Off Days

Raymond and I work nearly identical schedules, except our days off are staggered – we each have a day to ourselves and share the “middle” day. This means that we try to make the most of our free day together, be it visiting the finance office in Praia da Vitória to file our taxes (done!) or having a lunch out and strolling along the lava coast of Biscoitos (above, looking towards Quatro Ribeiras).

This particular day the tide was low and it was fun seeing the life in the tidal pools. The clouds pouring over the mountains in the middle of the island were rather dramatic as well.

Bananas

We have two bunches of bananas maturing right now. A colleague from work gave us some advice to cut the flowering end (middle photo) after about three weeks to help them mature better. So I cut it as well as the end on the newer bunch (right photo). We are excited as these are some of the most beautiful, bug-free, mouse-bite-free bananas we’ve ever had – a testament to having cats roaming the orchard!

Gardening Updates

The pineapple tops from the variety that grows on São Miguel island are thriving after surviving a rough winter. Same for the fern that suffered from an ant infestation (and too much sun) along the rock wall at the front of the house. It is getting its second wind on the lower patio where it receives roof runoff. Same for the bonsai rosemary – flowering and happy! The araçal tree (with wind chimes) is full of unripe fruit and we have added lemon thyme to the herb garden below it. Lastly, we have two ‘volunteer’ chestnut trees in the orchard that we are now caring for.

Stream Project

For fun I cleared a path through the wild ginger and reed grass to have an easier access to the stream. And, since it was already framed by some large boulders there, I created a little dam. We now have a little pond (perhaps three feet deep at most) and it’s relaxing to sit on the boulder and listen to the gurgling water. Still no fish yet, but I am hopeful it will attract a European eel which I have seen in the stream before.

Friendly Felines

Nicodemus and Archimedes are doing well. Getting into lots of adventures and hunting lots of lizards. Both are still as friendly as ever and can’t wait to visit with us when we get home from work. And again, I am so grateful for rodent-free environment they have created for the yard and garden.