Who needs a soothing, soft walled pink room?

Normal transmission has resumed here with a cold southerly wind blowing rain across in drizzling drifts.

Jazz, our cat loves to keep warm and snug. He has always enjoyed climbing into a fitted sheet that has been draped over the clothes airer.

Once or twice he has misjudged his weight and angles and lines and the clothes airer has either fallen over or someone has grabbed it as it toppled.

Today however he arranged himself comfortably without mishap and while he looks a little worried in the first photo, the soothing pink and soft walls of his hide out were ultimately comforting and relaxing….

Cats remind us of simple messages – seek out a sanctuary in which to rest, seek comfort and relax……

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Sopping wet

We have had two and a half days of continual rain. Our local weather website tells me that 51.7mm of rain has fallen in July to date. 20.2 mm fell yesterday.

The rain has been heavy at times but in the main it has been thick, heavy drizzle. The drizzle drops are as fine as pin pricks but soak things thoroughly and quickly. Around here we call it “very wetting rain”. It is impossible to run between the drops…:-))

Everything feels damp and the grass is sodden and best avoided. Paths have little streams draining over them or large puddles sitting on them.

When the rain eased a little this morning I went outdoors for some welcome fresh air and took some photos of drips which glistened everywhere in the calm conditions.

I also rescued the first daffodil from drowning. The daffodils are early this year but very welcome as we hope for some drying conditions very soon.

A bitter wind today

We have a bitterly cold wind gusting about us this morning. So far the sky is clear and the sun is doing its best to offer some warmth. However with snow and sleet predicted for much of the South Island and the high hills and mountains of the country it is a day to hunker down inside.

The slow cooker is working away on Moroccan lamb and couscous for dinner, the soup pot is now bubbling away gently on the stove, the tea- pot and toaster are at the ready. All to help keep the chill out today.

Jazz has a cozy spot by the gas heater to do his stretching exercises and I’ve got layers of wool on. If you are a New Zealander reader keep warm today wherever you are living.

A nourishing broth

According to the weather forecasters we are about to be hit by a large wet, windy and cold weather system coming in off the Tasman Sea.

So far we are doing OK here but I’m sure with snow predicted in the lower parts of the South Island in the next couple of days we will feel the sting of winter cold here.

So the soup pot is called for and here is the recipe I will be using.

Leek and Lentil Soup – source unknown, but discovered many, many years ago by my Mum and shared with me. I make it frequently in the colder months.

A little olive oil
3-4 cloves of garlic
2-3 leeks
3-4 stalks of celery
2 rashers of bacon or some pieces of shaved ham
1 cup of red lentils
1 ¼ litres of water
2 chicken stock cubes or 2 heaped tablespoons of dry chicken stock
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped parsley

Sauté bacon or ham and chopped garlic in a little oil in a large soup pot over a low heat.

Wash and chop leeks and celery. Add to the pot and sweat. Stir to prevent burning.

Add water, washed red lentils and stock, salt and pepper, parsley. Bring to a boil and then simmer gently, covered for around 30 minutes.

Puree the soup once it is cool and reheat gently when required. Freezes well.

Lentils are grown in the largest quantities in Canada, India, Turkey and USA. They are an excellent source of protein and are easily digested.

I love this illustration of the lentil plant dating back to 1885.

Several people have regained their appetites on this soup after suffering flu or a period of poor health. Bon appetit !!!!!!!!