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.

Week 13 of our new life

Monday, it is going to be a much cooler day today, this will be quite good as it has been so hot lately and it is meant to stay cool all week, I can do cool which is actually still temperatures in the mid 70s, nice.  Off to Olhao today to see if we can pick up some pool tiles, we still have a leak in the far corner so the pump and filter are working overtime, very hard to get tiles to match but we need to get something, nothing found in Olhao, so back to the drawing board.  Finally remembered to buy compost for the Geraniums new homes.  Up to the house and Adrian is now tiling the family bathroom and Ashley is getting on with the outside painting.  Antonio did not come for the gates today, but he will be collecting them at 08.00am tomorrow morning, if they are still hanging when we go tomorrow I think I will scream.  Douglas is feeling a bit depressed going every day as it does not seem to be going as quick as we thought, but it is taking shape and perhaps going every day does make you feel as if nothing is happening, I am for ever positive.  Saw a sample of the Granite that we are having in the kitchen, we are hoping for a more Glossier version but not sure if that is possible, we will scout around and have a look ourselves whilst we are looking for everything else.  Got an appointment on Wednesday with Carlos about the internal doors, at last I hope we can get what we want.  Swam my 30 lengths this evening so that is my target for the rest of the week.  No swimming for Douglas today, he said its too cold!!!!  Spoke to Jwow about our pool still being Green, he has assured us nothing to worry about once he cleans it this week it should be back to normal, and we must try and get the tiles!!  Also thinking of getting a moped just to let me nip to the shops and back lol, Douglas thinks an electric scooter could be a good idea, don't fancy that as I would have to pedal lol.

Scooter

Trying it for size!!

Tuesday, up and out early today to try and sort out the pool tiles and granite. Headed into Sao Bras as we had 3 places to visit for the pool tiles, success on the 2nd one although we cant match exactly we have managed to get an alternative, which wont be too bad as it is only a corner and it will save a leak, so saving us money until we get the pool resurfaced which will be phase 2, Then it was on to Ferreiras to the Stone Yard, we found it eventually, and no, Gloss Granite is not an option, so we have a sample, now need to speak to Adrian as they come and measure and cut it when the kitchen is finished, also Adrian has a sample so we need to see if they are the same then we can decide.  We then went into Albufeira to the Riviera Coffee Shop for my monthly treat, still did not have a cake, but they have strawberry tarts and cakes that are to die for, I will have one eventually, we then wondered down the strip as Douglas wanted to visit Albertos which is where he goes for a beer when he was coming over to play golf.  His buddies will still come over to play golf so he will still get to go.  Didnt go to our house today as we have an early meeting there tomorrow, we thought we would wait, plus we had to get back for Antonio delivering water to Mick and Paulines.

Granite selected

Another morning of being up and out early, meeting Carlos about the doors, Yes think we have cracked it, now just waiting for the quote and a choice of handles, so have chosen Mahogany Doors and I think Porcelain handles, Carlos does all the frames as well so everything will match, he can also do the wardrobe doors but I said not to bother as Adrian had them sorted, but now thinking a good idea as then everything will match properly, Douglas is whimpering at the thought of the cost lol.  After meeting Carlos was feeling very positive again, only drawback is a five week delivery, still that takes us up to the end of the project, we hope!!!  Adrian has tiled the suicide bathroom floor and started on the walls, so that's good and Ashley has started rendering the walls in Guest Bedroom 1.  The gates have been collected but this has given us another issue as the right hand wall is near collapse, so we need to get that underpinned, well all in all so far we have been lucky as we have not hit any real big issues, so we need to try and get this one sorted rather quickly.  We have another builder coming on board on Monday as Adrian is behind schedule so the extension can be started for the kitchen, hopefully he will be able to sort the wall as well.  We picked up the tiles for the pool today, the plain ones match exactly it is just the patterned ones that do not match so hopefully in the corner it wont be too noticeable.  Also picked up the paint for the gates so we are going to go and paint them at the weekend.  Went into Santa Barbara for lunch and met Julian and Marcia, so had some good banter over lunch, also got an email from Jan and Phil so hopefully we will catch up with them shortly.

Favourite Doorknob

2nd Place

Suicide Bathroom

Guest Bedroom 1

Thursday, let Douglas get a long lie in today to make up for being up early 3 days in a row.  Then it was out to try some furniture shopping, found a lovely dining room table and chairs, but when we measured up it would be too big to go in the space where we want it, think it probably best to wait until house finished then go furniture shopping.  Am looking for beds for the spare rooms but no luck with those, although we did buy a Travel Cot, haha Eilidh and new baby will have a bed to sleep in but their parents wont LOL.  Up to house and good to see things happening, the suicide bathroom floor is tiled and half of the hall is tiled, bedroom 1 was mid way through having the floor cemented.  We had some rain today along with some rumbles of thunder and a tiny bit of lightening, lasted about 45 minutes and then back to normal.We were swimming while it was raining, very bizarre but very enjoyable Oh the joys!!!

Cement Going Down Bedroom

Cement Mixer at Work

Hallway to Paradise

Friday, spent the morning sorting out emails etc, and then went for Lunch to Almancil.  Then off up to house to meet up with Jwow and discuss the repair of the leak in the pool, gave him the tiles we bought and he had set to work while we were there, the pool is now back to half blue and half green!!.  The lads were still pulling up trees, and they had also put the geraniums into their new houses, well one, as they broke one pot so will now need to go and replace it.  Our gates and pump cupboard door and pool house door have been returned and replaced, 4 days Antonio took and job done, we are going to start painting them tomorrow.  Need to wait for electrics to go on gates as Adrian has to put the power in and also rebuild the wall.  Bedroom floor has been cemented and half the suicide bathroom wall tiles are up.

1 Happy Geranium

Restored Gate

Jwow at work on the pool

Saturday, early start today to do some painting at our house. I started on the panels around the pool and Douglas started on the gates.  Two and a half hours for me to do one panel and then I helped Douglas with the gate which took 6 hours, it was a long hot shift and I do admit to getting very crabby towards the end, the heat was so intense and the sweat was dripping off both of us in buckets.  But we achieved a very pleasing result.  Lesson learned for tomorrow we are going to go up earlier so that we can start painting while it is cool and then take a siesta during the hottest time.  We also found time to restore our lampshade, and found we need to shorten it so it does not hang too low from the ceiling in the Living Room.  It was nice just us two at the house.  Joaquim came to deliver some water, and Jwow came to repair the tiles on the pool, so Joaquim needs to come back tomorrow morning now to top up the pool as well.  Finally got back for a swim at 7.00pm and we both managed to do our 30 lengths.  Quote came in for our doors, and it makes sense we should get the same for the wardrobes in the two bedrooms, so Douglas is negotiating, fingers crossed as they are lovely.  It is the White Knight Festival in Loule tonight, everyone dresses in white and it is a Dancing/Cinema experience under the stars which goes on until 2.00am.

Me painting in the corner

Douglas at Work

Pool Repair Complete

One Red Gate

Sunday, a very early start today up to our house and painting for 8.30am, we were on a mission to finish off the panels around the pool and the other gate we finished at 7.45pm, by the time we got back to Mick and Paulines it was 09.30pm, we are both exhausted but pleased that we got them all finished.  Got our pool topped up today and yes no leaks so that was a good result also.  Jwow will be up tomorrow to give it a good clean.  Got a reply back about the doors and Douglas negotiations, seems quite positive anyway.
So the end of another good busy week, and things are at last coming together.
Another builder coming on board tomorrow so we will see what next week brings.  Slight hitch for the next couple of weeks as the road to our house is being closed, as the pipes are going in for Mains Water, there is to be a diversion of sorts but here in the Algarve who knows where that will lead to, haha will update you all on the next blog.

Panels finally completed

2 Red Gates