#LockDownChallenge – The luck of the draw!

It is day 4! We jumped out of bed and grabbed the task hat to draw our task for the day. Holding our breaths, this is exciting! We felt like 2 kids! First piece of paper drawn: Wash and clean all bait related buckets. Mmm, let’s be wild and draw another one. Second task: Clean reels and bait alarms. Not bad! We could actually spread this over 2 days. Cleaning the reels are time consuming and perfect for the weather conditions.

First up we started with the first batch of buckets. Yes, we have a lot of buckets. Don’t stress! Most buckets are not even used for baits, we found that the buckets are great for transporting loose items like swingers, alarms and the fishfinder. Storing all sorts of fishing gear and keeping the camp neat and stored items waterproof.  The buckets are also excellent for fish care, ensuring that fresh water is always handy and also for dunking the lucky angler with a new personal best.

Normally we wash the used buckets on the bank with lake water and a cloth, rarely do we use soap and warm water.  Today the buckets are getting a good scrub.

Alarms cleaned, buckets cleaned and storing our small items in buckets. 2

Cleaning reals before & after so sparkly 2

In between washing the buckets, we got all our reels, loads of earbuds, cotton wool and warm water ready. We did NOT use soap.  This is not a service or maintenance of the reels but only a clean up of the exterior surface. The service of the reels will be done at a later stage by the suppliers, luckily 4 reels are still almost brand  new and are merely a bit dusty.

The cleaning of the reels kept us busy for hours! Becoming slightly “OCD”. Getting into every nook and cranny. It was as if time stood still…. focusing intensely on the task at hand.

Before we knew it, it was time for bed! Wow time really flies! Buckets are clean and the reels are sparkly, it was a good day.

Yesterday, Tuesday, Day 5:  

I admit, we were lazy! Let’s blame it on the weather! But its OK, nothing to be ashamed of! We all deserve a lazy day! How is the weather in your part of the country? In our parts, it was a cold, rainy and windy day. It seemed more like a pancake and movie in bed day…

The most we did was make soup. Easy, quick and versatile! My parents taught me to share anything that is good! So share the recipe Ishall.

This is a very basic recipe, but with some imagination it can be turned into a 5-star meal!

Butternut Soup – serves 2

• 1 big onion diced
• 1 Large butternut peeled & cubed
• Salt & pepper to taste, half a teaspoon of nutmeg
• Loads of  herbs, crushed ginger and crushed garlic. Do not be stingy!
• Extras: crispy bacon & homemade croutons

Step 1: fry the onions in a pot with a splash of oil, butter or coconut oil

*Chefs tip: add all the spices to the frying onions. Add a teaspoon of sugar to caramelize and sweeten the onions.

Step 2: add the cubed butternut and fry for a few minutes with the onions.

Step 3: simply cover with water or stock and cook on medium heat until very soft.

Optional: Keep the soup slightly chunky or use a masher to create a thick soup or blend in a food processor for a smooth consistency.

While the soup is slowing cooking away, toast slices of bread in the toaster. Cut the bread into cubes or strips. In a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, a dash of herbs and toss. Roast in the oven or fry in a pan until golden brown and crisp.

Fry small cubes of bacon until crispy.

Serve hot with a good topping of bacon and croutons. A creamy soup with a crunchy bite of bacon and crouton.

Wors’ review on the soup. Surprisingly delicious for just butternut and wants more! I’d say it is a pass on this rainy day!

A simple yet tasty meal! Give it a try with pumpkin, peas or broccoli, add some chicken breasts or a chunky piece of beef. Remember to adjust cooking times for extra meats or prepare the meat separately. Go all out and add some cream to make it super creamy!

Today day 6 looks promising with a bit of sunshine…. Let’s hope the weather clears up and we can get some vitamin sunshine!

What are your plans for the day?

Email to: stywelyne@stywelyne.net