Thursday, March 21, 2013

A Moose and an Alpine Village on the Costa del Sol

One of the things I used to find magical about a winter day in Palm Springs in the California desert was the experience of floating in the pool in the sunshine while looking at snow on the mountaintops. And, although I haven't been floating in a pool lately, the view of the snow-covered mountains in Andalucía has been just as magical. Walking along the beach or just out on our terrace is glorious.

THE DAY AFTER WE ARRIVED, LOOKING NORTH.
(CLICK TO SUPER-SIZE-)
TODAY FROM THE TERRACE, LOOKING PAST BENALMÁDENA TOWARD MÁLAGA..

A few days ago, I took another long walk on the beach in the sunshine and I came across a "snow-covered" alpine village made entirely of sand. Amazing to create something with so much love and care (and talent) knowing it's so temporary. There was a thunderstorm the next day that I'm sure melted the snow (and much of the alpine village).

OUR ALPINE VILLAGE WITH A (REAL) FISHERMAN IN THE BACKGROUND.

AFTER ALL THAT SNOW, I WAS GLAD TO RETURN TO "SAND BAR,"
WHERE THE SAND SOFA AND THE SAND DRUNK HAVE BEEN REPLACED WITH A WORKING FIREPLACE.
ANOTHER NEW ADDITION AT SAND BAR, LIVE MUSIC WHERE THE BOOKCASE USED TO BE..

Meanwhile, San Geraldo and I have made great progress on the terrace. San Geraldo has been doing the planting. I've been doing most of the heavy lifting and the clean-up. Dudo and Moose help as they can — by inspecting every plant and pot, chasing bugs, and monitoring our every move. The plants haven't been arranged yet, but all but one of the new plants have been transplanted. We ran out of soil and had another delivery this afternoon. Once the last plant is done, San Geraldo will move on to the 12 bougainvillea we brought with us from Sevilla. The 12 individual plants will be merged into 4 large planters. Then, we can rearrange everything. And then I can show you what it looks like.

A MOOSE SIGHTING EARLIER TODAY.

20 comments:

  1. Beaches'n'Snow.
    Gotta love it, though I'd prefer to be on the beach looking at the snow and not the other way round.

    That Moose: "Hello!"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bob:
      Well, I'll just sit on the beach and look at the snow for us both. (Like that helps.)

      Delete
  2. You haven't gone swimming down at that lovely beach? Who are the industrious sand sculptors who keep constructing those wonderful scenarios? Really, Mitch, you simply have to spend more time as a beach bum!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, Ms. Sparrow, that water is way too cold for me right now! Only the Finns and the Brits are in this time of year.

      The sand sculptors are locals and others finding creative ways to make some money.

      I have absolutely no problem with the idea of spending more time as a beach bum!

      Delete
  3. Aaah Moose ~~ you sweetie!

    I had no idea that you would be able to see snow while sitting the Med Sea. We used to swim at a huge pool in the Kitslano area of Vancouver B.C. and look up to see people skiing on Grouse Mountain ~~~ such a strange perspective.
    Your plants are going to be the cat's meow ~~~ I just know they are!

    Ron

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ron:
      Dudo and Moose agree about the plants.

      I love the contrasts of sea and mountains, warmth and snow. I'm glad I have the sea and warmth part!

      Delete
  4. I love the whole 'living art' happening at the beach, Mitch! And not to mention the evolving work of art happening on your terrace. Can't wait.
    Now for Monsieur Moose......precious! Absolutely great shot!

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    Replies
    1. Jim:
      Just waiting for a good day for photos and will share the terrace. It will be fun to see how the beach art evolves during "season."

      Delete
  5. I recall that aspect of Palm Springs living fondly too Mitch. You're lucky to have a similar scenario now. That alpine village is remarkable! And the pose of your cat is purrfect.

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    Replies
    1. Craig:
      Not as easy to catch Moose awake. Dudo sees the camera and poses. Moose sees it and walks away (kind of like San Geraldo).

      Delete
  6. Got back to your blog to look at your pictures again today... guess my comment yesterday didn't work... anyway... love those sand castles and especially loved seeing Moose again.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sharon:
      Did you get censored?!? Moose sends his love.

      Delete
  7. This slow migration of yours towards North Africa - some sort of homage to Sebastian Flyte is it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Owl Wood:
      This is as close as we'll get to living in North Africa. No Tunisian monastery for me.

      Delete
  8. Zoos and gardens and sand castles and fishies and food and sight-seeing and warm sunshine - Oh how I envy you guys, especially as we are still looking at white stuff covering the ground here in Connecticut and beyond. Wish I had time to read every word, but I often just enjoy the photos... Be well, and enjoy!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, Frank, I don't envy you the snow. Sure hope you get a break soon!

      Delete
  9. That sand art is just amazing. Hello Moose! The cats are going to love the balcony garden.

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    Replies
    1. Judith:
      The cats do love the terrace now that there are so many plants to explore (and hind behind). Unfortunately, they also love the ledge!

      Delete

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