Which kind for you?

It’s been a while since we shared cake, hasn’t it? Which kind do you like? Deep lemon meringue pie perhaps. Chocolate slice. Or that ‘oh so gooey’ marzipan confection. My excuse today is Su’s Virtual Tea Party and the need to share a few thoughts.

Here in Portugal a State of Calamity has again been declared. From today group sizes are restricted to 5 (an ‘awkward’ number), down from 10, and restaurant seatings adjusted accordingly. In the Algarve it’s another blue sky day in paradise. Figures are still low here and we’re hoping this is a precautionary measure. A swift adjustment to our thinking means we can still walk today in the countryside, as planned, and dine together afterwards, split between two tables. We are so lucky to have the climate that we do, and the warmth of friendship to share our troubles. Many of us have family abroad whom we struggle to see. But it’s put a brave face on, choose your beverage and slip on over to Su’s place. Even when she’s feeling down, she’ll pick you up. And you know you can always rely on Becky.

Now… about that cake?

KindaSquare

146 comments

  3. RJo – infections are also going up here in our county that has so far been pretty safe. Hope you and yours stay healthy and safe and eat lots of chocolate cake (after you’ve had a slice of lemon pie) -Susan

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  5. That’s a difficult question you’ve put to us, Jo. I want to say both, but if you are tying me to a post and setting fire to twigs under my feet then I’ll opt for the lemon meringue. I’ve just returned from lunch on the beach, celery & Stilton soup with toasted garlic ciabatta, followed by home-made coconut ice-cream – that ensures I don’t need to cook dinner tonight so can indulge in something easy to make. I needed cheering up, my best friend and support died yesterday from a cancer that no one, including her, knew was so far advanced. She was taken into hospital 3 days ago in great pain but they thought drainage would help but then …….. In hindsight she was lucky. Better this way that months or years of suffering, She is the 4th friend to die this year – one from Covid – and my circle is sadly depleted now, one good friend has gone to live with daughter and another has had to go into a nursing home. I know plenty of people but friends can’t be replaced and I have no chance of seeing my family in the near future as none live in the UK. I try to be positive but it is hard sometimes! I’m sure you must feel the same. My hairdresser is Portuguese and her mother lives in Lisbon but other members are dotted around the Algarve and she keeps me up to date on what’s happening there. What a bloody maudlin reply to your post, sorry! Will do better. As for you, chin up, stride out on your walks, and keep eating the cakes.

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    1. I’m so sorry sweetheart. Life is rotten sometimes. We try to be a good support to our neighbour, who is on her own and has had a traumatic time with family health – and death – this year, but it’s not always easy to pin on the smile. That’s why this community is here. If you need to offload I’m happy to listen.
      Had a lovely day out with 8 friends. 10 km walk and 3 course meal, with optional chocolate cake. We sat at 2 tables of 4. All very happy.
      Sending hugs 🤗💕💕

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  7. I heard that the numbers for the second wave is rising. Be safe!
    Meanwhile, I am inclined to that choc cake! Just letting you know that there is no third photo.

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  18. I used to make a rather good lemon meringue, but haven’t had one in years. Hadn’t heard that Portugal’s rate of infection was rising, I was under the impression all was pretty good there (your fault 😉) but it doesn’t sound too drastic. Are you still doing the social distancing and no hugs etc.? Must admit 5 is an odd number for getting together. But I’m sure you will get around it 😊

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      5. Perhaps remove the third photo in your post and upload it again, obviously not seeing it in your media library. Unless you have inadvertently deleted it of course, but why would you do that? 🤔

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      8. No. Dodgy stomach today and busy chasing a delivery that should have happened yesterday, but didn’t. Having a lot of electrical work done next week!

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      9. Hmmm 😦 Feeling better now? I tried your remove photo and reinsert and I believe it has worked but it switched me to Block rather than Classic so I don’t know if I’ll have problems with tomorrow’s post. Isn’t learning wonderful? 🙂 🙂

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  19. Cake again? And rain preventing our walking it off? *sigh*. Sorry that you too are re-joining Restriction Central, but glad you seem to be feeling positive in the face of it all.

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