We seem to go through stages of lovely winter days and nights and then the temperatures drop drastically to what I call un-liveable temperatures. Anything below 20°C falls into the un-liveable category for me.
This is how, when Pete is not away on business, we enjoy our evenings when the un-liveable temperatures hover outside.
We start like this
Work our way up to this
Got to burn the grid before braaing
Keeping things nice and toasty
It’s lovely sitting in the lounge all toasty while enjoying a braai for supper and watching some telly with your better half and toasting just being together.
Follow me
Follow me
I agree with you that anything under 20C is not life sustaining. I’m definitely not a winter person. How lovely to have an open fire. There’s nothing better than sitting near a roaring fire on a cold winter’s night and enjoying a risotto and a glass of red while watching something fabulous on TV xx
By: hotlyspiced on August 9, 2012
at 07:11
Good to know I am not the only non-winter person Charlie. Right, next time Pete is home, risotto it is! Have a lovely day.
xo
By: thecompletecookbook on August 9, 2012
at 11:37
something fabulous on TV … I vaguely recall that from days long gone
By: sybaritica on August 9, 2012
at 16:01
Mandy, these photos are just gorgeous. Love them!
By: Vidya Sury on August 9, 2012
at 07:29
Hi Vidya, thanks for stopping by and for your lovely compliment. Have a great day.
By: thecompletecookbook on August 9, 2012
at 11:39
Toasty warm just sitting here near the screen
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
By: Choc Chip Uru on August 9, 2012
at 07:46
That great CCU! I could enjoy a serving of your lovely cobbler next to the fire. Have a super day.
By: thecompletecookbook on August 9, 2012
at 11:41
We have been hovering under 10 for the past week or so!
By: Tandy on August 9, 2012
at 08:04
Isn’t it too dreadful for words Tandy! I feel so for the animals and people who aren’t in homes like ours. Stay warm.
By: thecompletecookbook on August 9, 2012
at 11:43
Great fire! Our summer has been as hot as you winter has been cold. I think we are all ready for a shift.
There is nothing quite like snuggling around a fire with your sweetie.
By: Spoon Feast on August 9, 2012
at 12:38
I will gladly blow our cold weather your way and take your heat in a heart beat. Its amazing how warmth is so calming. Have a super day.
By: thecompletecookbook on August 9, 2012
at 14:39
How I would love to experience a winter like yours, Mandy. Here, if we have a daytime temperature higher that 10˚C in winter, you’ll see people running along the Lake in shorts. No, I won’t be among them. We’ll just have to make sure you visit here between June and September.
By: ChgoJohn on August 9, 2012
at 15:04
Hee hee, right, duly noted John – June through September it is then. Have a super weekend.
By: thecompletecookbook on August 9, 2012
at 16:57
Just lovely, the best thing about winter is sitting in front of the fire! c
By: ceciliag on August 9, 2012
at 15:09
Thanks C – just wish Pete was home at the moment to build one for us this evening. Have a super day.
By: thecompletecookbook on August 9, 2012
at 16:58
That sounds like a romantic evening
By: Angie@Angie's Recipes on August 9, 2012
at 15:36
Absolutely Angie. Have a lovely weekend.
By: thecompletecookbook on August 9, 2012
at 16:59
I *so* miss a hardwood fire … not just in my home, but the smell of woodsmoke in the air in fall when the weather starts to change. I have to say though, I have a bit of a different perspective in 20 degree weather
By: sybaritica on August 9, 2012
at 16:00
It is a lovely smell John. Pete says that “real” fires are made with wood, not charcoal and the likes.
I can only imagine what it must be like living in the temperatures that you do! Have a great weekend ahead. 
By: thecompletecookbook on August 9, 2012
at 17:02
When Liz and I finally settle down from our semi-nomadic lifestyle I’ll demand that we have at least one fireplace. Nothing like it.
By: Jed Gray (sportsglutton) on August 9, 2012
at 17:12
I am sure Liz won’t argue Jed. Sadly no crackling fire this evening as Pete is away! Have a super weekend.
By: thecompletecookbook on August 9, 2012
at 17:24
I love these photos, and I can’t wait until it’s time for a fire in the fireplace again. Thanks for giving me some hope for the cooler days I know are coming. It is nice here today though, 70 F….that’s about perfect for me
Have a wonderful day Mandy!
By: Sarah on August 9, 2012
at 17:16
Thanks Sarah. Amazing how we start wishing for different weather, although I would gladly accept summer all year around. Pete can still build his fires outside for a braai (barbecue).
Have a super weekend ahead. 
By: thecompletecookbook on August 9, 2012
at 17:28
Oh my goodness, Mandy…New England would not be a place for you to visit. Nights in the summer in Maine are cooler than 20. I must agree that there is nothing nicer than sitting in front of a fire.
By: Karen on August 9, 2012
at 17:35
I bet the days are lovely though – I could always bring a jersey. Have a super weekend Karen.
By: thecompletecookbook on August 10, 2012
at 08:35
Very “cool” photos. We’ve been at scorching temps for quite a while & although I’m not a cold weather person, I could use a little less of the hot & humid right about now.
By: dianeskitchentable on August 9, 2012
at 20:20
Hee hee, thanks Diane! Must say, it is the humidity that is a wee bit draining during the summer months but I will gladly have that over the cold any day. Have a super weekend.
By: thecompletecookbook on August 10, 2012
at 08:38
How lovely – I do like an open fire. We are having a bit of weather here too – the sunny kind – no need for a fire, unless it’s for BBQ-ing!
By: Natalie on August 10, 2012
at 00:42
Thanks Natalie. Enjoy your sunny weather and have a lovely weekend.
By: thecompletecookbook on August 10, 2012
at 08:39
I only have one thing to say. 20 degrees, I wish !!
By: Promenade Claire on August 10, 2012
at 12:07
Youc an always come and spend your winters here with us Claire. Have a super weekend.
xo
By: thecompletecookbook on August 10, 2012
at 15:18
What a lovely soiree!
I will keep it in mind for our winter nights (+105 f right now… Uff!)
By: Bluejellybeans on August 10, 2012
at 21:01
Thanks so much Giovanna. I would love to swap weather with you. Have a super weekend.
By: thecompletecookbook on August 10, 2012
at 21:25
I only have one word, JEALOUS!!!!! I love a fire especially an indoor one, it’s my Irishness rearing it’s head. Fantastic shots Mands, really fabulous! XXXX
By: moi du toi photography on August 11, 2012
at 16:51
Aah my friendy, thank you! It really means a lot when you like my shots – then I know I am doing something right with the camera.
Next fire will be just for you! xo
By: thecompletecookbook on August 12, 2012
at 11:19
Mandy.
Just looking at the photos makes me feel
So cozzzzy
all warm inside. Xxxxx
By: My Inner Chick on August 12, 2012
at 03:28
Kim you are so kind, thank you! Have a beautiful week ahead.
xo
By: thecompletecookbook on August 12, 2012
at 11:20
Looks like a perfect evening to me!
By: Kristy on August 13, 2012
at 00:58
Thanks Kristy. Have a lovely week ahead.
By: thecompletecookbook on August 13, 2012
at 08:47
We love our fireplace as well, it gets a lot of use at our house.
By: Yudith @ Blissfully Delicious on August 13, 2012
at 02:02
It’s incredible what a difference it makes having one! Have a super week Yudith.
By: thecompletecookbook on August 13, 2012
at 08:47
If 20 is unbearable for you then you will not like NZ, at summer that the average temperature but in winter it drops to 10 average and sometime it goes low as 2 at least in Auckland
By: rsmacaalay on August 13, 2012
at 10:15
I am a big ninny when it comes to the weather Raymund! Have a good week.
By: thecompletecookbook on August 13, 2012
at 12:06
Gorgeous photos. Nothing like sitting in front of the fireplace, warm and cozy, when it is cold outside.
By: Norma Chang on August 13, 2012
at 13:14
Thanks Norma. There is also something so hypnotising about looking at the flames. Have a lovely day.
By: thecompletecookbook on August 13, 2012
at 13:47
Hi Mandy! Although I’ll admit I’m nowhere near ready for winter, this does paint a very warm and cozy picture… Brilliant fire!
By: Kelly @ Inspired Edibles on August 13, 2012
at 13:59
Hi Kelly. I am never ready for winter – must say though the lovely evening fires do help. Hope you are well. Have a happy week.
By: thecompletecookbook on August 13, 2012
at 14:04
Wow what an awesome blog!! LOVING it so glad i found it!!
By: Ashlee@ABpetite on August 13, 2012
at 22:41
Hi Ashlee, welcome and thanks for stopping by! I am thrilled you found me too. Have a super day.
By: thecompletecookbook on August 14, 2012
at 08:59