How Was Your Week? Retail Therapy and a Bonus Visit

As January drew to a close and my karma hit an all-time low, if we were having coffee, I’d tell you I decided I needed some retail therapy. AKA Plant therapy. Losing myself with plants is the best medicine for banishing the winter blues.

I had a vague idea of what I wanted. More succulents that are tolerant of full sun for the front poolside rockery, and a different houseplant to display on an old stool Mr P found at the rubbish bins and repurposed into a plant stand. He did a great job, yes? I’d rather we get creative and repurpose whenever possible rather than buy new.

I could not believe my good fortune when I put forward the garden centre suggestion, and Mr P agreed without a word of complaint. So, on Tuesday morning, we set sail to a couple of garden nurseries in Lagos in search of plants. I sighed as I observed the gathering storm clouds as we parked, and sure enough, I no sooner got within touching distance of the plants than the heavens opened. I did manage to grab three Lampranthus before we left.

On a positive note, it does mean another trip.

On Thursday, our son, Ian, who had been at a conference in Lisbon since Monday and was due to travel back to the UK on Thursday, took a long weekend and came to stay, and we got to spend quality time together. Never one to sit still, despite the mizzle and threat of heavy rain, we went for a walk to the end of the headland. It was a challenge for me as I’d only walked the track properly once since my failed knee op, but determined not to be left behind, I gritted my teeth and strode out. Much to my delight, I found it relatively easy and have vowed to walk it at least once a week.

Obviously, the recent physio sessions have paid off!

We will see because that commitment does involve finding someone to walk with, as I am terrified of dogs, which not all dog owners will acknowledge when told, convinced their furry friend will not hurt me when it rushes excitedly towards me or jumps up.

We also had a relaxing beer and pizza at Portifino’s at Lagos Marina, and a couple of other meals out to save me cooking and being tied to the kitchen. Unfortunately, only one of the local bars is open in Jan/Feb, which did clip our wings re choice. Nevermind, we made the best of it despite the weather and even met up for drinks with some of our close friends.

I also persuaded Ian to lift some heavy rocks onto the poolside rockery. When you have extra muscle around the house, sometimes you’ve just got to bite the bullet and ask for help rather than struggle, yes?

It was lovely to catch up, and I look forward to our next family visit to the UK in the next few months.

Just a note about chargeable ‘mouses’. I am late with my #weekendcoffee share as the mouse died and needed recharging. Sigh …