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!)

Ooh @ElegantDress I've never been to a Sostrene Green and I really want to! Now that DD is at school I'm planning to take myself off for a day's shopping in Cheltenham which I believe has one. I'm not usually one for buying loads of Christmas stuff but I love the look of their things.
Happy birthday @Bimblesalong sounds like you had a lovely time in the Cotswolds. I love Stow on the Wold. The church door is wonderful. My DH is from Yorkshire so he disagrees but I think the countryside round there is truly God's own.
Hope you feel better soon @piscofrisco and your consultation gives you some results.
Hope the noisy neighbours settle down @martha79
Gorgeous cat burglar @LillianGish so handsome.
I'm taking it easy today as I have a nasty cold. It came on so suddenly yesterday. I got in the bath absolutely fine and 20 minutes later when I got out I had a cold! How does that happen? So just pottering around the house today. All the talk of Strictly (good and bad) makes me feel like watching a bit of it. I love the dancing but there's so much chat and stuff in between dances it drags on for so long. So I have a love and hate relationship with it. I usually succomb to watching it in the end though!
Have a good Monday everyone x

Morning all

What a gorgeous cat @LillianGish!

I've not been to Sostrene Grene for ages, one of the few shops that makes me feel calm rather than stressed 😁

Having said I'm not keen on competition-like shows, I am quite looking forward to giving the Traitors a go later in the week. I haven't watched it before so let's see if it really is as good as everyone says.

Still feeling quite out of sorts today (I swear that the neighbours/ their friends chatted for 24 hours non-stop) but I have some exciting deliveries - dehumidifier came first thing, multicooker should be here later, and some fancy colouring pens I got off Vinted are also due.

I also hate how colds and flu just hit like a brick out of the blue @Markknopflersheadband They don't give you a chance to say "oh, hang on, feel like I might be coming down with something, best take it easy" Hope it passes quickly!

I am also looking forward to celeb traitors @martha79 I have never watched the regular one, but was glued to last year's celeb one. There is something fascinating about watching human behaviour - a little like the original BB - We quite like a few of the folk on this year so DD and I will be watching every night. I am interested to see how certain folk will come across, as there are some big personalities. Last years was mostly very amicable, but I see they have picked a handful of 'agitators' this year, so I forsee some big clashes. I am rooting for Miranda Hart and James Blunt as he's always struck me as a really decent and very funny bloke.

Our nurdle disaster is the gift that keeps on giving. The crane that collapsed into the Tyne is now being smashed up and loaded onto a comtainer ship. The sound is akin to the roar of a jet engine / thunder every few seconds. We could hear it from DDs school and yesterday in Tynemouth, but thankfully not from home as I am told that they started at 6.30am yesterday! Compensation should be very much forthcoming for the local environment from the company responsible for the initial accident, but will probably take a decade of legal wrangling.

Offsetting the above with small moments of joy, my Dad found these gourds growing out of the compost heap at the stables yesterday (not ours; on the farm where the bees are) so I am going to make a bonny display later in October as apparently there are loads more. Also, the candle was a treat on my weekend Waitrose order. DD says it smells like cherry woodsmoke.

Afternoon, it is a gorgeous sunny day. I have stacks of paperwork to get through, with bursts of work interspersed with a bit of deadheading around the garden. I have a second flush of some roses and the dahlias are looking pretty. The tomatoes are finally going red!

Having said that I have enough candles, I'm already planning to give that one a good sniff when I go to Waitrose later this week, @RainbowZebraWarrior ! There were some lovely ones at Daylesford Organic but at equally outlandish prices. I love hearing of your plans for your candle spend. Love a bit of "jolly money"!

Gah at the neighbours, @martha79 , I share the hope that it was just a moving in party.

Feel better soon @piscofrisco What a ghastly thing to be dealing with. I have a friend with similar who has a consultant in London who is helping (not sure who but could ask if you like). Fascinating info about the WM house and how haunted it was. Shivers!

@LillianGish he is just lovely! There are some gorgeous big chonks down at my mum's, so we had some decent sightings there too.

@LatteLady I hope you're doing ok and that there have been no more stalker incidents. How ruddy tiresome.

I am also awaiting the start of this year's celebrity traitors. We hadn't watched traitors at all last year, but were hooked! I have it set to record and will watch when I get back from choir - will have to avoid the internet until afterwards!

I have had an exciting delivery today; a brand new but second hand kelly kettle. All part of what I'm calling my "apocalypse planning". Hopefully, it all won't be needed but it makes me feel better!

I'm another who didn't watch Traitors till the Celeb one and was then hooked, I also loved the most recent non-celeb one, looking forward to it!

I wanted to update on the Pott candle, having given it s bit of a rubbishing a couple of weeks ago. After the initial kerfuffle with it forming a funnel, they sent me a replacement candle, but the original one has now lit easily every time I've used it since. The fragrance is strong and lingers, it is the tomato leaf one and I really like it. I have put the still-wrapped replacement in another room and you can smell it when you walk in. These are only votive sized, not massive but we have small rooms. I will update again when I have started the second one, but I am over my initial annoyance and they did respond rapidly to my complaint.

Oh a Kelly kettle. How exciting @Bimblesalong I am all for planning for an apocalypse. Donkeys years ago, I started a Prepping for a Pandemic thread on the peppers board, and sure enough we ended up with a Pandemic on our hands. It's good to be prepared for most eventualities where possible. I'm not on the boards as much as I used to be, but as I was also a business continuity manager for HMRC, it never leaves you.

Nigel’s latest insta post about his ceramics collection (attaching a few photos for those who don’t have Instagram) is reminding me - as if I needed reminding - just how pared back, minimalistic and eye-watering expensive his own personal style is. His kitchen - including the cupboards - is like a museum installation. Do you think he has someone to do the dusting? Who would dare? I have to remember that he in fact has two kitchens so maybe the other is more like the kitchen if an ordinary mortal, but actually I doubt it! I think it’s a level of perfection that can only be achieved and maintained if you live alone. I’m wondering if his next book will be about Japanese ceramics as this seems to be a bit of a theme with his posts at the moment. It’s definitely not a cosy vibe is it? More ascetic and monkish - no wonder her like candles that smell of damp cloisters, that is the vibe in his house.

I’m also not a strictly fan - I don’t think I’ve ever made it through a whole series, it just goes on and on and the media bangs on about it and all the extra side programmes! I haven’t got the stamina for it. And I haven’t watched bake off since it moved to channel 4 (not for reasons of bbc snobbery, we were living abroad at the time and couldn’t get channel 4!) although I really like Nigella so I am considering revisiting it for this series. I’m a huge traitors fan (I haven’t watched them all but I have watched Ireland and a couple of US series) and so excited for Thursday - that’s the day of my rescheduled op so I hope to be home and sufficiently compos mentis to watch it that evening but if not I have the perfect excuse to loll about on the sofa and catch up the next day.
I agree that Nigel’s style is not cosy @LillianGish and although I think his home and garden are really beautiful I would not like to live there. (More than happy to pop in for dinner though, Nigel, if you are reading).

Im a great admirer of Nigel’s style and it’s absolutely how I’d live if I had the monies, time, no kids and a DH capable of putting things away where they should be. Awake from the early hours again I’ve spent a fair bit of time looking through houseboats for sale. This was always my plan for when the girls departed (before I met DH)-I was going to downsize to a two bed Dutch barge moored in London somewhere-I had St Catherine’s dock earmarked as a preference or the slightly less spendy Limehouse basin. I was going to have a very minimalist house boat, just me and the dogs, work managing MH services and do some counselling work (on the boat) on the side to cover the mooring fees. I often think of it when I’ve just spent an hour clearing up everyone’s detritus and folding laundry. There’s a lovely house boat on the market as st Catherine’s dock now but it’s a touch out of price range at 360k plus mooring fees and I don’t think the Daschund would like the proximity of the ducks

I dipped in and out of The Traitors last year but I’m going to make more of an effort this time as it has my beloved Richard E Grant and Michael Sheen. I do hope they come across well on it as I will be upset if it turns out either of them are not as nice as I hope they are.

Ive started some light prepping here too. I’ve always had a just in case cupboard which just comes from living in rural Derbyshire where we would sometimes get stuck for things. So it’s just a slightly souped up version of that. Everyone took the mickey until Covid started, and after that they wanted in on my toilet rolls. The best thing I did however was to have a milkman. That man could get hold of anything it seemed, like Del Boy on a milk float. Not sure how he’d go on in a nuclear fall out however.

Irs going to be 26 degrees on the farm today. I can’t be doing with it honestly.

have a lovely day all

I would also steal Nigel's style if I had the money, with a bit of a 1960s angle on it (my late night browsing is usually somewhere like here: https://www.modernistestates.com/homes)

I don't really have space to be prepping! My cupboards are as full as they can be though, and I'll get a couple of big bottles of water with my next shopping delivery - it's not unusual for the water to go off here anyway, we seem to have some awful antiquated pipes in this city.

My multi-cooker arrived yesterday and I made beef stew with lots of parsnips - was nice although I used too much liquid, sure it'll be a learning curve with it though.

Neighbours seem to have been quieter since mid-morning yesterday, when there were some very loud, err, bed squeaking and accompanying noises - unfortunately their bedroom is above my bedroom, which is where my desk nook is, and I was about to run a live Zoom event at work. I put some equally loud music on my phone and put it on the highest shelf for five minutes and I think they may have got the message about sound travelling... 😖😂

I adore Nigel's style (no surprise, as this is what has created this happy band of Nigelistas!). I do wonder if he has a suitably artfully distressed and faded velvet sofa with comfy cushions somewhere hidden to sink into. Maybe a burnt orange.

Glad your neighbours are quieter, @martha79 , they're certainly marking their new territory! I agree re space but also in terms of mental space. DH says, as long as it helps me feel better, pop a couple of extra things here and there (he'd better not look at my secret stash behind my office sofa ...). I come from a generation directly influenced by the make do and mend and putting by of the war years. My granny was a terrific housekeeper, and was originally in service as a lady's companion, then working as the sewing lady for a nice hotel after she was widowed. My parents had experienced rationing as they grew up and always felt better with a few extras put by in the cupboards. Light prepping is a nice concept, @piscofrisco - I align with this! Love the houseboat idea. I do look at the canal boats on my walks and wonder but then I feel motion sick even on one of those, and I probably wouldn't be able to take the grand piano!

I am gradually putting away the lovely birthday presents from friends. The nicest thing has been hearing from people from all parts of my life. Lovely cards, which will be out for much longer than usual as it makes me think of all of these best beloveds. One of the loveliest presents (apart from ds2's painted bottle) was an affirmation box from one of my long-time friends. We met at university and became firm friends, loving women's poetry, Kate Bush, purple things, etc. She has had a different pathway as she developed ME and has been unable to work but has always done everything she can, volunteering when she has the spoons. She is an artist and a writer. She has filled a beautiful tin of affirmations for me, handwritten, and it honestly makes me tear up to open one. I will dip into this muchly.

Arghhhhh. Had to email the school at 7am for help with DD. To be fair to them, someone was on the phone by 7.30 and they met us to take DD in this morning. Meeting being set up going forward. I think as she appears to 'manage' academically in mainstream, people don't really see the child who is glued to her Mum outside of school, has never 'played out' or mixed at all with other kids outside school and may never be able to live independently. <deep breaths> Onwards and upwards.

My bedroom blinds broke this morning and my crap ancient windows were running with condensation after a mildly frosty night. I cannot go through another winter like this so I have finally made the appointment for a quote for replacement double glazing. It will no doubt be terrifyingly expensive and I haven't finished paying off the conservatory roof yet, but I will have to find a way.

Yes Nigel's house is just something else and I also appreciate that he has issues like dodgy boilers, uneven walls and draughts.

Loving 'Del boy on a milkfloat'@piscofrisco and yeah, folk have always thought I was bonkers for my thinking ahead and putting away attitude until the Pandemic came along. Can't believe some of you are still having 25 plus degrees. It's October in 2 days!

That sounds so, so wonderful from your friend @Bimblesalong as you say, it will be something special to dip into.

My best friend sent me this yesterday. We are both struggling a bit so don't see each other as much (she cares for her husband and all my time and spoons are taken up with DD) but we WhatsApp every day and it is a lovely little chance to catch up, rant, cry, laugh or just sand love and hugs. Small moments of joy, or a brief moment that saves my sanity for another evening.

Meant to say @martha79 that it took me a while to get the liquid ratio right with my crockpot. I always keep it on the drier side as the natural condensation loosens any 'sauce' Also thanks for the reminder about parsnips. I keep forgetting, and they are delicious in a stew!

Ooh also, half the leaves are off some of the trees here, but we are still managing to find conkers if we rustle and root around in the dried leaves beneath the horse chestnut trees 🌰 🌰

I find Nigel's style very relaxing to look at but wouldn't actually want to live like he does. I love his house, but I like a bit more colour, he would HATE my Christmas tree as it is a riot of multi-coloured baubles and fairylights.

Sorry about DD's struggles @RainbowZebraWarrior I do think this is a big problem that academically able youngsters especially girls mask and everyone thinks they are fine.

Aye, he would have a wobbler if he came to my house for the same reasons.

I totally agree, and thanks for the support x

The weather here is atrocious. It is cold, windy, dark, misty and raining. All the cars have their lights on and it's depressing. My joints are not happy and I will be lighting the stove as soon as we are home. By the smell of woodsmoke in the air, I am not the only one.

I have parsnips though, so a quick and dirty stew will be forthcoming in a couple of hours since the meat is already cooked.

<taps nose> forward thinking 'an all

I’d like to imagine him with a burnt orange sofa @Bimblesalongbut only because it would further justify my burnt orange love seat which no one else in the family appreciates.

I can’t believe how autumnal that picture looks @RainbowZebraWarrior. The farm looks as green as it does in high summer nearly still. There are a few leaves off and a bit of turning in colour but noting dramatic. I’ve been in shorts and t short today and I was hot although it’s meant to rain tonight and tomorrow. Im
going to take the dogs out now before it does.

I'm so glad the school are helpful. Thats something at least.

I wish I had all lovely stew to come home too. I should have a lovely curry but DD forgot to turn the slow cooker on at lunchtime so I will be making do with a cheese and ham
sandwich and a Scottish egg.

Leftover stew for me tonight! I think I forgot that pressure cooking doesn't evaporate any water and was cautious about it overheating. I'll get the hang of it.

😂at 'marking their territory' @Bimblesalong

In neighbour news - upstairs still fairly quiet apart from general wandering about. Finally met the man downstairs who insisted on giving me his number in case I ever need anything. Doing my estate agent bit again later this week as there's a few more people who want to view and the landlady isn't free. Meanwhile, pondering the mystery of which of my neighbours put eggshells in the paper recycling bin. Do they think eggs are coated in cardboard? Do they just not care? Was it the people who moved out and it'll never happen again? Why are people just so weird?

It's both autumnal here and disgustingly warm - just had a horribly humid walk, but I did see this impressive mushroom.

I love my pressure cooker @martha79 but you definitely don’t need to add liquid. I made the meat for a moussaka in mine today - literally minced lamb, onions, carrots, courgette, seasoning and a tin of tomatoes laid carefully on top. No added liquid and it was perfect (the veg gives off quite a lot of liquid too)

Thanks, that's helpful. I've got mince to make Bolognese or chilli so will remember not to make it too liquidy!

Glad that school are on it but not glad that dd is having a tricky patch @RainbowZebraWarrior

popping in to share my borlotti beans which are finally ready and a thing of beauty. Ill
pick the rest at the weekend and decide what I’m cooking them with.

Final stitch class tonight. We now have all the techniques we need to complete the piece. I’m loving these new skills very much! Image of the back of the work too, as we’ve also focused on making this neat. It’s been a tonic after a busy office day.

So sorry @RainbowZebraWarrior that your DD is having a tough time. I'm glad that the school are being supportive though.

Your embroidery looks amazing @Bimblesalong !

@piscofrisco NVN but sounds like topical oestrogen might be helpful? A couple of long running threads on the menopause board. GP can prescribe or you can just buy it privately. I understand it can make a big difference with recurrent UTIs….

I have requested it @comtessebut the GP is odd about prescribing it for some reason. I will go to boots today and part with some monies in the hope of some relief.

Your embroidery is magnificent @Bimblesalong

A hot and humid night here too @martha79and of the much promised rain we have seen not one drop. The neighbour seems promising then-at least he has shown willing by giving you his number.

day off today. Usual cleaning, food shop , cooking. Dull but necessary as are away for much of the weekend, all of us to Bristol to see DD on Saturday and then a long drive for just me from Bristol to Derbyshire on Sunday to scatter Dads ashes (as it’s the only time my brother and sister can be in the same place at the same time). I’m dreading it in truth as my sister is still not speaking to my mum and there is no agreement on where to put him yet so I don’t envisage it going well at all. My Mum is more abstract and snippy than usual this week (on the phone), and it’s all just doing my head in.

cheery aren’t I? :)

Have a lovely Wednesday all

Morning all

Hope things are better for DD this morning @RainbowZebraWarrior

Lovely VN beans photo @Bimblesalong and the embroidery is just stunning.

I hope things go OK with the family @piscofrisco, it sounds difficult.

Another grey, warm and damp morning here. Will be putting something in the pressure cooker (I think I've got chicken that needs used up first) and I think popping out to the library as it's not letting me renew my books online. I might also make it to the Danish bakery as they have all their 'swirls' reduced on a Wednesday!