Year Round Nigel Slater discussion thread - Part 4

[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 has been running for a few years, and the contributors 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, grab a drink and relax.

A very hearty welcome to friends new and old!

Happy Birthday @LillianGish Hope you have a lovely day 🥂

Sorry to hear these close to you have had bad news @bimblesalong.Life is just very unfair at times isn’t it? Good that you are seeing and grabbing your glimmers.

All I will lose by taking the job is missing the farm and all that it gives me back I suppose. Which is a lot. But won’t pay for DD’s uni. Ifs good to have to choose between two good things so I’m trying to see it like that.

Im really going to have to call the GP as I’ve woken up absolutely exhausted -can barely keep my eyes open already. FFS. Today feels like an uphill battle already and I’ve school runs, commute, work, commute and school runs in reverse to contend with. So same as everyone else I suppose but it feels like climbing Everest today for some, no doubt hormonal, reason.

I also need to get DD’s birthday presents sorted out as it’s on Saturday and whilst she is mainly having monies I also want to get her some bits and bobs to unwrap.

have a lovely Thursday all

And a happy birthday to @LillianGishx

Happy birthday @LillianGish!

Happy birthday @LillianGishhope
you have a lovely day 🎉 🎂 🎉

So sorry to hear about your DH's best pal and your cousin's wife @Bimblesalong Cancer bloody sucks!

I am also taking myself off to the cinema today. There's loads on my list, but the only one I can make work timing-wise for school pick up is Power Ballad. Bit cheesy maybe, but I will take a feel good film right now. Also, I do like Paul Rudd.

Beach for an hour first. Even if it rains!

Hope you can get some answers @piscofrisco I think that probably does demonstrate that the stressful commutes are taking a toll on your body my lovely. Definitely the time for a change of pace.

Happy birthday @LillianGish

Thanks for the birthday wishes everyone! DH left at dawn for LA - I was joking that he’s extending my birthday with the time difference, but I won’t feel the benefit. He’s away for six weeks. Had an early celebration last night with the four of us and DS made a cake. So sorry to hear about your friends @Bimblesalong

Have a lovely day @LillianGish🌸

My best died from cancer last year, aged 57. So very cruel and unfair.
I’ve been lucky enough to always appreciate the small things and give gratitude for my blessings - health, family, friends.
But what my friend’s passing has taught me is more resilience.
When I’m finding something difficult, I remember her suffering and what she chose to bear to stay with her family and friends for a bit longer.
An inspiration.

Happy birthday @LillianGish ! What a beautiful cake. I’m sure the city of light will keep you busy although six weeks feels a lot. Beautiful rose @martha79

@piscofrisco I hope you get some answers. Since Covid (& current longterm chemo), I’m tired. My GP spotted low b12, so I have regular jabs for this.

Im sorry for this huge loss, @RipplePlease. It is heartening how your dear one lives on in you.

have a great beach and film, @RainbowZebraWarrior

Happy Birthday @LillianGish !

@sueelleker i get the mini cakes out of the tins OK as I line them with baking parchment. But I freeze unused ones uniced, wrapped in clingfilm, then when I thaw them and cut them the sharp ends of the wedges (quarters) crumble, especially if I do it at home then take them in a box up to Dad in the care home. So I was thinking thicker squarer slices might be better they would move less in a lunch box too and I could wrap them in kitchen roll. He has fine motor skill issues and can’t use a knife himself.

Well, more sunshine and showers today. I have a bit of work to do then I’m off to town to go to B&Q and the local yarn shop. There used to be a Homebase within walking distance of my workplace but it closed down last year and I miss it, I was always popping in at lunchtime for odds and ends.

Thank you @Bimblesalongthat’s a lovely thing to say.

Holy moly…rain, wind, sun, warmth, chilliness (is that a word?) and it’s only 10:24!
Back from dog walk now with a nice day planned.
Going out to get 2 pistachio cannoli, watch the women’s tennis semi-finals, a little bit of work then book group. DH away in London tonight so it’s just me and the hell hound.
Agh! Torrential rain again.

We do seem to be getting all the weather in one day at the moment!

Nice little thing through the post here - I got an Instagram ad offering free samples a few weeks ago. Only tried spraying it on a bit of paper so far but I'm rather liking it. Seems to suit the summer rainy weather somehow.

Torrential rain here too, hence I booked the cinema since no gardening was going to happen. I was sorely tempted to dive into the Prremier Inn for a buffet breakfast after the beach, but have opted for a cheese scone and a punnet of strawberries to eat as I watcg my film instead.

Here's a little (safety) seaglass heart for anyone who needs some luck or comfort.

Ooh I wish I had seen that offer! I do like Sens. I have a few of the 10ml sprays from diptique as I collect the airline amenity bags.

torrential showers and windy here… going camping at the weekend. Hope it clears up a bit

We have the crazy wind here, too. Fingers crossed for you for the weekend. Tomorrow looks a bit better for a start. Are you going anywhere nice?

Just a quick note to say that I am aware we are on page 38, so I will be preparing the next thread on Saturday, ready for us to continue our chats.

Hope you've had a good day so far @LillianGish and that your DH arrived safely for his world cup stint. I am most aggrieved at the kick of times. There's no way I can watch 9pm and 10pm games. Oh, and your cake looked amazing btw. Very French Pattiserie.

Made a new pal down at the beach today. He only seems to have one expression, though!

An all seasons in one day sort of day here too. The wind was quite the thing on the drive home.
I like your little pal @rzw.

This is the least excited I’ve ever been for a World Cup. Usually I’d be out buying my flags by now.

All seasons in one day here too. Just wondering where to put our World Cup Wall Chart. DH gets into it even though he’s not interested in club football, DS and I are very into club football and follow the World Cup / Euros too, DS likes watching the matches in pubs now he’s old enough. Not getting my England flags out yet if at all, too many out for the wrong reasons round here unfortunately.

I'm not really interested in football but I am a tiny bit excited because I'm Scottish. My boss refuses to give me the extra bank holiday though 😂

North coast of Cornwall near Padstow. Same campsite we go to every year and it’s got loads of dog friendly for the dogs to charge around on. It is very much my happy place. On the Saturday I’m helping man my School’s stall at the big county show. Which again is much nicer in fairer weather 🤞🤞🤞

There is a nice video of Nigel on his insta talking about his garden!

Quite.
only two pubs are showing it where we live and both of them are terrifying so we will be at home watching the England games anyway.

I agree with you re the kick off times @RainbowZebraWarrior - they are all timetabled around TV deals of course, I can’t work out what time the matches are actually being played. One of the most difficult things for DH is coordinating his team across three different countries. He said they thought Qatar would be difficult, but at least everything was taking place within a relatively confined area. I know what you mean about England flags @EasterlyDirection - I feel the same way about the Union Jack which I used to love, but I feel has been somewhat hijacked. I’m not much of a football fan, but I love it when France are playing and the cafes are full. DH is away for six weeks and much as I’m looking forward to his return, I don’t want to wish the summer away if that makes sense. A very relaxing day so far - I took myself off for a manicure and now the kids and I are going out to a local cafe for drinks and dinner. Thanks again for all the birthday wishes, they’ve been genuinely uplifting.