The Portuguese love their football (as do I). They are passionate and fanatical. And their celebrations are loud! There are predominantly three (big) teams in Portugal, and a fourth not too far behind. Benfica Lisbon, Sporting Lisbon, FC Porto, and Braga. In the village I live, Benfica and Sporting Lisbon are the most supported. Probably…
Category: Farm & Smallholding
No need to send out a Mayday call!
It’s been a month since my last blog. The longest break that I’ve had over the last few years. The break was partly deliberate, partly forced and partly because of procrastination. So, what have I been up to? Well, to be honest, not a great deal apart from lots of work on the quinta. That’s…
Homegrown salad!
It might not be much, but yesterday’s salad was completely grown at the quinta. All grown with my fair hands. Lettuce (three types), radish and carrots. Technically the olives just needed harvesting, brining and pressing into oil as they were ready for harvest when I bought the quinta. While I added some sardines as I…
Clear blue sky, sun and great weather. It’s time for a Bud…
For those people who think moving to Portugal is just one big jolly, I’ve news for you. It’s not. It’s blooming hard work! I guess I could’ve taken the easy option and just headed off to the beach as opposed to buying a small quinta, but that would be no fun. Maybe a little less…
Spring is blossoming
The last couple of weeks has consisted of lazing around, enjoying the sunshine and trying to find jobs to do. I’m getting used to this relaxed, simple life in Portugal. At times I really do have to pinch myself. OK, that pinch has woken me up. It’s not all a dream. But some of it…
Gifts, pests, oranges and lemons
It’s great there is so much to do on the quinta. As I walk around the land, I add to the list of tasks that need to be completed. The to-do list grows, just like the unwanted plants. Commonly known as weeds. For this walk, I arm myself with a bucket, a pair of secateurs…