Soup and Snowdrops

The days are lengthening, but there is no doubt that we are still in winter's grasp. It has felt bitterly cold here, this week, and it hasn't helped in that I'm sure I've been fending off some sort of a virus. It's hard to tell, as at this time of year my shoulders always ache from holding myself tense, and from being hunched up against whatever the weather sends this way. I assume it's going to freeze again tonight, as I noticed the gritters driving past, while I was working earlier.  Not to worry, spring will soon be here. At least, that's what I keep reminding myself. 

But it is true. I've seen the signs. We went for a gentle stroll through the woods at the weekend, and we found some wild garlic. We'll go back again and pick some in a few week's time, as I've promised Lily we will use some to make our own garlic bread.

And the snowdrops there looked so lovely, beneath the trees. Not huge swathes of these delicate white flowers, like you find in some places, but pretty all the same. And we've watched as they've grown in number over the last few years. Establishing themselves and creating a beautiful woodland display, close to the pond.

And I realise I say this far too often, but it also felt so good to get outdoors. It feels as though I've hardly stopped for breath lately. Weekends seem to be spent catching up with housework and preparing ahead for the working week, where once again, I've seen another adjustment to my hours. It isn't really sustainable for me, but I've been reassured that these additional hours will be only temporary, and I am, at least, gaining some new skills. I am happy to continue like this for the time being, but if it is to become a more permanent change, then something will have to give elsewhere. In other news, I completed my latest coursework, and made my final submission last week. I have since been advised that I've met the assessment requirements and passed the course. Yay! 

One of the upsides of working these extra hours, is that I've had to be more organised during the week, which means I've been much more strict about meal planning and batch cooking. Knowing in advance just what we'll be eating has been much less stressful for me, and it also means I've avoided the need to call in at the supermarket on my way home from work each day, saving valuable time. This isn't a new concept for me, but I do have a habit of letting things slide every now and again, when life gets a little more hectic than usual. 

Since I've needed to significantly reduce my bread intake, instead of sandwiches, I've been relying on warming and nutritious soups to see me through each day. I cook up a large panful every weekend, then portion it up, ready to heat through for my lunches during the week. I've mentioned this before and I've had a few requests for a recipe, so I'll probably add this one to the side bar. It will also make it easier for me to refer to as well. I am a huge fan of all kinds of vegetable soups but have two favourite go-to recipes, and this is the one I'm enjoying this week.

Tomato, Red Pepper and Lentil Soup

2 carrots 

1 red onion

1 red pepper

2 tins chopped tomatoes

180g red lentils

1 tablespoon tomato puree 

1l vegetable stock

A large sprinkling of garlic granules

Melt some butter in a large pan and gently cook the diced onion, carrot and pepper until soft. Add the remaining ingredients, season with salt and pepper, and simmer for 30 minutes. Then blend until smooth. This makes approximately 6 portions.

Let me know if you try it.

Back soon.

J. X

 

Moving On

 

I am so relieved that we finally reached the end of January and we can move onwards towards spring. I have never been fond of this time of year. Gloomy, wet days. Leaving for work in the dark and returning home long after the sun has set. Saturdays and Sundays are usually filled with preparations for the week ahead, leaving little time for more pleasurable activities. And the cold! It isn't so much the low temperatures but usually it's  the damp and wind that fights its way through the warmest of clothing, making my body tense up and leaving me feeling achy. 

My initial plan of action, this year, was to power on through the month regardless. Surely if I could simply keep going, I wouldn't get so caught up in my dislike of January, the days would feel less depressing and, just maybe, we might even have a more wintry winter :) This did not work out as I'd hoped. The snow didn't arrive and recently I have been plagued with extreme tiredness, and persistently feeling under the weather. I am eating healthily - meal planning and getting one large weekly shop have been a huge help - and exercising, but I just can't seem to shift my malaise, which is why I haven't been spending a lot of time online. I have spoken with my GP, who expressed concern, and I am now waiting on the results of some blood tests. 

Moving forward, I intend to look upon January as my reset month. A time of quiet and calm. No expectations. Perhaps I really don't need to read up on ways with which to beat the January blues, I could simply hibernate instead.

J. X

That Went Quickly

 

My week didn't exactly start off in the way I had hoped. Disappointingly, a problem with my household electrics meant I had to cancel our long awaited day out in Edinburgh. And it wasn't anything to do with the bad weather. On Sunday evening something tripped the fuse box and although initially I was able to switch everything back on, the same thing happened again just an hour later, leaving all downstairs sockets without power, meaning no heating, hot water, oven or fridge freezer. And so, instead of enjoying some time in my favourite city, I needed to stay home in order to get everything sorted. Never mind, it has all been dealt with now and I'm sure we will get back to Edinburgh at some time this year. 

And, as for the weather, I hope no one has been too badly affected by the storms. It has certainly been a rough week for many. Unusually, the first two storms passed by here with little cause for alarm. But on Sunday evening the strong winds caused me to have a restless night and yesterday I spent much of my walk to work navigating broken twigs and branches, and keeping a very close eye on the trees.

As well as the usual household chores, I have had the time to get on with some little jobs which I've been putting off for what seems like ages now, and it feels good to finally have them ticked off my list. I've started crocheting a blanket for my friend's baby due in the summer, and even though the wet weather has kept us indoors for much of the time, I have taken the opportunity to plan many walks for when it does eventually pick up again. 

Early in the week, we took our chances with a break in the weather, to get out for a short walk. It is lovely to see the snowdrops in flower, and I even glimpsed some tiny shoots of wild garlic under the trees - one of my favourite signs that spring is on it's way. 

The wet and muddy pathways mean that wellies are necessary footwear just now and they were even more essential for our visit later in the week.

We went to the farm to see the new lambs. Unfortunately, there weren't any being born while we were there but we did get to bottle feed these five, and I believe there have been many more new arrivals since then.

It was such a lovely morning and I could have happily stayed put in the lamb pen for the rest of the day.

In other slightly less exciting news, Now that it has been painted, we have hung the bird box, which Lily and I put together a few weeks ago. We just need to keep a close eye out for any new residents. 

And I baked cupcakes! (Instead of my usual tray-bakes). I needed something to use up the Baileys chocolate icing from the freezer.

I am beginning to feel much more rested, and this week served as reminder that I really do need to take things easier at times. It has been wonderful to feel much more mindful and a little less hurried, and I'm sure I have even been sleeping slightly better as a result. Now I just need to keep it up.

J. X