Azoresgal~Life on an Island

"When a child gives you a gift, even if it is a rock they just picked up, exude gratitude. It might be the only thing they have to give, and they have chosen to give it to you."  -- Dean Jackson

Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many. - Unknown.

All of my wonderful family has flown in from Canada to celebrate my 40th birthday with me ! I cannot find words  to describe how wonderful this SURPRISE was. Yes you read that correctly, a very well planned surprise ! I was already excited about the BIG-4-0, but now I am over the moon and ready to party it up !!

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass on a summer day listening to the murmur of water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is hardly a waste of time.  ~John Lubbock What a perfect quote to describe summer, around our house we have been doing our best to enjoy it ! It goes by so quickly, so best to enjoy it with the most simple things, simple pleasures really ! I  look forward to this time of the year, to enjoy our backyard and the outdoors.When the days are long and hot,  and there is nothing like doing absolutely nothing at all. Lets face it, I enjoy sleeping in, and not having to have everyone on a schedule. I enjoy sleeping at night with the windows open, listening to the ocean, the frogs and the crickets. I enjoy the wonderful sea breeze that invades our house during the day. I enjoy sitting out at night, and lighting a bonfire, so the kids can roast marshmallows. I enjoy nice cold drinks. Swimming daytime or nightime. Our bountiful veg...

 I cannot begin to tell you how super excited I am that we have baby bananas in our garden ! Seriously..baby bananas ! Never in my wildest dreams, did I think, one day, in our backyard, we would have banana trees. The kids are blown away by them..and actually visit them daily to see how they are growing ! I hope all four trees will surprise us this year, with our first banana crop !

Why is it the best salad ?? Because it all came from our garden ! Directly from the soil, to our table, I cannot not tell you how excited I get about this ! It is so wonderful to go out there, and see everything growing, this year we even have Arugula ! Mr.G takes such great care of our garden, and it shows ! It truly is a labor of love, and then to be able to make a fresh, organic green salad from it all, is just amazing. everything is growing ! Arugula/rocket lettuce,arugula,green onions,carrots~ a simple green salad,so delicous

 Being able to buy all the little things needed to make Sushi, makes me extremely happy! In Angra, there is a wonderful little gourmet shop, Coisas e Sabores , a fantastic place to find all kinds of spices, teas, chocolates, and one of a kind gifts. It is one of my favorite places to stop in and look around, for something new and different.....or sometimes even something essential, that one may need, and can´t always find available on the island, in the  supermarkets. If you get a chance, and find yourself in Angra, on the main street, where the  Sé Cathedral is located, pop in and pay the shop owner Ana Barbara , a visit, I promise you won´t, regret it. xo,Diana

finding Panko crumbs, and  White Truffle Balsamic Vinegar, at my favorite gourmet shop seeing my Peanut Butter Truffles, on the cover of the paper and a write up inside the paper, and 3 more of my photos Such a fun experience :) xo, Diana