Heat, light, growth
We are both over COVID and happy as clams about it (are clams happy?) Jake is happy we are well again too, running up the steep hill at the start of our morning walk, a feat I can finally once again do without becoming winded.
We trekked up that same hill to do laundry, carrying the load in big IKEA bags that act as backpacks. The laundromat is in the grocery store so we can multitask, shopping and having a little breakfast while our clothes are in the washer and dryer. I talk the h into buying a stuffed toy for Jake; something about the way he thrusts his head into the bags, the pause as he detects the toy, the way he pulls it out and runs off to be alone with it breaks our hearts with love.
The electric company was supposed to come yesterday to see about installing a mini split in the lower floor of the Quinta, which now has a kitchen ceiling, all wood rot repaired and replaced, holes in the walls patched and ready for paint priming.
The h, in true Portuguese fashion, called today and explained the appointment was set up a month ago, but EDP didn’t show. They didn’t call? asked the service rep. No, the h said pleasantly. Do you think they might come today? She assured him they’d call back. I certainly hope so - it has been very cold lately, the rain makes it feel even colder. The idea we may soon have heat, our fingers no longer stiff with cold, makes me feel warmer.
Last night even Jake found his heavy brown coat inadequate for the weather, shivering in his sleep - I had to cover him with my fleece jacket. I generally do not complain but when an 80 lb Labrador isn’t warm enough inside I feel entitled to bitch a little - the h with his Nordic blood does not seem bothered by cold, something I learned standing atop many mountains during a blizzard, the h’s shark toothed smile wide and bright beneath his ski goggles and helmet as he prepared to fling himself off a cliff.
Please get me a space heater, I ask, teeth chattering. Later Amazon brings one right to the door, along with a big thick comforter; when I shout with glee the delivery man grins and says Parabens! I wonder what he’d say if he knew what he was delivering and why it causes so much joy. Probably he has an inkling as I am dressed for Alaskan winter - toque, down vest, heavy snowboarders pants, black wool sweater, ski socks, suede boots - that’s before I go outside even.
Because Portuguese houses are built to retain coolness it is actually colder inside than outside. This morning our breath made vapor clouds as we talked over coffee, but when I took Jake for his morning walk I found it was not so cold I needed a hat and coat. Reminding me that it’s important to get out of the house, for perspective. Though I may seem outgoing when we meet I am in fact an introvert always on the verge of being a shut-in.
Now that we are feeling better the indoor work of prepping the palaceta for paint continues. The huge double front door is now sanded and primed; I hope to have one room complete before the end of the year.
After being sick the h gave me my birthday present early and it was very cheering indeed - the new AirPods which are noise canceling and when I have them in somehow cancel out my tinnitus, which is a wondrous thing indeed. They will come in handy when I hold my first Twitter space for 2,000+ listeners on the topic of xNFTs - part of the job that gives me digital nomad status for my residency here. I am sometimes amazed how I’ve managed to keep working through all of our challenges - no bed, no power, no indoor plumbing, no Wi-Fi wired house. All those problems are now more or less solved and though things are far from easy I have to say I don’t really mind figuring it all out. Shout out to my boss, an entrepreneur from Siberian who is maybe physically the toughest man on earth, while also among the nicest. He’s a rare one and I want to do everything I can to help him succeed.
Yesterday we went to the market and the h insisted we buy some of the fresh shrimp at the fish counter which meant I had to speak Portuguese which scared me but it went okay. More and more I am speaking only Portuguese to neighbors and merchants and though I can tell from their smiles I speak like a child, they understand me and are encouraging. It’s ridiculous how happy it makes me. I actually enjoy the challenge of learning another language, though when I am tired or ill it sometimes suddenly becomes too much, the weight of all I do not know pressing on me like time itself.
Yesterday we bought our neighbor Alberto a 40 year old bottle of Scotch for Christmas. I hope his stomach issues do not prevent him from enjoying it. He has been so generous to us. It’s rare we sit down at table without some contribution from his garden; today it was cilantro on our tomatoes and tangerines for dessert. I spied his friend with the white van in his driveway chatting - I know this man is a baker and the h and I high five in excitement knowing we will be gifted with fresh cornbread and rolls later today. My relationship with bread has evolved into something holy here in Portugal.
In other news the first harvest from our garden has arrived - radishes that are big, peppery and a gorgeous festive red-pink color. We ate them in a three bean salad and pickled a jar full. Our calla lilies are growing tall and the trumpet flower bushes starting to unfurl new blooms, a distinctly cheering sight with all the dreary rainy days we have been having.
