A year on from Mr P...

Received a lovely call from Mr P today. He informed me it is a year to the day that I bounced out of the Beast and into his arms. We do keep in regular contact and he is seemingly doing really well. It's funny how when we break up with someone we want them to be absolutely ok about it, and then when we realise they are it's like 'how dare he/she get over me!' Mr P is selling the Big House and moving on. I have many happy memories (and some hilarious/sad ones) of the Big House, and Mr P. He probably helped carve my future and I hope I did his too, in a good way. I know I'll never meet another Mr P...

Milo is struggling with the heat today. Not helped by the fact that we had lunch on the terrace and he sat right next to me in the sun waiting for my scraps. We kind of snook outside today as the PG's have gone sightseeing and we have spent most of the weekend hiding in the basement with the dogs. (The unseen staff). Today we are rebuilding hoovers. For some reason Ali has five and only one seems to work. So good old YouTube Google is being viewed. If it cools down later me and Ali may pop out in The Mouse to the beach with the dogs. I still absolutely love dotting about in the Mouse, it's so cute.

Yesterday when out walking Milo we had a coffee stop. I chose a familiar local beach front venue and sat back to relax and enjoy my extremely cheap brew. I obviously relaxed a little too much as Milo spotted something (not sure what) and made a run for it. I unfortunately had hold of his lead and actually went with him, chair attached to my sweaty backside. I had the good sense to release the lead  once I was flat on the floor, chair still attached to backside, and a very kind old man caught Milo and helped me up. I said very little, other than my basic 'obrigado' so as not to be known as 'that ditzy English woman on the beach...'



Memories...

Me and Ali on the beach...

The five hoovers... 

My cute Mouse... 

Left on the shelf with a wooden penis...

Can't believe I've been here in Portugal for over a month now. Sometimes it feels like a week other times like years. The big beach house is to welcome PG's on Saturday (paying guests). So this week has been a blur of final preparations upstairs for them. I've felt a bit useless all week as Ali seems to thrive in the organised chaos of the big beach house, I seem to be dumbstruck by it all and never quite know where to begin. The PG's  are apparently a large family of about ten and have rented all of upstairs for a week. The difficult bit will be informing Milo and Max they are neither the enemy nor new best friends. It may be a bit like that tv show 'upstairs downstairs' with me and Ali hiding in hallways and having sneaky dips in the pool when they go out. Anyway fingers crossed it all goes well, though I have a feeling they may be a tad demanding.

Through clearing all the clutter I have been presented with two items of interest. One a sex manual and the other a wooden penis shaped bottle opener. Apparently Caldas da Rainha has been making penis shaped items for over 150 years and is very famous for it. So I cracked open a bottle of beer and sat down to read the book. Unfortunately the book was for couples only so I've left it on the shelf, which is exactly how I'm feeling...

No descriptions needed...

Hot girls...

For some strange reason I seem to have quite a few followers on Twitter of scantily clad young girls. I have no idea why they seem to want to follow me, a middle aged, homeless, crazy woman, but they do! I even have trouble trying to figure out their profile pictures, you know the type when it's a certain part of the body in close up but on first appearance it could be a kitchen utensil or the like! Then when you properly view it it's like 'oh my word' haha. Last year it was wannabe young male Canadian pop stars. I think it's down to one followed by mistake and the others joined in. No doubt any hot blooded males reading this will now be logging onto my Twitter account (nicci66nicci enjoy!).

I went to the market again yesterday, this time without Milo. But I very nearly came back with a new puppy. It was in a tiny cage full of shredded newspaper and just whimpering in the heat. The sign said 'Labrador 100 euro' seemed a bit cheap to me for a Labrador. I resisted the puppy purchase and bought some slippers instead. Ali went to the Algarve again this week and came back with the most gorgeous pair of sparkly flip flops for me, much nicer than the pair Max ate. They are far too nice to wear down at the lagoon, which is extra muddy just now as it seems as though someone has pulled the plug out! The water is really low and sludgy but Milo doesn't seem to mind.

We went for another drive in the Mouse this morning but I got a little lost again. I ended up going through the village twice, on one occasion driving on the wrong side of the road. I actually couldn't figure out 'why is that man is driving straight at me?' I drove to the shops and parked up but didn't have the heart to leave Milo or the Mouse in that heat, so got back in and drove home...

Hot girl...

How much is that doggy...

Sparkly flip flops... 

Milo in the Lagoon...

Milo in the Mouse... 

My totally useless gaydar...

Milo and Me went exploring in the Mouse today. And yes we did get lost. I had a plan to travel to the opposite side of the lagoon. It seemed a pretty straight forward destination, follow the edge of the lagoon. Trouble was I lost sight of the lagoon at one point and totally lost my bearings. Ended up miles away from the lagoon in a tiny village with roads barely wide enough for the Mouse. I was rather impressed though that I found my way home. We stopped on route for a coffee and two rather handsome men sat at the table in front of me. I was that busy thinking of a way to get them to notice me that I didn't notice Milo had his head in my handbag and was munching through a pack of baby wipes. Anyway they soon left and I swear they were holding hands. My gaydar is rubbish.

We stopped on a beach for a splash about and Milo was devastated when I started munching on what looked like a hamburger but was infact stuffed with chocolate. I, obviously, was far from devastated. I love driving the Mouse, it's like a really fast dodgem car. I saw another one yesterday that was bright pink, I might ask hunky friend to respray Mouse!

I think I may love the housekeeper as much as Milo now. Not because she worries 'the little girl needs feeding' but I love the way she launders my clothes. She washes, dries and irons everything and presents it back to me like it just came off a shop shelf. I also love that when I was parking the Mouse today a car pulled up beside me and the lady said hello. I now know local people like I'm a 'local'...

My gay friends...

My chocolate hamburger...

My laundry... 

From Beast to Mouse...

Yeay Milo and Me have got ourselves a set of wheels. We've gone from the Beast to the Mouse. I am now driving a Smart car! Ali's rather hunky friend happened to have a spare car he wasn't using and said I can drive it for the foreseeable future. It is so cute and as soon as I started the engine Milo jumped on the back shelf like he was in the Beast. Although we only drove to the bottom of the drive and back. And even that took all morning as for some reason we couldn't release the handbrake. Ali and I tried everything even googling for answers. Eventually somehow Ali managed to release it. So hopefully Milo and Me can go off exploring this beautiful area in the 'Mouse'.  Luckily I packed my satnav.

I'm having problems with flip flops. The old pair I brought with me were quickly wearing out what with walking on the beach every day. So I bought myself a pretty little new pair at the market. Not sure I got the right size as on numerous occasions I've tripped on my 'flip'. Also Milo walks so closely behind me he constantly stands on my 'flop'. Then to top it all I woke up this morning to find Max had eaten my 'flop' on one flip flop! First shopping trip in the Mouse is to buy new flip flops.

Ali took me to a local restaurant the other night and got me rather tipsy on Caipirosca cocktails. They are a delicious mix of vodka and limes and brown sugar, I think. Anyway I slept well that night.
I think my last blog entry made some people think I'm not happy. Just to set the record straight I'm tickityboo! Even though I'm living what I consider a wonderful life I still have down days. I'm beginning to realise I am and always will be a bit of a misfit in this world (as opposed to that other world?!...)

The Mouse...

The flip flops...

Getting tipsy...

Football, Murderers and Burglars...

So I've been back to the beach in search of my sexy fisherman but alas he is not to be found. I did find a rather strange black rubbery sort of creature on the shore where I last saw him which reminded me of a fable I read about the Selkie folk. Selkies were part seal part human!

I'm feeling a tad redundant of late. A feeling of lost identity. I'm a mum, a sister, and a daughter and yet feel I'm not fulfilling those relationships. Probably to do with the distance between us and having limited contact. I kind of feel a little lost as to my direction. I think, in life we carve ourselves a spot, be it parent, partner or maybe career. I just seem to be a bit of a misfit! I think this is the reason I'm reluctant to sell the Beast. I got it all tidied up with a 12 month mot and advertised it, but I can't bring myself to let go. It's my home, my safe place and basically all I possess. So I'm holding onto it for a little longer.

Last night was interesting. I got myself all ready to watch Portugal play Wales, obviously supporting my 'home' team. Gran was in bed asleep and I was alone with the 'boys' (Milo and Max). All was good, I had beer chocolate and crisps. Then suddenly I heard an almighty crash bang and the sound of broken glass. It seemed to come from the middle floor as I was in the basement. What freaked me more was that both dogs seemed to move closer to me and looked scared. I didn't have the nerve to find out what it was and just sat there wondering how many murderers/burglars there were and hoping they would just leave before discovering me and Gran in the basement.
My murderer/burglar turned out to be a light fitting which had fallen from the ceiling right above my bed. Still spooky though...

My sexy fisherman/Selkie...

A sad poem I found...

Ready for football/murderers/burglars...

Wearing rubber...

Mmmm, think I spied me a fit fisherman this morning. Well I think he was a fisherman. He was wearing some kind of rubber outfit and waded into the water pulling some kind of bucket. He was smoking a cigarette in the water and managed to make it look sexy. I pretended to take some photos of Milo but you'll have to trust me that up close he looked rather dishy. I may try to walk Milo at the same time tomorrow and get a better look. Then I will plan my next move (possibly involving rubber mwhaha!)

Milo did a 'me' on the beach this morning. He was charging for his ball and forgot about the ropes mooring the boats. He practically bungee jumped right back, quite funny to see. Just hope my fisherman didn't witness my dumb dog. I've managed to buy a ball thrower for Milo. We always used one previously but I couldn't fit it in my suitcase. And my throwing technique is pretty weak, hence Milo has put on a bit of belly weight, added by the fact that the housekeeper is constantly feeding him. So hopefully his muscle definition will return.

Yesterday I painted some garden furniture. Quite therapeutic but a bit blinding painting white on white in the blaring sunshine. This morning I painted some more but this time with green paint, so much easier. Just need to keep nosy Milo out the way or he's going to look like the Irish flag...

My fit fisherman...

Milo watching me paint...

The finished job... 

Must I settle for less...

I woke up yesterday after having spent my first night alone. Just me and Gran and of course Milo and Max. I'm pleased to say we all survived the night. Although I had one small panic when the baby monitor beeped during the night having run out of battery, which I need to monitor Gran. I did think I might have to sleep on the floor next to her bed but eventually got it working again. Another first for me was driving into town on my own. I had satnav but accidentally hit 'take long route' so it did take me a while to get there. I also found myself circling the roundabouts more than necessary as I was a little confused as to my exit, should have placed a malteser on the dashboard.

Ali and I went to the local market in Nazare with Milo. Not such a good idea as it was heaving with people and they all seemed to be eating something. Milo scrambled under most stalls grabbing castoff crusts, he even stuck his head under a babies pram trying to steal it's food. Then he found a stall holders lunch on a shelf and swallowed it whole before I could stop him. Ali and I made a run into the crowd before we got chased. Needless to say I didn't buy anything at the market and won't be taking Milo again. Although I was stopped on many occasions by people asking if they could stroke the beautiful dog, who is now described as 'an English gentleman dog'.  We then went shopping and nearly bought lions masks and fake bum knickers but settled for a new mop and bucket.

I'm trying to make more effort to look half decent when I walk Milo on the beach as there are lots of fishermen down there. Now I know a fisherman is not a prince, like a farmer wasn't a prince but I'm starting to think I might have to settle for less...

Shopping...

Me making an effort for the fishermen... 

Adapting and adjusting...

Well Milo and me have been in Portugal for a week now and we are still finding our feet. I think spending so long in the Beast, just the two of us, has given to a lot of adjusting. Milo is so nosey and with so much going on he won't sit still. He sees everyone as a potential food giver so follows their every move. Also, having had practical silence for so long, every sound makes him jumpy. I'm also adjusting to being in the company of many different people on a daily basis having gone whole days previously just in the company of Milo. I think we are both doing quite well so far.

Yesterday we all went off for a walk on the beach at Saom Martinho. Max and Milo had a great  time splashing about. When we got back to the car Ali discovered she had lost her glasses. So we trudged all the way back to where they might have been dropped. And that's when Ali realised she was actually wearing the glasses we were all looking for. As compensation she treated us to the most amazing ice cream. I chose an extremely large waffle with chocolate ice cream and must admit I couldn't finish it.

Today, after a friend built a fantastic new barbecue, we decided to go to the shops and buy some meat. This was also to be my first driving lesson in Portugal. I have never driven a left hand drive car, but as Ali said after driving the Beast it can't be that difficult. To be fair I didn't end up in a ditch and neither did the oncoming traffic. Although I think I did drive like a little old lady most of the way. And Milo was a bit confused as he always sits behind me when I'm driving.

We are also learning to always walk behind the fishing rods on the beach after my previous entanglement. Oh and I've learnt to look out for the ropes mooring the boats rather than practically falling flat on my face...

Milo and Max...

Delicious...

The barbecue

Playing with robots...

Seems like I'm really beginning to fit in here. They've even named a cafe after me and serve me with a named cup. Not to mention it's only 90 cents. Also my Google is now reading in Portugese, so I will be fluent in no time. There is actually a little seven year old Portugese girl staying with us just now and I am so embarrassed that she can talk to me in English. I've persuaded her to teach me her language. Now I don't tell Milo to 'sit' I say 'centre'.

Milo and Max are getting on a bit better. Sometimes Milo actually lets Max walk past without barking at him. Gran seems quite fascinated with Milo too, probably his bright red coat. Milo spends most of his day trying to catch the annoying blooming flies in his mouth. That is when he's not begging anyone and everyone for food. His big sad eyes and constant drool seem to pursuade most people, so no doubt I will have a big fat lab soon.

Ali and I had some fun last night with her new robot toy. Not quite as rude as it sounds! She has bought herself a robot window cleaner, what with the amount of windows in the big beach house. You literally just plug it in and stick it on the pane. Then sit back and watch. Which is exactly what we did, just watched it, it was fascinating. It even has a remote control and won't stop until it clears every smear.

Every day I take Milo down to the beach. And every day I feel like I'm looking at a postcard...

My cafe...

Gran watching Milo...

The window robot at work...

Picture postcard every day... 

Day three in the big beach house...

This weekend has been really rather different to my previous lifestyle in the Beast. For one I've gone from one room, to more than I can actually count. So, as for just reaching to the left or the right to find my phone I'm now running up various flights of stairs and in and out of rooms. Milo keeps losing me, so tends to not let me out of his sight. Today has been a good day as Milo has only barked at Max once, so far. Ali and I took them to the beach together this morning  to show them that 'this is how we hang out now'!

Yesterday I took Milo down to the lagoon. This was to be a gentle stroll along the shore for us both. That is until Milo got the scent of food! The shore was full of fishermen and numerous rods planted in the sand. One poor fisherman had left a bag, full of his catch of the day, next to his rod. That is until Milo grabbed the bag and got stuck in. Made worse by me diving in to save the fish and just getting completely tangled in two fishing rod lines! Further down the shore I felt the angry stares of the men as I just kept shouting "sorry". We ran off and then unfortunately came across a family sitting down having a wonderful Sunday picnic... I really must learn the word 'sorry' in Portugese. We did find a lovely little  beach bar and I had a really nice coffee for just one euro. Think it might become my local coffee stop.

Ali cheered me up with a drink she had found on Google, which apparently helps stressful situations. Mainly consisting of Gin with strawberrys and peppercorns. It certainly de stressed me and the jacuzzi bath later was luxurious, although I learnt the hard way that you don't need so much bubble bath, I lost myself in that bath...

Milo loves his beach...

I love coffee...

I also now love Gin... 

Our journey to Lisbon...

Milo and me are in Portugal! Crazy journey that had me totally stressed out before hand and practically tearing my hair out. But the actual journey was reasonably stress free. Every airline representative had given me different pieces of information in regards to how Milo would travel. When in fact we both just literally walked into Manchester airport, up to the check in desk and handed over our passports. Milo was extremely popular whilst waiting in the queue and I must say very well behaved. Pip was able to wait with us until I had to take Milo to the excess baggage. Then there was an extremely emotional goodbye, with Pip and Milo, not me! Milo was then taken to the aircraft and I watched glued to the window at the boarding gate, quite hysterical that  they might drop him. I'm sure the other passengers thought I was either an avid plane spotter or a crazy nervous passenger.

Arriving in Lisbon was a bit scary, as I couldn't find him for about half an hour. Everyone kept sending me to different areas and I was beginning to panic. I was stopping anyone in a uniform screaming "where's my dog?" Then he just appeared at a door all quiet and feeling very sorry for himself. I think he was in a mood with me when we got in the car. Luckily I was met by Ali and her hunky friend who helped pile us all in.

We arrived at our new home, the big beach house, quite late and he got to meet his new best friend Max. Well not quite best friends yet, more like annoying little brother who keeps following him. And Milo has taken to barking like a crazy dog at poor Max whenever he comes near me. Early days yet but I'm sure they will eventually be best friends.

Spent today with Ali learning how to care for Granny, inbetween me and Ali testing out the new trampoline in the garden. I think Gran recognised me and I think Ali wet her knickers on the trampoline...

Milo and Max...

Praying they don't drop Milo...

My new bedroom...

Testing the trampoline...

Are there any Portugese Princes in Portugal?...

Just over a year ago I started writing my blog, or as I like to think, letting other people read my diary. I've written 184 entries and have just hit 100,000 views. I'm really rather impressed and remember right back at the beginning saying to Pip "hey 3 people have read my blog!".
I can't believe that just a year ago I was working in a job I hated and living in a three bed house I struggled to afford. My life was same old same old every day and I was heading nowhere. Haha now I have nothing, quite literally and have never felt better. What I do have is Milo, my family, my close friends and an absolute bundle of precious memories and moments that I will cherish and reflect on forever. I feel no less of a person for possessing so few possessions. And as for not having an 'address' it doesn't really change who I am.

So now my next chapter in my adventure of life begins. On Friday Milo and me both fly off to Portugal to live. It's a little bit scary and a little bit exciting. I've been staying with sister Pip since I got back from Ireland last week and have been trying to squeeze my life into one suitcase. Not an easy task but if I managed to get a three bed house into the Beast I'm sure I will manage. Talking of the Beast my heart is breaking. Sadly I have to sell him. Mainly for financial reasons. I'm determined he will go to a good home and am requesting first refusal on the opportunity to potentially buy him back.

On Friday night I will arrive in Portugal and really don't know what to expect. I know I'll be with good people so that helps. It will feel odd living in the same location long term and seeing the same view out the windows, luckily I will have stunning views. I'm sure Milo will settle in ok given time. And, hopefully, fingers crossed I might meet a Portugese Prince Charming...

Feeling quite proud...

My chaotic life...

I'm going to cry buckets losing my Beast... 

Goodbye Ireland, farewell my friends...

It's my last night in Ireland, as tomorrow I board a ferry back to the UK. I can't believe how fast these  last couple of months have passed. I sat last night looking at all my photos, of which there are hundreds, and reminisced back to day one. I must say the travelling aspect was so much harder than Scotland last year, but the people I met certainly made up for it (for sure!). Maybe I will return one day as there is a whole chunk on the top left hand corner I have yet to explore. And there's certainly many places and people I would love to revisit.

I think my Portugal opportunity came at the right time for many reasons. Mainly I've run out of money! The cost of living over here is a lot higher than home. Added with the fact I had to do most of my shopping daily and in village shops didn't help. Also, even though I've gotten braver it's still quite difficult to wildcamp in Ireland. Overhead barriers I appreciate why you're there but I still hate you.  Then there's Love. The big 'L' word. Looking for Love. It didn't happen. And I know that's down to me. Some people say 'I never win the lottery' but they never buy a ticket. Well I think I tried to buy too many 'tickets'! I haven't given up on my happy ever after and I still believe my soul mate is out there somewhere. I've just got to look with different eyes...

Last nights camping was a personal hell on earth for me. I needed electricity etc so headed for a local campsite. It was heaving. I forgot it was bank holiday here. The owner tried to find me a space but in all honesty I wish he'd turned me away. He squashed me in between some parked cars next to the tent area. Then tried to charge me extra for Milo. Then shouted at me for having Milos pegged lead too long. In fact he seemed to patrol the whole site shouting at people. Also I've never seen so many children in one place, I appreciate they were having fun but my God they were loud. When they all eventually fell asleep that's when the parents came to life. It was a long night so me and Milo got up real early, and not so quietly, Milo ate all the leftover bbq food and then we left. We spent the rest of the day at Dublins Saint Anne's Park and on the lovely Dollymount Strand from where I can practically see my ferry...

Just a teeny weeny selection of some of my favourite photos in Ireland

Lisdoonvarna...

Near Poulwirren...

Cong...

Dingle...

Looking glum but loved Tracht beach...

The Beast, without whom,  this could never have happened...