Wordless Wednesday: Diet, WHAT Diet?
Garden Update – Sept 21st, 2019
Good news! After months of drought, we finally have rain. Yep, Friday and Saturday ... and maybe more to come. I had to nip out between showers to take these photographs and as I write this it is still raining! The smell of rain is wonderful and you can almost hear the plants singing as... Continue Reading →
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SoS: Plotting and Planning and What is the Mystery Plant?
It's been quite a few weeks since I've shared a Six on Saturday update but problems with my knee persist so not much enthusiasm for gardening. That said, I've been plotting and planning from the armchair and with the autumn only a few weeks away we need to think ahead re winter vegetables and revamping... Continue Reading →
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SoS: Fruit and Veg
While I have taken a rest from writing about my garden and gardening in general due to visitors, my plants have laboured on left to the mercy under the watchful eye of the OH. The abundance of sea mist offered no compensation for the much-needed rain to deep water the shrubs and plants. Even the cacti... Continue Reading →
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Six on Saturday: Salad Days
This time last week I was preparing my Six on Saturday when we lost our telephone line. We had a wildfire start quite close to us but thank God the wind sent the smoke, fire and ash in the other direction and across into the next valley. Thanks to the swift response of the Bombeiros... Continue Reading →
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Wordless Wednesday: Plastic Cucumbers
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Six on Saturday: Petunia Seeds, Poorly Plumbago and Curry etc.
Although we've had some spits and spots of rain this week it was not enough to water the garden which is becoming crisper day-by-day. Our water is metered so it's always a good reminder to be frugal and use sparingly, or at least try and reuse shower and washing-up water. This week we set ourselves... Continue Reading →
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Six Unusual Garden Ideas
My six for this Saturday focuses on unusual garden ideas such as alternative planters, pebble art I discovered in local gardens. I feel inspired to try some of these ideas! 1. Pebble Art Ladybirds 2. Pebble Art Animals 3. Rock Village ** 4. Boots Upcycled to Plant Containers What a great idea! Rummages through cupboards... Continue Reading →
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SoS: Absolutely AMAZING – Orchid Cactus, Epiphyllum
I had planned a different six for this week, but as I wandered around the garden looking for suitable plants to feature I realised my Queen of the Night Orchid Cactus was about to flower. For anyone who is unfamiliar with this plant, they only flower at night and have the most magnificent flowers and... Continue Reading →
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SoS: Hibiscus, Strawberries, Sucky Bugs and More…
YaY! We had some rain this week. Only a couple of heavy showers for about an hour but better than nothing. Here is my Six on Saturday (SoS) for this week. 1. New Hibiscus I ONLY popped into the garden centre to buy some strawberry plants (see post 3 below) but I could not resist... Continue Reading →
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What’s for Lunch? Let’s Get Creative With Egg Muffins!
Since trying to maintain a gluten AND lactose free diet, plus attempting to lose weight, I've struggled with snack lunch ideas beyond fruit and lactose-free yoghurts. In the past, I've either eaten Ryvita style crispbreads or sandwiches with various fillings, so as you can see my imagination has struggled to find alternatives that do not... Continue Reading →
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Poetry: “White Hot” by Carole Hill
I wrote this poem when I was in intense pain. In fact, so much pain it took my breath away. For those who have suffered/or who are suffering, I hope you can connect with this poem.
White Hot
by Carole Hill
Breath frozen
bloated mind
floats
seeking peace.
through icebergs of pain.
your smile numb in response
forced to bridge frozen wastelands
where laughter once played
and humour skied in your eyes
warms their polite concern.
white-hot iron leaves its mark.
About the author:
Carole Hill paints with words. Her artist’s palette coloured by the simple beauty of nature, environmental challenges and observations of her fellow man. When Carole is not writing, gardening or painting she can be found daydreaming on the beach as her thoughts are lost in the ocean waves, the distant horizon and beyond.
Carole’s poetry has been published in the Algarve’s travel magazine and Passages anthology.
Carole’s Blog:
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SoS: Vegetable Review
Unlike the UK we've not had any rain other than the odd shower to quench the thirst of the scorched countryside. Unfortunately, this means we are on high alert for fires. Consequently, we try to conserve and reuse every drop of water when feasible. So far my plants in pots are holding up well as... Continue Reading →
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Weekly Smile: Coffee on the Beach
Every week Trent encourages us to share a smile via his 'Weekly Smile' meme. In a world where we are surrounded by so much chaos, it's important to press pause for just one moment and focus on the little things in life that make us smile. This week my smile comes courtesy of our local... Continue Reading →
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SoS: Growing Hibiscus in Containers
For my six this Saturday, I decided to focus on hibiscus growing in containers. For some reason, they thrive in our humid climate and reward us with beautiful flowers throughout the year. I do prune hard to contain growth and feed regularly which probably helps. Very occasionally (if the plant is distressed) I water with... Continue Reading →
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Pet Peeve: Plastic Pre-Packaged Fruit and Vegetables
Why oh why are fruit and vegetables sold prepacked in plastic packaging? This is just a small selection of produce on display at a well-known supermarket. While I needed these items I refused to buy on principle. If more consumers boycotted overpackaged produce maybe the message would eventually get through. This week. I asked the... Continue Reading →
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SoS: Pests and Diseases – Plant Doctor Needed!
My garden is plagued by pests and diseases. The latest victim is my beautiful Agave which is over twelve years old so I am hopping from foot-to-foot wondering what to do. When we are sick we go to the doctor, when animals are sick we take them to the vet... but where to go for... Continue Reading →
Piglet in Portugal 