Playing Catch Up!

I think my brain is being muddled by the sunshine!!  I totally forgot plans that we made with friends and consequently, stood them up…I’m hoping they will speak to me again with time……kidding!

The days suddenly seem to be flying by again but I guess that’s to be expected with the amount of activity and socializing we have been up to since moving back to the quinta.

Yesterday, Marc, Laurie and I headed off for a day of wandering, shopping and sightseeing in both Ayamonte and Vila Real de Santo Antonio.  Spain is one hour ahead, and they very much still respect the siesta (12h30 – 15h00) and that meant getting up and leaving early if we wanted to enjoy Ayamonte and certainly, shop at all.

On the ferry to Spain.

On the ferry to Spain.

Arriving at the main, beautifully tiled, square in Ayamonte.

Could she look any happier.

I love this gorgeous style of window seen all across Spain. On Sunday afternoons it was an opportunity for the Father of the house to show off his available daughters.

Our first threesome photo.

Love this style of door with the Moorish influences.

Following a wonderful few hours of shopping..yes, Laurie and I both bought new shoes made in Spain…….we settled into a lovely patio for a tapas lunch.

Baked eggplant and cheese

Spanish tortilla omlette

Fresh anchovies in a delectable vinaigrette. I could have eaten another tray.

A chicken tortilla.

The weather was great, our timing for the ferry in both directions was dead on and we thoroughly enjoyed the adventure.  On returning to Portugal we spent some time in Vila Real shopping for a few things…..well actually, Laurie shopped while Marc and I enjoyed a beer on a patio!!

Today was warm, sunny and felt lazy even though we all accomplished lots.  Laundry was hung out to dry then Laurie and I headed off for Fuzeta and the salt flats…..walking was the theme of the day for us.  Marc opted to stay at home, lunch with Gwen and spend some time in the kitchen.

Flamingos and Fuzeta

Laurie in the salt pile……she climbed up and she even tasted!

Look Ma, no hands!!!

We saw a few different flocks of flamingos enjoying the sunshine.

Such beautiful but timid birds. They move away quickly if they sense any other presence.

Lovely old elegant designs on the facades of buildings that cry out for a little TLC.

I look at this and imagine how glorious it must have been in it’s heyday.

Look at that radiant smile……sunshine perhaps? Having hit her fitbit points for the day? or could it simply be the wine???

My baby goat chops. Tender and delicious.

Laurie enjoyed her grilled chicken.

I know why I’m smiling….I haven’t stopped smiling since arriving here!!

Now this is what you call “laid back”.

This beautiful mimosa tree caught my eye.

We had parked on one side of the salt flats, walked in and all around town then headed back for the trek to the car.  We certainly covered a lot of ground and both of us enjoyed the physical activity.  On the way towards home we stopped at the farm where I used to say in previous years and finally connected with Henrique and Sarah.  We enjoyed a lovely chat then as we were leaving they encouraged us to pick orange, lemons, grapefruit, whatever we wanted.  With that generous offer, we picked a bag of oranges for us, a bag for our Quebec neighbours and a bag for Gwen.

The quince tree is in full bloom.

Laurie enjoying the scent of the orange blossoms as she happily picked the fruit and filled her shopping bag.

Doesn’t she look as if she has been caught red handed???

A huge field, on both sides of the road, with plum trees.

Some of the plums on the tree.

A close-up of the plums.

At home we couldn’t justify sitting inside on such a gorgeous day and so…………

Enjoying a beverage by the pool.

My Mother accidentally referred to me as the “silver haired babbit” the other day…..instead of rabbit. I kind of liked it.

Look at the sunshine bouncing off those curls!!!

Tonight we spent some time going over the calendar and filling in a few trips to ensure Laurie gets to see all we can show her before she has to head home.  It’s a reminder to Marc and I that time is moving quickly and perhaps we too should start to make our lists of things we want/have to do before we find ourselves running out of time.  I don’t want to think about it…….and so I won’t.  Instead, I’m going to go and pour another glass of vino!