The Nigel Slater Christmas Chronicles Readalong 2025/6 Part 4

[RainbowZebraWarrior]

Hello all, and welcome to Part 4. We Continue our CC journey. We are almost at the end, as there are only four chapters of the book left, but there will be a year round thread for those who wish to continue.

For anyone who has not already had the pleasure, the annual Nigel Slater Christmas Chronicles read along is a real time annual MN tradition.
The Christmas Chronicles (Notes, stories and 100 essential recipes for midwinter) book began on 1st November.

We continue to read along and comment with the book which is set out in diary form. I will make a post each day (or let you know if there is no entry on a particular day)

For anyone new, (and it's never too late to join in) it's a challenge to see of you can pick up the book as a bargain. Vinted has come up trumps in the past, as has ebay. A rare and precious charity shop find is always a bonus. Don't forget, you can also listen along to Nigel's dulcet tones via Audible.

So, welcome to old friends and new, and don't forget that reading by candle light is particularly enjoyable. Cire Trudon may be one of Nige's candles of choice, but it's somewhat pricey. We don't discriminate against other less expensive brands - even if they are NVN (Not Very Nigel)

Pull up a chair, light a candle, grab a cosy blanket and join in!

What lovely repertoire @leporello (although I had one year where every other concert I sang or played in had some part of Mozart's Requiem in it!).

Definitely echo everyone's thoughts about the thread, it's such a nice thing to come to every day through what's been a tough winter.

Just popping in briefly as I've had a quick catch up whilst having a break from my tax return.

It's just really struck me that this is such an amazing group of strong, resilient, courageous and talented women.

Be it navigating family relationships, loss, work, health, the weather and everything else life throws at us, it really does make me realise how truly marvellous each and every one of you are.

We are all so unique and different, with different talents, different lifestyles, backgrounds and circumstances, but something brings us together here. Something powerful. It started with Nigel, but as others have said, we stay for the camaraderie, the friendship, support and incredible mutual understanding and respect that we have here.

Afternoon all, hope everyone's well?

I've been absent for a while - it's been busy here with birthdays and other, less exciting things - but just catching up with a coffee before I clean out the tin/jar cupboard. Handily, I wrote on the stuff in there last time I cleaned it out, so should be fairly quick and easy.

Like other posters, I've organised my yarn and projects (not all yarn based, but mostly) to finish off before I start anything new. It's taken longer than I expected to almost finish the church of my thread crochet village!

I've fallen off the edge of a cliff wrt cooking lately - I am just not inspired at the moment, even though I know it's better for us <sigh>. I just cba. Doesn't help that I'm knackered - once I sit down, I struggle to make myself "go" again.

Anyway, coffee to finish & a grumpy phone call to be made, along with the cupboard. Have a good afternoon all!

It really is a special thread, you are right. thankyou all x
I need to tidy up my cupboards. DH and Dd1 have had a furious row over wattsapp this afternoon about where the cheese grater is and where it should be. Sigh.

Ah, I often have a grumble...after almost ten years in this house, things still get put in the wrong place 🤔. They've not lived there long...

Good to hear from you as always @lucysmam

I have nobody to blame but myself for losing things here. I tidy up, then I lose stuff. I also leave the house daily without my car keys.

DD learned about the Holocaust today at school, and they gave every pupil a battery operated tealight to switch on and put in the window at 8pm which we have duly done. I've also remembered to check in with my Jewish friends as I have to admit that I sometimes forget. I've visited Auschwitz and Yad Vashem, which I've told her all about as her school also reminded her how important it is to pass on memories.

Absolutely agree with everything you’ve said @RainbowZebraWarrior , this thread has been an inspiration and a refuge; grateful thanks to everyone who has contributed.

My great-uncle was a 21-year-old medical student when he was part of the force that went into Bergen-Belsen. He never spoke about it for the next 40 years, but then something flipped and he became a very vocal witness to what he'd seen. He spent the intervening years as a rural GP and I think it maybe took him that amount of time to process and acknowledge what he saw. Unhelpful, maybe, but understandable.

I love your new stick @RainbowZebraWarrior and I wholeheartedly agree with what you and @leporellohave said about this thread and the people on it. It is a wonderful source of support, inspiration and friendship. Oh and well done on your audition @leporello!

@PrizedPickledPopcornI have to mention your bonding squares for the hospital, thank you on behalf of all parents of NICU babies. Our little girl was born 3 months early and spent 12 weeks in hospital. The bonding squares helped us feel closer to her when we couldn’t be with her. You are getting the knitting practice and making a real difference in parents’ lives, a win win all round.

It has been very wet and windy here in Northern Ireland and the kids’ school closed as no electricity and travelling conditions were treacherous. We had a lovely snuggly lie in whilst listening to the wind and rain.

Life as I know it will be very different for me and my family as I am back to work tomorrow after 6 years off; 1 year maternity leave followed by a 5 year career break. I am feeling anxious but also looking forward to it in a way. It’s not that I have a very interesting high flying career and I have enjoyed being there for my children but I feel like I have got lost in motherhood somehow. Might be nice to get back to me again.

Anyhoo, going to finish up my glass of wine, get to bed and attempt to sleep, wish me luck!

Very best of luck, @ObstinateHeadstrongGirlie ! I can imagine that's going to feel very odd - hope the job is a good fit and you feel like it's working out well for you.

Very good luck to you @ObstinateHeadstrongGirliei hope you have a gentle but exciting first day back!

Your uncle sounds very inspiring @SqueakyDinosaur. we were recently at Auschwitz and the experience will stay with me for a long time I think.
A day off today and thank goodness as I’ve woken up to rain against the window yet again and I will be glad for a break from trotting around in the mud. I am meeting a woman Dh and I got chatting to randomly in the pub a few weeks ago, who has also just moved to the area, for a coffee this afternoon, and I need to make the Wednesday curry which has now become a thing in our house. DSS1 loves it. I send him the menu and a picture of whatever it is that I’m making (always something hot for the Wednesday Spice club and an alternative for DSS2 who only eats about three things ever), as he says all his school friends have started to ask what we’re having, which is quite sweet. And I should start packing some stuff up for our weekend in the Lakes (as it seems we will need clothes for all potential weathers looking at the forecast).

A lovely Wednesday to all

Morning all! We got up to realise that we had left the little tealight aglow all night, which I found rather comforting.

Best of luck with today and getting back into a work routine @ObstinateHeadstrongGirlie it will be difficult, but as you say, you can lose yourself in motherhood a little, so hopefully you will regain a sense of self.

Mmm. Wednesday curry @piscofrisco I went down a rabbit hole earlier on the 'just cooked my food memory' thread and I've now got a load of book marked recipes including the best boef bourguignon, canary potatoes with mojo sauce and a 1970s style curry. The 1970s curry is likley just nostalgia for my grandads curry that he learned to make whilst in the merchant navy during WW2. I doubt if actually really like it of I tried to recreate it. The bourguignon I will make at the weekend with some beef skirt, and the potatoes I'm going to make for my Dad as its one of his food memories. I'd also love to recreate a Tom Yum Soup for my parents that we all had very late one raucous night in Phuket, but Im not sure anything will ever live up to that. For today, though, it's Shakshuka (minus the eggs for DD) with lots of homemade crusty bread.

I'm rather excited that the weekend means February will be here. I get to read the next part of my gardeners almanac and actually start planting. I'm also picking up a bare root victoria plum tree today since mine hasn't performed well since someone hacked it right back rather than pruning it like I asked. It's supposed to be dry here today. If that's the case, I might try and check over my other trees.

Hope you all enjoy your day.

RainbowZebraWarrior I love canarian potatoes. When we visited Lanzarote, I chose from restaurant menus according to whether the dish came with the potatoes! I do a similar dish at home in my Instant pot-Syracuse Salt Potatoes.

Another vote for Canarian potatoes, yum.

Huge good luck wishes today @ObstinateHeadstrongGirlie

I visited Auschwitz almost twenty years ago, and remember the overwhelming feeling of the day - and the fact me and my friend spent the evening afterwards sitting in silence.

It's beautiful and frosty here this morning - first sight of the sun in what feels like weeks.

I've just realised it's 20 years since I visited Auschwitz too. It was a beautiful, sunny July day when I stepped off the coach and the birds wrfe singing. I had heard from various sources that 'birds don't sing or fly over Auschwitz' so was pleased (in a way) that it was obviously an urban myth. It definitely all stays with you though.

I should have known better than to trust the weather forecast before sticking my nose out of the door. Bright and sunny, the forecast said. Nope. Thick, freezing fog which is showing no signs of shifting. School run took twice as long and I despair at the numpties driving with no lights on.

Anyway, squirrelled away in the kitchen, I was putting a few drops of essential oils in the washing machine drawer, and came up with a fresh new spring blend; Rosemary, Clary Sage and Bergamot. I've made a test candle and included some seaglass atop. I'm also going to have a go at making some simple seaglass earrings, so I've ordered sterling silver fixings and am now sorting my many pieces of seaglass into 'Decorative', 'Candle' and 'Earring Worthy 'piles.

Despite the awful fog, my Robin has been hanging around the garden all morning, and the chiff chaffs are back! (We only get them in spring and summer up here) Hurrah for spring being on the way.

That’s a lovely variety of uses for the sea glass, RZW. I hope your day brightens- we have glorious sun and blue sky here. I haven’t been out in it as we’re waiting for the passports to be delivered- before 1pm. 🤔
Then we’ll be off for a walk both to get the step count up and for the fresh air and sunlight. It’s noticeably lighter in the mornings now. Still a long time until clock change though. It’s often on Easter morning which adds insult to the injury of getting up for a dawn service.

Joining in the chorus of good wishes for @ObstinateHeadstrongGirlie . I recognise the sense of identity that comes with work, and also the freedom to spend some money. I’m thinking of retiring/seriously reducing my hours, but think I’ll feel constrained about spending. I don’t spend much, and I don’t really want to spend less 🤣. I built my hours at work back up when I realised I was very busy doing voluntary, unpaid community work and rather fancied being paid for my labours instead!

Hope all goes well today @ObstinateHeadstrongGirlie

Great repertoire @leporello I’m going to keep my eye out for singing days. I’ve been a member of the church choir on and off for nearly 30 years but, frankly, the current standard is embarrassing and I feel so frustrated. It’s down to leadership and also the management of some stronger voiced males who launch in out of tune and time. Not good!

We have blue skies here today and they are very welcome indeed.

That's such a shame about the choir @Bimblesalong and would drive me mad. At a recent craft fair, I had a coffee break with a lady who told a similar story about our local choir. Put me right off.

The fog is just starting to lift but it's too late, really. I've dried sheets and towels indoors, day dreaming of being able to get them back on the line. As I drove to school just now, everyone is texting in saying they have bright sunshine and one person was line drying their bedding.

<goes off to do some sort of sunshine jig>

How did your day go @ObstinateHeadstrongGirlie ?

It was foggy, and icy in places, on the way into work this morning. Almost slipped over a few times. Seems to be getting mistier every time I look out...dd2 will be pleased to be walking home in the almost dark and fog (she won't - she's feeling a bit anxious about upcoming mocks & this will just make her day worse).

I've had a productive afternoon after work...blue badge paid for, washing done, ticked off another cupboard on my list, worked out outgoings for the month, thought a bit about tea. Debating carrying on, or an hour sewing in ends on my crochet before I cook tea. Some sort of tomatoey/chickeny thing with packet savoury rice and roasted mediterranean veg...maybe 🤔.

Who was it who had bought the Scribble & Dot planner? Are you using the stickers? I can't decide whether I like them or not! (They don't stick very well in mine).

Rosemary, clary sage and bergamot sounds like a wonderful combination @RainbowZebraWarrior and that's a great use of the sea glass.

@Bimblesalong I am an avid follower of a Facebook page called 'Come-and-Sing Events UK' - I love a singing day! A friend of mine organises a choral day several times a year and they are so enjoyable - I can't remember/ don't know what part of the country you're in but if a trip to South Yorks would be doable, I'm happy to send you the details of those.

Talking of music, I think I've made the decision to miss this term at orchestra, it's a tricky one because I enjoy it and it's a great social thing for me, but I really don't think I'm up to it, or at least I think pushing myself to do it at the moment risks setting me back when it comes to recovering. Can't quite bring myself to send the email yet though.

Hope your DD was OK when she got home @lucysmam and well done on getting bits done including paying for the blue badge. Mine is an absolute life saver. I love a bit of savoury rice, but miss not being able to get the curry one from Sainsbury's any more. Decades ago, they did a garlic and herb one which was deliciously garlicky. Wish they would bring that back!

My sunshine jig sort of worked. I got half an hour of clearish sky when we got home from school. I did a wee turn of the front and back gardens, which were alive with buds and birdsong. It's bitterly cold here (but thankfully no ice) and I can't now feel my hands and feet, but it was worth it to see and hear the lovely flora and fauna.

The new candle is a bit meh. We didn't get that wow factor when we walked into the house, so I'll go back to last weeks creation.

Darcy is already in bed, but will likely be tempted out once I put the stove on.

Hope your day went well @ObstinateHeadstrongGirlie

Hope your passports got delivered (before 1pm?) @PrizedPickledPopcorn

Hope you enjoyed your day yesterday @leporello

Meant to say that I loved the story about your great uncle @SqueakyDinosaur I was just boring telling DD on the way home from school about my Primary School headmaster who was an ex Army Major in WW2. He was given an OBE the year before he retired. He must have been in his seventies back in the early 80s and used to make us sing Onward Christian Soldiers every day in assembly. He would always shout "louder!" all the way through until we were all hoarse. He was possibly rather deaf, and / or just enjoyed a rousing rendition!

I have to admit that I don't personally like the canarian potatoes, but do love A. The memories B. The sauces that go with it and, C: recreating anything from my parents travels that makes them happy. Moreso these days now they are older.

Thanks to whoever it was that recommended the Morville books. I opened the Morville Year one today and read the introduction, but it starts proper in March, so I've tucked it back away again and popped a note in my phone to get it back out at the end of February so I can read it in real time like CC.

Some screenshots from my Merlin app from earlier:

Thank you for all the well wishes everyone! Currently on the bus home, tired but it has been quite a nice day. Got to see some familiar faces and some new. Day consisted mostly of online training courses and drinking coffee.

I am only working 3 days a week so it’s a nice mix of time with the children and work. I don’t spend much either @PrizedPickledPopcornbut am hoping to notice a little extra money to play around with! Had a lovely beef curry for lunch so hopefully I don’t spend all the extra income on food!

My grandmother used to say that you can't dry washing outside between Christmas and Valentines Day.

Every year I think she was roughly right.
Much of her laundry "career" would have been before central heating so accepting defeat and drying indoors would have been a big concession to short, cold, damp winter days.