The Year Round Nigel Slater Discussion thread

[RainbowZebraWarrior]

Hello, all.

The Nigel Slater Christmas Chronicles readalong usually takes place here between November and February each year (the Christmas Chronicles being a book written by Nigel Slater full of winter recipes and anecdotes) It's been running for a few years, and the contributors have collectively decided it would be nice to have it running all year round.

So here it is. It is a place to appreciate all things Nigel-esque. Think seasonal food and recipes, enjoyment of nature, sharing of news and small moments of joy. It's a calm, cosy space for gentle chat and merriment so pull up a chair, grab a cuppa and relax.

A very hearty welcome to friends new and old!

Glad the hellebore have provided a breather for you squashed in that generational sandwich. Hope the library makes a difference.

Not much sign of spring in the woodland on Sunday which was a cold, dry, lead sky day. Had to stick to mainly proper forestry roads as the ground is soggy.

Good evening everyone! I'd like to share my good news if that's ok!
I had an interview a few weeks ago for bosettingskonsulent. I was offered the position today!

I'm very happy! This will be my final "both feet out of teaching".

My job will be with the settlement and inclusion department at the next municipality over from where I live. My role will be to support newly arrived, those who have chosen to be here and those who have had no choice to be placed here. I'll support them to settle into the community but also to support the community to be inclusive.

I'm happy, nervous and excited! And a little bit proud of myself.

Great news @IngenTing - I have been thinking of you this week as DH and I have just discovered Wisting on BBC iplayer. Lots of Norwegian landscapes and the fact it’s actually in Norwegian makes us feel as if we’ve actually been there (a bit gritty in parts, but then that’s also part of its charm). I can hear the birds singing here this evening - which feels like the first sign of spring. Loving everyone’s photos.

Fabulous news @IngenTing the job sounds really interesting and also sounds like it will suit you very well.

A good morning for DD today thankfully. Met her key worker and form teacher and saw the fabulous new library.

That’s great news @IngenTing !

great news too, @RainbowZebraWarrior (I had the serious professional face at dd not having a 1:1 and having some introduction sessions pre transition). So glad things have gone well this morning. Small successes and build up.

evening all. Congrats everyone on victories - small and large. I’m excited for your new job @IngenTing - how fabulous.

I have almost finished this. I have made a yellow trim for it but no picture as yet. I’m ready to say goodbye to it.

Oh @IngenTing you got the job! Amazing! Well done you!

Has anyone any Daffs yet? I can see a touch of yellow in mine!!

That's beautiful @AgathaMystery

Hope DD's day was better @RainbowZebraWarrior

@AgathaMystery Gosh that's beautful. You have done Helen proud. Well done ❤️

@piscofrisco a much better day today thank you for asking. I think we've turned a corner 😊

Ah great news RZW. It's bloody hard for dd, but also for you. The stress of it. We had to move dd2 after a harrowing time, between years 10 and 11. Every day I had my heart in my mouth until she got home. My thoughts and best wishes are with you both

@AgathaMystery what a beautiful testament to friendship.

Congratulations @IngenTing , it sounds like a really interesting job!

@AgathaMystery , that looks beautiful and such a wonderful testament to friendship.

Evening - just wanted to say @RainbowZebraWarrior Glad things are slowly improving x

Congratulations @IngenTing!!!!!

So glad things are looking positive with your DD @RainbowZebraWarrior.

Wishing you all a happy Friday and a wonderful weekend. We have friends for lunch tomorrow and then a long walk planned for Sunday (assuming the weather holds!)

Congratulations on the new job @IngenTing

Glad that things have turned a corner @RainbowZebraWarrior

Spent the last 24 hours over at my parents. Went to see the new Bridget jones movie and going on some lovely if a bit wet dog walks. What February half terms are made for

How was Bridget Jones @CrushingOnRubies? I'm thinking of taking the DD's tomorrow.
My dad is home from hospital but still not especially well. I think really they have given up on him due to his age. He is happier at home and I suppose we shall wait and see what happens. He is largely in bed. I am coming back home later as I have work on Monday. It's a funny sort of limbo with very elderly unwell parents and not knowing what will happen.

It was very warm in Derbyshire yesterday and I sat on the garden bench just outside the door and spent some time looking at 'my' oak tree, which is an absolutely huge oak tree on the hill and which you can see from every room at the back of my parents house . It has three massive central branches that split quite low down the trunk and I used to sit and read there as a child. It must be hundreds and hundreds of years old. It endures, as we all must I suppose. It will be here long after I am, all being well. There is some comfort in that. When I think of home I always think of that tree against the skyline.

Anyway-wishing everyone a happy and restful weekend

I went to see Bridget Jones with friends last night. We laughed and we cried, it was brilliant.

Good morning everyone and happy Saturday.

Yesterday went pear shaped and DD is now poorly, so she spent a total of 6 hours in her new school this week. I am just glad to see the back of the week tbh, and can draw a line under it in some way. Half term here now.

I was supposed to see Bridget Jones this week, but it never happened due to the above. I always try and catch a midweek lunchtime movie a couple of times a year with my best mate. It's the only time I have as DD is with me every evening and weekend and of course now it's half term. Hopefully in a couple of weeks time, DD might be in school full time (please, God!) I did contemplate going with DD, but it's not her bag and she's too young anyway.

Sorry to hear your Dad is still poorly, @piscofrisco but as you say if he's happier at home then at least that's a positive. Sending hugs to you. Your story of the oak tree reminds me of my own childhood. I find these days that I hang on to those precious memories more and more.

Anyway, the birds are singing and there's sunshine and blue skies here. Happy days!

I also went to see Bridget Jones yesterday with a group of girlfriend - we all laughed uproariously, but I think it lost something in translation for the French audience. Came out thinking I should be in London not Paris so took me a moment to readjust! Sorry you’ve had such a difficult week @RainbowZebraWarrior. Hope half term will be a nice break and your DD can start afresh. I always think the first week is easier than the last week if that makes sense - like starting a new clean page in the diary rather than trying to cram everything on the bottom of the old one. Off to my tap dancing class this morning which always brings me joy.

We must endure. A good message for all. Some lovely gifts of nature and cinema all round - looking forward to seeing Bridget in due course.

special flowery oohms to @piscofrisco and @RainbowZebraWarrior. I loved your oak tree description, @piscofrisco @AgathaMystery thinking of you, also thinking of other absent thread friends and hope things are ticking along in better directions.

There are many little flowers poking their heads up now. We’ve had some windows replaced on the outhouse, taken the henhouse from what is going to be a small cut flower garden and are in the state of glorified chaos in the garden that will, by summer, be lovely. There is work to do. I have to wait to get my special line in my arm out (within 2 weeks, all being well) and once that’s sorted I’ll be able to build up the digging etc.

Keep your fingers crossed everyone. I’ve been given permission to travel (& have insurance!) and am cautiously hopeful that our long awaited trip to the city of light might happen.

Fingers crossed indeed @Bimblesalong to new and continued adventures and travels.

I'm aware I've not been looking after myself so I'm planning something delicious and nutritious for myself this evening (rather than waiting after I've seen to DD and the cat and leaving it too late for myself) I have a beautiful looking aubergine and am contemplating this Sri Lankan aubergine curry. My other thought was an aubergine, chickpea and date tagine. Unless anyone has any better recommendations?

www.ramonascuisine.com/aubergine-curry-sri-lankan-style/

I've been lurking on the CC threads for the past two years and am delurking to say what a lovely tribute to your friend @AgathaMystery. May I ask if you're local to the city where her celebration of life is taking place?

I think that looks just the ticket @RainbowZebraWarrior. I'm craving veg at the minute. We are meant to go to a party later where I fear there will not be much by way of greens. In not really in the mood but it's a dear friends 50th.
Great news @Bimblesalong. Spring is springing and so are you!

Will give Bridget a go tomorrow then I think