November Things

:: Bonfire Night :: 

It's by far and away my favourite thing about this time of year. Angus's face was a picture. He was completely entranced by the display and it was lovely to watch. 

(I'm sorry about the quality of the above photos, I took them on my phone. The ones that follow aren't much better either, what with the total lack of sunlight we've had this week.)

:: Ginger Cake ::

Making and eating this is as traditional as going to a fireworks display for me, and this recipe is from the excellent Nigella Christmas. Reading this book and thinking about what I want to cook and eat over Christmas is another November ritual of mine. 

:: Eating up the pumpkins :: 

Ok, squashes, in the form of Thai Butternut Squash Soup. I made and froze litres of this a few weeks ago, and discovered that it forms a quick and easy basis for a meal. I defrosted and reheated a couple of portions of the soup and roasted two chicken breasts, shredding them with forks when they were cooked. While that was going on I cooked some wild rice. The chicken was stirred into the soup, along with a spoonful of Thai curry paste, lots of coriander, and a pak choi that was a little past it's best. I spooned the cooked rice into bowls then poured the soupy mixture on top. Not really a soup or a Thai curry either, but it needed to be eaten with a spoon. Warming, spicy and easy, just what I needed on Friday night when I was tired and it had rained all week. 

:: Reading, and planning ::

I always knew that my local library stocked magazines, but it didn't occur to me to borrow them until I saw three copies of Inside Crochet sitting there. I don't usually buy crochet magazines as I think they're expensive and there isn't often much I want to make. But I enjoyed flicking through these and did photocopy a few patterns that I may make in the future. I also found this gem:

It's called the Granny Chic Pinwheel Blanket and is from Crochet Home by Emma Lamb. The last thing I need is a new blanket to be thinking about, but I like the fresh take on the traditional granny square motif here. 

:: Nesting ::

I found a drawer full of bits and bobs I'd unpacked last spring but hadn't wanted to put up straight away. Garlands, curtain tie backs, the odd ornament. 

It doesn't surprise me that, after a week of incessant rain and gloom, I should be trying to fill our home with colour and decoration, small touches that lift my spirits. 

:: Getting cosy ::

It hasn't been cold this week, in fact it's been strangely mild which is quite disconcerting. Most days our heating doesn't even come on and there are still flowers in all the front gardens around here. I still have geraniums going strong in the pots by the front door! But this damp grey weather still makes me want to hurry home and get cosy, even if it is too mild to light the stove.


(Thank you so much for your comments lately, in particular those about the blanket. I am glad not to be the only parent dealing with a moody child!)


Joining in with Jennifer's Winter Project Link Party.