“It all comes with the cold water.”
– An Islandic saying to remind someone that if you are patient, things will fall into place.
As the temperatures in Portugal are plummeting, and Michael is heading there tonight, it may seem rather ironic and perhaps a tad cruel that I would reflect on the warmth of the summer sun, and the joy of icy water from the well. In the midst of summer, we definitely did not give any kind of thought to the cold chill November will hold. All we could think of, was making a plan to escape the midday heat, and washing the sweat clinging to us from unaccustomed manual labour, off our bodies.
The old water trough next to the well presented itself as the perfect place to create a temporary splash pool. And so, we diverted our efforts from the more important tasks, to something indulgent and temporary. All we had to do was clean it out, plug it up, add a connection to the pipe taking the water to our shower, and water tank at the house, and fill it up. Easy. For me at least, as I played the “supportive wife” role, and Michael did most of the work.
It was leaky and far from perfect, but it was an unplanned haven and perfect spot to drink a couple of ice-cold Sagres, while waiting for the sun to dip lower, and a second breath to tackle those tasks we abandoned earlier in the day. It was also the perfect spot to admire the land from a different angle, and dream of all those future projects we envision for it.
Hopefully, at the end of next week, the borehole will be drilled, the walls inside the house chased for the electricity pipes, and with the help of Frank the Digger, more land cleared. It will be cold, but Michael is looking forward to a break from work, and although he will have to work much harder than usual, it is an opportunity to keep the dream alive, and edging just a tiny bit closer to making the house livable.
I, on the other hand, will be the “supportive wife” from a distance, enjoying the near perfect weather in the UAE . . .
Written by: Jolandi
July visit 2018
I saw a lot of effort coming from you! Aiming that hose just-so while raising a beer bottle to your lips is certainly a fine contribution to the splash pool creation. 🙂 Seriously, you guys are so industrious and imaginative, and your new spot looks like a pretty heavenly way to escape the summer heat and enjoy your property in another way. I’m so enjoying your chronicle of making this place a home.
I am so glad you noticed the effort, Lexie. It takes a lot of hard work to hold onto a hose and drinking beer at the same time. The only time it ever looks like I am actually doing something, is when I put the camera on a tripod, otherwise I am always the one behind the lens. Such a skewed view of our work division! Well, okay, truth be told, he is the one doing most of the skilled work, and I am just the unskilled side-kick. 🙂 Well, every hero needs a side-kick, don’t they?
– Jolandi
Jolandi, cheers to your wonderfully practical capable man……. and seeing you in your supportive role…. very important beer in hand brought a smile. The splash pool is perfect and your orchard veld and surrounds look tranquil. Please post a pic of it in these winter months. Well done to you both living and working your dream, its what this journey called LIFE is all about. x nanette
Thank you, Nanette. I am so glad I got a husband who is so capable. He has been given a camera and instructions to take video and photographs. Let’s see what he returns with!
I am so pleased you managed to find the time to make this wonderful splash pool! I am sure that you will both enjoy it to the full next summer. I also hope your husband manages to get everything he wants done during the next few days. I am envious of your perfect weather in the UAE!
Thank you so much, Clare. The work always seems overwhelming, until we remind ourselves to focus on just one or two tasks at a time. This time, he has gone with a more realistic list of tasks, so at least we are starting to accept that it will be a long process.
We love the UAE winters, although I am sure they are even warmer than British summers. 😉 Stay warm.
– Jolandi
Thank you, Jolandi! 🙂
Hello Jolandi,
I agree, “supportive wife” role is very important!! 🙂
I hope Michael and Frank the Digger have some good adventures despite the cold.
So happy to see you continuing to live the dream!!
Best,
Takami
(PS, thank you for your lovely wishes re: our home. Paperwork is finally finished. Now we can look forward to paying taxes starting next year. Hooray!)
I knew you would understand the importance of the “supportive wife” role. 😉
YaY! I am so glad to hear that you are finally done with the paperwork, Takami. Now you can start to enjoy your new home without that hanging over your head.
– Jolandi