Well its been a busy few days, the weather perked up again which meant we could all crack on and get plenty done. We are just preparing for winter and the rain that will inevitably come, and its forecast for this week... all week its forecast for scattered showers and even scattered thundery showers, the temps are still up around 19º-21º though so when the sun does shine its still lovely to be out. Not bad at all for more or less November.
Our welsh helpers Gareth & Osian are loving it.
Gareth has been busy weeding the guest area, cobvering the pool, and generally tidying up down there and around the house. Osian has been continuing with a fairly large and complex stone wall he's been building, its been his own project, with just a bit of advice from Rick and some help stone collecting and shifting from Gareth. But on the whole its Osians wall. Its more or less finished and when it is, I'll post some pics here as he's done a crackin job and is very proud of it. We are trying to make sure they take away from here some extra skills as well as having helped us a lot.
Yesterday we had our nearest Portugese neighbours over for lunch, there was seven of us sat down at one o clock, and we were still sat around the table nibbling and finishing off what had been a large amount of wine, at 7pm ...
A great afternoon was had by all, especially the boys, an early night was also had by all....
The lads are off to Coimbra today, an early start as its an hour by bus, they have a packed lunch and plan to spend the day doing the tourist thing, the University, Library, the churches, Botanical Gardens and as much of the old town as is possible...
This week we hope to start picking olives, we dont have many this year, and a lot of what we had are now on the ground due to strong winds last week. But a neighbour has offered three large trees which he says are full... so we may get a few litres, we would like to be able to let the lads experience the whole process, we use an old traditional Lagar, so its quite something to see... and taste. They have a good outside kitchen area and warm fire so we can cook some fish and have a glass or two of wine while we wait for our oil... its all part of the fun..
Then once thats over I have a whole orchards worth of broad beans to plant... and a ton of jerusalem artichokes to dig down there first, I we dont, then when rick rototills to plant the beans, he'll just spread the tubers and we will have a whole field of artichokes next year.... which is not the plan!
Then if the weather isnt too bad or cold we have vines to trim, tons more wood to collect, we plan on making good use of these lads while we have them, and if we can collect as much wood as possible, its just less work for us for next year...
We are already planning Winter Solstice, this year Rick hopes to build his solstice hut in the garden, where we can all sit near the bonfire and roast our chestnuts and have our wine while the dinner is cooking, we pretty it all up with lights and leaves...
Tonight is Samhain, Pagans believe....
It is a magical interval when the mundane laws of time and space are temporarily suspended, and the Thin Veil between the worlds is lifted. Communicating with ancestors and departed loved ones is easy at this time, for they journey through this world on their way to the Summerlands. Light a candle and place it in your window to draw the souls of your loved ones to you...
I shall be lighting a candle for my dad, and of course our lovely Big Boy Cola, as pets are included too...
We shall have a meal, plus some chestnuts and no doubt some wine and toast those we miss...
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.
Monday, 31 October 2011
Saturday, 22 October 2011
Chestnuts, Red Wine and Pickled Herby Aubergines
Its a lovely time of the year, although we didnt make wine this year, we always get given plenty by neighbours, and now the chestnuts are falling and gives us a chance to indulge in the evenings, we are lighting the range for cooking again now and tend to put a pot of chestnuts on to roast, we've introduced the lads to this and they love it... A great evening, scrabble, or Dice, chestnuts & wine, and lots of laughter...
Ive been busy pickling aubergines... I did one jar weeks ago, just as a try out, Gareth and I opened them last week to eat with cold pork. They were wonderful! Really garlicky and herby, with just a little pickle flavour... Ive since made three kilo jars...
All I do is...
Slice the aubergines up thickly, drop the slices into boiling white wine vinegar for about two mins.. leave to drain for a few mins on kitchen paper.
Meanwhile sterilise the jars by steeping in boiling water from the kettle, fill jars with layers of aubergines, bayleaves, coridander seed, black pepper corns and tons of thinly sliced garlic,(I also added a good sprig of rosemary to one jar) pour over a good extra virgin olive oil and seal jars, leave at least two weeks , a month is better if you can wait... 
Our Helpers. Gareth & Osian
Well things are certainly working out well , both lads are hardworking, pleasant and polite. Both also have an excellent sense of humour, which is always needed when working with Rick... They seem to be enjoying life here with us, its been almost two weeks now and we've all agreed they will stay indefinately. At least till New Year. As long as I can feed them anyway... Luckily although money is extremely tight as always, food stocks are very high, so Im confident the next few weeks will be fine. We've tons of cabbage and caulis coming on in the garden, Ive just planted some Grelos(turnip tops) which make great soup, we are still eating aubergines and peppers, I think I could write a book on cooking with Aubergines.. We've had them in one way or another everyday since the lads arrived..
Things around the place are moving on well, although we dont have the money to do things that require buying materials, land work costs us nothing. The lads have made a great job of landscaping the area near to the house, building pretty little dry stone walls and clearing rubbish and rubble. And moving a small mountain of rock...
They have also made a good start on collecting some more winter wood, a whole van load yesterday, which has been cut up and Im busy stacking it over the next couple of days. Osian has been hard at it , strimming away, and he had his first encounter with a snake, bless him... he was pretty shook up for a while. Luckily we had made sure he was well protected with steel toecap boots, leg protectors and all the relevent safety equipment.
The weather has been superb for them to get settled, its suposed to break this weekend and we are due some rain, it will be quite welcome. We have a lot of stuff to burn, and want to get it sorted.
Things around the place are moving on well, although we dont have the money to do things that require buying materials, land work costs us nothing. The lads have made a great job of landscaping the area near to the house, building pretty little dry stone walls and clearing rubbish and rubble. And moving a small mountain of rock...
They have also made a good start on collecting some more winter wood, a whole van load yesterday, which has been cut up and Im busy stacking it over the next couple of days. Osian has been hard at it , strimming away, and he had his first encounter with a snake, bless him... he was pretty shook up for a while. Luckily we had made sure he was well protected with steel toecap boots, leg protectors and all the relevent safety equipment.
The weather has been superb for them to get settled, its suposed to break this weekend and we are due some rain, it will be quite welcome. We have a lot of stuff to burn, and want to get it sorted.
As you can see by some of the pictures below, they have also been enjoying their time off...
Osian Gareth
Friday, 14 October 2011
Flowers & walls
Well the lads have been hard at it again today and the garden is showing real signs of their efforts already. A lovely stone wall has been built to hold back a crumbling bank, and now a large pile of builders rubble which was all overgrown with weeds and home to many mice that invaded my kitchen in cold weather has almost been cleared away.
Again the temps are high, we've called it a day at lunchtime and they lads had a dip in the pool to cool off before coming in to find a cool place in town.
There should be a shot of them here somewhere plus a couple of their handywork too.
When we first came to Portugal Rick bought me, as a present some 'Bird of Paradise ' plants, we've nursed them along and they have never flowered, we get too much cold wind and frost for them up here really, but this week for the first time ever I have a flower.... and another six or so to come... I wanted to share it with everyone Im so pleased!
Thursday, 13 October 2011
Helpers... A success this time.
Well our new helpers arrived the day before yesterday, two lovely Welsh lads, Osian & Gareth. Both from the wilds of Snowdonia in North Wales. Such great lads, already they have fitted in perfectly, they have exactly what is needed to fit in well here, a strong back, strong nerves and a excellent sarcastic sense of humour. Plus the ability to ignore almost everything Rick says... he's a real p**s taker and likes nothing better than to torment people... These lads are having none of it and it bodes well for a great fun few weeks.
They are working well and building stone walls and tidying up the main garden around the house, shifting rubble and logs. The weather is to them unbelievable... for us its actually getting a tad tiresome...
I know its not done to complain, but its mid October is today it was 34 degrees in my garden... Im having to cook huge meals for these boys and Rick as they are doing a lot of hard work and lighting the kitchen range makes my kitchen like a sweatshop..So I would like it to cool down a few degrees ....
I suppose when it does happen it will drop like a stone and feel freezing ...
We have lots of plans for all we want to accomplish while they are with us, lots of stone walling, vine clippping, rototilling, beans to plant for spring, wood to collect and chop and stack, weeding , strimming, oh the list goes on and on... but they seem happy to help...
On a different note, Im SO EXCITED..... its all or nothing for the welsh lads come saturday...Hopefully by the time I can log on saturday morning, Wales will be through to the Rugby World Cup Final....
C'mon the boys!!!
.
They are working well and building stone walls and tidying up the main garden around the house, shifting rubble and logs. The weather is to them unbelievable... for us its actually getting a tad tiresome...
I know its not done to complain, but its mid October is today it was 34 degrees in my garden... Im having to cook huge meals for these boys and Rick as they are doing a lot of hard work and lighting the kitchen range makes my kitchen like a sweatshop..So I would like it to cool down a few degrees ....
I suppose when it does happen it will drop like a stone and feel freezing ...
We have lots of plans for all we want to accomplish while they are with us, lots of stone walling, vine clippping, rototilling, beans to plant for spring, wood to collect and chop and stack, weeding , strimming, oh the list goes on and on... but they seem happy to help...
On a different note, Im SO EXCITED..... its all or nothing for the welsh lads come saturday...Hopefully by the time I can log on saturday morning, Wales will be through to the Rugby World Cup Final....
C'mon the boys!!!
.
Monday, 10 October 2011
Aubergines...
Well I hope our helpers who arrive later in the week like aubergines, ours have been magnificent this summer, and are still producing around 6-8 a day... plus the pepper plants are churning out a half doz or so each day too.
As the freezer is full to capacity I am making sure we eat them every day...
Ive pickled aubergines in garlic oil ...
Im now thinking of making a chutney with them...
And tomorrow Im experimenting with a aubergine & green pepper dip... lots of garlic and lemon should be yummy....
Any more ideas...???
As the freezer is full to capacity I am making sure we eat them every day...
Ive pickled aubergines in garlic oil ...
Im now thinking of making a chutney with them...
And tomorrow Im experimenting with a aubergine & green pepper dip... lots of garlic and lemon should be yummy....
Rugby World Cup....
Just a few words for Jay & Jaqui....
COME ON THE BOYS!!
Its ours this year.....
cymru am byth
COME ON THE BOYS!!
Its ours this year.....
cymru am byth
Cheaper Car Hire.
As you may well have gathered by now, Livingthedreamportugal .com has made friends with the lovely people at http://www.economycarhire.com/ and through that friendship we are happy to now be able to offer all our guests who book with us a 10% discount off the standard rate for car hire .
So there is no better time to come and visit the beautiful' Green Heart of Portugal' flights are very cheap to either Lisbon or Porto, our rentals are on winter offer of half price. And now you can get cheaper car hire.... how great is that! Plus.... at the moment the weather is gorgeous, still in the high 20s everyday... pool weather in October!!
So to qualify for your discounted car hire, you must book with us, then I will forward you a link and an access code.
Booking now for Mara's Cottage for late October & November!
So there is no better time to come and visit the beautiful' Green Heart of Portugal' flights are very cheap to either Lisbon or Porto, our rentals are on winter offer of half price. And now you can get cheaper car hire.... how great is that! Plus.... at the moment the weather is gorgeous, still in the high 20s everyday... pool weather in October!!
So to qualify for your discounted car hire, you must book with us, then I will forward you a link and an access code.
Booking now for Mara's Cottage for late October & November!
Guest Post.
Kerri Ware from Economy Car Hire posts for us...
Some Tips for a Frugal Trip to Portugal
The cost of everything seems is always on the rise with no mercy. Even the price of everyday essentials like bread, milk and veggies make your eyes pop lately. But even with the cost of living at an all-time high, none of us seem willing to sacrifice our break away; that one period of the year when we can escape the daily grind and forget our worries. The dark side of a relaxing break is usually the price tag though. The good news is that it doesn't have to be that way; your holiday doesn't have to cost a fortune. We have put together some tips to help you have a frugal trip to Portugal so that you won't have to sacrifice your highly anticipated holiday and you can still have a great time without squeezing the living daylights out of your pennies!
Where to rest your head
Where you rest your head on holiday is usually a pretty big part of a trip away. Some yearn for a 5* luxury hotel but they are not only outrageously expensive; they can on occasion be a disappointing experience too. Plus, will you even use the amenities or wear the bath robe provided? Why not consider some cheaper accommodation options such as a hostel or camping or caravans. After all, isn't the essence of a holiday the new experiences you get to encounter and the new people you can meet along the way? You can tick both of these off the list by staying somewhere that maybe you wouldn't normally consider. Not only will the bill be
considerably cheaper, it will give a better feel for the area in Portugal that you choose to visit. Camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and you will have the benefits of a kitchen if you stay at a hostel. You'll note the word 'youth' has been dropped from the title these days - the majority are totally family friendly!
Another very worthy option to consider is a home swap holiday. With some research you can find some great places to stay for free with the all the comforts of home, except in somebody else's house. In turn, they stay at your home and look after it whilst you are away! This is the ultimate way to be frugal when it comes to accommodation.
Satisfying a rumbling tum
Eating tends to be the next big expense on your trip to Portugal. On the plus side, this expense is one that is easily reduced. Wonderful weather, beautiful backdrops and delicious local delicacies equal one thing, the perfect combination for a picnic. Bypass the café lunches, head to the local supermarket and load up on some cheap local food to eat outside at lunchtime.You can also keep your eyes peeled for the fruits of nature during your excursions and get your foraging fingers at the ready. You may be lucky enough to spot some wild fruit growing, like berries or figs but maybe more. Be sure to check you're not on private land before picking though. They can be a yummy addition to your picnic, or make for a tasty breakfast the next day. The local produce is delicious and you can probably throw together a delicious meal together in the hostel kitchen just as well as at that overpriced restaurant down the road. light up a candle and create your perfect ambience. Eating well is usually one of the best parts of a trip away for most of us so by all means, do treat yourself, but try to eat like you do at home with some occasional treats and you won't break the bank.
Getting from A to B
The best and cheapest way to get around is of course on your own two feet and a great way to see sights that you may not have otherwise seen. Sometimes that isn't always practical though. On holiday, lift sharing isn't going to be an option either. Taxis or transfers can be costly and if you anticipate several journeys having your own transport could work out more cost effective for you. Car hire in Portugal is worth considering but be sure to research what's included, book in advance and go for the smallest vehicle you can to get the most from your money.
Out and About
There's plenty to see all over Portugal but the cost of entry tickets can add up, especially for a family. With that in mind, your first stop should always be the tourist information centre where you might find leaflets with money off coupons or multi attraction passes which will knock a percentage of the price off. Avoid the souvenir shops and opt for something a bit more authentic to remember your time here; pick a shell from the beach or get that stunning sunset photograph blown up when you get home.
Don't go overboard and scrimp on every inch of your holiday in Portugal, after all it's the one trip of the year we all look forward to but at the same time, a little frugal living can go a long way and help to save some pennies without sacrificing on your enjoyment.
Some Tips for a Frugal Trip to Portugal
The cost of everything seems is always on the rise with no mercy. Even the price of everyday essentials like bread, milk and veggies make your eyes pop lately. But even with the cost of living at an all-time high, none of us seem willing to sacrifice our break away; that one period of the year when we can escape the daily grind and forget our worries. The dark side of a relaxing break is usually the price tag though. The good news is that it doesn't have to be that way; your holiday doesn't have to cost a fortune. We have put together some tips to help you have a frugal trip to Portugal so that you won't have to sacrifice your highly anticipated holiday and you can still have a great time without squeezing the living daylights out of your pennies!
Where to rest your head
Where you rest your head on holiday is usually a pretty big part of a trip away. Some yearn for a 5* luxury hotel but they are not only outrageously expensive; they can on occasion be a disappointing experience too. Plus, will you even use the amenities or wear the bath robe provided? Why not consider some cheaper accommodation options such as a hostel or camping or caravans. After all, isn't the essence of a holiday the new experiences you get to encounter and the new people you can meet along the way? You can tick both of these off the list by staying somewhere that maybe you wouldn't normally consider. Not only will the bill be
considerably cheaper, it will give a better feel for the area in Portugal that you choose to visit. Camping is a great way to enjoy the outdoors and you will have the benefits of a kitchen if you stay at a hostel. You'll note the word 'youth' has been dropped from the title these days - the majority are totally family friendly!
Another very worthy option to consider is a home swap holiday. With some research you can find some great places to stay for free with the all the comforts of home, except in somebody else's house. In turn, they stay at your home and look after it whilst you are away! This is the ultimate way to be frugal when it comes to accommodation.
Satisfying a rumbling tum
Eating tends to be the next big expense on your trip to Portugal. On the plus side, this expense is one that is easily reduced. Wonderful weather, beautiful backdrops and delicious local delicacies equal one thing, the perfect combination for a picnic. Bypass the café lunches, head to the local supermarket and load up on some cheap local food to eat outside at lunchtime.You can also keep your eyes peeled for the fruits of nature during your excursions and get your foraging fingers at the ready. You may be lucky enough to spot some wild fruit growing, like berries or figs but maybe more. Be sure to check you're not on private land before picking though. They can be a yummy addition to your picnic, or make for a tasty breakfast the next day. The local produce is delicious and you can probably throw together a delicious meal together in the hostel kitchen just as well as at that overpriced restaurant down the road. light up a candle and create your perfect ambience. Eating well is usually one of the best parts of a trip away for most of us so by all means, do treat yourself, but try to eat like you do at home with some occasional treats and you won't break the bank.
Getting from A to B
The best and cheapest way to get around is of course on your own two feet and a great way to see sights that you may not have otherwise seen. Sometimes that isn't always practical though. On holiday, lift sharing isn't going to be an option either. Taxis or transfers can be costly and if you anticipate several journeys having your own transport could work out more cost effective for you. Car hire in Portugal is worth considering but be sure to research what's included, book in advance and go for the smallest vehicle you can to get the most from your money.
Out and About
There's plenty to see all over Portugal but the cost of entry tickets can add up, especially for a family. With that in mind, your first stop should always be the tourist information centre where you might find leaflets with money off coupons or multi attraction passes which will knock a percentage of the price off. Avoid the souvenir shops and opt for something a bit more authentic to remember your time here; pick a shell from the beach or get that stunning sunset photograph blown up when you get home.
Don't go overboard and scrimp on every inch of your holiday in Portugal, after all it's the one trip of the year we all look forward to but at the same time, a little frugal living can go a long way and help to save some pennies without sacrificing on your enjoyment.
Friday, 7 October 2011
General Update & Discounted Car Hire
Gosh... where do the days go...
I cant believe its been almost a month since I updated this blog. We've been very busy as usual, quite a few guests in the caravan and Cottage, although its slowed now and November looks to be very quite. The weather has been lovely, much hotter than normal, generally by this time of the year, although its still lovely and warm, the mornings are often cooler and the evenings the same... up till now thats not happened, but this morning was a tad fresher, which was very welcome..
At some point over the next few days I will post a nice guest post, from Economy Car Hire. They are a company a lot of our guests use reguarly, they always seem efficient and reliable. And of course, excellent value or we wouldnt be recomending them. I have also been lucky enough to organise a good 10% discount offer for our guests booking via us... more on that in a few days. Today I have guests arriving, a cottage to prepare and a evening meal to produce for them.
The garden has wound itself down nicely, we still have a huge glut of aubergines, generally picking 20-30 a week... yep... honest. The peppers are still producing tons too... As is my last crop of green beans...
We have cabbage left, and the new crop we planted up a few weeks ago is going great guns.. We'll have plenty for Christmas time... plus caulis...
The race is on at the mo to get everywhere clean tidy and strimmed for winter. Plus of course the weekly struggle to collect wood...
Hopefully we have a couple of welsh lads arriving about the 14th for a few weeks to help us with all this...
So i'll be busy working in the kitchen feeding three hungry blokes . Luckily, although as normal we dont have any money, we have tons of food put by, this year has been excellent for growing and I have food stashed and stored everywhere...
I cant believe its been almost a month since I updated this blog. We've been very busy as usual, quite a few guests in the caravan and Cottage, although its slowed now and November looks to be very quite. The weather has been lovely, much hotter than normal, generally by this time of the year, although its still lovely and warm, the mornings are often cooler and the evenings the same... up till now thats not happened, but this morning was a tad fresher, which was very welcome..
At some point over the next few days I will post a nice guest post, from Economy Car Hire. They are a company a lot of our guests use reguarly, they always seem efficient and reliable. And of course, excellent value or we wouldnt be recomending them. I have also been lucky enough to organise a good 10% discount offer for our guests booking via us... more on that in a few days. Today I have guests arriving, a cottage to prepare and a evening meal to produce for them.
The garden has wound itself down nicely, we still have a huge glut of aubergines, generally picking 20-30 a week... yep... honest. The peppers are still producing tons too... As is my last crop of green beans...
We have cabbage left, and the new crop we planted up a few weeks ago is going great guns.. We'll have plenty for Christmas time... plus caulis...
The race is on at the mo to get everywhere clean tidy and strimmed for winter. Plus of course the weekly struggle to collect wood...
Hopefully we have a couple of welsh lads arriving about the 14th for a few weeks to help us with all this...
So i'll be busy working in the kitchen feeding three hungry blokes . Luckily, although as normal we dont have any money, we have tons of food put by, this year has been excellent for growing and I have food stashed and stored everywhere...
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