Aviation fuel to create rain

In the last two weeks two airliners have had to dump their complete load of fuel to enable them to land again at Alicante , after taking off and finding cockpit warning lights flashing. The last two weeks we have had abnormal amounts of wet rainy weather, could it be that all that aviation fuel in the atmosphere has created this weather situation.

The long arm of the law

A Rod Stewart imitator working in the Orihuela Costa was arrested by the organised crime squad last week just as he was about to start his show, He was wanted by the Nottinghamshire police after being found guilty of armed robbery, but he had skipped bail while awaiting sentence. I bet he has'nt got "Stars in his eyes" now.

Whats happened to the weather

Well its early April and there is a cold wind blowing and it is cloudy and overcast, not what we are expect this time of year, the past few weeks we have had periods of rain for several days running, cold gale force winds and cloudy skies. In the North there has been floods and deep snow. Easter is nearly here and the holiday makers will be arriving, if it stays like this there will be a lot of glum faces around and chemical tans going back to the UK.

Orange and Coconut Sorbet Recipe

This recipe was originally posted by my daughter on her own blog at Livejournal.

Over here in Spain we always seem to have more oranges than we can eat, so here is a wonderful way to use them up and the sorbet is perfect for the long hot days!

Syrup

• 4oz Sugar
  
• Juice of half lemon
  
• 75ml water

1. Slowly cook sugar, lemon juice and water in pan, making sure the sugar dissolves thoroughly. It is important that you do not let it boil until the sugar dissolves as that spoils the syrup.
   
2. When sugar is dissolved, bring to the boil then simmer for 2-3 minutes.
   
3. Allow to cool.
   
   Orange Mixture
   
   • 10 large oranges
     
   • Juice of half lemon
     
   • Malibu or similar coconut flavoured drink
   
   
   1. Zest two of the oranges, then squeeze juice from all of them.
      
   2. Sieve juice to remove any pulp. You need around 425ml juice.
      
   3. Add orange juice and zest to cooled syrup. Add just a dash of your coconut alcohol- too much will stop the sorbet from freezing.
      
   4. Freeze in a suitable container, whisking everyhour of so to prevent big ice crystals forming.
      
   5. When fully frozen, serve as a dessert or use in cocktails or blended into a smoothie.
      
   6. For serving you could try preparing the oranges like this; Cut off the top like a lid and scoop out the contents rather than using a juicer. When sorbet is frozen decant into oranges and ensure they are well frozen before serving. Garnish with a mint leaf.
      
      If you own an icecream maker, you could make this in around 30 minutes.
      
      

A Yucca for the balcony

Its the time of the year to get some plants and try and put some greenery around the balcony and the solarium so we have made a trip to Los Montesinos garden centre, they have a fantastic selection of plants from tiny cacti to big palms, all look healthy and well looked after, and at very good prices. We came away with a Yucca, some geraniums, several pots of herbs, some seeds and other bits and pieces, total cost €18, we have just got to remember to water them and hope they survive the really hot weather.