Louise Winters
@louisewinters.bsky.social
Mostly busy joyfully being alive. Rest: nudging past terror of getting it wrong.
Today's #advent treat? I've saved opening a letter from a friend until I could sit and really enjoy reading it, undisturbed and with a cup of tea. Nice Christmas stamp on it too.
Some people are okay at letter writing. Some are excellent at it. Fiona is one of the excellent ones!
Some people are okay at letter writing. Some are excellent at it. Fiona is one of the excellent ones!
December 9, 2025 at 5:58 PM
Today's #advent treat? I've saved opening a letter from a friend until I could sit and really enjoy reading it, undisturbed and with a cup of tea. Nice Christmas stamp on it too.
Some people are okay at letter writing. Some are excellent at it. Fiona is one of the excellent ones!
Some people are okay at letter writing. Some are excellent at it. Fiona is one of the excellent ones!
Today's #adventtreat - a cotton square scarf from Tizz's in Lewes, to wear landgirl style in my hair. Brightened my day no end, and had a lovely chat with the peeps in the shop.
December 3, 2025 at 10:50 PM
Today's #adventtreat - a cotton square scarf from Tizz's in Lewes, to wear landgirl style in my hair. Brightened my day no end, and had a lovely chat with the peeps in the shop.
Today's small advent treat - um pastel de nata com um cafe, on my way to the airport for a family visit.
Big kisses to the fabulous @emmachaplin.bsky.social for the idea of advent treats :) I was a bit rubbish and forgot yesterday, made sure I did it today.
Big kisses to the fabulous @emmachaplin.bsky.social for the idea of advent treats :) I was a bit rubbish and forgot yesterday, made sure I did it today.
December 2, 2025 at 3:41 PM
Today's small advent treat - um pastel de nata com um cafe, on my way to the airport for a family visit.
Big kisses to the fabulous @emmachaplin.bsky.social for the idea of advent treats :) I was a bit rubbish and forgot yesterday, made sure I did it today.
Big kisses to the fabulous @emmachaplin.bsky.social for the idea of advent treats :) I was a bit rubbish and forgot yesterday, made sure I did it today.
I love this mural in Tomar, on the side of the fire station. I walk past often and usually stop to look up.
Turns out it depicts Molly Williams, America's first Black, female firefighter, in 1818.
The mural was part of an art project in the town in 2019.
www.atlasobscura.com/places/molly...
Turns out it depicts Molly Williams, America's first Black, female firefighter, in 1818.
The mural was part of an art project in the town in 2019.
www.atlasobscura.com/places/molly...
November 30, 2025 at 7:01 PM
I love this mural in Tomar, on the side of the fire station. I walk past often and usually stop to look up.
Turns out it depicts Molly Williams, America's first Black, female firefighter, in 1818.
The mural was part of an art project in the town in 2019.
www.atlasobscura.com/places/molly...
Turns out it depicts Molly Williams, America's first Black, female firefighter, in 1818.
The mural was part of an art project in the town in 2019.
www.atlasobscura.com/places/molly...
I will never tire of watching the sun come up over whichever country / town / patch of land I'm in.
November 27, 2025 at 7:38 AM
I will never tire of watching the sun come up over whichever country / town / patch of land I'm in.
I doubt very much that seeing a non-rainy landscape helps, but here's the view from my window anyway ...
November 23, 2025 at 9:22 AM
I doubt very much that seeing a non-rainy landscape helps, but here's the view from my window anyway ...
Crispy breadcrumbs everywhere!
Fallen back in love with my automatic bread maker since moving to Portugal. Loads of padarias selling lovely bread here in town, but it doesn't always make great toast.
In the villages, there'll be a bread delivery van that comes round around 8 or 9am.
Fallen back in love with my automatic bread maker since moving to Portugal. Loads of padarias selling lovely bread here in town, but it doesn't always make great toast.
In the villages, there'll be a bread delivery van that comes round around 8 or 9am.
November 22, 2025 at 10:17 AM
Crispy breadcrumbs everywhere!
Fallen back in love with my automatic bread maker since moving to Portugal. Loads of padarias selling lovely bread here in town, but it doesn't always make great toast.
In the villages, there'll be a bread delivery van that comes round around 8 or 9am.
Fallen back in love with my automatic bread maker since moving to Portugal. Loads of padarias selling lovely bread here in town, but it doesn't always make great toast.
In the villages, there'll be a bread delivery van that comes round around 8 or 9am.
Slowly, but consistently, establishing my reputation in Tomar as a maker of excellent cakes. 3 tier choc fudge birthday cake for a friend's birthday yesterday.
November 15, 2025 at 11:18 AM
Slowly, but consistently, establishing my reputation in Tomar as a maker of excellent cakes. 3 tier choc fudge birthday cake for a friend's birthday yesterday.
Apparently, he's in Portugal ...
October 5, 2025 at 10:11 AM
Apparently, he's in Portugal ...
Tea and a marvellous Eccles cake made by Dawn, a professional baker before she moved to Portugal. All in aid of fundraising for the Bombeiros.
October 4, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Tea and a marvellous Eccles cake made by Dawn, a professional baker before she moved to Portugal. All in aid of fundraising for the Bombeiros.
A Portuguese variant of Battenburg cake?
September 23, 2025 at 8:21 PM
A Portuguese variant of Battenburg cake?
Challenging myself to get out for a walk in the nearby National Woods several times a week.
There's a good 40 minute hill climb from my home to the back of the park, with amazing views. Lots of birds too.
Today I'm feeling myself expanding, guided by the tall trees.
There's a good 40 minute hill climb from my home to the back of the park, with amazing views. Lots of birds too.
Today I'm feeling myself expanding, guided by the tall trees.
September 16, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Challenging myself to get out for a walk in the nearby National Woods several times a week.
There's a good 40 minute hill climb from my home to the back of the park, with amazing views. Lots of birds too.
Today I'm feeling myself expanding, guided by the tall trees.
There's a good 40 minute hill climb from my home to the back of the park, with amazing views. Lots of birds too.
Today I'm feeling myself expanding, guided by the tall trees.
May your toenails always sparkle in the sun ...
September 14, 2025 at 8:04 AM
May your toenails always sparkle in the sun ...
This evening I was invited by a friend to a private cocktail party, so I put on a dress I love, felt really good about myself, and had a fab time with my husband and a dear friend.
I was worried I wouldn't meet people and make friends here. I needn't have.
I was worried I wouldn't meet people and make friends here. I needn't have.
September 12, 2025 at 10:43 PM
This evening I was invited by a friend to a private cocktail party, so I put on a dress I love, felt really good about myself, and had a fab time with my husband and a dear friend.
I was worried I wouldn't meet people and make friends here. I needn't have.
I was worried I wouldn't meet people and make friends here. I needn't have.
Proof that my lemon drizzle cake transcends national boundaries.
Made that this evening & stayed up 'til past midnight, to celebrate with our local bar owner (midnight, cos his birthday is today, Tues and he's closing the bar for hols once they leave tonight)
Made that this evening & stayed up 'til past midnight, to celebrate with our local bar owner (midnight, cos his birthday is today, Tues and he's closing the bar for hols once they leave tonight)
September 8, 2025 at 11:26 PM
Proof that my lemon drizzle cake transcends national boundaries.
Made that this evening & stayed up 'til past midnight, to celebrate with our local bar owner (midnight, cos his birthday is today, Tues and he's closing the bar for hols once they leave tonight)
Made that this evening & stayed up 'til past midnight, to celebrate with our local bar owner (midnight, cos his birthday is today, Tues and he's closing the bar for hols once they leave tonight)
It's been months since I made a cake, most unlike me. So today I'm celebrating making a pear, ginger & lemon cake, from Bee Wilson's book The Secrets of a Cooking
August 3, 2025 at 6:35 PM
It's been months since I made a cake, most unlike me. So today I'm celebrating making a pear, ginger & lemon cake, from Bee Wilson's book The Secrets of a Cooking
Last night's unexpected entertainment in my new home town of Tomar - the festival of car stereos. I loved it! I also breathed in too much exhaust.
July 20, 2025 at 8:26 AM
Last night's unexpected entertainment in my new home town of Tomar - the festival of car stereos. I loved it! I also breathed in too much exhaust.
Coffee in my favourite cafe in Dymchurch, where the lovely Joe prepares coffee for husband & I as soon as he sees us, INCLUDING always using these particular, stunning, cups & saucers. Now that's knowing your regulars' order ...
June 15, 2025 at 8:58 AM
Coffee in my favourite cafe in Dymchurch, where the lovely Joe prepares coffee for husband & I as soon as he sees us, INCLUDING always using these particular, stunning, cups & saucers. Now that's knowing your regulars' order ...
I'd utterly had enough of today, but now getting to sit in a sun trap, hearing birds and the odd sheep and revising my opinion.
Sometimes really, really appreciating a sliver of joy/sun/loveliness is enough.
Sometimes really, really appreciating a sliver of joy/sun/loveliness is enough.
June 11, 2025 at 5:31 PM
I'd utterly had enough of today, but now getting to sit in a sun trap, hearing birds and the odd sheep and revising my opinion.
Sometimes really, really appreciating a sliver of joy/sun/loveliness is enough.
Sometimes really, really appreciating a sliver of joy/sun/loveliness is enough.
Afternoon coffee in Lisbon, after walking from Estoril to Cascais. Meia de leite for the win!
May 31, 2025 at 3:44 PM
Afternoon coffee in Lisbon, after walking from Estoril to Cascais. Meia de leite for the win!
Drinking ginjinha in Lisbon, it's 34 degrees here!
May 30, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Drinking ginjinha in Lisbon, it's 34 degrees here!
No poetry this Sunday morning, just black coffee
May 25, 2025 at 9:25 AM
No poetry this Sunday morning, just black coffee
Inua Ellams, the collection is called 'The Actual'
May 18, 2025 at 10:38 AM
Inua Ellams, the collection is called 'The Actual'
Coffee & a Portuguese sweet ('doce') this morning, at Willi's bar, a cafe that is open pretty much any time I walk past - when walking to the office and when coming home after an evening out. It's very much a locals place.
May 18, 2025 at 9:22 AM
Coffee & a Portuguese sweet ('doce') this morning, at Willi's bar, a cafe that is open pretty much any time I walk past - when walking to the office and when coming home after an evening out. It's very much a locals place.
Awake for sunrise this morning, can't see the sun yet as there's hills in that direction.
May 7, 2025 at 5:37 AM
Awake for sunrise this morning, can't see the sun yet as there's hills in that direction.