A Creative Spirit
I swear, flipping APPs will soon rule our lives, and we won't even be able to do our daily ablutions without consulting and plugging our butt into an APP. Are we sleepwalking into a new era where if you don't have a smartphone, you are screwed? Yes, screwed. Consider the elderly or the technically challenged... Continue Reading →
If we were having coffee, I'd tell you that when the day for my scan appointment at Luisades Private Hospital in Albuferia finally arrived, I swear this was the hottest day ever. Our car, at one point, registered an outside temperature of a mere 47 °C. (116.60°F) ... Of course, I was far too early... Continue Reading →
If we were having coffee, I'd tell you that we've had a fantastic couple of weeks! The vacation I'd planned over the last year to bring the whole family together to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary and joint 70th birthday year at the Alfagar Resort in Portugal proved to be a great success. Phew!! The... Continue Reading →
Do you accept the meds doctors hand out at face value, or do you conduct further research? On Monday, I finally returned to the doctor, after undergoing numerous blood tests and scans, to discuss my results. He doesn't speak English, and unfortunately, my Portuguese is limited, despite having studied it for numerous years. I prepared... Continue Reading →
If we were having coffee or a glass or two of wine, I would tell you about my feel-good moments. There were a few moments of frustration, but overall it was a positive week. FEEL GOOD FILM of the WEEK: NONNAS Based on a true story, I thoroughly recommend this feel-good film. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rDJxJd3FzDY IT proves... Continue Reading →
If we were having a coffee, I would tell you this week temperatures ramped up from the low twenties with a cool ocean breeze to the mid-thirties to still and stifling with no air. Everyone was and still is moaning that it is too hot. Far too hot. In fact, it is too hot for... Continue Reading →
WooHoo! I am doing a happy dance. I have just had a complex conversation (perhaps a slight hyperbole) in Portuguese on the phone with an extremely patient and kind lady from the doctor's office. The purpose of her call was to schedule a follow-up appointment with the doctor to discuss the results from blood work,... Continue Reading →
It's been another tough week as I continue to battle with pain and mobility issues. To focus on positives, I decided to remind myself how far I've moved forward--albeit at snail's pace-- over the last five years. https://pigletinportugal.com/2020/02/12/wheels-for-feet/ I tell myself this setback is only a small pothole, not a giant sinkhole waiting to swallow... Continue Reading →
If we were having coffee, I'd tell you that while I had an upbeat week, it wasn't without its ups and downs, but that's life, yes? Monday, I was absolutely frazzled. It made me realise that while I may think I am twenty, my body reminds me otherwise. My day started very early with blood... Continue Reading →
If we were having coffee or something a little stronger, I'd tell you that it's been another busy week and at times stressful. A VISIT TO THE DOCTORS - Take 2 On Thursday, as I'd still not received an appointment to see a doctor and the pain in my hip was becoming unbearable at times,... Continue Reading →
If we were having a cocktail or coffee, I would tell you I am Back on the Treadmill! As May comes to a close and our vacations to France and England are now behind me I have stepped back on the diet and exercise treadmill with renewed enthusiasm. Trying on all my summer clothes proved... Continue Reading →
It doesn't seem possible that only a week ago we were enjoying family time back in England. One of my favourite and hilarious memories was finger painting with the youngest grandkids aged just four and six years. To say we went hog wild with the paints was an understatement. We all had great fun with... Continue Reading →
I love volunteering to work in the charity shop. Why? Our small town is a diverse melting pot, and the shop offers a new opportunity to interact with many nationalities. This is probably why I've struggled to learn Portuguese. For instance, I greeted one man and a woman as they entered the shop. with a... Continue Reading →
It's been a short but trying week. Fortunately, the cold I caught from Mr Piglet cleared surprisingly quickly and apart from taking some time out on Monday with a Martini Pornstar to drown the germs I hit the ground running (as they say) unpacking suitcases, clearing the laundry and gardening. CHARGING LEADS— I don't know... Continue Reading →
Many of us like to set ourselves short—or long-term goals. Maybe we want to lose weight, up our fitness regime for a planned holiday, or improve our overall health. I know my limit, and my body sets the bar relatively low. But any win above the norm is a win, right? When my DIL, Amy,... Continue Reading →
If we were having coffee, we would have plenty to catch up on, as I have been absent for the last ten days (apart from a pre-scheduled garden post and a Wordless Wednesday), so I am running waaaay behind. The reason: we went to stay with our daughter and family in France for nine days.... Continue Reading →
My week has been crazy busy. What about yours? EASTER We didn't have any plans for Easter weekend as our family is in France or the UK, and our friends are either away, have family staying, or whatever. So we will be 'Billy no Mates' on Easter Sunday. We intend to relax and stuff ourselves... Continue Reading →
This week, we have been giving the garden a Spring clean—but not too much so we do not disturb the wildlife that also call our garden home. When Mr Piglet moved a pot, he encountered an Iberian Psammodromus lizard the size of a small snake. He didn't scream, kept calm, and took a photo. I... Continue Reading →
... or I should say several: Find Easter eggs for a friend who is flying over from the UK with her grandkids for Easter. Get lettuce plants and source a costume for the Western Murder Mystery party. Art lesson to work on Buddha, Portuguese.... holy moly and that's before I worked in the garden. São... Continue Reading →
This week has been challenging, especially as it was time to admit I'd failed on some of the health goals I'd set last month as part of the #wellnessremiagined linkup. But maybe 'fail' is not the right word; I'd just taken a minor detour before getting back on track. https://pigletinportugal.com/2025/03/03/fooded-out-in-february/ My goals for March were:... Continue Reading →
Piglet in Portugal 