The general blog area for the site. Articles which do not fall into a specific category will appear here.
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- Written by: Rick Nason
It has been a while since the last update of the garden.
This year has been quite different to the previous one, so little rain and so much heat.
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- Written by: Rick Nason
As beautiful and inviting as our area is, just like almost everywhere else we do have a crime problem.
And, as is so common, it is likely that drugs are the cause.
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- Written by: Rick Nason
The recent forest fire in our area was not entirely unexpected but it was still a surprise when it happened.
As is often the case, the cause was human error.
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- Written by: Rick Nason
A few days ago we were reminded of how nature and negligence are poor companions.
A small fire was accidentally started by someone working with a power tool in an area around 1.5km from our home.
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- Written by: Rick Nason
When the temperature stays at the mid to high 30 degrees it is always good to go somewhere cool.
Our best spot locally is at the top of a mountain - The Serra da Estrela.
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- Written by: Rick Nason
Not the same St. Valentine's Day as celebrated in other countries.
As part of the festivities in Lisbon, there is a whole day dedicated to Santo António.
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- Written by: Rick Nason
Back in Macclesfield, our granddaughter is growing up rapidly.
We don't get to see her as often as we may like, but modern technology allows us to keep in touch remotely.
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- Written by: Rick Nason
It is about four years since we had some proper classes to learn the language.
Although we have learned much more in the interim, mostly by asking and interacting with people, Janet decided that we should have an intense, immersive week of lessons with a different language school.
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- Written by: Rick Nason
Now that the driveway entrance is finished and the gates installed, it is time to make the driveway useable.
This can only be done if the border between the driveway and the garden is properly defined.
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- Written by: Rick Nason
As if the garden was not colourful enough, Janet had a great idea to paint the herb tubs in bright colours.
The dull grey concrete was a little boring, we originally thought of painting them white like the house.
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- Written by: Rick Nason
Although the rain has not been sparse over the past couple of months the garden has not suffered.
Janet's flower garden is really coming along.
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- Written by: Rick Nason
With Spring rapidly approaching we are starting to see signs of wildlife taking advantage.
The storks are arriving, though not in our garden, and there are other species to note.
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- Written by: Rick Nason
It has finally happened 😊
The fibre internet has reached our semi-remote location here in Vale de Prazeres.
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- Written by: Rick Nason
During our Christmas break in Lisbon, we also visited the Pavilhão de Conhecimento (Pavillion of knowledge).
They have a dinosaur exhibition which is rather interesting.
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- Written by: Rick Nason
It has been a strange beginning to 2023. Following the relentless rain before Christmas, things have just settled into chilly Wintertime.
Janet and I did have a rather relaxing festive period with just ourselves for company.