How Was Your Week? Happy and Sad

If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that this week has had its highs and lows.

One of our friends unexpectedly passed away on the 27th. This was the guy whose passion for cacti and succulents inspired me, and with whom, over the years, we exchanged many cuttings and unusual plants, and enjoyed many interesting discussions as our collections expanded.

A Break Away

On my birthday, we enjoyed a delicious lunch of monkfish and prawn kebab at a little restaurant by the quayside in Olhao. We then checked into the Rio Marina Hotel, which has stunning views over the Rio Formosa. Sadly, the photo I took with my phone camera does not do it justice.

After we had unpacked (yes, we are the type of people to take everything but the kitchen sink for a one or two-night stay) and had a ‘power nap’, we set off to explore the marina area opposite for a cocktail before strolling back into the town to find somewhere to eat tapas. We walked and walked … in fact, 10,344 steps, my record daily total in 2025!

On arriving back at the hotel room, I was delighted to discover a bottle of bubbly chilling in an icebucket and some chocolate cake. A thoughtful present from the hotel reception team. Do you like the champagne-and-chocolate combination?

New Year’s Eve, we took a leisurely walk around the back streets of Olhao, and on passing a Thai massage salon, I persuaded Mr Piglet to join me for a foot and leg massage. As I write this three days later, he still aches. I’ve told him not to be such a wimp!

The hotel themed its New Year’s Eve celebration around James Bond and decorated the room in black and white with an eerie UV lighting.

I had my usual panic about what to wear, so I opted for black flowing chiffon trousers and a top, dressed up with a fancy gold necklace, earrings, and a gold glittery wrap. I did gaze wistfully at the ladies wearing body-hugging sparkly dresses. Sighed. ‘Piglet, you can’t turn a sow’s ear into a silk purse.‘ Maybe this year would be the year I lost weight.

Of course, there was the traditional fireworks at midnight. I do like the bright lights but the wooshes and bangs not so much. I understand why animals don’t like them.

We continued to party until 02.30 then, exhausted, we fell into bed. ‘Are we getting too old? I ask myself ‘Nah, the mind says (still 20), go for it, the body can catch up the next day (s)’ and yes, the following day wiped out we drove home and slept!

SAD BEGINNING to 2026

We started the year on a low note with a memorial service for our friend. As I looked at the coffin and his photo perched on top, I vowed to enjoy life to the full and live in the moment. He was the same age as us. He may be gone, but his memory lives on through all the succulents and joy of gardening he shared with me over the years.

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS?

Learn to live in the moment.

ETA: Learn how to use the TV remote control!

What about you guys? Did you make any Resolutions?