Year round Nigel Slater discussion thread - Part 3

[RainbowZebraWarrior]

Hello, all and welcome to this lovely space for our continued chats.

A bit of background for anyone not familiar with this topic:
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, gardening, appreciation of the weather, and sharing of news and small moments of joy. It's a calm, cosy space for gentle chat and merriment so pull up a chair to the fireplace, grab a drink and relax.

A very hearty welcome to friends new and old!

@RainbowZebraWarrior I have a tendency to attract the weirdoes too. My favourite is 'Mad Brenda' on the bus who looked at my impeccably behaved toddler sitting nicely and looking out of the window and told me that small children needed a smack. I hide when I see her in the co-op!
Blowy here too, but lovely and sunny. I am braving a short sleeve (but with a cardigan, I'm not that foolhardy!)
I quite want wood-fired monkfish now but heading for a sausage casserole tonight. I'm thinking of going a bit retro and doing Delia's 'sausages in cider' rather than just winging it as I usually do

After hearing about it on here I have just ordered Raising Hare, then I've just read the latest comments with several saying they didn't enjoy it! Will see what I think. Like some you I don't have the concentration for books a lot of the time - a combination of phone scrolling (must do less of this) and life with a toddler! But I always like to have something on the go for when I feel like it.
I'm just starting a new job, which will involve working some nights - my first one tomorrow. I haven't done nights for nearly ten years so it will be an experience! But hopefully it will give me some reading time whilst I'm on break, so a nice gentle book would be good.
I made a lovely recipe from Nigel's kitchen diaries the other day, braised lamb with leeks and beans. I don't very often cook from Nigel's books, but will definitely do this one again. Chicken curry tonight - this one a Hairy Biker recipe - which most of my meals are, their recipes always seem to work every time.
Some lovely sunshine this morning. Washing out on the line. Have a good day everyone x

I've been in two book clubs, one with some other mums from my DC's school which fizzled out but we do sometimes talk about reviving it (keep in touch on whatsapp). Then I tried one run by a local bookshop and it could best be described as Worthy Book Club, everyone seemed to be desperate to make sure they were seen as inclusive and "understanding of issues" which when it was entirely white, middle class, middle aged, probably straight and fairly well off was a bit uncomfortable. So for example we had Miriam Margolyes memoir and everyone was gushing because she's a lesbian, but actually I thought it was an awful book and was a bit afraid of them thinking I was a bigot if I said I didn't like it. So I didn't stick with that one.

Worthy is how I always imagine most of them. A bit like the tripe I've just read in the Times supplement!

Also, Miriam Margoles is very tiresome with her constant farting, belching and swearing on telly. As well as her vulgar graphic descriptions of her sequel exploits (including men) I feel really sorry for her long term partner. Perhaps she's really lovely and it's all just for show, but I imagine her being really bloody annoying irl too.

Regarding Raising Hare; I'd say it's quite a classic case of BOA (Better On Audible) It's gorgeous (for me) to listen to. I can also entirely imagine it all in my minds eye, having been brought up living alongside arable farmland, and watching hares on said farmland regularly.

Another one with the Finch app here - another friend the same age as me has it and we're constantly comparing our bird's little outfits and what they've been up to 😀 I've found it good for the jobs that in my head take ages but in reality don't - like emptying the dishwasher.

That restaurant reviewer sounds annoying @RainbowZebraWarrior - I don't want to eat somewhere horny and dirty!

I like Miriam Margolyes as an actor, but the 'outrageous' life stories are a bit tedious after a while. I watched the new short film that her and Stephen Fry are in the other night, and enjoyed that, but also watched a live Q&A with her and the director which was quite... awkward.

I've always avoided book clubs for the many reasons described here - that and the pressure to finish a book on time.

Right now though, I am avoiding work by sitting on the back doorstep in the sun (I say avoiding, but I've not actually had a lunch break). Everyone else is being stressy today and I'm in my usual role of smoothing things out and reminding them that not every issue is a huge problem, it doesn't all need solving immediately and some of it will probably just go away on its own.

Completely agree on the Margolis woman; such a show off! I am intrigued by this Finch app, will go and have a look at it...

A sunny, breezy, but chilly morning here so I popped into town and ticked off everything on my list of errands. Exciting things like bin bags, toothpaste, a new dustpan and brush, and dog poo bags! Chatting with the lady in the pet shop as they didn’t have my usual brand and she said they were struggling to get a number of items over the last few days, so I’m wondering if supply chains are already wobbling.

DH does not like the new bags as they are green and he wants black…🙄He was the recipient of a withering look from me 😬

On a cheerier note, I passed the library just as they opened the doors so was able to peruse the new seed library; I have got tagetes, coriander, a cherry tomato variety I haven’t come across before, coreopsis and a purple chilli! All in lovely small amounts in neat brown envelopes with their location and date harvested. Absolutely free; isn’t that a wonderful idea?

I came across a photo of a planter from my previous house and want to recreate it for next spring; I still have the pot but can’t remember the name of the iris I used. Such a vivid colour, I shall have to keep an eye out when the spring bulbs come back on sale.

I started out with the default self-care tasks in Finch, but am gradually modifying it to reflect all the things I need or intend to do daily including empty DW etc and somehow it really works. I have about 30 daily tasks on there and I don't aim to do all of them but I do like ticking off as many as I can, most of them do only take moments. Things like take vitamins, go outside or open a door in the morning and look up at the sky, drink water, walk for 5 minutes. I am fond of my little bird.

I enjoy the fact I get some points just for getting out of bed in the morning!

@DameProfessorIDareSay I really like the idea of the seed library. How fab. Good luck with the op. A friend of mine does hip replacements regularly and, when we ask what he is up to the next day he sometimes says “I’m going to pop a hip in and then I’m going off to do x, y,z”. So to him, straightforward, which I find reassuring.

I’ve downloaded the finch app, thank you for that suggestion. I’ve forwarded it to DS too. I like the idea for points for getting out of bed. It would have been a great aid through chemo as that was sometimes my one aim for the day.

I don’t eat fish but DH does and now I’d like this wood fired stuff for him! We will probably have a soup and a feet up tonight. I’ve had to break out the walking stick as my joints are screaming with all the walking - there’s a limit to how long one can sustain a city break! We’ve had a marvellous day enjoying St Giles’ Cathedral and then the national gallery of Scotland. I’ve bought candles from the Isle of Skye candle co and have indulged myself with a small, reasonably priced ammonite and trilobite from a fossil shop nearby.

I have been watching mousey for the last couple of days and can now pretty much set my watch by it. It's been feeding on the spillage from the bird feeder under a tree, then running back to a Hedgehog house that I have under another nearby tree, so think that it may have made a nest / home in there. I have just narrowly missed getting a great photo of it sitting - cute as a button - atop one of the stone mushrooms. But here's one of it running up the tree.

Mr Darcy is in his basket in front of the fire, blissfully unaware of mousey running about in his garden.

Pleased you enjoyed your break @Bimblesalong but city breaks are exhausting so I hope you can get a chance to rest up a bit.

I have that exact miniature iris in my front garden right now @DameProfessorIDareSay but I don't know the name as I bought it from B&Q a couple of weeks ago as part of a six pack of 'mixed variety'

@SheherazadesSeasonalNonsense that was in fact a very satisfying update on the scary book club

I'm another person who attracts weirdos, it's a 'skill' I inherited from my mum. No idea what it is that I emit but it's not looking friendly, because I have extreme resting bitch face.

Mousey is so cute!

Glad you enjoyed your day @Bimblesalong I had a couple of days break in Edinburgh by myself last year and enjoyed every minute of it.

Finches sounds good! Will check it out.
Scary Sarah made me smile. The book has been chosen for our one-Take Away (tales from a Chinese ex pat who opened a take away). Not what I would Normally read but that’s the point I guess, and I will give it a go.
Seed library sounds an amazing idea! I’m stealing that for work!
DD and I had a great time yesterday-lovely bit of dinner and we loved the gig. Woken up feeling decidedly grotty and not excited for the long drive home. Have some errands to run this afternoon, dogs to walk and packing for Marrakesh. Not sure at all what to take as the weather looks warm-ish but will it be cold at night possibly? We are doing a days hike in the Atlas Mountains so something for that but I don’t really want to lug my actual walking boots over with me. Anyway plenty of time to ponder on the drive home!
A lovely Thursday to all

Glad you enjoyed your trip @Bimblesalong. Played in a couple of concerts in St Giles years ago, it's a beautiful building.

I aspire to be like Mr Darcy cosying up today. Had a rough night - probably directly connected to how busy and stressy work has been this week. But I've got a four day weekend. Only plans today are the online singing group and getting some groceries - somehow there is nothing in my fridge except a tub of overnight oats and a bag of salad (and the usual jars at the back). I've reverted back to getting some Frive ready meals delivered as I did a while ago, but they don't arrive until Sunday, so I need some bits for the next few days.

It's very blustery outside so I think I'm happy to stay in today.

Having had a scout around the gardening websites I think it may be Iris 'Harmony’ @RainbowZebraWarrior

Wishing you a wonderful time in Marrakesh @piscofrisco and hope you solve the footwear problem.

I’m in list-making mode today so I don’t forget anything important for my brief hospital stay next week. I suppose I should reread all the bumf I’ve been given to make sure I’m properly prepped. I think I’ll make a tea loaf this weekend so I can take some with me in case I get snackish in the night 😋

Most importantly, need to look at the shopping delivery for Monday so DH is properly provisioned for the 24 hours I’ll be away 😁

Sounds like very good planning!

Agree it looks like Harmony. I could highly recommend having a scout in B&Q next Feb, as I got a six pack, about to come into flower for half price. These are the two shades I got and will happily buy more - in bulb form or if I see any more planted up bargains. In fact, I would happily fill my whole garden with them. They are utterly delightful.

Still patiently waiting for the daffs to open here. Btw, I did mean to say that it wasn't my display I posted the other day, just the communal ones at the end of the road.

I am with you on the staying warm and cosy front today @martha79 I've done a few things like set my camera back up in one of the conservatory windows to capture the wildlife, but mostly I'm having to give in and rest. Today is going to be a four-dose codeine day I feel. My pain is much worse than usual and, weirdly so has DDs been so I'm wondering if it's weather related? Anyway, sending gentle hugs to you x I'm pleased I picked up a M&S pie deal yesterday (two mains and three sides for a tenner!) and I'm planning slow cooker curry tomorrow; bung chicken in, add all the Spice Taylor gubbins, an onion and mebbe some chickpeas. Easy and low energy. I'll put the crockpot out on the bench tonight and stick the Spice Taylor sachets and chickpeas next to it to 'start me off'

I kind of already knew this, but it was interesting when I googled "does low pressure cause pain" as it describes exactly how I feel. Not just my usual joint pain, but muscles and tendons are screaming and I can really feel the inflammation and tenderness, like my nerve endings are amplified.

Just sharing in case it affects anyone else. Solidarity, if so.

Fabulous book club anecdote @SheherazadesSeasonalNonsense - it reminds me why I like the idea of book clubs more than the reality. Have a great time in Marrakech @piscofrisco - I particularly enjoyed Yves St Laurent’s Jardin Majorelle. Your Scottish city break sounds most enjoyable (station fire aside) @Bimblesalong - DH and I have booked a short trip to Menton next month after a friend offered us the use of their flat. It’s not exactly a city break, but it will be a change of scene, in the meantime I am making the most of Paris in the springtime while the weather holds. It is DD’s birthday tomorrow so I need to make her a cake - both DCs have March birthdays so with DS now back from uni on a year off it will be a festive month.

Do you think Nigel ever gets a hangover?

H and I watched Theroux’s manosphere documentary, ended up chatting and I drank too much red wine.

Send solutions!

He's definitely mentioned being pissed before!

Not sure about solutions, but standing outside right now in this pouring rain and crazy wind could take ones mind off it?

Hope it passes soon

My seeds finally arrived today so I've spent a happy hour slowly pottering and getting them into propgators. I've got some gorgeous bold colours in sweet peas (watermelon), some deep pink lobelia, and lime green nicotiana which was DDs choice. My borlotti beans are already coming up, the cosmos looks almost ready to pot on - which was only sown 10 days ago - and my sugar snap peas are also coming up smashing.

I am not looking forward to the school run as I am going to get soaked and blown around.

Pleased you enjoyed your time with DD @piscofrisco and have a lovely time in Marrakesh

Hugs much appreciated @RainbowZebraWarrior

Having seen some clips of the programme @frozendaisy I'm not surprised you drank lots of wine!

Enjoying all the flowery pictures. I've got some herbs and garlic to plant which I'll need to sort out soon.

When I said it was blustery earlier... it's now wildly windy and my house is rattling away. Singing group was nice, although I'm told it was more energetic than normal and it was quite tiring. It's fortnightly which seems doable, and I can probably normally fit it in even if I'm working.

Had a Waitrose delivery of things that can be assembled into meals - had salad with kofta, quinoa and various roasted veg for lunch.

We have spent a marvellous morning in the museum of Scotland. An amazing combination of history, science and nature. So well done. I’ve learned so much and dh has Romaned himself out. Despite the weather our train back is currently showing as on time. Fingers crossed.

interesting info about low pressure and joint pain. I’m sorry it’s such a yukky day for you both @RainbowZebraWarrior I slept better last night as I took painkillers after all the walking.

@LillianGish looking forward to reports on Menton. We intend to spend a night or two there this summer on our Nice - Liguria trip.

Good luck with the packing - walking boots can be a pain! I usually travel in some sturdy trainers and take sturdy walking sandals for “resort wear” (and a compressed pair of slim strappy sandals for posh meals!).