soop's kitchen

What can I say...I thought to myself, I'll pop in the kitchen for a looksee [I'm a right nosy madam] and what do I find - the place is buzzing with merry chatter and as for the home-made goodies, I'm sure that I shall need to sample a bit of everything. Just to be sociable

Gally we're all very proud of you. Well done!

Zengran Sad that you didn't get to see the Kast off Kinks. I was imagining you bopping up and down and waving your arms all over the place.

Yes indeed, Mr soop and I thank you for all your support throughout a pretty nerve shredding few months. Rory managed a wee purr, too.

I must share a bit of good news with you. We had planned to give our heavy sofa and clumpy arm-chair away [when we settled into the Orchard house.] Well, Mr soop has not only said that I may have it here, but, he sat with me throughout yesterday and together we chose a beautiful [removable and washable linen covered] small "modular L-shaped sofa. I almost hugged him breathless. Silly bat that I am. Our wee sitting room will look lighter and sleeker and Rory will need a very large tartan blanket if he's to share it with us.

I shall enjoy my coffee with a scone, some of bags's cream and a dollop of delicious jam.

Do we have any of the biscuits baked by thatbags they sound delicious I just need a rest for a few mins so will relax here by the aga and put my feet up on that lovely tapistry poof in the corner,bliss.

Dropping off some plum jam - could I have the jars back please ? Have to make batches 2 and 3 today. The jam making has become a chore rather than a pleasure. Could you manage to consume a basket of fresh plums so they don't go to waste?

Zengran one of my first 'dates' with DH was a Kinks concert. That would be 50 years ago. All the members of his (DH's) band were there and they were so enthused that within a week several covers of Kink's numbers were added to the band's repertoire, much to my delight. Still one of my favourites.

I've brought a jugful of that lovely local cream for people to add to their coffee. You can whip it for the scones if you prefer. I've put them on the sideboard over there. I think someone else was bringing the home-made jam.

Soop hurrah!!

Gally well done

and for everyone else

I didn't get to see the (Kast off) Kinks, it was cancelled due to poor ticket sales!! ah well.......

I'll just have some of that lemon tart, thank you

Oh - I will have another coffee and mull it all over after I have eaten something nice.

This whether to move or not is such a problem - I am forever thinking about it! I know that this present place is one where one of us could not manage it either physically or financially. If we did move it would be to somewhere nearer a village, no pool, no gite - only used for family and friends, and a smaller garden. I would like a different type of house - never really liked this one but the situation is lovely and peaceful and DH adores all the outbuildings - mind you they are full of his 'lovely stuff' he MAY need sometime! The other problem for me is would we buy again here in France or move back to UK to be nearer the family. Thoughts for the winter maybe.

Great news Soop. We have gone round and round about moving - but just the thought of a for sale board convinced me I want to stay put. We don't have a view, but it's home. Anyone want a coffee.

So glad you`re moving onwards now Soop, I always knew that you didn`t really want to leave your lovely little house and your fantastically wonderful view. All the best to you, Mr. Soop, and last, but by no means least, the gorgeous Rory.

Congrats Gally! Onwards and upwards now soop! No time for any delicious shortbread, I'm off to watch young Montalbano (it'd better be good)

Oh what a lovely place this is! I've come over all Winnie the Pooh-like

Big [smiles] for soop and her decision making and many congratulations to Gally for her success. Many thanks to all for the delicious, non fattening, food and for the possibly not so non fattening recipes.

Jane

Recipe for Demerara shortbread please (non fattening variety)

Galen! I'm lovely!

soop Huge hurrah and pass the shortbread please, that thatbags makes a mean shortbread!

God's in his heaven...all's right with the world
(yes,I know! but this is a happy non argumentative place!)

soop I remember when the "for sale" board went up on our last house! right from the first minute to the very last, I wanted to scream "Nooooooooo" !!!!! but the words would not come out of my mouth! I was frightened of upsetting people! I miss it dreadfully.
and now today we have had a call that some one wants to view our present home although I have never liked this house, when it has actualy come to selling it! it's scary..
I'm so glad you have looked at other options, you must feel so relieved and will sleep better for it I am sure you will succeed whichever route you take.

meanwhile..is there any tea left? and biscuit of course...

Well done Gally - any chance of a wee taste of the soup?

gally, what fun! Have some shortbread.

soop, celebrate with some of this lovely demerara shortbread. And the bullfrog in our wall sends throaty greetings too.

Tuck in, folks. Plenty of shortbread to go round.

Hurrah for Soop!
Talking of soop, mine came 3rd and I got 2 2nds and a 3rd for my flowers - whoop whoop!
I love prunes, in fact I had a prune yoghurt for my lunch.

You're such a positive person, soop. I can see you and Mr Soop looking back and saying this was one of your better decsions! Onwards and upwards!

soop I'm glad for you. I don't think you'd have ever have been happy away from that view. I know I wouldn't.
I'll bet Rory would agree with me if he could speak inglish instead of Catelic!

soop

Galen I agree with when's suggestion.

I love prunes and figs... but not when the drop-bot is misbehaving

Lona

The For Sale board has been removed. Mr soop and I hugged each other. We're planning to redecorate the sitting room. I have a few jobs that I shall attend to now that I'm certain that we'll be staying here in our wee hoos.

Saga have put us in touch with an independent source. A representative will talk us through the best options for equity release. Family are chuffed that we're being sensible at long last.