WELCOME TO Val's Alentejo -I write about my region of Alentejo. My art ,painting, my cottages, Family life, my animals -Travels And my love for Roses- and rural country life.

Monday 23 December 2013

Christmas greetings

Wishing all my dear blogging friends who have followed me through this year., for all your kind comments ,and following me.    Its so rewarding for me, to know I have never met you all, yet I feel I have known you for so long. You have all shared your happiness and woes.   A few times i was going to give up on blogging and so many of you encouraged me.  How wonderful is that from friends one hasn't met.
Thank you dear friends.  I look forward always to reading about your lives and happenings in your world and mine in our family lives for some years to come. 

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              At dawn this morning "S/Y PHEONIX" set sail from  Ilha do sal in cabo verde. Off the west coast of Africa. 1st destination Port o Prince in the Caribbean.   Skipper  our eledest son Manuel, his  crew-  our grandson and his son Thomas 14, our youngest son Filipe with his first coast sailors certificate obtained and in hand.. and our son in law Paul the same.  
 The 4 pirates are on their way.  I didn't sleep much last night.. thinking of them .   I spoke to them in Sal yesterday, and wished them fair winds .. (Mr. M. was to have gone with them)  alas..he will be watching over them. Just as he watched over us and took 6 of us on our epic journey from South Africa across South and North atlantic oceans. A most competant Skipper. Our children learnt more behind the helm, than behind any desk.!
 The trip already delayed by one month.  They are now well on their way. Pheonix, with good winds can sail at around 11 to 12 knots.. I hope they get some good days.
                           Lying at anchor in the med here.  I sailed with them that year.  " Pheonix" is the most beautiful bermudan sloop. and is cherished and loved by our son.  She is 76 ft. and is made by Jongaart of Holland.
A front view of "pheonix" everything is of the highest quality all electronic.. Manel having followed in his father's footsteps as an electronic engineer. If the electrics fail.. he is well conversant with the sextant and can steer by the stars, has done it since he was 11.. Tom is now starting to follow in Grandad and dad's footsteps.   
Soon a special star will appear and that will guide them on their way.

I will be spending christmas with my dear son Miguel and wife Sasha.  You all met them through the wedding photos of this last August. 
I will be packing my bag later and be on my way tomorrow after breakfast.

Wishing you all a most blessed Christmas.  together with your loved ones.
Let us all remember too people who are alone at this time.
Our christmas will be simple. to be together is a gift.

Hugs of happiness to you all.

val xxxx     

41 comments:

  1. Praying they have a safe trip. Merry Christmas to you Val. Praying you are doing good these days!

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    1. Thank you Sylvia.. I am getting slowly back into my routine.. but it takes time. i had a bad day yesterday.
      happy christas.. to you and yours
      val

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  2. The hurricane season is over so they should have a good trip. Have a happy Christmas!

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  3. Thank you Sunnybrook. Yes..we are a family of sailors.
    Should be good going all the way.
    A very happy blessed christmas to you and your family.. thanks for your blogging friendship.. val

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  4. Hope they have a good trip! Merry Christmas to you dear Val. May this festive season fill your life with love and happiness :)

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    1. Thank you Pallavi.
      Merry Chrisstmas to you too.
      Have a wonderful time.
      thank you for joining my blog and being a follower.. val x

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  5. Prayers for a wonderful and safe trip Val! Merry Christmas. sandie

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    1. I too wish my sons and grandson a safe journey..
      Happy christmas Sandie.. val x x x x x

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  6. Such an adventure your boys will have on the beautiful Phoenix! I would love to hear more about your epic adventure one day.

    Merry Christmas dear Val!
    xo, Jen

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    1. Being sailors most of their lives.. This is a different adventure..leaving from a west african island.
      Thank you Jen.
      Merry christmas to you..

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  7. blessings to your family of sailors! you are right - they have a very special guide watching over them as they journey. and he will wish you safe travels, too.

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    1. Thanks dear Tex. You have wisdom. You understand, that touches my heart. They will be fine.
      I am off to be with my Miguel and Sasha.. and looking forward to that.
      xxxxxx val

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  8. Wishing the sailors a safe and swift crossing and you, dear Val, a peaceful and happy Christmas. I look forward to many more of your lovely posts in 2014.

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    1. Thank you Perpetua.. I am sure they will be enjoying it all being just the men.
      A very happy christmas to you.. Thank you for all you very kind help.
      2014.. more great posts as you say.. xx

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  9. I hope your boys have a wonderful and safe trip. I'm sure Mr M will be watching over them and you too in Lisbon. Have a peaceful Christmas.Thinking of you.
    Sarah x

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    1. Thank you Sarah, I am sure they are having a good time without the women!
      I am looking forward to being with Miguel and Sasha in Estoril...i leave early tomorrow. Thinking of you to sarah.. I hope one day we can meet.
      god bless.xxxx

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  10. Goo morning Bal.....ah.....BLUE WATER CRUISING".....SUCH AN ADVENTURE. Best of luck to your family in this and here is wishing you a wonder holiday season.

    xoxo

    Jo

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    1. Thank you Jo.. wishing you too a very happy holiday season.
      the boys will be enjoying themselves..

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  11. Dear Val - Have a lovely Christmas with Miguel and Sasha.
    All of my family are on the high seas at this very moment, so I am a little bit anxious concerning the storms that are battering Britain at the moment. Eldest son and family are heading here on a ferry from their home in Paris and youngest son and family are on a ferry heading to France to stay with his wife's family.
    May your family and mine be safe. Blessings to you Val.

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    1. I am so looking forward to being with Miguel and ---Sasha.. its their first christmas as a married couple. They are so happy i am going.. as i was not going to. Miguel asked for help with the turkey.):-
      I saw on this mornings news, that the weather is really getting bad in Britain at the moment.. I wish your son's safe journey's on the high sea.. its to be respected.
      I am praying with you Rosemary. May they be safe and arrive well.
      much love val x x x

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  12. Dear Val,i pray for a safe trip for your boys.Your post is so taching!Thanks for your blogging friendship!I hope and pray for you every day.Wishing you Merry Christmas to you and your family.Have a safe trip.Happy holidays.Hugs!
    Dimi...

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  13. Thank you Dimi. Being sailor's since boys.. I have faith that they will be ok.
    Its been great blogging with you Dimi. Thank you for your kind words. Merry christmas to you.. xxx

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  14. Ditto, to all you have soo kindly said here and over on my little corner of blog land, dear Val....And wishing those boys a safe journey on the seas...may their journey be safe and sound.....Val have the most wonderful Christmas with Miguel and Sasha.....
    May all the blessings of the season be with you all.....Love Maria x.

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  15. Dearest Val, praying for a safe and calm journey for your loved ones on the ocean but as you quite rightly say Mr M will be watching over them and guiding them to safe shores. I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy 2014. God bless Val and thinking of you often. Here's to a continued blogging friendship!
    Hugs and love
    Patricia x

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    1. Thank you dearest Patricia..
      My boys are in my thoughts every day. was a lovely time with Miguel.
      looking forward to 2014

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  16. Dear Val, A magical post for Christmas - I had no idea you were a family of sailors and would love to hear about your long-ago trip some day. Praying for a safe journey for them and for you as you go to see Miguel and Sasha. Wishing you joy and peace this Christmas Day. xoxo

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    1. Thank you Patricia.. such kind comment. Yes, we are a family of sailors.
      I did do a post about 3 years ago.. but i didnt really understand how blogging worked.. i will write a post here and there to fill you in.

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  17. Sailing seems such an exotic adventure as I have never sailed (except on a vacation cruise) so I am in awe of those who do so. Wishing safe travels for your loved ones and a happy Christmas to you.

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    1. Sailing is in one's blood, and so it goes and is passed on.
      thank you Sanda for your kind wishes.

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  18. Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones, Val.
    Thank you for staying in touch through this very transitional year for our family which sent me on a blog whirlwind of sorts. I'm back at the table creating and connecting with my dear blogging friends.
    Enjoy your time with your family. Safe trip.
    xoxo's

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    1. So nice to see you Marcia..
      missed you. thank you for your comments.. looking forward to lots of fun 2014.
      xxx

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  19. My dear Val , I wish for your boys a safe trip and good winds ! It is so nice to spend your holidays and to help them as a just married couple !!! Take care yourself !

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    1. Thank you dear Olympia.
      its been a lovely 3 days.
      Boys are well with good fair winds.

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  20. A beautiful post, Val. Merry Christmas to you, my dear sweet blogging friend! May you find joy in your Christmas celebration...

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    1. Thank you Meggie.. so sweet to see you agan.
      hugs and happiness for 2014

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  21. Dear Val, I hope you have had a peaceful Christmas with your son and his wife. Thank you for your good wishes. May the year ahead bring peace and joy to you.
    Betty ox

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    1. Thank you Betty,
      It was a wonderful 3 days. looking forward to more communication with our posts on blogging.. in 2014. val x

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  22. I hope you had a nice Christmas, Val, and I will see you in the New Year.

    Thank you for your friendship, and I want you to know how special you are to me.

    Love,
    ~Sheri

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  23. I'm checking in with you to see how you've enjoyed your holiday. I'm glad you've spent time with your son and his wife. Hope you are still having a good time! Blessings my friend. Your buddy, Diane

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