AS: Cool Britannia (sort of): the British thread 2019

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  • You missed out on the snowfall that Toronto (and Chicago) had overnight, which might be something to be grateful for.
  • PigletPiglet All Saints Host, Circus Host
    Indeed it is!
  • Wesley JWesley J Shipmate
    I see that Notre Dame cathedral in Paris is on fire. Tremendous sadness. LVER and all Parisians will be devastated.

    I went to a Christmas Eve midnight service there many years ago - not very memorable in terms of the message and all that, but of course a formidable, truly historic building. No one hurt, as it seems. :(

    <votive>
  • Wesley J wrote: »
    . No one hurt, as it seems. :(

    <votive>
    Two police officers and one firefighter were injured, according to news reports
  • KarlLBKarlLB Shipmate
    edited April 2019
    The last potluck I went to I took a mushroom biryani (mushroom curry topped with coconut rice, shepherds pie style). I generally think veggie things are safer to take when you don’t know how long things will be sitting around.

    Generally true, but can I sound a note of caution - rice is a very common cause of food poisoning if kept warm for any length of time. I'm reliably informed that most gastro-enterinal problems the day following a curry are from the rice, not the curry, although the latter is often blamed.

    https://www.express.co.uk/life-style/health/666554/reheating-rice-food-poisoning:

    FSA: “Uncooked rice can contain spores of bacteria that can cause food poisoning.

    When the rice is cooked, the spores can survive. Then, if the rice is left standing at room temperature, the spores will multiply and may produce poisons that cause vomiting or diarrhoea.

    “Reheating the rice won't get rid of these poisons.

    “So, the longer cooked rice is left at room temperature, the more likely it is that poisons produced could stop the rice being safe to eat.

    “It's best to serve rice when it has just been cooked. If that isn't possible, cool the rice as quickly as possible (ideally within one hour) and keep it in the fridge for no more than one day until reheating.”
  • Looks like I should innovate a Bombay potato topping next time then! (Hm, dahl and Bombay potatoes...)
  • Wesley JWesley J Shipmate
    edited April 2019
    I am quite partial to Roald Dahl, myself. He has rather tasty books, or actually, tasteful(ly disgusting) stories therein, which nourish well one's heart and mind!
  • KarlLB wrote: »
    ...rice is a very common cause of food poisoning if kept warm for any length of time.....”
    and some people (myself included) are rather allergic to it.

  • PigletPiglet All Saints Host, Circus Host
    No rice here today - we've just finished a lunch of baked potatoes with cheese (and industrial quantities of butter, obviously).

    The Holy Week busy-ness is beginning today: Tenebrae this evening, then when I get home I'm going to set a crock-pot of chicken-and-veggie SOUP going for the Cathedral pre-service supper on Maundy Thursday. Tomorrow I'll make a batch of bread to go with it.

    Supper and service tomorrow evening, then I'm more-or-less free (apart from D's lunchtime recital on Friday) until Saturday evening, when the choir sings the Easter Eve service, then all bells and whistles on Easter morning.

    D. (bless him!) has a few other bits and pieces in between that lot - the clergy's blessing of oils tomorrow morning, and something involving the band on Good Friday.

    Luckily for us, the three-hour devotion here is done by the parish church, so we're not involved - it's not one of my favourite things. Even more luckily, there's none of this daft getting up to sing a service at silly o'clock on Easter morning, like there was in St. John's - I'm very glad not to have to do that any more!
  • Wesley JWesley J Shipmate
    Piglet wrote: »
    [...] the clergy's blessing of oils tomorrow morning [...]
    As this thread is more often than not about food, I suddenly had the mental image of a couple of nicely-robed clergy discussing the pros and cons of different types of olive oils and assorted dressings, where then only the best would get their blessings, and be used for any forthcoming church foody events.

    I like the thought that there can be not 'only' spiritual enjoyment, but culinary pleasures too, and even with a blessing from above! :)
  • PigletPiglet All Saints Host, Circus Host
    edited April 2019
    Quite right - I meant holy oils, but I absolutely see what you mean!

    Hair has been shorn, and next appointment made (we're going to a wedding at the beginning of June, and I thought I might as well get ahead of myself).

    It's been a glorious day (currently 12° and sunny), but the forecast for the weekend seems to be rain, rain and more rain ... :cry:
  • Well, I will probably make myself very unpopular, but I'd love some rain, rain and more rain. We have had very little here recently, and I've been watering my plant pots for what seems like weeks.

    I only want rain at nights, though, at least for the next few days. Little grandson visiting and I don't fancy trying to keep a just-over-two-year-old entertained indoors in a not totally childproofed bungalow.

    Then again, looking at temperatures over C20 in April has me anxious that I will need to confine myself to indoor activities in the hours of daylight. I'm in a no-win situation here!
  • You should have been here on Tuesday. Our road flooded (global warming, drains aren't set up to deal with this quantity) and L1 was out with the broom helping to keep the gutters clear.
  • PigletPiglet All Saints Host, Circus Host
    Don't get me wrong, RoS - rain is just fine when you're coming out of nearly six months of snow! It's just a worry that the combination of snow-melt and a few days of rain could cause flooding.

    We had a very nice service of Tenebrae this evening - one of our basses did a sterling job cantoring all the plainsong psalms, and D. was well-pleased with everything.

    One down, three (for me, five for D) to go.

    SOUP merrily doing its thing in the slow-cooker for tomorrow evening.
  • Amen, @Roseofsharon !!!!
  • Piglet wrote: »
    Don't get me wrong, RoS

    Not at all.
    In your situation I would agree wholeheartedly. I wouldn't even be able to throw buckets of sun on my plants to keep them going
  • The Priest-in-Charge treated us to Meditations on the Via Dolorosa yesterday evening: this consisted of the PinC walking around the Stations and reading out a lengthy passage (by ? we weren't told) and then a hymn for every 2 stations. At the end he swung straight into Compline with no pause, so no escape. The whole thing took just over two-and-a-half hours.

    The congregation was barely in double figures. I had advised the PinC that this extended version of the old SoTC was unlikely to get larger numbers than the older, simpler (and shorter) version but hey, what I do know? Anyway, it was the lowest attendance at any HW service for the last 20 years.

    So, I service down, another 6 to go (4 for the Choir).

    I have adopted my usual HW routine: massive breakfast-lunch so I'm not snacking at 10pm or later. This morning - Fried lamb's liver, sausages, mushrooms, sauté potatoes and salad, followed by toast and greengage jam.
  • I’ll join you with the liver, I’m on a low carb diet and had chicken liver, bacon and egg for lunch (my sons declined the liver and had fried leftover potatoes instead).
    Another afternoon of marking today, my third this week. I have mass essay marking for the next few weeks; this week’s essays are about the grieving process.
  • The Priest-in-Charge treated us to Meditations on the Via Dolorosa yesterday evening: this consisted of the PinC walking around the Stations and reading out a lengthy passage (by ? we weren't told) and then a hymn for every 2 stations. At the end he swung straight into Compline with no pause, so no escape. The whole thing took just over two-and-a-half hours.

    The congregation was barely in double figures. I had advised the PinC that this extended version of the old SoTC was unlikely to get larger numbers than the older, simpler (and shorter) version but hey, what I do know? Anyway, it was the lowest attendance at any HW service for the last 20 years.

    So, I service down, another 6 to go (4 for the Choir).

    I have adopted my usual HW routine: massive breakfast-lunch so I'm not snacking at 10pm or later. This morning - Fried lamb's liver, sausages, mushrooms, sauté potatoes and salad, followed by toast and greengage jam.

    Strewth - this Lent we've done proper i.e. brief SoTC, followed (after a short pause) by Compline, the whole taking 35 minutes max (depending on who was leading SoTC, and what material they were using).

    Mind you, you deserved the penance. Fancy eating SALAD for breakfast in Lent! :wink:

  • finelinefineline Kerygmania Host, 8th Day Host
    I had chicken liver the other day too - fried with bacon and onion, and a dash of blackberry gin, and I made mash from parsnips and carrots. It was very nice.

    Lots of rain and lots of sun here. I need to get my lawn mower out - my garden is looking very overgrown!
  • No, no - that's not a garden - it's a Nature Reserve!
  • finelinefineline Kerygmania Host, 8th Day Host
    Heh, it's really just a patch of grass. With lots of dandelions and daisies.
  • Bishops FingerBishops Finger Shipmate
    edited April 2019
    Just as I said - a Nature Reserve!

    Dandelion leaves go nicely in a green SALAD.....
    :wink:

    A nutritious plant, and beautifully coloured (well, the flowers, anyway).

    O, and you can, of course, turn dandelions into WINE :grin:
  • If anyone asks me about not mowing my lawn at this time of the year I would say that it's not laziness, but that dandelions are the only food available at the moment for early bees and it would be more than 50% true :wink:

    FYI, we've had regular full SoTC during Lent with spoken and sung responses and an ecumenical one on Monday for our place's contribution to the annual reciprocal Holy Week Services (with local Methodists and CoE) including added explanation and none of them have topped 45 minutes.
  • PigletPiglet All Saints Host, Circus Host
    ... At the end he swung straight into Compline with no pause, so no escape. The whole thing took just over two-and-a-half hours ...
    Crikey! :astonished:

    That's pushing it, imho - he'll be lucky if he gets anyone next year! It seems to me that most people like short, fairly simple services during Holy Week - they like to feel that they're Doing Something, but don't necessarily want to go full pilgrimage. Well, I do anyway.

    D's just back from the blessing of oils, and as he got fed afterwards, I'm going to cook up a corn-cob for my lunch. The SOUP is made, and I'm about to put the bread in the oven.
  • And I've just managed the Conservation Area cut the lawn.
  • Piglet wrote: »
    It seems to me that most people like short, fairly simple services during Holy Week - they like to feel that they're Doing Something, but don't necessarily want to go full pilgrimage.

    Also, they're mostly weekdays/nights. Most people are still dealing with w*rk, school, whatever. If the only service available is over two hours long, they may not have any choice but to miss it. Life does get in the way sometimes.
  • PigletPiglet All Saints Host, Circus Host
    Indeed. We didn't have a huge congregation last night - and being Anglicans, they all sat at the back - but there were more than there were in the choir, so we felt it was worth it!

    We may get more tonight for Communion and stripping the altar.
    Piglet wrote: »
    ... I'm going to cook up a corn-cob for my lunch ...
    Make that two corn-cobs ... :blush:

    Well, they needed using up - that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it!
  • Corn, butter and pepper and salt. Great lunch
  • PigletPiglet All Saints Host, Circus Host
    Absolutely!

    We had a very good Maundy Thursday service this evening following the soup-and-bread supper - D. was well pleased.

    That rain that we were warned about has started, and already sounds very heavy: although it's going to be quite a warm Easter, it's also going to be a very wet one.
  • Church this morning for a short service of an hour (new frontiers church) then we’re going punting. Looks like it will be 21 degrees this afternoon.
    Possibly an Iandian restaurant later.
  • Going to the wilds of Lincolnshire to look at a possible business. (Help!) I may come back via Skegness. Brits will hold up their hands in horror, but as a child it was my standard holiday destination: easily accessible by train and totally flat. Just what you need for a father who can't walk far.
    Then back for an hour's service.
  • I spent my childhood holidays at the Ladbrokes holiday camp at Caister so I’m not going to judge Skeggy!
  • The sun has definitely come out today. Everyone's out in vests and shorts.

    One of my neighbours is out on his roof fixing his chimney. He's wearing cargo shorts and no shirt and it looks like he's an urchin recreating Mary Poppins!
  • Wesley JWesley J Shipmate
    A sight to behold! :D

    In my neck of the Continental Woods, I'm listening to BBC Radio 3, where they currently do some rather newfangled 'Music for Good Friday', ... some of which truly makes you lose the will to live. But then, that is rather fitting for the occasion, isn't it!

    No urchins hereabouts I'm afraid, but be-t-shirted parts of the populace, too, unsurprisingly, as it is a whopping 21 degrees C, up to 23C in some nearby areas. We're still in need of lots of heavenly wetness to fill the needs of nature and mankind here, however. - Piglet, shove over some of yours to these dry climes here, will you, please! :)
  • JapesJapes Shipmate
    I'm rather enjoying the new-fangled music at Radio 3 at the moment! There was some more traditional Good Friday music on this morning, and Bach's St John's Passion in the middle of the night. Which, given I'm recovering from a Good Friday Three Hours service which I didn't have the luxury of walking out of (but I did have the luxury of being able to read more Japes' appropriate Good Friday material behind the organ - I was prepared for this eventuality), is very soothing to my soul.

    Also, the annual Hot Cross Bun has been eaten and as it's such a lovely late afternoon, I shall take myself off for a walk before deciding on one of the three easily available Good Friday musically appropriate concerts this evening!
  • What is it with these 'Three Hours' Services'?

    Yes, Our Blessed Lord hung on the cross for three hours, but are we actually called to emulate that (which, not being the Son of God, we could never do, anyway)?
  • Wesley JWesley J Shipmate
    Quite. That's why I've switched to Radio France Musique - where they have some nice jazz now. Thank you for your pastoral benediction, BF. :D

    On their site, there's even a Requiem by Hector Berlioz from Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, from 2014; might listen to this later!
  • PigletPiglet All Saints Host, Circus Host
    D's organ recital today included a tribute to Notre Dame in the form of pieces by two of its past organists - Vierne and his less-well-known successor, the Comte de St-Martin.

    Afterwards we picked up a Chinese takeaway from a place we've been meaning to try for a while called Buffet to Go, where you take a box of your preferred size, and fill it from a buffet, and it was really rather good.

    Looking forward to a bit of peace and quiet* until tomorrow evening.

    * except for the rain pattering on the roof ...
  • A sunny afternoon’s punting and picnicking and then we decided to pop into Carluccio’s for coffee and Italian ice cream - mine was a rather lovely bitter chocolate. It was too early for an Indian so we are lazing at home, not sure what we’ll be eating.
  • In the middle of entertaining visitors.
    Toddler grandson is delightful, and very energetic -wears me out just watching. Also slaving happily over a hot stove, trying out new recipes on his parents. Some from a new cookbook Elder Son gave me for Mothering Sunday. All successful so far.
  • Ended up in Mablethorpe - slightly up from Skegness. Dear God, but it took me back. I even had a cornet with a flake. Really fell for the place, but still have to get some sense from the bank.
    Off to Sheffield tomorrow to look at another, hoping to go home via Hardwick Hall, as I haven't been there in an age.
    I must have missed the worst of Radio 3, though I did switch to 4 when they inflicted Berg on me. There was some decent choral music earlier, which I sang along to. Good to know I can remember the alto lines after all this time.
  • Morning Service at 10, followed by an Ecumenical Walk of Witness and open-air service.

    We'd been roped in to sing in a new Good Friday cantata at the Parish Church, so rehearsed from 4-6, devotional concert at 7, then fish and chips on the way home!
  • Today I spotted the first sunburnt shoulders I’ve seen this year. No sun burnt anything for me - after all May’s not out, so I’m still well covered up.
  • PigletPiglet All Saints Host, Circus Host
    No chance of sunburn here, but we did (whisper it!) put the electric snow-shovel away in the shed. I wondered if we're tempting fate, but as D. said, even if we get a blizzard (unlikely but not out of the question), we'd see it on the weather forecast and be able to get the shovel out in time. The problem with the big snow-blower was that by the time we needed it, the shed was pretty much snowed in.

    We're still expecting a lot of rain though - possibly up to 55mm, which in old money is Quite A Lot - and the football pitch down beside the river along from the Cathedral is already under water.
  • mrs whibleymrs whibley Shipmate Posts: 30
    I've just put some temporary blue dye in my hair, which is naturally dark brown with white streaks at the front. The effect is subtle. My husband says I look as if my head's accidentally been in with a dark wash!
  • Wesley JWesley J Shipmate
    In the middle of entertaining visitors.
    Toddler grandson is delightful, and very energetic -wears me out just watching. Also slaving happily over a hot stove, trying out new recipes on his parents. [...]
    And he's a fast and early learner too! A true Little Chef! :)
    I've just put some temporary blue dye in my hair, which is naturally dark brown with white streaks at the front. The effect is subtle. My husband says I look as if my head's accidentally been in with a dark wash! [...]
    Clearly something to dye for! :)
  • I've just put some temporary blue dye in my hair, which is naturally dark brown with white streaks at the front. The effect is subtle. My husband says I look as if my head's accidentally been in with a dark wash!

    My rapidly greying hair is also dark brown with white streaks at the front - it was chestnut 30 years ago. I haven’t cut my hair for 20 years and it is long enough to nearly sit on. I often bleach and dye the lower part bright colours (can’t dye the front and top as I need it natural for re-enactment under my coifs and lace caps). It’s currently a faded light green and I might try some bright orange on it. Though a teal colour might be nice...
  • FirenzeFirenze Shipmate, Host Emeritus
    Have done more housework in the last 24 hours than I normally do in a month. Several months.

    The builders have departed and it just remains to dust EVERYTHING and put it back in its place, if indeed that place still exists. Or I decide it is time for it to rejoin the great cycle of life via the charity shop or the bin.
  • Yesterday morning we should have had a simple service of Matins: this year the PinC had asked if some of the choir would be prepared to sing some hymn but, as luck would have it, I ended up with a whole load of really good, competent singers so we were able to do it "with knobs on". So far so good.

    5 minutes before the service a group of people came into church - a coach party who had been turned away from a neaby attraction where a local volunteer (? one of our congregation) directed them to us. When told there was a service which would last c 35-40 minutes they asked if they could come! So, simple Matins with hymns for about 10-15 people turned into full-on Choral Matins with a congregation of 70.

    Coach party were amazed at the music and their guide has asked for details of future services. Watch this space!
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