Small things matter

[Joeboy]

Got to be done - I honestly think it’s healthier. OK, if it’s peeing down and blowing a houli, no.

Walking through snow - no.

But, I do think, particularly down here, it’s acceptable, although you do still get the rep of the bloke that wears shorts all the time

Doesn’t help that I use my old ‘work’ bike bag/pannier (Basil - Dutch Company) looks like a satchel.

My mate’s (local butcher) Mum calls me ‘The Schoolboy’.

At 66, I’ll take that

If it makes ye happy and you feel the benefits, why not indeed? We are off to Benidorm end Jan, there shall be shorts! We had been going to head over to Asia but I just couldn't get fired up about it. Looking forward to tapas and old towns instead. and shorts.

"Walking through snow - no."

[Bugtownboy]

Good for you

We’re back over here for a few weeks mid-Feb.

I much prefer shorter winters - two months is acceptable

[Bugtownboy]

Joe, forgot to say, while over here, we were introduced to Himalayan Black Salt.

If you’re not familiar with it, it’s pink salt that’s heated to about 1500oC, changing the chemical composition, producing some sulphides.

Used widely in Indian, Vegetarian and Vegan cooking for its Umami ‘flavour’

Also used in Ayuverdic medicine.

When you taste it, has a distinctly eggy taste - from the sulphides.

Looking forward to trying it when we get back.

Readily available in Supermarkets, well, Hyperdino at least.

[Joeboy]

Joe, forgot to say, while over here, we were introduced to Himalayan Black Salt.

If you’re not familiar with it, it’s pink salt that’s heated to about 1500oC, changing the chemical composition, producing some sulphides.

Used widely in Indian, Vegetarian and Vegan cooking for its Umami ‘flavour’

Also used in Ayuverdic medicine.

When you taste it, has a distinctly eggy taste - from the sulphides.

Looking forward to trying it when we get back.

Readily available in Supermarkets, well, Hyperdino at least.

I buy the pink Himalayan salt in Turkey. I'll keep a look out for it blackened when in Spain, cheers! Chilli con is now on its 2nd day of cooking. 8 tins of various beans went in this morning, oil is just emerging on surface again. Soon to be decanted into our recycled freezer boxes. It has a nice kick which grows for about 30 secs.

[Joeboy]

That's good to know. A 2 gallon pot of chilli up to the handle studs will give 30 good sized portions.

Some for daughterly in Edinburgh, some for No1's place, some for freezer and guess what SWMBO & I are having tonight?

[Bugtownboy]

Way to go !

Love to have a windy emoji

And all from free heat

Hope the kids appreciate your efforts

[Joeboy]

Way to go !

Love to have a windy emoji

And all from free heat

Hope the kids appreciate your efforts

I think we'd have been about 1/2kWh on the induction hob for the prep which is good for a 4kWh solar day.

As ye say, the rest is just passing by to heat the house. As I will be tomorrow.

Defo going hunting in Spain for salts & spices. We are for the first time going all inclusive, I'm still not sure why.

[Bugtownboy]

Defo going hunting in Spain for salts & spices. We are for the first time going all inclusive, I'm still not sure why.

Nah, we’ve never gone down the all inclusive route - too anti-social

Friends have had really good experiences in various places.

Sure it’ll be a good holiday.

Sorry if I’m preaching to the converted, but if you’ve never tried really good quality Iberico Ham, find a good tapas bar and have some, ideally with a really chilled glass of Fino.

To me, it is one of life’s great food delicacy’s.

[Joeboy]

I worked out of Alicante for a couple of years with a load of Spaniards, it was absolutely excellent Looking forward to seeing what has changed there. I reckon breakfast & lunch at hotel then PAARRTTTYYYYYYY into the wee hours.

[Bugtownboy]

Like Alicante.

We had a holiday when DS was about 2 and a half and DD about 10 months.


He was into heavy lifting stuff (Tonka toys). Bought him a metal wheelbarrow - kids size - in Alicante. Spent so much time with him shifting stuff up and down the path outside the villa. Good times.

Brought it back in the hold

Haven’t been back to the Costa’s for yonks - stuck mainly to inland cities since then (apart from Lanza). Need to do it again.