A Creative Spirit
If I were having coffee with my younger self, I’d say: getting old is tough, so be mindful of your health and don’t mistreat your body when you’re young. Respect your knees, your back and your body, eat well, and make sure you exercise safely. You have nothing to prove, so don’t push yourself too... Continue Reading →
Since we've returned to Portugal from our travels in Spain, I've noticed a distinct chill in the air, which was sadly confirmed when I got into the pool yesterday. I don't swim much these days; I just float around on my inflatable lilo (a floating pool bed) while sipping a cocktail, listening to music or... Continue Reading →
I'm used to seeing bougainvillea putting on a spectacular show during the summer here in Portugal, but seeing this gorgeous display still going strong as we move from September into October caught my eye. What caught your eye today? If you'd like to join in, simply tag your post #TodayInOnePhoto Take one photo of something... Continue Reading →
Today in One Photo Every day, we see hundreds of things. Some are beautiful. Some are funny. Some are strange. And some are so ordinary that we hardly notice them — until, for some reason, they catch our eye. So I thought… why not take one photo of it? It doesn't have to be a... Continue Reading →
...definitely NOT! In April, my sister moved to Denia in Spain, so I had the not-so-bright idea that we would visit her for a few days to catch up, check out her apartment and explore her new surroundings. AND, instead of flying, we would drive the 900km (approximately) – about 10 hours of driving time... Continue Reading →
Yet another week has flown by at a gallop, and the English football season is now also in full swing. Mr P is so happy he is like a pig in clover as he follows his beloved Chelsea F.C.... me... I groan every time the dreaded F word is mentioned, but as it's his passion,... Continue Reading →
If we were having coffee, I'd tell you I've had another hectic week. Here we are in September; the days and weeks are passing so quickly it seems that we are already galloping towards December and Christmas at breakneck speed! In the shop, if I thought last Tuesday morning was crazy busy (see here) https://pigletinportugal.com/2026/08/26/back-to-work-and-disorganised-chaos/... Continue Reading →
Visitors and other commitments now dispatched, I have resumed my weekly shift at the animal charity shop, working as a volunteer. I am now flying solo. Last Monday, the 17th, was my first day back after several weeks’ break, and it was manic! I opened the shop and had barely checked the float when, within... Continue Reading →
In my humble opinion... a resounding YES! Please read on because I'd love to hear your thoughts on the subject. So, back to my post 'Gone Fishing' What did I achieve? I spent more time in the garden, observed and listened to nature, cooked, people-watched, finished my Portuguese summer homework all 20 pages, listened to... Continue Reading →
Hey, I haven't disappeared. I've decided to take a couple of months' break over the summer from Facebook, the news, and probably blogging so I can concentrate on other projects and regain some much-needed karma. Facebook - Doom-scrolling has become addictive and invasive, and I swear if I get one more advert trying to persuade... Continue Reading →
Good afternoon (now evening), fellow gardeners! It's now our turn here in the Western Algarve to enjoy the excessive temperatures suffered elsewhere. Like most older folk (yes, I am finally owning the fact that I am in my winter years), I don't fare well in temperature extremes, whether hot or cold. Ho hum... so ...... Continue Reading →
Yep, if we were having coffee, I'd tell you that on Thursday or was it Friday...I was awoken to the dulcet tones of Mr Piglet muttering obscenities at my computer. I checked my watch - 6.45 am. Seriously? My bladder and heartburn had kept me awake most of the night and I was beyond tired.... Continue Reading →
https://pigletinportugal.com/2025/06/22/how-was-your-week-looking-back-to-move-forward/ Another year has passed, and while my mobility is still an issue and restricts many activities on Saturday, I met an old acquaintance whom I'd not seen for a couple of years. An acquaintance who loved to dance and hike and was waiting to retire to Portugal. She was in a wheelchair. Her foot... Continue Reading →
When we first created our garden over twenty years ago on a bare, sandy plot, I had the romantic notion of planting a cute palm tree. Our neighbour had one (about 8ft) as did many other gardens in the area, so armed with no more than the dream of our very own palm tree swaying... Continue Reading →
If we were having coffee, I'd tell you that despite having another busy week, eating out, and socialising with friends, entertaining, dancing, working in the garden and in the charity shop, etc. I've tried to pace myself (LoL) as I've not been feeling that great. But we smile and keep going, yes? One foot in... Continue Reading →
And I am still trying to catch up! On Sunday, 24th May, we travelled to Granada with friends for a vacation. I am not usually a fan of cities, but I kept an open mind, and I'm glad I did. Granada was fantastic! No high-rise and we were pleasantly surprised by the diverse architecture, the... Continue Reading →
https://pigletinportugal.com/2019/05/31/pet-peeve-plastic-packaged-fruit-and-vegetables/?page_id=11997 On this day, 31st May 2019, I was moaning about plastic packaging. Why are fruit and veg packaged in plastic? Shrinkwrapped cucumbers. Seriously? Grapes, kiwis, apples, tomatoes, leeks, mushrooms, etc. Meat packaged in plastic. Now we even have microplastics in food Interesting info by National Geographic https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vTRLM8wQG0Y https://pigletinportugal.com/2025/01/17/foodie-friday-lets-talk-about-ultra-processed-foods/ Seven years later (is it really... Continue Reading →
https://pigletinportugal.com/2020/05/27/covid-19-lockdown-reflections-and-beyond/ Was it really SIX Years ago that we all (well, most of us) lived in fear for our lives? Looking back, it seems surreal. How did you cope with lockdown? ETA: Everyone in the Health sector should have received a medal or some recognition of their service and sacrifice during this time.
If we were having coffee, I'd tell you that last Sunday, despite the threat of showers, I'd reserved a spot at the local car boot/flea market (what's the difference?), an event I'd relentlessly campaigned to our local residents' association to reinstate after they'd cancelled it several years ago.... I can't remember the finer points as... Continue Reading →
If we were having coffee, I'd tell you the last couple of weeks have been hectic! Hence why I've not been online much. Just nine days after returning from a family holiday in England, we were jaunting off on our travels once again to stay with family in France. It was a last-minute decision because... Continue Reading →
