Rain at last !!!!!!!

Hello everyone and once again sorry for not updating the blog! We have been back to the U.K. to see family and friends and haven't stopped since we got back at the beginning of November.

Autumn had set in on our return and so had the rain. Portugal had a very dry winter last year so it is vital that we get plenty of rain this year. Many of the rivers and streams have all but dried up. And boy! have we seen plenty of it? although this week we have had some sunny days and temperatures of up to 19 degrees so no complaints there!

Before going back to the U.K. we had ordered shutters for all the windows to the house and five windows to be fitted with aluminium double glazing and a front door ready to be fitted on our return. The workmen appeared on the expected date and so did the rain. Not a good day to be undertaking ripping out windows but it was no deterrent to the window fitters who just got stuck in and got on with it! But what a mess!!!!!!!! For the moment we are only having windows fitted in the rooms we are currently working on or will be in the New Year. These are in the second and third bedroom, hallway, bathroom and kitchen The original shutter blinds have been taken out and have left gaping holes above the windows where the winding mechanism was housed, which have had to be refilled with blockwork. A very testing two weeks we have just had, ones which we were glad to see the back of!!!!!! In the meantime we have found the time to stiple, paint, wallpaper and laminate the 2nd bedroom plus change the electric points and refit wall lights. I must say that Rob's electrical techniques have really come on and he now has a very good understanding of the "Portuguese way of doing electrics!!!!!!" The hallway has also been stipled and now needs painting. The floor tiles are in stock and waiting to be laid.

We haven't taken any photos as yet but these will be on the next post.

Also this week it has been time to collect the olives. I have been given "time off" a few afternoons to gather them in. We have decided to cut down another 3 olive trees as two were obstructing the light into the rear of the house. The olives I have picked will be given to our friends for when the olive pressing machines come to the village to produce the oil. Thankfully we had a lovely week to pick them, it was lovely to feel the warm sunshine. Rain has stopped play today though and will tomorrow but at least it gives the back a rest!!!!

It is a very busy time for the locals as everyone mucks in to get the olives picked. We have barely seen a soul this week other than the people who have farmed their olives in the adjacent fields to us.

Last weekend was another festival time, when Portugal celebrates Saint Martin, where it is traditional to roast chestnuts and drink plenty of vino and jeropiga and have a BBQ. We celebrated it by joining in with our friends by doing a bit of "wine cellar hopping". Our good friend, Dino, came back to his home-town from the USA to celebrate with his dear friends and we met up with him on our way to the cafe. The "gang" where making their way to the next "wine cellar", Dino leading the way playing his accordian (a bit like the Pied Piper) through the streets and like lambs to the slaughter we joined in!!!!!! The usual nibbles were laid on, toast, bread and cheese, meat and pate, olives and, of course, copious amounts of their own-brewed wine. We had lots of laughs and a sing-song, the Portuguese really know how to celebrate in their own unique style. After a good session in Carlos's wine cellar it was then time to move on to Joakim's wine cellar where out came the food and wine again!!!!!