Week 17 of our new life

Monday, really early start today to get Mick and Pauline to Almancil to pick up their coach for Spain.  Got some more new bulbs from Pauline in pots, Gladioli that have already started growing, also some new dishes so packed our car up and then off to Almancil and Guia looking for a pool table.  We have now decided to put a roof on our Sun Terrace and put a pool table and dartboard in it, that will make good use of it and we get the games room that we wanted without having to extend the plot.  We need to get an exterior table which they do over here as plenty of people have them outside, so it will be suitable for the weather here.  We have got someone coming up tonight to have a look at the space and to help with the logistics of getting it up there as we have a spiral staircase leading up to it which will definitely not be able to accommodate the carrying up of a pool table. We also need to speak to Adrian regarding the building of the roof, but when we went to the house he was not there, not too worry as we can catch him any-time now because we are staying right above ours.  David was busy chopping out the walls ready for the new windows and doors, he has achieved a lot in one day, which is great to see.  Carlos was also up today to remeasure the small bathroom for the door, again we might have to chop a bit of wall away to fit this, well after so many walls, windows etc coming in and going out what is another one!!!  This is beginning to feel like an actual rebuild rather than a renovation.  Probably doing the sun terrace will set us back another week, again another week does not make much difference.

Getting ready for Sliding Doors Lounge

Getting ready French Windows Master Bedroom

Sun Terrace

Half a New Roof Extension

Tuesday, off to see another pool table supplier this morning, all seem positive Ross is going to get back to us next week and let us know supply dates etc.  Hans visited last night and there is no problem with him supplying us, we would just need to get a scissor lift to raise it up to get on to the terrace, one thing once it is up there it wont come down, so no chance of anybody stealing it.  Douglas had a slight accident today, he thought someone had an accident at our house so he went running to see and forgot to open the door with the mosquito net on it, he ricocheted off the door, saw stars, cut his nose and was pole-axed on the floor, it was so funny that I was laughing and crying at the same time as I got a fright, Douglas got the bigger fright but all is ok now, I had only just said yesterday that we would need to watch with children about as it would be easy for them to forget to open the door and could cause injury, they are very strong and now we have a door to repair.  The Stone did not get delivered last night but finally arrived at lunchtime today, so David and Adrian are frantically trying to get the door and window recesses finished ready for the new ones tomorrow.  Ashley has been busy demolishing the interior kitchen wall and now I can get a feel for what the kitchen is really going to be like.  Bought an electric Saw and a workbench today so that Douglas can start chopping the wood etc ready for the winter fire, also bought a small BBQ as although we have the big one it takes so much lighting etc that a small one is ideal when there is just the two of us, will christen that one later on.  Still no parcel has arrived for me getting quite worried about all my goodies

Last Wall Going

Last Wall nearly gone

Stones finally delivered

Wednesday, windows did not arrive today it will be tomorrow, amazes me how you get told one day but then find out it is the day after!!.  Went up to Mick and Paulines to water the garden as they are not back until tomorrow and then done a bit of furniture searching.  Received our residency papers today in the post, so it is now official, did not receive my parcel though!!  In to our house, the stone has all been put in for the windows and doors, a slight problem with the kitchen, a column needs to stay in as it is a support for the roof so am going to need to try and make it a feature, also the oven is going to be too near the front door as the door is not going where it should originally have gone, so have had to swap that around as well, every time I try and visualise the kitchen something else unexpected comes up, I give up until it is done.  Another major issue as of Monday is the road right outside our house is being dug up for the ew pipes, they have done the road leading up to ours but now need to do the rest, this is going to cause major problems trying to get in or out, there is another dirt road that we can possibly use but only if they clear it of all the boulders etc, think they think we can just stay housebound for two weeks, we wont know until Monday lunchtime how we are going to get around this, oh happy days.  It has been a bit cooler today and rain has been expected but so far has not arrived, it will probably wait until tomorrow when the windows are going in.  Douglas is still suffering from a sore neck and shoulders after his run in with the mosquito door, am feeding him paracetamol by the ton, keeps him from moaning, bless him.
Thursday, windows did not arrive today, needless to say we were not happy chappies, on the phone to them appears to be some confusion as to whether the builder was ready or not, they will now be here tomorrow and will fit them all in the one day.  Douglas is still suffering from his neck and shoulders, so had a lazy day, took in some sun and had a swim, so good to get back into the swimming.  Went to pick Mick and Pauline up in Almancil after their four days in Spain, went back and had a quick drink with them, worthwhile to go to Seville and Grenada, easy to drive to Seville from here so it is now on our list of things to do, the list is getting longer as there is so much to do and see, we will get round to it all eventually.  Went for Pizza in Sao Bras, made on the premises really tasty, weather still warm so a nice evening.
Friday, windows and doors have finally arrived and are now fitted, the house is still so much of a building site that it is hard to enjoy them just now, but they do make a big difference.  We have had some really heavy rain so the big doors for the Living Room and our Bedroom were fitted just in time, the kitchen did not fare so well as the roof was not fully finished so all the rain came in and the kitchen is like a rather huge puddle, rain is forecast for the next few days so hopefully no damage will be done.  Jwow and his lads came to do the garden and pool, the garden is beginning to look so good, this weekend Douglas and I are going to clear out the Garage and start chopping up all the wood ready for winter.  Adrian has now taken out the 3rd Bathroom ready to start on next week

Living Room Sliding Doors

Plot 3 Getting Tidied

Plot 3 Tidy

Master Bedroom French Window

Living Room Slding Doors

Saturday, phew had some really heavy rain throughout the night, and today has ot been that much better.  Strange as in between the sun comes out and it is really warm.  Market day today, first to Loule bought Atum, Franco Pera and Porco Reichardi, cabolas and baguettes (Tuna, Chicken with Peppers, Pork with Herbs, Onions and Long Rolls), then we went on to Sao Bras Market but they were closing up as we got there, think the heavy rain put people off.  Then up to our house to see if any more rain had got in, didn't look as bad as yesterday so I guess the patch up worked for now, windows are looking really good, and I am very pleased to say that All our curtains will fit, we will need to get alterations done as some windows are smaller, but happy to say that they will all fit so can go and see the people on Tuesday to get them to come out and measure properly.  Joaquim came to deliver water today as he will not be able to get up the road for at least two weeks, he asked if he could have our old front door and grille so we got our water for nothing this time, good deal. 3rd Bathroom has now been dismantled so guess that is on the job list for next week along with the extension being finished, still not 100% per cent sure that this is going to be finished for the 12th October, just seems like there is still so much to be done, we are waiting on the stone being delivered for the front door before the front door can be put on, but at the moment that is a good thing as there is still half a wall to be knocked down plus all the cementing etc that is to be done.  Hopefully tomorrow will be brighter so that we can get the garage cleared out.

Shark or Salmon !!

3rd Bathroom coming out

3rd Bathroom Door Extension

Sunday, cloudy and wet start to the day, off for a drive in the morning, ended up in a lovely village called Querenco, beautiful tiled church square with a lovely little church and museum surrounding the square, a cafe overlooking it and plenty of people milling around going about their own Sunday business.  Then back for some lunch and off to our house to start a clean up, it is that difficult to see what starts where and what finishes due to the amount of mess, I understand it is a building site but nothing seems to be cleared up don't know how the builders manage to work in such a mess.  So clean we did, swept up, picked up all the old tile packaging, empty beer bottles!! of which there were quite a few everywhere and put all the old wood in a pile to go into the garage, this will be chopped up at some stage to use as firewood, then loaded all the rubbish in the car, then down to the garage, this is another area where we have not decided just what to do with yet.  It will never be used as a garage, the door is hanging off and is really in a state.  Thinking that it would be better to knock it down and then rebuild it, we have the license for it so we can rebuild it, make it a bit higher and then open it out at the top as another terrace adjoining the pool, this way we do not have to apply for planning permission.  We also need to do something with the Pool Room which houses the pump etc for the pool, this is quite dilapidated and there is still leakage from the pool so needs a bit of work doing to it.  Hopefully we will get away with waiting until next year to do this work on both areas. Two weeks to go, will it be finished!!!!

Querenco Church Square

Querenco Museum

Querenco Church

 

Week 16 of our new life

Monday, Hot day and busy day, trying to sort out the house and then sorting out the paperwork for tomorrow.  Nothing has moved very much in the house and I have to admit to becoming very frustrated just now.  Our mobile home is good but feels very claustrophobic, the heat does not help and neither of us is sleeping very well just now, too many things to think about.  Never mind we just need to get on with things just now and see what tomorrow brings.  We are staying over at Mick and Paulines on Sunday night as they are off to Spain on Monday morning and need a lift to get their bus really early and it is too far for us where we are staying just now.

Terrace for the month

Named after me

Tuesday, early start today first meeting at the Camera Municipal for our residency, think both of us were nervous, all our paperwork was in order apart from one letter from the Mayor of Santa Barbara who forgot to put the date on it from when we came over here, they have accepted the paperwork and our lawyer needs to go back on Thursday with the correct letter, so we will have our certificates early next week. Whilst there we managed to get the car taxed as well so killed two birds with one stone, the procedure was relatively easy in spite of a slight language difficulty, but we flashed the correct papers and got there in the end.  Time for a quick coffee then up to our for a meeting with Adrian and Nuno regarding the fitting of our windows and doors.  We have a slight problem with this, as our road is still closed due to the water pipes being put in, so not sure if the lorries are going to get up the temporary dirt track with windows and doors complete, this is a bummer as if they cant it is going to be four weeks until the road is finished, so we wont know for sure until Nuno comes back to us over the next couple of days.  Fingers crossed they can and they will start fitting them on Monday.  The roof is starting to go on the extension, but there seems to be such a lot still to do it will be a big surprise if it is ready the second week of October.  Douglas is looking for other accommodation for us just now as we dont think we can do 4 weeks in the mobile home, we will both have cabin fever by then.  We are going to have a meeting with Adrian  on Friday Afternoon to get to grips with why it is going so slow.  We have started doing a duo lingo course in Portuguese and I have passed Lesson 1 and ready to start lesson 2, Douglas gave up halfway through, I am managing to get by in the shops and cafes for ordering meals and drinks and can recognise words so feel I am achieving something, Douglas has his head full of inventions so that keeps him occupied.  My goodie box has not arrived in the post yet, I am fretting for that as Douglas keeps saying I will not see my new handbag again.!!!

Financas Building, Faro

Lunch, Sausage Sandwich

Wednesday, Nail day today so another early start to get to Santa Barbara to get my nails done, Douglas got his hair cut while he waited so now has hardly got any hair as they gave him a number 1, still it will save me doing it for a while. Douglas also treated me to a new pair of Sunglasses, so I now have a pair of Ray Ban, he had bought himself a pair a few weeks ago and I had been hinting ever since, so my hints did work after all and they are originals not fake complete with A 2 year guarantee, though not sure why we would need that. Checked post office again for my goodie box, nothing yet!!  Managed to buy 2 single beds today for bedroom 3, will get them delivered 14th October, very difficult to buy anything just now as we just do not know when our house will be ready, have fixed an appointment with the builder for Friday afternoon so we can discuss where he is at and what is going on!!!  We have managed to find alternative accommodation as of Monday in one of our neighbours summer house, but we can have the use of the pool etc as he wont be living there as of Saturday until December.  Will be a slight squeeze when Katie and the kids come over but we can manage for 4 days. Have been trying to sort out what to do when she comes over, so they enjoy themselves, the weather will still be good enough for the beach and we have another couple of ideas to keep them occupied.  I feel a lot better now knowing that we are going to be living just above our house, so hopefully that will spur the builder on as things are very slow just now and becoming very frustrating.  There is a big tree outside our mobile home that is called a trumpet tree, there was nothing on it when we arrived on Friday and it is now full of trumpet blooms and it smells gorgeous at night, you get a waft of scent every now and then, must have one of them in our garden.  Sharron and Treve also gave us some pears off their pear tree, and they have a plum tree, orange tree, peach tree and apricot tree, all bear their fruit on different months so they are plentiful supplied, they have got their gardens really lovely and sometimes it is hard to believe that it is a caravan park.  Although for them it is their home and not like a static at all.

Trumpet Tree

Orange Tree

Mondovilliea & Jasmine

Thursday, lazy morning caught up with washing, ironing and housework.  Took a trip to the big garden centre in Tavira, we have been trying to commission some tile art for the front of our house, we have the design so just need to try and discuss what we want to see if it is possible.  Managed to discuss and showed a photograph so yes it is possible, we have a meeting with the owner of the shop on Saturday morning to finalise requirements and it can be ready on October 5th, we will see what Saturday brings.
Friday, early start today again need to go to the bank, go and sort out a Portuguese mobile number, met with Rolf about renting the Summer house and meet with Adrian to discuss the works at the house.  Douglas decided just before we were leaving that we could pack up a couple of boxes and a big suitcase to take with us to the summer house, why could he not have told me last night, time is against us and it takes so long to do everything that I just knew it would be another long day, plus I was up early so could have had that done before he got up, ooh MEN!!!  Still got them packed up and loaded into the car and off we set, now thinking we have to try and reaarange a couple of things to fit the timing in for our meetings.  Usually it doesnt bother me but from where we are staying it takes just over an hour to get to where we live. Off we set and first stop will need to be the bank, by the time we done that we needed to go and see Rolf, the Summer House is lovely and is just above our house, we have full use of the pool completely private so we are going to take it and move in on Saturday, nice and private and we can spy on our house as well LOL.  While there the Jwow had arrived at ours to do the pool and garden, had 30 minutes to spare before meeting Adrian so went and had a chat with him, pool is looking fantastic back to normal thank goodness, and his lads planted my new plants so they are now in their new homes, doesn't mess about.  The roof is on the extension and David is starting to put the tiles on the roof.  The third bedroom floor is nearly tiled.  Had a couple of phone calls regarding the windows and doors, they will now start on Wednesday instead of Monday as Adrian needs to chop out the wall for the new doors and also lay the base marble, if he starts this on Monday then it will be dry enough for the doors to be fitted Wednesday/Thursday.  Off now to Cafe Pinto to meet Adrian and have some lunch and serious conversation regarding where we are at with the house.  This was not too bad and Adrian still thinks that he will be ready for completion by the 12th October give or take a few days.  Pleased with that result although it is not October yet!!  We have been thinking about putting a Pool table on the upstairs Sun Terrace, so had a discussion about that, we would just need to reinforce the roof which is not a big job and whilst the other work is being done it could be done now, we will go next week and have a discussion with the company that deals with Pool tables and see what comes out of that, would probably add on a few days to the work, but what is a few days after all this time.  Better to do it now then wait until next year and have to redo some work.  So a positive outcome to that meeting.  It was then off to the Voadafone shop to get a Portuguese Mobile, Douglas has given up his UK number and now has a Portuguese number, a lot handier for us over here, I will keep my number for a while yet, also topped up the dongle as from Saturday we will not have Wi Fi again so back to the Dongle, still another few weeks and we will be sorted, it means we can now make definite arrangements regarding furniture, curtains etc, HURRAH!!!  After all this the long drive back to our mobile home, strange things you see as you are driving here, a Gypsy family on their horse and cart, Mum, Dad and Children, Mum is breastfeeding while jogging along in the cart, a definite milk shake don't you think, and then a very large Pig being transported on the back of a Quad in a cage, cant imagine any of that in the UK.  Tried to take pictures but they did not come out very clear LOL.

Roof going on

Wall coming out

Back to normal

Roof tiles going on

New plants rehomed

Saturday, ultra busy day today, moving accommodation again, had a meeting first thing with Osvaldo to discuss the wall art that we want for our exterior extension wall, so off to the large garden centre in Tavira, we have the design and know what we want and yes it can be done to specification and so we placed the order and it will be ready in about 15 days, we have paid for this from most of the euros that were given to us at our retirement party so thank you to everybody who gave us euros, a picture will be taken when it is in situ.  After that it was off to do some shopping, needed to get supplies in so we can have a half day of rest tomorrow without having to do shopping.  We detoured on the way back accidentally and came across the Tavira Salt Flats and Rivers with storks wading, fascinating sight.  Then back to our mobile home to pack and clean, we always seem to be moving when the temperature is at its highest, 88 degrees today, cleaning in that heat is just debilitating, Douglas sat outside talking to Treve!!!  I did manage to get him to load up the car though.  Cleaning done, washing dried and packed, off we go to our new home for the next three weeks.  We now have a smashing summer house to live in which is right on top of our house, so we are feeling much more relaxed again and not so much travelling to do.  Sharon and Treve bought us a nice bottle of Champagne for when we finally move into our house, we will keep in touch with them as they are a very nice couple and made us feel very welcome.  Relaxation time, only downside no freezer, so no ice for my Morgans and no Wi Fi so back to a Dongle, so if anyone wonders why I am not always answering facebook or Whats App it is because I only log on once or twice a day for the next three weeks.

Tavira Salt Flats

Wading Storks

Mobile Home Living Room

Sunset 8.20pm

 Sunday, after a nice lazy morning at last! catching some sun, met up with Mick and Pauline, had a few drinks and went out for dinner to Jolibela in Loule, we are staying at theirs tonight as they are leaving early in the morning to go to Spain and Douglas is giving them a lift to catch their coach.  Had a good laugh and got rid of the cobwebs. I can log into their Wi Fi so can catch up on all the news and post the blog, also can do my ironing as mine is still in storage, think I will need to go and buy one to tide us over.  Think we are going to get some rain next week, so will be a change, it will do the garden good anyway.  Have a busy week coming up so will keep you posted.

Week 15 of our new life

Monday, Busy morning doing bits and bobs for dad, nurses were in checking his legs, yuk they are not so good.  Dad has been working on making a roller-coaster puzzle, and he has finally completed it, such an achievement as it has lots of intricate parts to it, would think it would be good therapy for him.  Went to Exeter as wanted to pick up some bits and pieces to send home to me, got my sun tan lotion, mosquito cream, a few things from Lakeland and a new Handbag, ho ho I have a new handbag, Douglas says do you really need a new handbag?? what do you think I said?? YES YES YES.  Got a phone call regarding our new windows and doors, Nuno spoke to Adrian, Adrian seems confused about what is going where!! considering we had discussed again just Friday I am a bit surprised.  Nuno is going to the house on Monday to meet Adrian, and Guess what we will be there as well, we need to make sure that everything is crystal clear, no room for errors I certainly don't want windows in the wrong places LOL.  Douglas is having some problems with his eyes, which is bringing him down a bit, plus the fact that it is quite cold and a bit wet here, think we are both missing what we have been used to over the past few weeks.  Finally changed our bank details here as well, so everything is gradually closing down.

Dads Work of Art

Tuesday, went to get my hair cut today, the first time I have had a hair cut away from Glenrothes for many years.  Feeling a bit nervous, but actually has turned out good.  Managed to change dads bed and get the rest of his washing done, it was such a nice day and the forecast for the rest of the week is rain, so took the opportunity while I could.  Also got the garden all swept of leaves etc, again this is an ongoing job but helps for now.  Got some bits and bobs for my posting box, it is getting full now so will have to get it posted.  Got our mail posted on to us from Glenrothes, most of it is rubbish now so will be able to stop that soon.  Dad is not in the mood for going out for a drive, so dont think we will be able to get him out this time at all.  Great to be receiving texts and messages freely from family and friends while we are here, saves me having to worry about my phone bill.
Wednesday, trying to get everything organised again for dad as we are off again tomorrow, so cleaning, ironing and shopping today.  Still got some bits to do before we go tomorrow.  Went to my Gran and Grandads grave as well to clean it up and lay flowers.  Have enjoyed our stay, few issues with my dad and think he will end up in hospital again, but will cross that bridge when we come to it.  Got my box of goodies all packed up so will post them off to me in the morning, will be like Christmas next week when they arrive. No update on our house over the past couple of days so not sure what has been happening, as long as something has happened we wont mind.

Gran and Grandad

Thursday, up early today to get all the jobs done before we set off home, nice relaxed morning, dad is sorted for now, nurse came in to see to dads legs, they will be coming back in on Saturday and then Monday.  Time for goodbyes, need to go to post office first and recycling centre to get rid of dads rubbish. Got a shock at the Post Office, my goodie box cost me £50.00, wasn't expecting it to be that much, will need to look at Courier rates for next time, had no choice but to post it today, lesson learned.  Off to Bristol Airport to catch our plane home, flight leaves at 8.00pm so plenty of time to get the car back and then chill out, too much time really but as the car has to be back by 5.00pm no choice but to linger in the airport.  Couple of sneaky wee Morgans then on the plane, arrived at Faro 10.20pm then had to go and pick up the car, and then head on to Tavira where we will be staying for the next few weeks.  Finally arrived at Midnight, exhausted but was still able to sit outside with a Cuppa before bed, amazing.
Friday, Sun is shining again, although the forecast for the weekend is thunderstorms so better make the most of it.  Unpacked the car and got everything put away, then off to our house to see what has been going on for the past week.  The extension is coming along nicely, walls are built, foundations are in, few questions on the roof, so discussion had and answered.  Suicide Bathroom nearly finished, and 2nd Bedroom floor nearly tiled.  Painting is delayed, Ashley does not seem to be as quick as he should have been, Adrian is dealing with it. Two weeks to go the clock is ticking, it is not going to be finished for the end of September.

Front of Kitchen Extension

Side of Kitchen Extension 

Bathroom 2 Shower

Bedroom 2

Bathroom 2

Bathroom 2

Saturday, spent today settling into our mobile home for the next few weeks, can you believe it is called Casa Lynda, hahaha, will take some pictures and post them next week.  Had a cracking thunderstorm this morning with a good torrent of rain, then by lunchtime it had all cleared up and the sun was out.  Went down to Vila Nova Cacela, the local village, very quiet but found a nice cafe for a beer and a toastie.  The local elections are taking place just now so there is a lot of activity everywhere, funny compared to the UK where they go in for a lot of pomp and expensive election paraphernalia, here it is just a truck with some flags and a tinny bit of music played.  At the moment trying to translate our documents so that we can tax the car.

On the election trail

Sunday, market day today, Douglas just hates getting up early.  The market is a lot bigger than Loule market and sells literally everything from Leather Handbags, Hand Knitted Cardigans, to the normal fruit and vegetables it took us a good couple of hours to go round and I bought some pans, some cheeses and more plants for our garden.  For breakfast we had a huge doughnut with Cinnamon, a beer and a coke - you know who had the beer, the doughnuts are made in front of you and you get them hot and really scrumptious.  Douglas said I could have got five handbags if I had not bought the one in the UK for the same price - hahaha, never mind there is always next month, I could never have too many handbags, I could always match them to all my flipflops LOL. 

Some good news from home, Katie has decided to come out for a visit with Danielle and Carly for four days in the October holidays, dont think we will be in our house by then though so they will have to share our mobile home, should be fun, hopefully the weather will still be good for them.  

Week 14 of our new life

Monday, this is the last few days staying at Mick and Paulines, they come back on Thursday and we leave to go and see my dad for a few days on Friday. Temperature is high 80s today, was hoping that as September came in temperatures would go down, not this week apparently. Got stung by a wasp on my face as I was hanging the washing out, bloody beasties, mosquito not content to get my eye a couple of weeks ago now I get stung by a wasp. Have now got an electric swat so am going to get my revenge. Off out today to try and sort out Broadband and TV for the house, found a good provider just need to think about requirements now, we only need to give them a weeks notice for them to set it all up, so can get that done for the end of the month.  Found a good shop in Almancil called Deja Vous that had some nice pieces of furniture in it, but best to wait until we have moved in so we know what will go with the house.  Bit disappointed when we went to house today, as second builder decided he wasn't coming until tomorrow now, bit surprised I think to see how much we had got done over the weekend, they obviously don't know what we are like when we are on a mission LOL.  Jwow was at the house early to clean the pool and it is starting to look blue again, so hopefully when he does it again on Friday it will be back to normal.  We still have a leak, although not in the same place, so we need to get some work done on a pillar underneath the pool, uummgh need to think about this one.  One good thing today my Ginger seed that I planted at the beginning of the month has sprouted two inches, nothing on the Jacaranda seed as yet.

Ginger & Jacaranda Seeds

Tuesday, Lazy morning and then off to the house, road works have started so a detour through a field is now called for, that was fun and games.  David the other builder started today and has now started to dig out the foundations for the extension.  Adrian is getting on with tiling the suicide bathroom, drilled through a water pipe, and then was drilling through the tiles to put a radiator in, we are not having radiators in the bathrooms!!! feeling slightly frustrated all round today.  Started packing up our things for moving out on Friday, have booked the car park for our car to stay secure while we are in Devon, also booked the hire car for when we are in Devon.  Have found a great radio station for the evenings, plays all 50s and 60s music so I give Douglas an open air concert every night, its amazing I know all the tunes LOL.  My revenge is sweet as have annihilated a couple of wasps today, and the worker ants come and take the bodies away, amazing, Douglas can spend ages studying them.  More water delivered for Mick and Pauline today, that is the last of our double water bills anyway.  Have been waiting for our July electricity bill to arrive, and have never received it, our lawyer has a copy so now we are behind with Julys and also have Augusts to pay as well, just cant understand why ours cannot be delivered to the correct address.  Am going to try our new Post Office box address to see if that will work, but as we now have our application in for our residency, not sure if this will affect that and we will have to start all over again.  Never mind tomorrow is another busy day.

Burst Pipe!!

Preparing Foundations

Prep started

Wednesday, early start today meeting Carlos at his workshop about the internal doors, he showed us samples of doors and wardrobe doors, very nice product, and we like the traditional Portuguese style rather than the Spanish style. We then had to go to our house so that he could remeasure the wardrobes as we had not quite decided if we was going to get them done at our last meeting.  Carlos was going to follow us as the road is being dug up and it is now quite difficult to get to our house.  Douglas thought he could remember the correct track to take, no did not quite work that way and we had great difficulty in manoeuvring both cars down this very narrow bumpy track, it ended up we ended up following Carlos so we did get there eventually, quite embarrassing.  Never mind we have to learn, and this is going to be the only road to our house for a good couple of weeks anyway, god help us when the windows and doors get delivered.  Carlos done his measuring and we are now awaiting the final quote complete with finished product pictures. Visited Nuno at Mesteraposa regarding delivery and installation of our windows and doors, they should arrive middle of next week, so if Adrian starts the prep work week beginning 16th then the windows and doors can be fitted week beginning 23rd, heres hoping this is going to work.  David is busy digging out the foundations for the kitchen, no easy job but we can see the outline of it.  The Granite shelf has been placed in the suicide bathroom, but it needs to be raised.  Good news today, we have our certificates for Residency and have an appointment on the 17th to collect our Residency cards, this has been a relatively easy process compared to some of the horror stories we had heard, but thanks to Patricia Guirreira our Advogado (Lawyer) it has been pain free, and as long as we have all the correct paperwork with us on the 17th we will then be official residents. :).

Sample Doors Traditional (Left)

Thursday, Final quotes through for the doors, so we have decided to get them ordered, have chosen Mahogany for all doors and wardrobes, doors will have the brass and porcelain handles and wardrobes will have brown smoked glass mirrors, didn't quite get the discount that Douglas hoped for, but we are getting the quality and got some discount so cant complain. Mick and Pauline arrived back from their UK trip late afternoon, had a really good time but decided that they would not do a month trip again as far too long.  Quiz night tonight, Pauline was too tired to go, but we went with Mick, not many turned up which was a bit disappointing and we came fourth out of five teams, LOL, guess we need to brush up on Quiz Night questions!!.  Mick will be quiz master for October, should be interesting, hopefully he will have plenty of questions on food and drink which is my forte and for Douglas Sport and Science. We will see what October brings.
Friday, all packed and ready to go to Devon, a few things needed sorted before we go, first stop is the bank, then off to our house.  David is doing really well with the extension, floor is in, electricity and water pipes are in and metal rods erected for the posts.  Ashley was busy power washing the terrace ready for priming and painting.  Adrian has got the toilet fitted and the granite top in the suicide bathroom and a bit more tiling done so taking shape.  We marked out where the lights are to go.  Also had to discuss the front door, change of plan with that now as it will have to go at the side of the extension rather than at the front, otherwise the kitchen will have to have smaller workspace inside, this is a blow as the plans had been for it to be at the front, not sure why it now wont work, but dont want to be left with an excess of kitchen units so just need to put it on the side.  Have marked out the way we want the gas bottle enclosure and the boiler enclosure on the side of the house, this will be made in concrete to ensure safety of the gas bottles and boiler.  This took up quite a bit of time so we then had to leave to get to the airport.  Dropped the car off at the secure car park and off we go.  Landed in Bristol at 8.00pm, walking to pick up the hire car and the heavens opened, welcome back to the UK.

David at Work

Foundations in

Side to be prepared

Ashley Power Washing

Suicide Bathroom

Saturday, started off as a lovely bright day, dad needed shopping so off we went, no sooner had we got into town then rain started and then the hailstones came, like golf balls from the sky, have not seen any of this for three months. Am missing home already, the sun, the pool, the relaxed way of life, stress seems to hit us as soon as we arrive LOL, everybody is in a constant rush.  Dad seems to be good in himself although he needs to build himself up again otherwise he will have to go into hospital again, doctor thinks he will be in need of another transfusion, so will monitor him for the next three weeks and see how he goes.  He can have some good home cooking again for the next few days, that will fatten him up.  He has plenty of jobs for Douglas to do and I have a list of Jobs to do from my sister so we will both be busy for the next few days.

Mick & Paulines Pool

Our home for August

Mick and Paulines Terrace

Sunday, raining and quite chilly today.  Started on the cleaning chores so spent most of the day doing that, Douglas has been fixing gates, phone lines and cupboard doors.  Managed to catch up with some emails and texts also.  Cooking a nice Roast Beef dinner and will then catch up with a bit of telly.  Have got a box ready for Decaf T Bags, and some other bits and pieces that I am going to post back home to myself, so hopefully will get to Exeter shopping tomorrow.  Will not be visiting Scotland on this visit as there's too much going on at our house to be away for any longer than the six days, sorry everybody but will catch up again very soon. Did finally receive our electricity bills for July and August so have paid them on-line, no matter where we go there is always one bill or another to pay.