main Course

First Plate

My Second Plate

Dessert