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The weather at the start of December is WET. We are having a few thunderstorms (which has led to one of our bowling matches being cancelled), but the winds are warm and when the sun does come out (the storms don't last too long) its nice and warm again (teeshirt weather). We are currently house sitting for Gregg & Lyn who have returned to England for a week and we are looking after their dogs (Daisy & Sam) and the house. Its a nice change from the apartment as its up in the hills with spectacular views. However a thunderstorm blew the electrics & telephone and cracked / earthed through the socket next to the bed where Val slept, she was pretty shook up and it took a week to clean the sheets. The walks with the dogs were great and both of them behaved very well.
Our new bowling club held their annual Christmas dinner which turned out to be very filling. The food and company was very good.
The Porto Da Mos beach has been swept away for the winter, the sand which we sat on in October has gone out to sea but we are assured it will be back for summer. We worked it out that about 8 feet (depth) of sand has gone from the beach leaving rocks and not much room for Val to jog on.
Played bowls in a couple of competitions and sorted out my stance, grip and delivery (for those who know what I mean). It really is special playing bowls outdoor in December with your shorts and tee shirt on, drinking beer and having a good laugh.
Tried out my new sea fishing rod & reel that I had bought at the gypsy market (cheap) over at the "Breakwater" at Praia Da Rocha (yes the clue is in the title). I caught 2 fish ( a ling and a rockfish) but I fell over on the rocks and damaged my knee and lower leg (not quite bad enough to return to England but it does hurt), then to cap it all I broke the fishing rod as well, still the sun was out and we did get the great news that Sam is now Creative Director at Dress2kill yeahhhh !!!!!!!!!
Spent a quiet night in Antonios and one of the waiters had a fishing rod set-up outside, (there wasn't many people around ) and he caught a small sea-bass around 2lb. He put it in the tank in the restaurant but he then told me it was'nt for sale as all the fish in the tank are pets.
Scott & Sam arrived for the Christmas break, did some sightseeing of the usual spots and tour of our local watering holes whilst they we here. They took us training down to Porto da Mos beach nearly every day (well I did it some days, I did, really). One day after training Val & Sam decided to go in the pool for a swim so Sam jumped straight in to find that the water was freezing and Val forgot to tell him she was going to go in with her wet-suit on. He soon got out !
On christmas eve (as is tradition) we went for a meal (this time it was Jardin D'olivera near Monchique) had lots to drink, a fine meal and drew out the names for christmas present opening. Drank some Monchique water from the spring and drove home for more drinks and family entertainment. Christmas day was going to be a BBQ but the weather looked a little glum so we decided to cook the turkey and eat in, however when Val opened the turkey it still had its head, neck feet and guts, so when we eventually calmed her down and stopped her screaming I came to the rescue and cleaned up the bird by making it look like a piece of meat and not an actual animal. Skyped Simon & Kirsty in Malasia and found out that he had carried on the Rowley tradition and drew out names for present opening. Simon came first and 'Toes' second.
Boxing day was slightly better weather so we went to Mia Praia and lit the BBQ. Scott & Sam generally fooled around with the rugger ball until we ate our steaks and drank champagne. Great day. Next day Val & the boys decided to jog the length of Mia praia and back, a total distance (on sand) of 12 Kms. Val was well chuffed that she did it.
Rebecca came to Lagos for a day with us (she was having a christmas holiday with her parents at Albufera) so we treated her to a typical Portugeuse meal at the 'Trinidad' (our local).
Our landlord Paul (aka: Rigsby) and Jean came out to check up on the apartment (they had'nt seen it in its finished state) so we showed them the sites and on New Years eve, along with Greg & Lyn we had dinner in at our place. Jean did the starters, Lyn the main course and Val the puddings. the meal was superb and we wandered down to Lagos for the fireworks at midnight which were great and as it was such a clear night we saw displays along the coast to Potimao, a wonderful sight. We then went into town for further drinks and finally to "Trinidad"for a nightcap. Welcome 2011 !!!!!!!!!!!!!
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cLIFF Love the spelling Rowl. NICO STRIKES AGAIN!!!!