Above: Padel Club Championship Event
Below, our place, Casa Ceu Grande in Carvoeiro pinned below
Below, our place, Casa Ceu Grande in Carvoeiro pinned below
January 2024 -- Amy turned seven while Con and I enjoyed 18 days in Canada. We even celebrated an early Christmas and my 69th birthday before returning to Portugal for Christmas and to bring in the New Year. Jane and Ray invited us for New Year´s Eve dinner and a crazy fun card game which we played well into the wee hours of the morning. I finished my first mosaic art, a birdbath. It´s been in our garden for a week now, and the once bathing-crazy birds have yet to explore it.
Below: A gorgeous hike with Jane, Jayne, and Rita; our fondue party; winter succulents in bloom; a valley of almond trees in bloom; my second attempt at mosaic; and the beautiful faces from our Babes and Books club pot luck party.
February 6 -- Con, Jane, Ray and I drove together to Cascais, 3 hours away on the west coast of Portugal to visit our good friend Rita who is cat sitting in a gorgeous house with a 190 degree ocean view. We celebrated Con's birthday with a padel game, followed by a hike to the ocean, and a fun social night in a fish restaurant within walking distance of the house. Weather is warming, spring flowers are competing for the Most Beautiful prize with the almond trees. Cascais is a gorgeous sea-side resort town, the "riviera" of Portugal, boasting the most expensive real estate in the country. In 1870, the Portuguese royal family (no longer a monarchy) would come to Cascais for the month of September consequently attracting other nobility. The houses pretty much all resemble mini palaces. Sintra is just 30 minutes away by car, a major tourist destination as it's populated by many historic palaces, castles, and scenic estate homes and gardens. Below: Pena Palace, Sintra. Credit Google.
February 11 -- Jane, above in the pink, decided to walk up the windy, scenic beach road to the house where we were staying, taking photos after photos, until she fell into a hole, breaking her hand. Yesterday, I replaced her with Ray (in the blue) for the Carnaval Mixed Padel competition in Portimao. We placed 5th out of 16. Not bad.
February 14-- Valentine's Day Padel
February 25 -- Yesterday, the rain stopped about noon and Jane, Rita and I set off on our ebikes to Alvor for lunch with plenty of ocean views and a detour through a forested area. Nearly out of the forest, having circled a few paths not one hundred percent sure how to get out, and with the trail narrowing, disaster struck. A stringy bramble attached itself to Rita's back tire and pulled her and the bike over the embankment. She went head first and the force of her heavy bike pushed her to the bottom but luckily the bramble held her bike to just hover over top of her. Her ankle was snagged between her handle bars and the dirt which had impressively swallowed part of the handle bars locking her in an awkward position with one leg up and trapped. Jane grabbed the tire from the top of the ledge and I slid carefully down the ledge through the blood claiming bramble to Rita. After unwinding her foot from the handlebar, we assessed our bodies and bike believing we came out okay. Later, I realized I'd lost my expensive sunglasses. Just before sunset, Con drove and Jane and me back to the forest and Jane and I hiked to the accident site and viola, there they were.
March 2 -- Two days ago, Con and I flew to Zurich, Switzerland to overnight before continuing via train and bus to Obergurgle, Austria. The bus dropped us right in front of our luxurious Hochfirst, Alpen-Wellness Resort.
DAY 1: we rented our ski equipment for the next day, then tried out the 31 degree inside and outside swimming pools, whirl pool, "nude only" sauna, and lastly, dressed "Smart Casual" as instructed for the delicious six-course dinner.
DAY 2: following breakfast, we purchased our five-day ski passes, donned our ski gear, went up the icy T-bar lift, where Con got to the top, lost all confidence, and slid-walked all the way back down to regretfully return his passes and ski equipment. The sun was warming the crunchy slopes softening them for me, for more comfortable solo skiing. Unfortunately, my plantar faciitis had me joining Con sooner than anticipated and we lounged in the inside/outside pool.
DAY 1: we rented our ski equipment for the next day, then tried out the 31 degree inside and outside swimming pools, whirl pool, "nude only" sauna, and lastly, dressed "Smart Casual" as instructed for the delicious six-course dinner.
DAY 2: following breakfast, we purchased our five-day ski passes, donned our ski gear, went up the icy T-bar lift, where Con got to the top, lost all confidence, and slid-walked all the way back down to regretfully return his passes and ski equipment. The sun was warming the crunchy slopes softening them for me, for more comfortable solo skiing. Unfortunately, my plantar faciitis had me joining Con sooner than anticipated and we lounged in the inside/outside pool.
March 5 -- The ski slopes at Obergurgl were near perfect conditions. I skied all levels, blue, red, and black. By early afternoon, I packed it in to join Con in the gorgeous swimming pool where at 3, the outside pool opens. We swam under enormous snow flakes which continued through the night and well into the morning.
March 6 -- We woke to 56 cm of the white stuff and is still falling now. All lifts were closed, as well as the roads due to possible avalanches. We watched helicopters shooting explosions into the mountain sides that night hoping to prevent unexpected avalanches. Our attempt to leave a day early was impossible. Con anticipated transportation chaos with the German strike pending, and booked our flight out of Zurich which was so smart.
March 7 -- Rising early, we departed the hotel at 7:30 still witnessing helicopters still blasing explosions into the mountain. Roads were open, but train chaos was happening. Luckily, we manouvered around the chaos, arriving in Zurich for our flight. By 3 am, we set our heads upon our pillows at home, and it felt good.
March 6 -- We woke to 56 cm of the white stuff and is still falling now. All lifts were closed, as well as the roads due to possible avalanches. We watched helicopters shooting explosions into the mountain sides that night hoping to prevent unexpected avalanches. Our attempt to leave a day early was impossible. Con anticipated transportation chaos with the German strike pending, and booked our flight out of Zurich which was so smart.
March 7 -- Rising early, we departed the hotel at 7:30 still witnessing helicopters still blasing explosions into the mountain. Roads were open, but train chaos was happening. Luckily, we manouvered around the chaos, arriving in Zurich for our flight. By 3 am, we set our heads upon our pillows at home, and it felt good.
March 13 -- Above a promo picture of the Stomp show we saw in Lisbon yesterday. It was brilliant, flawless, clever, and interactive. We loved every minute of the show. The theatre district of Lisbon is a cool place to hang out. Lots of funky shops, brand-name stores, and theatres.
May 19 Long Weekend in Alberta -- We arrived in Canada mid afternoon and by 5:30, we were enjoying a padel game with Nick and her regular padel partner. Friday morning, we drove 1.5-hours north to Red Deer ready to begin our family reunion. Brit, Kris, Nolan, and girl friend Quin arrived following a two-day drive from Saskatchewan. Later that day, Nick, Bryant, Dex, and bonus grand daughter Ashley arrived from Calgary. Courtney and Hailey missed our weekend due to the National's volleyball competition in Edmonton for Hailey. Two houses were rented nearby, and we called Lindsey and Les' place "Home Base". Saturday, the girls went shopping. I'm sure Red Deer enjoyed the cash injection, followed by a meal at Brown's. Sunday, we went bowling. Our scores weren't worth writing home about, but the memories sure were.
June -- Returning the first week of June from our 2.5 weeks in Canada, summer was well upon us. Geert and Loes stayed in our house while we were away, taking care of "the babies" as Con calls them -- the plants. We splurged on a Jura coffee machine, having enjoyed Nick and Bryant's while in Canada. You name it; we can make it.
Friends Sheena and John pulled a group of our eclectic friends together for tapas in Portimao. Below, our friends from Portugal, England, California, The Netherlands, and Canada.
Agnes, pictured below and I won the padel tournament in Carvoeiro, receiving a Lucky In Love skirt.
Sheena, Jane, and I walked the cliffs to Benegil and as always enjoyed the breathtaking views.
Liza and I partnered in a tournament in Vila Real de San Antonio with scores that didn't favour us. The ladies we played were unbelievably rude and quite frankly unkind. One example, they ran to the net to contest a serve given to Liza that was clearly out (my call). Shouting at us, we simply gave in. Liza said calmly, "Ladies, it's just a game, life is too short." The youngest replied, "And, shorter for you!" The six Carvoeiro ladies spent the night in Ayamonte, Spain (just over the bridge from Vila Real) enjoying a late night of tapas and cocktails. Why not... "life's too short".
Friends Sheena and John pulled a group of our eclectic friends together for tapas in Portimao. Below, our friends from Portugal, England, California, The Netherlands, and Canada.
Agnes, pictured below and I won the padel tournament in Carvoeiro, receiving a Lucky In Love skirt.
Sheena, Jane, and I walked the cliffs to Benegil and as always enjoyed the breathtaking views.
Liza and I partnered in a tournament in Vila Real de San Antonio with scores that didn't favour us. The ladies we played were unbelievably rude and quite frankly unkind. One example, they ran to the net to contest a serve given to Liza that was clearly out (my call). Shouting at us, we simply gave in. Liza said calmly, "Ladies, it's just a game, life is too short." The youngest replied, "And, shorter for you!" The six Carvoeiro ladies spent the night in Ayamonte, Spain (just over the bridge from Vila Real) enjoying a late night of tapas and cocktails. Why not... "life's too short".
July 25 -- Nick, Bryant, Dex and friend Xavier Arrived from Canada
Weather was hot! Between padel games, we got a day in kayaking around and into the famous limestone Benagil Caves only reachable from the ocean. The ocean has carved them into idyllic caverns, so picturesque that Windows 10 uses a photo of them for their screensaver. It's attraction is the erosion that has created an opening from the sea and from the land above letting sunlight into the grotto.
Weather was hot! Between padel games, we got a day in kayaking around and into the famous limestone Benagil Caves only reachable from the ocean. The ocean has carved them into idyllic caverns, so picturesque that Windows 10 uses a photo of them for their screensaver. It's attraction is the erosion that has created an opening from the sea and from the land above letting sunlight into the grotto.
JULY -- Bridget, Kris, Nolan and Kolton Arrived from Saskatchewan, Canada
It was out daughter Brit, Kris, Nolan and Kolton's first visit in Portugal. The boys wanted to go shark fishing, so Con researched and found a fisherman who said he'd take 'em out shark fishing. They set off for an incredibly boring six hours of floating up and down the ocean in front of Alvor, returning empty handed. No surprise since Con and I never saw a shark in our 14 years aboard Big Sky. They set off golfing, kayaking (around the Lagos grottos), played padel a few times, visited the Carvoeiro village a few evenings, had hot afternoons in the Atlantic beaching at Praia da Rocha, and hung out in the pool. Temperatures were low 30s.
It was out daughter Brit, Kris, Nolan and Kolton's first visit in Portugal. The boys wanted to go shark fishing, so Con researched and found a fisherman who said he'd take 'em out shark fishing. They set off for an incredibly boring six hours of floating up and down the ocean in front of Alvor, returning empty handed. No surprise since Con and I never saw a shark in our 14 years aboard Big Sky. They set off golfing, kayaking (around the Lagos grottos), played padel a few times, visited the Carvoeiro village a few evenings, had hot afternoons in the Atlantic beaching at Praia da Rocha, and hung out in the pool. Temperatures were low 30s.
August 8 -- Celebrating Ray's Bday at Arvad Winery
For Ray's birthday, Jane, Rita, Con and me helped him celebrated at the Arvad Winery located on a beautiful hillside above the Arade River just south of Silves. We sampled wines and watched the sun set. The ladies got up to dance, while the men sat to chat.
For Ray's birthday, Jane, Rita, Con and me helped him celebrated at the Arvad Winery located on a beautiful hillside above the Arade River just south of Silves. We sampled wines and watched the sun set. The ladies got up to dance, while the men sat to chat.
August 21 -- Fernando, our travelling friend arrived
Fernando, our long-time friend from Calgary has been touring the world on motorcycles. This trip took him from Spain to the UK, and back through Portugal, the second time he's come for a visit.
Fernando, our long-time friend from Calgary has been touring the world on motorcycles. This trip took him from Spain to the UK, and back through Portugal, the second time he's come for a visit.
September -- Daughter Lindsey (in the green arm chair) and her Alberta staff celebrate their new office space in Red Deer, Alberta. We are so proud of her successes with Cinch Communications in Alberta and Ontario.
Janice and I partnered in the Carvoeiro Open Tournament, playing F5 level against visitors and a few local club members, pleasantly surprising ourselves with some pretty decent wins, and winning the competition.
Janice and I partnered in the Carvoeiro Open Tournament, playing F5 level against visitors and a few local club members, pleasantly surprising ourselves with some pretty decent wins, and winning the competition.
September 18 -- Happiest of birthdays to daughter Lindsey today.
Early this morning, with over-night bags we drove east over the border and then north to Merida, a Spanish city with some of the best preserved Roman ruins, built in the 1st century BC. Emperor Augustus built Merida as a resort for veteran soldiers. Pictured is the Temple of Diana, allegedly the goddess who served the poor. Beside is a picture of the enormous Roman Theatre.
Dinner in Spain, anyone who has visited knows, doesn't start until bedtime, which is a huge adjustment for us, as our dinner is usually at noon. The next morning, we drove further north to Valladolid, where we have two-days of tickets to the Premier Padel Tournament.
Early this morning, with over-night bags we drove east over the border and then north to Merida, a Spanish city with some of the best preserved Roman ruins, built in the 1st century BC. Emperor Augustus built Merida as a resort for veteran soldiers. Pictured is the Temple of Diana, allegedly the goddess who served the poor. Beside is a picture of the enormous Roman Theatre.
Dinner in Spain, anyone who has visited knows, doesn't start until bedtime, which is a huge adjustment for us, as our dinner is usually at noon. The next morning, we drove further north to Valladolid, where we have two-days of tickets to the Premier Padel Tournament.
September -- Valladolid Premier Padel Tournament
Wow! Watching the world's best padel players was supreme padel beyond our greatest imagination. It was as if the players live in a different time speed. Their reactions to the lightening-speed balls coming at them was impressive. The first day, Con and I sat centre, just a few rows away from the court and 10 hours flew by. It was the 16-player elimination rounds. The next day was the semi finals. The rest of our time in Valladolid was touring on foot and enjoying late-night tapas.
Wow! Watching the world's best padel players was supreme padel beyond our greatest imagination. It was as if the players live in a different time speed. Their reactions to the lightening-speed balls coming at them was impressive. The first day, Con and I sat centre, just a few rows away from the court and 10 hours flew by. It was the 16-player elimination rounds. The next day was the semi finals. The rest of our time in Valladolid was touring on foot and enjoying late-night tapas.
September 28 -- Ladies Liga Celebrates Their Wrap-up
The Ladies Liga is our Carvoeiro Padel Team where we play teams from across the Algarve. We wrapped up the season with a dinner in Carvoeiro followed by karaoke in a local bar. You'll not catch me up on stage, but for most of the ladies, it brought out their inner entertainers.
The Ladies Liga is our Carvoeiro Padel Team where we play teams from across the Algarve. We wrapped up the season with a dinner in Carvoeiro followed by karaoke in a local bar. You'll not catch me up on stage, but for most of the ladies, it brought out their inner entertainers.
September -- Northern Lights in Saskatchewan
Nothing like seeing the Northern Lights, whether it's your first or fifty-first, they take your breath away. Our daughter Brit took this picture from her truck while driving home to Carrot River from Humboldt.
Nothing like seeing the Northern Lights, whether it's your first or fifty-first, they take your breath away. Our daughter Brit took this picture from her truck while driving home to Carrot River from Humboldt.
September -- Last day for Yoga on Paddle Boards
And, it was my first day trying it out. Keeping your balance while doing the warrior pose, poses a few problems. I'm happy to report that I did not fall into the 15 degree waters. Pictured:
And, it was my first day trying it out. Keeping your balance while doing the warrior pose, poses a few problems. I'm happy to report that I did not fall into the 15 degree waters. Pictured:
September 30 -- Wendy and Shannon Arrive from Canada
With warm summer-like weather, Wendy, a long-time friend and her cousin Shannon arrived from Canada for a few relaxing days following their tour of Portugal. Unfortunately, fires in the north almost exactly where they were scheduled to travel caused a revamping of their schedule. Happily, it didn't disrupt our visit.
With warm summer-like weather, Wendy, a long-time friend and her cousin Shannon arrived from Canada for a few relaxing days following their tour of Portugal. Unfortunately, fires in the north almost exactly where they were scheduled to travel caused a revamping of their schedule. Happily, it didn't disrupt our visit.
November weather is spectacular. Below, Jane and I participated in a week-long competition for Club Padel Championship. We made it to the Semi Finala, losing to the winners puctured.
Our garden is quivering in delight, receiving much needed rain. Taking advantage of the season, we, along with our gardeners have been cutting, fertilizing, and refreshing our garden. Last week, we hired a garden specialist to analyse issues we've had, mostly related to our old irrigation system. Con and I have undertaken a huge job in refreshing our hedge with new shrubs, cutting them down and taking many out.
Kate 10, and Amy 7 learning that momma scored Taylor Swift tickets in Toronto November 22nd.