We’re Still Alive!!!

I’ve had a few emails over the last couple of days enquiring as to our whereabouts and wondering if we are all still alive and kicking!  It’s nice to be missed.

The routine of our days here is tremendously enjoyable, our days full and before I know it, it’s time to head off to bed.  My blog has taken a bit of a back seat but I’ll try and change that.

Marc has been busy with his online sale, which has gone quite well, and his ongoing painting.  I can attest to this because removing paint stains has become a new forte!

Gary came down with a cold and has been slowly recuperating, which means Patricia and I have had to put up with each others company quite a bit!  Such hardship.

On Sunday she and I headed off for the Chouriço-Festival in Querença.  We’ve been in years past however it’s still wonderful to be around the energy, the vibrancy of the village not to mention the gorgeous drive up through the mountains.  We both enjoyed it and returned with homemade ginger conserves.   Not everything is chouriço!

The smell in the air from the grilled chouriço instantly makes your mouth water. I can only imagine how these vendors must feel having to smell it all day.

Homemade baskets and hats.

I loved this statute perched on the fence post of a local building.

Look at all the goodies on that table.

Fresh Chouriço and Laurel Leaves……a true still life.

The local square, around which the festival unfolds. It was very well attended.

Patricia “collecting” several rosemary sprigs.

I’ve lost track of Monday and Tuesday!!!   I think of that as a good thing and not early dementia!!!   I know we hit the gym each morning followed by lunch at home but for the life of me, can’t recall after that.  I think I was reading one afternoon.

Yesterday, was another full day and in the afternoon Marc and I headed off to the airport as……….

Our friend Diane Elkas has arrived!!!   Very happy to see her, help her settle into her new apartment in Olhão then the three of us headed out for dinner and lengthy gabfest to catch up on things.   We’ll give her a few days to settle in before we drag her off on any adventures.

This morning it was gym followed by lunch at home then Patricia and I headed off for a lovely walk in the mountains nearby.   Change happens so quickly this time of the year and one of the markers for us is the almond trees.   They are quickly dropping the flowers and now the fruit will form.

There are at least 30 trees in this particular orchard, in various stages of flower.

The almonds will now grow from these tiny buds and in a week or so the tree will be completely filled with abundant green foliage.

You can see that the flowers are starting to fall off, at times it looks like a small snow cloud!!!

The hike was mostly uphill, thank goodness for our gym activity.  However, the descent provided several beautiful perspectives.

We live great lives and never cease to be thankful for the ability to be outside at this time of year enjoying the great outdoors.   We could be with our family and friends in Newfoundland trying to dig ourselves out.

And my final shot of the day………….my lovely, happy, and treasured hiking companion.