Valerie's Voice – Page 92 – Musings on Life

Dining Out in Portugal

There are four restaurant experiences that stand out from our time in Portugal.

The first one was a small place on the same street as our apartment. There were several small restaurants along this street that was closed to traffic.

Our rented apartment was on this street, which was closed to traffic.

There is an unusual practice in Lisboa…a lot of restaurants have a person standing outside the restaurant trying to entice people to eat at their place. On our street there were several small restaurants in a row, all with outdoor seating, all with guys trying to lure us in.

We did eat at one of them…I don’t even remember the name but the friendliness of the staff made it an outstanding experience for me. They were all so patient and served us in anyway they could, all the while paying special attention to the children. They loved the kids. I thanked them for their kindness! I had Creamed Cod and it was delicious.

Isaias...a very small local restaurant. — Isaias…a very small local restaurant.

The second place, Isaias, was a stop on our all day tour to the National Park. It was an out of the way place our tour guide knew of and tourists do not. Locals love the place. It is not in Rick Steves book, although we love his tour books! Isaias is run by two older guys, grilling fresh fish outside on a grill built into the wall of this corner shop. Inside in the front room is the counter with the register and two tables, and a narrow room in the back has four small tables. We waited outside for 45 minutes as the tables freed up – they needed to put two tables together for our group. There were five of us that day so they put two tables together to make six place settings. Since there was room for one more a single customer was seated with us! I loved it! They only grill fresh fish and everyone enjoyed their meal. I had a giant Tiger Shrimp. Yum.

The built in grill with the owners grilling fresh fish. — The built-in grill with the owners grilling fresh fish.

A peek in the door to Isaias...very small. — A peek in the door to Isaias…very small.

The third place that stands out is a family-run restaurant we happened upon in Nazare, a fishing town on the Atlantic Ocean. Again, it was small with a few tables, but it was warm and friendly. We decided the grandfather was helping to clear the tables (there were about five tables) and the son was running the place by helping the one waitress – a daughter maybe? – and collecting the money. His wife and the grandmother were in the kitchen, about the size of mine at home, doing all the cooking. I loved the idea of everyone in the family chipping in. I had Grilled Cod.

The fourth place (not in preference order) was not so much the ambiance, although it was very nice (and recommended by Rick Steves), but what we sampled there made it a unique experience. My husband had read about a delicacy enjoyed by the Portuguese that was supposedly very tasty: Boiled Barnacles! They happened to be on the menu so we ordered a plate to taste them. I wasn’t going to try them (I’m not so adventurous in my eating) but since my daughter-in-love tasted one I had to too! They were OK…but I don’t ever need to try them again. My husband and son cleaned the plate!

Grandchildren, Family and Christmas 2016

Zoey, our 26 month old granddaughter, is adorable, adventurous and doesn’t seem to be afraid of anything…and she understands two languages!

Ezra, our nine month old grandson, is cute, happy and growing fast!

We arrived at the Lisbon airport on Christmas Eve day. We hailed a taxi and gave the driver the address of our AirB&B apartment we had rented for the week. He dropped us off two blocks away since the apartment is on a street closed to traffic. He unloaded our luggage, gave us walking directions and drove away. We juggled our luggage, followed the directions, and found the apartment. The manager was there to give us the keys and instructions. We asked where we could buy groceries and we asked about a church where we might attend a Christmas Eve service. We didn’t make it to the church service…jet lag kept us away…it would have been a Catholic midnight mass – in Portuguese.

Our flat was on the third floor, the top floor, since they count the main level as zero. — Our flat was on the third floor, the top floor, since they count the ground level as zero.

We settled in and then went out to find the grocery store. We knew we had to buy for the next two days since the store would be closed on Christmas. We picked out things we could recognize… chicken breasts, rice, frozen carrots, bread, eggs and some cinnamon type toast to take the place of our traditional cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning.

Our oldest son and his wife chose to stay in a hotel two blocks away from our apartment. After they settled in they came over and we waited for a call from our youngest son and his family. The call came and, of course, their taxi driver dropped them off at a different location a couple blocks away. They told us the name of the street so the four of us set out on a hunt to find them. They had to be within a two-block radius. Rua Augusta, was the street name they gave us and as we turned the corner – joy! – there they were standing their with their two young ones waiting to be found. It was a great reunion.

The next morning after not-so-good cinnamon toast, we read the Christmas story the children opened gifts and I brought a gift for everyone– warm and cozy slippers.

We sat down to a delicious meal. Our daughter-in-love took the few spices that were in the apartment kitchen and made a tasty chicken marinade with rice and carrots.

Later that evening, after dark, we walked to Rua Augusta (a pedestrian mall) and joined the throngs of people out on this pleasant Christmas evening. We walked to the plaza along the Rio Tejo where there was a tall, colorfully lit Christmas tree and vendors roasting chestnuts on an open fire (grill) which we tried and liked.

It was a very festive and wonderful European Christmas.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Portugal

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A street in Lisbon, looking towards the castle.

Portugal was not a country that I ever considered visiting but it was the only European city with a direct flight to and from Maputo, Mozambique where my son and his family live. So that is why we chose to meet in Lisboa (Lisbon) for our Christmas holiday. I’m so glad we did.

I’m not sure what the attraction was for me. My husband says it’s because we were with family, and of course that’s true, because whenever I’m with my family and grandchildren it’s the best time and place! But Portugal had a lot to offer and I have envisioned myself going back and spending a month or two there.

What made it so special? The people! They were so friendly. Also, we lived in an apartment while in Lisboa, and the bottom half of a house while we were on the coast in Nazare, which seems more authentic than staying in a hotel. I enjoyed the community plazas, parks and trees, the beautiful countryside, the water – the Rio Tejo (Tagus River) and Atlantic Ocean, the history, the quaint cobblestone streets. I liked the unique buildings of stucco or tile, with ironwork, trim painted different colors, all with clay colored roof tiles that made them interesting.

We had a wonderful time with lots of different activities…eating out, but also cooking at “home”. I loved the small mercado’s (markets) where we grocery shopped, and the reasonable prices. It was fun getting familiar with several words of a different language – and I am in awe of my grand-daughter who, at the age of 26 months, can understand both English and Portuguese. I loved the many Pastelarias (bakeries) and discovering a favorite pastry which is called Pastel de Nata…I might try to see if I can make it here at home.

The weather was unusually nice the locals told us. We had two days of rain out of 14 days and the temperature was in the 50’s (F). The natives were wondering where the rain was…we were thankful for the sunshine.

We visited many sites, with two young children who were troopers (as was their mom and dad getting them ready and carrying them many different times). We went to Castelo De S. Jorge (St. George Castle) built in the 11^th century. We walked up, up, up the hill from where we were staying in Lisboa to beautiful views from the castle…a National Monument “that occupies the old medieval citadel and consists of the castle, the ruins of the former royal palace as well has part of a residential neighborhood” (first settlements in 7-8^th century B.C.)”

One day we took a trolley to Belem, the port city where many years ago so many explorers left Portugal to discover new lands. We had a private tour to a national park along the Atlantic Ocean with beautiful vistas and beaches. We enjoyed walking the narrow old neighborhood streets and the big bustling city streets. We went in the oldest book store in the world (1732) and Cervejaria Trindade, the oldest and most beautiful beer house in Portugal (a convent turned into a beer factory).

We went to see the modern section of Lisboa too, to a park plaza along the Rio Tejo, and to Oceanario de Lisboa, an aquarium…how fun to see the wonder and amazement in the children’s eyes.

While staying north of Lisboa we took several day trips to near-by towns. One day we walked around Obidos (means walled town) with a 14th century wall encircling this town on a hill which is very quaint and picturesque. We visited several old churches dating as far back as the 11^th century…how did they build them so large and so straight and so tall back then?

Cistercian Monastery of Santa Maria, Alcobaca, Portugal. Construction began in 1178.

Bertrand bookshop is the oldest operating bookshop, established in 1732.

Of course, being with family…both sons and their wives, and holding our nine-month-old grandson Ezra (who wasn’t so sure of us the first few days) and walking hand-in-hand with Zoey, our granddaughter, was the best.

To be continued…

European Holiday

A couple of years ago we celebrated Christmas in Mozambique, Africa. Our son was, and still is, living in city of Maputo. That year I was so excited to meet my first grandchild, little Miss Zoey. We had a great time and many, exciting adventures and the best part…our immediate family was all together even though we were far away from home.

Once again we are very excited and look forward to many, new adventures on our European holiday in Portugal. We will meet our second grandchild, Mr. Ezra Nghala, for the first time in Lisbon. And the best part….our immediate family will all be together again for Christmas, this time in Portugal.

Loaves & Fishes and Little Puppies

Our four "little puppies". Ross is the one in yellow. I have always loved this photo. — Our four “little puppies”. Ross is the one in yellow. I have always loved this photo.

The Bible story about the little boy bringing his lunch to Jesus and it being multiplied came to mind as I was thinking back on a very special friendship.

Thirty-three years ago I called an acquaintance from the church we attended at that time to see if I could bring her lunch since she just given birth to her firstborn son. My firstborn son was 10 months old at the time.

My inexperienced self brought over a tuna fish sandwich in a brown paper bag. But God took that lunch and multiplied it into a deep and lasting friendship. Thank you Lord!

Life went on and we each had another son…so we had four “little puppies” as my friend affectionately called our four boys. They played together for many years and then one sad day their family moved away. However, our friendship continued to grow from yearly trips together.

My friend’s oldest son, Ross, was diagnosed with a rare condition when he was 8 years old. He eventually was confined to a wheelchair. He was on a special trip to Scotland last month where he had respiratory failure and passed away. We attended the memorial service in Indiana this past weekend. Ross was a wonderful young man of God and a light for Jesus. He lived a full and faith-filled life.

Ross, you will be missed.

February 23, 1983 – December 6, 2016

The Cedar Chest

My cedar chest doubles as our entertainment center in our living room. The other day we took off the TV, soundboard and DVD player to get into the cedar chest. It’s been a long time since we’ve opened it up and usually when we do, it’s just to put something in it. I would get a whiff of the aromatic cedar but close it right away. This time I was deliberate to go through everything. I remembered the price tag was in it…my dad bought it for my mother in 1947 for a wedding present. This Lane Cedar Chest retailed for $54.95 in 1947. There is another piece of paper inside – an insurance policy…a Moth Insurance Policy good for three years… hmmm I wonder…do they still sell that type of insurance???

I also found my mother’s baptism gown and the gown my brother and I wore when we were baptized. There was my mother’s velvet brown hat and some long white gloves -over the elbow kind that I wore to prom. I found my Brownie uniform, my candy-stripe outfit and a red dress I sewed back in high school that I particularly loved.

I did not iron these special pieces before taking a photo. They went back into the cedar chest.

I found what I was looking for…an outfit for my grandson that was my son’s when he was a little boy – but I found a lot more children’s clothing and blankets. I didn’t remember saving them all. It was a delight to look at each one and remember. I kept them out and washed them up and will pass them on.

What a fun adventure opening up the cedar chest!

A portion of the clothing I had stored in the cedar chest.

Every Child Has a Name

“I am the good shepherd; I know my own sheep, and they know me” John 10:14

I read this verse yesterday morning and kept it in my heart as I volunteered at Northfield’s Christmas Sharing later that morning. Christmas Sharing is wonderful program that serves hundreds of family’s each Christmas. Parents, who qualify, are able to come and “shop” (for free) for their children. They can choose among hundreds of toys that have been generously donated by the community. Parents can pick one big gift item for each child, a game per family, a book for each child, a pair of pajamas for each child (a team makes the pajamas all year long.) They also can choose one stocking-stuffer per child, a hat and a pair of mittens per child and one quilt per family (also made and donated all year long). There is gift-wrapping service too.

There are many, many hands that make this program work and it’s been working for many years now. There are different types of volunteer positions. One is shopping assistant and that is what I like to do. I follow along with the shopping cart as the client chooses the gifts. It’s especially fun when the mom gets so excited to find that perfect gift… and then she continues to say thank you over and over again each time she picks something out.

I’m proud of our Community Action Center that works very hard to make this happen. It’s a blessing to the clients but also to all those who help in some small way. It’s a Christmas gift to the whole community.

First Snowfall of the Season

Piling high on our deck and still coming down.

A Place Inside Me

There is a place inside that needs white –

Seeing the first snowfall draws a quick breath of content.

There is a place inside that needs brown –

Smelling the aroma of fresh ground coffee brewing.

There is a place inside that needs golden yellow –

Feeling the warmth of a fire on this cool morning.

There is a place inside that needs green –

The beauty of an evergreen tree standing tall.

There is a place inside that needs God –

To bring it all together in peace.

There is a place inside that needs movement

Rocking in a rocker moving closer to God in prayer. (11/02)

And a hint of red from the cardinal is an added bonus!

Northfield’s Winter Walk

Last night Northfield’s main street was closed to traffic and luminaries were placed along the curbs and downtown business stayed open late for holiday shoppers. There were carolers, and horse-drawn wagon rides and store-front windows decorated for the festive, annual Winter Walk. I remember the first Winter Walk 18 years ago. I bought a Santa hat at Jacobsen’s Department Store and have worn it to every Winter Walk since. Jacobsen’s closed in 1998. It was a “store with a heart” – so they advertised – a wonderful, old fashioned department store where you could find anything.

Many stores offer treats during the Winter Walk. My friend makes cookies for a corner store on main street with windows are always decorated creatively, no matter what time of year. My friend is a great cook and baker. If she asks me for a recipe I feel special. One year she asked for my mom’s ginger cookie recipe and somehow it was decided she would make 1,000 ginger cookies using my moms recipe to hand out at the corner store during Winter Walk this year! My mother would been surprised and I was delighted to stop by and taste a delicious ginger cookie.

I have always said of Ruby’s ginger cookies…there cannot possibly be anything unhealthy eating a fresh baked, (especially warm from the oven) ginger cookie!

A Christmas Festival Angel

Three years ago, around this time of year, my husband was laid off his job. One evening back then, when I was working at the Christmas Festival, an older woman was sitting in the lobby near the box office. I don’t even remember how we struck up a conversation but I found out she lives out of state and has relatives in the festival so came to see the Christmas Festival for the first time that year. As we talked I shared about my husband’s job loss. She encouraged me that evening and said she would pray for me, then we parted ways.

Fast forward three years to Thursday night. She came back to attend the Christmas Festival and came to the box office to check on me. She told me she often wondered how things had turned out for me. I was blessed by this. We visited awhile and she promised she would continue to pray for me…and she would add my friend’s family to her prayer list.

Our conversation was sweet. I told her I wished she lived in my town so we could get together for tea every now and then. I’m delighted to know, and truly believe, she is praying for me and my friend! I’m grateful. I’m calling her my Christmas Festival Angel.