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.

Tuesday 18 November 2014

Updating

We have been having really heavy rain at the moment.  During a respite last week. I decided to go and check on my apartment in the Algarve.  I dont get to spend much time there, as I rent it out during the summer months.  It was enjoyable to be there again, and the weather stayed ok for a couple of days. 
Ate out at a couple of my favorite restaurants , and saying hello to old friends that are in the neighborhood.
Everything is closed up now for winter.  There are only a few permanent residents in the block. Mostly come for summer vacations.   I paid a visit to the British shop.  Spoilt myself with some goodies for christmas. 



                                All  the loungers are stacked and away for the season.


On saturday, we were able to prune more olive trees.   Also today pruned some more.  It rained for a while this morning, but then the sun came out, and Pedro was able to continue.    
                                       The horses were so happy in the sun.. and  i am treating them to rations for a while now, as its getting colder.. here they are eating away.  Eagerly guarding their ration.


           My wood pile is getting bigger.. I added some pepper branches to the pile this year..will be interesting to see how they burn.
Even though we have had heavy rains.. its not been all that cold, so as yet , I have not lit the wood burner.   . I have the oil heater on one bar, and thats been fine.
    It really was lovely to see the sun today, even though it was just for a few hours.  
The rain has started again and looks like we will have it for the rest of the week.

Thanks to all my dear friends who left their comments on my last post -  I was watching world news this morning.. and it seems not only Portugal have been hit by the olive fly,but Italy has been hit very badly.  Many farmers have lost their full crops.

Hoping that you are all having a good week.

Val

18 comments:

  1. we've had very cold weather in the US this past week. even here in texas, we had several hard freezes and even snow one night already! very early in the season. glad all is well with you (well, except for the olive crop).

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    1. I have been watching the news. Terrible snow storms and deep snow with cars and people trapped.. very bad.
      no snow here yet.
      Thanks for visiting Tex.

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  2. Hello Val, it is nice to see your apartment, which is very chic. Good to have a change of scenery sometimes. As always, I love your horses looking good near the olive trees. We would be jealous of that wood pile, which would keep us going all winter. Happy week. xx

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    1. Thank you Patricia,
      I dont get to my apartment as often as I would like. Life here with the animals and so on..just keep me very occupied.
      Will be still working on the wood pile.

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  3. Dear Val - there should be lots of lovely scents from your wood fire this winter apart from all the warmth it will give you.
    Your apartment in Algarve looks charming and I suspect that many British people visit there as you mention that there is a British shop.
    I have been surprised to see several blogs in the States and Canada showing snow - long may it stay away from here.

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  4. I do hope so Rosemary. I haven't fired up the wood burner yet. Its not all that cold. Its horrible wet rainy windy weather, but not so cold.
    My apartment is away from the tourist areas .. I have to drive about 3 quarter hour to get to the shop..but it was so worth it. Nice to have some things that we just cant get here.
    I wish i had more time to be at my apartment. Things around the quinta keep me here..
    Indeed the snow in America looks horrendous .. people trapped in their cars too.
    Thank you for your comment.. happy week.

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  5. Val, yes, I would say that winter is almost here. Been cold here too but mostly sunny, a little rain this morning. The horses will enjoy the last remaining part of summer. Your apartment looks charming. How fun to have a place to get away to when you can..We have had our stoves on now..Happy Wednesday..Judy

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    1. Weather patterns are changing Judy.
      i dont get enough time to stay at my apartment.. will probably go again before christmas. Oil heaters on at the moment.. lots of rain

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  6. Your apartment looks so cute. Sorry to hear about the olive problems in the country. I love my olives and olive oil.

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    1. Thank you Betty.
      My apartment is lovely and i enjoy it when i am there, but not enough. A few countries in Europe have had problems with olive crops. It the rule of nature i suppose.

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  7. Val, glad to see that wood pile and so much sun because it has been cold here, although a warm is coming. Sorry to hear about the olive crops...such beautiful trees!!!...:)JP

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    1. Thanks JP.
      The olive trees are fine.. its the olives that get a work and destroys the olives. Wood pile is growing.

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  8. Val, you have such an interesting life. The apartment is lovely and your farm is magnificent. Your horses are gorgeous and look so happy. I heard about the olive ill problems--that must be devastating for so many. x0, Jen

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    1. Thank you Jen,
      I think the same about you. I often wonder if you are up at the catskills.. such a beautiful place.
      Yes big olive producers have been really hit. it will take a few years to get back to normal-

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  9. Dear Val,what a lovely apartment you have!!It looks so cozy!
    It sure was a joy for you shopping from the Britsh shop!
    My daughter was in London and she bought me some goodies to bring me for Christmas!You live in beautiful area!I like your pictures with horses next to the olive trees!And here its time to prune the olives from the trees!
    Have a lovely day!
    Dimi...

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    1. Hi Dimi,
      Thanks for your lovely comment. My apartment is very cozy and I enjoy it when i am there. I rent it out for the summer season.
      I probably will make another trip to the British shop.. there is so much to choose from.xx

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  10. Love your Algarve apartment Val, it looks lovely with some splendid views. We've had a fair amount of rain here too but it's been sunny today. We're off with all the family for a weekend in a country cottage in Suffolk so we're keeping our fingers crossed. Don't mind cold as we can wrap up but rain - urgh! Have a good weekend Val. P xx

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  11. What a pretty apartment, Val. I can see why you enjoy spending time there when you can. Sorry to hear about the heavy rain and hope it eases off soon. At least it isn't cold yet, so you can keep your woodpile for a bit longer. :-)

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