I’m no longer living the dream, though I do still sometimes have to pinch myself. Tavira is my home. This is real life, and I’m just living. Joyful, isn’t it? Whether you intend it to or not, life does tend to settle into a pattern. At some stage of every day I’m up on my roof terrace. Sometimes pegging out washing, or just cloud gazing. Scanning the horizon to assess the weather. As the day warms up or, after a walk, with a book. Later, watering the plants and encouraging them with a few soft words.
Whenever I can I’m outdoors. This is the loveliest time of year, almond blossom caressing the trees, as the ocean caresses the beach. Fields glowing with golden oxalis, the leggy Bermuda buttercup. Yesterday I saw my first poppy of the year, a splash of crimson in amongst the yellow. Elsewhere a mare nuzzling her foal, who skittered a few steps, then subsided at her feet. We spent a glorious day around the estuary at Alvor. Families picnicked and worked together on the beach, gathering molluscs while their dogs raced excitedly back and forth. Pruning the trees is brutal here, but everywhere new life burgeons. In town the streets are quiet. A smiling welcome in restaurants is assured. Gradually folk will return. There is no hurry.
That’s a little how I feel about Still Restlessjo. More mellow? I’m not sure. But enjoying the moment, and the friends that gather around me. Making gentle plans for the future and sharing a few stories here.
Still Restlessjo 
A pleasure to belatedly read this lovely, peaceful post. π
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While the storms rage in the wider world ππ Thanks, Susan.
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Such a beautiful post Jo – you set a beautiful tranquil scene with your poetic writing! The photos are beautiful – Spring in the Algarve must be so lovely (I know it’s not quite there yet but on its way). Glad all is well and have a lovely weekend! xx
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The almond blossom is still looking beautiful in the hills, Rosemay, and the fields are waking up to colour. Thanks, love. Hope all well with you.
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Love the almond blossom Jo – it’s so pretty ! π
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What a beautifully content picture you paint, Jo, I’m happy for you. π
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I’ve put the scowl away for a little while, Lynn. I’m surrounded by lovely friends and the days pass very easily. π€π
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It sounds just lovely!
Alison
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Spring in the Algarve is my happy place, Alison.
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Just living. It’s the way of life, right? I know each time I lived abroad, no matter how exotic the place, life did settle into a routine, and just became living after a while. I’m so glad you’re enjoying your home, Jo.
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Another great day today, walking and eating with friends. A lot of laughter and sunshine. It’s a hard act to beat, Cathy π€π
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There are days when we allow ourselves to slow down long enough to truly appreciate the beauty before us & the joy filling our heart with love. Sounds like you have found just that my friend.π
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It’s an easy place to be joyful, Lynn. Even doing chores is fine when you can relax in the sun afterwards π€π
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Sounds beautiful and just how it should be. To happy life!
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Thanks, darlin! And to you, also!
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It must be such a wonderful feeling to look back on the time you’ve been in your beautiful Tavira and know that you made the right decision. You have lovely patterns and I think you’ve optimized a life that contributes to your well-being. Fantastic! π
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Darn lucky, in other words, Debbie! I can never know how it would have worked out to stay in the UK but life has been very kind to us. We have met such lovely people, and things seem to be going ok for the youngsters (ha- Lisa is 51 tomorrow!). That’s more than half the battle.
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Soak up all the happiness! I know you’re grateful and don’t take it for granted. I completely understand what you’re saying about our “youngsters.” LOL!
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You sound contented, which is lovely to hear.
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I think I have come to terms, Anabel. Nothing is perfect, but I have a darn good hand of cards to play, and the youngsters are doing ok. What more do I need?
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A lovely post beautifully written Jo, I love the main photo and Iβm glad youβre feeling much more settled now π
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Thanks so much, hon! It took me a while and nothing’s forever but I’m pretty darn lucky to be where I am.
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What a beautiful post , Jo! You paint a lovely picture with words and your photos do the rest. The title says it all π
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I hope so, Sheetal. Time to start appreciating life. Thank you π€π
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Such a feel good post, Jo! I could feel the happiness and contentment from here. Hugs from across the world β€οΈ
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Bless you, hon! Thanks for that. Zooming hugs back to you π€π
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Got it π
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…And your dream is your reality with its ups and downs, Jo! I see more ups than downs where you live and you’ve embraced it fully! I bet seeing a poppy was fun! Logn ways away for us to see any–maybe in May, LOL! I love the idea of you hanging out on your roof terrace, sounds delightful!
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I love that combination of sky and sea, Terri. A day isn’t complete without a trip to the roof. By May the temperatures will be starting to soar so I relish this time of the year, when I can be active. Very soon the poppies will be overwhelming those fields of yellow. I love it!
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Lovely post, Jo. Nowhere is paradise, but appreciating and enjoying where you are is as close as it gets.
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Thanks, Graham! I appreciate that.
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Your happiness in life shines through Jo. Living in the moment and appreciating what youβve got is a great way to enjoy life.
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Some of the moments are golden, Pauline. I’m surrounded by lovely people, and things seem to be going well for the youngsters. Given where I live, what more do I need?
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I believe you do make your happiness with your outgoing attitude Jo. I love following you on WordPress. π€π
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Bless you darlin. I do appreciate that π€π
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You have found your happy place. Go you!
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I banged my head against a few walls first, Mel, but I think I’ve almost made it.
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That will make you relish it even more!
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Are you writing, Mel? Nothing on the blog lately.
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Still it’s a nice place to feel settled, Jo… living the dream or not. π
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Maybe I’ve just adapted the dream to fit, Tom. It’s about time!
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And why not? Enjoy! π
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You do live in a beautiful place, Jo.
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I think so too, Carol.
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What a lovely post, Jo.
Itβs almost a thank you note and so beautifully penned. π
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Well, I do think a bit of gratitude is called for, Sue. This has been one of those weeks when friends near and far have been a big part of my life. It’s a game changer. Thank you!
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Your gratitude shined through, Jo.
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Enjoy your time, Jo.
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Thanks, hon!
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I still think you are living the dream! And those blue skies and wonderful vistas go to prove it. Time to rename the blog then. “NoMoreRestlessJo” π
Just kidding, I bet you will be on your travels again before long and dreaming of pastures new.
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Now did I say I was staying put? Got the Braga, Douro and Serra da Estrela trip to look forward to at Easter, not to mention English trips. As you’ve pointed out, a better dream might have been to have a place in both places but Brexit and Covid have made that much less desirable. My dream and Mick’s will never be the same, but it’s definitely time to celebrate what we have. Today was another beauty!
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You are one lucky lady!
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That’s me! All this and lemon drizzle cake too π€£π
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Just enjoy every day to the fullest -dream or not. π
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You’re not wrong, Bridget!
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Your contentment is something we can all envy. Even if we are content in our own lives, you’ve managed to break the pattern, take the risk and move home to another, sunnier country, and that takes guts. I’m so glad it’s worked out so well and that despite the awfulness of the last two years, that you are in a good place now. Keep smilin’.
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People have their reasons for not doing what we have done, Mari, and often it’s grandkids. I’m not entirely convinced that we’ve got it right. At this time of year there are lots of arrivals and the social life is wonderful. Sometimes too much so! We have been so lucky in the people we have met. Today I had a Portuguese class and then we went walking in the salinas with a couple who love bird watching. 20C. Lemon drizzle cake and a long chat afterwards. Can’t fault it, can you?
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Isnβt it wonderful to enjoy the moment? And yours sounds blissful. Your descriptions are so rich, I feel Iβm up with you on that rooftop. Wish I was. π Enjoy all your moments living joyfully. Beautiful pics too Jo.
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It’s been a full day today, hon, and I’m just now catching up on here. A walk in the salt marshes with a couple of keen bird watchers, flamingos and lemon drizzle cake. Not a bad combination. Thanks a lot!
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Glad to read this, and happy you have settled in. It is a beautiful place. Hopefully we will start blooming soon, since the winter has been so mild. Have a nice day. I hope you get a walk in.
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A Portuguese class and then a walk and cake with a few friends, Alice, so yes, another lovely day! Thanks so much!
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A lovely post and great to feel your contentment with your chosen home shine out of it π I do envy you your earlier spring – such gorgeous blossom!
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It’s been a fabulous year for blossom, Sarah. Some of it is just starting to fall. Thanks, hon! You must have a trip or two planned soon?
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The place sounds idyllic. Just reading your post feels like a dream. Enjoy this place you’re in. Beautiful pics π
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Thanks so much, Smitha! That’s your Christian name? Sorry, if not! Yes, at this time of year it certainly is idyllic and I feel very lucky.
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My pleasure. By religion, I’m a Hindu and yes, my name is Smitha :).
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Settled is a sense of confidence, a sense of belonging, and no pressure, no rushing … just to do and be. That’s what blogging should be, too.
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I still have to rush sometimes, to keep up the pace, Frank, but it’s mostly lack of organisation or too many options. Not a bad position to be in. And there’s always cake!
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That’s part of life, too. After all, everyone has a time of rush. Mentioning cake reminded me. In the southern US, it is King Cake season – a treat that accompanies Madri Gras. King Cakes are similar to a large cinnamon roll with icing and sugar. Some recipes involve a calorie remover – so ZERO calories.
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Excellent!
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Glad that life is good Jo, Enjoy your beautiful home.Xx
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I’m loving Spring, Sharon. My best bit of the year. Thank you!
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Good to hear you are more settled, Jo π₯°
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Thanks, sweetheart! Another lovely day with friends. What’s not to like?
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What indeed, Jo. And I have been in touch with a friend I havenβt seen for quite a while, and weβre off to lunch next week
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Fantastic!
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π
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Mellow is good. Enjoy!
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It’s taken me a while, Jill! Thanks, darlin!
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What a wonderful feeling! I’ve felt the same about my home in Ireland, although during the very rough 2021 I sometimes forgot about that feeling. Now I’m getting back to counting my blessings, and one of them is to see the green fields and daisies in February.
Lovely photos from your new home!
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Counting your blessings isn’t a bad way to live, is it? I’m truly lucky to live here. Thanks and hope you have a great year ahead!
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βLife can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwardsβ (according to the danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard). Our next step will be our future, always looks at the bright side of life. π
Wonderful inspring captures. π
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That’s very true, Drake! I mostly do try. And there’s always cake π€£π
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π
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Beautifully said.
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Thank you! π€π
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It is good that you are so happy.
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Thanks, Andrew! There’s always the odd hiccup, but that’s life, isn’t it? π€π
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Glad you are more settled Jo and just living a day at time. Enjoyπ
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Thanks darlin! Not much time to brood right now π€£π
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That’s great π
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Beautiful photos to wake up to on a Monday morning Jo. I’m pleased to read that you now feel more settled and content living in the sunny climes of the Algarve and especially with it now being easier again to return to the U.K. to visit your family.
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Thanks a lot Marion. They were unsettling times for most of us but I think they made me realise just how privileged we are to live this life. π€π
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Such a wonderful collection of beautiful photos, Jo π learning how to enjoy life takes practice. We need to cultivate a positive mindset, develop good habits, and fill our life with meaning. Still, there’s probably no better skill to practice than learning how to enjoy life to the fullest, right? Thanks for sharing and have a good day π Aiva xx
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I have quite a few photos around which I plan to weave stories, Aiva. Not everything fits into a walking post. I’m lucky to have such wonderful material to work with. Thanks, hon!
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You do sound more settled Jo. As well you might. You seem to have chosen a lovely spot, and have worked hard to develop a community around you. Good news!
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Thanks, darlin! And hopefully things are going well for the youngsters. That helps!
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Leeds house yet?
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Fingers still crossed. Survey results in. Just waiting for a date.
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π
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