Sunday 27 October 2013

Week 21 of our new life

Monday, early start today as it is hair cut day, didn't go as bad as I thought just need to keep brushing up on my language skills so I can get exactly what I want, was nearly there but not quite, never mind the first steps taken to getting my hair done over here.
After that Douglas just took the mickey out of me all day, but he did take me for lunch.  Then back to do the housework, washing and ironing, the weather forecast is not good here for the rest of the week so thought I better get it all done before the rain comes.
Had a meeting with Adrian late afternoon, he took on board all the points we made, and we now have a date for first week of November, whether the house is finished or not we will be moving in then as everything is now on hold, curtains are ready, TV and Equipment is ready, furniture is being delivered next week so we will just have to go with it.  The outside of the house will not be finished so hoping Winter does not come too early.
Tuesday, had to go and collect the stone for the front door today, so a drive to Moncarapacho was called for, found Pedro quite easily and had a good discussion with him about the Granite for the Kitchen, Adrian has not mentioned this to him, but we have got a price and know that it will be a two week wait once kitchen is fitted, we can now go Granite hunting again to see if we can get a better price.
Our road has now become passable again from our main gate so we are parking our car on our main drive now and the builder is parking his in our lower drive, this means that we can at least access the road rather than the dirt track, although we now have to negotiate the walk from where we are staying to ours which could be a bit problematic depending on sobriety LOL.
This is good as was getting a bit worried about deliveries next week if the road was still not useable.  Some good news for us today we received our exemption from paying property tax until 2016, as we are new residents, so that saves us a bit of money.
Also managed to get my contact lenses sorted out and despite what I have been told they work out a lot cheaper and I can also get them for six months at a time rather than the 3 months I was getting in Scotland so something to make us smile.
Visit to house saw the kitchen units being made up and also half of the kitchen floor tiled so perhaps a message has been given!! Also had a really heavy downpour for most of the day and only a couple of leaks, hoping that this is because there is still a part of the kitchen to be cemented outside and also the windows have yet to be sealed outside, fingers crossed.
The house is also looking a lot cleaner.
Got the quote for Douglas's pool table, still waiting on the quotes for the Sun Terrace and Pool side extension also exterior blinds for the terrace, hopefully they will come in this week.
Wednesday, very early start today as going to Glasgow, raining here at the moment.  Had a good flight arrived at Prestwick and got the train to Glasgow Central, easy journey and time to do some shopping before Douglas's eye appointment.
Stocked up on T bags and toothpaste and a little bit of clothes shopping. Went for lunch to the Drum and Monkey, very disappointing.
Douglas's eye appointment was also a big disappointment for him, very blunt nothing more they can do for his eyes, there is another operation that could be had but not recommended, Douglas is absolutely gutted and this has put a damper on things.  Back to hotel, staying at The Pond, time to freshen up and then Laura and Eilidh arrived, both looking really well, cannot believe how Eilidh has grown and how good she is. Had a good couple of hours to catch up and they got something to eat, we were waiting on Danny and Lesa arriving but Laura needed to get Eilidh home for bed so got them both fed first, shame we could not eat altogether also a shame that Andrew was working. Enjoyed seeing them both and lovely just to catch up with them.  Danny and Lesa arrived so it was goodbye to Laura and Eilidh and Hello to Danny and Lesa, had a good catch up with them over dinner, so have a better idea now of wedding plans etc as well.  Great to see them all and sorry we did not catch up with anyone else, we will be back end of November beginning of December so will do the rounds then.
Terrible thing though I did not get any photos on this visit, which is very unusual for me, I think I was that busy chatting that completely forgot about photographing the moments.
Thursday, another early start flying back home today, seems like a whirlwind visit, again heading home to rain.
We felt the difference in temperature in Glasgow much colder than here.  Again nice easy flight from Prestwick and back to warmth although raining.  Very difficult to get to where we are staying because of the rain, it was just Mud Mud and more Mud, our shoes and jeans etc were sodden.  We got in and then walked down to our house, very scary and squelch squelch squelch.
At least the road to our house is OK now it is just a bit further up the road where we are staying that is now being done.  Because of the rain the outside cementing could not be finished off, David had cemented some but the rain washed it off, Adrian was busy putting the kitchen units together and setting them out in the kitchen.  We need to go and buy another cupboard, anther two lights for under the cupboards and get 21 pairs of silent closing hinges, great to be back.
Friday, heavy rain throughout the night, there are some damp patches in the kitchen which will only be remedied when the roof is done, I am hoping this is going to be done as a matter of urgency as do not see the point of painting etc until it is done!!!  The Road-workers had built us a nice little wooden path this morning so that we can cross the mud safely, very nice of them so Douglas has bought them some bottles of beer to say Thank You LOL.
Jwow was in today putting a waste pipe in for the pool so that when it is at the proper level any excess water will go into the garden, as this hopefully will stop the leaking of the pool!! he is also fixing the valve which will stop another leak, hopefully then when the sun comes back out tomorrow it will dry up and then David can get that cemented next week as well.
The man was up seeing about the Granite as well so hopefully he has done all the measuring and Adrian has ordered it, he left for the weekend without telling us, not to worry will catch up on Monday.
Posh Path towards our House
Going to where we are staying
Saturday, after a fantastic electrical storm well into the night woke up to wonderful sunshine again, and it is going to be sunny and warm for the next week.  The storm was amazing forked lightning and such loud thunder but no rain the skies were alight.  Went down to our house to have a good look around, but after it being clean and well organised all week, even up to yesterday morning the kitchen units were all set out, thought I could get some photos today.  Not to be don't know what happened during the course of yesterday but everything is up in the air again the place is a mess and very difficult to make out anything again.  We are going to start calling Saturdays depressing days as we always end up feeling like this after going in to the house.
Have discovered a few leaks which still need attention, mainly from the sun terrace roof and the fire place, need to discuss this again with Adrian on Monday as want this fixed before any more painting etc gets done!!!  Seems logical to me but nothing seems to be logical at the moment, so very frustrated.
Our bedroom and bathroom were supposed to be completely finished as well as we have furniture being delivered on Wednesday, that has not happened either. Two more weeks and we are moving in, god help us.
We need to try and track down someone that does fire and chimney repairs, we are going to drive towards Faro today as we have seen one place on the N125.
Off to Almancil for lunch and then off to visit some furniture shops and the fireplace shop.
Most places are closed today as that is what they do on Saturdays, we found the shop we needed so will revisit on Monday.
Today was also a day of finding strange beasties, Douglas rescued something that was swimming in our pool, really don't know what it is but it looks disgusting and we also found a snake outside our gate.
Douglas to the rescue
Safe and Sound but What am I?
Sammy the Snake














Sunday, woke up to another lovely day but with puffy eyes and a sore head, think I have a cold coming, so much for our time back in Glasgow!! So a nice lazy day is on the cards. Somebody ran over Sammy the Snake (dont think it was us!) but it was another day for strange beasties appearing.
Went down to our house just to go over the kitchen once more, things do not seem to be working out as they are supposed to, well that is no surprise just now!! another conversation with Adrian tomorrow. Thinking I am losing the plot completely.  Two weeks to go and we are moving in and I know that it is not going to be finished just by walking in at the moment, but never the less we shall be in and will have to put up with whatever.  So the next two weeks are going to be busy for us.  It has been quite a strange week but after today my batteries will be recharged and ready for battle yet again.
Sunsetting 6.30pm
Sunsetting 6.00pm
Another strange beastie














Sunday 20 October 2013

Week 20 of our new life

Monday, after a great day yesterday at Mick and Paulines BBQ, back to reality, caught a gorgeous sun rise this morning.  Time to do some shopping, we also need to go and get some more tiles as they are running out and not enough for the kitchen and we have to pick up the sink for the master bathroom.  Went to visit some Craft shops as we are looking for something to put on the column in the kitchen, did see some different wall art but have not made a decision, will search around a bit more. We have bought a double bed, 2 single beds, 2 bedside cabinets and a chair so 3rd bedroom will be sorted apart from a wardrobe, and bedroom 2 will at least have a bed.  We arranged storage for these items until 30th October, so hopefully even if the house is not complete we will have one room where we can store things.  Actually what we have decided is that because we will have the double bed we can actually stay in our house from the 30th, whether it is finished or not, sounds like a plan. Stopped for some lunch and then on to pick up the sink and buy the tiles, also got the lights for under the kitchen units, really nice lights it is a pity that you wont see them underneath the cupboards.  Had to buy Contact Lens solution and Sun Tan Lotion as well, Sun Cream is an extortionate price here, until my parcel arrives back at my dads and then my sister resends it to me I need to buy it, I did buy it back in the UK and that is one of the things in my parcel, if I ever see it again!!. Luckily enough we managed to get the sink, tiles and lights into the car and made it up the dirt track which is the road to ours for the next three weeks.  The road is an absolute nightmare the first track was difficult enough, the one we have to use now is even worse, it is like being on a roller coaster complete with bumps. Never mind just grin and bear it, what is 3 weeks. Work in the house has been busy today, David is busy cementing the kitchen floor to make it level, Ashley is back and has been priming the cement work ready for painting and tiling and Adrian has been grouting the tiles in Bedroom 2 and 3.

Wake up Monday
Kitchen floor to be
Ashley in his Prime












Tuesday, decided we would have a walk around Almancil today, well I did. Douglas moaned because it was going to be a long walk and it was very hot, I replied that it is better to get the exercise and we would enjoy it more and feel better for it.  So walk we did!!  There were some nice little shops to pop in and out of, but didn't find anything inspiring.  Did make an appointment for the dentist on Friday morning, I am a month past my 6 month check up so thought I better take the plunge, scary but got to be done.  I also need to sort out my contact lenses as well, but one thing at a time.  Then popped into Benson and Pirie who do wood structures etc, so Ed is going to visit us on Thursday morning and price up a carport, the Sun Terrace and also look at extending the pool area.  Wanted to pop into the bike shop to have a look at mopeds but we were too late by then.  We ended up having a 3 hour walk which was good for the body and the mind LOL, although not sure if Douglas agrees with those sentiments.  In to see the house, the Kitchen floor is now cemented flat ready for tiling and David has cemented the exterior front of the extension, Adrian was starting to tile the Living Room, although not sure how that will work as there is that much rubbish etc in there, but we shall see.  Taking shape.
David at Work
Kitchen Floor Flat ready to go
Wednesday, good day, bad day today.  Roadworks are coming along ever nearer to our house, starting at 7.00am and finishing 5.30pm, but must admit they are cracking on with it so should reach our gate by next week which will then give us another headache of which way to go.  The dirt track we have to use at the moment is worse than the first one, oh well time will tell.  We have also discovered that if we want mains water to the house we have to pay to get the pipes put in up to the house and also have to pay for waste pipes and a water meter, which will come to a fair amount of euros.  One good thing we don't have to connect to it legally so we can opt in or out, think Douglas is thinking on that one.  Up early this morning as usual, got the washing etc done, by 11.30 discovered no noise in our house, are the builders on strike!! sent Douglas to investigate what was going on.  The builders decided last night to get drunk and have a punch up, and on top of that they slept in.  Furious again is not the word to describe how I feel about this, and very tempted just to tell them all to P*** OFF.  Just not good and to crown it when going to house again tonight they have the cheek to tell me they have had a very slow day, Yes 3 rows of tiles laid in the living room in 2 days is what I would call slow, and the construction of the boiler cupboard, my reaction I can project manage better myself or actually tile the bloody floor myself.  Now Adrian is talking of moving his caravan on our land at the end of the month so he can continue, which is really telling us that it is not going to be ready then.  I think we are better now trying to get some other individuals to continue with some of the jobs that way Adrian and Co can just concentrate on what they have to finish, not one room complete in four months is getting beyond a joke and I have lost the plot with Manyana!! Went to Tavira to pick up our wall art for the exterior wall, fantastic, it is just the job and is gorgeous, sorry not posting a picture until it is up on the wall.  Now trying to source some for the kitchen column which is not easy.  Oh forgot! argument with Douglas over furniture, see things that are a good price, he always waits then when we go back for them they are gone, same thing again today!!  Good news, my parcel arrived at my dads so now my sister has got it and I will contact DHL to see if they can pick it up and deliver it, 5 weeks so far to go from Devon to Portugal and then back to Devon, now I have to pay for it all over again. Tomorrow will be a better day!!

Tavira Pottery
Garden Centrepiece perhaps!
Constructing Boiler Cupboard

The road leading........

to ours!!!










Thursday, early meeting this morning with Ed and Charley to discuss car port, sun terrace and pool extension, went quite well, they know what we are looking for so have to wait for a quote.  Adrian is also going to quote for sun terrace and pool extension so we will wait and see.  Off to look at the furniture that we looked at yesterday, just pulled up outside shop and it was being loaded onto a van, bought at 9.00am this morning, disappointed yet again, this is the third time, if you dont buy it when you see it then it is gone.  There are not much furniture shops here so very difficult to get hold of things that are worthwhile having.  Never mind perhaps another day.  Off then to try and find Wall Art that Douglas wants for the kitchen column, would be a good idea if he actually could decide what he wants, saw some nice ones but yet again need to think about it!! feeling very frustrated just now as nothing seems to be going to plan.  Went to Vilamoura for lunch and saw the dream boat which I could just sail away on and on the drive back saw a random scarecrow in a field, would frighten humans not to mention the birds, very strange, Portuguese scarecrows not as we know them!!  Went to the house, six rows of the living room floor is now tiled, the Gas cupboard outside is going well, it has all been cemented and has a tiled roof.
Scarecrow or what!!
Sail away !!
Friday, first visit to the dentist this morning, went well need to have two fillings and teeth cleaned, so another appointment has been made for two weeks.  Dentist was really nice, a South African he made me feel very comfortable, and not overly expensive, check up cheaper than in the UK and from what I can gather fillings etc cost approximately the same.  Hopefully the same will go for my Contact Lens Appointment, although have not made one yet.  We then went for breakfast and then off to Quarteira to find a shop that Alison Greening runs for ladies clothes, finally found it and bought a new top, some of the things are really nice but I would say most of it is for the older ladies.  Then off to change some tiles, the tiles that we bought back in July had two boxes of the wrong tiles in them, so we needed to change them for the correct ones, had no receipt as cannot find it, but the shop could not have been more helpful and managed to trace our previous order and change them for us.  Also tried to order a tall cupboard for the kitchen, as this was one of my priorities to house the ironing board, hoover etc and this is one of the things that for some reason I have not got.  Only to find now that the space that I have left that would fit a cupboard, I cannot buy a cupboard in the size as it is too small, so now have to rethink where the hell to put these things.  Only thing we can think of at the moment is to take some space in the wardrobe in the spare room and section that off.  The wardrobe will only be used for when we have visitors so there will still be ample space to hang clothes etc, only thing not ideal to keep hoover etc in there, but seems to be the only place now as another cupboard anywhere will certainly look odd.  I am trying to retain my will to live but it is becoming increasingly difficult.  Silly little things that were part of the original plans that are being forgotten, why does this happen???  Living Room floor is nearly tiled, Adrian is working tonight and tomorrow morning to try and get it finished, 1 week to tile 1 floor am I being unreasonable!!!
Saturday, had a bit of rain this morning, but by 2.00pm the sun was back out like nothing had happened, at least the garden got a good watering. We had a wander around Faro this afternoon, just ambling around finding places and knowing where we are was good.  Walking down one street and Douglas happened to look up, at the top of a high rise were two donkeys peeping over the top, hoping they were not real LOL but quite bizarre.  Adrian was working on the living room tiles last night and this morning, so we popped into the house when we came back.  Living Room floor is tiled and grouted apart from a few tiles needed at the fireplace.  We need to have another discussion on Monday as there are a couple of things we are not too happy with and that need remedied  Happy Days!!
Yes Really!! Donkeys
Sunday, early start today as going to the races, Formula One Classic Car Racing at Perrierra, Portimao, what a fantastic day.  Races started at 09.00am and we saw GT & Sport Car Cup, Classic Grand Prix qualifying, Historic Touring Car Challenge, Pre War Sports Cars, Formula Junior, Historic Endurance and the Class Grand Prix Final.  Never been to a racetrack before and the noise was deafening, but the cars!! Wow it was a fantastic day and we also saw a couple of UK winners and a Scots Winner, so the flags were raised.  We had seats in the Grandstand opposite the Podium and right at the Finish Line so had a great view of everything going on.  We had a slight downpour at lunchtime but again the sun came out like it had never happened.  Well  worth going to and enjoyed every minute.  Final race finished at 4.45 and then we made our way home, tired but having had a great day.  This has been a not too bad week, just a bit frustrating with the house, we have a meeting with Adrian again tomorrow to try and solve the poor parts and remedy the rest of the work, we think reality is that we will not be in our house at the end of this month either, but positively we will see what happens tomorrow.
1st,2nd,3rd Historic Touring Cars
On the Podium
Formula Junior





Historic Endurance

Historic Endurance Finish

Monday 14 October 2013

Week 19 of our new life

Monday, a gorgeous sunny hot day has dawned, Carly woke up and the first thing she could think of was going in the pool, they were both that excited it took them to eat their breakfast.  Katie took them to the pool armed with lilos, noodle and ball, she thought she was going to get to sunbathe, no chance.  I joined them and they had great fun right up until lunchtime.  I joined them and let Katie sunbathe as she had to get a tan!!! Had to drag them out of the pool so that we could go for lunch, so off we went to Faro Beach, had a nice lunch and then off to do some paddling.  Danielle and Carly wanted to walk to the end of the beach, Douglas and Katie wanted to sit on the beach, so Gran to the rescue, we walked for miles along the beach, paddling, picking shells and still never got to the end, time to find Mum and Grandad, then time to go home and get ready to go for dinner.  One more dip in the pool, please Gran, this time it was to be our pool, so while we checked in with Adrian and David they had another half an hour in the pool, I am tired dont know about them!!!  Went to Ze Dias in Sao Bras, by the end of dinner they could hardly keep their eyes open, so off home and ready for bed to make the most of another day tomorrow.
Fun in the Pool
Ongoing
Who gets who in the water












Tuesday, guess what have to have the morning in the pool, oh well here we go, weather is fantastic so why not, Katie can get her tan, Danielle and Carly can shrink.  Lunchtime and we are off to Pera to see the City of Sand, another nice lunch and then wow, amazing the theme was Music and Film, sand statues, all you could think of from Lion King, Alice in Wonderland, Pavarotti, Gene Kelly, Noddy, Johnny Depp, Lady Gaga etc etc, Carly got a bit tired, it was a lot of walking and it was also very hot, but she persevered and spotted Hello Kitty, Amy Winehouse, U2, so they were all enthralled and found it very difficult to believe that they were all made out of sand. Finally time to go home, Danielle and Carly fell asleep in the car, soon as we got back, oh we need another dip in the pool before we go out for dinner.  Do we really, oh yes and it had to be our pool, just as well we are only staying above our house so it is a short walk.  Chicken Luis for dinner, they all tucked into chicken and Chips like they had not eaten, must be something to do with the fresh air, the heat and the swimming.  Douglas dared Katie to try the Piri Piri Sauce, very hot and spicey, she was not impressed, her face was a picture as the first taste was good until it hit the back of the throat. Another day with two very tired children at the end of it.
On the Beach
Wind your neck in Katie!!!
Frankenstein in Sand

Where is Noddy

Johnny Depp in Sand










Wednesday, no need to say that the first thing to do today is swim in the pool, Carly just loves swimming with the noodle, she wants to take it home but it wont go in her luggage LOL, guess what to buy her for Christmas.  Danielle likes the Lilo and can float it and jump on it and whizz across the other side of the pool.  Going to Albufeira today as Katie wants to get some souvenirs and we can also go to the beach there as well.  Lunch in Albufeira, then trawling the shops, not Douglas's favourite pastime but he was patient as a saint, shall we get this, no dont want that, Carly just wanted to get on the beach.  Finally got to the beach, the waves were very rough, Katie topped up her tan, Douglas and I took the kids for a paddle, well, the first wave to come in was so high, Douglas and I got drenched and we had shorts and T Shirts on, Douglas was able to take his T Shirt off and at least have something dry.  Danielle and Carly loved it, they were riding the white horses, and as it got rougher and higher Danielle was having an adrenalin rush, Carly got a bit scared so I had to stand at the waters edge with her, Katie was oblivious she was getting the sun tan.  Thank goodness there were showers on the beach so that we could get the kids changed from their costumes into dry clothes, as for me and Douglas we had to stay wet, not a very pleasant journey home.  Definitely no pool when we got home as we were later getting back and dinner still had to be decided on.  As they are leaving tomorrow it was decided I would cook, so Douglas went out to get supplies, Katie wanted a fresh Tuna Steak for her tea as she wanted to try one before she went, so did Carly so thats what we got and Danielle opted for Pizza, never one to try something different.  The tuna steaks went down well, then chill down time and children's bed.  The days have gone so quick and have been filled constantly so yes they have all enjoyed their few days and will I think certainly be back, only it will be much better as it will be in our own house.  It has been nice to have full days, and when the children go to bed we can sit outside with a glass of wine, or in my case a wee Morgans or two and just chill and catch up.
Did I order!!
I am hungry
Wheres my Lunch

Grandad fix my dog before lunch arrives











Thursday, early start today it is going home day, so up at the crack of dawn, make sure everybody gets some breakfast and a good cup of Granny's tea, Katie even got hers in bed.  Granny triple checks everything so nothing is left behind, then it is off to the airport.  Every one is organised, passports in hand, boarding passes in hand, purse and phone in the bag, kisses and cuddles a few tears, not long til we see you again, bye bye.  They have had a good time and go back with some happy memories until the next time.  Back to the house for us and it is cleaning and washing time, might as well get it done. Bedding, towels etc all washed and hung out to dry, all dry by lunchtime and put away.  Cleaning done as well, Douglas opted to do the hoovering and the mopping, wow all done, sit in the sun, again it was so hot that we both opted for the shade.  Popped out for a bit of lunch and then home just to chill today.  Went into our house to check on what's happening, things are coming on, the 3rd bathroom now has its sink and toilet in, the kitchen is taking shape with the plastering and cementing near completed, and David was busy blocking in the window in the living room.  Sad to say we have fell out with our Dutch neighbours, as at tea time they passed us by without a word and walked straight into our house, discussing things with Adrian and going from room to room, we watched from where we are staying. We have let it pass before as we thought they were just being neighbourly, but this time it made me mad as I dont feel that anybody apart from the builders should be in our house just now, and when it is finished and ready we will then invite them in to see, not good enough for them they took a strop, so be it.  I am mad with Adrian as well for constantly encouraging them, and spending a lot of his time drinking beer etc with them in our house while David gets on with the work, no wonder things are so far behind and meantime we have to constantly pay out for somewhere else to stay.  We will see what happens now, no loss to me if that is how they want to be. Plus I will speak to Adrian tomorrow as he slunk off when Douglas went down!!!
Kitchen Column to be a feature
Couldnt reach this cupboard!!
Sink for 3rd Bathroom

Toilet for 3rd Bathroom, Yippee

Window disappearing










Friday, early start as getting my nails done, we then decided to go and pay the deposit for the curtain alterations, and also choose material for the kitchen curtains, James and Valentina gave us coffee and pastel de nata's so we were there for ages.  On then to look for a dining table and chairs, finally found a lovely typical Portuguese one with six chairs so bought it.  This is where things become difficult as anything we buy just now we have to get stored so costs us more money, if we could have one room completely finished in our house then we could store things in there, but for some reason this just does not seem to be an option!!!  Our single beds will be in on Monday and not sure if they will store them for another three weeks or so.  We took the scenic route to drive up and down today and passed through, Estoi and Moncarapacho, lovely just to amble along (Douglas was like a Sunday driver back in the UK).  On to do food shopping, and on the way collected another two Leather Handbags which Douglas lovingly bought for me, I now have more handbags than shoes due to the fact that apart from my flip flops and one pair of shoes everything else is in storage.  Back to the house to check in with Adrian before he leaves for the weekend, Shower cubicle is now in bathroom 3 and tiles grouted, also floor tiles in 3rd bedroom grouted, bricked in window in living room is fully bricked and plastered/cemented, does not make any difference to the amount of light in the room, thank goodness we were a bit worried about that but it has worked out well and we will have a lot more wall space.  Spoke to Adrian about the incident with the neighbours and told him that he can socialise with them all he likes when he is in his own time, but not in our house at the moment, and also nobody is to be in our house looking around unless we have allowed it.  He admitted he should not have let it happen, but it is a bit late now and we will have to see if Douie and his wife talk to us or not, after yesterday we doubt it, but Cest La Vie!!! Douglas is quite upset by it and things get to him more than me, so has put a slight damper on things just now but he will get over it.
Shower Cubicle 3rd Bathroom
Window Gone ...
Sarurday, cooler today with slight cloud but will warm up again by lunchtime, shame was hoping for a bit of cool.  First stop today, into Faro to buy a printer, we need to print off some documents so thought it best to buy a printer, we got one that can scan and photocopy and also connect to WiFi as well, so should do for what we need.  Two hours in the one shop, Douglas likes to wander down each aisle just to see what else there is!! cannot get used to him shopping LOL.  Then it was off to see if we could get some sort of Portuguese artwork for the column in our kitchen, no luck the pottery shops were closed.  We then decided to go to another exhibition being held in Quinto do Lago at the Conrad Algarve, a five star establishment where apartments go for a million pounds, sorry kids but we were going to get you one each but they only had three left!!!  Got some interesting information from World Telecom, regarding mobile phones and broadband so we will follow that up next week, also a water softener device as our water has a lot of calcium and this ruins the pipework, not to say what it does to the showers and washing machine etc, so Douglas is thinking on that just now as well.  Finally time for some lunch well at 4.00pm a bit late but needed something to eat and drink.  Finally back to ours, we needed to measure the kitchen column for wall art, needed to decide on tiles for the kitchen, should we stick with the same or change them and needed to measure the 3rd bedroom for beds and wardrobe, also decided to take out some shelves in Living Room and replace with Granite Shelves.  Had to water all the plants as well as I think Adrian has forgotten about them now and they are growing at a great rate, but it can be my job now anyway as I have the time!!  Time for a rest.
The Drive up to Conrad, Algarve
Sunday, Off to Estoi market this morning just to have a look, this is a big market which sells just about everything you could imagine, clothes, kitchen equipment, toys, budgies, chickens, ducks and rabbits (live ones), saw some lovely bed covers, but as we don't have any beds at the moment need to wait as not sure of measurements.  We decided to have a Fartura each, this is a large deep fried dinner plate sized doughnut coated in cinnamon and sugar, very calorific for Sunday breakfast.  Headed back, managed a couple of hours in the sun, caught up with texts and emails and Douglas set up the printer, easy and it works a treat.  Off out in the afternoon, Mick and Pauline are having a BBQ.  They have family over just now so we met Frank, Dave, Suzanne and also Steve and Elaine and Colin and Jean, golfing friends of Micks, had a good laugh, with plenty of alcohol and good food. As usual we were the last to leave.
Men Only

Ladies Only

Sunday 6 October 2013

Week 18 of our new life

Monday, wet and windy day again today, Mesteraposa came back to seal the outside of the windows first thing this morning, wasn't raining then, but by the time we called in to the house late afternoon all the sealing had come off due to the rain, now they will have to come back and do it when it is dry. We had to pop in to see them in the office as well as we gave them a cheque on Friday for another 40% but forgot to sign the cheque!!!  They have to come back to fit the front door and the fly screens when the work is finished anyway so will sort the sealant out then.  Off for lunch in Vilamoura, we met up with Douglas's pal from Gilvenbank Colin Nicolic and his wife June, had a good laugh over a three hour lunch, Douglas might even play a round of golf next week with him, and hopefully we can meet up for dinner later on this week as well. Called in to the house on the way back, another couple of problems have surfaced, we have a leak in the roof in the living room and also a leak in the chimney of the fireplace.  Now need to think what to do about that, tiling and sealing the sun terrace will be an answer to the leak in Living Room, need to take advice on the Chimney as we will be using that for the wood burner in the winter.  David could not get the extension plastered due to the rain, as he had not had time to finish it before the rains came it is soaking so will need to dry out before he can get it done, they are putting in the electrics etc while they have the chance.  Made the final decision on where the lights are going in the kitchen, and we need to go and buy lights for under the cupboards in the kitchen, forgot about them!!!  feeling a bit disheartened after that, 11 days to go, no chance!!
Tuesday, cool and cloudy today, early start, first stop to see about television, music system etc, want a smart TV, possibly blue ray home cinema system, discussed our requirements a package can be made to suit, Alistair will get back to us today.  Next stop Olhao to see Valentyna and James regarding alterations to our curtains, it is possible to alter the curtains that we brought with us, thank god for that they were so expensive to be made in the UK that I am so pleased to be able to get the use of them out here, chose curtain tracks and they are coming to the house on Thursday morning to measure up and we will take it from there.  Time for lunch found a nice little cafe and had a Bifana, phone call from Alistair can we pop in to see him on the way back regarding a proposed TV package, will do that about 4 as want to look around shops for bits and pieces while we are in Olhao.  Didn't find anything in the shops, headed back to Almancil, TV package is good but maybe somewhat expensive, we would get plenty out of it plus it includes a new satellite dish, camera for Skype, installation and a years subscription to all the Sky Channels, have made an appointment for him to come to the house on Thursday morning as well to check out size of Dish we would need and if the TV will go on the wall that we want it to go on.  Ross from FJ North is also coming to the house on Thursday to look at the Sun Terrace for the Pool table, Thursday is going to be a busy day.  Finally got back to the house, David is plastering the walls that are dry in the extension, Ashley was busy knocking out the rest of the wall and Adrian was getting on with tiling the 3rd bathroom.  Had a discussion on toilet seats, I have seen the ones that I want, Silent Closing and Black, Adrian has already got one white one that is not silent closing, can we change them, not sure as he does not know if they will fit, he will go back to where he got it and ask the question!!
Ashley demolishing Wall
Wednesday, cool but dry today, but the rain came back at tea time, not been a good week weather-wise at all, but the garden and all my cuttings are thriving. Had to go to Guia today to chase up our bathroom sink, it was ordered god knows how long ago and is still not in, we have been assured that it will be in the shop on the 10th October, hallelujah.  Bought some lights for underneath the kitchen cupboards, really nice lights and they were on special offer, just what Douglas likes only to get back and Adrian said they are the wrong type and cannot be fitted underneath the cupboards, great now have to go all the way back to change them.  3rd Bathroom is coming on, floor is tiled and inside shower is tiled, Adrian was in the process of starting to fit the Shower Screen, David is still busy plastering the Extension, the wall has not dried out yet plus it has rained again so that will be another hold up.  Ashley is still demolishing the wall, I feel that somebody will get a brick in the back of the head, the way they are working just now.  It is coming together but seems to me to be all over the place, but then I am not a builder and I think the weather is dictating what they can get on with at the moment.  Managed to get the washing done today, but was still a bit damp with the humidity here so having a problem trying to make sure it is dry, and no space where we are living just now does not help.  Feeling a bit frustrated but hanging in there, wont be long now!!!  Need to go and buy an iron as mine is in storage, and no iron where we are staying just now either so Grrrr.
3rd Bathroom
Thursday, sun is out today and it is warmer again, got the washing hung out to dry from yesterday. First appointment today with Valentyna and James about the curtains, result with alterations all of the curtains are going to fit all of the windows, have chosen Black and Chrome tracks with pull cords, also going to get quote for blinds for the kitchen windows, quote should arrive in my inbox tomorrow. Two and a half hours later, next appointment, Ross from FJ North regarding Pool table on the sun terrace, yes that it also possible although we would probably have to get someone with a scissor lift to get it up there, again we have chosen a black exterior table with Red cloth, quote will go to Douglas's email for that over next couple of days, you can see who has the best priorities.  Finally time to go for a bit of lunch before next appointment at 2 o clock.  This one is for the TV,  we have decided to go for a 42" Panasonic Smart TV, Skype camera, Blue Ray Player. new Sattelite dish and a years subscription to Sky TV which includes all the sky channels (Movies, Sports etc) they will also cable in for our Portable TV and install both TVs onto the walls.  The portable we have decided will go into Bedroom 3 as that will mainly be used for the grandchildren, if they want to watch TV.  Douglas thinks we will argue over me wanting to Skype and him wanting to watch Sport???  Adrian has another job to do now as he needs to channel in for all the cables and also build a Black Granite double tier shelf into the wall to hold the Router, Phone, Sky Box and Blue Ray Player, just as well he hasn't started on the living room yet!!!   Finally 2 hours later it was of to Loule for me to buy an iron and also to go to the Parcel Office.  I finally tracked my parcel that I sent to myself when I was at my dads 3 weeks ago, amazingly it has been in Portugal since 17th September, sadly it was returned to my Dads last night as the parcel office here does not deliver to Post Office boxes.  Devastated is not the word, it cost me £50.00 to post it, waited for 3 weeks for it to arrive, only to chase it up to find it has been returned to Devon, bloody ridiculous.  Why the Post Office could not tell me that they did not deliver to PO boxes I don't know, now I need to wait a week for it to arrive back at my Dads, then it will be another week before my sister can pick it up from him, then another week at least before I can organise for a Courier to get it from her, that will be 7 weeks if not 8 weeks before I see my goodies, plus the extra cost, frustrated is not the word!!!  Having been to the house today, there is no way it is going to be ready for the 12th October, we are looking at least the end of October, so this has probably been the worst week for me since we have been here, just feeling very frustrated with it all, living out of a couple of suitcases for this length of time is becoming anything but fun.  But, chin up we are finally coming to the end, so just need to hang in there.  My plants are doing very well though, the Ginger has shot up and my Jacaranda Seed has sprouted, also a Preying Mantis has taken a shine to my large Geranium, LOL.  Having been to Loule to buy the iron, we popped in to see Mick and Pauline, they have been getting the outside of their house painted, and have had delays this week because of the rain too, so we all decided to have a couple of drinks and go out for Piri Piri Chicken, just what the Doctor ordered, a drink, a laugh and some good food.  Feeling better already.
Preying Mantis
Ginger
Jacaranda Sprouting












Friday, good to wake up to blue skies and sunshine after a week of cloud and rain, got two more loads of washing done and then all the housework, getting ready for Katie and the Kids coming.  Not used to Douglas helping with housework, he done the hoovering today and helped hang the washing out.  By the time we finished it was time to think about going out for some lunch.  Went to Almancil for lunch, then off to Continente for shopping, not getting a lot as we will eat out when Katie is here, as we do not have much room for 5 of us where we are staying, so just bought things for Breakfasts and snacks.  Then it was off to Sao Bras, Douglas needed to top up his phone, seems to go through a lot of credit and he phones nobody, but does use the internet quite a bit so think that is what it is eating his credit, probably worth his while to get a contract phone.  He will look into it, Douglas has found it even easier to slip in the ways of Manyana, which means everything does get done eventually, not much difference there then!!  Adrian needed to see us about a couple of things, so made it back to the house by 6.00pm.  David is still working on the extension, Adrian is still working on the 3rd Bathroom so not a lot of difference for the end of the week.  The kitchen is going to be bigger than we thought though, even with a column in it, it was a good decision to build out to the front rather than to the side as it will make a big difference.  Jwow was in to do the pool today and the lads were doing the garden, looking good.  Got the quote for the alterations to the curtains plus the new tracks and tie back hooks, think it is reasonable, just waiting on Douglas to decide!!
Saturday, another hot sunny day and another early start.  Off to Portimao today to attend an exhibition on Better Living in Portugal, quite interesting with lots of different stands (a bit like Ideal Home) although not on such a large scale, craft stands were very good and very handy with 3 birthdays coming up this month.  We joined AFPOP which is an organisation for property owners in Portugal, gives you lots of information regarding laws and legal things, social activities and also trips etc, very handy and a nominal joining fee so thought we would try it for a year.  We also got some good information on Mobile Phone Tarriffs, particularly for me as I still use the UK mobile number, killing me with the bills every month and as Douglas keeps reminding me, I am not working anymore!!!  I keep telling him that once we have a home to live in, and have Skype, WiFi etc my bills will be minimal!!!  Not sure who is believing who??  Also spoke to someone regarding blinds for the kitchen, so another email to do with more information after another visit to a website.  After this we decided to go on to Alvor, we have been before and thought we would discover more, it was such a lovely afternoon nothing to hurry for, we ambled through craft shops and gift shops, stopped for a drink and a late lunch, then walked around the harbour finally heading back about 7.00pm.  We then realised that we had Pool toys etc to blow up ready for Katie, Danielle and Carly arriving tomorrow, I managed one ball, Douglas had two Lilos, a Float and Armbands to do and luckily the blow up bed has its own pump.  No sleep for me tonight as I will worry until they arrive at Faro Airport, they have a 7.00am flight so will need to be up early, and this will be such an achievement for Katie to do this on her own, she is very nervous also but all will be well, unless of course they all end up in New York!!!

Digger at work on our Road
Portimao Arena
Alvor Harbour













Sunday, another lovely day, and with it the arrival of Katie, Danielle and Carly, so good to see them all. What shall we do today, well Danielle and Carly had the answer, all they wanted to do was swim in the pool. We got them settled in, it will be slightly cramped but we can manage for four days, then we took them to see our house, so they decided they wanted to swim in our pool, no problem we took the lilos, floats and balls, made up a picnic and used our pool and terrace, it was so warm 5 hours had passed and Danielle and Carly had a great time in the pool, Katie chilled out beside the pool and Douglas and I chilled out on the terrace.  We had a BBQ later and they were all in bed for 9.30pm sleeping soundly.  Thats what I call a good result plus they have the advantage of getting a good colour as well.  It has been a good week in as far as we have got a few more things sorted out for our house, not so good that we are not going to be in our house for next week and will now possibly be looking at the end of October, well another 3 weeks I am just going to have to hold myself together, lack of clothes, personal items and just having a place to call my own is beginning to get to me.  One other piece of news to cheer me up, our youngest son Danny has proposed to Lesa in Paris and have set a wedding date for July 2015, the question I now ponder on is will we be having a wedding in The Algarve?? I somehow think the answer might be Yes!!!!