Mais ou Menos

Our social life here in the Algarve is phenomenal.  We always seem to have one thing or another to do and frequently invitations out for a cinq a sept, dinners, hikes etc..  We both love it and rarely refuse something.  This past Saturday evening we were invited to a fresh lamb dinner with Konrad and Ewald.  What a treat, and what a meal!

Marc. Konrad, Diane, Lise and Ewald. We had just arrived!

One of the three pooches who live with Konrad and Ewald. Dustin……he almost died last year and consequently seems very content and playful simply to be alive.

Sunday morning Diane, Lise and I headed off through the mountains for Silves and the Orange Festival.  Marc was in need of some art time and saw us off with the promise of homemade soup on our return.  He didn’t disappoint.

Our drive through the countryside was truly wonderful and for the most part, we seemed to have the roads to ourselves.  Sunday is usually a quieter day here but this particular Sunday felt unusual in that we had many kms where we didn’t see another vehicle.

These two looked bored out of their minds and seemed to go out of their way not to pose in the direction of a camera. Quite amusing.

I bought Marc some orange caramels as a treat.

Table upon table filled with desserts of every kind.

I liked this particular display with the many varieties of citrus.

The event, which was in day two, was very well attended. Lots of festive music, vendors calling out and shoppers greeting each other with enthusiastic outbursts.

They had held a childrens contest for creativity. I quite liked this one….but my favourite is the next photo….

This Nativity scene cracked me up for some reason..

This was made by a woman who creates lovely, and whimsical things in ceramics..

Many farm implements for sale and I was struck by these lovely bells. I could imagine one on my back screen door.

Several fresh juice stands, most of them quite busy.

A mannequin supposedly basket weaving….I think!

This tiny little tree was about six inches tall and sported 8 oranges!!

Once we felt we’d seen enough we headed off to wander the town and find a place for lunch.  It was an overcast day but the rain didn’t show up at all.

The magnolias are opening.

Deux petit choux!!!!!

Thee storks were quite active with gathering food and mating. It was a show most of the time!

I liked the colours in this apartment complex.

I know somebody who would love this poppy jug for her wine!!! Not to drink out of, although that is a possibility!!

I love this corner. I’ve taken the photo before but today, with the absence of sunshine, it seems to stand out even more for me.

This tiny corner building seemed freshly painted.

Too bad they were closed, I could have used a shave!!! LOL

We did stumble on a great little taberna and I will go back.

Once we climbed back in the car we decided to return through the mountains and make a stop in Alte.  Given Lise is heading home on Wednesday it didn’t make sense for us to be so close and not take a walk about.

Of course the ducks all think that anyone who stops MUST have food and therefore they raced to us.

Many new plants starting to bloom.

These lovely little carnation/rose type flowers were growing all along an embankment near the forest.

A wonderful day and when we finally arrived home and walked in the door, the rich scent of homemade chicken soup greeted us.  What a treat after a lengthy day of being nomads.