SUNSHINE

New Zealand has just been hit by a severe weather event which came down from the tropics and dumped large amounts of rain.  The worst hit was Nelson which does not usually flood.  They had more than a metre of rain in four days and it is expected to take years rather than months to fix the damage.  Roads were completely washed away and hillsides slipped down.

As well as urban roads being washed away many State Highways have met the same fate.

There has been flooding in the north and Kaitaia, where Max and I were based for about 40 years was completely cut off from the rest of New Zealand.  Here we were lucky although it feels as though we have had rain for weeks.  Yesterday afternoon we finally saw the sun and today is a beautiful day and I have three loads of washing on the line.

It is amazing how it affects ones energy.  On Friday I didn't have the energy to bake but yesterday managed a loaf for Doug, a g.f. loaf for me and a chocolate cake.

The chocolate cake recipe came from my step-daughter and consists of honey eggs, almond meal, cocoa, vanilla extract, salt and baking soda so is relatively healthy.  The recipe said to use a round tin but I used a square one as it is easier to line. In between making the bread and the cake I also whipped up some easy spread butter (a mix of butter and e.v. olive oil). Although from today's temperatures we may not need the easy spread any more.

Have been picking cauliflower, broccoli, kale and purple sprouting broccoli.  Romanesco cauliflower should be ready soon.  Beetroot, garlic, carrots and spring onions are on their way and I have just sown some sugar snap peas and bean seeds hoping it is not too early.  The sun after days of cloud is making the plants wilt.