A Creative Spirit
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 →
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 →
Come on Grandma, let's play ball * Maybe if I dont look at her .... Okay, I´ll drop the ball at her feet again then maybe she will take the hint.
The weather continued much the same as the week before and the months before that. Cold, rain and windy interspersed with sunny intervals. The geraniums and pelargoniums continue to thrive although the pink and purple one above has now got a virus attacking the leaves. I´ve treated it. Fingers crossed it survives. The crown of... 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 →
and what do we eat on Good Friday? Hot Cross Buns! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vN4SPwIXIAs And while searching for a simple recipe I came across the nursery rhyme I used to sing as a child. These kids are SO cute! Do you remember this rhyme from your childhood? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6CzbcKM7cg We or rather Mr. Piglet made some NOT Cross... 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 →
Last week, I shared an overview of the South garden and pool area in my post April Garden Diary – A Tour of My Garden (part 1). This week, I focus on the east, west and north gardens, which include a small terrace and vegetable area. We try to keep it tidy, but it is always... Continue Reading →
I have a pet mosquito he has one hundred livesI like to call him Lucky Jim because he ducks and dives. His agility’s amazing as I chase him with the batUp and down and round and round, it’s surprising I’m so fat! Jim’s such a friendly fellow, a loyal companion by my sideAlthough I’ve tried... 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 →
As we move into April, the unseasonal weather continues with heavy rain, squalls, high winds, showers, and periods of sunshine. Even when we wake up to sunshine and blue skies, there is no guarantee it won't be raining by lunchtime. Apart from a few days, it's been like this since the 2nd of January. Last... Continue Reading →
This week, we were recommended a traditional Portuguese restaurant in Lagos, Restaurante o Lamberto. The restaurant is located well away from the tourist trail. I think we were probably the only English people there. I ordered a Bifes à Portuguesa to see how it was presented and compared to the one served at restaurant Cais... Continue Reading →
Piglet in Portugal 