Stray thoughts, tamed.
Greek gods have been awfully busy spilling their immortal lifeblood.
en «regardant par mon hublot» Greetings to 2017, and to all those who have resolved to look forward with renewed hope, etc., despite atmospheric turbulence encountered last year! I took time out between Christmas and New Year. I did not force myself to do anything as systematic as review last year's goals against what I... Continue Reading →
My days are layered. One day is heaped upon another in an endless stream. Swirling currents from years gone by flow through them.
I should not have done that. I should not have opened one of the few repositories of mementos I have - an old leather writing case which was once a favourite of my mother's - to look for an appropriately elegant bookmark for a gem of a book I'm reading. The book has a history... Continue Reading →
What better way to welcome a hot Monday afternoon following the hottest day on record this summer in my corner of the Algarve than to witness an Irish bride and bridesmaids alighting from hired vintage cars at the door of the São Sebastião Church - which dates back to 1759, by the way - in... Continue Reading →
Ever since that silly advert claiming that smartphone and WiFi technology combined meant that because translation is such a straightforward activity requiring so little effort it could be accomplished while sitting on the toilet, I have found myself from time to time wondering about where exactly my friends post their Facebook and other contributions from.... Continue Reading →
Just over a month ago, a fellow translator gave me a lovely granadilla (passion fruit) plant, which is actually a vine, but commonly called a creeper by many. I was delighted with this thoughtful gift not least because I left three such vines in the soil of the extensive vegetable garden I toiled over in... Continue Reading →
Ditsy is the new character in my life passing itself off as my alter ego and also the description which best fits some of the ways I seem to be accomplishing the most basic tasks these days. Let me emphasise right away that being ditsy is not my preferred way of being nor ever has... Continue Reading →
I follow the Indian method of washing dishes - under running water. It is considered cleaner. It also helps wash away the tears which I do not shed. Never mind that. It is breakfast time. As predicted - since it happens every day, João says yes enthusiastically when I ask whether, perhaps, she would like... Continue Reading →
I dedicate my lunch today to Lord Byron. One look at the photo above, and you may think that is an insult - either to Lord Byron or to the carapau assado, a typical Portuguese dish, depending on your opinions regarding either or both. Before I explain, and since I am talking about Byron, I... Continue Reading →
That elusive pair of jeans 