I’m always taking photos of our meal out but hardly ever our meals at home, and they too are wonderful.
Last night’s dinner. Lemon peppered black pork, vegetable stir-fry with fresh pumpkin, and a glorious Caprese salad. All compliments of Marc. We’ve had an understanding for years now……as I do all the driving while here (Marc won’t drive a stick shift), plus I do laundry etc., Marc does most of the cooking. Anytime he wants a night or two off from that, he let’s me know and I step in. It’s a win win for both of us and as we are both great cooks, it’s not an issue.
Storm Marta has not disappointed!! She made her presence known about 3 a.m. and continued pummeling us till about 45 minutes ago (it’s now 14h42). I took advantage of the lull to head out for a wander around our tiny neighbourhood, just to stretch my legs, get a little fresh air, and see what Mother Nature had to offer up to me today. She never disappoints.
I headed down to the N270 for a look at the fields on the flat land to see if there was any more build up of water. The poor earth seems incapable of absorbing it any faster than it has been, which is fairly slow. This might not look like much but it’s probably knee deep.
As I was standing there looking over the landscape a huge stork circled me then landed about 20 meters away and started preening. They are so large, in height from 30 – 60 inches, with a wingspan of 5-7 feet!! I never bore from seeing them.
I didn’t go far in the event of the skies opening up again but I did manage to get just over 6,000 steps and I’ll settle for that today.
Coming back up our “hill” I noticed the almond trees, and another lovely flowering plant that I don’t recognize, standing proudly despite all the water.
I walked down a small stairway I had noticed previously but hadn’t explored and of course, whimsy greeted me.
Al one osteospernum stood proudly on the side of the road…….again, isn’t Mother Nature grand?
And finally, two doors away, a Camila plant starting to explode as it’s covered in buds Simply elegant and gorgeous.
Despite Marta we are staying safe, warm, and dry. We are some of the lucky ones. Other places not so far from us are suffering from intense flooding and we’ve learned that several mountain roads are compromised as the soil is washing away from the sides, creating falling asphalt and dangerous conditions. The good news is, it will start to lessen tomorrow and slowly dissipate over the next several days. It won’t come soon enough for many.
Randy
Hope you and Marc stay safe. You are in my thoughts.
David P
Thanks mon ami. We are good, in fact, very good. Simply being here is such a gift for us. Hope you too are well.
Well, lots of rain and sad that there is damage in some parts of the country. Here’s hoping that it will get better and sun and hiking will be possible in the near future! Supper looks wonderful!
Merci Michèle, We are longing for the sun and my feet are anxious to hit the trails!! LOL. I’m betting you’re excited. Safe travels tomorrow.
I can certainly vouch that you are both wonderful cooks. Hopefully the rain will take a hiatus and the trails (and people) can dry out a bit.
We woke this morning to blue sky and sunshine……yahoo!!
Once again, great photos! Are those agaves by the cotoneaster? Do they make tequila in Portugal? Stay safe and dry!
Yes it is and no they don’t…LOL
Wasn’t it nice to get out to stretch the legs and do a little exploring yesterday? Love your photos and dinner definitely looks delicious. The weather forecast is looking up and the trails are calling. We look at our home ring camera every now and again to put the whole weather thing into perspective and we are exactly where we want to be, rain and all. See you soon for a nice brisk hike!
Maybe on Tuesday or Wednesday we could drive over and hike up Sao Miguel, just to walk. It’s a paved mountain road, perhaps not the best outing but, the views are sensational, it’s not far, and we won’t have to worry ourselves with mud and huge puddles????
What a lovely environment you live in! Mother Nature is amazing, reminding you (us) of her power. Her hugs of infinite beauty and her tugs of destructive damage. Keeping us grateful and resilient possibly?
Very sweet statute of little boy and his dog…
Rain, rain, go away; come back another day!
Rain is going soon. That big yellow orb is back in our forecast starting Friday……yahoo!!