2011 Winter – Lynn W. and daughter Amy

From far away Southeast Alaska, USA!

Adventurous and eager to enjoy every moment of their travelling experience, but at the same time taking their time to really call it a relaxing vacation, Lynn and Amy seemed to take it all in, from the gorgeous views and castles (a plenty) to the shots of espresso (bica), which I’m afraid they became addicted… They seem to have also acquired a fondness for the good 0l’ Portuguese green wine and Alvarinho, which we’re sure will bring good palate memories for years to come 😉

To check also:  Vinho Verde

Bacalhau

Pudim Flã

Reluctantly, Lynn had to leave behind some of the treasures she found while walking on the beach – we will keep them to remind us of you!

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2011 Spring – Craig and Erika

From Toronto, Canada,  we had the pleasure of welcoming Craig and Erika, real explorers and adventurers, who enjoyed the coast and walking, and had never been to Portugal … but now plan to come back! so much to see, so much to explore still!

We introduced them, of course, to the good ol’ Portuguese Vinho Verde and listened to their report on the sights, suggesting more.

From our guest book: We came as strangers & left as friends. Thanks you for your hospitality. We had a wonderful time & couldn’t have asked for better weather. Craig & I will be taking home many wonderful memories. Obrigada! Craig & Erika, March 30, 2011

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2011 Spring – Bill and Ronni Dunmire

From North Carolina, U.S.A.! via London area, ready for sunny weather, sightseeing and relaxing, Bill and Ronni stayed in our studio and enjoyed our garden and general setting.

From our guest book: Thank you so very much for the great hospitality! The tours were wonderful and the food outstanding. Also thanks for the good, sunny weather you special ordered.

You live in a beautiful home near spectacular beaches. We will have fond memories of you both and of Zorra and Joey 🙂 Obrigada!

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2011 Spring – Stephen and Brigid

Stephen and Brigid came all the way from Ontario, Canada, full of energy and ready for exploring the area which was not unknown to them, as they had been to the Algarve some 8 years ago. They walked all over town and surroundings, long walks to the beach and back –  they even went to Gibraltar, on a bus day trip! We think perhaps they’ll need a vacation after their vacation.

From our guest book: We very much enjoyed our stay with you. The location was great. Had lunch and breakfast at Costa – good! We also enjoyed Salema – good advice. A very relaxing but also a very busy holiday. Brigid & Stephen                 May 2011

P.S. Thank you for the juice and treats!

2011 Spring – Lois Munch

Lois Munch 2011

From Ketchikan, Alaska, United States, another guest to enjoy the sunshine of the Algarve region – well, the sun shone for at least part of the month Lois spent exploring the area! An eager learner, an enthusiastic walker and an upbeat company, Lois has left her mark in our neighborhood (she got to know everybody!) and in our hearts!

From our guest book: Your invitingly warm, generous and loving emails – including a peek at Zorra and Joey – were the beginning of a special holiday for me. (…) Being immersed in a new culture taught me bus routes (ooh la la ‘laranja’!), supermarket shopping, communicating with non English speakers, where to find garden fresh produce and freshly laid eggs (bless Lurdes’ green thumbs!!), the philosophy of Portimão drivers, how to conquer ROUNDABOUTS and, of course, much more (…)

I eagerly look forward to our next visit – at your home or mine, where you are always welcome!Thank you so much!

Much love and huge hugs, Lois Munch    Ketchikan, Alaska

Check Lois’ great touring business:

2011 Spring – Sandy Crowell

From Olympia in the state of Washington, all the way from the West coast of the United States, Sandy arrived with an arm full of books and the wish to relax for a week in a part of the world she’d never been to, welcoming Algarve.

From our guest book: (…) I am so glad I had this opportunity to see your part of the world – lovely Portugal. Thank you again – and ‘obrigada’! Sandy Crowell, Olympia, WA    4/21//11

03/05/2011 (response by email):

How nice to hear from you!  I’m just visualizing your lovely home and the pool (…)  You know the old line, “You should have been here last week.”  Anyway, I did get to experience Portugal and meet some very nice people.  I especially enjoyed Sagres (…)

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2011 Spring – Jenny Hiljanen

Three days of consecutive rain was a bit discouraging, but then the sun shone warm and bright …. enough for good moments sunbathing on the our sun beds, enjoying the garden in bloom, going to the beach … and leave again when the weather started to get grey!

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2011 Spring – Ali and Lauren

Ali and Lauren came from cold Scotland (10º!) and spent a week in the sunshine, walking and jogging down to the beach, exploring the surroundings and enjoying the place. “We have had a wonderful time here,” Lauren wrote on a note to us,”thank you so much – this is a fantastic place! If you fancy a trip to Scotland anytime let us know, you’re very welcome.” We just might take up their offer!

From our guest book: Thank you so much for a wonderful stay – we had a really relaxing time which I much needed after just sitting my finals at UNI! Also turned 22 while I was here so we’ll remember this holiday always.

Lovely place, everything we could’ve wanted + more.         Thanks! Lauren and Ali

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2011 Spring – Robert and Elaine

From office jobs in York, England, to absolute relaxation and really warm weather – that’s what Elaine and Robert experienced during the week at Villa do Vale apartment. They took back a healthy tan (no sun burns!); enjoyed plenty of  ‘imperials‘ (very cold beer, served in a small, tall glass), even generously shared a round with me!; and especially, plenty of reading, as can attest the books they left behind for us and other guests to enjoy, another gracious gift – thank you 🙂

Note written on the back of Elaine’s bookmark:

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2011 Summer – Jethro and Felicia

Both from Manchester area,eager for a good restful vacation – and they sure got it! Plenty of sunshine, the beach had the lowest low tides of the year and barely a breeze. They both enjoyed our saltwater pool and Felicia was happy to check the WI-Fi and to realize she got excellent marks on her finals from Uni. Jethro lives in a alpaca farm outside Manchester – that is cool! Check out the site:  vinewood alpacas

Wishing them the best!

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2011 Summer – Freerk, Maru y Elena

From our guest book: Gracias por enriquecer la vida de Elena y permitirnos compartir la belleza de su hogar (…). Son unos anfitriones maravillosos que miran lo mejor de las personas y descubren su corazón. Con carino, Freerk, Maru y Elena

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2011 Summer – Allen and Nora

Allen and Nora arrived to stay in our studio after traveling south from Porto, exploring the sights of the Portuguese coast. From Austria, the expanse of the ocean and this beautiful coast had a particular fascination to both. Having been here last year, Allen planned to show this area to his wife’s family (originally from Mexico), and a family reunion happened right here, in Villa do Vale!

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2011 Summer – Tânia et Sónia

From Paris (7ème arrondissement), to enjoy the Algarve beaches! The information left in the apartment by other guests proved helpful – they recommend the excursion to Sagres, via Lagos, by bus with guide.

From our guest book: Nous avons passé des moments agréables dans votre bel appartement. Un grand merci pour votre hospitalitée. Bonne continuation!! Tânia et Sónia                             juillet 2011

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2011 Summer – Nick and Natalie

Natalie and Nick drove down from Lisbon, arrived here and were jogging down to the beach the very next morning. They enjoyed both beach, pool and BBQ … and then they continued their travels to Seville, taking the direct bus. They experienced a relaxed vacation before going back to ‘real life’ – Natalie will go back to Brixton where she teaches – and that’s where some of the riots have been happening – hope everything is OK. It was a pleasure to have met them.

Hey, Nick, Natalie – I know you enjoyed some recommended restaurants – would you mind writing a  little comment on he sites? That would be great for future guests and also for the restaurants to have some feedback. Thanks-

Restaurante ‘A Lota’, in Alvor

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2011 Summer – Sergio y Tania

From Barcelona, Sergio and Tania arrived to Villa do Vale for a restful vacation. They explored the area and are planning on coming back as, unfortunately, they had to leave two days earlier due to a family emergency. They were so quiet, we almost did not notice them!

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2011 Summer – Valter e Andreia

Vindos do Alentejo, o Valter e a Andreia vieram recarregar as baterias antes de irem de volta para o trabalho, o Valter na Junta de Freguesia e a Andreia como educadora de infância. Praia de manhã e piscina à tarde – que boas férias!

From our guest book: Adorámos a semana que aqui passámos. A hospitalidade e simpatia da vossa parte contribuiram para que as nossas férias fossem fantásticas.
Iremos sentir muitas saudades, sobreturo da Zorra e do Joe! Beijinhos, Andreia e Valter

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2011 Summer – Ian en Katja

From our guest book: Just like to say thanks for the unexpected coffee and beers, for the grapes and figs, for your good nature and relaxed attitude. Very enjoyable visit to your home, maybe we worked a bit more than expected, all those hours under the grapevines – we won’t forget.

Thanks for your friendly attention, loved your dog + cat. Hope to see you again soon, Kisses, Ian & Katja              Aug. 2011

Check out Ian & Katja’s website designing business: www.doc2web.nl

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2011 Summer – Peter & Sue

From Perth, Australia, in their last leg before returning home (via Barcelona – Paris), we had the pleasure of meeting this adventurous couple – even more so because they were brave enough to leave their 20-yr old daughter at home giving a party in celebration of her birthday! Wishing them a safe trip home!

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2011 Fall – Mark and Susan

Susan and Mark, of Yorkshire, enjoyed a two week stay while the weather was balmy with the warm winds coming  from the Southeast.  Being cat people they didn’t seem to mind Joey, our white and black cat, making a daily routine of visiting them right around 10:00 each morning  just to say ‘hi’.

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2011 Fall – Denis and Angela

A  week by the pool…rain or shine…Denis and Angela made the most of every sunny day they had.  Although it was quite warm, the clouds did roll in for a couple of days. They did say that they’d be back.

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2011 Fall – John and Susan Robertson

Another visit from John and Susan; it was pleasure seeing them again, although the weather was not quite as beautiful as last year.

From our guest book: “…another year has passed but we have had another great holiday — weather not so good but did not matter!  See you next year, hopefully!”

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2011 – Fall – Spencer Round

Spencer comes from Ketchikan, Alaska.  He’s on an extended euro-rail trip and stayed with us five days.  He enjoyed walks along the beach and cliffs.  We had a chance to visit the west coast together.  It was a beautiful sunny day.   Spencer, it was great having you here.

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2011 – Fall – Jim and Val

Jim and Val, from Cork, Ireland, are going to have their 25th wedding anniversary this Fall. They have two twin daughters (one still at home) and one son, 23 yrs-old. Jim is a golfer and enjoyed going to Alto golf. But mostly, they enjoyed their relaxing time around the pool…

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September 2011 – David and Gill

We had the pleasure of having David and Gill for a couple of weeks in our apartment; they came from southern UK, Sussex, and enjoyed our garden and patios. Daughter Emma joined them, staying in our studio, and getting a beautiful tan after only one week!

From our guest book: Thank you so very much for making our stay in Portugal so wonderful. Your home is lovely, and your hospitality made us feel totally at home. Look forward to seeing you both soon, and of course Zorra & no-toe-Joe! (our rent-a-pets!)

Love & Best Wishes   David, Gill & Emma                                                 September 2011

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2011 – July – Brendan and Josie

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2011 Summer – Miguel & Elodie

Miguel (23) and Elodie (19) came from France to discover this coastal town and enjoy a relaxing time – and from their departing impressions, loved it. Miguel’s Portuguese is excellent – and he needs to come back to keep practicing and not forget it!

2011 Fall – Nick & Shirley

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2011 Winter – Leo and Milja

All the way from cold Kotka, Finland, arrived exhausted Leo and Milja, and spent a restful week here, enjoying the mild weather and quiet surroundings.

For the hot soup you got on arrival, check Corn Chowder .

Also, Gingerbread Muffins

From our guest book: Thanks you so much for letting us stay in your lovely studio here in Portimão. it was a very relaxing week for both of us. We’re now off to Faro and hopefully the sun will keep shining like it did here! Many thanks again! Milja and Leo

2012 Fall – Pete and Gay

Can’t say how much we enjoyed Pete and Gay’s visit this October.  The old saying “time flies when you’re having fun” applied 10 fold.  Hopefully they will remember more than just a blur of going to some of the hot spots of the Western Algarve.  Having family coming to visit is one of the main reasons we built our apartment.  We love you guys and started missing you before you walked out the door. From Our Guest Book: 

Greg and Isabel, 

What a wonderful time.  The golf was great, the shopping fantastic, the sight-seeing great and the entertainment (concert) most intriguing.  never seen a concert like that.  Great hospitality topped it off.  Your home has always intrigued me, but your latest changes are “lovely, indeed.”  No golf on Sunday saved me from embarrassing myself to be waxed so many times in a row.  What a swing, Greg.  Thanks so much for everything.  You know our humble abode is always open for a visit.  Isabel, you are a bright sport in the world.  Please come and shine on us in Texas. 

Love, Pete

Greg and Isabel, Thank you so much!  I know Pete has been here before but this was my “first”!  I have never been treated like ‘Royalty’ before!  You guys have tapped the “how to do royalty” source.  It is nothing other than delightful! INDEED!  I’m so FAT.  More than ever…(It was worth it!)  Loved the mountain cafe & the yummy chicken, chips and salad.  Enjoyed taking pics of the clouds from there.  So very much enjoyed the castle (I took good PICS, check on facebook.)  Also enjoyed the southwest end of Europe point, WOW.  How deep is that water?  Amazing!  Am fascinated with the little rocks with the strips around them.  Plan on researching those.  Have just never seen anything like that before.   Loved, Loved, Loved Greg’s concert….How Fun!
I just can’t imagine a more fun B.D. anywhere other than in the ALGARVE!  We will be back.  Hurry to see us in Austin, Texas (live music capitol of the world, Austin Claims)… You are so special. Thank you.  I proud to be a Morrelli (Morelli).  Proud to have been here and shared with you…Please come see us in Liberty Hill, TX, Much Love, Gay.

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2012 Fall – Dave and Janice

Dave and Janice had sunny days every day and enjoyed their holidays to the fullest. They walked for exercise and pleasure; went to Alvor, went into town, relaxed under the laurel tree …

From our guest book:    11/10/12 Quite simply – Delightful! Dave & Janice Morgan

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2012 Fall – Trish and Carl Young

Trish and Carl are quite the explorers.  They hired a car and traveled the whole length of the Algarve; from east of Tivera to Capo St. Vicent and its west coast panoramic views.  While on their way to Loulé, they stopped by the little town of Silves and were so charmed they stayed the rest of the day.  Silves is a special place with its old Moorish castle dating from the 7th century.  It was the capital of the Algarve and the center of commerce for hundreds of year.

From Our Guest Book:  Dear Isabel and Greg,  Many thanks for our stay in your lovely studio — lots of attention to detail and comfort, made us want for nothing!  Shame we never had much time to catch up, we’re natural explorer’s I’m afraid…
Your hospitality was wonderful.  What with the glorious weather, too — we’ve had a fabulous week.  With best wishes, Trish and Carl Young of Thirkleby, North Yorkshire. 5/10/12

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2012 August – Robert and Eileen

Bob and Eileen are seasoned traveler to the Algarve, but this is their first time to Villa do Vale.  They made the most of the pool.  Relaxing while reading or swimming and soaking up the sunshine, they truly know how to vacation. Eileen celebrated a birthday while here.  We had a nice BBQ with steaks and a cake.

From the Guest Book: We’ve just spent the quickest 10 days of our lives at your wonderful villa.  It’s true what they say “Time flies when you’re having fun” and you both have seen to that.  Thank you both for you immense hospitality. And especially for Eileen’s birthday B-B-Q.  It was a wonderful evening spent in splendid company.  Not foretting Zorra and Joey.  Hope to see you all again soon

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2012 August – Stan and Margaret

We had a “wee little” visit with  Stan and Margaret from Scotland.  They love to play golf and in a weeks time  they managed to get in five rounds (The Alto, Penina, Palmares, Gramacho, and Pinta Courses).  That’s a lot of golf.  Sitting around the pool afterwards was a good time for cooling down and visiting.
From the guest book:  Many thanks for making our visit to the Algarve so enjoyable.  We thoroughly appreciated your hospitality and company, particularly our “wee” chats by the pool in the afternoon.  When we come back to Portugal, we’ll be checking out the availability of Villa do Vale before booking our flights.

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2012 August – Elisa and Cristian

Elisa and Cristian were here for a two week stay and during that time they explored most of the very best beaches of this region.  They were very enthusiastic about the west coast and tried a bit of surfing.

From the guest book:  A heartfelt thanks for you hospitality.  You are really a beautiful family and wonderful people.  This holiday in Portimão was one of the most amazing of our life.  The house, the swimming pool, the dinner together, our first experiment with lobster on the BBQ…We hope to see you both again…in Venice if you come to Italy.  We will miss Portimão and the beautiful beaches of the Algarve.

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2012 August – Peter and Ruth

Trying to get a break away from the London Crowds, they both got a good rest and sunshine in this corner of the world – it was hot!  They spent quality time in the pool and did we mention…It was HOT!

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2012 July – Amaya and Jesus

Amaya and Jesus visited us from Bilbao, Spain, coming all that way on their motor bike. Besides the regular visits to the beach and local hot spots, they were mostly interested in the famous Faro Moto Festivel.

Information Faro Moto 2012

10´s of thousands of motor bikes met for this four day event, and Jesus and Amaya joined the group. As can be seen they left our place, on their bike, with wide smiles.  They had a great time.

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2012 July – Jim and Barbara Guenther

Our good friends from Ketchikan, Alaska, Jim and Barbara Guenther stopped by after their 33 day, 780 KM pilgrimage on the Santiago de Compostela Camino.  Not sure why Barbara went on the long walk; she already has her place in heaven having put up with Jim for a good number of years.  Now, Jim; that’s another story.  He may just have to walk the trail again; this time backwards, to dig himself out of his dubious way.  Just joking…he’s really a saint with, perhaps a little dirt under the finger nails.  Two of their four children, Danielle and Jacob, were pretty much one step ahead of the old folks the whole way.

It was such a great pleasure seeing them all again; hearing their stories of the trail and just having some good laughs.  A nice surprise was having Danielle’s new friend, Luis, whom she met on the trail, arrive on her birthday.

Here are a few pictures of their time here in the Algarve.  Mostly around the dinner table (that’s usually story time), but also some pictures of our drive out to Sagres and up to the top of the mountain, Fóia (Monchique), where we got some fresh spring water and had chicken piri-piri at our favorite family restaurant. Jim was enthralled with the century plant in bloom.

And we thought we should include also a photo record of the meeting of the two families (Guenthers and Dibnahs), one from Ketchikan, Alaska, U.S.A., the other from Perth, Scotland,  at Villa do Vale in Portimão, Algarve, Portugal!!!

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2012 July – Bethen and Tom

Tom and Bethen enjoyed their week’s stay by driving to various points along the coast and up to the mountains.  They relaxed by the pool and took the time to smell the roses.

From the Guest Book:  “Thanks for such a lovely relaxing stay in your gorgeous studio.  We have enjoyed both exploring the Algarve (taking your advice on the best places to go) and relaxing in your beautiful garden.  We particularly enjoyed our trip up to Monchique and the springs.  We also had a lovely (and windy) walk along the board walk (Alvor) yesterday to finish off our holiday.  Thanks for your hospitality, it’s been fantastic.  Beth and Tom.

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2012 June – Annebeth and Willemyn

Beth and Will spent the week in the sun…oops, maybe a little too much…no matter, they enjoyed each and every day to the max!

The Guest Book:  “Thanks again for having us in your oh so lovely studio.  We felt at  home from the minute we arrived and have enjoyed every single second around  the pool, gardens and pretty patios!  … Our batteries are charged again so off we go, to be back again for more relaxing times.”

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2012 June – Tim, Carrie and Buddy

Such a nice couple from Southern England, Tim and Carrie Edwardes with their lovely son, Buddy enjoyed the great weather and cool pool waters for 10 days.

From the Guest Book:  ” Thank you for a lovely stay here in your perfect apartment.  The weather, pool and beach were only topped by your kindness and good company.  Buddy has loved playing with the toys you lent…Looking forward to returning soon.  With best wishes Carrie, Time and Buddy.”

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2012 Spring – Tomasz and Dagmara

We had a lovely visit from Tomasz and Dagmara of Poland.  They live near Karków.  Not to be daunted by the weather, they explored the western part of the Algarve by land and sea.  The waves were a mere 2 meters high during their cave cruise, so they’ll get a “rain” check when they come back.

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2012 Spring – Hilde

Hilde, of Brussels, joined her friend Mieke for a 10-day holiday at Villa do Vale. It is always nice to meet and make new friends.  Hilde and Mieke toured most of the Algarve, from Tavira to the  Cabo de SãoVicente, before heading back to Brussels, while Mieke went to join sons and grandchildren in France. Happy Spring!

From our guest book:

…Et voilá…je dois quitter ce petit paradis. Je connaissais pas l’Algarve…mais grâce à Mieke…et…vous j’ai passè des moments merveilleux!Des côtes magnifiques, à couper le souffle, des petits villages pictoresques… un logement super…des vacances trés varies…ballades, baignades dans votre piscine, shopping…restaurants, etc…

Merci du fond du coeur pour votre hospitalité! Je vous oublirais jamais, ni Zorra et Joey!    Amitiés! Hilde

2012 Spring

Another stay of weeks of good time and rest for Mirja and Kallu – this time in our apartment. They are still enjoying a good swim in our pool, first thing in the morning!

2012 Winter

Mieke has come back for another winter time in the Algarve. Several months of relaxing time in this area … and now she has gone back to family – sons, grandchildren …

Thank you, Mieke, for the most delicious dinner.

Some of Mieke’s collection

From our guest book: April 25, 2012. Once again thanks for the great “welcome”. The studio felt even more like ‘home’ then the first time. Although I did not get to see you as much as I would have liked, I had a wonderful time and will miss the family ( including Zorra & Joey) very much. Luckily time flies and I can’t wait to be back again. Lots of luck to you both. Don’t forget to ‘chill’ once in a while.

Lots of love from Mieke