Upstairs

Floor is layed! 

Sadly it is now covered with boxes from our trip to Ikea..bed, sofas, poang chairs...

Still running out of steam...

Ceiling downstairs at last finished after many hours of priming, sanding and painting.

Balcony nearly completed

Everything is now "nearly completed" but we are running out of steam.. 

Balcony is absolutely wonderful

Fridge, washing machine...

I have now my own modern, quiet, efficient washing machine. My first in 12years! It's a Panasonic because its one of the few washing machine which works at 0.3 bar (our pressure from our collected rainwater tank up on bathroom). I did my first wash yesterday: john's overalls which he promptly ruined this morning by spraying foam all over..

The gas hob is working, I have perfected the use if my tagine and cook basmati rice beautifully fluffy. Being able to cook 4 things at a time and simmer fills me with wonder and gratitude.

Fridge freezer, microwave...We have even installed the bread machine! 

And managed to go swimming 3 times in a week!

Kitchen

We have a nearly functioning kitchen! Banisters are now in place

Emma is helping lime waxing oak spindles

While Patrick is helping take John's 50p sofa to the dump. Thank you!

Good morning!

Quinta dos Cariços

Arrived by train and bus to Salema, 2 min walk to the parque de campismo, pitched tent before dark and even managed to have supper. I think we ll put on weight! 

Walked around the lovely wild and natural site after our morning yoga. So peaceful!

Gatwick

Spent night at Yotel, very small, clean, organised, just a bed , table and shower in about 9 sq metres, free drinks and wifi. Wonderful! But a bit small for yoga practice!

Then anniversary supper at the Hilton..

Faro

Managed to find local bus to Faro centre,  (and ask for tickets in Portuguese!), saw stalks nesting on top of San Pedro church, forgot how lovely floor scape was and as a super treat had vegetarian lunch in the Ginger and Cinnamon Restaurant (www.gengibrecanela.blogspot.com)

Off to Portugal

Kitchen cupboards are painted at last 

My little desk is made

Bathroom's tiles grouted (except for soap recess

Life is beautiful

And we re off to Salema! 

Gatwick's Yotel tonight (with an anniversary meal), flight to Faro at 8.00 am tomorrow, then bus, train, bus to our favourite campsite in Salema :)

Days off

Sailing to Beaulieu with Derek and Marcia

Weekend with Audrey

Enjoying colours