Time flies:
Where Did June and July Go?
Hello, fellow readers and writers!
I am absolutely gobsmacked. Where on earth did June and July go? One minute I was enjoying the beginning of summer, and the next thing I knew, August had arrived. Perhaps the extreme heat has something to do with it—or perhaps time simply moves faster as we get older!
I must admit, I’m a bit of a coward when it comes to really hot weather, so I tend to stay indoors during the hottest part of the day. I much prefer getting out in the early morning or later in the afternoon when it’s a little more bearable.
Keeping Active
I recently started going to the gym after my MRI results weren’t exactly what I’d hoped for. Arthritis and osteoarthritis mean that keeping active is particularly important, so I decided it was time to stop making excuses and get moving!
I started with water aerobics, thinking it would be great fun. Unfortunately, I found it rather boring. So, I’ve now moved on to clinical Pilates, which is slightly more interesting and, thankfully, a little less boring!
What I would really love, though, is some sort of dance-based exercise class. I’ve seen some fantastic dance exercise programmes on Facebook and thought it would be great to do something like that locally. I even suggested it to a dancer friend of mine, but unfortunately, she’s far too busy with her “regular” exercise classes. 😂
Perhaps I’ll just have to persuade her!
Strangely, August—supposedly the hottest month of the year here—has actually been quite pleasant so far, with temperatures sitting in the mid-20s. And, unbelievably, it even rained one day! Anyone living in the Algarve will understand why that deserves an exclamation mark. 🌧️
Back to Writing
On the writing front, I’ve had some wonderful encouragement recently. An established writer kindly reviewed my work, and her comments have given me a real boost to keep going with Book 3 of Zoe’s adventures, which is set here in Portugal.
I’m having enormous fun writing this one. One of the things I particularly enjoy is basing some of my characters on real people I’ve met along the way. Of course, the characters in the book are fictional, but I can’t resist borrowing little mannerisms, personalities and quirks from people around me.
And who knows? It might even help sales! People do seem to enjoy discovering characters they recognise—or wondering whether they recognise themselves. 😉
I’ve also re-released Albufeira: Talent Beneath the Sun – 2026, with eight new artists featured in this updated edition. It has been lovely revisiting the talented people who make this part of Portugal such an interesting and creative place to live.
And Then There’s Pumpkin…
Of course, I can’t finish a blog without mentioning my chief literary assistant, Pumpkin.
He is now almost fourteen and, thankfully, still in reasonably good health. His main hobby these days is sleeping.
And I mean sleeping.
He does, however, get a little exercise when my neighbour’s cat, Vasya, comes over for a visit. The two of them have a rather amusing habit of play-fighting, chasing each other around for a while before Pumpkin decides he has had quite enough excitement for one day.
Then he goes back to sleep.
Usually for another eight hours.
I’m beginning to think he has the right idea about life. 😂
So that’s my update for August. Between trying to keep myself moving, hiding from the heat, writing about Zoe and keeping up with Pumpkin’s demanding sleeping schedule, I certainly haven’t been bored!
Now, if only I could find a fun dance exercise class, I’d be completely happy.
Until next time, happy reading—and happy writing! ❤️