Just one last ‘Presepio de Natal’
In the hilltop village of Alferce, in Portugal’s Algarve, a gathering is taking place on the streets.
Wise men, shepherds and curious onlookers, they have come to see the Nativity scene at the heart of the village. Β And who can blame them?
Isn’t it beautiful? Β If graceful can be said to be “full of grace”, I think this qualifies for the Weekly Photo Challenge. Β Don’t you agree?
Pop in and see Cate if you have six words to share, too.



Some people have been really creatve with this!
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We saw an enormous amount of creativity in the Algarve this January, Mlissabeth. π How are things with you? Cate wasn’t about to link up to yesterday but I’ll try again now.
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I have had several problems with progression of metstatic breast cancer to different parts of my body. Not so well these days. I haven’t crocheted for about a month. Don’t be sad. I still have hope.
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So sorry, sweetheart. Fight on! I’ll pray for you π
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Ha ha. Great form of grace-full
And I particularly like your 2nd and last shot. The last one is such a great mix of true Portuguese (tiles and colours) with traditional Christian christmas. As for teh 2ns shot – is he carrying that pot as a form of personal protection?
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He does have a thoughtful look on his face, Debs. Don’t like to think just what he might be contemplating π π
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I love this. Such a clever way to celebrate.
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So many variations on a theme, Carol, and I loved them all. π
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Life-sized creatures, how wonderful. So many different nativity versions you encountered this “year”! Keep on discovering and exploring, Jo! π
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I think I must have exhausted the Algarve’s supply, don’t you, Liesbet? π It was fun though.
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Hey, as long as there is supply, there must be demand, right? π I cannot get enough of anything Algarve, Jo!
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Loved this, Jo. A lot of work went into this. Definitly qualifies.
..
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Hello, sweetheart! How are you? I still do 6WS whenever I can but quite often Cate is late or doesn’t make it at all. I’ll pop over and see you soon. π
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This reminds me of your scarecrow village in the Dales. How sweet! I do hope you are feeling a little better – keep supping those hot toddies!
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Half a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc was very nice but now I feel like crawling into bed. Blame Rafa! 5am is too early to start a day. π Great match though.
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Yes, definitely…you nailed this one, Jo! Great photos!
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Thanks, Jill. π And I enjoyed being there too.
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I could sit here all day. That is for what Jo π
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Missed words sorry. (What museums and sun is for.)
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I’m inclined to sit here all day too, Gerry. It’s cold outside π π
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For sure!! Graceful and serene. Love the tiles. Did you get to the tile museum in Lisbon?! And the sheep and donkeys are beautiful.
Peta
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I’ve not been to Lisbon for a number of years, Peta. Due to go back again and the azulejo museum is definitely on the list. π Happy weekend!
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You are qualified, Jo – no doubt at all. Thank you for bringing some smiles and sunshine on this grey Saturday. Paired with this loving, native scene. Hope you feel better soon. Such a nuisance, this winter colds. I have just said goodbye to mine. Mind you, looking across the big pond I could catch a second one.
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Grey and dampish here, Dina, and I’ve promised a friend to meet at lunchtime. Don’t really feel like it but don’t like to let her down. π¦
Thank you for your kindness. I will disinfect my hugs before sending them to you. π
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These are all wonderful, Jo!
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I saw so many lovely crib scenes this year, Cathy! Truly wonderful π I think the salt one was my favourite. It looked so much like snow.
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Oh, ich liebe den SΓΌden, wunderschΓΆne passende Krippenbilder…
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Vielen danke, Ernst π π
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What a nativity scene. Every prop looks to size and so life-like. For a moment I actually thought the camel was real :”D Such a good view from the top of Alferce. Lovely weather greeting you at the top, and a warm welcome by the sunshine too π
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It’s a lovely little spot, Mabel. There’s a little swimming pool looking down over the hills too π Happy what’s left of the weekend!
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Graceful and full of grace, definitely. And how magical and lovingly made those near life-size figures. Love the sheep.
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I think I should definitely declare Advent well and truly over, Tish, but it was lovely while it lasted. π π
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That must be the nativity scene to top all nativity scenes. Beautiful photos and I smiled at your words. Hugs from 1Β° as I head out in search of keycutter, art and maps.
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Gotta end on a high, Meg π Exhausted from watching Rafa for the past 4 hours. Interesting shopping list π I need to get my act together now because it’s James’ birthday on Monday and I ought to get him a few bits. I’m meeting my friend from ex-Polish classes at lunchtime so I need to try not to infect her. Hugs will be lethal, darlin. π π
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Somehow it’s reassuring to know that natives suffer too. But I’m sorry you are. May tennis heal all woes. Will you be chatting in Polish? Just as I was feeling I was managing without, I went to register my phones and got told “Nie mogΔ” – I did understand that. But I couldn’t get “But my husband registered his here last night” to trip off my tongue. Relatively germ free hugs en route to you – but handle with care. Uwaga!
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We should indeed converse in Polish but it would be awfully quiet at our table. π π Ann doesn’t have contact with her Polish family any more and her Polish Dad’s dead too, so there’s not much incentive. Forca is the Portuguese word for being strong. I think I may need some of that this afternoon (and I can just hear Jude offering a nip of brandy π )
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I’ll send you a shot glass of vodka flavoured with bitter orange and herbs.
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Sounds just the ticket π Half bottle of Sauvignon Blanc was nice while it lasted but I’m tired now.
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You sound as if you’re quite sick. Look after yourself my dear. I’m sending healing hugs.
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Thanks, darlin. I actually turned down an outing today! π¦ Can’t remember the last time that happened, and it’s turned out sunny too. Sociability yesterday finished me off π I’ve rallied a bit. Viveka sent me a music CD and I’ve been bopping about a bit to it (then stopping to cough π ) and a little much needed housework got done. This world is full of sweethearts and I’m a lucky lady π
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Que maravilha!
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Mille grazie, Anna π π
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I do agree Jo!
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Thank you kindly, Andrew π Always good to have you on side π π
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It definitely qualifies, Jo. π The village location is stunning and the nativity display so beautiful and full of serenity, a sense of peace from each and every one. Wishing you a lovey weekend. β₯οΈ
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Thanks, darlin π Loaded with cold but watching Rafa has warmed me up a bit π Enjoy your weekend, too!
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Oh no, hope you’re better soon. ππ Take care and enjoy the tennis.
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Oh you made it π having put this on my ‘things to do list’ I then totally forgot!! Must remember the list doesn’t always wirk when it’s in my head!
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It may still be on this weekend, Becky, but it’s a long way to go if it isn’t. I’m sure I read 22nd somewhere, but it seems very late. Chourico festival on somewhere this weekend- Querenca I think? Has the weather picked up? I’m very tensely watching Rafa. π π
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Yes sausages tomorrow and definitely warmer than it was π apparently the snow arrived in Tavira too!!
Hope Rafa wins for you, you’ll have to have words if he doesn’t!
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