It wasn't a very lengthy dip but I managed a couple of lengths while breathing heavily, to stop myself from screaming! The water was a chilly 20C (68F) but while that doesn't sound too bad for the air temperature, it's a different story when you are immersed in it. If I am still keeping my blog next year, it will be interesting to compare the date of the first dip. I don't think I have ever been in earlier than June but may have been in a week or so closer to the beginning of the month. I had just finished cutting the grass and felt quite hot and sticky and the water looked so appealing.
James and I spent the morning at the park, he climbing, running, rolling and jumping, and me watching and helping when his adventures veered towards the dangerous. We had a picnic on top of the "mountain" while the boys and girls had recess at the school, then we went down to their playground after they went back to class. This is a special treat for James as he is not usually allowed to visit that playground. We finished the morning at the splash pad where he got quite soaked and needed a complete change of clothes. On Friday I will certainly take a towel and his swimsuit and my camera - he was hilarious, dodging the different sprays and fountains!
Wednesday, 12 June 2013
Tuesday, 11 June 2013
Garden Blooms
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| Peonies |
My garden is all about pink today. Not the wishy-washy pink of the bleeding hearts but more of a deep cerise, quite vibrant and bright. The wigelia and fuschia will be around for a while but the peonies, unfortunately, only last a few days. As you can see they are already drooping and in danger of shedding all their petals! The rain of the last few days really brought them on in a rush.
I have another peony bush but the blooms are a much more muted pink and don't have such heavy heads so seem to stay longer. They are still in bud but should open next week.
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| Wigelia |
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| Fuschia |
Monday, 10 June 2013
Easy Pickled Onions
I can't remember where I found this recipe but have a feeling it was from Stefano Faita's cooking show. James and I watch it on the days he's with me - for some reason he loves the show (although when asked he often says he wouldn't eat any of the recipes) and I must admit Stefano is an amusing character. His approach to cooking is quite casual and he does produce healthy, interesting dishes, and makes it look super easy.
I love pickled onions and have tried several recipes with mixed success. However, this one is so easy, and the end result so tasty, that they don't stay around long. Instead of leaving the onions whole, they are finely sliced and suitable for spreading on barbecued meats as a condiment. Although the recipe recommends using them within 1 week, I have eaten them after a longer time and they are still good. Instead of the suggested seasonings, I substitute about 1 tsp. of pickling spices.
Pickled Red Onions
1 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1 bay leaf
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1/2 tsp. peppercorns
2 large red onions, thinly sliced
Bring vinegar, water, sugar and seasonings to a boil. Add red onions and remove from heat. Let cool and keep in fridge for up to one week.
I love pickled onions and have tried several recipes with mixed success. However, this one is so easy, and the end result so tasty, that they don't stay around long. Instead of leaving the onions whole, they are finely sliced and suitable for spreading on barbecued meats as a condiment. Although the recipe recommends using them within 1 week, I have eaten them after a longer time and they are still good. Instead of the suggested seasonings, I substitute about 1 tsp. of pickling spices.
Pickled Red Onions
1 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1 bay leaf
2 sprigs fresh thyme
1/2 tsp. peppercorns
2 large red onions, thinly sliced
Bring vinegar, water, sugar and seasonings to a boil. Add red onions and remove from heat. Let cool and keep in fridge for up to one week.
Sunday, 9 June 2013
The Quiet Life
I am having a quiet day at home today after a late night - out dancing my feet off at the White Heather Ball - got home after midnight, very unusual for me. Then had trouble unwinding and heard the birds beginning to chirp before I finally fell asleep!
As a result of the late night I slept in until 10:00 a.m., also unusual for me, and sprang from bed (well, not literally, as my feet were still sore) because the men's final at the French Open was already underway. I watched the last two exciting sets (Nadal won, not unexpectedly) and then a replay of the Women's Final from Saturday which I had missed. I finally got dressed around 12:30, did some light housework, then went back to bed for a nap. Talk about the easy life!
This afternoon has been easy too. I picked some more rhubarb and used it in a cake which I will now have to try to stuff into my already overcrowded freezer, but will try a slice first. I had a very lucky buy yesterday at a Bake Sale. I had spotted a yummy looking Key Lime cheesecake, but decided it was too expensive at $12.00 However, just as I was leaving, all baked goods were reduced to half price and it was still unsold, so I grabbed it joyfully as I knew it was a real steal at $6.00. It is also in my freezer for the next time I have company. Plus the proceeds from the bake sale were going to charity which made it doubly blessed.
Cut the front grass later in the afternoon then retired to the lounger to relax with a glass of juice (not really) and my favourite cheese and chutney on crackers. Dinner is in the crock pot and will be ready whenever I decide to eat. Such is life, my way!
As a result of the late night I slept in until 10:00 a.m., also unusual for me, and sprang from bed (well, not literally, as my feet were still sore) because the men's final at the French Open was already underway. I watched the last two exciting sets (Nadal won, not unexpectedly) and then a replay of the Women's Final from Saturday which I had missed. I finally got dressed around 12:30, did some light housework, then went back to bed for a nap. Talk about the easy life!
This afternoon has been easy too. I picked some more rhubarb and used it in a cake which I will now have to try to stuff into my already overcrowded freezer, but will try a slice first. I had a very lucky buy yesterday at a Bake Sale. I had spotted a yummy looking Key Lime cheesecake, but decided it was too expensive at $12.00 However, just as I was leaving, all baked goods were reduced to half price and it was still unsold, so I grabbed it joyfully as I knew it was a real steal at $6.00. It is also in my freezer for the next time I have company. Plus the proceeds from the bake sale were going to charity which made it doubly blessed.
Cut the front grass later in the afternoon then retired to the lounger to relax with a glass of juice (not really) and my favourite cheese and chutney on crackers. Dinner is in the crock pot and will be ready whenever I decide to eat. Such is life, my way!
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