DECK THE HOLIDAY'S

     San Isidro  is the patron saint of the peasants and laborers and is also the patron saint of Madrid. Tradition has it that on May 15th the people of Madrid are to make a pilgrimage to San Isidro's meadow to celebrate his day and to drink the holy water of his fountain in his hermitage's patio. Madrid's biggest  "fiesta"  is celebrated yearly starting on the Friday before the 15th and running until the following Sunday, 9 days of Saintly jubilee throughout the Comunity of Madrid.     You can visit the church of the same name on calle Toledo - built over the site where the miracle purportedly took place - about two blocks from the Plaza Mayor. The church holds a small museum with exhibits including the famous well along with a small collection of archaeological findings excavated in the region of Madrid.     Like most in Spain, this Madrid festival has largely lost its religious character. Instead, the city government uses San Isid

MAKE YOUR OWN VANILLA I pinned this pin last year from “bethany actually” but it was too late to make it for Christmas gifts.  So this year, I was determined to remember to make this in time so it would be ready for Christmas.  I was so excited to get started. Only three things are needed.  Bottles, vanilla beans and Vodka.  So easy! I  bought my bottles online from  Specialty Bottles  for .74 cents a  piece, and the vanilla beans atAmazon.com.   I have never bought Vodka in my life so felt a little unsure of what I was supposed to get, but it all looked the same so I just got the cheapest that I could find.   While purchasing the Vodka, the cashier did the RUDEST thing!  I had gotten my I.D. out to prove that I was over 21 and old enough to purchase liquor and SHE DIDN’T EVEN ASK FOR IT!  Sigh. Note to self.  Time to dye my hair. The directions from the pin said to use 2-3 beans for 4 oz of vodka.  I just used two and that worked out fine.  I cut the