The Year Round Nigel Slater discussion thread part 6

[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 on Mumsnet 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

N.B. The Christmas Chronicles thread proper will start in late October, ready for the book beginning on 1st November (seems a long way off, but will be here before we know it!)

Gorgeous photo @RainbowZebraWarrior.

Lovely day here - weather wise at least! I am ploughing through lots of new job related admin. Dull but necessary. Have set off the radio 3 mindful mix playlist and lit a candle to lift my mood, St Eval sea salt which is rather nice. Off out for dinner tonight with two friends that I am long overdue to catch up with. Also had some news about another friend who unfortunately has just been told that she has a brain tumour. It looks treatable but the surgery sounds terrifying - she has to be partially awake!

I had a break to make a real coffee earlier and while waiting on the coffee machine heating up I spied two BNWT Boden dresses in my size for a tenner each on Vinted! Both plain block colours so good for workwear and will also work casually with boots. And I'm pretty sure I can fit a thermal layer underneath for extra warmth in winter. Very pleased with those! Just needs boots weather now!

I must admit I do appreciate it. Especially this moening when it was deserted and I could finally escape my thoughts and think straight. There are also times I could scream as I can't see me being able to get away for any kind of break any time soon, so in a way, I'm doubly grateful to have the beach on my doorstep.

Loving the sound of all your wigs, and how you are embracing them ❤️ Is the hair loss stress related? My Aunt - only a few years older than me - developed a rare type of alopecia after her Mum and Dad died within six weeks of each other.

@thebabessavedme when I was having chemo I bought some gorgeous turbans from silk and lawn. Not the cheapest but gave me a real boost and feel very comfortable. I did get a couple in the sale and splurged on a silk one for a special event. I may have already mentioned that I had my eyebrows tattooed (as separate eyebrow hairs) by Karen Betts - I’ve kept that up with one of her team and it is also a boost.

silkandlawn.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=21046075082&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21046080137&gbraid=0AAAAACMd_uooy89fFfKigJ7vjjUnAxdzE&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzsjVBhC3ARIsALnMv4kL5BwfAHTzX_VRxFbwX54PmfLCu-FauQ2nQaMIlqJd463U78EikecaAqSyEALw_wcB

Good luck with the haircut @thebabessavedme - hope you find fabulous wigs and turbans.

Apparently it's 23C here, I haven't ventured outside since this morning when my walk was accompanied by the local peahen strolling along.

Am getting some very well targeted ads... Except that I already own/ have bought at least two of these things...

Love the peahen! We have a local celebrity peacock called Dave. He lives on a farm on the outskirts but occasionally goes seeking a peahen and ends up becoming a star on the local Facebook groups.

Thanks for the St Eval / TK Maxx heads up, whoever posted that. I just had to pop to Hobbycraft for some elastic (I’m making DD3 a paintbrush roll) and it is next door so I had a recce and bought an orange/cinnamon and a garden greens. The only other one was sandalwood which I don’t love - but if you do, they had loads!
Surgery got cancelled after I’d sat waiting for 8 hours (and 24 hours with no food, I was desperate!). I’ve spent most of today lolling about listlessly - mostly I expect due to lack of food but also because I didn’t dare start anything as I was expecting them to ring and reschedule. They didn’t, although the consultant did call me to apologise, which was nice - so need to pull myself together and achieve something this evening. Even if that is only cutting a piece of elastic to the correct length.

Oh @Celiathebanshee that is so frustrating.

Loving the peahen pics. A town near us has a free flying macaw. I love it when I spot it.

So frustrating @Celiathebanshee any idea when they might reschedule you?

I am avoiding TKMax to the max as I have many candles at present. I’ve just checked the st eval advent calendar I bought in a sale last year and it has survived the hot summer.

this evening was lesson 3 of 4 in my embroidery class online. We learned how to make padded and beaded blackberries. Much still to do on this little section but I know the techniques now and will enjoy this hobby over the autumn. I have a decent magnifying light that goes around my neck to help with the tininess!

We won’t start our Christmas songs at choir till half term as most are very well known and easy enough to pick up for new people, but we will get a couple of new ones. Last year we had Oh Holy Night, I hope it stays in the set list for this year. Unfortunately our choir master has suffered a bereavement, so plans are a bit up in the air, but we had a stand-in this week who runs a gospel choir and it was lots of fun, totally different style of learning and singing.

My trip to Edinburgh was just the reset I needed, I did see some friends and family up there but was mostly by myself which is such a luxury, normally my life is just constantly dealing with other people (adult DCs at home/uni, elderly parents plus all their admin, two jobs plus school governor). I pottered round come lovely places, found some great bookshops and coffee shops (had to resist most of the bookshops due to flying with only hand luggage and it being fairly full already). As well as the cookbook cookshop I found a few others in Stockbridge which is possibly one of the Most Nigel neighbourhoods I have ever visited, full of artisan cafes, delis, independent shops and Greggs. There was a food market going on and I bought some special seasalt which I though you might all find interesting as it is Very Very Nigel https://www.blackthornsalt.co.uk

@LatteLady sending hugs, I hope we can all support you through your treatment. @Celiathebanshee hope you get a new date soon

@ElegantDresshalf term seems like an appropriate time to start Christmas choir rehearsals

@Bimblesalongwhat is this neck magnifying light you mention? I’m struggling with seeing my crossstich and there’s not really room for a decent light where I sit. Exploring other options

Morning all

Sounds like you had a wonderful time in Edinburgh @ElegantDress Mum and I used to make an annual pilgrimage there (its only an hour on the train) but I have just realised that I haven't been before since DD was born!

Quick heads up for anyone with a Waitrose delivery pass. Slots are now open for Christmas. I've booked two orders across two days (20th and 23rd) as it works well for the not so perishables and the main stuff / last minute / oops I forgot.

Made crab apple jelly yesterday and I am loving walking past it in the kitchen as it is always the most beautiful colour. Nature's colours really are the best. I'm finding it quite jarring how many horrid AI printed tripe there is out there where the colours are awful (looking at you local charity shop Christmas cards!)

DD and I are getting more tired by the day. I don't know if this is an autumn thing or not, but my goodness the darkness is closing in so, so fast now!

This is stunning - and puts my meagre efforts to shame (I’m embroidering some Xmas decs). Truly lovely - I hope you are very proud of your work

Things here very slow. Weather lovely and I am enjoying bat-watching with my older two. We’ve also started reading Eagle of the Ninth together. I’d forgotten how beautifully rich the prose is. 7yo needs quite a lot of explanation but it’s engaged them both. She will get to do it again with 5yo in a couple of years.

Unfortunate result of my anaphylaxis is that I have had to say goodbye to the bees. Very sad but they were the cause so I can’t risk getting stung again. If it was just me I’d have just taken extra care but it was really scary for the children with no other adult in the house. Very nice man from the local bee association came and we took the hive to his apiary. They seem to have transferred well. I’m going to do immunotherapy and then try again but at the moment I can’t guarantee having someone to work with me so it was only fair to put the bees somewhere they can be reliably looked after.

Got to do the lawn this weekend. It is very sad but hopefully will reseed ok. It’s never going to be stunning but the hot summer has truly pulled it right down.

Not seeing much of the horses at the moment so need to rectify that. It’s hard because none of the adults will be organised (by me) or take responsibility for overall organisation so it often feels I take up that slack by bending over backwards to accommodate and miss out on things myself. New choir timetable is killing us as well. 7 yo backed out of an audition at the last minute and I can’t say I am upset - we’d have been there every day if she’d got in because boys and girls have different timetables.

wishing everyone good health and luck.

Sorry about the bees @MichaelmasDaisiesAndAutumSunset. I’m a firm believer in new doors opening when old ones close and I am sure you will fill the time with something good. DH tried to make our children read Eagle of the Ninth because he had loved it as a boy but they did not manage it. I don’t know if he tried reading it to them, which they probably would have loved, but as the youngest is now 16 that ship has probably sailed!

Morning all. Happy autumn equinox!

Gorgeous Edinburgh pictures @ElegantDress - when I lived there as a student and for a few years after we aspired to live in Stockbridge!

Your embroidery is amazing @Bimblesalong, such detail.

What a shame about the bees @MichaelmasDaisiesAndAutumSunset but a sensible decision.

It's definitely suddenly feeling much darker in the evenings @RainbowZebraWarrior

Got out for a walk early this morning - making the most of the shortening days! Lovely sunrise. Didn't see the peahen today, but lots of ducks, squirrels and about 200 geese in the park!

Oh my your embroidery is gorgeous @Bimblesalong! And sorry to hear about the bees @MichaelmasDaisiesAndAutumSunset, a sad but sensible decision.

I had a very much needed night out with two wonderful friends last night. Breaded brie with very Nigel pickled pears, crispy beef salad with honeydew cashews (also VN I feel) then the disappointment- 3 scoops of ice cream that must have been made with a teaspoon. Very much a let down.

And then a Vinted let down. A so-called navy top which turned out to be teal and made in the weirdest fabric that managed to feel slightly slimy. Horrible! It was only £2 so I will put it in the charity bag and it will hopefully find a new home there.

It feels quite autumnal this morning. There is dew and a slight mistiness in the air and a chill too.

Oh yes I hope you find some fabulous wigs @thebabesavedme.I like a turban. And those sort of tied bandanas are having a moment it seems, so perhaps you could get some lovely silk ones?

The Edinburgh pics are making me want to go North. I fancy Loch Lomond I think? Or is it too touristy?

Im getting my eye brows microbladed soon @Bimblesalong(for vanity reasons however-mine are falling out I assume due to peri meno and the fact that when I’m stressed or tired, I’ve a habit of rubbing them-I’ve always done it but they are now so weak due to my age that I’m actually making them fall out). I’m very nervous about it but I can’t be bothered filling them in every day. Very impressed with your embroidery. It puts the little cross stitch kit I bought to shame!

I really noticed how dark it was last night here too @RainbowZebraWarriorDefinitely time for hunkering down and hibernating a bit soon

sorry to hear of your bees going @MichaelmasDaisiesAndAutumSunset

Im looking forward to boots weather too @petitpasta.I’ve got some lovely ones that I wore maybe twice last year. Also I was absolutely sweltering at work yesterday and Im a bit over it tbh.

Sorry your surgery got cancelled @Celiathebansheeits so annoying when you have gee’d yourself up for it.

I like your Peahen @martha79. My friend used to live in Stanstead mountfitchet where they have peacocks just knocking about the village at will. They have special road signs and everything.

day off today and thank goodness as I’ve been awake for no reason since 2.30 this morning. Going to take the Dogs for a longish walk, then come home and recommence my big de clutter. I’ve so far filled three big laundry bags with clothes for the charity shop and I’m going to go through the huge pile of letters this afternoon. We might go to the cinema later to see Pressure, but I think the DSS’s will find it too slow and I want to enjoy it without them moaning about it. We shall see.

A happy Autumn equinox to us all

Love the sound of your meal @petitpasta apart from the tiny ice cream!

@piscofrisco boots weather is definitely coming - my ankle wellies had their debut this morning as it had rained a lot overnight.

good Morning Nigelistas My hair looks GREAT!! My hairdresser buzzed it on number 3 at the top and 1 and 2 at the back, sure it exposes my bald patches but it looks neat and clean and according to DD is very edgy and I could go out without a wig. I'm not going to but I feel much more comfortable with my new look. Thanks to @Bimblesalong for the turban recommendation, I'm in love with a couple of the Liberty print ones, lovely!

I love hearing about all the cooking, preserving etc, it's all so gentle on the mind, also peahens, cookbook shops, pictures of paris, sea glass, bee keeping, horses sewing and all the other things that interest a Nigelista We seem to be a very diveverse bunch.

Much Love x

Oh gosh I had completely forgotten it was the Autumn Equinox! Feels like flipping winter here, today not Autumn. Pitch black and pouring with rain. All lights and lamps are on in the house. Going to light a candle now too. Speaking of which, I am also avoiding buying more @Bimblesalong as I now have cupboards full. I did have a sniff at some last week in my outlet place. A cucumber one was particularly lovely, but a big sniff of a 'Leather and Whisky' one just made me think of some of the folk's breath I used to arrest for being drunk and disorderly in Whitley Bay on a Saturday night! Oh, also your berries are stunning! Way beyond me.

Sorry to hear you are having to give up the bees @MichaelmasDaisiesAndAutumSunset that's really sad, but at least you got to experience it. I agree that when one door closes another opens. Hopefully something sinilarly rewarding will come your way. I still can't find a choir myself.

I also meant to say I hope things get rescheduled asap for you @Celiathebanshee It's terrfiting how many medical things are being cancelled or postponed at the moment. Especially last minute. So annoying.

Let me know what you think of Pressure @piscofrisco I have earmarked an 11am showing of Sense and Sensibility for myself on Friday morning. I get very excited when there's a showing at that sort of time and I'm able to go. It feels so decadent and luxurious to have that level of Me Time.

Speaking of being rather excited, I have Waitrose coming in an hour with my Halloween Edition boxes of Who gives a crap toilet roll. Gosh. I'm easily pleased eh?? 😆 A bit like the Victoria Wood line "I get overly excited if there's a pattern on my kitchen roll"

Since we haven't had a Mr Darcy pic for a while, here he is now all snuggled up. DD has an alarm that goes off 5 mins before we leave for school. As soon as he hears it, he knows she will be grabbing her bag etc and runs and jumps into his basket on my bed.

An he looks very Autumnal. Here is our smallest Jack Russell who has assumed the position she will now take until Spring

@piscofrisco I went to see Pressure while I was in Edinburgh (good way to spend an evening if you are away on your own, I went to see Bad Apples the next night), really enjoyed it. I'm from close to where the film was set on the south coast so that added interest, although it wasn't filmed there as it is still MOD. Bad Apples was really good too

I had my eyebrows tattooed about 6 years ago (microblading wasn't suitable for my skin type, so I have powder brows which are hundreds of tiny dots). I lost my brows to alopecia and am dark haired so it was a nightmare drawing them on every day and worrying about rubbing them off. I draw fine hairstrokes over them with a felt tip brow pen every morning now, takes about 20s and I LOVE them.

Loch Lomond, I go there a lot and yes it is touristy in some places but others are quieter, we usually go in late August once the Scottish schools have gone back and it is pretty quiet then. It is stunningly beautiful, you can go on boat trips, there are some safe swimming places (bloody freezing mind you) and paddle boarding etc.

It's so warm down here, I had to go into London on business yesterday, took a blazer but didn't put it on once and was still too hot in a short sleeved top. Forecast 23 today.

What a little sweetheart.

I also love Loch Lomond and went every summer as a child. I then went every summer once I learned to drive aged 16. As @ElegantDress says it is stunningly beautiful. Always busy in July and early August (plus Midges!!) I also saw Oasis there back in 1996 I think it was. Ahhhh happy Days!

Ah, I missed this between posts. Pleased you're loving your new buzz cut. I guess it must feel very liberating in many ways. It's practical, too. DD has an undercut and keeps going higher and higher up with the shaved bit. She says it's great in hot weather as you dont sweat at the nape of the neck!

Weird weather here, although perhaps not, for the time of year, I'm not sure any more. It is almost October after all. We had 22 degrees here on Monday and Tuesday which is unreasonably warm for us, but tonight we are forecast 4 degrees. It's that old coat on, coat off scenario. The heating will definitely be going on tonight, though.

No doubt there will be a thread on MN soon enough with folk stating that "heating doesn't go on here until December"