Alfarim...The Roaming Stevens' Christmas Tree.

Tinto and I hopped on scooter to investigate the surroundings.  We buzzed along from Aldeia Do Meco and passed through one sweet, lazy town searching for some spot a bit more intriguing and discovered Alfarim!  People out and about, warm sun darting through the trees, heaps of bars and cafes, plus a garden nursery offering Christmas goodies.  Tinto and I previously settled on a VERY small tree, but...it had to be REAL.  We had DOS CERVEJAS, chatted, watched the locals and soaked up the sun.  I told Tinto I was going across the road to check out the nursery.  I went through every square inch, inside and out...Tinto met me in store.  Then, THERE it was;  as we walked away...ONE tiny, fabulous, genuine Christmas tree in a bright red pot.  It was screaming 'Take ME, Take ME!'  I swear it was.  It was so incredibly small that it had been placed in the PLANT section of the nursery!  I squealed AND danced. TRULY.   Tinto calmly (as always) said...'Let's go have a proper lunch first.  We do not need a tree yet.'  (Well, YES we do if it is the right one!) Tinto won for the moment.   He had his eye on this lively, bright white restaurant he saw when we drove into town.  Upon sitting complimentary tapas was delivered to table, marinated olives, succulent clams, chunky pieces of white fish sauteed with vegetables and crusty, perfect bread prior to even having a peek at the menu.  I was already happy AND could not get my mind OFF our tree.  I am quite certain Tinto was thinking it would be GONE.  No, I did NOT rush him nor push him.  We relaxed.  Tons oF bikers out for the day because it was Saturday, so Tinto was able to chat with a few of the guys.  While he did this, I got up and excused myself...Tinto just looked at me...his eyes following me out the door.  I am grinning.  I darted down the road, walking faster and faster and SAW our little guy proudly waiting for me to come and rescue him.  But...oh MY...WHAT is this?  WHAT am I seeing?  A couple with a teenage boy surrounding our tree...I get closer; they are speaking French and it is clear to me that they ADORE this little beauty.  I think fast.  The moment they doubted, the SECOND they stepped back to consider looking for 'something nicer'... (trust me, they won't find) - I swooped down upon it like a fierce, intimidating eagle and proudly picked up our Christmas tree.  The couple did NOT completely understand what had happened.  I performed speed walking into the shop and I SWEAR I heard
 Hissing. Behind. Me.

 This was a FIRST in my life.

Meet Mr. Grist,

 our Merry Christmas tree.

We SHALL plant him on Boxing Day.  

I made a promise to him.

Bright orange berries picked from a paddock across from campground (hanging over fence line, of course!), Portugese cheery tablecloth, Spanish ceramic dish which used to hold almonds (Ha!), the teeeeeeeniest pot of holly with red berries found at nursery (lovely!), bright red candle in honour of my Mother, Judy, and the BEST damn ornament on the planet (travels everywhere with me) made by our seriously talented and gorgeous dear mate, Alison Mitchell Hannaford ...because, as you know, 'It ain't over until the Fat Lady Sings' and she is NOT singing yet.  Posted with Pride AND Joy.

See how sad AND lonely table looked prior to Mr. Grist?

Have FUN while ROAMING.  Don't turn down invitations because you never, ever know the AMAZING fellow ROAMERS you shall meet.
Posted with supreme appreciation.

Tinto & Blanco of
The Roaming Stevens