Almost Spring…

Greetings from (sometimes) sunny Ilha Terceira! The above photo captures the wonderful convergence of the rare sunny day AND our day off. On our way home from errands in Praia da Vitória, Raymond and I decided to stop by the UNESCO world geopark site called Fajã da Alagoa to watch the waves crash upon the cliffs made of tall stacks of hexagonal basalt. We had not visited in a while and it was nice to appreciate the simple beauty – just off the beaten path less than two miles from our house.

Kitty News

Nicky and Archie are doing well. Now six months old, they reached the age in which it is widely accepted to neuter. So we scheduled an appointment for early February. It went smoothly for the boys and they are as loving and sweet as ever!

Yard Updates

Between the rounds of wind and rain, we were able to do some yard cleanup – trimming the dead and frayed banana leaves, shaping the annona tree near the house, and moving the woodpile from the mill room to outside. We also planted some lettuce, dill, sorrel, and chamomile along with some sweet potato slips in the terrace garden (under plastic panels to keep the soil warmer).

Above: the neighbor’s lovely wall and our driveway; the stream with newly planted Japanese cedar growing near the calla lily at lower right; the newly stacked woodpile next to the grill

House Plans

Raymond and I have met with the builder again, with an architect this time, regarding the roof project. We are now looking to remove the oven and bathroom as well. The plan is to expand the kitchen into the former oven space and to extend the bathroom along the entire side of the house. Additionally, we really like the idea of a passage and retaining wall along the side of the house that would connect the driveway to the backyard.

Below: current bathroom with oven behind it and proposed passage

Above: view from the driveway of the neighbor’s massive wall and proposed passage

We are now waiting for the house surveyor to take measurements so the architect can draw up the plans. The idea is for the project to begin in September since it takes 6 months for the Japanese cedar lumber to be harvested, cut, and cured before it is ready for building our new roof.