Gwendolyn: “You woke me up to tell me about some dumb celebration in the cold and snow?”
The first year we celebrated Reyes in Madrid, Spain it snowed. Not common for Madrid, and apparently Madrid got a lot of snow today. We stood outside in the cold and snow and watched a parade where the three Reyes Magos rode into town on Camels. Then we ate Spanish Chocolate. We have continued the tradition of eating Spanish Chocolate for Epiphany ever since. Today we celebrated outside in the cold and snow with a space heater, chimenea, fire pit, and a camp stove all burning to keep us warm. Since January 6th was on Wednesday, we waited until tonight, January 9th, to celebrate. However, instead of having our normal party with friends and neighbors coming to join in, we had family only. This was the first Reyes in the last 20 years that we didn’t invite everyone to partake in Spanish Chocolate.
The fires.
Silver napping.
Enjoying the heat when the temperature was 35ºF outside.
Spunk napping.
The end of the party before I turned the torches and lantern out.
Glenda: “You are dumb enough to be outside in the cold. I’m staying in my cozy cubby.”
Off Center & Not Even 
My daughter keeps wanting to fire up the outdoor chiminea. I tell her , “baby it’s cold outside.” 😉 😉
It was cold outside alright, but fire warms things up very well. Even old songs. Thanks, Cindy.
You’re no fun, Cindy LOL. 😉 😉 😉
I tuoi gatti sono stupendi 🙂
Grazie Simona.
Although I get the ktties staying warm, I’d love having an outdoor camp fire. Glad you did! I hope next year you’ll enjoy Spanish Chocolate with friends too!!!
It’s really fun to be outside with light snow falling around the warmth of fires. Next year will be better. Thanks, Marina.
I can imagine. Here’s to a free year! 😉
Here! Here!
This week has been historic!! Never has so much snow fallen across the country, especially in Madrid especially. Say hello to Glenda for me. 😊
Hi Anabel. Tristan, our daughter, had a photo of a man up to his waist in snow by the Thiessen. That’s a lot of snow to bring Madrid to a halt. We we cot snowed on that first Reyes we were there, it was more of a dusting of snow, but it really added to the magical atmosphere of the parade. Glenda says “Hi!” and sends her love with purrs, hugs and kitty kisses.
This year has been incredible!! Roads and airports without traffic. Nothing similar had ever been recorded. By the way, I send love, kisses and hugs to Glenda and the family as well. 😉
At first our roads had sparse traffic, but it didn’t take long for people to be on the roads, again. Glenda and all of us thank you.
It looks very cool. Good for you.
Pretty cool in the cold, but fun and warm by the fires. Thanks, Shey.
it looks it.
Hello Timothy, your outside atmosphere for Reyes gives me goose pimple; it’s absolutely great:) I wish you all the best for next year. Cari saluti Martina
Thanks, Marina. It was goosebumpy cold with warm fires.
I always love the kitties! That looks like a wonderful celebration, Tim. Is Spanish chocolate made differently?
Hi Lavinia. Spanish chocolate is served like a hot pudding. It’s milk chocolate, milk and cornstrach for thickening.
Thanks for sharing your 2021 (the result of 2020) with us. I appreciate how you and Laurie didn’t just have a smaller family gathering, but that you adapted it with things from your first Reyes in Spain-outdoors in the cold but with fires and heat.
I have “some” hope for Dr. Huey in May, but lots of hope for a birthday photo excursion in 2021.
🙂
We are hoping for the best in 2021. Thanks, Susan.
What a wonderful tradition! Love the photos and delight in your ability to have such a great array of sources of heat (plus the love of family – and in other years, friends)
It’s a great tradition. Thanks, Dale.
Truly! I’m a tad jealous, truth be told …
I’m with the cats, I’d much rather stay inside and warm! But, glad you had a fun celebration!
But it was warm by the fires. Thanks, Tiffany.
We set up our chimney a few weeks ago, I just love an outdoor fire! ☺️🔥
They are fun.
Fires in the outdoors have such a comforting and community vibe to them. 🙂
Thanks, Linda. We had neighbors up the road, who moved a couple of years ago, used to have a community bonfire on Christmas Eve every year.
The Dia de Los Reyes didn’t impress the kitties, then, Tim? Hahaha!
Love the photos.
Kitties were not impressed. Thanks, Inchcock.
If you tried this last night, here in Colorado, quite likely you would have been inside with your celebration. The snow, the cold, the icing. You could’ve done outdoors with a roaring bonfire.
Thanks, David.
Wonderful Tim, simply wonderful. (esp. the shot of Spunkie-Poo 💋’s 2 paws and 1 ear!)
He’s also smiling if you look close. Thanks, Resa.
Aww! Sweet! Will have a closer look!
Hahhahahahah…..the first one is so good….the expressions😄😆😅🤣
Thanks, Ruelha.
Tim, I haven’t had Spanish Chocolate in about 20 years. Thank you for this wonderful post. Feliz Dia de los Rayes
You need to make some. Thanks, Sylvia.
Yum, that Spanish chocolate sounds delicious! Great shots Tim …
Thanks, Julie. The Spanish Chocolate is wonderful.