Gate number one!

We've decided to fence a few areas off from the animals (geese mainly!) so we can concentrate on some garden areas. The first fence and gate was made this weekend- at the entrance to the vegetable garden. It's all recycled- old timbers from the original house ruin forming the gate posts, and steel reo-rod offcuts forming the web- apart from time and 'genius' input it didn't cost a bean!

We've planted a cherry tree just behind the fence, and tidied up the vegie garden- weeding the soft fruit and asparagus beds. Roll on next weekend!

Spring '11

Lovely day today- the new almonds we planted are in blossom, and the daffs and wild bulbs are all out. The scent of mimosa is in the air.

I've been sowing vegie seeds in the polytunnel and Paul has started on a fence and gate to keep the geese out of the vegie garden (rugby stops play for today!).

Soapmaking Workshop

Ish from Naturally Made Soaps and I ran a small workshop for some friends here recently.

We experimented with different cold process soaps- one scented with green dill and black pepper using natural charcoal to create a dark grey colour, a gorgeous rose one with colourful layers and soap swirls, balls and tiny flowers, and two natural types- a citrus 'cake' and a gentle chamomile bar.

I think everyone enjoyed the day and I was thrilled to learn some new techniques. Hopefully it's the first of many more workshops here... shame the dogs weren't quite so inspired!

Happy Birthday Dad

My Dad turned 80 at the end of January so we've been partying hard.

After a great party back in the UK, catching up with old friends and family, Dad, my brothers and I jetted off to Hannover to see Andre Rieu in concert.

We then travelled onto Portugal and continued the celebrations here in the sunshine.

Shout out from Mike!

first things first- my wonderful brother Mike is over with Dad and he has promised a big wave to his friends back home in Oz- this is us waving (well some of us!)

2011

Happy Birthday Mr Barnes!

we had a nice birthday day chilling out at home - i cooked him Thai style fishcakes follwed by Beef Wellington, washed down with a couple of bottles of posh vinho.

back on the quinta we've been out tidying up- weeding round the fruit bushes and digging even more manure into the vegie garden. we sowed some broad beans and started some seeds off in the tunnel. want to get a good early start on the vegies this year!

Happy Christmas!

The boys did a grand job on the Christmas dinner- doing a five bird roast- boning out two quails, a chicken, a duck and a turkey, all filled in with home-made stuffing and roasted for about 3 1/2 hrs. in the Esse. It was a roaring success and the meat was tender and moist -we'll definately do this one again- maybe next year we'll try it with even more birds.

We've eaten well and shared some nice bottles of wine- chilled out, and been for some good long walks.

Wishing everyone a happy holiday and Great New Year- thanks to everyone who sent cards and pressies xxxx