Category Archives: Commentary

Opinion or analysis concerning whatever’s on my mind.

Santes Creus: Nuria

Posted on November 21, 2018 by JMN

Nuria is centered and thoughtful at 21. She studies psychology at university and has widely ranging interests. In the gloom of Santes Creus cathedral she and I contemplated skeptically the riotously decorated altarpiece. I asked her if she was familiar … Continue reading →

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The Mas: Palm Trimming Day

Posted on November 20, 2018 by JMN

“Hoy viene el chico de las palmeras.” A beetle called Rynchophorus Ferruguineus is attacking palm trees all around the Mediterranean. Over a million trees have been lost. There is treatment if it’s applied in time, but there are few specialists … Continue reading →

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The Mas: Lluis

Posted on November 20, 2018 by JMN

Lluis (18) radiates composure and confidence. He studies Information Technology at university. His program includes mathematics and physics. He likes math, says concepts don’t always come clear right away, but when he dwells sufficiently on them, they’re his. He doesn’t … Continue reading →

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The Mas: Palm Trimming Day

Posted on November 20, 2018 by JMN

“Hoy viene el chico de las palmeras.” A beetle called Rynchophorus Ferruguineus is attacking palm trees all around the Mediterranean. Over a million trees have been lost. There is treatment if it’s applied in time, but few specialists ply this … Continue reading →

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The Mas: Reus 10:28

Posted on November 20, 2018 by JMN

Yesteryear’s recreation. JMN.

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The “Mas” (Farm)

Posted on November 19, 2018 by JMN

The “mas” dates from 1901. It’s a walled compound high in the northern reaches of Reus (Catalonia, Spain). In former times it would have been rural or semi-rural; now it’s an island of serenity in a bustling urban setting: “Mas … Continue reading →

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Family Transport

Posted on November 19, 2018 by JMN

Eduard bosses the well-traveled, 4-wheel drive Audi Quattro over the switchback roads of the Montsant mountains with the commanding zeal of a seasoned rallye enthusiast. One feels G-force as he accelerates into the curves. It’s an experience to be had … Continue reading →

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Eduard

Posted on November 19, 2018 by JMN

My son-in-law is a medical doctor and practices dentistry. He said the other day that, as a father of three, he has been especially diligent in allowing his children to experience childhood abundantly, letting maturity arrive gradually and in due … Continue reading →

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Strong Thoughts on the Internal Accusative

Posted on November 19, 2018 by JMN

From high office in these Untied [stet] States came yesterday a promise to soon have a “strong opinion” about something (the Khashoggi murder?). Well and proper. One breathes a bated breath. At last, an opinion is to be had. May … Continue reading →

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Santes Creus, Cistercian Monastery

Posted on November 19, 2018 by JMN

Eva, Eduard, Helena (10), Nuria (21) Are these Catalan grandchildren a manufactured figment from my internal dream factory, or are they real? Helena, the youngest, is a Cheshire cat that swallowed a Roman candle peeping from Puck’s pocket — I … Continue reading →

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