This week I have made a mistake. You know when you do something so absolutely silly that you cannot believe you have really done it?

That’s me. I normally do silly things. But they are the kind of things you laugh about. Like not coming in to work on Friday because someone told you to have a lovely weekend the previous evening. Or putting sun cream in my toothbrush. Or eating a spider.

I wish that was the case – but not this time.

Gazpacho Andaluz - Chilled Tomato Soup

Summer is just around the corner. This corner the next street. Maybe a couple of streets ahead. Just a few miles driving from here.

Anyway, I really love summer. It is my favourite DAY of the year.

Where has the summer gone? It is rainy, windy and cold.

But I have started my very own battle against bad weather. Tank top and flip-flops on. Beach boys out loud. Dinner on the patio.

Why over this year every month seems to be the wettest since records began?

Gorgonzola Cheese, Pear and Basil Macaroni

Being sporty is not easy. No matter how addictive it could be and how well you feel afterwards. It is easy to be persuaded by your lazy side and surrender to the charms of a luscious millionaire shortbread.

And my lazy side can be stunningly persuading.

This I why I have decided to seek some help and professional advice. And I have joined a boot camp. Well, I haven’t joined it yet, but I have gone to two “taster sessions” encouraged for picture of those American camps, where a well-built ex-military yells without an iota of compassion to a flock of fleshy people sweating and asking for more.

What a disappointment.

Heavenly Pudding

I've been debating for several weeks now on whether I would share something so deeply personal. But I have decided to. I need to. 

I can’t believe it’s been a year. A whole year since my dad lost his fight against cancer. The pain has subsided just a bit over this time, especially knowing that he isn’t suffering anymore. No more shitty chemo. No more drugs. No more being an invalid. And that’s good because my dad hated being dependent on anyone.

My dad and I have always been extremely close. I would say nobody in the whole earth has loved me that much. We understood each other like no one else, probably because we were so much alike.  Both hard working, creative, slightly opinionated and very stubborn.

Honey Mustard Roast Chicken

For the past two years I have attempted to learn to knit. Apparently knitting can be super fun and addictive (should I start worrying about myself starting addictive but painful or frustrating activities?).

Anyway, I have tried and tried to knit quite a few times in my life. Lots of different people with much more advanced knitting skills (and with lots of patience) have unsuccessfully tried to show me how to knit properly. Is it possible that  some of us just aren't wired right? 

However, as you already know, I rarely give up. Some months ago I joined a knitting club in my lunch break (in my real work lunch break). Knitting is one of those things I love to do but I’m sadly unable to. Some people have what it takes, and some don’t. And there is nothing we can do about it.

Seriously Indulgent Rocky Road

I have started to jog. Ok, ok, it has been just three times so far, but I feel like a new person. A fit, healthy and at the verge of collapse, muscular person.

The first day I run for about 20 minutes with 3 stops to recuperate. The second day I ran 20 minutes nonstop. Yesterday I ran 30 long minutes.

When I told to my friends I was going to run they said it was going to be great, maybe a bit tough the first few days but much better after that and almost addictive if I managed to run for a month or so.

Devon Asparagus, Cured Ham and Poached Duck Egg

If you are what you eat I should be a completely different person now. And that’s because since I moved to the UK my diet has changed A LOT.

Some years ago I would have bet that Brits’ diet was reduced to toasts, eggs, bacon and baked beans, and although it is true that some people wouldn't eat anything that has not come out of a can, I won’t tar everyone with the same brush.

So I will eat humble pie and admit I was swayed by stereotypes, because there is a lot of amazing food I have discovered here and without which I wouldn't be able to live. Food in the UK is amazing and trifle is the proof of the pudding. Holy Mackerel, they know how to cook a dish fit for the gods.