SouthseaScene

I love having friends over for dinner. Tonight I have a couple of vegetarians and so I'm making them something I've found on a Gary Rhode's cookbook - nut burgers!

After weeks of being cold and rainy, this week we see the return of the sunshine. For how long? No one needs to ask. Just go out and enjoy it. I do. There are lots of things to do, clear out the garden, getting it ready for the autumn or take a walk. Researchers this week reported that walking 40 minutes a day, three times a week will improve your memory. Don't stay indoors, get out there into the sunshine!

This town on the South of England comes into its own in the summer months. When the temperature reaches the 20's like today, you start dreaming of summer the Southsea kind...walking in the sunshine, picnic in the park and barbecue on the common among others. As the day stays on longer I begin my summer evening ritual. First I abandon working shoes in favour of flip-flops to walk around the house. Then I pour myself a long drink. It might be Pimms or Sangria. Something fruity with ice cubes. Sangria is simply 1/3 glass of wine, topped up with fruit juice and a bit of tonic to jazz it up. It's time to enjoy the garden, either admiring the flowers, picking summer fruit or just sitting there with a book until it's dinner time. Summer meals should not be something complicated. Today's grilled lamb brochettes took minutes to cook and eaten with the equally speedy couscous mixed with caramelised onion. Maximise your time outdoors!

Suddenly all the politicians want is to get in touch with the public because there is an election coming. So candidates have jammed the post box with their flyers, containing photos of them smiling with happy residents. No doubt increasing the recycling statistics of this neighbourhood for a month! The other day I received a card from one of them to say 'sorry to miss you when I came calling'. Where are they for the rest of the year and any other year? I had a telephone call wanting to know my vote. I'm not telling! I think people will judge the candidates on their performance for the last few years in the seat of power. Speaking of which, I found our street is suddenly gleaming. Another attempt to win us over? Recently the council wrote to say that they have managed their finances so well that we don't need to increase taxes this year. The only conclusion being that the past few years they have mismanaged it very well!

Today the sun is shining gloriously and it's warm enough to walk around without a jacket. I like days like this in Southsea. The town just come alive and everyone seems to be happy. The kind of day that makes you want to sing and think of gardening or barbecuing with friends.

I finally decided that I should start blogging again. So welcome to my blog page SouthseaScene where I write about living in a fabulous town by the sea in the South of England.