Soulmate...Soulfood

Q - Where have I been?
A -  Sleeping! Zzzzzzzz

Chemo cycle #4 last week was like the Sandman sneaking up with a ton of sleeping dust and bam! Sleeptight for the next few days...

So, looking after me through this chemo induced sleep was Mike, my partner.

 Endless trips up and down the stairs, cups of tea, words of comfort, my fav cake...my best friend and soulmate helping me through.

Soulmate: someone with whom you have a deep natural affinity, love, compatability, spirituality, intamacy. According to Greek mythology and Plato, humans once had four arms, four legs and a single head made up of two faces. The God Zeus feared their power and split them all in half. They were condemned to spend the rest of their lives searching for their other half to complete them.

Im sure Mike wished he did have four arms and four legs this past week!


 It made me think how lucky I was to be in such a safe, comfortable environment. I also thought about those who were going through this alone or in difficult, maybe even dangerous situations. Who was  there for them?

When I was first diagnosed with Colon/Bowel Cancer, it was late Friday eve with the weekend looming. There was no one to talk to about what had just happened. Once we were at home we found that actually there was! Someone was available and there for all who need help, comfort, support and  understanding. Charities such as www.beatingbowelcancer.org  www.bowelcanceruk.org  www.CancerResearchuk.org and www.macmillan.org.uk These charities  are everyones Soulmate. This reassured me, that during the darkest hours, we are never alone thanks to them.

So, now that im awake and the chilly days have definitely arrived its time for some Soul food! My definition of Soul food.
Mum's hearty Beef and Veg stew! If your Vegetarian then leave out the meat and add Veggies of your choice.

Heres my recipe, its so simple, economical and is good for the soul:

2x beef stewing steaks cubed
2x large potatoes
3x large carrotts
1x onion chopped
3x sticks of celery chopped
1x tablespoon of tomato puree
2x pints of beef/veg stock
Sprinkle of mixed herbs
Salt & pepper to season

Brown the meat in large pan, add chopped veggies, stock, tomato puree, herbs salt & pepper, bring to the boil and then simmer for 2 hours.
Crusty bread to serve!

Enjoy!