The general blog area for the site. Articles which do not fall into a specific category will appear here.
- Written by: rick
- Read Time: 4 mins
This year's Summer holiday was a return to Italy. We took a trip to Venice almost two years ago, and we thoroughly enjoyed that.
We split this visit across two cities, starting in Naples, just North of the famous Vesuvius volcano.
- Written by: rick
- Read Time: 2 mins
With the excessive heat over the past week or so, things have been slow on the work front.
But the garden seems to have enjoyed the warmth.
- Written by: rick
- Read Time: 2 mins
June already, and the garden is flourishing. Janet's flowers are blooming everywhere.
The vegetable plot is also doing well now that the watering system is installed and running.
- Written by: rick
- Read Time: 2 mins
Having travelled so far for a great day out at Badoca Safari Park, it would have been a shame to drive back home without seeing more of the area.
We had breakfast, checked out, loaded the car, and headed to Sines, about 15km further down the coast from Vila Nova de Santo André.
- Written by: rick
- Read Time: 3 mins
Once again, seemingly each year, Janet's birthday comes around.
So, I arranged a surprise trip to Badoca Safari Park, about 15km North of Sines.
- Written by: rick
- Read Time: 3 mins
With the work on the house coming to a close, we have more time on our hands and we can get out to see the sights.
Recently, we took another trip to Monsanto. This time, driving right into the village where parking is somewhat difficult.
- Written by: rick
- Read Time: 2 mins
Just one week after the trip to Covilhã, we decided to take another day out.
This time we went a little further North, to Belmonte, a historic castle town.
- Written by: rick
- Read Time: 1 min
Since the New Year, we have made a few trips out to local areas of interest.
In February, we went to Covilhã, not far away.
- Written by: rick
- Read Time: 1 min
After a long break from writing new entries, we are back with a few updates.
First, Janet's new compost bin for the garden.
- Written by: rick
- Read Time: 2 mins
Once again, the festive season arrived and passed into memory all too rapidly.
For 2024 we stayed at home for a quiet and relaxing Christmas.
- Written by: rick
- Read Time: 3 mins
So, it has been some time since the last entry. With little to note on the house renovation and on other subjects, the site has been neglected.
But, we're back - with a lot to say.
- Written by: rick
- Read Time: 2 mins
The final day of our short break began with a hearty breakfast and then the hotel check-out.
Rather than returning home immediately, we drove to the Torre, stopping at various viewpoints on the way.
- Written by: rick
- Read Time: 1 min
For the second full day of our break the weather was much better, no rain and less wind.
We planned to tackle the full PR13 walk and started out at about 9:50.
- Written by: rick
- Read Time: 4 mins
Once again our wedding anniversary arrived, and as has become the norm in recent years, we took a short holiday to celebrate.
Last year was a special event and we went to Venice but on this occasion we were much nearer home.
- Written by: rick
- Read Time: 3 mins
Autumn officially started a couple of days ago and rain is now in the forecast.
In contrast, last week there were almost 200 wildfires burning in the northern region of the country.
