A Creative Spirit
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 →
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 →
Yesterday, some German friends who are keen gardeners came for dinner. Needless to say, the subject of my ailing vegetables was raised, and said guests were asked to inspect and pass judgment as to the cause. I gave them the list of suggestions already offered. The guy checked the pot drainage, watering, sunlight, leaves, etc.... 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 →
Yellowing leaves: Too much water or not enough or lacking nutrients? I am useless when it comes to diagnosis. Last week, the Zucchini posed a major challenge when I was left with 29 shrivelled offerings. More on that in a few weeks. My heartfelt thanks to everyone who offered suggestions. For now, I am trying... Continue Reading →
Hello fellow food enthusiasts. Let's talk about food. Today I experimented with a new-ish recipe inspired by Luna on FB. I am bored with eating Greek yoghurt and fruit every day for breakfast, so I thought I'd try something new. We will see. I am stuck in a breakfast rut. What do you eat for... 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 →
Someone flicked a switch and we have wall-to-wall sunshine. Since we returned from England, the sun has shone daily, and it's HOT. Summer (dare I say) has arrived! But with temperatures rising to 30 °C, it is now too hot to work in the garden. Yeah, I know. We've had months of rain and cold... Continue Reading →
Piglet in Portugal 