A Creative Spirit
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 →
Let's talk about food. On Thursday, I spent the day chopping onions, zucchini, and tomatoes to make homemade chutney. Cheese and crackers, baked potatoes in their jackets, and cold meats are not the same without a dollop of chutney and shop bought chutney is full of preservatives. Ingredients2lb courgettes (peeled)1lb 8oz tomatoes1lb 4oz onions1lb 4oz... 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 →
Any veg experts out there? I planted six Zucchini plants in large pots with quality soil, so it is not unreasonable to expect a bumper harvest. I had grand plans to make Zucchini and Tomato chutney, pickled Zucchini, etc. I rubbed my hands together in glee as every plant produced flowers and baby zucchini. I... Continue Reading →
Let's talk about food! Today's post is inspired by a visit to The Trout Inn, a traditional old English pub located on the bank of the River Thames in Lechlade. It is the perfect location to enjoy a traditional English 'Ploughman's' lunch. As I was basking in the sunshine, enjoying lunch, I pondered on the... 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 →
Despite the unseasonable weather, our vegetables are putting their best foot forward, and the seed plugs I bought at the end of March continue to thrive. This week's six is an update on fruit and vegetable progress. https://pigletinportugal.com/2025/03/29/march-garden-diary-chores-and-challenges-seeds-or-vegetable-plugs/ Zucchini Growing in Containers The Zucchini plugs I bought at the monthly market at the end of... Continue Reading →
Piglet in Portugal 