Window Box Herb Garden

The weather has been absolutely gorgeous in England.  A few days ago, I actually uttered the words "Oh my God, it's hot out!" for the first time since moving here 7 years ago.  But I'm not complaining about the heat - I'll take it over rain any day.  I've worn summer pyjamas usually reserved for holidays abroad and I'm digging the criss cross tan lines I have going on on my feet from my sandals.  People here are going nuts for the weather - according to a report on Yahoo, there has been a "sausage surge" and paddling pool sales are up 816%.  I have indulged in a few sausages on a bun with a whole lot of mustard and even eyed up a pool which seemed to fit 2 adults and 2 children comfortably.  They looked like they were having a darn good time in the picture on the front of the box but I passed - I had visions of spending most of my time searching for holes to cover with duct tape (as I did in my youth) instead of floating around on my lilo.

A few weeks ago we spent some time sprucing up the back garden.  A new fence, some hanging baskets, a few potted plants and changing out the bark mulch for plum slate really made a difference.  One thing that does double duty, as in nice on the eyes and the tummy, is my window box herb garden.  I used two metal window boxes that affix to the wall and planted 4 different herbs that I purchased from the supermarket.  I went with living herbs from Morrison's for £1.00 each because I don't have a very green thumb or very much patience.  Just plant them in compost, water and they're ready to go.

I planted basil, chives, mint, and parsley.  The herbs last all summer and are used frequently in the dishes I cook.  And it looks darn purty when I look out my kitchen window.  Now I just have to remember to water them - something not generally required in rainy England!

Summer is still here!

So remember when I said summer was done, finished, kaput?!  Well, I was wrong.  Cue the rain the storm...

Wait for it, wait for it...

Hmm...nope nothing.  It's still warm out there.  Yesterday was glorious sunshine and actually hot.  Like tank top and cropped pants hot (not shorts hot - I don't think it's ever been shorts hot here-though some in the neighbourhood might disagree).

 This is George enjoying the summer sun.  She spent most of yesterday lying on her side on the patio catching the rays but anytime I tried to take a picture she'd get up and do this:

Not exactly a fan of the paparrazzi!

Again today, the weather has been lovely.  Not as hot as yesterday but what I would call neutral, so there's no difference between inside and out.  It would have been the perfect day to sit outside with a magazine and a few bevvies but common sense (I do have a little of it) told me that if your man is out at work all day he best not come home to find you've been boozing all afternoon.  So instead I cleaned the bathroom.  Not exactly the Lady of Leisure lifestyle I'm going for here but I have to do my bit.

Though not before making myself a summer salad.

This is an easy one.  Salmon goes in the oven with a little olive oil on both sides, pepper (if you like) and some sweet chilli sauce.  Put it in the oven at 200°C/400°F for about 20 minutes.  While it's cooking make your salad - I've been enjoying tomatoes while they're still red!  Pop the salmon on top of your salad and add more sweet chilli if you like.  I make this with chicken breasts (fresh or frozen) or just a can of tuna and some nice dressing.

Would have gone down nicely with a bottle glass of white.

It's probably going to chuck it down this weekend so I'm enjoying the warmth with the back door open and finally that glass of wine (red though).  Maybe a bowl of ice cream?

Anyone else still have nice weather?