Remaining Calm

I’m certain that everybody is experiencing some form of anxiety these days with the constantly evolving circus that is going on in the world right now.   Here in Portugal, many things have come to a screeching halt, some are overreacting but generally, it’s calm.     We (individually) have made decisions about staying versus trying to leave and I think it safe to say we all feel ok with our current decisions.   It does feel wonderful to have this small contingent of friends that we have been able to run ideas past and vent things out.   For us (Marc, Laurie, and myself) we are presently booked on a flight out of Lisboa on March 23rd directly to Toronto.  It was the best we could do and we are content with that.  If anything happens and further borders are closed or flights are stopped completely, it simply means we will stay here in Portgual and ride the wave.

In the meantime, we continue to connect with our friends, stay away from crowds and will enjoy visits, quiet time, hiking, picnics and beach days.  Thank goodness for the sunshine and blue skies that keep us company and lighten our load.

Saturday morning I headed to Silves to pick up Laurie while Marc headed off to the Olhão market with André.  They were going to meet up with Diane then Laurie and I would meet them later for lunch.   I arrived in Silves a little early and decided to take a walk along the Arade River and wander over to the Saturday morning mercado.

Egret trying to find lunch in the Arade River in Silves.

I love this shot.

Looking up the Arade River, which is a tidal river, south of Silves

A captivating decoration in the Silves market.

Look at this display of piri piri peppers.

Outside the market building was an active farmer’s market on three sides. It wasn’t as well attended as usually given the dire warnings of late but many folks still came out to stock up

Another street shot of the market.

Calla Lillies for sale…three stems for 1 euro!

After collecting Laurie we headed back to Olhão and met up with the others for lunch.  It wasn’t overly busy which made for a delightfully tranquil time together with what turned out to be, wonderful meals.

Diane

André

Marc

Randy

Arroz de pato….duck rice….what an enormous portion and absolutely delicious.

Bacalhau da Casa….house style salted cod…..the plate was almost licked clean.

Frango….grilled chicken.

For the record, there is a photo of Laurie but I have been forbidden to share it.  One might even say threatened if I do!!!!  Not to worry, she shows up in another photo soon.

The balance of the day was at home laying low, checking out the flight situation, chatting with family and friends etc..  Kind of nice to simply be “at home” together.

This morning marc made buckwheat crepes and invited Harald and Bela for breakfast.  Fresh raspberries, blueberries, strawberries, yoghurt, cheese, maple syrup……what a feast.   Again, such comfort in simply relaxing together.

Marc had a couple of things he wanted to do while Laurie and myself headed off for a lovely walk around and through the village.

Yet more freesia. Sweetly scenting the air and of course visually it simply makes me smile.

This tiny little cluster was growing along the main road up through the town.

I don’t know what this is, been trying to find out for three or more years. It is beautiful.

As we rounded the corner to the quinta we heard the clippity clop of the horse and there they were, right in front of our gate.

The soft pink/white of this bougainvillea is unique and quite pretty.

We were going to lunch at home but at the last moment decided to see if we could stop at a patio before heading over to visit with Pat and Gary.  We did find a place and enjoyed an enormous platter of grilled chicken, tomato salad, fries, great olives and we decided to stick to water to wash it all down.  Another wonderful oasis of calm.

My happy husband enjoying a glass of vino, the first in quite some time, on the fish motif bench in Pat and Gary’s garden.

Tell me this doesn’t make you stop and smile.

This is a very very tiny cluster of flowers on an equally tiny succulent. What vibrant orange it is.

Marc generously posing for me.

Patricia, Laurie and Marc in front of the bougainvillea arch at the corner of Pat’s and Gary’s terrace.

Patricia and Laurie….catching up.

The oleander is starting to bloom again. I think it’s a bit early but I so love finding the new blossoms.

I think this is wild fennel but not 100% certain.

Tomorrow will be a new day and for us, a hike, one that we’ve done each year we’ve been here and always enjoy.  We’ll each take along a picnic and share in the pleasure of the countryside and each others company.   Here’s to hoping that all of our family and friends stay safe and healthy and that my blog brings you a moment of welcome diversion from the realities of the moment.