Meteorologically speaking, winter’s already upon us. Astronomically winter begins at the winter equinox on 21 December. Whichever definition you prefer, as far as our weather is concerned, winter is definitely staking its claim and the weather is becoming colder and we are more inclined to stay indoors.
We had intended to pop to the allotment on Sunday to harvest some fresh vegetables but in the event, it was wet all day so we changed our plans meaning that last week was another plotless week.
We paid our usual visit to Nostell. Ruby needs her exercise and so we can’t just stay indoors being lazy, We have to wrap up warmly and set off for a walk. It was very quiet last week. As the temperatures drop people without a dog to drag them out tend to stay at home or find somewhere indoors to visit.
The trees are becoming increasingly skeletal and the cattle have disappeared from the meadows. The electric fencing has been removed so Ruby can run around without us worrying that she will get too near to the wires,
We didn’t spot the swans last week but flocks of Canada geese are browsing the grass and a flock of ducks landed on one of the winter lakes. We couldn’t get near enough to identify the ducks but they definitely weren’t the usual mallards. No quacks from these birds more of a whistle.
We have chosen a mud and cow pat free area where Ruby can have a game chasing her ball. She always gets excited as we get nearer to this spot but it doesn’t stop her from hopefully heading towards the gate into the field where she has a game in the drier months. During winter the field becomes a muddy quagmire.
Last week was time for Ruby’s mid grooming shower which she doesn’t like at all. I think the after drying expression tells it all. Dogs apparently don’t do expressions.
Finally, leeks played a major part in last week’s meals. I made some Glamorgan sausages but had to substitute the Caerphilly with Wensleydale cheese. Some of our leeks, spring onions and parsley also went into the sausages, It was served with our potatoes and some of our savoy cabbage cooked with our carrots, onion and garlic.
I made a spicy vegetable dish into which went our potatoes, carrots, onion and our frozen peas and green beans. This was served with our homemade onion bhajis and courgette bhajis from the freezer and brown rice.
Some of our leeks, potatoes and homemade ketchup were served as an accompaniment to some breaded salmon.
I used our leeks and some of our frozen peas in a Chicken and leek risotto. I put less rice in mine and put all the stock in at once rather than fiddling around with ladlefuls. It always seems to work just fine.
As always stay safe and well.
Nostell looks beautiful as does dear Ruby. It’s been too cold here and icy to take our dogs out. Taty looking meals.xxx
Ruby loves her walks there, CJ and is excited as we get closer. We’ve managed afternoon walks once the temperatures rose a little.
What a pretty dog your Ruby is! Of course, she loves to run and play, despite the weather and mud.
Winter is here too, Sue. It has been snowing all week and I have to go to the garden to clear the top of the greenhouse. Love your cuisine, especially that you use your own vegetables.
It was even too cold to take Ruby out today Nadezda. Her little paws would have been frost bitten.
Another plotless week? You must be getting withdrawal symptoms by now! At least you have Ruby to force you out, I find it very easy to barely move during the winter. And today is the first of our forecast really cold days – I’m staying put!!
Love the look/sound of that spicy vegetable dish
There are times when even Ruby can’t force us out, Belinda
Always a pleasure seeing your walks with Ruby. The Glamorgan sausages look delicious!
The Glamorgan sausages are tasty – sometimes I make them into patties.
Your seasonal views are beautiful. Even though the temperatures are dropping, we can still appreciate what nature has to offer!
There is beauty in each season, Lee. Just wish that it wasn’t so cold.
There is a beautiful quality of light in your opening photograph. Cheekily now I’m going to ask, did you use a filter? Or is that as it is?
Just as it was, Deb. No filter actually taken using my phone. Not cheeky at all.