It is very hot in Spain right now and the pace of life has slowed down to half pace.

We have seen baby water turtles (see photo opposite) and water snakes (small and harmless) in the rio and the little frogs are very vocal at night.

The cherries this year were the most delicious ever and we have discovered two new plum trees, one with red plums and one with yellow plums, and the yellow plums taste like bananas - very unusual but very delicious.

The oleanders are blooming everywhere, and as it gets hotter and hotter the crickets become louder and louder, rubbing their back legs or wings to make themselves heard - but hardly ever seen.

The caperberries are in flower, and the farmers are very busy working their olives late into the evening as much has to be done before their harvest at the end of the year.

The barn swallows are busy teaching their babies to fly and we have seen hoopoes and bee eaters and many other unusual birds.

The small studio at Cortijo Las Salinas is now hosting workshops and is getting busier and busier, while the large studio needs to be finished off before I can get in to start painting.

Hope to see you at Cortijo Las Salinas soon,

Hasta luego

Steffi