Soop's Kitchen Extension

OK this sounds silly - but I feel a very definite reality to Soop's kitchen - as if you lot really are there and I have sneaked in too. Oh I know that is the point of it, but reality is taking over from virtuality!! Sewsilver - how nice to see you out and about - {{hugs}}

I read GN for a long time before joining and always enjoyed Greatnan's posts. I loved her strength of character and zest for life plus all she had achieved and also suffered but, her attitude of, onwards and upwards was admirable. I keep saying it but, she was truly inspirational. Just look at all the people she has touched. If only she had written a book! Slainte Carol

To Carol

gally I love your new word ' intrepidudity'. It really describes Carol..intrepid and a real dude! Think I may have had too many , been here since 1pm but its nice and cosy

Is there anymore room for me to squeeze in. I will raise another for Carol.

Hello all. I am back from work, fed and watered, and ready to snuggle down into that plumped cushion (thank you soop). Thought of Carol all day and particularly on my long, dark and rainy drive home. I feel glad that she is no longer lying out in the dark on her own.

How wonderful to have this lovely, comfy place to gather in times of need. Thank you soop. I don't much like wine but will raise a to Carol and enjoy Corrie on her behalf (I know how she loved her soaps).

Hallo all. I have been child minding and only just read the news. So heartbreaking. Can I join in with the toast to lovely Carol and also offer (((hugs))) to those of you who knew her better than I. So so so sad.

Carol! What a loss to our forum - keeping people on their toes, rattling cages, challenging prejudices, sticking to what she believed in, telling us jokes - a loss indeed.

Can I join you.? I've just received the catalogue for scenic cruises which is very poignant as Carol and I were thinking of perhaps a river cruise together.
Carol!

Me too. (hug) Here's to you Carol and all the people who tried so hard to get you found. Started crying when writing a tribute but due in Welsh class where I had to pull myself together and use unwilling brain cells. Teacher tells us the activity she wants us to do, in Welsh, so we not only have to get our heads round the Welsh sentences, but get our heads around the activity instructions as well.
I was also entertained by the young man (a student, with blue hair) in the class - asked him what he wanted to do with his psychology degree - become a sex therapist apparently. You can't really ask why can you? Was able instead to use the throw away line "My mother was a sex therapist"
(Well done Gally! Bet it was a sight.)
By the time I have been to choir this evening and sung in parts in a variety of foreign languages i really will need a sleep. I will go as I am giving someone a lift. Carol has been on my mind every night for the last week.
Extra hard on bereaved families when they are scattered far and wide I think, and cannot easily come together to mourn. As you know so well gally

Coming in for a hug and to raise a glass

Heard the very sad news via Marelli who texted me. I knew that as soon as I was out of GN contact something would happen. So, so sad but I think we were in a way expecting the worst. She will be sorely missed by us all. I was amazed by her complete zest for life and her intrepidudity (if that is a word?). If only I had some of her get-up-and-go. I shall join you in a toast to her before going off to our Village in Bloom AGM. (BTW we won Gold and came joint 1st in the whole of the UK [show off emoticon])
Slainte Carol!

Granny23 ...Slainte. How thoughtful of you.

You lot are amazing. I would never have believed that a forum could offer so much solace at a time like this. Carol has left us to do what she did with tremendous gusto...enjoy the moment. The pink fizzy Ackerman's tickles my nose, Mamie.
anno the walk would have put a spring in Carol's step...and, as when said, 'a glint in her eye'.
I'm raising a glass to every one of us Granspals. Relax on the sofa and allow Rory to do his utmost to find the most accommodating lap to loll on.
We each have a memory of Carol. For me, she was a wonder woman...how good is that.
Until tomorrow, enjoy some peace and relaxation. There's a plentiful supply of goodies and hugs to share.

Not very good at group hugs I'm afraid, but I'll sit quietly with you all and raise a glass of pink fizz to Greatnan and her indomitable spirit.

Merci aussi, Mamie

Just dropping off a bottle of Glenmorangie (won in a raffle). If Mr Soop rations it to a wee dram each I am sure there will be enough to go round all.

Raising a glass to Carol here too.

Merci, Mamie.

Yes a tricky walk in difficult terrain, I think. Just what she liked.
I have some of my pink fizzy Ackerman's to share avec mes chères amies.

Please make room on the sofa for another one

The walk is described here. Part of it sounds quite hairy but that wouldn't have put Carol off, as we know.

Can we just have an ongoing group hug for everyone who needs one just as soon as they walk through the door.

Mamie thanks. On looking at the photos, there's the usual footpath sign near the Grotte du Jourdy, giving a choice of three walks, ranging between 40 minutes and a couple of hours. Just what would put that glint in Carol's eye, as she decided which direction to choose to suit the time and weather conditions. She would have been enjoying herself.

Stretch that sofa a bit further. I'm joining you all. Need company. Still can't believe that so much life and spirit can be gone in an instant.

Join the club Graces that's what I want not really just a bed.