soop's kitchen

Greeting from a blowy Kintyre. The storm isn't forecast for this area. We had a taste of something similar to that which some GN's will experience...but that was some time ago. Stay at home, where you'll be safest. I certainly wouldn't feel comfortable elsewhere. The hurricane that swept across the west coast of Scotland, did a lot of damage, especially to trees. We lost far too many. I can still hear the roar of that particular storm. Like a train thundering through a tunnel.

Hot crumpets and plenty of butter to share with you. Warming drinks, too. And, for any who feel partial to a hot toddy, I shall be pleased to make one. Rory went to the door. Stood this side of it. The wind lifted his fur. Rory backed in and appears to be in a deep slumber in my chair

Mr soop is about to light the log fire, a comforting sight and sound on a blustery day. We are hoping that the sofa [our 25th anniversary gift to each other] will be delivered this coming week. A tartan covered armchair will follow in three weeks time. It is a rare thing for us to spend money on new furnishings. However, once we'd made the decision not to move house, it seemed like the perfect time to mark the occasion with a treat. Both items were chosen with great care. They will be with us for a good many years, we hope.

Your new sofa and chair sound fantastic soop. As you say, Scotland will probably not be hit by the storm - hopefully - but good luck to all who will be in its path and fingers x'd. It is a glorious but blustery day here in Fife and I am about to set off for a walk along the beach to meet a friend and then return to her house for a late lunch. Next week I have to settle down and sort myself out - only 5 weeks until I leave for Sydney and there's so much to do. Why do I always leave everything to the 11th hour? Your crumpets sound good; maybe I shall just have one with a cup of coffee before I set off on my walk Oooh yummy!

Gally Lovely to have you call by. Enjoy your stroll along the beach and lunch with your friend. Sounds like a perfect way to spend a Sunday. Five weeks is plenty of time in which to prepare for Sydney. I would be list making. Mind you, I hardly ever refer to the list when the time comes to pack. I always make the mistake of thinking that I need to pack far too much clutter. My excuse is..."just in case..." Whereas Mr soop is much more sensible. I'm so pleased to hear that you are feeling upbeat. You must be excited.

By gum, the sky is suddenly the colour of soot. The ferry appears to be struggling on a mighty choppy sea.

Hi soop, at the moment it's glorious sunshine here in Cheshire, the wind is swooping through the trees, and I'm sofa surfing after a late night!

Coffee and a big piece of home made chocolate cake would be lovely, but I haven't got any!

Have a lovely day m'dears

This is (I think) my first foray into soop's kitchen - and now I see where many of my favourite people have been. I thougt I hadn't seen many of you "on site" and it was all getting a bit dull, but like at all the best parties - you are clustered in the kitchen. I have tried reading through from page 1 (too long) and reading back from P 38, confusing, but I hope to catch up on news eventually. Just picked up though that you soop and Mr S are no longer going ahead woth the new hoose - am I right?
Anyway, hope to see you all again very soon.

Lona for a wee moment, I thought you were going to say that you were surfing...as in, riding the waves I'm sure that I can rustle up a slice of cake. Not home-made, I'm afraid, but it is delicious just the same. How about a slice of date and walnut instead of choc?

gracesmum It's good to welcome you to the kitchen. No need to debate the rights and wrongs of the world. We meet here to relax and share pleasant company...the door is never closed. There's room for everyone, including Rory. And you are correct in believing that all thoughts on moving house are a thing of the past. We could neither sell nor build for a price that made sense. In fact, had we proceeded, we'd have made matters worse on the financial level. We are happier now that the decision has been made.

Before I return to sketch a portrait of a dear little dog called Rosie, I shall add a couple of pics of the wee man to my album.

Before our hatches are well and truly battened down, here on the south coast, ready for the visitation of the St Jude storm (as the papers are calling it) I've just dropped by with a chocolate cake - made this morning. Help yourselves everyone! (especially Lona)

Might I take up your kind offer of a toddy soop? Would just set me up for the return trip home as the wind is already picking up.

It's gone dark again - alternated sunshine and showers all morning. The curtain of big trees beyond the brook makes it darker. I don't think they are in danger of blowing down as birches bend rather than break and conifers seem to be impervious to wind. I will join you in that toddy and spend the rest of the afternoon, no doubt, drowsing!

I need a chat and cake please. I am feeling sorry for myself and in need of a totally unjustified moan.
My--poorly--newly mended shoulder, feels more achy than it did in the 5/6 months before it was mended, that's not surprising I know. I can't use it all all for three weeks. On inspection it needed more repair than I first thought; like re-anchoring a torn tendon. I don't quite know how I managed to do the stuff I did a couple of weeks before surgery.

I am trying to do everything one handed with the wrong hand. Even writing on GN is hard work. I now can't drive for at least 6 weeks which has seriously affected my independence. Getting washed and dressed is uncomfortable. I can't get comfortable in bed or a chair. I can't have a drink because of the pain killers, they work, but are doping me up and blocking me up.

I don't have any cake in the house, although I do have a stash of ice cream which is good.
Is there some nice fruit or chocolate cake on the go? I would like to look out of Soop's windows and see the views, maybe after the predicted storms have gone.

I need to stop indulging in self pity but I CBA.

I think I am fed up as I have been taking all these things I could do so easily for granted and not being able to do them now is a bit of a shock.
I don't know how long it will take me to get back to normal arm functioning. Will I be able to cook stuff for Christmas? Will it stop me gardening?

How does one get out of "whatiffing" mode? Yes I know speculating on what might happen in a situation like this is total waste of time.

There is a moral there for me somewhere. I need to count my blessings perhaps.
Some one please give me a proverbial kick up the backside. (and a piece of cake)

Nellie you are allowed to feel like this straight after a nasty operation. Poor you, is there anyone around who can help you at all? Meanwhile tea and fruitcake and a therapeutic smooth of darling Rory and I hope you start to feel better soon.

Here's a good foot up the backside from me, and a disgustingly rich chocolate fudge cake with five chocolate flakes crumbled on top, nellie. Have a bloody big slice and get yer laughin' gear round that! Want extra thick Jersey cream with it? Now put your feet up on this comfy sofa and allow us to stroke your forehead whilst we play you soothing music

{{{big hugs}}} Nelliemoser - if you can't indulge in a bit of whatiffing under these circumstances when can you. Self-pity? No you have every right to feel sorry for yourself - we feel sorry for you too. The next few weeks will be an exercise in delegation - let the rest of the family do their bit - they will rise to it and enjoy giving back some of all you have given them down the years. A few good Box Sets, some cake and chocolate, books (can you hold a Kindle?) and as comfy a chair as you can find in which to hibernate and get well soon.

nellie You're allowed to feel sorry for yourself, <getting a big wodge of cake for us you now> but look on the bright side.............................
You have the perfect excuse for not doing any housework,washing,ironing,shopping...etc. So, relax and wallow for a while!

Surround yourself with comfy pillows - as many as you can find. It's frustrating and depressing. I know. You should be OK to cook for Christmas - unless you can find someone to do it for you. Meanwhile, I hope someone is waiting on you hand and foot. Treat yourself to manicures and pedicures because it's very difficult to do it left-handed. Enjoy your chocolate cake and relax - we're here for you.

I have only just arrived and all I could find to bring was 2 Garibaldi biscuits Nellie you are so welcome to both of them, I wish I could do more, so for now put your feet up and spoil yourself.

Just popped in to let you know I have located blankets, candles and a torch should anyone need to borrow any.
I have some left over pud, tried a new recipe a sort of flapjack topping instead of crumble!

How about some cheese and crackers? I still have some room left after having some fish and chocolate ice cream (well, it is Sunday) not on the same plate though. Anyone else for a nice cup of Redbush?

Take care Nellie, stay cosy and warm - the weather is atrocious - I bet lots of people pop on to the kitchen today so you won't be lonely. Have a nice and some toast.

Yawn. Good morning everone. I think I must have slept through it all unless it missed us. It sounds as though the Bath area got hit far more than North Somerset. It is such a relief. I have brought some home made bread and real butter just in case anyone is without electric this morning.

Just in case it might have been misunderstood, that was a 'me yawn' not a 'me being sarcastic yawn' sidles quietly out of the kitchen door leaving toast crumbs on the worktop.

Never thought that Liz, but don't leave the crumbs for me to clear up please!

I've brought some fruit loaf to toast and lots of Lurpak butter to share, with lots of of course

Morning all, we seem to have weathered the storm. As predicted, it was at its worst at 5 a.m.
Toasted fruit loaf and a mug of tea for me please!

Lovely, Lona for almost-elevenses. I'm going to make some scones later. Will share.

Save one for me please anno, I can't resist a warm scone with lashings (lovely word) of jam and cream

LIke LizG I wonder if the dire warnings were exaggerated so as not to make the mistakes of 1987. We seem to have everything still standing and after worrying myself silly about DD, SIL and DGSs driving back from their holiday house in Somerset, I find they were at home all weekend after all. [exasperated] emoticon. Why is it a mother's place to worry fuss?