As always, it has been a busy few weeks.  In between work on the quinta harvesting table grapes, peppers, potatoes, tomatoes, apples, pears, figs and lots more, I’ve visited various friends to give them a helping hand and enjoyed the first couple of days of the Festa da Sobreria. However, it has not all been... The post Fires, festa and grape juice first appeared on Our Farm Portugal | Nossa Quinta Portugal ..read more

A year ago today, I left Norfolk, drove to the Eurotunnel, and made great progress to the south of France.  After a couple of hours of sleep in the car, my journey took me through Spain and on to Portugal. I still vividly remember the feeling of “I’ve arrived” when I passed the Portugal sign... The post Primeiro aniversário first appeared on Our Farm Portugal | Nossa Quinta Portugal ..read more

It’s been another month passed since my last blog.  Oh well.  Doesn’t matter.  But a lot has happened in that time. Family visits Firstly, my eldest daughter and her partner visited for a few days.  We had a great time and it was a delight to give her an insight into my life in Portugal. ... The post Para onde vai o tempo?  Where does the time go? first appeared on Our Farm Portugal | Nossa Quinta Portugal ..read more

The Portuguese love their football (as do I).  They are passionate and fanatical. And their celebrations are loud!  There are predominantly three (big) teams in Portugal, and a fourth not too far behind.  Benfica Lisbon, Sporting Lisbon, FC Porto, and Braga. In the village I live, Benfica and Sporting Lisbon are the most supported.  Probably... The post Football, festivals and friends first appeared on Our Farm Portugal | Nossa Quinta Portugal ..read more

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... The post No need to send out a Mayday call! first appeared on Our Farm Portugal | Nossa Quinta Portugal ..read more

It might not be much, but yesterday’s salad was completely grown at the quinta.  All grown with my fair hands.  Lettuce (three types), radish and carrots.  Technically the olives just needed harvesting, brining and pressing into oil as they were ready for harvest when I bought the quinta. While I added some sardines as I... The post Homegrown salad! first appeared on Our Farm Portugal | Nossa Quinta Portugal ..read more

Oh my, oh my, oh my.  Another two weeks have passed and I’m only just getting around to writing a blog.  Whoops.  But hey, it’s not a big deal.  The new blog is here now. Previously, and mainly when in employment, I would’ve beaten myself up for missing deadlines and not being 100% professional.  I... The post Adjusting to living in Portugal with an analogy of a washing machine first appeared on Our Farm Portugal | Nossa Quinta Portugal ..read more

For those people who think moving to Portugal is just one big jolly, I’ve news for you.  It’s not.  It’s blooming hard work! I guess I could’ve taken the easy option and just headed off to the beach as opposed to buying a small quinta, but that would be no fun.  Maybe a little less... The post Clear blue sky, sun and great weather. It’s time for a Bud… first appeared on Our Farm Portugal | Nossa Quinta Portugal ..read more

The last couple of weeks has consisted of lazing around, enjoying the sunshine and trying to find jobs to do.  I’m getting used to this relaxed, simple life in Portugal.  At times I really do have to pinch myself. OK, that pinch has woken me up.  It’s not all a dream.  But some of it... The post Spring is blossoming first appeared on Our Farm Portugal | Nossa Quinta Portugal ..read more

It’s great there is so much to do on the quinta.  As I walk around the land, I add to the list of tasks that need to be completed.  The to-do list grows, just like the unwanted plants.  Commonly known as weeds. For this walk, I arm myself with a bucket, a pair of secateurs... The post Gifts, pests, oranges and lemons first appeared on Our Farm Portugal | Nossa Quinta Portugal ..read more