Proper rain and pigs
April 21st, 2012 by richardTwo big events recently. We’ve finally got the pigs and it’s started raining (and still not stopped!). Pigs first. The bloke from the pig farm came round in his truck and said take your pick:
Between him, Luis our next door neighbour, and us, we decided on two little red heads. Or to be more technical, two Durocs. The pig farmer reckoned they would be the best as they are good for keeping outdoors and are delicious! Wikipedia wrongly stated that they are originally from USA – they are actually from Spain/Portugal and we hope that wikipedia also got it wrong when it said they tend to be one of the most aggressive of all the swine breeds!
bringing home the bacon
Here they are settled into their new home. Received wisdom says it is better to restrict their movement to their hut first and then let them out into the bigger field in a few days.
And the rain has finally come. After almost two weeks of continuous drizzle, it is starting to get a bit tiresome (that’s why we don’t live in the British Isles) however we are fortified by the knowledge that we really need it (and a lot more) for our plants now and into the summer. And we can see the benefits already. The fruit is plumping up nicely. Last year we hardly had any peaches but this year promises to be a bumper crop judging by the progress of these little beauties. Maybe even the apples will be big enough to eat!
peaches and cherries
Here are some birds who love the rain and are still pumping out a regular four-a-day!
The dogs, however, have decided they prefer it indoors and now there isn’t even room for me on the sofa. Just as well Jackie is in Madrid for the weekend.
Tags: fruit trees, keeping pigs
2012: 1127
April 21st, 2012 at 9:57 pm
LOL I don´t know why but your chicken always look so smart in the photos..they seem to be on control:) as for the pigs, I ´ve discovered this english saying :”dogs look up at you, cats look down at you… but pigs treat you as equals”
April 21st, 2012 at 11:23 pm
HAHA All true!
April 22nd, 2012 at 10:02 am
Love the photos of you and the pigs and the chickens look really good too x
April 22nd, 2012 at 10:15 am
It’s a dog’s life!
Good luck with the pigs
April 22nd, 2012 at 12:27 pm
Relieved to hear you have proper rain at last! Pigs looks great, and the dogs appear to have taken over the settee on a more permanent level!! xx
April 23rd, 2012 at 5:58 pm
We’ll let you know how we get on, Pam. So far they spend most of the time snoozing under their straw!
April 23rd, 2012 at 6:00 pm
Tomorrow looks dry and then forecast for 4 days of rain in a row – so all day in the garden booked. We’re trying to remember that the rain is doing a great job but we’re missing the sun a tad now!
April 24th, 2012 at 4:24 pm
Hello there!
My name is Malte Zeeck, and I am with InterNations.org. I really enjoyed reading your fantastic blog! I think expats in Portugal and around the world could really gain some great insights [and have a few good laughs] on this page. The quality of the blog in general is very convincing, which is why I would love to feature you and your writing on the Recommended Blog on Portugal section on InterNations.org
Not only do we feature and link to your blog prominently; we also would like to hear from you directly in our questionnaire! We have also designed a link badge for your blog.
If you are interested, please feel free to contact me via email: maltezeeck@internations.org
Best,
Malte Zeeck
May 2nd, 2012 at 8:21 pm
Hello,
I chanced on your story via the gardening advice on Hey-P.
Was exciting to read about your venture.
My village house not too far from you will soon be completely restored and I am looking forward to actually be able to live there.
Nice to read about all you are doing…
cheers,
Thomas
May 2nd, 2012 at 9:39 pm
Where are you and when do you move in? It would be good to catch up in person!
May 3rd, 2012 at 12:25 am
Hi Richard,
well, right now I am still in Canada.!
But my house is in Tarrastal [ Gois ]… I am looking forward to be the only permanent resident there.
I will likely not be able to be in Portugal again until after Christmas this year.
But saying that, I know that my life is not that static and only change is permanent.
So who knows…
But maybe a little e-mail contact would be good. I could send off a couple of pics and such in the meantime.
thomas@thomas-alexander.net
cheers,
T.
ps: also loved reading all the global wanderings… especially my favourite place: Pagan [ although that is 30 years ago ]
May 3rd, 2012 at 8:04 am
Tarrastal – now that really is in the boondocks but I’m sure a lovely place. Pagan is also one of my all time favourites. Look forward to the pics!
May 4th, 2012 at 6:52 am
Thanks for the reply, Richard
I am not that tech savvy…or just an imbecile at the moment, but I can see no e-mail to reach you… hence my e-mail in the last reply.
Would you send me an e-mail to send the info and pic to.?
cheers,
Thomas