Dogs

 

I Love My Bull Terrier

The sheer, overflowing affection of a Bull Terrier is an unquantifiable wealth that material possessions can never replicate. Their ability to turn a simple couch snuggle into the best moment of your day is a kind of abundance that transcends any financial status. They don't care about your job, your car, or your clothes; they only care about your presence and love, which is the most valuable currency of all. Their constant devotion and joyful spirit are the riches that truly make life worth living.

Juggling

 

Lyn Kelly - Author

Sometimes I feel like I’m spinning far too many plates; work, writing, home, training, dogs, real life, emotions, and everything in between. It all piles up whether I’m ready for it or not. I think a lot of us are doing much more than people realise.

I don’t have a magic system or the perfect routine. Most days it’s just doing the thing that needs doing next.

Sometimes the house is a mess.

Sometimes my brain is a mess. Sometimes the “to-do list” is just remembering to breathe

We don’t always talk about how hard life can feel when you’re carrying work stress, family needs, health worries, responsibilities, and of course, the unexpected things life throws at you.

So if you’re juggling everything too, you’re not doing it wrong. It’s just a lot and you’re doing your best, even if it’s a tired version of your best, it still counts

Yule - Winter Solstice

 

The History of Wales

Celtic Festivals.

Yule - Winter Solstice

The Winter Solstice in the northern hemisphere occurs on either December the 21st or 22nd. It is the shortest day and longest night of the year when the sun's daily maximum elevation in the sky is the lowest.

The midwinter festival of Yule appears first in the 4th century Gothic language of the Germanic peoples and was later absorbed into the Christian festival of Christmas. The term 'Yule log' is one of a number of terms used to refer to a Christmas custom, and in Welsh it is called a boncyff Nadolig.

It is speculated that the Celtic Druids observed the winter solstice, as it marks the shortest day and the rebirth of the Sun, when the hours of daylight increase, until the Summer Solstice. It is thought that the Druids would gather by the oldest mistletoe-clad oak, from which the Chief Druid would remove the mistletoe with his golden sickle, to be caught by the other Druids standing below with an open sheet, making sure none of it touched the ground. The early Christian church, in fact, banned the use of mistletoe because of its association with Druids.

In the recent Welsh Druidic tradition the Winter solstice festival is known as Alban Arthan. The name derives from the writings of Iolo Morganwg, the 19th-century radical poet and is observed in a manner that commemorates the death of the Holly King, identified with the wren bird (symbolizing the old year and the shortened sun). At the hands of his son and successor, the Oak King (the new year and the new sun begins to grow).

Shinya Okayama

 

Ravenous Butterflies

“Until one has loved an animal a part of one's soul remains unawakened.”

Anatole France

Shinya Okayama - Waltz fof Little Birds.

Rudyard Kipling

 

Books have knowledge :)

 

Butternut Squash and Wild Rice Casserole

 

https://www.delscookingtwist.com/butternut-squash-and-wild-rice-casserole/

Ingredients

• 2 pounds (900g) butternut squash, diced
• 3-4 Tablespoons olive oil
• 3 Tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 Tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 cup (200g) wild rice, rinsed
• ¾ cup (100g) dried cranberries
• 1 Tablespoon (15g) unsalted butter
• 2-3 shallots, chopped
• ½ pound (220g) wild mushrooms, rinsed and dried
• ¼ cup (30g) shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, combine 3 Tablespoons olive oil, maple syrup, vinegar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt and pepper.
3. Place the diced butternut squash in a large bowl and toss with half of the olive oil mixture until well coated. Transfer the seasoned butternut squash to the baking sheet in a single layer and sprinkle fresh thyme all over. Roast for 30-35 minutes, stirring once or twice to ensure it is roasted evenly on all sides.
4. Meanwhile, cook the rice. Place the rinsed rice in a pot with 3 times its volume of water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat, cover, and continue to cook until all water is absorbed.
5. When the rice is ready, remove from heat, add the cranberries and the remaining half olive oil mixture. Cover again and let sit covered, so the steam will plump the rice and fruits. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
6. In a large skillet, heat one Tablespoon butter on medium heat. Once hot, add the shallots and cook until soft and translucent, about two minutes. Add the wild mushrooms and sauté for two more minute, until soft.
7. Add the diced butternut, the cooked rice, stir well, then transfer to a greased 8×11-inch (20×28 cm) or 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking dish. Bake for about 15 minutes, then remove the casserole and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese on top. Bake 10 additional minutes, until the cheese is melted. Sprinkle with additional fresh thyme and serve warm.

I used Tilda ready cooked rice and topped with halloumi cheese lightly fried.  I also used chestnut mushrooms.  Not my photo as forgot to take one!