After lunch we took the dog for a walk. We went to a park in the city this time. In the distance we could see Ashton Gate stadium, scene of Bristol City's recent victory over Manchester United, oh yes they did. (See how smoothly I dropped that into the conversation there?) City scored the winning goal in the 93rd minute. Jose Mourinho shot off at top speed, gave his interview to only one reporter, called Bristol City lucky several times and was gone. Very special indeed Mr Mourinho. Shall I translate for my overseas friends? Manchester United - huge football team. Bristol City, not so huge. Different league, literally. 93rd minute = the very last minute of the game. Jose Mourinho - Manchester Utd's manager, nickname, The Special One.
Apparently there was some travel snafu on the Manchester team's journey home and they had to go on a coach instead of a flight. They didn't get to Manchester until 5am. I am imagining The Special One was particularly special by that time.
Okay, I shall stop enjoying it now, I know it is not becoming. I am off to prepare myself for the day now. Plans include the supermarket (I know, I know, but we're out of cream and the biggest boy and I cannot possibly face Christmas without cream on everything.) Make the nut roast. And I know they have a bad rap, but I really like them and I make one every year. And then of course walk the dog. There's a lovely village we like to go to where we look at all the lights and wreaths on the door and the pretty rooms all decorated for Christmas. You will recall of course that looking in through windows is completely legitimate at this time of year. And at any other time of year if people put the lights on and don't draw the curtains.
I am wishing all a fantastic festive few days filled with peace, love and contentment. See you on the other side. And remember, BRISTOL CITY 2 - Manchester United 1. CJ xx PS Ellen, they're against Man City next time...
Gorgeous mince pies and agreed- looking through other people's windows is perfectly legit!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful Christmas with your family CJ xx
...Oh and that football game, I'm no football expert but I gather that it was quite something!
We know the special one really well since he was Real Madrid's coach as well. Never liked him much.
ReplyDeleteI hope you and your love ones have a wonderful Christmas.
The mince pies look delicious. Well done Bristol City.
ReplyDeleteThanks, and for you too. xx
My oldest watches soccer as we call it all the time. He knows all the teams and scores. Wishing you a wonderful, magical Christmas.
ReplyDeleteI think Nigella probably benefits from Judicious editing and minions helping. We tried to visit the supermarket on Friday as the online slots had filled up by the beginning of last week! People driving round the hide cat park searching for a parking spot. we decided to try the Co-op in Ossett - same problem and all town car parks full as on top of everything it was market day. Osset is a ghost town on days when there is no market. A quick assessment of what we really needed and what could wait - just milk - so off to a small store near us and still had to park quite a way down the street. Martyn sat in the car in case he had to move out of someone's way and I walked back to the shop and grabbed a couple of bottles of milk. Then home to book an online slot for 28 December - just one left. Why do people need to buy so much for just two days? In fact our supermarket is open on Boxing Day!
ReplyDeleteHope that you have bought some nice doggie gifts for him to open.
Yay for Bristol City! We always approve more when David beats Goliath (or even not so Goliath, as Bristol proved). Lovely mince pies. I spotted the citrus peel in the pastry and thought ‘ooh, innovation!’ And was wondering what the crumble topping was. Full marks there CJ. We’ve been given a riverford nut roast as part of a Christmas veg box (prezzie from uncle Charles- brilliant!). Am looking forward to trying it out. Christmas (and any time) windows... definitely. I used to peer into them when riding, pretending I was checking my riding position 😬. Merry crimbo, lovely girl. Have an ace one 🎄🎄☃️ Xx
ReplyDeleteCongrats to your team winning! Your mince pies look every bit as impressive as if Nigella had made them herself! Loved your photos.. what a gorgeous place you live in! Enjoy your day tomorrow. We have snow falling today! Dayle is home and getting around. All is well. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
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Wonderful post which I read to my husband as we enjoyed Bristol City's win almost as much as you did. Happiest of happy Christmas to you and your family. Fiona x
ReplyDeleteI can’t help feeling you should offer one of your lovely mince pies to Mr Mourinho. Peace offering?
ReplyDeleteHappy Christmas CJ x
Your mince pies look outstanding! Beautiful festive photos too, very atmospheric. The main thing I used to enjoy about running at dusk was the window-looking opportunities. Merry Christmas CJ. Xxx
ReplyDeleteGo Bristol! xx
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and your family. Your mince tarts are absolutely beautiful. Nigella would be jealous for sure!
ReplyDeleteYour photos are absolutely stunning. I really do enjoy them, CJ. The pies looks very festive, and I can see that they must take time and a lot of creativeness.
ReplyDeleteSending love and Christmas Blessings across the miles!
Jane
I hope you and your family are having a wonderful holiday full of good food and good cheer.
ReplyDeleteHave a very Merry Christmas, and we wish you all the best in the New Year, too!
Ryoma.
Lovely to hear you are baking again - Happy Christmas to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas x I hope it was a wonderful day and that there was plenty of window admiring. x
ReplyDeleteHasn't it been dark recently! So pleased to find the sun shining today (Boxing Day), perfect timing as I've spent the last two days being Very Busy in the kitchen! I haven't made any mince pies this year but yours look particularly yummy and very photo-worthy. I indulged in a box of Heston's from the shops but found them too sweet and my boy isn't fussed so I made coffee cake instead. And lamb instead of turkey on the day. At least we had a sparkly tree and lots of presents! Love the sound of a nut roast - do you use any particular recipe? Hope you have sunshine where you are today, CJ - and wishing you a very happy christmas and new year. xx
ReplyDeleteThis year I made a nut roast that was half a Rose Elliot recipe from her Christmas book and half a remembered one from an earlier book of hers that I don't have any more. Ground almonds, loads of mushrooms, a few herbs, breadcrumbs, Marmite and shoyu. Then a mushroom pate through the middle - mushrooms, breadcrumbs and bouillon, pureed. It was nice, but I slightly prefer the old recipe that I can't find. In previous years I've made a cheesy one from the Tassajara cookbook - lots of cottage cheese and cheddar, green peppers and coriander. Really like that one too, but it's huge and lasts for ages afterwards. Glad you had a sparkly tree and lots of presents. We're fond of coffee cake here as well. I always use a Monty and Sarah Don recipe for that, it's very standard though. Not much sun to be seen today, but tomorrow is looking promising. CJ xx
DeleteI rather like nut roast. I hope you enjoyed yours on Christmas Day and of course I also hope you had a wonderful day. xx
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to say that footbally stuff goes clean over my head, although I do get the magnitude of that match :) Your mince pies look delicious with grated orange in them. Hope you're having a good Christmas!
ReplyDeleteCathy x
I have been force fed football and I fear some of it has stuck. I barely recognise myself sometimes. Good Christmas here, thank you, hope you are having a good one too. CJ xx
DeleteI do hope you have had a wonderful Christmas xxx
ReplyDeleteAh CJ, I love the baking photos. I love how I can see the details of the orange zest. What is it about Nigella? Her clementine cake recipe is the gift that keeps on giving for me. Everyone that I have shared that recipe with either to eat or to bake themselves is always pleased.
ReplyDeleteAnd YES! Your tone reflects my same feelings for "The Special One". I have a completely self aware gaucheness (does that work) of schadenfreude for all Man Utd. failures. It was especially savory due to the fact Bristol City is such a small club in comparison. Today He said his 300 million spent was not sufficient or something to get his club up to where he needed them to be? (Insert eyeball rolling here -- and I'm a ManCity Fan, familiar with great privilege and deep pockets!) I'll be sure to pay attention on the 9th!
Lastly, that yellowish, orange building is beautiful. I could play story setting all day long w/a place like that.
Wishing you and yours very merry and bright through the new year!
Those mince pies look wonderful! I bought some supermarket ones back from the UK last month. Not the same :( My football-loving family were very excited about that footie game! Well done Bristol City!
ReplyDeleteI never tire of looking at (or eating) mince pies and yours look so good. (Have you really fallen out with baking?) Nut loaf for Christmas lunch here, too, a Rose Elliot recipe (there's a chestnut stuffing layer in the middle)that appeared in a magazine years ago and one she has never since reproduced in her books. Congratulations on the Robins' win. Our local team (the mister is a supporter) sacked the manager the day before Christmas Eve.
ReplyDeleteJust to add I’ve loved reading your thoughts over the year, have a great holiday! X
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a good Christmas, those mince pies look delicious I expect they are long gone! The boys must have been delighted with Bristol City's victory. Sarah x
ReplyDeleteOh goodness that takes me back. I used to go up to Ashton Court to paint. You could see the Wills tobacco factory from there. And I am glad to see those Magnolias? still hugging the walls. I'm surprised the house is still standing.
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