This past January, we visited Brussels, since we had never been there, and then to The Netherlands for a Family Fund get-together. Brrr. Winter in that area is just darned cold. In between raindrops here in the Algarve, we've played padel.
We attended Con's Sprenger Family Fund dinner. Con is with sister-in-law Loes, brother Geert in the background.
Friends went on a Saturday morning hike in the Monchique Mountains. Pictured: Jan, Jane, me, and Rita.
Hailey, our teenage sensational volleyball player has incredibly wild moves. She's the one making air, number 4.
Girl friend Sheena hosted our book club dinner and as always goes well out of her way preparing delicious foods.
Another awesome hike with girl friends, pictured below, Sheena, Jane, me, and Yasmin.
While we've been experiencing rainfall after rainfall during Portugal's winter and early spring, Carrot River, Saskatchewan has been experiencing spectacular Northern Lights.
March 11th, I had the brace and eight screws removed from my collarbone, in day surgery at the Alvor Hospital. No padel for a few months.
We enjoyed a spring visit to Canada and once again filled up on our beautiful family. So much love! We flew into Saskatchewan, drove to Carrot River the next morning. A few days later, we drove the 3.5 hours back to Saskatoon for our flight to Calgary. Our visits in Alberta are shared between Nick, Lindsey, and Courtney's houses.
Back in Portugal, Con brother Geert and wife Loes stayed at our house while we were in Canada. Returning to Faro, we soon realized there was a power blackout. Power remained off for nearly 24 hours, without a definitive reason why. The blackout affected Spain, Portugal and parts of France.
Below, Geert and Con brave the cold pool water. We enjoyed a birthday celebration at Annica and Janne's for Annica's 60s birthday.
Below, Geert and Con brave the cold pool water. We enjoyed a birthday celebration at Annica and Janne's for Annica's 60s birthday.
May in Carvoeiro -- Following so much rain, our garden is quivering with satisfaction. The pictures below was my walk around our house.
May 17 -- Con and I went on a road trip west to Port Covo, about two hours by car, just south of Sines.
June 24 -- Con has been exploring the idea of solar panels -- again -- for our house and going so far as investigating trading our gas-run Skoda for an electric one. So far, the investment vs payback is still not proving worthwhile.
Con and I had dinner at the newly renovated Chef's Kitchen. Food was great and service was so efficient that we barely sat down and ordered and everything arrived at the table. Next time, we'll have 'em slow down.
June 16th, eight girl friends celebrated her birthday at Figs on the Funcho for a full-day of good times. Arriving early, we blew up Jane's paddle boards, and dragged a kayak to the warm waters of the barragem where we played until it was time to come in and prepare our Ottolenghi-inspired lunch. Awesome day!
A few days later, we celebrated Jane's birthday again at O Paulo, a gorgeous restaurant on the west coast in Aljezur. Ray, Jane, Con and I spent most of the afternoon soaking up another gem beautiful Portugal.
CLICK ON PHOTOS FOR FULL VIEW
Con and I had dinner at the newly renovated Chef's Kitchen. Food was great and service was so efficient that we barely sat down and ordered and everything arrived at the table. Next time, we'll have 'em slow down.
June 16th, eight girl friends celebrated her birthday at Figs on the Funcho for a full-day of good times. Arriving early, we blew up Jane's paddle boards, and dragged a kayak to the warm waters of the barragem where we played until it was time to come in and prepare our Ottolenghi-inspired lunch. Awesome day!
A few days later, we celebrated Jane's birthday again at O Paulo, a gorgeous restaurant on the west coast in Aljezur. Ray, Jane, Con and I spent most of the afternoon soaking up another gem beautiful Portugal.
CLICK ON PHOTOS FOR FULL VIEW
September 12, 2025 In Canada for three weeks.
Con and I arranged the timing of our visit to Canada to be there for Kate's 11th birthday. We arrived in Saskatoon, picked up our car rental and drove three hours north east to daughter Brit, hubby Kris, and grandson Nolan's for three days. Leaving early to catch the 11am flight to Calgary, was a classic Saskatoon Airport complication. Just buckled in ready to back out of the slip, an announcement was given, "This is an emergency evacuation. Leave all your personal belongings behind." Two hours later, the plane was deemed safe, and personnel attempted to reboard everyone. However, all their identification and boarding passes were aboard! Turns out, someone had a leaky water bottle in the overhead and it shorted out parts of the electrònics. In Calgary, we stayed with Courtney and Hailey for three days, and then arrived in Red Deer for the birthday girl.
Con and I arranged the timing of our visit to Canada to be there for Kate's 11th birthday. We arrived in Saskatoon, picked up our car rental and drove three hours north east to daughter Brit, hubby Kris, and grandson Nolan's for three days. Leaving early to catch the 11am flight to Calgary, was a classic Saskatoon Airport complication. Just buckled in ready to back out of the slip, an announcement was given, "This is an emergency evacuation. Leave all your personal belongings behind." Two hours later, the plane was deemed safe, and personnel attempted to reboard everyone. However, all their identification and boarding passes were aboard! Turns out, someone had a leaky water bottle in the overhead and it shorted out parts of the electrònics. In Calgary, we stayed with Courtney and Hailey for three days, and then arrived in Red Deer for the birthday girl.
