Learning over Lunch

Feeling like we're neglecting the community, and also because the kitchen is in even more of a mess with Mike doing the electrics, gave ourselves a treat and went down to the Adega Velha for lunch. Zé Maria was there, and others, including the former owner of our Land. Invited him to join us, and told him to order - he went for hare, good choice. Not as good as how he does it, but good. He took out his clasp knife (that all Alentejano men seem to carry) and sliced the solid bread into the wine-based gravy, then asked the waitress for mint leaves to eat with it. And so we learn.

We have decided not to have sheep at the moment. Two reasons. One, it's just one more bit of work we could do without. Two, they eat all the flowers, and I'm in love with all the wild flowers that are appearing with the rain. We can always get someone else's flock to eat the pasture when it dries out and becomes a fire risk. Said we'd have just one lamb, to roast at Easter.

Spent the afternoon at the health post. Went to get a proper dressing for the burn on my arm, which is quite painful. Had to wait for ever while the receptionist tried to fill in a computer form for an ambulance for a woman, hovered over by the other receptionist. Quite social, folk asking me what I was there for. Anyway, when the nurse was eventually told about me, she did a great dressing, told me to go back on Monday, and register then, as neither receptionist had asked me for any details.

Have added more beauty here, for those with time to look.