Andorinhas

"Swallows" in Portuguese, and a beloved symbol here. 

Swallows fly long distances, but always return to the same nest, like the Portuguese, who roam all over the world, but love to come home. Swallows also mate for life, so putting them on your home signifies love, family, faithfulness and loyalty. Ceramic ones were first made by the Portuguese artist, Bordallo Pinheiro, in 1881, and quickly became a popular gift between lovers, and then families in general.

We at last got ours up on the wall by our front door - may they be a symbol of harmony and happiness in this home, too!

Gratefuls:
- prayer walking into town, that we forgot to do yesterday (must admit, I mainly prayed for peace in Ukraine and in the Middle East, rather than for Mourão)
- picking more olives for preserving; our trees are still so full
- the sun going down in a blaze of orange and grey mackerel clouds as I type (had to walk out and record it, added in extra)