As is often the case, this blog lurches into life mid-morning on a Thursday. Unusually for May, it's a cool, dull, cloudy day with enough moisture in the air to dampen the cobbles. By this time we have scanned our email inboxes, absorbed the morning's news, walked the dogs around the hill (45 minutes), fed them (15 minutes) and contemplated the day over a biscuit and a cup of coffee.
Apart from the usual run-of-the-mill stuff, lawyers, cars and rats have kept us busy. The picture shows our third captive rat. On Jonesy's insistence, all such captives have been treated strictly in accordance with the Geneva Conventions. Were they being confined (prior to being released) in the shade, she wanted to know, and did they need water. I was able to reassure her on both counts.
MORE PYRAMID ORCHIDS IN THE PARK
Where I failed was in my argument that rats were a pernicious plague and that captives should be treated with a merciful pellet to the head. So down the road we went in deference to her sensitivities, to a field where I (she declined) set free Ratty 3. I might add that the measures I took to conceal another trap prevented the door from slamming shut on Ratty 4, who got away with his life and the loot. Operation Rattrap continues.
ARCHIVE PICTURE OF CASA NADA
On Monday afternoon after my English lesson, we saw the lawyer to follow up on the document issued to us last week by the council. This document represents the first real step towards registering and legalising the old house on the property. What lies ahead should be relatively straight-forward. The hard work - 15 years of it - has been to persuade the council to recognise our legitimate claim to the old house. Officially, the dwelling hasn't existed and what matters in this country is what's on record and not what's on the ground.
Tuesday morning early I dropped the car off down the road with the village mechanic for its annual service and inspection. He first changes the oil and checks for any defects before continuing on to an inspection centre. Vehicles undergo rigorous checks four, six and eight years after their initial purchase - and then every year thereafter. Happily, the car - now approaching its 10th birthday - sailed through as usual.
Wednesday we took ourselves to the beach for lunch while Natasha set about the house. Three sparrows, not content with the crumbs that they were begging from tables outside the snack bar, flew inside to plead their case with diners. The boldest of them flapped up and down several times beside a table of French tourists; then, to make a point, perched on the end of the table. Although I draw the line with pestiferous pigeons, I've a soft spot for sparrows and seldom send them away hungry.
At this time of year, when the garden is still benefiting from winter rains and not yet blistered by the sun, vegetation overpowers us. We have to cut back headstrong hedges, invasive vines, colonising creepers and suffocating shrubs just to keep paths and steps open. Some serious strimming lies ahead.
FRONT GARDEN - STARTING TO LOOK GOOD
By law, following terrible fires and loss of life two years ago, the area around dwellings has to be kept clear or, at least, under strict control. We hear that the police have begun issuing stiff fines to property owners in the Faro area who fail to comply.
JUST LOVE ALMONDS
I'm pleased to report that Jack seems to be coming to terms with the cats. Thrice this week I have walked him back down the hill off-leash, past sleeping cats, and persuaded him to ignore them. He now frequently enters the house with the rest of the dogs although he hasn't learned to lie down and relax inside. Even so, we're making steady and satisfactory progress. If only he didn't have quite so much energy! (Late update: Squinty had another narrow squeak. We're not there yet!)
Yes, the the first swim. The water is already well into the 70s and should easily top 80 in the weeks ahead. I'm still chasing the pool man to discover the problem with the pump. He's pledged to try to make it this weekend, as he did last weekend. Fingers crossed!
Friday morning: Ratty 4 was clearly not too terrified to finish the apple, the cat biscuits and most of the nuts that enticed him into the trap overnight - and he evidently doesn't suffer from constipation. I think that we're winning the battle. On our walk yesterday, I spotted the first snake of the year. He spotted us too and shot off as fast as he could wriggle. We've no problem with snakes although we prefer them on the far side of the fence.
THE PARK IS AWASH WITH LARKSPURS
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