Let's talk about the weather!

We Swedes have a compulsory urge to talk about the weather. Much of our social life and wellbeing is depending on the weather; if it is nice and sunny during the summer we are living our lives outside, the warmth of the sun is cheering us up and giving us a nice tan making us look fresh. Right now it’s summer in the northern hemisphere and winter here. Yesterday it was nice, sunny and I could sit outside whilst studying for an upcoming exam. Today it’s rainy, windy and I am sitting inside freezing and somewhat feeling sorry for myself. Because of the proximity to the South Pole, the weather in Melbourne is very varied and known to have ”four seasons in one day”. If the weather is not to our pleasure, the Melbournians say ”wait a minute” as it might very well change within the coming minutes.

                                        Sunshine, where art thou?

As it is winter, albeit a mild one, we are not spending anytime at the beach nor in light clothes. I am not spending much time outside at all during this season, despite the Swedish belief that ”there is no bad weather, just wrong clothes”. I was video talking to a dear friend who is currently in Sweden. ”There’s something wrong with the setting on my computer” she said ”or perhaps it’s the light in your room? You look so pale you’re almost white”. ”Nothing’s wrong, it’s my natural winter skin” I said and we had a good laugh about it.

With the weather being cold, I am craving for warm, hearty food and hot, green tea. It’s been many years since I’ve cooked winter dishes and it is great fun to come up with new recipes and trying out new things. I’ve cooked Shepard’s pie, Chicken Roast and Pork roast as a tribute to our new home country and all with good results too. With storms and heavy rain come power cuts and I have just spent an hour without electricity, the last 15 minutes with the construction site manager in our pitch black garage with him showing me how to open the garage manually. Luckily the power came back but now I know how to get my car out should I be without electricity when I need to pick up the daughters in school. Each day I learn something new and useful is a good day so despite all the rain and wind, today is a good day too.

Daughters' Winter favorites: Sloppy Joe's