Haven't heard from Gavilan for some time and she is normally a very active member of the forum. Anybody know if she is OK?

This is probably a very silly question to anyone who knows the answer, but . . . . would a telephone hand set bought in the UK work here and just plug in as they do in the UK. My fixed line telephone is one of the two that came out of the ark. The choice here is so limited though the choice of mobil...

August is not the best month for starting anything from seed. I helped my neighbours plant out lettuce, cabbage and cauliflower about three weeks ago but they had started them in trays. Next seeds to plant will be broad beans and peas in October. You can start picking them in March and April and the...

I have enjoyed reading this. Because I really enjoy walking in the campo I've seen all sorts of birds and animals (yes, including a mongoose) but the most unusual was when I was driving with some friends in the Sierra de Ronda. We saw a camel grazing near the edge of the road!

If someone wants work olive picking the answer is to ask your local olive farmers and let them know you are keen and available. I am a 63 year old woman and I have helped my neighbours pick their olives for the last three years. It is quite hard work but not backbreaking and lots of women do it. You...

Many thanks for this information, Avellina. Now I have the facts I can chase the owners. The site you referred me to was very useful.

Can anyone tell me what the law is in Spain relating to animal welfare,and particularly dogs. I have just attended a fiesta in a neighbouring village and saw a dog run over. It was not killed but obviously severely injured. The only reaction was to push it to the side of the road and leave it. I do ...

I saw a Golden Oriole in our valley very early in May. It was close to the river but flying amongst olive trees. I am in the south of Cordoba Province at a height of about 800 m. I have also seen Golden Orioles in May in the Sierra de Grazalema where it is much higher.

Your local pharmacy will have a supply of small booklets with translations for various symptoms/problems in a very simple format for several languages including English. A very useful booklet (free) for anyone going to the doctor or asking the pharmacist for advice, though probably not specific enou...

My Spanish neighbour keeps bees. Can I pass on any questions for you?

Mariacristina

This plant is an Alcaparrone and grows prolifically everywhere. Not a good idea for the garden as it takes up a lot of space and for most of the year is just bare and spiky. When the the flowers are fertilised and the seed buds appear they are collected and preserved in brine - any of your Spanish n...

A thin fibre washer on the screw that hols the shade in place will stop the noise - it stops the vibration. It works!

Many thanks ,especially to geegee, for your help and comments.I think itwill probably be a good idea to talk to my local builder and if not very happy with what he says to pay for specialist help.

I am about to have a new woodburner installed and the pipes need to go through a roof with original timber beams. Any advice please.

Just to add to the debate on this question - my local nursery sells Stephanotis and they call them....Stephanotis!They say they are house plants and not for the garden!

Ia the tree also exuding sticky sap from the branches and bark?

This is a subject that I have been giving a lot of thought to and currently have my technically minded friends working on it. MEANTIME I put a huge plastic bowl ( bought as a laundry basket) in the bottom of the shower and stand in it. I use minimum shower gel and shampoo and leave the water to cool...

From yourphotographs I would suggest that this is a peach tree. Is it only the fruits that sare exuding sticky sap or is it on the bark as well?

Many thanks for information posted to date. Any more information would be very welcome.

Need some general advice please about advantages/disadvantages of spas. I live in the south of Cordoba Province. Can anyone recommend where I can get one?