It’s Christmas!
December at Chumbaria buzzed with activity, a testament to our years of dedication. The ironing board saw daily use, reflecting our constant flow of guests. Ella’s beautiful birthday artwork graced our walls, while our second Portuguese therapy workshop proved a success, even if my language skills left me pleasantly exhausted! Steve diligently crafted new doors in his workshop, complementing the stunning sunrises and late-blooming flowers.
Winter’s chill arrived, prompting Steve to dismantle the pergola – a task aided by Stanley and me, yielding a welcome supply of logs for our new houses. We welcomed guests from Portugal, the UK, Germany and the US, we really enjoyed the constant influx of new faces. The ironing board, of course, remained busy! Our Christmas tree, adorned with Steve’s homemade ‘Baby Jesus’, stood proudly, and we discovered Noodle’s surprising talent for keyboard playing.
Despite a challenging year, the warmth of dear friends – Kathy and Curt, George and Nirava, Katherine and Frank, and Yanna and Neil – filled our hearts and our stomachs. Steve’s finished lounge doors were installed and are beautiful, a reflection of his incredible determination and craftsmanship. His resilience inspires me daily.
We prepared our houses for the festive season, welcoming fully booked accommodations with decorated trees. Our orange marmalade was a hit, and the dogs, except for the shower-averse Stanley, received their Christmas grooming.
Christmas Day at Chumbaria was a blend of family, friends, and festive guests. Amidst the joy, we felt the absence of our youngest son, but celebrated the wonderful adults our children Bobby, Tom, and Ella have become. We shared laughter, tears, homemade and comical gifts, and enjoyed some beautiful sightseeing.
2024 was a year of trials and triumphs. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to family, friends, and followers worldwide for their unwavering love and support. We couldn’t have navigated the year without you.
