A Creative Spirit
For this week's gardening post and coffee share, I decided to focus on how I use containers to create an inviting illusion, particularly when approaching our entrance door. I have been told that it feels like you're walking into a secret garden. I will add that, unlike the UK, we do not have a traditional... Continue Reading →
I am fooded out. My head is spinning like a whirling diva and my Facebook feed is jammed with this or that expert telling me NOT to eat certain food combinations or it will cause x, y or Z. These so-called experts are all pulling silly faces to attract your attention. Claims such as if... Continue Reading →
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 →
The temperatures this week have still been so intense that I've struggled with the fierce heat, and so have some of the plants. With temperatures regularly reaching the high thirties at times and indoor temperatures in the high twenties and no air conditioning, I've sadly not had the energy. I have given up on some... 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 →
If we were having coffee or sharing a bottle of wine, I'd tell you it's been one of THOSE weeks. CHARITY SHOP: This week, I once again worked in the animal charity shop. The heat in the shop was unbearable, so between unpacking and sorting clothes donations, tidying shelves, sorting hanging rails and serving customers,... Continue Reading →
Another week and still no rain. I have moved as many of my plants growing in pots as possible from full sun to partial shade to reduce the need for water, and I'm so glad we made the decision when planning the garden not to have a lawn. Instead, we laid down a permeable membrane... 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 →
Another week has passed, and still no rain. Every day, I have been hoovering and cleaning the patio areas and trying to reduce the number of pots that demand my attention. Less is more. While I'm a sucker for plants and know I need to be ruthless, a friend said to me when discussing her... Continue Reading →
I've probably been in denial for some time, but after eating pizza last night, my stomach bloated to the size of a barrage balloon within hours. This is not an isolated incident. Perhaps it's time to reassess my diet and try a gluten-free approach. My body's reaction might not be to gluten. It could be... 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 →
The temperatures over the last week have soared above 30 °C. We don't have air conditioning, so not only were some of our plants suffering, but we were as well. I barely had enough energy to refill the bird baths I had scattered around the garden yet alone hump extra water for the plants. The... 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 →
Yep, it's time to take stock of what's growing, or not. Water is scarce, and this week I've had to make some tough decisions. The water butts are empty and mains water is expensive. If you are on a water meter, you will understand. Last year, I saved every drop of grey water from the... Continue Reading →
A stall at our local market was selling organic liquid fertiliser and a 'so say' miracle cure for my ailing zucchini. We bought some. The jury is still out. Probably snake oil. Let's just say I'm not impressed. However, what did capture my attention and pique my interest was a small, rubbish bin-type container fitted... 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 →
There has been no rain again this week, and the water butts are nearly empty. We can't even backwash the pool into the water butts as we usually do, because the pool has mustard algae at the moment and we need to contain it. I really can't moan as we've had months of rain. For... Continue Reading →
Piglet in Portugal 