Thursday, February 22, 2018

Green Soup


At the Mercado I saw a bag of freshly cut beans. They are called by many names, but I like the name Roman Beans.  They were sliced in thin pieces and mixed with a few carrot pieces.   I picked up the bag and my veggie lady told me they are for soup and proceeded to point at other ingredients to go with it.  I was wondering what to make for dinner...problem solved!


Roman Beans, Carrot, Potato, Zucchini, Onion, Garlic and I added Ginger, Fresh Spinach, Parsley and some powdered veggie broth.  Wow, it is a keeper and so delicious.  


With a piece of our favorite toasted bread called Rio Maior

And a drizzle of olive oil

We will be making this again!





Wheels Were Invented For a Reason


Being stubborn is part of getting older.  We see elderly women wheeling carts everywhere they go.  Both Vince and I didn't want to be pegged as old people not being able to carry our bags ourselves.

After living here for a year and a half and me needing to see a doctor recently for tests that show I have a small tear in my rotator cuff tendon we finally gave up.  The tear is small enough not to need surgery, but I am not allowed, by decree of my sweet husband, to carry anything on my shoulders.

We checked out the many variety of wheeled carts and choose one with three wheels that is good for stairs and curbs. 

Having picked out the one we wanted and we headed to our favorite market where I usually have to be careful of how much to buy because it gets quite heavy.   It is really nice to get what we want and not have to worry anymore.


Our 1 1/2 mile walk back home was quick and easy! 
And I apologize to all those wise, brilliant older women! 


Thursday, February 8, 2018

From Clouds to Sea

This is the lake where I was born.  This is the dock where Vince and I had our first kiss!

We have been fortunate enough to live and experience different climates on our big blue marble including, the mountains, desert, ocean gulf, river and lake.  My first impressions of water was the lake resort town where I was born and lived for 18 years.  I remember taking swimming lessons when I was about 4 and I still have vivid memories of sticking my face in the water practicing blowing bubbles.  As I got older, the lake was my playground and my home.  During the hot summer months the lake would often have algae blooms and I would come out of the water covered in thick green slime and smelling oh so lovely!    The algae would choke the oxygen out of the water and as I would raise my head there was usually a large dead catfish in my face.  Of all the places we have lived, I have always loved being near water the most.

I love Coimbra with the Rio Mondego only a 5 minute walk from our house.  It is peaceful, quiet and welcoming.  And I get to be near it every day.



When we take cruises I love just being on the ocean.  I could very easily not see land for weeks and be in heaven.  To see the curve of the earth at the horizon is spectacular and I like to float in the pool, while floating in the ocean, while floating in the Universe. 

These pictures are from Kauai, Hawaii

 This is a video of the Mermaid Fountain at Allerton Gardens in Kauai

This picture was taken at Hobbiton in Matamata, New Zealand

We met some very like minded people from Taneatua, New Zealand.  During our time together they shared with us the gift of Maori culture, history and celebrations and we came away with our hearts filled with love.  Thank you Mel and Max!

 Another beautiful Maori quote



This is by far the most favorite thing I have ever written.

I Am

I am rain splashing into a babbling brook. Gently floating on sunshine

I am the babbling brook stretching and swelling bouncing off rocks, jumping over the precipice and crashing to the bottom

I am a giant river fast and deep, excited, anticipating home

I am the Ocean caring for species unknown

I evaporate and become the clouds

I am rain