So, if you have been following our journey for some time, you will realise that our house build is taking much longer than we had originally envisaged. The waiting, along with having no home can cause a lot of worry and anxiety and affect relationships in many ways. Anyone who has embarked on a similarContinue reading “How do we cope with delays?”
Author Archives: CarpeDiem
Back to the house build project
When will we be moving in? That’s the million dollar question. Everyone is asking us, but we still have no answer. We always knew this journey was going to be one of ups and downs. It’s never easy having a new house built, we knew this to be true. We just didn’t envisage it takingContinue reading “Back to the house build project”
Finally the weather turns better!
You couldn’t write this…(no wait, we are!). Just as Wayne’s sister returns to the UK the weather turned the corner, warmed up and has actually stayed that way for a while. She was desperate to get away from the wet and grey skies in the UK, only to pick one of the coldest and wettestContinue reading “Finally the weather turns better!”
Family Joins us Housesitting
Leaving Rosie, Axel, and Deborah after our wonderful house sit near São Pedro de Alva was undoubtedly bittersweet. Our time spent with them was filled with warmth, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Saying goodbye to Rosie’s wagging tail and affectionate licks, as well as the heartfelt conversations and shared stories with Axel and Deborah, left aContinue reading “Family Joins us Housesitting”
We’ve split up!
In somewhat of a plot twist, this week we have split up. So a bit of background… The last time we met up with our friends Kirsty and David, they asked if we could sit for the boys again (Sonny & Cooper, the golden retrievers). We said sure! But, nothing was put into the TrustedHousesittersContinue reading “We’ve split up!”
Taming the Landscape: Portugal’s Enduring Effort
From the house-sit near Batalha, we traveled back up north past Coimbra to Travanca do Mondego once again. However, this time not to house-sit, but just a visit. Because, our next sit was just across the valley from Kathryn & Roman’s, and because we had two days spare, they invited us to stay and have aContinue reading “Taming the Landscape: Portugal’s Enduring Effort”
February 2024 update
Firstly, we would like to express our gratitude for the efforts of our architects and builders invested in our house build; the project commenced in 2020. While we initially received strong indications of completion last year, we find ourselves still awaiting the finalization of our home in 2024. We understand that construction projects can encounterContinue reading “February 2024 update”
House sitting in anticipation
We are relieved to have overcome our recent illness and are eagerly anticipating the exciting adventures ahead in our upcoming house-sitting endeavors. Simultaneously, keeping a close eye on the developments of our house-build brings us immense motivation and joy, especially as it progresses smoothly. The anticipation of settling into our new home is a beaconContinue reading “House sitting in anticipation”
In sickness and in health
In the aftermath of losing Peter, our focus shifted towards supporting Isabel, offering a helping hand by volunteering to pick up or drop off family and friends at Lisboa airport. Our house, which usually took center stage in our lives, momentarily took a backseat as we grappled with the emotional aftermath. Unfortunately, shortly after theContinue reading “In sickness and in health”
Remembering Irish Peter: A Neighbor Lost, but Memories Forever Treasured
In the quiet anticipation of new friendships and shared moments, the sudden passing of Irish Peter casts a shadow over our new year celebrations and local community. Scheduled to become our nearest expat neighbour, Peter’s absence will be deeply felt, leaving behind unfulfilled dreams of poolside beers and shared experiences and with Annette and IsbelContinue reading “Remembering Irish Peter: A Neighbor Lost, but Memories Forever Treasured”
Our Portuguese Life 