This last few nights have been rather warm and we’ve taken to leaving the terrace door to our bedroom propped open. The terrace is private and only accessible from inside the house, or so we thought until this morning shortly after six when Marc got up and I suddenly heard him making “less than masculine” sounds from the living room!!! Yes, we had an unexpected visitor! A cat had come in through the night and was making herself completely at home, that is until she was confronted by an equally shocked human. Getting her out was a bit of a challenge as she was frightened and consequently, hid away. Eventually we managed to get her out the kitchen window.
We’ve been enjoying the lovely weather of the past few days with lunch out by the pool, a visit to the market to browse (even though we didn’t need a thing), a couple of lovely hikes in and around Estoi, and our usual reading, painting, and feeling quite contentedly at home!
This morning we had decided to head to the Faro beach for a long naked footed walk in the sand however the wind was up and the more we thought about it, the more we thought it might not be the best option therefore, instead, headed off to visit the nearby countryside and explore a few roads that we hadn’t yet been down. A perfect day it turned out to be.
We practically had the village to ourselves, was a a treat but at the same time, a little eerie!! Nevertheless, we loved wandering around and seeing the changes since our last visit plus the abundance of colour and flora.
As we were getting ready to leave we realized that our favourite restaurant there, Casa Velha, was just opening their terrace. As it was 12h35 we thought, why not! What an absolute treat to sit outside on December 19th with the following two photos as our view!
Our desire to explore a little made us decide to head off the main road towards the village of Santo Estêvão, where we parked and walked around exploring all the many small steets/lanes/paths. We delighted in the place as you’ll appreciate from these next photos.
Poor Marc is having his day with animals…..he was taking a photo of these lovely flowers and without warming there was small yappy dog nipping at this heels and barking crazily at him. The old woman who owned him was very apologetic but both she and Marc shared a long loud belly laugh at the entire escapade.
And in closing, two of my favourites from today……..a cute birdhouse made of corks and poked into the branches of a very old orange tree, and this wall tile, decorating a large colourful property. I’d love to know what it really represents.
Marc and Randys Travel Adventures 
Great pics. Those animals love Marc😋
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It’s the pheromones!!!
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I had to read over your blog a couple of time to see if you said you and Marc were walking naked on the beach but I guess it was just naked footed😱
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year…I’m so happy you got away ahead of Omicron..hopefully you will stay well and get home safely.
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LMAO……that truly gave me a great chuckle. Yes, we feel very blessed to have gotten out when we did. Maerry Christmas to you also.
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What a perfect day you had, in my book anyway. Love the knitted Christmas tree, saw a few trees with their trunks covered on our many walks through Portugal, they always made me smile – finding a cat in the house at 6 am, not so much!
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Yes, it was a tiny bit shocking…….at least for Marc and the cat. I remained snuggled in!
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Love that the sun is shining and warmer breezes are prevailing. Love the pics!
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It all awaits you my friend.
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Love the blue trim door, the blue planters, seeing your faces and that gorgeous Christmas try. Also a visual of the dog nipping at Marc’s heels.. Merry Christmas to you both. Stay safe
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Merry Christmas to you and Pat also Marion. So happy you follow along.
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Was reading your blog and burst out laughing at the picture of Marc screaming like a wee lassie over a cat – had to read it out to Gus – still chuckling. Good to have you back. Great blog today. Hugs.
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Thanks Susie Q……..I’m so happy it made you laugh!!!
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I see the Portugueses are true Europeans, screen door? What’s that?? In all the houses and apartments we have rented in France, only once did I see a screen on a window, but never a screen door to keep out the cats and other bibittes!
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You are so correct. When we’ve asked about screen here they look at us as if we are speaking a very foreign language!!!! Now that we know Miss Puss has found us, we’ll have to be more attentive.
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You remained snuggled while your Man was in fear for his life!! What a hero. Ha ha ha. Still laughing out loud Obrigada. XXX.
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I have my priorities straight
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I really enjoyed reading this blog; I also did a double take when I saw the word ‘naked’! Some fine photos as well. I am interested in the very large leaves on the plant with the yellow trimmed windows, huge they were! Lovely shots of your wanderings and the architecture; I can never get enough of it! That tile is fabulous, so amusing and yes, there probably is a good storyline!
I imagine that poor cat was more afraid of Marc than he was of it! 🤗
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Not sure what that plant was but yes, huge leaves. Reminded me of Elephant Ears! I think both Marc and Miss Puss were equally stressed. Happily they both survived!!
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Your photo of the tile, I think is Warrior Woman! Loved it. Such fuss over a feline, makes me despair!
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LOL.. Yes, the property was in fact called “guerreiro” which is warrior. I remembered it last night. Trust me, a feral feline trapped in your house when you are wandering around naked is not a good thing….LOL. Our friend Joanne arrived this morning from Montreal.
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Loving your stories and pics..especially the knitted Christmas tree. ❤️🎄
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Thanks Darlin’……I hope that you, Gary and the “girls” have a marvelous Christmas. Big Hugs included.
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