10^TH Dec 2011

Here comes another temperature reference. Although we variously use a range, a fire, and a salamandra (sort-of `pot belly` stove thing), NOT TO MENTION MORE ELECTRIC HEATERS THAN YOU COULD SHAKE SEVERAL STICKS AT please do remember that here, Spring, and freeze your bo****ks off tend to go together!

For now, we`re still reasonably warm (nights rarely down below c.5C); so much so that, for the first time ever, we have been absolutely plagued by hordes of (dying) flies for the past fortnight, although the colder nights are finally taking more substantial tolls.

More contemporaneously ......

We`ve been `enjoying` 23% VaT now for over a year - and it`s getting worse; the products ranges to which that (one of three different rates here) applies is increasing as we speak. Electricity was included in the 23% band (up from 8%!) last month, and most edibles, including fast foods & Restaurant meals, are to be so rated from 1^st January. (HAPPY NEW YEAR, my ar*e!). So don`t tell US about your scandalously expensive 5Euro pints of Guinness. Good thing we`re still tea-totalling - although we don`t rally have an accessible Guiness shop, and we do lie.

Howandever, ate out with friends yesterday; `few shots of Woods 100 Rum last night; weather-and directions-finding permitting, our first live Fado concert to-night**; Sunday Market; and then being taken by Geraldine to be doctored on Monday - all before our first-ever Christmas Dinner in Portugal on Tuesday evening. It`s dead boring here.

**In the event, the Fado night was cancelled due to a family bereavement within the organising Committee, so that pleasure awaits.