The Canine/Feline Self-Identity Confusion

So a few weeks ago I blogged about my cat Pesto joining me when I walked the dogs. I speculated about whether this would be a regular occurance from now on. It seems it indeed has become the norm, as Pesto has joined me on pretty much every walk around the neighbourhood since then. It makes quite the sight, especially when he seems to be wearing an invisible lead and is part of the pack.

The walks definitely seem to cut into his pressing schedule of lying around, but he is willing to make that sacrifice to be a part of the pack. It doesn't matter where he is- he seems to know when we're setting off and comes running along behind us to catch up, sometimes adding a loud yowling if we are too far ahead. It seems to be entertaining to the neighbours and road workers (who have currently taken over our street until the end of February with very noisy machines...how's the serenity). After we get back from our walk he resumes his frantic to-do list involving finding the best place to lie around. This can be either a solo or a pack activity.



The novelty still hasn't worn off and I find myself giggling a lot on our walks now. I'm glad the three fur boys get on well. Pity about Faye, but she has never really liked Pesto anyway so it was a given that the dogs would be extended the same thinly-veiled contempt.

In the Kitchen with Bebb, Part Two

Hello everyone, and I hope you're enjoying 2012 so far. Welcome to another installment of In the Kitchen with Bebb. I'll post my Wednesday movie review later today but for now I wanted to share one of my favourite recipes that is delicious and very simple. I've tweaked this over the years and have it just about perfect.

Bebb's Basil Pesto

Basil is probably my favourite herb and it's very easy to grow yourself- I highly recommend it as it tastes much, much better than the often wilted or blackened basil you get in supermarkets. It really is the definition of using fresh basil when you can pick a few leaves to go straight on a pizza, chop for a salad dressing, etc. All it needs to grow well in a pot from seeds is a sunny position, occasional feeding (I use organic Blood and Bone) and plenty of water. If you pick the leaves as needed, new ones are quickly put out and you'll never run out.

I've had an abundance of basil over the last few months and grew quite a few pots to give away as gifts. The Tupperware herb planter was courtesy of my mother-in-law for Christmas. My buddy MM came over yesterday afternoon and her eyes lit up when she saw it as she tends to, by her own admission, forget to water things. I promise I won't be mad if you kill your Christmas basil, MM!

Anyway, here are the ingredients you need:

-2 cups firmly packed fresh basil leaves (as basil tends to bruise very quickly once picked, it's best to leave it growing until you need it rather than pre-pick it. If you are buying your basil, store it with the stem ends in a glass of water and use as soon as possible.)

-2 cloves of garlic, or 2 teaspoons pre-minced garlic

-1/3 cup pine nuts (roasted if you prefer)

-1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

-3/4 cup olive oil

I do prefer to use fresh garlic and freshly grated parmesan cheese, but for impromptu or faster pesto it's fine to use garlic in a jar and pre-grated parmesan- it's something I always have in the fridge anyway.

In a food processor, process basil, garlic and pine nuts until finely chopped.

Add cheese and drizzle in half the olive oil. Whizz again until well combined.

Drizzle in the remaining oil and process once more until well combined. 

That's it! Very simple and delicious. To serve, toss through hot, drained, freshly cooked spinach fettucine or spaghetti and top with a little extra parmesan. If you only need to use a little bit, eg in a salad dressing or on bruschetta or pizza, you can keep the rest in the fridge for up to a week- simply spoon into a jar and cover the top with a thin layer of olive oil. It can be frozen as well.

Oh and yes, my cat is named Pesto as well. I got him when I was living in a flat with my sister and we had a huge outside basil patch in our tiny courtyard and were making lots of pesto. On his first day home I took him, a kitten and still nameless, outside and he rolled in the basil. I picked him up, cuddled him and said, "Mmm, you smell like pesto." Name sorted.

Have fun making some yummy pesto and let me know how it works out!

Moving Slowly Through Wet Cement

...or, On Being Tired.

There are days when just moving seems like an effort.

There are days when all you want to do is sleep in.

You just feel like sprawling out in a state of utter and complete relaxation.

Then you feel like perfecting this state and sharing it with others.



Maybe even encouraging your friends to take up this position, too.

Hopefully the word will spread on how great it is to just relax and let it all go.

It really is something that everyone can enjoy.

There are days when all you want to do is cuddle up with someone special.

Sometimes a lot of time can pass, and you become older and wiser, but you still love cuddling up with that same person.

You look around, and realise that other people are relaxing and resting.

Or just sitting back and watching the world go by.

"Why can't it be me?" you despair. You may even find yourself getting cross with those around you.

Or you just want to tear everything up and throw it on the floor.

Most of all, you just want to tuck yourself in with someone you love.

Then the day finally comes when all the hustle and bustle slip away and you can take a breath, smell a rose, read a book, lie on the grass, or even just sit in the ocean and contemplate life.

I'm ready for that day. It's been a long year. I'm ready to recharge and rejuvenate. I'm ready to garden, to read, to watch, to sleep, to hug, to potter, to sew, to chat, to swim, to walk. Three days of work to go...

All photos taken by Bebb, at Penguin Island WA, Perth Zoo WA, East Coast Tasmania, and my home, also in Tasmania.