Hidden in the mountains of Serra Do Açor

The world Rally championships this year, start off the race in our area. Find out more info click on the link above in the 'Events happening in the mountains' page.

Just thought id pop a little reminder in, that, if you like this blog and would like to keep up with current events, or daily activities here on the farm, hidden in the mountains of Portugal, click the follow button on the right hand side, and you'll be updated via email when i post something new.

I found this small hatchet head in my wine cellar of my 200 year old stone house the other day. My 12 year old son and i got on to making it a handle, primitive style, using only mimosa (acacia wood), saw and chisel.

Last year i foraged many herbs from the mountains where i live, dried them packed them into jars, and sold them to locals, tourists, and got some amazing feedback. Some of the herbs were simple, others were blends, for example, moontime tea for woman mainly, but also for men. Herbs that help ease colds and flu, herb blends for digestion and stomach upset.   This year, i have delved into making Tea hair tonics, using herbs that help dry skins, oily skins. Herbs to lighten hair and herbs known to add darker tones. Herbs that help headaches, and some that soothe nervous tension.   I have written up ingredients, and little labels, with dried bunches of flowers to add a little touch to make them extra special.   This year at the craft market in a village nearby, along with my paintings, i will be selling the jars with demonstrations on how to apply.  As promised the prepared herbal hair tonic.

                       Monday the 20th, was the day my family and i would spend the day out to celebrate           my daughters 6th birthday.  My daughter loves animals, and really wanted to go to the zoo. I explained to her that animals are kept in cages, she was expecting to cuddle them like they do in cartoons. Some zoo's have animals from all over the world.  I looked at reviews of places to go in Portugal, and found most of them to be miles away from us, and expensive, and the comments from people didn't seem to positive. The comments were sad to read, either the animals they went to see weren't there, or they were kept in bad conditions.   This upset me, and this is also the reason i never go to these places. Luckily for us we found a lovely rescue centre not far from us.  Nestled in to the base of the mountain ranges, a place near Lousã, called Miranda do corvo. Here is the link.... https://parquebiologicoserralousa.pt   I recently saw an article

  In the section above, the page titled Art in the mountains, has some new additions to it, some more paintings to view.   Click on the page and comment like and share with your friends...  Hope you enjoy 

Spring has begun up in the mountains, the distant sound of chainsaw's and strimmers fill the air, in preparation for the yearly land clearance. A vital part of living out here in the depths of the mountains, is that the land is maintained, and mainly for prevention of the risk of fires.   The sun has been hot this week, temperatures reaching up to 30celcius, and the garden high up here knows about it all, and us gardeners fear the risk of early bolting plants. The heat change hot to cool, and the humidity can cause some distress to both gardeners and plants. Nothing much different from most years, it'd about keeping an eye on the plants making sure they have water at the right time of day, and have adequate shade from other plants and trees. It has taken me a long time to figure this out, for all the 7 years i have been growing food for my family. Today the 16th May we have experienced a lovely break from the harsh sun, and are having a lovely cool north-westerly wind, and