Winter 2020

 I can tell by the warmer weather (22 degrees today) and by my worn out clothes that the end of my Tavira days are approaching. My friend Jeanette arrives from Toronto on Wed morning, and a week later we head to Edinburgh with an anticipated visit not only with Alistair and Kate, but my new grand doggie “Moose” who was born on the streets of Cyprus and taken in by a UK associated rescue group.   This 6 month pup has adjusted amazingly well in a short time, but not too fond of his new bed yet or the Scottish weather but he’s a keeper.       First night in Edinburgh  Moose trying out his new coat                                                                                                  ...

Let’s get this out of the way: Portugal has just reported its first case of  Coronavirus. A doctor returning from a holiday in Italy is now hospitalized in Porto. I believe there is someone else, also up north,  under observation after returning from China. I don’t want to be glib about this, but so far feel there is very little concern here in Tavira, perhaps because it is a small town with few crowds. I haven’t seen anyone in a mask yet, so still feeling blessed to be wintering in such a lovely part of Portugal. Personally I feel the way the media is reporting on the world situation, tends to increase a feeling of panic. I am consulting official websites for daily updates on the situation in Portugal, and where I am going next - to Edinburgh and then Crete. So far, fingers, eyes and knees crossed, hands washed often, I don’t feel in any danger whatever.  The flowers are blooming everywhere in a blaze of colors. Orange and almond blossoms fill the air with lovel...