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 not entirely true as I’ve had quite a bit of downtime too.
Surprise visit to the UK
Firstly, I had a last-minute trip back to the UK to see my daughters. An unscheduled trip but great to spend some time with them soon after their birthdays, and over the Bank Holiday in the UK.
I managed to get back to the UK without daughter #2 knowing and was able to meet her after her work experience. I think she had an inclination that something was happening, but it still raised a smile from her.
As she’d just had her 17th birthday, she became my chauffeur with L plates of course. Crash helmet ready, nails are bitten and plenty of holding on for dear life. That’s unfair. She is pretty good given it’s her first few days.
Despite daughter #2 picking up a stinking cold, she passed her theory test and attended an intensive driving course. Now it’s just lots of practice until her test which is currently scheduled for the end of August, although hoping for an earlier cancellation.
The remaining days in the UK we spent with my daughters with a day out in Cambridge, going to a country fair and watching motorsports.
Keeping busy in Portugal
Back in Portugal, I have had some guests stay for a few days, joined some friends for a birthday celebration, had a few meals out and a barbecue and met up with other friends.
I’ve continued to lend a helping hand to friends on their land with their strimming, weeding, and general gardening/land activity. Many hands make light work and I know I’m banking a few favours for when I need assistance for my various harvests.
As with the local community in Portugal, whenever there is a job to be done, or a problem to be solved, everyone seems to rally together to get it sorted. This included helping a couple to move a couple of van loads of furniture. Another favour banked.
Also on the completed jobs list are my final HMRC self-assessment and the submission of my first Portuguese tax return. Fortunately, HMRC has kindly returned the tax I’d overpaid and there is no tax to pay in Portugal. Long may it last!
Harvests at the quinta
In between all this, I have also been working hard at the quinta.
When I went to the UK, I brought back a garden sieve as they are impossible to find here in Portugal. Fortunately, it just fitted within my hand luggage and since I’ve been back, it’s been put to effective use.
I have a few vegetable beds that were awaiting planting, so I managed to sieve this soil first and managed to remove most of the stones before mixing in compost. The soil feels much better and easier to work with and I hope time with tell.
Most of these beds are now planted with peppers, peppers, tomatoes, and runner beans although there are a couple prepared ready for planting.
There is lots growing and I’m already beginning to harvest various fruit and vegetables. I’ve had a daily supply of lettuce, courgettes, mangetout, and strawberries. I am loving grilled courgettes, peppers and tomatoes topped with a sprinkling of crushed chillies and finished off with grated cheese. Don’t worry, there is no chance this is going to become a food blog!
A fortnight ago I picked a few kilograms of nêsperas (loquats). After removing all the seeds, they are now fermenting in a jar with white rum in the hope to make Bermemes (Bermuda Loquat Liquor). It’s going to take six months so maybe this year’s Christmas tipple!
This week I’ve harvested a bucket full of carrots. While I’ve used some of them fresh, the remaining carrots have been blanched and frozen. Gee, I’m impressed with myself.
Finally, the cherry trees are giving an abundance of cherries. So, I’ve picked the first tree and I am making Ginginha, a Portuguese liquor made by infusing morello cherries, cinnamon, red wine and aguardente. Once again, the longer the maceration period, the better it tastes (apparently). Time will tell.
We’re experiencing sporadic heavy rainstorms which reduces the need for watering although the deluge of rain and warm temperatures means it’s mainly surface water and not soaking in. For once I’d like to have a few hours of long, persistent rain to give the land a real good soaking.
Plans for the next week, while avoiding the rain, include picking the remainder of the cherries to make jam and keeping on top of the various other jobs around the quinta. One of my favourite pastimes is watching the tomatoes, cucumbers, and peas multiply daily. It is so exciting.
Also, I need to give serious thought to how I can preserve the tens, if not hundreds, of kilos of fruit that are going to be ready over the coming months. Top of the list is peaches because it’s looking like a bumper crop (despite having nothing to compare it with).
Thinking longer-term, I am already preparing for both the grape and olive harvest and acquiring various pieces of equipment and considering how I will approach these this year. And I’m considering how better to lay out the vegetable beds and begin to maximise the area I’ve got.
So, despite not being blogging, the days and weeks continue and there is always a hive of activity. However, I am sure I could be doing more but I don’t want to break into a sweat every day, do I?
As always, thank you for taking the time to read my blog.
Thank you, your continued support is much appreciated, and I am grateful for your interest in my adventure in Portugal!
Melhores cumprimentos. Até logo.
Marc