Wine, Weather and chilli

The temperature today is around 30 at present and you would think that would be pleasant. However the humidity is around 51% so it feels uncomfortably warm. High humidity levels can cause health problems, heat stroke can occur. Those with heart condition and asthma need to take care in this type of weather. The problem although you perspire the humidity does not let the perspiration evaporate and cool you down so you just get hotter and hotter. We have had quite a few days like this and it is very wearing. Best thing to do is a little as possible!
Another thing you find is that you don't want to be eating large or heavy meals, It is the norm to eat very late at night, though when its humid its still to hot to eat much. Lovely, interesting salad with exciting dressings go down well. We did have a curry yesterday though. I made meatballs flavoured with ground coriander and cumin seeds and a chickpea curry which we ate with turkish flat bread that I had made earlier in the day. I love a mango chutney with my curry and as an experiment I made some mango chutney with plums as we had so many. If I say so myself its really good and I will be making more with the next glut of plums. We love flat breads and its so easy to make, requires no kneading and can be flavored with whatever you fancy. Most often I use sunflower seeds on top but John wants me to try using some of my homemade chilli paste, I have two varieties hot and, well, dam hot. Great in curries and chillies and far more body than anything i have found to buy. I know that curry is said to cool you down, because it makes you perspire but if its humid it doesn't work that way so you need plenty to drink to counteract possible dehydration. Would never waste a bottle of wine on a curry meal, far better to have water, beer or lassi ( traditional Indian yogurt drink). Talking of wine Lidl they have some wonder wines on sale at the moment in Cieza. A fairly local one, from Jumilla, Cinglano Jovan, a surprisingly full bodied red with lots of fruit taste. I find it hard to believe its only 1.11 euros a bottle.

http://www.allergybegone.com/humidity.html

Dama de Noche

It Really feels hot at the moment and looking back the temperature is up on last year. We think real killer is the humidity though, you know,you have a shower and you cannot get dry. Even sitting working on the PC the water is dripping down your back like a shower. When its like this its nice to take a stroll just as its getting dark and a little bit cooler. Billie our foster dog loves it too, though I am always on the look out for low flying bats!
What is amazing is how perfumed the air is. The sent of Jasmine seems to travel for miles. Our particular favorite is the a flower that grows in abundance around here, the Dama De Noche (Lady of the Night). The perfume from these flowers is just so beautiful, it really fills the night air with its sweet scent. Other times of the year you get the smell of orange blossom, sweet peas in cultivated plots and self-seeded into the wild. Its the simple thing in life that make living in Spain worthwhile and give us pleasure

Heavy Rain

Very early this morning we awoke in our solarium bed to the sound of rain,- yes, at this time of year, once the white flashes of lightning started we decided to evacuate and retire inside the apartment, so a quick change of location and back to sleep again. There was torrential rain for about one and a half hours and we awoke this morning to beautifull clear air with all the dust and humidity laid down. Everything looks clean and fresh as it all has had a really good wash down.