Good February

In 2015, due to poor planning on my part, I spent all of February at home.  Now, I am very happy with my home, but February was a very difficult month.  It was approximately 10 degrees C colder than usual (not a single day above freezing), with lots of snow shovelling.  Even Gavle in Sweden had a much milder month.  At the end of it, I decided that I did not want to repeat that for 2016.  So, when the deal to Madeira and the Azores (Feb. 19 to March 2) came up in August, we booked it.  And a few days later when Richard's surgery was scheduled for February 12 and he asked that I come, I booked that -- Feb. 5 to 17.

Richard's surgery went well and he is recovering right on schedule.  Having me there made it a bit easier for Jennie to have a few more hands to do some of the things that all fell on her shoulders.  She is a remarkable lady and a fabulous Mom to Tova and Rowan.  My time there was a joy!

Madeira turned out to be a real tourist place.  I dislike street hustlers for tours and restaurants and to sell you pictures of yourself.  I feel very badly for the people who must earn their living this way and it diminishes the delight of a place for me.  I much prefer exploring the places where the locals live, blending into the fabric of a place whereever possible.

Sao Miguel, this island, is the country cousin of Madeira.  The mountains are not as high, but there are spectacular views.  The roads are not as impressive with the tunnels, but certainly good roads, and in most cases at least 2 types to get you from one place to another.  The people speak less English, but enough to get yourself understood in most cases.  There are not huge Volvo tour buses everywhere.  The entrance to the hot springs area yesterday at Furnas was 50 cents.  A great plate of grilled squid at the little food area by the big supermarket costs 7 euros.  And a beer from the kiosk on the waterfront allows you to sit and watch the boats in absolute peace.  When tourism is not the central focus, the locals go about their business.

We fly home today to the end of the storm of the season, according to the weather network.  Thanks to a friend who will clear the driveway and who has looked after our cat.

Good February!