Away From The Madding Crowd

bluenose1

Loved  the update @Humboldt.  

Would be interested to see how you get on with the Aldi butter chicken curry mix. 

We eat a lot of curries and I use the following recipe to make a  curry with a leftover whole chicken. The family all enjoy it and I like it as not much prep time https://mamalovestocook.com/leftover-chicken-curry/#recipe

Had my eldest, his wife and their dog here this weekend, had a fab time but glad to be a little less busy now they have gone home. Doesn’t matter how old the kids are I seem to do all the running around after them. Saying that I was the same with my mum and even my in laws when I was younger.

@Organgrinder - your weekend sounds lovely and good for the soul.  I would love to be able to speak more than one language, currently on over 100 days of learning French on Duolingo but doing it more to give my brain new challenges, can’t see myself ever having a conversation.

Been loving my autumnal daily walks in the woods, weather surprisingly mild and only been caught in a couple of light drizzles.

Organgrinder

Well we have a phrase in Welsh....

Dw i angen dod yn ôl at fy nghoed....I need to come back to my senses....literally I need to come back to my trees.

I think I did that this weekend. :-)

louby40

I love reading your diary Humboldt it's such a calm and peaceful read. We are away for a few days in Howarth, Yorkshire and it's so lovely to be away. The trees and leaves are so beautiful, I do love the changing seasons.

Humboldt

Morning all.

@Organgrinder what a gift to be bilingual.  I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that I can only manage very basic German and French that I learnt at school.  That said, I do make an effort to learn hello, good bye and thank you where ever we go on holiday.  Often this is met with amusement, but always appreciated. Thanks for sharing your menu, which got me thinking how our eating habits have changed since my childhood.  We have come a long way since the Vesta curry!

@mark55man thank you, always good to get a real recommendation.

@bluenose1 hope the family situation is resolving itself and that you are being kind to yourself.  The Ald! butter chicken curry mix was ok. Not as good as homemade, but a great standby for a busy day, or when you just want to avoid the kitchen. Thanks for sharing the leftover chicken curry recipe.  Glad that you enjoyed your time with family.  Last, but certainly not least, your photo is stunning, and how cute is your dog!

@louby40 thank you for your kind words.  Howarth is on my very long list of places to visit, I hope that you enjoy your mini break. 

Just wanted to add that I so appreciate all those who take the time to comment and/or cheer me on from the side-lines by leaving thanks.

Today's simple pleasure - when checking the veg box this morning I was greeted by 2 rows of newly germinated 'cut and come again leaf salad (stir-fry mix)'.  The packet states that they are ready to eat in just 3 weeks, however, it does not include the disclaimer 'unless the slugs and snails get there first' lol.

Organgrinder

Well I'm not sure If class myself as bilingual having learnt as an adult, but I'm able to discuss many things in Welsh. It never ceases to amaze me how people dismiss the language as irrelevant. I've friends that I've hardly ever spoken English with and I know so much more about our culture and history.

As for food ...Vesta curry was a staple when growing up!! I'm tempted to buy one but fear my childhood memories could be ruined!!

Nebulous2

@bluenose1 I'm also learning French on Duolingo. 

I've schoolboy french, try to converse, and can get by with some basics if people speak slowly. Outside of Paris, which I've avoided for a long time, I find that people generally appreciate me trying, even if my French is worse than their English. 

I've found progress on Duolingo slow - but I have learned some new stuff and refreshed some half-forgotten things. 

Organgrinder

Well inspired by talk of food I tried my hand at a rendang. I'm sure the vesta takes 2nd place!

mark55man

I love rendang - its one of the dishes in the Michael Mosely low carb diet books - always goes down a treat, and that looks a fine example - its only just been breakfast and I'm already hungry

Humboldt

Morning all.

@Organgrinder the UK has such a diverse history, culture, and landscape, all of which make it a very special place.  I personally feel that it is vital we retain and embrace all that this unique country has to offer. I have the greatest admiration for you learning to speak Welsh as an adult.   An interesting fact - apparently Welsh is the oldest language in Britain and has been spoken in some form for the last 4000 years. 

I was so pleased that you were inspired to cook a rendang, and thank you for sharing the results with us. 

@Nebulous2 as per @bluenose1's earlier comment, learning a new language has the additional benefit of giving the brain a new challenge, so definitely worth the effort...dare I say "at our age" lol.

@mark55man I found that book to be an interesting read.  I am in the process of reading Ultr@-Pr0cessed Pe0ple by Chr!s van Tullek£n, but finding it hard going for many reasons.  

Today's simple pleasure - watching a robin making use of the bird bath whilst enjoying my morning cuppa.

Organgrinder

mark55man said:

I love rendang - its one of the dishes in the Michael Mosely low carb diet books - always goes down a treat, and that looks a fine example - its only just been breakfast and I'm already hungry

Thank you. I first tasted it over 30 years ago in Kuala Lumpur.

That holiday was an eye opener food wise. 

I still remember a food place serving Nasi Goreng at Teluk Cempedak near Kuantan. Simply delicious.

Tonight however will be a lasagne.