February [febrero] 2026

I’ve been thinking a lot about Imbolc, a tradition people have celebrated for literally thousands of years on February 1st (and the origin of Groundhog Day). It marks the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and the Spring Equinox, and essentially, it’s nature’s way of saying it is almost primavera (spring [y'all gonna learn Spanish with me,ok? Vale.]). Praise be! I am so tired of being cold, and wearing layers, and OH MY GOD please just give me warm sunny days and ankle socks.

But Imbolc isn't just about the weather; it’s about the return of luz (["luth"] light). It’s a reminder that even when things look dead or frozen on the surface, there is life stirring underneath. I noticed it for the first time today [Feb 4th]. When I went downstairs to get the kids up for school, the amount of light that was glowing in the windows. It was just a little bit *more* than in recent weeks, but it was definitely perceptible - the first creeping return of the sun. It’s amazing how much a little bit of clarity can change your entire ánimo (mood).

It made me realize that even when we feel stuck in a long, cold 'winter' of whatever our personal vicissitudes are, the light always finds a way back in. It’s inevitable. You can try to pull the curtains shut and pretend it’s still midnight, but the sun doesn't really care. It just keeps rising. It’s a bit like where we are as a species right now.

So we got our hands on a couple of e-bikes this week [Feb 11th]. Not really to get anywhere in particular so much as to make local errands a bit smoother and faster. We still love walking, and honestly, all the walking has been so good for us. I feel like we've collectively shed some poundage for sure, but not only that, its just too beautiful not to walk. At least on Sunny days. Its been uncharacteristically rainy here this month. Beau thinks he brought it with us from the US, but I stand by my earlier statement... I am so over winter.

Beau has started working with a couple of local guys building and making things. They have a nice little shop in town but an upgrade is coming soon. A larger space just on the outskirts, but still close enough for the e-bike. Its in a beautiful spot with a large area for parking and I cannot wait to submit suggestions for a garden. I am dying to grow some local veggies. 

The kids had Carnival stuff this month. Aeryns class had a Punk Rock theme, all the parents got together in the classroom to make "leather" vests out of garbage bags. It was nice to socialize and get to really meet some of the other parents. Most of them spoke a tiny bit of English, enough that we were able to meet in the middle of understanding each other. One mom told me that her family came from Romania when she was 17 and didn't speak a word of Spanish, but 16 years later I'd never have guessed she wasn't a native. So there is hope for me yet. I'm starting to be able to put together simple phrases, but on the whole, I am still very unconfident about speaking to strangers. Loooong way to go. 

Robert and the big kids sadly didn't participate, but they did dress as knights (he wore Dads kilt) for the big evening party, and sadly, i do not have a picture. I'll have to see if I can get on from him.

[alright now, late Feb] Here's Beau having a wine at a favorite local spot, Arp. Arrrrp. I think you're supposed to roll it. When you come to visit, this will probably be the first place we take you. Good food, friendly faces, good views. Many an hour have been whiled away here. The days have definitely started to warm up. Anytime its sunny now, we wanna be outside. 

I've noticed that, now that its freshly March, the town is filling up. There are easily twice as many people out daily that I'm used to seeing. I feel like its a combination of half of the people that have been hibernating all winter are coming back out, and the other half is people coming back for the season when they live here. The bars are noisier in the evenings, but its kind nice to hear the gentle drone of conversation on the street, the occasional cackle because someone told a joke. Little blue and white wildflowers are popping up in fields, and the almond trees are in full bloom. Its frickin' glorious. All of it. Wish you were here.

Anyway, I'll see you back at the beginning of April.