Raining help and money.

I would say my love of rain comes from the fact that I lived on a farm and rain meant my Dad was mostly overjoyed with happiness when it was raining. He would be smiling and cheerful. He would say get out of the rain so it could hit the ground!

So to this day long soaking rain means peace, contentment and happiness to me. I am sure though without a farmer Father by now I would have figured out how much the garden (or farm) benefits, how the plants look, how the birds are thrilled, how things are lovely washed clean, the air is clear and fresh after rain. 

For me watering the garden is both hard work and expensive if I use tap water. So rain is like a day off and a massive saver. I know there are so many Australians who would kill for rain and are desperate, sadly. 

Last night rained steadily and this morning everything looks perky and happy. The lettuce I planted less than a fortnight ago is ready to start picking plus the rocket.

I'm hoping if I snip as much as I need that it will keep going for weeks. There is parsley at the back and I hope I will have that to add to soups etc throughout winter.

The basil is ferocious! I have picked heaps and still it looks like it's trying to take over the house. So it is time to harvest a big lot so it is used not wasted. I can make pesto for us and a jar each for the girls. Apart from over pasta it is so good in a burger or with a steak. My friend at a health food shop, he serves it on the side with eggs, tomato, mushroom and sourdough toast. It makes it into a fabulous meal. I love brunch... two meals in one.

His other tip was to use almonds in place of pine nuts. Pine nuts, here at least, are very expensive. Blanched almonds in their place are so much cheaper and that is what he did and it was yummy. Cafe owners are wonderful for economic tips like that. They know how to use expensive ingredients as the feature or sparingly, not waste, use substitutes, use what is cheap and in season.... there are so many tips to learn from them. Our local health food shop is also an organic cafe. In the past when my herbs have been prolific I have given them huge bunches of parsley, rosemary and bay leaves and been rewarded with free coffees! 

Pesto is such a power punch of flavour, vitamins and goodness so that is one of my happy projects this week that should mean we have this on hand for quite a while.

I am off to try and get my Monday really going. If I achieve lots on Mondays my week just seems off to a great start! 

The garden being soaked and happy is such a help. My newest rose has three roses on it which I have waited for, it's one of my favourites, Blue Moon. 

I have decided to plant some pink climbing roses over the front fence as I have a couple of spaces. Planting flowers, herbs, vegies, they all pay off in so many ways. Taking a little time to plant means you get to sow. It's a little investment in the future and there are so many possibilities. I am sure even a few minutes a day is good for us. Fresh air, nature, sunshine and being outside is so good I know it is like a medicine to me.