pictura est?
This inscription on the bridge is a puzzle to me, despite my years of high school Latin. Discipuli picturam spectate. Pictura est...? I can’t quite figure out the letters, which makes it rather impossible for me to read the words! So I guess what I’m asking is if there might possibly be a Joseph out there who can identify the letters and then interpret them. Cara, you’re definitely on a roll - care to try your hand at this one?
bridge over the river “?”
What a day we had driving here and there and visiting this place and that place... and unfortunately not writing any of it down. I do remember, however, being told that this is the only remaining Roman bridge in the entire Iberian peninsula! And that this is where Catarina’s father grew up, in the same countryside which continues to be home to his family and their extended family. Portugal is a land of close families and deep roots. The whole weekend left me profoundly impressed with how much other cultures have to offer us.
there’s gold in them there hills...
...and we discovered some of it this weekend, during our visit with the family of one of Ron’s students. First of all, the golden hues of the Duoro River as it travels through the hills on its way to Porto and the ocean. Secondly, the priceless opportunity to visit the interior of Portugal - its hills, streams, bridges, villages, shops, vineyards, farms, churches, monasteries, even a castle. And finally, the incomparable hospitality that was extended to us. Beyond anything we’ve ever experienced before. OBRIGADA to Catarina and the FAM!
apologia for expensive umbrellas
Ron and I meandered through Porto last Friday afternoon, dodging a rapidly-shifting succession of winds, rain, hail, thunder and lightening. Great excuse for taking an espresso break in a riverside cafe. Despite the inclement weather, we braved the walk over the Duoro River to get a view of the city from the other side (another memory of our time there with you, Caitlin). Finally at dusk, we climbed a long steep alleyway towards our room, and were rewarded with this spectacular view of Porto at dusk. Unlike my Canadian umbrella, Ron’s 1-euro bargain from France did not survive the day.
downs and ups
Being in Porto - and Portugal in general - certainly has its ups and downs (or in this case downs and ups), as I find myself huffing and puffing one moment, then feeling those seldom-experienced calf muscles the next (not all the slopes are as gentle as this one). And if you look closely at the road, you will see something distinctly Portuguese - a meticulous arrangement of small stone cubes in many of the roads and walkways here.
Earlier this week, a walk in the woods with Michaela brought us to this beautiful spot on our lake. And now in these closing days of the year, we find our little world to be a study in splendid whites, brilliant blues and golden browns. It's good to be home! 
This is a temporary post, a partial picture. My fervent hope and prayer is that one day very soon, I can post the full picture and introduce you to the newest member of the family. Meanwhile, here is one very happy (and slightly shell-shocked) Grandpa/Santa.
Michaela's great love for animals meets Beatrice's shivering need for a warm cuddle, as we enjoy a post-Christmas visit to Caitlin and Sharon's new home. As we stood (no furniture yet) admiring how much had been accomplished in just a few short weeks (from purchasing the property to building a house), a new woodstove was being installed, and an earth mover was filling in the moat around the house!
Our first grandchild's first elementary school Christmas concert! Bravo, Micah!!!
Three months of separation, and we recognize even more keenly than before, the precious gift wrapped up in every moment of togetherness.
