I can break new ground this week by talking about movies rather than gardens or pets - for starters at least. We've watched several on the study TV these past few evenings, including (the excellent) Leave No Trace and the much-lauded Lady Bird (don't bother) and Roma (not for sissies).
As it happens, I have watched more movies than Jones has. That's partly because she dislikes violent themes and likes happy endings, which limits her range. But it's mainly because, unlike her, I'm a late to-bedder and I have just subscribed to Netflix.
So, when she retires ten-thirtyish, I sit back to watch a movie. I've ticked off The Two Popes (much enjoyed) and The Irishman (which took a bit of sitting through). Next on my list is The Crown, Series 3. The costs of the basic Netflix service are much the same as those of the DVDs that I've previously ordered from Amazon. Okay, that's enough movies!
ADEUSINHO
Monday I had an appointment with a cardiac consultant at Loule hospital for the arrhythmia that's been bothering me. After checking the results of the 24-hour monitor I wore recently, he put me on to medication (that seems to be working) and put me off alcohol (as I was about to sample a festive bottle). Some you win and some you lose!
During Barbara's New Year visit to Lisbon, I took her broken (much mended) specs into the optician in Loule and asked for the lenses to be fitted to new frames. Because the lenses were exceptionally small, there was no choice of frames. The ones above were the only ones that fitted. On her return, Jones was not impressed with the look. Although the glasses fit comfortably, she feels that the dark frames don't suit her. As a compromise, she has agreed to wear them when no-one is around.
On to the unavoidable beasts. The photo shows Mello preparing to catch a biscuit that I have tossed to her. She's still learning. Most of her companions are experienced catchers. Barri and Russ seldom miss. Neither does Mini, who is lightning fast in spite of her ample girth. Bobby tends to shut his jaws too soon, so that biscuits bounce off his clenched teeth and land on the ground, where he ignores them.
TREATS AT THE HALFWAY POINT OF THE WALK
Pally (in white) isn't a catcher. But he'll stand up for a treat or a back scratch. Missing a front leg, he walks in an awkward, hop-skip gait. But at speed he's both graceful and nimble, leaping with surprising agility from rock to rock.
ALOES ON FIRE
It's now several weeks since we had good rains. The Algibre is a dry, stony bed once more while the garden, still bulging with winter's fat succulents, has needed water once again. The tractor was required to help Slavic to move a solid ball of succulents from Barbara's garden to a spacious bed under the photo-voltaic panels in the field.
Encouraged by our gentle winter, the almond trees have burst into early bridal blossom, their snowflake flowers crafted with intricate delicacy. I don't mean to go overboard but we know how lucky we are to have nature serving as our artist in residence - and she specialises in such masterpieces.
Wednesday we went looking for a carpenter to repair the pantry door, only to find the carpentry shop still closed. Neither could Leroy Merlin supply me with a suitable piece of wood to replace the section I'd had to cut out in order to open the door. Instead, Slavic and I spent an hour fashioning an acceptable interim repair. Doesn't look too bad, if I say so myself.
Thursday morning the electricity failed, just as we were about to take the dogs out. I contacted the EDP who said they'd send a team round asap. Which they did, about an hour later - impressive service! I met the driver at the school and guided him back to the house. A quick test of the circuits in the main box quickly established the problem, a blown fuse that they replaced. Bingo, the patio lights lit up in response.
Neighbours tell us that there are two lovable strays in the village, desperate for a home. Oh dear! No, we've done our bit. But they do tug at the heart strings. As for the animals that have perished in the Aussie fires, they don't bear thinking about.
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