Friends of mine despair when I bemoan the British summer, which let's face it, has been rather short of sun! They say 'we've had some glorious weather'....... sorry, I must have blinked and missed it. Worst still my waxing lyrical about Spain has become rather an irritant I fear!
But beyond the tongue in cheek banter, there is a more serious side to this business of weather. Seasonal Affective Disorder is now widely recognised as a common disorder which affects those of us who live in a country where there is a significant lack of sunlight.
Many years ago I used to experience an unaccountable mood change which would begin in February and last through to spring. I suffered from a total lack of energy and an inability to cope with everyday stresses. So severe were my feelings of disorientation I sought advice from my doctor who diagnosed general malaise.
Nowadays the diagnosis would be Seasonal Affective Disorder, the symptoms of which are: lack of energy for everyday tasks, sleeping disorders, increased anxiety and in many cases a feeling of pensive sadness.
Mood variations are believed to be related to light and we all know that a bright sunny day is a mood enhancer. Where our activity is diminished during winter months and we go into a state of hibernation, the summer months see us spending more time out of doors. We become more spontaneous, we socialise more, we relax and as our vitamin D levels rise, we become less prone to illness.
For most sufferers of SAD, the symptoms tend to go away depending on the amount of sunlight during spring and summer. We physically and emotionally need sunshine, consequently it has been no surprise to me that many of the friends I have met up with recently are feeling frazzled.
In answer to many peoples question regarding what I love about Spain, I guess it boils down to the fact that I like the temperament of the Spanish people and the hours they keep. Everything happens later and more slowly, instead of being hurried, stressed or angry at being in a queue, the locals will turn it into a social activity, chatting with their fellow customers. Meals are drawn out affairs and nightlife is legendary with people emerging from their homes after 10pm to enjoy the sultry night.
The languor of a hot summer brings about a dreamy, lazy and sensual quality in us, we feel effervescent and free and as sleep prepares us for wakefulness, so summer prepares us for winter. Even animals which don't hibernate exhibit changes in behaviour during winter, our mood variations change dependant on light and warmth and lack of it can cause summertime sadness.
Unfortunately, there is little we can do about the weather other than grab as much time out of doors when the sun does appear from behind the clouds and if we're lucky enough to get any sultry evenings, grab a bottle of wine, make a dish of these delicious nuts and sit in the garden and enjoy.
Spiced nuts
Recipe
1 tbsp sunflower oil
1 tbsp caster sugar
1/2 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp chilli powder
Sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
150g nuts
1 tbsp clear honey
Preheat oven to 180c/gas 4
Line a baking sheet with greaseproof paper
Whisk to combine the sunflower oil, lime juice and caster sugar until the mixture looks pale
Add the spices, keep whisking, season to taste with salt and pepper
Place the nuts in an even layer onto the lined tray and roast for 5 minutes
Turn the nuts over and roast for a further 8-10 minutes until they have a shiny, golden coating
Leave on a tray to cool, serve warm or cold with a glass of something cold
'It's a smile, it's a kiss, it's a sip of wine........
It's summertime.'
- Kenny Chesney.
Love Donna xxxxxxxxx
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