Second born squash

Having dinner with Nicoline is always a pleasure and generally surprising. Tonight was no exception. From watching Eric’s oldest child throw himself around the trampoline to a surprise visit by the Button People, it was non-stop. And, of course, there was the delicious food. And wine. Mustn’t forget the usual generosity of wine.

Of course, there were lots of laughs, something which probably stopped Marie from joining us. Apparently I can be quite loud and wake sleeping children. Colour me surprised. I’ve never been told that before.

(I should mention that Eric was in Stockholm ‘watching football’ something Nicoline claimed may have been a euphemism for a boy’s night out. Though, in Eric’s defence, there was a European Conference League game last night at the Tele2 Arena, between Djurgården and FC Progrés Niederkorn from Luxembourg. Djurgården won 3-0.)

Obviously, Mirinda gave Jason the usual, extensive tour of the premises, both inside and out. Nicoline reckons she needs to record Mirinda’s commentary so she can use it for other guests.

We spent quite a while in the garden, but then Jason started feeling the cold, so we headed inside for dessert. It was shortly after that, during the usual Irish coffee session, that the Button People popped in carrying the produce from their first crops. They wanted to gift Nicoline and us with them.

I forgot to report the other day that they now have a big, deer and moose proof fence and the crops are growing beautifully in very uniform rows. There’s also a herb spiral which Ebba reckons needs rebuilding because it’s not high enough.

Victor and Ebba have worked really hard to get their veg to grow and, to give up their first (and second) born squash was incredibly generous. I might have to make the Syrian stuffed squash recipe I tried a while ago.

It’s a hefty veg, for sure.

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