So sorry to all our followers who have contacted us about not updating the blog, yes thanks we are fine, its just been down to a whole series of things, good and not so good...
To start with the dosh situation was terrible, so we were actively trying NOT to come into town and waste fuel on non essential things ... plus, the garden just takes so much of my time and energies during the summer months, its been fantastic, we've been cropping so much stuff, eating and freezing peas, eating new spuds, ... mmmmnnn yummy! For the first year ever Ive had a great success with onions and we've now pulled them and after a few attempts Ive managed to plait them attractively and hung then up in the cubby. All the ones which went thick neck or hadn't grown suitable, I chopped and froze as green onion, which we love. The first crop of leeks is in the freezer too, Ive been madly picking beetroot for what seems forever, Ive sweet pickled 6 kilos already, we've had tons of beetroot surprise, Riks been eating them boiled like apples.. and still they come!!! The leaves are a good substitute for spinach too.. Our first two Aubergines went into some pasta sauce the other night along with courgettes, I picked the first bucket full of green beans today too... its all go.... but we are eating from the garden every day, more lettuce than ever before, a few probs though, black fly on the french beans, we've sprayed with soft soap but no different... some of the green beans have a rusty looking spots on them... Ive pulled the plants and got rid of them, we put it down to the incredibly humid weather... its been in the 90s a lot but quite wet at times too...
Jaqui and Jay(followers of this blog) arrived, and stayed with us for a few days... what lovely people, we hope to remain firm friends for a long time... it gave us a few days nice riding with friends on the bikes...
The van is still off the road due to dosh problems, no insurance and needs new tyres... it maybe a while... But rentals for the cottage seem to be picking up a little now the exchange rate is better, so who knows!!
Must go. food to pick...
Pat
Frugal living in the Portuguese countryside,Eco-tourism, Agri tourism, recipes,family life, self sufficency, eco living, vegetable growing, tips and self help ideas for country living.
