A beautifully written post. I know how hard it is to live like that because I did it so many moons ago - and I think you're both so sensible to find balance between the 'overly hippie' - I know what you mean here - and the other approach that leans a little on the known systems. Learning to live with nature and being in nature often becomes the 'easier' approach in the end, and like we relish the storms that bring the rain you learn to relish the personal storms as well because they are opportunities to learn and grow as well. May you both continue to bend in the wind!

Your meal reminds me a little of the biryani I make - except I've discovered kangaroo mince, which is super lean and way cheaper, and it's from wild, free range animals which makes me feel a little better. I love rice with turmeric, mainly as we called it 'happy rice' when Jarrah was little, and I still smile when I think of that. I add saffron, cardomom, cloves and bayleaves to mine and a bit of butter or coconut oil (I never seem to have ghee in and I dont' like it much anyway) and it's just delicious. Especially if I make a mint raita on the side with fresh mint! I'm making myself hungry now...