The pasta carbonara wasn't half bad, particularly washed down with a Chianti.
May go to a local restaurant tomorrow, as friends are throwing a Twelth Night open house. So after a certain amount of wine and nibbles probably wanting an actual meal.
I'm doing Twelfth Night/Old Christmas Day/The Women's Christmas/Little Christmas or whatever you care to call it on Saturday. It'll be by myself but there we go. I think it's a nice way to end the festive season, rather than it just fizzling out.
In Ireland it's been a tradition that as the women have worked so hard over Christmas, they get their own celebration in January. The men do the household chores for the day and the women have a good time with their female friends.
I'm all in favour of Twelfth Night and used to bring a cake into the office. It was well received, but didn't catch on.
My back "did its thing" this afternoon (in other words, in response to some minor unconsidered movement it sort of locks so that I can't stand upright without pain). I spent the next two hours in a chair with hot wheat bags wedged against the offending (or offended?) muscled/ nerve, which is the only thing that will eventually ease it.
Mr RoS arrived home from an afternoon playing Scrabble and did not register that I was occupying the Seat of Pain.
When apprised of the situation, and that I wouldn't be cooking dinner until I could stand up, he said he didn't mind having dinner later. So considerate.
I muttered to my OH this evening something about it being nearly time to take the Christmas decs down, and he said that he was rather in favour of keeping the until Candlemas.
(Only a tree - with lights and baubles from 1/3rd of the way up, owing to Kittens - and a coupe of strings of cards. I shall keep the rechargeable candles out and available as I sometimes like flickering candlelight. Rechargeable because of Kittens, obvs!)
Mr RoS arrived home from an afternoon playing Scrabble and did not register that I was occupying the Seat of Pain.
When apprised of the situation, and that I wouldn't be cooking dinner until I could stand up, he said he didn't mind having dinner later. So considerate.
He and Mr Nen are clearly made from the same mould. I was unwell for a few days after Christmas and Mr Nen was clearly very uneasy until assured that, while I was going back to bed for a rest, I would be getting up later to cook the tea.
Very glad you are feeling better @Piglet . Chickpeas and other bean-type things are a bit of mystery to me but we listened to a radio programme recently which said we should all - for the sake of our health and the planet - be learning how to Make Beans Tasty. I've been looking for a recipe book with a title along those lines, so far without success.
In other news, the weather is much better today and we're heading out soon to meet friends for coffee. We are also out this evening. I made tactful inquiries about the nature of the Food at this evening's event and it is cheese and biscuits and nibbles - so a jacket potato before we go will be the order of the day.
There are definitely advantages in living at the 800 foot level, half way up the side of our valley! The Rhymney rises very quickly, but also drops very quickly.
We’re going to be meeting a college friend from Nottingham tomorrow. She’s coming down to Newport and then we’re going to Caerleon where we’ll meet another of our friends who’s now a church in Wales priest.
I was supposed to be planning a tutorial this morning but my co-tutor has no internet so that was called off. So I have time for a walk before doing some marking.
I have a phone call with a student later this afternoon which was booked last December and is now rather inconveniently timed as we have to do a return drive to York this afternoon/evening. It’ll be a late night.
If, @Roseofsharon, you are still sitting in the Seat of Pain, is Mr RoS sitting at the Table of Famine? IMHO he needs to be sent to the Doorstep of Punishment...
So many roads are flooded around here, some villages cut off, main routes near the River Trent closed, and areas which have never flooded before are now inundated.
Thankfully, no rain here today and none forecast for the next few days. Low temperatures expected.
Yes, the forecast generally is for high pressure and colder temperatures - which will suit my aching muscles...and for those who have been so badly affected by the floods and gales, it will perhaps allow a time to begin clearing up.
I don't think our beloved Prime Minister has visited any of the worst-hit areas yet - maybe HM the King will get there before him?
Still pretty wet here. The Trent looks more like a lake than a river at present and you can't actually see the town lock in the middle of it all due to the height of the water. It should be starting to go down soon. Our garden is still under water, but not as bad as last time - yet. For once my husband is being the optimist about it all and I'm the pessimist.
I went to Pilates for the first time in a month this morning and am very pleased I went. We were intending to play badminton afterwards, but they cancelled all activities in the sports hall in case it was needed as an emergency rest centre. Fortunately it doesn't seem to have been needed yet.
I suppose the King will wait until the waters have subsided a bit before he ventures to visit, but he has done this sort of thing before - for example, in South Wales after Storm Dennis in 2020...
OTOH, the PM contents himself with telling people to be *reassured* that the Environment Agency is doing a good job, and the government (with incredible insight) warns that low-level agricultural areas are most likely to be subject to flooding. Who would have guessed, if They hadn't told us??
This isn't a culinary post - we are still in leftovers mode having had the whole family here for Christmas. However, I've indulged in a little post-Covid TV binge watching alongside Mrs Limpet which almost never happens. I am very late to this particular party but isn't The Detectorists a joyful thing?
Hi @greenrayedlimpet - I've not heard of *The Detectorists* (I don't possess a RV, or watch TV programmes online), but I assume that it's about metal detectoring (sp?).
I knew an enthusiast once - he spent hours in remote fields, or on deserted beaches, in all weathers, but I don't think he ever found anything really valuable. Interesting objects now and then, yes, but no hoards of gold!
This isn't a culinary post - we are still in leftovers mode having had the whole family here for Christmas. However, I've indulged in a little post-Covid TV binge watching alongside Mrs Limpet which almost never happens. I am very late to this particular party but isn't The Detectorists a joyful thing?
Two lots of viewings for the house next door, as the expected tenant suddenly pulled out - fingers crossed for the first couple, who seem lovely but undecided. Have given them warm welcome and mini sales pitch, fingers crossed it works.
One meeting with contractor about broken fence and removal of tree, which can be remedied for a mere £1100.
One call to solicitors to ask for copy of deeds to check boundary fences, but they have no record of me. Great. Have asked next door's landlord if his have heard of him.
One application to Land Registry for copy of deeds ("should take an hour") which has still not arrived.
One purchase of electric saw, which took 15 minutes and a YouTube video to get assembled, but has gone through branches like butter through a knife.
One ambulance outside for elderly neighbour who has had a fall and can I help with getting access.
One postal delivery allegedly made at 10:23 this morning, which is about when the postman walked past empty-handed. I hope who's got a copy of Len Deighton's "Only When I Larf" is enjoying it.
We've been to London to visit the family. Trains both ways delayed and diverted due to flooding, but management was good. Our part of south Wales seem to have got off lightly, but the areas around Bath and Swindon were inundated - poor farmers.
The middle of the country has borne the brunt of the Deluge, it seems, though it's been raining here for what seems like days...dry today, thanks be to Dagon 🦈, but a lot of groundwater is being sent down from the non-tidal part of the river.
The land is so very saturated from the various Storms we've had recently that the water simply has nowhere else to go. Happily, as I think I may have already said, the tides are low at the moment, so there's a chance for the groundwater to at least get out to Sea...
Still pretty wet here. The Trent looks more like a lake than a river at present and you can't actually see the town lock in the middle of it all due to the height of the water. It should be starting to go down soon. Our garden is still under water, but not as bad as last time - yet. For once my husband is being the optimist about it all and I'm the pessimist.
I went to Pilates for the first time in a month this morning and am very pleased I went. We were intending to play badminton afterwards, but they cancelled all activities in the sports hall in case it was needed as an emergency rest centre. Fortunately it doesn't seem to have been needed yet.
Fingers crossed the waters recede from your garden just as soon as. And that all the rest of you - @Puzzler, @Boogie? (I know the Somerset Levels flood on a regular basis, but I think you're maybe not that low down?), and anyone else in low-lying flood-prone areas - continue to stay dry....
Sorry to hear of everyone's water-related woes; apart from a heavy shower at lunchtime (in which, miraculously, I didn't get caught, although one of my colleagues did), it's not been a bad day here at all.
I decided to forgo my usual Friday takeaway, and use up some of the dips, crisps etc (supplemented with a couple of carrots cut in chunks) by way of an hors d'oeuvre, and shall shortly reheat the pasta/chickpea thingy left from yesterday as a main course for supper.
With a glass of WINE, obviously - what is this "dry January" of which people speak?
With a glass of WINE, obviously - what is this "dry January" of which people speak?
Haven't you heard of dry wine, dry gin, dry cider...?
Here at Casa Nen we've eaten our meal and will shortly be off to our neighbours' Evening Do, where alcohol will be consumed - at least by me.
I'm Home Alone tomorrow - Mr Nen is out for another Hearty Walk with his Hearty Walking Friends - and my day will involve plenty of reading. I seem to have a lot I need to do, as well as plenty that I want to do.
We're doing dry January, but if the floods get any higher I might be drowning my sorrows in something stronger than water. As @Bishops Finger said the wet weather of the last few months has left the ground water no where else to go. I can't see it going down much in the next few days. I hope the saturated plants in my garden survive. As it is I think all the snowdrops must have drowned as I haven't seen any this year.
If, @Roseofsharon, you are still sitting in the Seat of Pain, is Mr RoS sitting at the Table of Famine? IMHO he needs to be sent to the Doorstep of Punishment...
If I was still in the Seat of Pain Mr RoS would have satisfied his hunger by grazing the contents of the fridge. and the half prepared dinner of yesterday would be slowly shrivelling on the kitchen table.
If, @Roseofsharon, you are still sitting in the Seat of Pain, is Mr RoS sitting at the Table of Famine? IMHO he needs to be sent to the Doorstep of Punishment...
If I was still in the Seat of Pain Mr RoS would have satisfied his hunger by grazing the contents of the fridge. and the half prepared dinner of yesterday would be slowly shrivelling on the kitchen table.
Hehe...well, I'm glad to hear that you're no longer in the Seat of Pain. I have one of my own, and it's bl**dy uncomfortable...
Mad dash across the country last night to get the boys back to uni but it was a very efficient journey - York and back in just over 6 hours, including a stop off for chips and dropping them off at 2 different houses. Driving back late at night is half hour quicker, it seems.
Mr Heavenly has invited some friends to a pub for lunch to celebrate his big birthday so we are off there late morning. Then we need to take the tree down.
Cold but beautiful morning. No plans for the day except reading and making a batch of cinnamon rolls - it is Twelfth Night, so going to enjoy it. Last day of decorations up and seeing the tree lighted up, it'll all be packed away tomorrow morning, for another 11 months. Advent this year is on 1 December.
Referred yesterday by GP to sleep clinic with suspected obstructive sleep apnoea. Five to six weeks wait, and no driving meanwhile.
Currently en route to Cambridge delivering number two son back there to complete his MSc course - wife driving.
Meanwhile, trying to work out what no driving will mean, both workwise and domestically, in a rural area with off-season public transport and one parish 4 miles from the nearest bus stop.
It’s a thing round here, all the old pubs have a skittle alley. I’ve never seen one before we moved here. The skittles and balls are all wonky and out of shape which, they say, is part of the fun and challenge. It is! We went and joined a team last night. I scored a 13 on my first three throws! It was all good fun.
We planned to climb a gentle hill this morning. There were three cars in the car park when we arrived at 10. The path is narrow, with gorse bushes on either side, and the path itself had turned into a stream. We splashed up for a bit, on the theory that if there were at least three people further up the hill, presumably the path improved further up. And then we gave up, splashed back down and went to a favourite coffee shop for a coffee.
I spent an hour or two this morning chasing up various agencies due to flooding on this road. My next door neighbours have problems with sewage coming up, so I was trying to make various people aware. As it's our gardens that are the problem rather than a road I think we are rather overlooked. At the moment the water is 10cm deep at the bottom of the steps at the back of our house and still rising. Fortunately the river is on the way down, but I think it'll take a few days for the water to shift as we need the water in the dyke at the back of our houses to be let out into Trent first, and I can't see them doing that for a while.
Hi @Bishops Finger Thank you, yes, at its core, it is about metal detectorists, but also much more. One episode features an open day for the local detectorists' club which bears a painful resemblance to some church open days we may have known. In general it's full of humorous insights into the human condition and pretty much ideal watching when recovering from the lurgy.
You really are having a time of it, Sarasa - weren't you given any idea of the potential of the garden flooding when you bought the house?
@BroJames - that sounds like a right pain - hope you can be sorted out v. soon!
Those seem like quite early returns to university - I was speaking to my boss's daughter yesterday, and she's not due back in Aberdeen for another two weeks.
Enjoyable choir practice this morning, followed by coffee and MINCE PIES which I'd forgotten about on New Year's Day and brought along so they wouldn't (a) go to waste; or (b) tempt me to eat them ...
It's a frosty but beautiful day here; laundry is laundering, and I really don't think I need to go to Tessie's this afternoon, so I might make some SOUP.
My decorations are still up; the bagpiping shepherd has been put back in his box, and the Magi have reached their destination. I'll dismantle the tree tomorrow but leave the Nativity and candle-bridges up until Candlemas.
Referred yesterday by GP to sleep clinic with suspected obstructive sleep apnoea. Five to six weeks wait, and no driving meanwhile.
Currently en route to Cambridge delivering number two son back there to complete his MSc course - wife driving.
Meanwhile, trying to work out what no driving will mean, both workwise and domestically, in a rural area with off-season public transport and one parish 4 miles from the nearest bus stop.
Yes, quite a problem. Some sort of car-pool rota - maybe involving Wife, as well as Parishioners, at least on Sundays?
🙏
We knew this road used to flood @piglet, there are pictures of people in boats rowing down the road in the 1930s with our house in the background, but flood defences have sorted out that problem. We also knew the garden would flood occasionally, but we thought that would be a once in ten years problem not a three times in three months one. The major problem is a leak in the sewage pipe that hasn't been fixed despite lots of calls from various neighbours. Two nice chaps from the council have just been round and they are going to go direct to the right people at the water company so I hope something gets sorted soon.
In other news I went to the local museum where someone I know is artist in residence and had a therapeutic 30 minutes colouring a flower on a large collage she's doing. I followed that by a visit to TKMax for a couple of things and Marks and Spencer for some vegan mozzarella for the pasta bake I'm doing for tea.
Flooding has receded but you can see the detritus it's left on the paths and towpaths. My commiserations, Sarasa. That sounds truly miserable.
At this end the Twelfth Night celebrations have started early by watching the BBC film of the eponymous play, with Patrick Stewart, Nigel Hawthorne, Richard E Grant et al, then going out for a truly excellent Italian takeaway of tortellini filled with chicken and spicy sausage in a creamy mushroom sauce, with parmesan and black pepper sprinkled on the top, accompanied by a glass of fizz (0% as I'm a lightweight these days). Happy Twelfth Night!
Referred yesterday by GP to sleep clinic with suspected obstructive sleep apnoea. Five to six weeks wait, and no driving meanwhile.
Currently en route to Cambridge delivering number two son back there to complete his MSc course - wife driving.
Meanwhile, trying to work out what no driving will mean, both workwise and domestically, in a rural area with off-season public transport and one parish 4 miles from the nearest bus stop.
Yes, quite a problem. Some sort of car-pool rota - maybe involving Wife, as well as Parishioners, at least on Sundays?
🙏
So glad you are obeying doctor’s orders, BroJames, however inconvenient. A close friend of my daughter was killed when out running on a road because a driver who had been diagnosed with sleep apnoea disobeyed orders.
Blocked drains and dykes, poorly maintained culverts and the building of houses on flood plains are responsible for much of the flooding in those areas not immediately close to a river. I live about three miles from the Trent but the flooding near me can be explained by the reasons above.
People who homes have no history of flooding have been flooded two or three tines this year.
It is quite a pleasant day here, but I have not been out as I have not yet done all the tasks needed to be done in daylight hours. Parts of the house are at last beginning to look less cluttered and dusty.
O misery me! I was looking forward to devouring some PORK BELLY SLICES round about now, but have just noticed that I'd forgotten to put them in the Dragon...
Comments
May go to a local restaurant tomorrow, as friends are throwing a Twelth Night open house. So after a certain amount of wine and nibbles probably wanting an actual meal.
I'm doing Twelfth Night/Old Christmas Day/The Women's Christmas/Little Christmas or whatever you care to call it on Saturday. It'll be by myself but there we go. I think it's a nice way to end the festive season, rather than it just fizzling out.
In Ireland it's been a tradition that as the women have worked so hard over Christmas, they get their own celebration in January. The men do the household chores for the day and the women have a good time with their female friends.
I'm all in favour of Twelfth Night and used to bring a cake into the office. It was well received, but didn't catch on.
Mr RoS arrived home from an afternoon playing Scrabble and did not register that I was occupying the Seat of Pain.
When apprised of the situation, and that I wouldn't be cooking dinner until I could stand up, he said he didn't mind having dinner later. So considerate.
(Only a tree - with lights and baubles from 1/3rd of the way up, owing to Kittens - and a coupe of strings of cards. I shall keep the rechargeable candles out and available as I sometimes like flickering candlelight. Rechargeable because of Kittens, obvs!)
Very glad you are feeling better @Piglet . Chickpeas and other bean-type things are a bit of mystery to me but we listened to a radio programme recently which said we should all - for the sake of our health and the planet - be learning how to Make Beans Tasty. I've been looking for a recipe book with a title along those lines, so far without success.
In other news, the weather is much better today and we're heading out soon to meet friends for coffee. We are also out this evening. I made tactful inquiries about the nature of the Food at this evening's event and it is cheese and biscuits and nibbles - so a jacket potato before we go will be the order of the day.
We’re going to be meeting a college friend from Nottingham tomorrow. She’s coming down to Newport and then we’re going to Caerleon where we’ll meet another of our friends who’s now a church in Wales priest.
I have a phone call with a student later this afternoon which was booked last December and is now rather inconveniently timed as we have to do a return drive to York this afternoon/evening. It’ll be a late night.
Thankfully, no rain here today and none forecast for the next few days. Low temperatures expected.
I don't think our beloved Prime Minister has visited any of the worst-hit areas yet - maybe HM the King will get there before him?
I went to Pilates for the first time in a month this morning and am very pleased I went. We were intending to play badminton afterwards, but they cancelled all activities in the sports hall in case it was needed as an emergency rest centre. Fortunately it doesn't seem to have been needed yet.
OTOH, the PM contents himself with telling people to be *reassured* that the Environment Agency is doing a good job, and the government (with incredible insight) warns that low-level agricultural areas are most likely to be subject to flooding. Who would have guessed, if They hadn't told us??
I knew an enthusiast once - he spent hours in remote fields, or on deserted beaches, in all weathers, but I don't think he ever found anything really valuable. Interesting objects now and then, yes, but no hoards of gold!
I REALLY loved "The Detectorists" 😍
Two lots of viewings for the house next door, as the expected tenant suddenly pulled out - fingers crossed for the first couple, who seem lovely but undecided. Have given them warm welcome and mini sales pitch, fingers crossed it works.
One meeting with contractor about broken fence and removal of tree, which can be remedied for a mere £1100.
One call to solicitors to ask for copy of deeds to check boundary fences, but they have no record of me. Great. Have asked next door's landlord if his have heard of him.
One application to Land Registry for copy of deeds ("should take an hour") which has still not arrived.
One purchase of electric saw, which took 15 minutes and a YouTube video to get assembled, but has gone through branches like butter through a knife.
One ambulance outside for elderly neighbour who has had a fall and can I help with getting access.
One postal delivery allegedly made at 10:23 this morning, which is about when the postman walked past empty-handed. I hope who's got a copy of Len Deighton's "Only When I Larf" is enjoying it.
"Nothing very much, really."
Panda Hippo Gnu Deer!!
The land is so very saturated from the various Storms we've had recently that the water simply has nowhere else to go. Happily, as I think I may have already said, the tides are low at the moment, so there's a chance for the groundwater to at least get out to Sea...
Fingers crossed the waters recede from your garden just as soon as. And that all the rest of you - @Puzzler, @Boogie? (I know the Somerset Levels flood on a regular basis, but I think you're maybe not that low down?), and anyone else in low-lying flood-prone areas - continue to stay dry....
I decided to forgo my usual Friday takeaway, and use up some of the dips, crisps etc (supplemented with a couple of carrots cut in chunks) by way of an hors d'oeuvre, and shall shortly reheat the pasta/chickpea thingy left from yesterday as a main course for supper.
With a glass of WINE, obviously - what is this "dry January" of which people speak?
Here at Casa Nen we've eaten our meal and will shortly be off to our neighbours' Evening Do, where alcohol will be consumed - at least by me.
I'm Home Alone tomorrow - Mr Nen is out for another Hearty Walk with his Hearty Walking Friends - and my day will involve plenty of reading. I seem to have a lot I need to do, as well as plenty that I want to do.
Hehe...well, I'm glad to hear that you're no longer in the Seat of Pain. I have one of my own, and it's bl**dy uncomfortable...
Goodness - I didn't realise that...it's not a book I've ever read...but I think I see your point...
Mr Heavenly has invited some friends to a pub for lunch to celebrate his big birthday so we are off there late morning. Then we need to take the tree down.
Currently en route to Cambridge delivering number two son back there to complete his MSc course - wife driving.
Meanwhile, trying to work out what no driving will mean, both workwise and domestically, in a rural area with off-season public transport and one parish 4 miles from the nearest bus stop.
It’s a thing round here, all the old pubs have a skittle alley. I’ve never seen one before we moved here. The skittles and balls are all wonky and out of shape which, they say, is part of the fun and challenge. It is! We went and joined a team last night. I scored a 13 on my first three throws! It was all good fun.
@BroJames - that sounds like a right pain - hope you can be sorted out v. soon!
Those seem like quite early returns to university - I was speaking to my boss's daughter yesterday, and she's not due back in Aberdeen for another two weeks.
Enjoyable choir practice this morning, followed by coffee and MINCE PIES which I'd forgotten about on New Year's Day and brought along so they wouldn't (a) go to waste; or (b) tempt me to eat them ...
It's a frosty but beautiful day here; laundry is laundering, and I really don't think I need to go to Tessie's this afternoon, so I might make some SOUP.
My decorations are still up; the bagpiping shepherd has been put back in his box, and the Magi have reached their destination. I'll dismantle the tree tomorrow but leave the Nativity and candle-bridges up until Candlemas.
A single copy of 50SoG circulated amongst the female members of staff at our Ambulance Station, probably soon after the book was published.
Yellow Post-It notes marked the *ahem* interesting bits...possibly for training purposes, but possibly not...
Yes, quite a problem. Some sort of car-pool rota - maybe involving Wife, as well as Parishioners, at least on Sundays?
🙏
In other news I went to the local museum where someone I know is artist in residence and had a therapeutic 30 minutes colouring a flower on a large collage she's doing. I followed that by a visit to TKMax for a couple of things and Marks and Spencer for some vegan mozzarella for the pasta bake I'm doing for tea.
At this end the Twelfth Night celebrations have started early by watching the BBC film of the eponymous play, with Patrick Stewart, Nigel Hawthorne, Richard E Grant et al, then going out for a truly excellent Italian takeaway of tortellini filled with chicken and spicy sausage in a creamy mushroom sauce, with parmesan and black pepper sprinkled on the top, accompanied by a glass of fizz (0% as I'm a lightweight these days). Happy Twelfth Night!
Blocked drains and dykes, poorly maintained culverts and the building of houses on flood plains are responsible for much of the flooding in those areas not immediately close to a river. I live about three miles from the Trent but the flooding near me can be explained by the reasons above.
People who homes have no history of flooding have been flooded two or three tines this year.
It is quite a pleasant day here, but I have not been out as I have not yet done all the tasks needed to be done in daylight hours. Parts of the house are at last beginning to look less cluttered and dusty.
Lunch will now be served at about 4pm.
🍴🍺
(Something of a first-world problem, I agree)