tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4994088383259628182024-03-22T09:19:44.081+00:00Tenerife JournalMy life on the island of Tenerife, Canary Islands, in a photo blog of my surroundings, street views, garden, tropical plants and landscapes.Canarybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15597325686945512447noreply@blogger.comBlogger176125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499408838325962818.post-21909753037170327342012-05-06T13:17:00.002+01:002012-05-06T13:20:41.377+01:00Moonlight & Roses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b style="color: red;"> Supermoon taken at 11:05 pm </b><b style="color: red;">May 5, 2012, from Tenerife</b></div>
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<b style="color: red;">Camera Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ10 full optical zoom</b></div>
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<b style="color: red;"> Manual setting - f/4.9, 1/125 s</b></div>
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Here we are already in May and it's the time of roses and beautiful skies.<br />
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I'm sorry I haven't been around much but sometimes life can be so busy that one doesn't have time to write about it. And I have many new photos to add here.<br />
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I'm so glad we had ideal conditions for photographing the moon last night.<br />
The supermoon was brilliant in a clear sky here in our part of Tenerife.<br />
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Here's another one from May 3rd when I looked out my window and saw the moon rising in the east from a sea of pink clouds just after sunset.<br />
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<b style="color: red;">Moon rising in the east, May 3, 2012.</b></div>
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And our garden is full of roses and white trumpet vines.</div>
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<b style="color: red;">Iceberg Roses with Sonia in the background</b></div>
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<b style="color: red;">Peace Rose</b></div>
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<b style="color: red;">Large blooms on the Peace rose</b></div>
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<b style="color: red;">Iceberg</b></div>
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<b style="color: red;">Pedro Dot Rose</b></div>
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<b style="color: red;">Sonia</b></div>
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<a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Gardens/Roses-2012/i-x8dcJNb/1/M/IMG1478-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Gardens/Roses-2012/i-x8dcJNb/1/M/IMG1478-M.jpg" width="540" /></a></div>
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<b style="color: red;">Granada</b></div>
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<b style="color: red;">Brugmansia</b></div>
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We have wonderful weather here now. </div>
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It seems we have suddenly jumped out of spring and into summer.</div>
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I hope you are enjoying these early days of May, the month of flowers.</div>
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Thanks for dropping by and I hope you'll come again soon! Bye for now.</div>
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<br /></div>Canarybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15597325686945512447noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499408838325962818.post-27308582365892878392012-03-06T10:40:00.000+00:002012-03-06T10:48:11.859+00:00White Tajinaste<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/20985771_68HN95#%21i=1738412990&k=BF8FbFx&lb=1&s=A"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-BF8FbFx/1/M/P1140535-M.jpg" width="483" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Tajinaste Blanco (Echium Simplex) or Tower of Jewels</span></b></div>
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This lovely tall white tajinaste was seen blooming on a street corner garden in Puerto de la Cruz near the end of February.</div>
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The smaller flowers blooming at the base of the plant make it an especially beautiful specimen.</div>
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The Tajinaste blanco is a biennial plant endemic to this island of Tenerife. I have had them blooming in my garden and am tempted to plant a couple of them again as they are so spectacular once they have reached their full height of around 3 meters. They also attract bees.</div>
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<a href="http://www.rareplants.de/shop/product.asp?P_ID=6541">Here's more information</a> about them from the web.</div>
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Another type of spectacular tajinaste is the red one (echium wildpretii) which blooms on the slopes of the Tenerife volcano Teide and in the nearby town of Vilaflor.</div>
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It's also a plant endemic to this part of the island. </div>
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<b style="color: red;">Echium Wildpretii or Red Tajinaste</b></div>
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While out last Sunday with my walking pal we passed the white tajinaste and found it had fallen over, been propped up off the sidewalk and was alive with bees. </div>
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I even made a short video of the activity:</div>
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Like a group of giant octopus, clusters of Aloe Arborescens are also a common sight in suburban streets. We also had one in our garden which grew so large it threatened to topple the garden shed.<br />
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<a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-BP53wzz/0/L/P1140567-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-BP53wzz/0/L/P1140567-L.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><span style="color: red;">Aloe Arborescens</span></b><br />
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Like most winter days, the streets are full of tourists and a common sight here at the moment are groups of cyclists on the roads, down from cooler latitudes to train for competitions in the mild Tenerife weather.<br />
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It's nearly time for us to finish our walk and stop for a cafe con leche and some people watching.<br />
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There it is, now it's time to rest our feet!<br />
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Thanks for dropping by. Do come again another day. ¡Hasta la vista!<br />
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<br /></div>Canarybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15597325686945512447noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499408838325962818.post-37687597210022497272012-03-01T13:57:00.001+00:002012-03-01T13:57:33.472+00:00Bees and Peach BlossomsMy little peach tree is now full of blossoms and two days ago in the morning sunshine it was buzzing with bees.<br />
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I ran to get my macro lens and snapped away for nearly half an hour.<br />
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Here are some I liked best.<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #f6b26b;">Photos taken with:Canon EOS 600D & Canon EF100mm f/2.8 macro USM lens</span></span></div>
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<br /></div>Canarybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15597325686945512447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499408838325962818.post-81646078112616968532012-02-29T14:17:00.004+00:002012-02-29T14:17:24.298+00:00Streets of Puerto de la Cruz<br />
Hello again!<br />
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Sunday, February 26th was the last day of carnival celebrations and my walking partner and I planned to go walking down into the town again. It was a sunny warm day, 24°C (75.2°F) and instead of heading down the stairs this time we walked down the main Botanico road.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;"> Walking down the Botanico road in Puerto de la Cruz.</span></b></div>
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There's a lovely little Drago tree planted in the walkway on the way down, accompanied by a couple of park benches, presumably to provide a rest for those intrepid pedestrians courageous enough to tackle the uphill walk. Not an easy task, especially if one has been enjoying a lunch of paella and wine shortly before. So far we have opted out and taken taxis back up the hill!<br />
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But the uphill trek is still in our future plans. One friend of my walking pal is a man who has been doing the down and uphill walk every day for some time and as a result he has lost 25 kilos weight.<br />
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The town was still busy with tourists and costumed children wandering the streets to the distant sounds of Latin rhythms emanating from speakers down in the plaza.<br />
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Street vendors and living statues added their colour to the scene.</div>
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Here one is hoping to sell genuine handbags to the passing tourists.</div>
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And as we near the plaza we begin to hear the hum of the crowd blending in with recorded carnival music coming from loudspeakers set up on a stage on one side of the plaza.<br />
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Down in Plaza del Charco the Cafe Columbus was already filled with diners and those who chose to just sit, soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of sights and sounds.<br />
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The plaza was filled with stalls selling costumes, headdresses and all manner of fancy dress.<br />
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So after browsing and doing a couple of turns around the plaza we settled down to find a table and again try out that great paella from the same chiringuito (a snack or dining stall set up on a temporary basis) where we ate last Sunday.<br />
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<b><span style="color: red;">And here is one of the paellas nearly ready for serving.</span></b></div>
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And to put an end to carnival season, here's another video I put together from Sunday's clips.<br />
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Thanks for dropping by. I'll be back soon with more recent photos from my life in Tenerife.<br />
<br />Till then, ¡hasta la vista!<br />
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<br />Canarybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15597325686945512447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499408838325962818.post-68858112757523049152012-02-25T22:34:00.000+00:002012-02-25T22:34:03.014+00:00Walking To The PlazaI'd better get these photos from last Sunday up on the blog because it's Sunday again tomorrow and my walking friend and I, a lady from my Pilates class, intend to walk down to the town again for the last day of carnival here. Actually we walk for the exercise but it will be an added attraction to see the crowds, the costumes, the food and hear the music, even though it's usually blaring out at so many decibels that it can probably be heard in the next town.<br />
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We start with walking down many many stairs. I was aching a little the next day!<br />
Good exercise for your calf muscles, but maybe not so good for your knees<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-tcTjh56/0/M/P1140341-b-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-tcTjh56/0/M/P1140341-b-M.jpg" /></a></div><br />
When nearly at bottom we get a glimpse of the sea and cliffs covered with palms and cactus.<br />
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Down in the town we pass by Calle La Hoya, now a pedestrian street, formerly a very congested road where early morning traffic jams and car horns were a cacophony of sound. <br />
Thankfully it's now a quiet shopping street with no traffic.<br />
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As we near the main plaza the crowds become more dense. There were competitions of childrens' costumes that morning. The air was a little chilly but the sun was out. <br />
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Down in the plaza people were sitting where they could to have a lunch or drink. The<br />
outdoor cafes were full and one was lucky to find a free table. Music was blaring from a live band.<br />
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We were lucky to find a seat at a little churinguito....a provisional eatery set up for carnival.<br />
There were typical tapas of jamón serrano, cheeses, paella, Spanish olives and hot dishes.<br />
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The waiter begins to slice the serrano ham for a tapas plate.<br />
These are the cured hams that are mounted on a frame to hold them while they are being sliced.<br />
Serrano ham is nearly always included in a selection of tapas, along with cheese and olives.<br />
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And here are a couple of paellas being prepared and served along with a huge pan of potato with onion, garlic, green & red pepper slices, called Patatas A Lo Pobre , or roughly 'poor man's potatoes', although there's nothing poor about the flavour. It's one of my favourite dishes, and is seen cooking on the far side of the photo.<br />
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Mmmm...here's one paella still cooking to reduce the broth, while the waiter above serves from one which is ready and garnished with lemon slices, shrimp and mussels.<br />
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My friend and I manage to find a couple of empty seats at the churinguito. I had paella and she had baked green peppers. The other sidewalk cafes were also filled with people enjoying the food and carnival atmosphere, and the music blared on!<br />
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Here's a little video I made that day. I'm afraid I need to practise a lot more at taking videos. But you can get an impression of the atmosphere and a lesson on how to slice the ham!<br />
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Thanks for dropping by. See you soon....¡hasta la vista!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-M.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-M.png" /></a></div>Canarybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15597325686945512447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499408838325962818.post-45066993539835704812012-02-23T13:17:00.000+00:002012-02-23T13:17:31.729+00:00Carnival in Puerto de la CruzThis year the carnival celebrations of Puerto de la Cruz have 'recycling' as the theme.<br />
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And so the poster announcing the festivities, designed by Anoniman, shows a face decorated with random bits of metal objects to demonstrate that even a few screws and loose nuts can be made into a costume for carnival.<br />
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and this year the carnival queen of Puerto de la Cruz is Virginia Molina Marrero.<br />
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The first runner up or 1st dama de honor is Carolay Garrido Rodriguez, pictured below:<br />
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Credits for these photos go to the photographers of the official carnival websites.<br />
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The main parade in Puerto de la Cruz will be on Saturday, February 25 and there will also be another day carnival in the streets on the next day, Sunday February 25 from 10:30 am.<br />
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I will probably be down in the plaza to join the crowds.<br />
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I'll be back next with my street photos from last Sunday. <br />
Thanks for dropping by and ¡hasta la vista!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-M.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-M.png" /></a></div>Canarybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15597325686945512447noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499408838325962818.post-5697395058506547732012-02-22T15:21:00.001+00:002012-02-22T15:22:44.747+00:00Carnival in TenerifeWe're in the midst of the Tenerife carnival....or carnaval, as it's written in Spanish.<br />
Yesterday the main parade was held in the capital city, Santa Cruz and tonight is<br />
the 'Burial of the Sardine'.<br />
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Here are some photos taken from the official carnival website, <a href="http://www.carnavaltenerife.es/">here on this link.</a><br />
Credit goes to the unnamed photographer(s) 'Prensa' whose photos appear on that site and here below.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-pvmdzNL/0/M/2rebeldes-1024x715-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-pvmdzNL/0/M/2rebeldes-1024x715-M.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-LXwCdJT/0/M/coronacion1-1024x708-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-LXwCdJT/0/M/coronacion1-1024x708-M.jpg" /></a></div> <b style="color: red;">Here is the coronation of this year's Reina de Carnaval (Carnival Queen)</b><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-t9BtmM7/0/M/1noblezacanaia-1024x700-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-t9BtmM7/0/M/1noblezacanaia-1024x700-M.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-jLR9Xms/0/M/8carricitos-1024x682-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-jLR9Xms/0/M/8carricitos-1024x682-M.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-W5mFBHk/0/M/1latraviata-1024x579-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-W5mFBHk/0/M/1latraviata-1024x579-M.jpg" /></a></div><br />
And since I love the sounds and rhythms of carnival music, here's one song that's always present...a favourite of Tenerife locals: Chicharrero de Corazon, video from 2009.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/nZQXrDrAwzE" width="420"></iframe><br />
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I'll be back very soon with more of my own photos taken in the streets during this carnival season.Thanks for your visit and ¡hasta la vista!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-M.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-M.png" /></a></div>Canarybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15597325686945512447noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499408838325962818.post-10565559295053226702012-02-21T11:49:00.003+00:002012-02-21T16:07:14.768+00:00The Snow Came<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-mBCgNVr/0/M/P1140288-snow-bl-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-mBCgNVr/0/M/P1140288-snow-bl-M.jpg" /></a></div><b style="color: red;">Teide Snow on February 17</b><br />
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But it was just a light covering and didn't last long. Today on February 21 it's nothing more than a few white shadows in the crevices of the mountain flanks. We haven't had rain this winter and to get a good snowfall we need a heavy rain. Other than that the garden is still looking green, thanks to my helper Teresa who remembers to turn on the sprinkler and water the flower pots.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: red;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-J7bJPPd/0/M/IMG0648C-redu-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-J7bJPPd/0/M/IMG0648C-redu-M.jpg" /></a></div><b style="color: red;">One of my favourite corners of the front tropical garden.</b><br />
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<span style="color: red;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-x8KpX4P/0/M/IMG0697-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-x8KpX4P/0/M/IMG0697-M.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<span style="color: red;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-CJ7BnhS/0/M/IMG0686-bla-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-CJ7BnhS/0/M/IMG0686-bla-M.jpg" /></a></div><b style="color: red;"> </b><span style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"><b style="color: red;">The Osteospermum glows in the late afternoon sun</b>.</span></span><b style="color: red;"> </b><br />
<b style="color: red;"><br />
</b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-rjZDXBZ/0/M/IMG0717-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-rjZDXBZ/0/M/IMG0717-M.jpg" /></a></div><b><span style="color: red;">And that special golden light just before sunset.</span></b><b style="color: red;"></b><br />
<b style="color: red;"><br />
</b><br />
<div style="color: white;"><b>And now the Tenerife Carnival is in full swing, so I'd better post a few photos of the festivities. Coming up next!</b></div><div style="color: white;"><br />
</div><div style="color: white;"><b>Bye for now and thanks for your visit. ¡Hasta la vista!</b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-M.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-M.png" /></a></div><b style="color: red;"><span style="color: black;"> </span> </b></div>Canarybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15597325686945512447noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499408838325962818.post-89987169329673295402012-01-25T19:36:00.005+00:002012-01-25T19:56:29.328+00:00Unexpected Vegetables<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-srqgBKr/0/M/IMG0631-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="441" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-srqgBKr/0/M/IMG0631-M.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="color: red;">The unexpected tomato</b> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sometimes things grow when and where you don't expect them, because you haven't planted them and they just pop up by themselves. Here we are in mid January and I have tomatoes and green peppers sprouting in a large old pot where I was growing basil and thyme.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-SPS767N/0/M/IMG0624-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-SPS767N/0/M/IMG0624-M.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><b>My compost bowl</b><br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">I keep a compost bowl in my kitchen beside the sink, where I put the daily scraps of peelings and cuttings from fruit and vegetables, used coffee and tea bags, all of which goes out every evening to the old composter which has seen better days. It now needs to be emptied and fitted together properly so there are no open edges. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">But my gardener, being a practical man, has tied a heavy string around the whole thing in an attempt to keep it together until the next time we empty it. In the meantime the birds are having a feast on the insects or worms which are populating the lower levels, and are scratching out the fine new soil from the cracks.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-VZ4GJnP/1/M/IMG0663-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-VZ4GJnP/1/M/IMG0663-M.jpg" width="448" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;">The old composter</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So after I've dumped the day's collection of goodies into the composter, I put the bowl under a tap, fill it with water, and dump the water into one of my large flower pots on the way back to the kitchen.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Sometimes there are seeds and small bits clinging onto the bowl and I guess in this case there were both pepper and tomato seeds. They sprouted and have produced fruit that never would have appeared had I planted the seeds deliberately.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-BS2qgKQ/0/M/P1130113-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-BS2qgKQ/0/M/P1130113-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;">The pepper plant</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">This is the second pepper to appear. The first one is long gone into one of my salads.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And by the look of it, there are more tomatoes on the way.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-bxhsXTw/0/M/IMG0634-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-bxhsXTw/0/M/IMG0634-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And still more:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-GTcCMdJ/0/M/IMG0635-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-GTcCMdJ/0/M/IMG0635-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I shall have to try this throughout the spring and summer. After all if I can grown tomatoes and peppers outdoors in January without even trying, perhaps I can do mangos and avocados as well later in the year!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The winter has been mild and beautiful so far. We do need rain though. I hope we have a wet February and March so the ground has a good soaking and the water reservoirs are filled again.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bye for now, thanks for your visit and ¡hasta la vista!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-M.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-M.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Canarybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15597325686945512447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499408838325962818.post-25758289320261486362012-01-17T14:04:00.002+00:002012-01-17T19:14:24.016+00:00Walking AroundIt's still high tourist season and the streets of Puerto de la Cruz are full of people from more northern latitudes here for the warmth and sunshine. Seen last Sunday while out for a stroll:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-J45tVvF/0/L/P1130856-bl-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-J45tVvF/0/L/P1130856-bl-L.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="color: red;">Some cafes cater more to German visitors.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-tQvw3bF/0/L/P1130855-bl-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-tQvw3bF/0/L/P1130855-bl-L.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;">Still there is a mixture of European nationalities holidaying here in winter.</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-CWJkhgC/0/L/P1130866-bl-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-CWJkhgC/0/L/P1130866-bl-L.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;">The news kiosks are especially busy on weekends.</span></b></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-4NZNBKk/0/L/P1130863-bl-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-4NZNBKk/0/L/P1130863-bl-L.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;">Several cafes line the seawall overlooking the north coast making it a favourite route</span></b>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-SXf8VZ3/0/L/P1130869-bl-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-SXf8VZ3/0/L/P1130869-bl-L.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;">Misty low hanging clouds obscuring Mount Teide</span></b>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've been told by several people now that the mouse I trapped and released into the wild was in fact a baby rat. I guess I haven't seen enough of either to tell the difference, however I think he must be the luckiest rat in the area to have been taken away for an early morning ride in my car and let loose, rather than having been killed.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Setting the humane trap again with bait has so far not produced any family members of this little creature so hopefully he was a loner!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bye for now, ¡hasta la vista!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-M.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-M.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Canarybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15597325686945512447noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499408838325962818.post-39002406403860337262012-01-15T10:44:00.000+00:002012-01-15T10:44:57.824+00:00Feels Like Spring<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-VDP8LDj/0/M/P1130836-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-VDP8LDj/0/M/P1130836-M.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><b>Blackbird at the feeder.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-czCpSrm/0/M/P1130832-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-czCpSrm/0/M/P1130832-M.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes they're coming around again and so I've filled the feeder trays for them and hope that I don't attract any unwanted rodents! It seems that the little fellow I trapped and released yesterday is, by the consensus of opinion, not a mouse but rather a young rat !!!! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anyway I have set the trap again in case he has any friends or relatives wandering around the garden, looking for a good place to nest.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-HnpB3p4/0/M/P1130808-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-HnpB3p4/0/M/P1130808-M.jpg" width="518" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And although she caught a mouse yesterday, Minnie would rather sit around the garden, posing and looking beautiful.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-szTqLsn/0/M/P1130807-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-szTqLsn/0/M/P1130807-M.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And it really is time now to prune the roses but they always seem to bloom so well just before pruning. I can leave them for a couple of weeks more though. After a pruning at this time of the year my house is full of bouquets of roses and it's wonderful.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-MnpvFLZ/0/M/P1130796-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-MnpvFLZ/0/M/P1130796-M.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The petunias are still flowering too. What a warm winter we've had!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-FBj6GJ6/0/M/P1130816-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-FBj6GJ6/0/M/P1130816-M.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And we have TWO.....exactly two grapefruit on our tree this season. After pruning the tree very hard last spring in an attempt to get rid of the current insect plague on the reverse of the leaves, which has been devastating the citrus crops in Canaries, we now have a tree thick with very dark green leaves and no fruit........except for these two! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And this has been a tree that has year after year born so much fruit that we we've had to give most away. I hope it comes back. If not, then I would like to plant a pink grapefruit tree, as that variety is usually very juicy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm off for a Sunday walk today and will be taking more photos. We still have the end of a bout of CALIMA, which has lasted for days. That's the weather condition where warm winds from Africa bring suspended sandy dust over to the Canary Islands, causing drier air and warmer than normal temperatures. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bye for now, and ¡hasta la vista!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-M.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-M.png" /></a></div>Canarybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15597325686945512447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499408838325962818.post-22300995838377211912012-01-13T15:10:00.003+00:002012-01-13T15:13:41.402+00:00Mouse in The Oven<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/LIFE/Fallwinter2011-12/i-PkkCpwg/0/M/P1130823-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="481" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/LIFE/Fallwinter2011-12/i-PkkCpwg/0/M/P1130823-M.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We've had a mouse living in the warming oven at the bottom of my big oven for some time!<br />
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I haven't turned on the main oven for about a year to do any large scale baking or roasting as I have a smaller countertop oven that does the job just as well. We found bits of the insulation of the big oven laying on the floor of the warming oven (which is underneath at floor level) ) as well as dry cat food pellets behind the sofa in the living room!<br />
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Behind the stove we also found a small potato and an eggshell both of which displayed chew marks.<br />
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Minnie, the cat, who loves to jump at anything that moves, especially lizards, hadn't shown the slightest interest in hunting down the little creature, but we did see her sniffing at floor level in unexpected places, so we knew we had an uninvited guest in the house.<br />
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We bought a humane trap in the hardware shop, one of those little cages with a spring trap door and after being sure that there wasn't a single crumb of food to be found on the floor or countertops of my kitchen, I laid the trap with bits of dry catfood in a piece of mesh. Waited two nights with no luck. So I added a piece of fresh ham....another two nights with no luck. Then I bought some English cheddar and put a small chunk on the bait hook. Waited one night and then.....VOILA...this morning at 7 am I found our little intruder frightened and inside the cage.<br />
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So as soon as it was light I covered the cage with a towel, put him in the trunk of the car and drove him down to where the waste ground begins, where walkers begin the trek to Bollulo Beach, and where the wind gliders jump off the cliff over north Puerto de la Cruz.<br />
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I chose a thick bush under which some birds were scampering along the ground, bent down and lifted the trap door.<br />
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Little creature hesitated a moment until he realized the door was open.<br />
He then ran under the bush and disappeared.<br />
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The moral of the story is .....nothing tastes as good as a mature English cheddar cheese!!!!<br />
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But also.....when you trap and release a mouse (or rat) be sure and take him a good distance away.<br />
Two kilometers has been recommended as a safe distance, to avoid them returning to visit you again!<br />
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After checking out Google images, I take him to be a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_mouse">HOUSE MOUSE</a> also known as MUS MUSCULUS.<br />
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And be careful not to leave dishes of dry food pellets around the house for your dog or cat.<br />
But if you do, and begin to find mounds of dry food in strange places, then you know you are feeding an uninvited pet. <br />
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And if you have one of these....or similar.....they are called in Spanish:<br />
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mouse.......ratón<br />
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rat.............rata<br />
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(He looks quite cute doesn't he!) <br />
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Bye for now.......¡ hasta la vista!<br />
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<br />Canarybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15597325686945512447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499408838325962818.post-55073342552646272972012-01-11T14:22:00.000+00:002012-01-11T14:38:30.531+00:00I'm Back<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-ZGBSRhv/0/L/P1130755-B-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="491" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-ZGBSRhv/0/L/P1130755-B-L.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/LIFE/Fallwinter2011-12/i-mdbKV9v/0/M/P1130755-ed-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">Greenfinch</a></div>
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Hello again. Here we are already in January of the new year 2012!<br />
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After a long absence I'm back on my blog.<br />
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I had a major computer crash last fall and at the same time I have been occupied caring for a family member who has been ill over the past year, so I was unable to spend the time I would have liked here on Tenerife Journal.<br />
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However the new computer has been installed and I have a new camera to try out so I'm ready and looking forward to being back here again.<br />
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The blackbirds and doves are busy in the garden hunting for stray pieces of dry cat food, and the other day <a href="http://www.10x50.com/Sound_files/blackcap_w.wav">I heard a black cap warbler singing.</a> (Audio link from the web.) We've had no winter on the island, with sunshine, warm temperatures and little rain. The peach blossoms are out in my back yard and the brugmansia is in full bloom.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Canon EOS 600D EF 50mm lens f/5</span><br />
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This is still the time when poinsettias are blooming in our back yard, along roadsides and in many private gardens. As the weather has been mild with no wind or rainstorms, they are still looking pretty good. We usually prune them down at the end of February when both flowers and leaves are looking bedraggled.</div>
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<a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-z4NjShn/0/L/P1130665-B-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-z4NjShn/0/L/P1130665-B-L.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And while walking down in the town during the Christmas holidays, there were many living statues to be seen in the streets. This one had a perpetual water flow from his urn into the dish below. He must have a hose and pump cleverly hidden somewhere! </div>
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What patience to be able to stand still for such a long time!</div>
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<a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-H9SK4Xf/1/L/IMG0503-B-L.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/2012-Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-H9SK4Xf/1/L/IMG0503-B-L.jpg" width="380" /></a></div>
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I'll be back very soon with more pictures from the last weeks as well as some from future walks around the town. </div>
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Wishing everyone an early Springtime full of showers and flowers!</div>
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Thanks for your visit and ¡hasta la vista!</div>
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<a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-M.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-M.png" /></a></div>Canarybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15597325686945512447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499408838325962818.post-91053249200859362862011-05-31T12:05:00.001+01:002012-01-11T14:45:24.556+00:00Dia de Canarias May 30A celebration in the Canary Islands commemorating the first session of the Canary Island Parliament, which took place May 30, 1983.<br />
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It is now a fiesta day of folkloric and cultural events in all of the seven Canary Islands.<br />
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<a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/i-s7D9C2n/1/M/P1070315-X-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/i-s7D9C2n/1/M/P1070315-X-M.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b> </b><b>Here a display of typical Canary food samples to taste, sponsored by a local supermarket with the employees dressed in their local costumes, the 'trajes de mago'.</b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Fish croquettes - a popular local tapa</span></b>. <b><span style="color: red;"></span></b> </div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">Local goat cheese and chorizo.</span></b></div>
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<b style="color: red;">Canary Island sweet cakes.</b></div>
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<b><span style="color: red;">A sample of locally made red wine.</span></b></div>
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Thanks for dropping by....do come again and until then... ¡Hasta la Vista!</div>
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<br /></div>Canarybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15597325686945512447noreply@blogger.com8Puerto de la Cruz, Spain28.4133926 -16.545155828.385461600000003 -16.5846378 28.4413236 -16.5056738tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499408838325962818.post-11778231292088534022011-05-29T18:23:00.003+01:002011-05-29T23:43:58.493+01:00Walking Downtown<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;">A warm May morning when shops are just opening and all is fresh.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Street-Scenes/Tenerife/Downtown-in-May/i-zfzs7w8/0/M/P1060558-may-17-pm-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Street-Scenes/Tenerife/Downtown-in-May/i-zfzs7w8/0/M/P1060558-may-17-pm-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;">Calle Iriarte (Puerto de la Cruz)</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Street-Scenes/Tenerife/Downtown-in-May/i-KfQ8Q4s/0/M/P1060560-may-17-pm-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Street-Scenes/Tenerife/Downtown-in-May/i-KfQ8Q4s/0/M/P1060560-may-17-pm-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Street-Scenes/Tenerife/Downtown-in-May/i-LWdhvht/1/M/P1060552-may-17-pm-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Street-Scenes/Tenerife/Downtown-in-May/i-LWdhvht/1/M/P1060552-may-17-pm-M.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Street-Scenes/Tenerife/Downtown-in-May/i-tXgMmwt/1/M/P1060559-may-17-pm-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Street-Scenes/Tenerife/Downtown-in-May/i-tXgMmwt/1/M/P1060559-may-17-pm-M.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Street-Scenes/Tenerife/Downtown-in-May/i-gDqbXH4/0/M/P1060613-may-17-pm-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Street-Scenes/Tenerife/Downtown-in-May/i-gDqbXH4/0/M/P1060613-may-17-pm-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;">Playa Martianez</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Street-Scenes/Tenerife/Downtown-in-May/i-mBT7Sj6/0/M/P1060595-may-17-pm-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Street-Scenes/Tenerife/Downtown-in-May/i-mBT7Sj6/0/M/P1060595-may-17-pm-M.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Street-Scenes/Tenerife/Downtown-in-May/i-rGwBFVq/0/M/P1060568-may-17-pm-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Street-Scenes/Tenerife/Downtown-in-May/i-rGwBFVq/0/M/P1060568-may-17-pm-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: red;"><b style="color: red;">Calle Iriarte </b></span><br />
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<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="color: lime;">There is always something new to see and even a walk a day doesn't reveal all</span>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for dropping by. Do come again and until then, ¡Hasta la Vista!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-S.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-S.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Canarybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15597325686945512447noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499408838325962818.post-91909412994272169172011-05-26T21:05:00.000+01:002011-05-26T21:05:17.674+01:00A Day in May<div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><b>Our back garden early afternoon today, warm and cloudy:</b></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-rQKn4Wp/0/M/P1070135-may-26-pm-X-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-rQKn4Wp/0/M/P1070135-may-26-pm-X-M.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;">And the front garden just before sunset today:</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-jstXPfX/0/M/P1070149-may-26-pm-X-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/i-jstXPfX/0/M/P1070149-may-26-pm-X-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">We're so lucky to have this semi-tropical green oasis on our doorstep.</div>Canarybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15597325686945512447noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499408838325962818.post-33632064927767997892011-05-15T12:52:00.000+01:002011-05-15T12:52:42.104+01:00May Morning<div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><b>After many cloudy days, the sun returned this morning.</b></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;">And the house was filled with sunshine. </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Gardens/Home/i-37gxkc2/0/M/P1060429-Morning-Anthuriums-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Gardens/Home/i-37gxkc2/0/M/P1060429-Morning-Anthuriums-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;">And Granada rose was in full flush with a strong, spicy perfume.</b></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Gardens/Home/i-X4Jp4Jh/1/M/P1060332-Granada-Rose-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Gardens/Home/i-X4Jp4Jh/1/M/P1060332-Granada-Rose-M.jpg" /></a></div>Canarybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15597325686945512447noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499408838325962818.post-55985748594511692002011-04-13T19:05:00.003+01:002011-04-14T22:43:25.775+01:00More Brilliant Flowers<div style="text-align: center;">It's the time of the year when they all come out at once.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/P1050125-apr-13-pm/1250857489_hFFMx-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/P1050125-apr-13-pm/1250857489_hFFMx-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;">Bougainvillae, Osteospermum and Aloe</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/P1050124-apr-13-pm/1250857524_FGFFY-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/P1050124-apr-13-pm/1250857524_FGFFY-M.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">They love the warm, cloudy April weather. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/P1050126-apr-13-pm/1250857422_wmeQ8-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/P1050126-apr-13-pm/1250857422_wmeQ8-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">More to come....<br />
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Seen while walking April 14....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/P1050187-apr-14-pm/1252125096_8WWg5-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/P1050187-apr-14-pm/1252125096_8WWg5-M.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/P1050173-apr-14-pm/1252125202_r3VRR-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/P1050173-apr-14-pm/1252125202_r3VRR-M.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/P1050176-apr-14-pm/1252135432_8GC5T-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/P1050176-apr-14-pm/1252135432_8GC5T-M.jpg" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/P1050207-apr-14-pm/1252171014_LR5sg-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/P1050207-apr-14-pm/1252171014_LR5sg-M.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1050208-apr-14-pm/1252191429_EKv53-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1050208-apr-14-pm/1252191429_EKv53-M.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;">It's such a pleasure to walk around and see these scenes.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanks for dropping by and hasta la vista!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-S.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-S.png" /></a></div></div>Canarybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15597325686945512447noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499408838325962818.post-78263965222889028022011-04-02T19:42:00.000+01:002011-04-02T19:42:36.798+01:00Mme. Pierre S. Dupont<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/IMG5930-ed/1236846145_WH3Sr-M-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/IMG5930-ed/1236846145_WH3Sr-M-1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;">Mme. P.S.Dupont</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">A favourite in my garden. I have the climbing version of this rose, also know in North America as Mrs. P.S. Dupont. It was bred by Charles Mallerin of France in 1929 as a hybrid tea, and later bred as a climber by Hillock in U.S.A. in 1933.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/IMG5936/1237113661_WuEHN-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/IMG5936/1237113661_WuEHN-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Although this is not ideal rose growing country, there are some which do well in my garden. This one is on a very sheltered east-facing wall, crowded between vigorous climbing plants which often hide the rose canes.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Things grow madly here in this climate and cutting back is a weekly chore.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/IMG5935-ed/1236846147_WZdZn-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/IMG5935-ed/1236846147_WZdZn-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love the rich buttery colour, the dark red stamens and the dainty petals. Also the way the center petals stay tightly closed while the outer petals are unfolding, as in the middle photo.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for dropping by! Do come again soon. Hasta la Vista!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-S.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-S.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Canarybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15597325686945512447noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499408838325962818.post-7871273740898540772011-04-01T21:33:00.001+01:002014-06-20T18:58:04.997+01:00Doves and Blackbirds<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So many new birds have been visiting our garden lately. I have never seen this type of dove before and couldn't believe my eyes when one came to rest in the brugmansia the other day. Luckily I had gone into the garden camera in hand intending to catch Minnie the cat as she played. But then I saw a flash of white stripe on a tail flying by, and then a shock of pink and tan feathers settling down on a branch. I crept nearer and then used the zoom on my camera to catch this lovely creature.<br />
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<b style="color: red;">Note</b>...some days later:<br />
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I've since discovered that this dove is called the <span style="color: red;"><b>STREPTOPELIA TURTUR</b></span>.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><b>STREPTOPELIA TURTUR</b></span><br />
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I showed this photo to my gardener, a local man, who said these coloured doves are quite common here in Canary Islands. I do hope this one will visit often.</div>
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We also have a pair of light tan doves who spend their time in our Jerusalem thorn tree and since a friend told me that doves mate for life with one partner, I guess this must be a honeymoon couple who have set up house in our garden with a nest nearby. I'm looking forward to seeing the little ones come to the feeder.</div>
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Just hope there are too many of them! But aren't they lovely!</div>
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Here they are in the thorn tree. Can you spot them?</div>
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Those yellow spiked flowers on the left are aloe vera.</div>
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And the doves close up...</div>
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And not to forget the blackbirds who visit every day. I haven't seen any baby birds yet from them.</div>
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I hope the nests weren't destroyed with that big wind storm we had earlier.</div>
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Here are some taginaste blooming in a street garden. They are over 5 ft tall. These are in the same family as the red ones which bloom on the high mountainous area around the Teide volcano.</div>
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A landscape on the edge of town.</div>
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And looking out of my computer room window at the masses of bougainvillea in the garden.</div>
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Have a lovely beginning of April! </div>
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Thanks for your visit and do drop by again.</div>
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Hasta la vista!</div>
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Canarybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15597325686945512447noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499408838325962818.post-57177507443154916642011-03-20T13:38:00.000+00:002011-03-20T13:38:35.292+00:00Sunshine Again<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030931-mar-20-am/1221960111_WFiAQ-M-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030931-mar-20-am/1221960111_WFiAQ-M-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Oh it's now a lovely Sunday morning and our sun has returned. The temperatures are warming up after that cold spell. Still plenty of snow on the mountain and the surrounding hills, but down here below it's good weather for sitting outdoors with a book, hanging out the laundry or going for a walk.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030813-mar-17-pm/1219944445_VmAYV-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030813-mar-17-pm/1219944445_VmAYV-M.jpg" /></a></div> These are some of my weather photos from the last days which include the birds that come to visit my bird feeder.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030884-mar-19-pm-bird/1220863586_VRcpZ-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030884-mar-19-pm-bird/1220863586_VRcpZ-M.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Looking out with a zoom towards the Orotava Valley:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030871-mar-18-pm/1220863652_wE6Nz-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030871-mar-18-pm/1220863652_wE6Nz-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Yesterday was sunny too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030876-mar-18-pm/1220863654_u6Aa8-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030876-mar-18-pm/1220863654_u6Aa8-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Our red trumpet vine is growing like a weed after we had so much rain.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030907-mar-19-am/1220881888_pYBhq-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030907-mar-19-am/1220881888_pYBhq-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I was recently in the Botanical Garden and again marvelled at the size of the Ficus Macrophylla. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Below is one of the many photos I've taken of the tree:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P3140051/1215016125_bkeMY-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P3140051/1215016125_bkeMY-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;">Ficus Macrophylla (Moreton Bay Fig)</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Through the window:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Brugmansia this morning:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P3201155-mar-20-am/1221963382_4unBK-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P3201155-mar-20-am/1221963382_4unBK-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> This morning there was a flea market at the supermarket.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030937-mar-20-am/1221960151_sJYQS-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030937-mar-20-am/1221960151_sJYQS-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">I had a good look at the brass ornaments and was tempted to buy a gazelle. I have two lovely old brass camels which I bring out at Christmas time and have since been looking for a third one to complete the scenario of the Three Kings. But I decided the gazelle really didn't look enough like a camel.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030938-mar-20-am/1222024748_t2893-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030938-mar-20-am/1222024748_t2893-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">And so I bought two little pots of thyme for planting in my garden instead. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Have a lovely weekend!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for dropping by and do come back again for a visit. Until then...¡Hasta la vista!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-S.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-S.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Canarybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15597325686945512447noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499408838325962818.post-32429836658643548712011-03-17T13:40:00.001+00:002011-03-17T13:43:38.469+00:00Chilly in Canarias<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030670-mar-14-am/1215863728_BJmWd-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030670-mar-14-am/1215863728_BJmWd-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;">Snow on the hills of Las Cañadas de Teide National Park</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We've been having a cold snap lately as a low pressure area with very low temperatures has come to the Canary Islands and southern Spain. Luckily it is now moving away but temperatures are still unusually cold for this time of the year.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Recently there was new snow on the Teide volcano with the snow level being the lowest ever, enabling local people to see and play in the snow, many for the first time in their lives.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030297-mar-8-am/1209809568_D9ppu-M.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;">The Teide volcano, the highest peak of all Spain at 3,718 meters</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">As a weather and cloud watcher I'm taking daily photos for a local forum. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Here are some recent photos I've taken of our area.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030305-mar-8-am/1209809609_YFXy3-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030305-mar-8-am/1209809609_YFXy3-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;">The blackbird brings his lady friend to breakfast at my bird feeder</b>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030742-mar-16-am-doves/1218182577_Rvauj-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030742-mar-16-am-doves/1218182577_Rvauj-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;">And the dove also brings a friend along for some food</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030684-mar-15-am/1217078163_2KgJq-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030684-mar-15-am/1217078163_2KgJq-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;">March rain on my back patio</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030651-mar-13-am/1214547162_dvzhE-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030651-mar-13-am/1214547162_dvzhE-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;">A thunder storm approaches</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030541-mar-11-am/1212703749_iRrjH-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030541-mar-11-am/1212703749_iRrjH-M.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030546-mar-11-am/1212703772_4GPD4-M-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030546-mar-11-am/1212703772_4GPD4-M-1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;">Minnie listens to thunder</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030532-mar-11-am/1212703692_ZvoWT-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030532-mar-11-am/1212703692_ZvoWT-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;">A double rainbow in a dark sky</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030602-mar-12-am/1213577282_nXwZX-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030602-mar-12-am/1213577282_nXwZX-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;">Sun and large clouds</b> <b style="color: red;">during unsettled weather</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030717-mar-15-pm/1217718104_vYDhT-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030717-mar-15-pm/1217718104_vYDhT-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030765-mar-16-pm/1219080238_gAsEZ-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030765-mar-16-pm/1219080238_gAsEZ-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: red;">Some brilliant sunsets after the rain</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And with the sun again a blackbird sings in our garden:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/WlRLfL8wbps?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for your visit..and do come again another day. ¡Hasta la vista!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-S.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-S.png" /></a></div></div>Canarybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15597325686945512447noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499408838325962818.post-59544128046202451772011-03-13T15:17:00.005+00:002011-03-13T15:31:41.711+00:00Lentil Stew<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/PB090604-lentil-stew/1214627028_nfNRk-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/PB090604-lentil-stew/1214627028_nfNRk-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="color: red;">Lentils stewed with chorizo - Lentejas Estofadas </b> </div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div>As we have rainy weather today I began thinking about warm stews and soups.<br />
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And since I haven't posted a recipe here for a long time, for a change today I'll show you a couple of dishes I make quite frequently:<br />
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One of my favourite Spanish comfort foods is stewed lentils.<br />
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Here in Canarias lentils (lentejas) and chickpeas (garbanzos) are frequently seen stewed with chorizo, potatoes and vegetables.<br />
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These are delicious starters or full meals which can be found in local family-style restaurants where Canary cooking is served. Often the wife is in the kitchen and the husband and children are serving the tables. They are usuallythe best places for trying the local cuisine before making them in your own kitchen.<br />
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Here's a good recipe that I've used for making a wholesome lentil stew:<br />
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First the ingredients:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/PB090602-ingredients/1214627003_xZsPJ-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/PB090602-ingredients/1214627003_xZsPJ-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="color: red; text-align: center;"><b>Ingredients for making a lentil stew</b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"> Lentil Stew - Lentejas Estofadas</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
Ingredients:</div><div style="text-align: left;">350 grams (1 1/2 cups) of small dark lentils - put them to soak the night before in water to cover<br />
*Note: nowadays many lentils are sold as quick cooking and don’t need soaking.<br />
100 grams (3.5 oz) red stewing chorizo sausage - lightly pricked over with tines of a fork<br />
50 grams (1.7 oz) salted tocino pork fat - cut into large diced pieces<br />
1 TBSP flour<br />
2 carrots finely diced <br />
2 medium leeks, using only white stems sliced finely in rounds<br />
1 or 2 lg cloves garlic (optional but I wouldn't leave it out) - pass through garlic press<br />
2 cups beef broth (or 2 Knorr beef cubes)<br />
1 bay leaf<br />
fresh rosemary - small sprig<br />
olive oil - about 1/4 cup</div><div style="text-align: left;">extra water to add after 1st hour</div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Method:</div><br />
1. Soak lentils the night before in water to cover.<br />
*Note: some lentils are sold as quick cooking and don’t need soaking.<br />
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2. Next day drain and rinse lentils, put aside.<br />
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3. Heat olive oil in heavy cooking pot. When sizzling, add carrots, garlic and leeks. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Lightly brown while stirring.<br />
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4. Add 1 TBSP flour and keep stirring for about a minute.<br />
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5. Add lentils, beef broth, whole chorizo, tocino, laurel and rosemary<br />
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6. Put on lid and simmer very gently for 1 1/2 - 2 hours. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Check after 1st hour and add more water if needed.<br />
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7. Adjust seasoning and serve.<br />
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And if you're like me and sometimes prefer it as a puré, then remove the pieces of chorizo and put the stew through a blender or hand cranked puré mill and serve it with homemade toasted garlic croutons and a few snips of flat Italian parsley.<br />
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A red Canary wine and some crusty bread make this a wholesome dish!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/PB100623-lentil-pure/1214626983_UknqE-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/PB100623-lentil-pure/1214626983_UknqE-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;">Lentil puré</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">In another world away from Canary Islands - and back to my part of west coast Canada:<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/relics-tales/1214663817_h8Eas-S.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="177" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/relics-tales/1214663817_h8Eas-S.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div style="text-align: center;">If you are interested in artifacts and stories from the Pacific northwest, may I brag a little about my daughter Michelle's blog <a href="http://relicsandtales.blogspot.com/">"Relics and Tales"</a>, where she has recorded some fine stories as recounted to her by her father-in-law, a man who has travelled the world on motorbike, collecting antiques and unusual items along the way. Together with Michelle's fine photography, I think they make an interesting pair, presenting some little known anecdotes from past and present.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for dropping by, and ¡hasta la vista!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-S.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-S.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Canarybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15597325686945512447noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499408838325962818.post-73088226381026977952011-03-10T13:42:00.002+00:002011-03-10T13:48:37.655+00:00A Visit to The Botanical GardenI've been trying to find out the name of this succulent plant which grows in several well tended outdoor planters in a nearby shopping center.<br />
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I am sure it is a Kalanchoe but which variety?<br />
<br />
It is healthy and a clear shade of jade green, and as most succulents do here in the Canary Islands, growing to a large size in the open air.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030113-mar-5-noon/1206793631_ae88r-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030113-mar-5-noon/1206793631_ae88r-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="color: red;">Unidentified Kalanchoe</b> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">After browsing through my books on Canary flora and checking the web without any success I decided to head up to the local Botanical Garden to see if there was any planted there. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030428/1210345894_LWdr8-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030428/1210345894_LWdr8-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">As always, I became involved in having a look at some of my favourite spots inside the garden, but keeping an eye out for a plantation of succulents.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The orchid and fern bower looked inviting:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030336-B/1210345661_eb5pb-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030336-B/1210345661_eb5pb-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b style="color: red;"> Bromeliads, orchids and ferns</b><span style="color: red;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Anthuriums do well here in the shade tunnel:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030407/1210362036_y2a8q-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030407/1210362036_y2a8q-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;">Anthuriums</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The tree with hanging Spanish moss attracts visitors with cameras:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030345/1210345684_G8uYp-M-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030345/1210345684_G8uYp-M-1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;">Not really a moss, the <i>Tillandsia usneoides </i>belongs to the Bromeliaceae family.</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Waterlily blooming on the lily pond:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030371/1210345674_4Kixz-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030371/1210345674_4Kixz-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And up a few steps is the koi pond, A good place to sit and rest.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I was pleased when these two ladies came and sat down to complete the peaceful scene</div><div style="text-align: center;">for my photo. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030379-mar-8-pm/1210345848_DDfn5-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Weather/Weather-Tenerife-North/P1030379-mar-8-pm/1210345848_DDfn5-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Well I didn't have any success finding that Kalanchoe in the garden, but I found that I could consult with a specialist in the office if I returned the next day. So I did that and after some checking with another colleague, the botanist told me that it could be a Kalanchoe Thyrsifolia.....but he wasn't sure. </div><div style="text-align: center;">So the search will continue! Next stop - the garden centres in case I find one there.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And to add a little more from the jazz and BBQ event in my last entry, here's Maria at Alvaro's tennis club pouring the wine for our table during the barbecue lunch:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Sports/Alvaros-Club-de-Tennis/P1020895/1200224599_o6ck7-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Sports/Alvaros-Club-de-Tennis/P1020895/1200224599_o6ck7-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;">With good music and food we all had a wonderful time!</b> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Papas arrugadas ....those Canary wrinkled salt potatoes and the famous sauces: red and green mojos:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Sports/Alvaros-Club-de-Tennis/P1020892/1200224671_LXGLa-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Sports/Alvaros-Club-de-Tennis/P1020892/1200224671_LXGLa-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;">Papas Arrugadas con mojos </b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">And for dessert, a flan with homemade ice cream.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Sports/Alvaros-Club-de-Tennis/P1020913/1200225233_f2A9k-M.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Sports/Alvaros-Club-de-Tennis/P1020913/1200225233_f2A9k-M.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm still on the trail of identifying that Kalanchoe so there will be more about that soon!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for dropping by. Come back again soon. ¡Hasta la vista!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-S.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-S.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Canarybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15597325686945512447noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-499408838325962818.post-11179274786365750872011-03-02T15:59:00.002+00:002011-03-02T16:04:51.675+00:00More Local Scenery<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-v8cqT9jAFjpbCsufKmcEutq4z0ElrDnSgmV2bSXf0J-En9s6Y6KLa_2yuC3fjNne8xVjEh8v7h7642CbkDxwMd6mtRIW7frX6ZUxWYxWJlhAMIca685_8xwdVfiWLA77Y4MxxNPhkG-/s1600/P1010904+Feb.+5+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="499" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO-v8cqT9jAFjpbCsufKmcEutq4z0ElrDnSgmV2bSXf0J-En9s6Y6KLa_2yuC3fjNne8xVjEh8v7h7642CbkDxwMd6mtRIW7frX6ZUxWYxWJlhAMIca685_8xwdVfiWLA77Y4MxxNPhkG-/s640/P1010904+Feb.+5+AM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;">Viewpoint in La Paz, Puerto de la Cruz</b></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Continuing to upload here some of the local scenery from this February.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnBRacIKJkPrlkKT0QsADYN0S_GMUU561TxqMbP8fVynoAiZDORrfTIOklC_7hu8jQwhyJgnPN7as8K_JjSNfcgUYpCKj5Ex1uZzh8mkfb7DGMYCU6uben_eHYL4VxnHQCG3fHPTGYxd2/s1600/P1010905+Feb.+5+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnBRacIKJkPrlkKT0QsADYN0S_GMUU561TxqMbP8fVynoAiZDORrfTIOklC_7hu8jQwhyJgnPN7as8K_JjSNfcgUYpCKj5Ex1uZzh8mkfb7DGMYCU6uben_eHYL4VxnHQCG3fHPTGYxd2/s640/P1010905+Feb.+5+AM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;">The Lido downtown at Martianez Beach</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivv1p6QpfxkpfwPG95cKU0YMmP5otawThvU34KVT2XSJF5tYLUu59uUZUb1QuHy6-C7Jqa1GsM5_zTzEAdC3_vVyeu6487_fnFKDvV6AJeY6GObRujqP_49pzLxixvedqGkEa_vtN-jRbN/s1600/P1010937+Feb+6+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivv1p6QpfxkpfwPG95cKU0YMmP5otawThvU34KVT2XSJF5tYLUu59uUZUb1QuHy6-C7Jqa1GsM5_zTzEAdC3_vVyeu6487_fnFKDvV6AJeY6GObRujqP_49pzLxixvedqGkEa_vtN-jRbN/s640/P1010937+Feb+6+AM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;">Outside my window - female blackbird</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDLhpSPyatfeu1mx0IkDflBa5DVNSmDyxyDpPs-CC8A2zJZis9975gMH_KY8yCkxP-UndHtyC8XqwWEnlPmz0iowKaiUf-jluj9U-9MdLL9RGm_35zi2HQZGIHfiO0KbjRUV1Iapl4q1l/s1600/P1020044Feb.+8+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguDLhpSPyatfeu1mx0IkDflBa5DVNSmDyxyDpPs-CC8A2zJZis9975gMH_KY8yCkxP-UndHtyC8XqwWEnlPmz0iowKaiUf-jluj9U-9MdLL9RGm_35zi2HQZGIHfiO0KbjRUV1Iapl4q1l/s640/P1020044Feb.+8+AM.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;">Our front garden</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsiMoe0M6fUA6xgLS8-TH80eK7kCihVtug2dbyqWy8PItxC84IWlqEEMPpZoGNcXFY_uu4LNJOB0oLrT_7Fn5ynyLabQdXcwlWZna5ChuUKbls-2jW_X0JDxyYS-fmSDy7axoiUFPsdcSl/s1600/P1020326+feb+16+pm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsiMoe0M6fUA6xgLS8-TH80eK7kCihVtug2dbyqWy8PItxC84IWlqEEMPpZoGNcXFY_uu4LNJOB0oLrT_7Fn5ynyLabQdXcwlWZna5ChuUKbls-2jW_X0JDxyYS-fmSDy7axoiUFPsdcSl/s640/P1020326+feb+16+pm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;">El Duranzo and Las Arenas</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8JR_HemyZ2TbXflZAjj-gsMvagyUUKae7ekXqp0MHe6NL4kyCGs0bD04XRxJJlhWYI26RWtarZ2r20QBjLtq6kUKLU18uaX18QdBFeGYEDSpS_vqwj4I8jHICEgcn_q13X2UQakq-hnK/s1600/P1020672+feb+24+am.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq8JR_HemyZ2TbXflZAjj-gsMvagyUUKae7ekXqp0MHe6NL4kyCGs0bD04XRxJJlhWYI26RWtarZ2r20QBjLtq6kUKLU18uaX18QdBFeGYEDSpS_vqwj4I8jHICEgcn_q13X2UQakq-hnK/s640/P1020672+feb+24+am.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b style="color: red;">Our back garden and Tigger</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">A good time was had by all last Sunday at Alvaro's tennis club jazz barbecue event.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I sat with friends and classmates from our Pilates group. </div><div style="text-align: center;">We had a lovely meal and the music was great.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's one of my photos along with a video clip of the jazz group made by John Debnam:</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Sports/Alvaros-Club-de-Tennis/P1020872/1200223670_HUVK6-M-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Sports/Alvaros-Club-de-Tennis/P1020872/1200223670_HUVK6-M-1.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Abundant smoke can be seen in the clip from the BBQs cooking down at ground level!</div><div style="text-align: center;">There were papas arrugadas, those wrinkled Canary Island potatoes with mojo sauces, salads, sausages, chicken and pork steaks, flan dessert, wine and beer.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/JsDac4-Zv6E?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
I'll post more of my photos from this day in the next entry.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Thanks for dropping by, and ¡hasta la vista!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-S.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://canarybird.smugmug.com/Blog-Photos/Tenerife-Journal-Blog/161F1837C45C6C1DCA172E1CF20F85/907139560_qGY8J-S.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Canarybirdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15597325686945512447noreply@blogger.com2