On RHP 20081225, originally uploaded by Paradise in Portugal.
The Chiffchaffs love getting nectar from our Aloes during the winter …
On Red hot poker
Chiffchaff on Red hot poker
Chiffchaff on Red hot poker 20081224, originally uploaded by Paradise in Portugal.
… and come away with the pollen staining their bibs.
Christmas Eve walk
Christmas Eve walk 20081224, originally uploaded by Paradise in Portugal.
We had a lovely Family Christmas with Archie and Alexandra coming to stay with Daniela, I and the kids – sadly Araby is still in New York.
Market in Santa Clara, Alentejo
Market 20081220, originally uploaded by Paradise in Portugal.
Santa Clara had a market …
Chicken at market
Chicken at market 20081220, originally uploaded by Paradise in Portugal.
… where we got all the last presents and had a lovely Piri piri chicken lunch; I wonder what the health inspectors would’ve had to say about it!
Carolina & puppy
Carolina & puppy 20081219, originally uploaded by Paradise in Portugal.
Just before Christmas we found a puppy lost in the middle of nowhere – the lucky thing! After enquiries we also found the owner, Zé da Choça, one of our neighbours up the track, but he had five others and thought it was a good idea we kept it – so now we’re up to four dogs again!
Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria)
Fly Agaric (Amanita muscaria) 20081224, originally uploaded by Paradise in Portugal.
Went for a wonderful walk and found some Fly Agarics ….
Sunset
Sunset 20081224, originally uploaded by Paradise in Portugal.
Walking back as the sun went down ….
Agaricus macrosporus
Agaricus macrosporus 20081224, originally uploaded by Paradise in Portugal.
… and then got home to find these Agaricus macrosporus on the lawn.
Christmas Day Swim
Christmas Day Swim 20081225, originally uploaded by Paradise in Portugal.
Of course we had to have The Christmas Swim … well I say “we” when I should say “the brave ones” – personally I don’t go in till the water’s a tad warmer!