How Was Your Week? Mosquitoes – Where There’s a Will, We Will Find a Way …

Last Sunday, we finally enjoyed a respite from the rainy weather, which allowed me to catch up on laundry and gardening. I say respite but it was still cold and windy.

Mosquitoes and Fly Repellants

Of course, when the sun did appear, so did the wretched mosquitoes. They are out in force, breeding like crazy and turning the joy of being in the garden into a battle. This week Mr. Piglet has been busy emptying containers and trays, etc. of any stagnant water.

We use an industrial DEET mosquito repellant called Relec, which has proven effective, but finding a natural alternative that works would be great. Someone suggested marigolds. I’m not sure. I have been told that the humble marigold deters black and white flies, so it’s a good idea to plant pots in the vegetable garden between your rows of carrots and other crops susceptible to fly but is it really an effective mosquito repellant for humans?

Are you plagued by mosquitoes, and if so, what repellants do you use?

Where there’s a will, we will find a way …

And there’s the truth. A while back I’d asked one of the ladies (Sherine) in our line-dancing group, who is proficient in everything exercise-related, to demonstrate how to use weights correctly to build strength in my arms, and she kindly agreed. That was weeks ago, but I’d never followed through. The week Sherine reminded me and pinned me down to Wednesday afternoon. When I told her why I wanted to do weights, she told me I did not need to build muscle in my arms to get off the floor. It was technique. I was unaware she had a degree in sports science and that she loved problem-solving! Of course, I made an enthusiastic guinea pig.

First off, Sherine studied my thigh muscles—and felt them while I bent my knees. Studied my sit-to-stand technique (from the sofa). Identified that I was overcompensating with my right leg, and gave me an exercise to build muscle in my weak right leg. She gave me further exercises to improve muscle tone and balance. Then we moved to the problem of getting off the floor. Remember, my previous attempt at Yoga took me 22 minutes, and heaving myself upright using the parallel bars was not a solution.

Twenty minutes later, using Shrine’s method, I completed a sit-to-stand unaided in about two minutes. Then another and another. Thursday, I did seven in a row, and Friday, another seven at only around 30 seconds each. It’s not strength; it’s technique. I will continue to practice daily

ETA: This is the technique I was taught

Now, I just need to figure out how to get on the floor instead of just sliding off the sofa.

She also figured out that the physiotherapist’s method for getting up and down stairs was hindering rather than helping. I agree. Now, I must practice stepping up and down normally. If I can crack this, it will be life-changing.

YOGA—It’s Interesting that my Yoga teacher did not encourage me to get down on the floor this week after last week’s challenge. Maybe in a couple of weeks, I will surprise her.

Animal Charity Shop

The moment we opened the door there was a rush of people eager to buy. I am glad I stuck to my guns and refused to work in the shop alone. At least I got to use some of my Portuguese to an elderly lady who, when seeing five sacks of clothes arrive, wanted us to unpack them there and then. Dragging the bags to the store room I waved her away with a ‘Mais Tarde’ and a smile (Later).

While my offer to manage the window displays was politely ignored, I note they are still a dumping ground, and the models are still wearing the same clothes from weeks ago. This observation was confirmed by my American working partner this week, who had some brilliant ideas but also ignored. But that’s okay.

Lunching out …

This week we ate out twice.

Food on Friday – Delicious Fresh Crab at A Azenha do Mar

And at a new restaurant to us called CAIS DA LOTA down by the riverside in Portimao. We won’t be going again. I ordered Beef Portuguesa, and they smothered what should have been a simple steak topped with presunto ham and chippy potatoes in natural juices with an ultra-processed disgusting gravy. I did not mince my words when asked if I enjoyed the meal. The waiter, who was Portuguese, agreed it was not the authentic recipe. I do hope he passes on the feedback to the chef.

Do you offer honest feedback on a meal when asked? (or even if not)

In the News …

To preserve my sanity, I am torn between watching the news and doomscrolling, aka what’s happening in the world, Trump and his cronies’ latest antics, or ignoring the unfolding pantomime politics, wars, and destruction with a complete news blackout. I can’t make sense of the madness, so what’s the point? It is only making me anxious, which leads me to comfort-eat.

The humorous highlight for me was JD’s non-welcome in Greenland. That’s good. Obnoxious toad that he is.

Decision made: I will avoid doomscrolling and watching the news for 1 week. Devote the time to my art and creative pursuits.

Anyone else?

That’s it for this week’s Coffee Share, folks. Now I pop over to Natalie’s Blog to check out more Weekend Coffee Shares