A Creative Spirit in Portugal
Hi fellow writers. I am going to give a shoutout for my other site, Flashes. Flashes is a literary website where we publish short stories, non-fiction, flash fiction, poetry and author interviews. Our goal is to give talented writers a platform to showcase their creativity, with an emphasis on original voice, innovative style and challenging plots.... Continue Reading →
I am curious. Why are the women's toilet signs at Faro Airport reduced to graphics depicting legs and boobs? When and why did we lose our skirt? For the visually impaired this sign is confusing and ridiculous. I feel sorry for men, who, taking a half-glance at the sign, could be forgiven for thinking they... Continue Reading →
Yes, I'm now convinced my garden is a war zone: Me against nature. There is not a week goes by without some new bug or disease attacking my plants. I also woke up to rain this morning the first proper rain since November. My gardening activities this week are once again directed from my garden... Continue Reading →
This Haiku is for Colleen’s Poetry challenge. Each week we are given two prompt words but we can only use synonyms not the words themselves. This week the prompt words are 'MYSTERY" and "ATTRACT". This challenge is only for Tanka, Haiku, Senryu, Haibun, Etheree, Nonet, Shadorma, and Cinquain poetry forms.
Over the last week I've had many reasons to smile. #1 the dreaded knee operation on my meniscus is now behind me. The pain leading up to the operation had become unbearable at times and kept me awake most nights. I am pleased to report the operation went well and so far so good. Only... Continue Reading →
I had planned to make some tealight candle holders as extra Christmas gifts for friends and family, but I failed miserably. How hard can it be to make glass mosaic tealight candle holders? Well, a lot harder than I originally thought. Perhaps if I'd conducted a little research on YouTube for some general tips, I... Continue Reading →
Last Monday the overnight temperature dropped to 3.5C and we had our first light frost on the roof of the car. However, while we were away at the hospital in Coimbra neighbours reported on Facebook that temperatures plummeted to -4C. This is the lowest (in our area) in over a decade so hopefully my plants... Continue Reading →
After my experience in a Portuguese hospital this week for an operation on my meniscus, I am back on my crusade to lose weight. Before I was wheeled down to the operating theatre I was given a gown and a pair of paper modesty pants (knickers). Now, before I continue this story, I'm not huge... Continue Reading →
I was sorting through some old photographs on my computer when I was reminded of the day we spent in the Alps with our French family. We don't get snow in the Algarve, so I was just as excited as my four year old granddaughter by the prospect of building a snowman. Before we left,... Continue Reading →
Gardening in Portugal may seem like a gardener's paradise but my plants are plagued by far more pests and diseases then they ever were in the UK. Or maybe it's just my garden and the bugs arrive to dine on my plants as they would at a Michelin star restaurant. My six on Saturday for this... Continue Reading →
Blubber Meets Buddha Blubber sits beached in Buddha pose cartoon belly wobbles like blancmange Face creased to smile - contemplates whales scans ocean seeking peace Grounded body disowned mind’s eye persuades Blubber it is a nymph among goblins spirit soars. Satisfied, blubber readily agrees and greedily gobbles more chocolate stands..............looks down who stole her feet?... Continue Reading →
To all my followers, friends, family and blogging buddies.
I know the OH will run and hide when he reads this but a gal has to have a plan, and my restricted mobility has meant I have had plenty of thinking scheming time to formulate ideas into a concrete gardening 'plan of action' for 2019. So my #SixOnSaturday for this week are six gardening projects... Continue Reading →
I have been quiet on the blogging front over the last week as we spent a family Christmas in France. It was great to have our family with our UK and French grandkids (four in total) all in the same place at the same time. This alone gave me enough smiles to last the whole... Continue Reading →
My six for this Saturday will focus on succulents in flower this week. I have several more in bud but not in time to share on this post. Maybe they will hang on until January. 1. Cotyledon orbiculata Pig’s ears or Elk’s horn This is one of the few succulents I have planted directly in... Continue Reading →
I made this mosaic sunflower pebble art especially for a special friend for Christmas. I was pleased with the finished result - I hope she is too. If not, she can hide it in a discreet corner of the garden and I won't be offended. *smiley face* These are perfect to bring sunshine to shady... Continue Reading →
A taste of Portuguese Christmas. Secretly, I still prefer mince pies, Christmas pudding and good old fashioned Christmas cake.
Fascinated by this cake I decided not only to buy one but also research its origins.
Bolo Rei is not simply a cake but a true symbol of the Christmas season!
The Bolo Rei (King Cake) originated in France and only arrived in Portugal during the mid nineteenthcentury. It is traditionally eaten on the 25th December (Nativity) and the 6th of January (Epithany). However, the cake is so popular that it is on sale from the end of November through to the Epithany. The bread-like cake is round with a hole in the centre like a crown and decorated with candied fruits and nuts to symbolize the gifts offered by the Magi. The Magi were the wise men who followed the star from the east to worship baby Jesus in Bethlehem. They were later referred to by the Church, as Kings. Hence Bolo Rei.
Inside the Bolo Rei are nuts…
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Shopping in Intermarche this week we (actually the OH) noticed this Bacalhau Christmas tree. What a creative way to display and promote Bacalhau! This certainly made me smile. Related Posts: Bacalhau anyone? It’s as stiff as a board, smells disgusting and looks about as appetizing as the prospect of munching on chipboard. In fact,... Continue Reading →
So what what does my garden offer this week? With high humidity and salt winds a coastal garden in the Western Algarve presents its own challenges and this week has proved no exception. Strong winds, sun, heavy rain and temperature from 7C to 20C. Fortunately no snow or frost. On the plus side some amazing... Continue Reading →
Today I went to the hairdressers for a colour makeover. Zoya, my hairdresser, showed me the various colour options and in a moment of absolute madness I was tempted to have my hair dyed purple. Not because I like purple, but more a statement of rebellion that while my body is decrepit and aging, inside... Continue Reading →
