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!

They don't have to get anything done because they both have an unsung army of invisible helpers!
Hope tomorrow goes well x

I am still fan girling about a programme with Monty and Nigel. A Nigelesque “last one laughing” only maybe the challenge is not to discuss Japanese ceramics or cheese.

Trying to calm my excitement here as my best mate from school is currently on a flight to come see me! For once, the weather is playing ball as it’s usually drizzle when he comes over.

Sending best of luck with the op @AgathaMystery and hoping for a swift recovery for you ❤️

Exciting @Bimblesalong I shall hope for clear blue skies by day for your friend's visit and colourful skies by night!

Jsut popping in to say hello. Lambing has begun in earnest on the farm so I have been on call hemp work and been out all hours. In between times lovely sunny days and we have made lots of progress with the kitchen garden pictured below. Plus the bluebells have started popping out in the woods.
love to you @AgathaMystery
hooe your date night went swimmingly @Bimblesalong
and a big hello to everyone else.

Nigel Slater Month! A present to the thread if ever. There was one!

Best of luck Agatha.

Some pictures from yesterday - there was a cold wind but the sunshine was beautiful.

The Pride of Madeira are just starting to come out - they are glorious when in full bloom.

Thanks all - developed jaundice today so liver def struggling. Cannot wait for tomorrow although I feel fine which is so weird.

Hope everything goes well for you @AgathaMystery .

@AgathaMystery best wishes for tomorrow

Lovely pics @noodlezoodle and @piscofrisco

Good luck for today (it is Friday isn't it?) @AgathaMystery

We had Aurora again last night. We've been so lucky lately. Also, I spotted that the Barn Swallows were back at the nature reserve yesterday, and this morning I've spotted a House Martin flitting above my roof. Always signals warmer weather to me. I've had a few lunches and breakfasts in the garden lately, although it's not been warm by most people's standards, it's at least very sheltered. Being on the NE coast of England, I'm just grateful for any days that dont have howling winds! I also got myself a denim waistcoat with large patch pockets which has been great for keeping my back warm in the garden. I think I am officially now a sensible old duffer.

I have my new HyMo suit fitting at hospital this afternoon so fingers crossed I can actually get it on and off myself unlike the last one

A lovely sunny cliff top walk and picnic yesterday, hoping to see some puffins, but not a one in sight. However, an unusual bird spotted, a cyclist furiously pedalling on the road with a gorgeous colourful parrot perched on his shoulder - how bizarre is that!

Op cancelled!! Going to get out in the garden and put in my irrigation.

@AgathaMystery - that’s awful when you were all geared up for it - hope you get another appointment asap.

Oh that’s frustrating @AgathaMystery you get mentally prepared for things like that

it’s finally the Easter holidays and I’ve been accepted to do something which is very special and very outing. And now decisions of do I really need a new outfit. Or can I wear/ fit into what I’ve worn before. It’s very tempting to go on a shopping spree.

Are you the new chief of the post office?

Morning all.

@AgathaMystery sorry to hear about your cancelled op. Hope all gets sorted ASAP.

Bitter and wild here on the NE coast this morning with a proper biting North Easterly wind. Me and my cane don't do very well on the sand any more, but I had a jaunt along the dune pathways.

Haha no! This is more processional than professional which requires royal wedding guest standard of dress.

This is now giving me an image of Penny Mordaunt carrying a sword at the King's coronation.

Well done @CrushingOnRubies and hope it all goes well, whatever it is.

Haha Not in an Abbey and no sword. And certainly no where near as auspicious or high profile. No headbands allowed as even fascinators are frowned upon and hats are preferred.

Went on a lovely walk today and feel that spring is certainly in bloom.

How frustrating for you that the op was cancelled @AgathaMystery . I hope you get a new appointment soon.

@Seasidebubbles somebody in a town near us has a free range parrot. It is able to fly free and goes where it likes. It gives you a bit of a shock when you see it perched on a fence post happily watching the world go by!

I love the pale green edge on the branches as the new leaves start to appear. Some wild flowers too. The river is clear with no run off which is lovely.

@AgathaMystery really sorry to hear of the cancellation. I hope it is not too long before the rescheduling and that you are as comfortable as possible.

It’s great imagining all of the processional situations for @CrushingOnRubies I still think she might be Penny Mordaunt, or maybe Black Rod.

The sky has been blue here in the NW for a few days and we are due a few more. It’s cold in the mornings, with frost yesterday. DH and ds2 have finished my raised bed and are next to work on a shingle path. I shall set violets into the shingle. I’ve set out some lettuces into the raised bed, covered by the cold frame. I hope this deals with cold overnights but I’ll put a couple of bricks in to warm up during the day and then let the heat out overnight - and will put a blanket over if frost is due again.

We had a lovely time with my friend. We went out to Bodnant Gardens at the weekend, which is spectacular in its spring clothes. We’re booked in to see them at their mountain home in Spain in the summer - can’t wait. I’ll also see him in Paris later in the year as long as my health continues on a gentle up.

It’s very local to my hometown. And people make a huge deal about it. My boss calls it a cult which if she said that to the wrong person she would be metaphorically punched in the face. She calls it a cult because in the picture she saw the girls wear white dresses and some wear red flowers in their hair and one year it rained and the flowers ran and it looked like something out of a horror movie.

Evening all. I am minus a gallbladder. Praise. The. Lord. I just need this jaundice to clear, wounds to heal and to get off this morphine so I can get back into the garden!

How is everyone??

We have had the most glorious long weekend in Dumfries. A bit brave in April, we expected to learn all about Robert Burns in the various museums, but we were really lucky and walked on empty beaches, had picnics, watched birds (Merlin worked hard!). I saw a yellowhammer - I don’t think they are common here - and we saw lots of hares, skylarks, and even a deer. Magical

So pleased that you've had your op, @AgathaMystery hoping for a swift healing for you my lovely x