Getting Back in the Swing of Things

We survived our first week back and are working on getting adjusted.  More or less, our clocks have changed, it's more the lifestyle and pace that will take more time to adjust.  Annabelle seems to be doing well and has picked up right where we left off.  She remembers her things and keeps calling this her "new house".

The weather has been awful, which has eliminated most of our normal activities.  We were able to get out two times last week, but both were interrupted with huge downpours.  The first day we headed out the sky was blue and sun was shining. Annabelle and I ran down to the park and were playing until I looked behind us and the sky was dark grey and within seconds it was pouring.  The weather is normal for this time of the year, but the amount of rain and excessive rain fall is uncommon.  The wind speeds and strength are super high and have created a lot of damage to the beach walk-ways and beach front bars/restaurants.  Saturday evening they shut down the main road that runs parallel to the ocean, as they were expecting waves 17 meters (50 ft.) high.  We have had hail two days as well...yes it hails in Porto.  Who would have thought living on the beach you would get hail?

We are still waiting on our household and personal items, which is about to put me over the edge.  I received a call last week that additional paperwork was needed, as well as a residence permit.  We have been waiting on our stuff since August, so not sure why we are still battling no one knowing what needs to be in place in order to release 7 months later.  Gurrr.

Overall we are getting settled back in and trying to stay active, despite the poor weather.  It took no time to start frequenting the mall food court for meals, going to the mall for our "outing", despising driving and feeling like major foreigners.

Sky when we went down to the park.

Sky 10 minutes later.

 Lunch on Saturday...Annabelle drinking water out of a wine glass. Thought it was cute...random.

She still loves her birds.  Was on the phone with the Portugal customs agent when Annabelle went running down and chasing all the ducks and birds. Unlike the birds on the beach, these did not move and in turn came running after her.  I'm starting to really dislike birds!!