Sunday 4 December 2011

Weather and plenty of it!





We have been 'up the dale', as we do every year at Christmas, to a farming Christmas dinner (no calling it lunch round here!!) in Hawes. All these rosy-cheeked farmers and their families - lots of children with equally rosy cheeks and with plates piled high with food- no standing on ceremony - just good plain food and a lovely atmosphere.

This year, for the first time, it was a carvery. Roast turkey, cranberries, stuffing, potatoes three ways, roast parsnips, mashed swede, carrots, sprouts, red cabbage and good, wholesome gravy.
Plus Yorkshire puddings, although I did give them a miss. I have to say that it was delicious. To follow there was Christmas pudding and rum sauce. Could I manage that - well - in for a penny in for a pound, so yes, I had that too, followed by coffee and mints. The mince pies we brought home in a paper napkin because that was just a bridge too far.

On our way there the snow clouds were gathering over the fells (not a spectacularly good photograph but it gives you the general idea). When we came out I was seriously in need of a sharp walk before driving back, so we walked the half mile or so to the Wensleydale Creamery - the real home of Wensleydale cheese of Wallace and Grommit fame. There were lots of people there - eating in the restaurant, walking round the shop, eating in the coffee bar - it is always a popular place.

The half mile walk back to the car was a race against the snow clouds which we nearly upon us. The farmer went on ahead (he walks more quickly than I do) and had the car open by the time I got there. On the way home (it is a mere 15 miles from door to door) we came through snow, sleet, hail, pouring rain and bright sunshine in turn. That is really the nature of Pennine weather I suppose but I was jolly pleased I had chosen to wear my new pure wool Scottish cardigan, bought for just such a day as this.

No more food for me today (at the moment it feels like no more food for a week, but I expect that feeling will go off).

17 comments:

Heather said...

Those clouds look very threatening - glad you got home safely after enjoying that lovely feast - it looks delicious and beautifully cooked. I think I want to move to Yorkshire!!

Pondside said...

That sounds like a wonderful afternoon all 'round.....a good meal, a good walk in good company and the warmth of home as the storm approached.
Someone, the other day, told me he wouldn't be attending a dinner because he'd be eating too many turkey dinners over the holidays. Perhaps it's because I'm the cook in my house, but I'd eat a turkey dinner every week if someone else was willing to cook it, serve it and clean up after it.

Elizabeth said...

Sounds a perfect day with weather to whet the appetite.
I would not have held back on the Yorkshire pud!

mrsnesbitt said...

Indeed Pat - only one place to be!

Jennifer Tetlow said...

That is making me hungry - good to have dinners like that occasionally! I've been out this afternoon over the moors to Glaisdale and its quite a blizzard and everything white over! Feeling very wintery - I have no idea how the grouse survive.

angryparsnip said...

What a lovely afternoon, strange weather and all. The hall looks so festive. What a nice way to start the Holiday.
Your photo of the clouds and fields besides being beautiful, kind of looks likes my weather outside my window today.
The clouds are swirling around and up and down the foothills and mountains today.
A cold front from Canada has dipped down into the southwest, bringing some early cold weather for us desert people.

cheers, parsnip

Irene said...

That dinner sounds like an enormous amount of food to eat. Where did you stowe it all? Are you going to be able to eat before Christmas? The photo of it did make my mouth water. It looked delicious. XOX

Anonymous said...

I remember when lunch was called dinner and dinner was supper, in Wales. It all sounds very joyous. I hope the real snow stays away for you for a long time.

Penny said...

Sound like a wonderful lead up to a 'proper' Christmas. Here so far beautiful weather, warm and sunny today.
Went to a champagne and nibbles afternoon yesterday, still far too much food!

Eryl said...

Sounds like a perfect Christmassy day, weather included.

Titus said...

Oh yum Weaver, that's put me in the mood! And quite a bit of snow on the hills here.

If you have the time, go and have a look at this link. Absolutely fascinating, and a life I did not know about.

http://angusmcphee.blogspot.com/2010/09/angus-mcphee-weaver-of-grass.html

rkbsnana said...

What fun. Were those brussel spouts I saw? It all looked great.

Cynthia Monica said...

What a splendid day! Such a feast! You described it so beautifully and the pictures are a delight!

BilboWaggins said...

Red cabbage, carrots, sprouts - yum, yum, yum! What a splendid lunch (it was the middle of the day, it was LUNCH!)

Think you'll get caught worse than us with current weather system, cold and sleety here, lots of snow on the fells.

Bovey Belle said...

That looks like a lovely meal and a super day out too. Loved the snow clouds - having once tried to race home in front of a pyraclastic cloud of snow racing down our valley (and losing) I know what your snow clouds heralded.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Thanks for the comments.

Arija said...

Now that looks like such a lovely, comfortable, local 'do'. We just had lunch with friends at a lovely old country pub and although we only managed one course, I had to have a nap when we got home so I am glad you took the mince pies home.