
So, how was the birthday? A day of sunshine and smiles. Silves was as beautiful by night as I had anticipated. Earlier that day I had gone walking with friends, in the hills high above the Guadiana at the Spanish border. After a toastie and glass of wine down by the river, we said our farewells and drove to Silves, an hour and a half away. In total contrast, this town is situated in a tidal plain, on the River Arade. Our hotel was chosen because it looked directly across at the lovely red castle on the hill.
Scarcely had we left the hotel car park than we were admiring storks, perched precarioulsy in none too sturdy trees. With complete abandon, these creatures build their nests wherever they choose, and return to them year on year. We had seen few of late, in and around Tavira, and were happy to find them congregating here.
As we walked around the town, stretching our legs, we found more and more of them. The family high on the metal canisters seemed determined to stay, despite the best efforts of a bulldozer clearing the building site below. ‘Derelict is best’ must be the motto of one pair, whose pals seemed to have abandoned nests and hope, for another, better year?
But proudly, in the centre of town, a longstanding chimney plays the genial host. Having exerted ourselves in the morning we felt due a rest, and had arranged to talk to our son, who is slowly recovering from Covid. Whose idea was it to walk to the windmill on the outskirts of town? Don’t look at me! Restless doesn’t always have to be taken literally.
It was quite decrepit too, when we got there, but along the way we managed to talk to James. Cooped up, but coping. I felt much better for talking to him. By the time we’d made the ascent evening was starting to fall. Wearily back in town, we sat a while, admiring the rosy hues glinting off the pink tiled building. Time to make our way through the dusk, to our hotel and the pleasures of evening.
Which included a wonderful tiramisu. Next day dawned bright and beautiful and after breakfast we completed a levada walk before returning to Silves, just to sit in the sun. It wouldn’t be Silves without a bit more street art, would it?
All in all a highly satisfactory weekend, until we came to sit for one last glass of wine before heading home. As my gaze fell on my ring finger I realised that the amethyst in the middle of my engagement ring was no longer there. A gaping hole looked back at me. Of course, I retraced my steps as far as I was able, but without much hope.
I guess a trip to the jeweller’s is on the cards this week. Thank you for all your good wishes, and for always being such good company. See you again soon!
Ps I find storks nests fascinating – have seen them on quite a few tv programmes and it amazes me how they manage to build them as they always look so precarious!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hi Jo I’m coming by for a long overdue catch up! November seems to have been hectic to say the least – also have been trying to get as much done before the mad rush of December (we have end of school year and Christmas coinciding here which I always find way too much at once). Anyway looks like you had a lovely birthday trip to Silves apart from the ring – do hope a suitable amethlyst can be found it is such a beautiful colour. Hope you son and family are doing well – it must have been a stressful time and hope he hasn’t been too badly affected. Will just head up to read your other posts sorry for being late to the party. Take care xx 🙂
LikeLike
No worries, Rosemay! I understand your busy life. October was hectic for me and November settled more into a rhythym. What passes for normality here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Managed to get back on the blog today Jo yay! Getting ahead of myself for Christmas was a good idea – still have to do my cards though (never seem to do them in time). Mlle’s birthday “do” is next weekend so it is always a busy time. We also did a lot of work in the garden this morning so feeling virtuous! Hope you’ve had a lovely weekend though obviously you are in an opposite weather pattern to us now (my dad said it was snowing and blowing a northerly gale in Yorkshire yesterday but am sure it won’t be like that in the Algarve!) xx
LikeLike
A foul weekend in the UK unless you love snow and hailstones, from what I gather. We think 16C is cold!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We’re the same here! Need a jumper or jacket if it goes below 20! The snow has been pretty intense in North Yorkshire from what I can gather. My dad has sensibly stayed indoors 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
oh no about the ring – that’s horrid when that happens. What fun though to have a night way for your Bday 🙂
LikeLike
Still waiting to get the ring back, Becky, but hopefully good as new 😘💕
LikeLike
Am sure it will be xx
LikeLiked by 1 person
A lovely place Jo, thanks for taking us along with you. The pink building is something else! Bad luck about the ring. On the bright side the newly set one will take on new meaning now- memories of Silves and storks and the year we all managed to stick together despite being forced apart. Roll on a return to normality eh? Hoping your son and his partner haven’t had too bad a time of it.
LikeLike
Thanks a lot, Helen 🤗💕 Looking forward to my ‘new’ ring and both of the youngsters are recovered and back to work. Waiting for the next drama 😂💕
LikeLike
Hope you had a productive visit to the jewellers, Initially I’d thought it was to get a birthday pressie – but I realised after re-reading that it wasn’t the case.
Thank you for sharing more of the painted electric boxes – I am so amazed by variety and how well they are done! My favourite is the fishing scene painted with a van Gogh vibe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I always love to find a newly painted electric box. Sometimes it’s not new but in a street I haven’t walked down. So happy that someone takes the trouble to do them.
The jeweller said it would take a few weeks so I’m getting used to not having that ring on my finger.
LikeLike
The joy of discovery & re-discovery! I wonder if it’s a city-wide initiative … each one looks like it is done by a different artist …. does one just sign up to paint their box?
LikeLike
Not being gifted that way I’ve never tried, but I believe there’s an art council sponsor because a few towns here have them, Ju-Lyn.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Storks, street art, and windmills! Jo at her best!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, darlin! Have a great weekend 🤗💕
LikeLiked by 2 people
You too. Am just recovering from a minor leg op, so no walking for a while!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy hopping 🤣💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Storks , street arts, beautiful architectures….amazing fun adventures. Thanks.
LikeLike
Good times, to make up for all the bad, IT. Thanks a lot!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Birthday, dear Jo.
We are happy to read that your son is much better now.
Amazing where the storks build their nests.
Thanks for taking us on this tour
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
LikeLike
A great birthday, Klaus. Always good to take you along 🤗💕💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy belated birthday, Jo.💖 Sorry to hear about the lost amethyst. And your son’s illness. I hope all will be well again soon.
LikeLike
I’m sitting in a restaurant with many friends after a lovely walk, hon. I really have little cause for complaint so long as the family are ok 🤗💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
I so enjoyed this Silves adventure, Jo, thanks for taking us along. Great seeing the abundance of nesting storks, and fun to see so many places they nest in your array of photos. Sorry to hear about your son and his partner, and the tenacious virus that haunts us for all this time; and too bad about losing your amethyst. But how wonderful that you have continued mobility and can explore these beautiful places. Cheers to you, Jo, and best wishes.
LikeLike
I still consider myself incredibly lucky to be able to live here and enjoy all this, Jet. Very happy to share it with you. Thanks a lot!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for taking us on this visit to Silves – it’s lovely. What a shame a good weekend was spoiled by a lost stone.
LikeLike
It was an anxious time with my son having Covid, and now his partner. I’m just glad he’s vaccinated, Elaine, and I think the stone can be replaced. 🤗💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am glad you had a great day, and happy your son is better – but saw in the comments your daughter- in- law had tested positive. Wish them a speedy recovery. And i was happy to hear your ring is on the mend too.
LOVE the stork nests – ooooo, wish I was there with you!
LikeLike
Such a topsy-turvy life it is, hon! Up one minute and down the next. One day we’ll find normal again? Meanwhile there are always storks 🤗💕 Sending hugs!
LikeLike
Hugs back – and hopefully there will always be storks…
LikeLiked by 1 person
An eventful day, that’s for sure. On the whole it sounds like you had a grand time which is great. The storks are wonderful. I don’t think I’ve ever seen one, but their nest are sort of iconic, the way they plunk them on chimneys and poles and things. Too bad about the ring, but it sounds like that will be made good soon. I hope your son and his wife recover soon.
LikeLike
Thanks, Graham! Life seems to be up, down and all over the place right now. A bit like those storks!
LikeLike
What an enchanting place. I particularly liked all the stork nests. Oh! that chimney nest was spectacular! But so sad you lost your amethyst. That’s my birthstone. It reminded me of a ring and earrings my mom brought back from Switzerland. I don’t wear jewelry anymore. I think I’ll have to give the set to the youngest grandchild. She’s born in February, too. Hope your son is all recovered! 🤗
LikeLike
I’ve always liked Silves, Gunta. It’s got so much character! A bit too far from the sea to call home but a very special place. James is recovering well but it’s his turn to play nurse because his partner tested positive yesterday. So sorry for them!
LikeLike
Oh no, sorry to hear about your ring. But good news for the recovery of your son and wonderful street art. Sorry I am unable to go for a walk this week. Maybe next week will be better. After the lockdowns I haven’t fully organised myself with my daily activities. Have a good day Jo.
LikeLike
No worries, Teresa! Just enjoy having your life back. It’s been such a long haul for you folks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yup… enjoying catching up with friends and starting face to face classes.
LikeLike
🤗💕
LikeLike
Ahhh, I was just going to congratulate you on the perfect birthday when the gaping hole rolled by. :p And yet – if this is the worst that happens this year, it won’t be too bad. I love the art, and the storks! (we have them on chimneys in the flat NE Pannonian plain part of Slovenia as well), the pink hues, and especially the good news from your son. My sister has more or less recovered, still without smell or taste, whereas one of my best friends is still in hospital but should be coming home soon. All well to you and cin cin!
LikeLike
Win some, lose some, hey, Manja? Half hour ago I had a message from my son. His partner has tested positive today. Both of them are fully vaccinated but it makes such a mess of your life. The pair of them really do deserve a break- and I’m not talking bones here. My life is a bowl of roses in comparison.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahhh. So sorry to hear this. I like your bowl of roses and cake, not the rest. I wish them both well, and you too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh Jo! So sorry to hear about your ring. I know that sinking feeling. A few years ago now I realised the diamond was gone from my engagement ring but I was so fortunate to find it lying on the floor rug. Phew. I hope the jeweller can do a wonderful repair job for you. I wish you all the best for the coming year.
LikeLike
Thanks so much, Carol. It was a shock, for sure, but hopefully I’ll have it back soon, good as new. More than can be said for me!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Belated birthday wishes! Glad to see you celebrated in style! Have a happy year ahead. Melx
LikeLike
We seem to thrive on celebrations here in the Algarve, Mel. Got to do my bit! Thanks, hon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cheers Big Ears! Here for a good time, not a long time! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
The storks are fascinating birds, Jo. I don’t think I ever pictured them nesting so high. I do see what a lovely birthday weekend you enjoyed and I’m glad for you. Also pleased, of course, to learn your son is doing okay. ❤️ The street art is beautiful and I’m so glad you shared your sunny day!
LikeLike
Sunny days are for sharing, Debbie. Thanks, hon! How are you?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Doing well, Jo, thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great pics. Sorry about your ring.
LikeLike
Thanks a lot, Irene. Repairs are in hand.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A stunningly beautiful walk and a belated happy birthday, Jo! Sorry to read about your ring! Stones are easy (if expensive) to replace, thank goodness. Sorry also about James, covid sucks, but if he eventually gets vaccinated, he can say he had the double-whammy and go out and about!
LikeLike
Thanks, Terri. He already was vaccinated because of the job he does. On the mend I’m glad to say. Saw Facebook comment before I read this. Sorry! 😑💕💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’s not the only one who got covid after a shot. Xoxo
LikeLiked by 1 person
Belated bestest wishes, Jo. Hope the ring may be restored, though such losses are always painful.
LikeLike
Thanks, Tish! Not much chance of finding it in all those cobbles! Or in a levada! Found a jeweller who can help, so eventually it’ll be good as new.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s good to hear.
LikeLiked by 1 person
A belated happy birthday to you, Jo. I’m sorry to hear about the ring. What a pity.
hanks for taking me with you on that wonderful walk, and have a great week,
Pit
LikeLike
Thanks, darlin! Hopefully getting a new stone. Not sure if it’s birthday or Christmas present!
LikeLike
Oh my, too bad your birthday was associated with your son’s Covid and a lost gemstone! Sounds like both are soon to be mended, though. Happy belated birthday!
LikeLike
Hiya, Lexie! I imagine James is climbing the walls of their apartment if he’s feeling anything like himself. He’s not much better than me at being cooped up. It was a wonderful weekend overall, and I’ve found a jeweller who can help. Always got to take the bad with the good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Belated birthday wishes, Jo. It was definitely a memorable day. The enormous stork nests were especially eye catching. So many and right in the middle of human habitation. Unbelievable! Also sorry to read about your ring. I can imagine that putting a damper on the celebrations. Anyway, I hope the jeweller has sorted it out. Wishing a speedy recovery to your son too.
LikeLike
Thanks darlin! Not too bad. The ring should be ready in a couple of weeks, but I was upset at the time. Wonderful to see so many storks though and a great weekend overall
LikeLike
The stork nest are something to look at. I hope your son gets back to good health soon.
LikeLike
They’re huge aren’t they? Love seeing the storks riding the thermals. Thanks a lot Alice 🤗💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
On the whole a pleasurable birthday, other than the ring issue. I don’t wear jewellery nowadays apart from a pendant if we are going somewhere nice. Rings are an issue as my joints swell and not the best of things to wear whilst gardening as I discovered to my cost when I lost my Nana’s pretty Garnet ring back in the Donny garden. One question: do those storks make an awful mess in the towns they live in? I’m thinking of the seagulls here which poop all over cars in the towns, not so bad up here, but still horrible stuff to remove.
LikeLike
My wedding and engagement rings never come off, Jude, and I struggled to get it off yesterday
Took it to a jeweller in town this morning and hopefully it’ll soon be good as new 🤗💕
Not sure about the storks? I can’t say I’ve ever walked through a big pile of it so maybe they are discreet. I expect Becky will know 🤣💕
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad to hear James is improving, hope his cough doesn’t linger. Long covid seems to be a big problem with younger people.
LikeLike
I hope so too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It sounds like you had a good weekend Jo apart from the ring – I’m so sorry you lost the stone. I lost the tiny diamond out of my mum’s eternity ring a few years ago but as my favourite colour is red I had it replaced with a ruby. I love the street art especially the kingfisher, it’s stunning 🙂
LikeLike
Isn’t it beautiful? Have found a jeweller’s this morning so we’ll see what they can do. It was a horrible feeling but worst case scenario is an eternity ring for Christmas. I don’t have much jewellery 🤗💕
LikeLike
Sorry to hear about the engagement ring but good news that your son is recovering and you seem to have had as lovely a birthday as I did! I loved seeing the storks, bringing back memories of my own visit to Sitges when I saw plenty of them, and the street art, especially that kingfisher 🙂
LikeLike
The kingfisher is stunning, isn’t it? It was like Stork City in Silves, Sarah. Lots of them out by the river too.
LikeLike
Beautiful walk! Thanks for sharing, Jo.
LikeLike
Grateful to have your company, Jill. Thanks! Have a good week!
LikeLike
I remember the storks on that chimney.
LikeLike
Still there! 🤣💕
LikeLike
A slightly bittersweet saunter, but on the whole, more good here than bad – a successful birthday then!
LikeLike
Absolutely, Margaret! Last year I was rained on in Olhao! It was good to talk to James, who is left with a cough but there are much worse things. I was really sad about the ring, but what can you do? It was starting to look a bit battered and I should have gone to the jeweller’s sooner. Perhaps an eternity ring for Christmas. I’m not big on jewellery.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nor me. My engagement ring had an argument with a hoover once, and that was rather the end of that.
LikeLike
Oh, no!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
What a lovely place to visit – the street art is amazing.
How is James?
LikeLike
A lot better, thanks! Hoping to get back to work this week and busting to get out of the apartment!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to hear.
LikeLiked by 1 person