Saturday we went hunting for pavers to arrange in the redundant jacuzzi sand ring. We had just turned off the highway near Guia when we came across this car (a BMW) burning fiercely. I stopped, leapt out, grabbed the fire extinguisher from the boot and hastened to assist.
Although the extinguisher damped the flames (and me), the fire was under the bonnet and it flared up again moments later. The occupants, who were standing safely some distance away, thanked my for my efforts - fruitless though they were. The car was a gonner. I was surprised (and somewhat disappointed) that the powder blast from the extinguisher was over in a matter of a few seconds - time enough to assist someone out of a vehicle but hardly substantial.
On to a fancy garden centre nearby that boasted a range of fine marble statues, any of which might make a proud centrepiece for our sand ring. These - the small ones - were about waist high, priced at a thousand plus. As attractive as they were, I thought we might stick with Jonesy's sun-dial.
Next to Leroy Merlin where we found a range of pavers in stock of various sizes and colours. We liked this one best - although we're still considering.
Sunday Sven came to finish pruning the trees. Slavic assisted me to collect and mulch the branches. When I checked the rat traps in the shed and Casa Nada, I found two captives (set free en route to Loule the following day).
Monday, when the sun returned, we noticed how Russ was panting and pausing on our walks. To be sure it was hot. Midwinter counts for little in these parts. We're already finding it hard to justify a fire at night and we often need the air-con in the car.
Over three days, I set about trimming Russ. He's the hairiest dog I have ever come across. The clippers struggle to make headway. He is looking rather tufty at present but he's a lot cooler and there's time enough to smarten him up.
Tuesday I tried to make an appointment with the Portuguese "foreign department" in order to renew our residence permits, which expire in August. We were advised to act soon as there's a long wait for appointments. First I attempted online - in vain. When I eventually got through on the phone, I was informed that there were no more interview slots available that day for future appointments - except in Madeira. No thank you! "Try again in the morning" was the advice.
"BARBARA'S ADOPTED CATS" FEEDING UNDER THE BIN (AWAY FROM THE DOGS)
Wednesday morning I tried again as advised. This time I was successful, obtaining appointments in Faro at the end of July. Later, while Natasha busied herself around the house, we visited Leroy Merlin to purchase the pavers. I also dropped in at the fire extinguisher outlet to acquire a more substantial model for the car.
Slavic laid the pavers on the sand circle the following day, having first levelled the sand and set up an old tree stump in the centre. The stump sits in a concrete base, all carefully levelled in order to take Jones's sun dial.
SAINT SLAVIC, WITH A SAGGING TV DISH HALO
You may notice that we are two pavers short - to be obtained on our next visit to town. In the meanwhile, we are considering what pot plants to add to our creation and how best to arrange them. The dogs continue to regard the accessible sand sections as intended for their particular benefit.
Friday morning. There's no rain in sight. Jones is watering her garden again. The aeoniums (pictured) and the rest of the numerous succulents are fine but the more delicate plants are drooping.
ALOES IN FLOWER
Enough unto the week!
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