Like many bloggers, I like to check out the search terms that people use to find my blog. Most of the time what I find makes sense to me, but today I see that Life Through the Kitchen Window got two hits based on the search term crushed spirit. (Crushed spirit???)

Oh dear, that makes me feel a little sad. I picture someone looking for solace, or advice on how to shore up their resilience. I can only hope he or she found spirit-lifting renewal among my posts. While I don’t think of my writing as a self-help resource, perhaps my Simple Pleasures posts will restore their spirit. After all, eating breakfast outside and enjoying the beautiful perfume of the neighbour’s lilacs draped over the fence always makes me feel better. Or, how about the tangy fragrance and brilliant colours of citrus rinds as a tonic for what ails you?

If none of that works, I offer this ever-so-simple infused water (I hardly dare call this a recipe). Place slices of orange, lemon and lime over a heap of ice cubes in a large pitcher. Top up with filtered water. Stir and set out on a picnic table along with glasses for you and your company to enjoy under the shade of an oak tree on a summer afternoon visit, and replenish the water as needed.

Thirst-quenching, refreshing and with a light citrus flavour and scent ….. a spirit-living beverage indeed.