SOOP's kindly Kitcheners

Hello again. We've been visiting our pal and having chats with the very dear ladies in the care home. Our pal has been given a new room on the ground floor. He has lovely views over the loch. He also has the companionship of three new gentleman residents. The ladies who remain on the upper floor, miss him. My new job is to exchange messages between them.

It is supposed to be wild and windy along our coastline. I would describe the wind as being moderately brisk. No torrential rain...yet.

Yoo-hoo Galen please return very soon. You are missed. Also, I'm fretting because our pompa hasn't been in touch and I miss him and his merry blether.

Janer Your daughter is in my thoughts. Please update us when there is news.

I'm wondering whether or not there will be any Davis Cup coverage on television. I know that Andy likes this team event and it would be entertaining to catch a few choice matches. I apologise to our Kitcheners who are sick to death of tennis. The golfers at Saint Andrews are being tested to the limit, thanks to the turbulent weather. I cannot imagine how difficult it must be to hit a ball against a gusting wind and lashing rain.

Just going to drop in on Sirius

Does everyone but me know what this is about, and what have I missed? I am bamboozled.

I gather that Galen is space-travelling. Makes a change from cruising unless Cunard have introduced space cruising.

Well just make sure you bring us back some treats Galen and I don't mean a bit of stale cheese from the moon either

Galen...aww! You are a super star. xxx

annsixty I shall enlighten you with a private thingy.

anno and Crafting I am experiencing major frustrations with not only the computer but our phone and, yesterday, with using our credit card to pay at the checkout. Oh, and the television picture fragments...

It was a very blustery night. We do have sunshine at the moment. White-capped waves sparkle on the sea.

I am wishing all our Kitcheners a pleasant and peaceful Saturday.

Are you watching the Murray boys in the Davis Cup, soop?

A mix-up between the consultant and his secretary, so poor DD has to wait until Monday. The secretary apparently doesn't understand the meaning of the word 'urgent', as written down by her boss. Luckily DD has a very efficient and caring Dr's receptionist who sorted it all out for her.

Davis Cup match was great. Once Andy got the hang of doubles play the Murray brothers were brilliant. Hope that whatever put Andy out of action in the second set doesn't affect his play tomorrow. That physio must have magic hands!

anno Wasn't it a tremendously entertaining match. Every game had me on the edge of my seat. Andy's strained groin muscle had me worried. It certainly made him yelp. Jamie and Andy took the first set to get settled into the match...then...it was a special treat all round. Aren't the fans terrific?

janer Your daughter doesn't need the additional stress that such "blips" create. An efficient doctor's receptionist is a bonus. I have been thinking of her (and you) and very much hope that positive measures can be kick-started once the results are known.

Just realized that the Davis cup has started how could I have missed that (Been out on the beach so missed the match this afternoon) Murry got a groin strain? thats a blow, glad to catch up with everyone at soops kitcheners.

Enjoy the evening one and all catch up again soon hugs byeeeee

He said it wasn't a groin injury, but a muscle that somehow or other got tweaked.

Perhaps Galen is a newly-sighted comet or Galaxy?
Certainly seems she is enjoying an intergalactic cruise annodomini, quite (especially as I'm airsick)
Watch out for black holes Galen

Oh dear janer, you and your DD must be on tenterhooks

I need a large or G&T ....so far today I've had hair done, traipsed around Bath, done food shop, made three large jars of pickled red cabbage, emptied our the emerald green pond, scrubbed it clear and replaced plants/goldfish, driven a dustbin of feisty tench to sister's house, been to the garden centre and bought a new pump/filter thingy, come home and cooked tea......and am knackered

Can't think why DH is sitting on settee snoring his head off!!

Hello again from a breezy but bright bonnie Kintyre.

anno A tweaked muscle spasm wasn't going to deter "our" Andy for too long. I imagine that it must have been awfully painful for a wee while. A short sharp burst of pain is par for the course when the body is under constant stress during action-packed sporting events.

sally345 You were lucky to have a beach day yesterday. I was wearing a thick sweater and a scarf...inside the house. My feet were really cold.

loopylou I read your long list of yesterday's events and almost collapsed with serious fatigue. You must be blest with a super-fit constitution. Very well done.
I could have coped with the same demands just four years ago. Sadly, since my 70th birthday my body has gone into a mini decline. I hate to admit it. I was always very strong and would undertake the toughest/roughest of jobs without hesitation.

janer Your daughter is in my thoughts. You, too.

What a match! I was convinced that Andy was so frazzled that he couldn't possibly rally, let alone win today's game. He's such a fighter. The team must feel extremely proud of him. He has, after all, played and won a vital match on three consecutive days of the tournament.

MacSporran is about to enjoy the Proms.

That was a nerve-wracking match, soop. How would the Davis Cup squad manage without the Murray brothers? The French had a choice of players any one of whom would probably have beaten James Ward, so it was necessary to play Andy despite his having played two matches already. Hope he's in good fettle when Oz comes calling!

anno I agree with you. So much rested in the capable hands of both brothers, Andy in particular. No wonder he broke down in tears after the match. The stress must be almost unbearable, especially when one is up against an opponent who appeared to be fresh and all fired up. Andy was physically and probably mentally drained at the start of the match. Andy has guts. He is a fighter. I admire him. Off for a brief holiday tomorrow. He deserves it.

Is it September that the Oz come out to play?

It is a beautiful close of day in bonnie Kintyre. MacSporran, bless him, has this minute handed me a G&T with ice and lime.

Galen is a little under the weather. She has picked up a nasty bug. I'm very pleased to report that she will return to our kitchen as soon as she's better.

I'm sidling in early hoping not to disturb Rory, but I can't sleep despite the sleeping pills prescribed by my GP.

Sorry to hear Galen isn't well, but if she will go gallivanting on these trips around the galaxy, is it any wonder she has picked up a nasty bug
Get well soon, Galen

I am happy to have left the extreme heat of Malta and am now settled in with my sister and BiL in Kent. It was pleasantly warm yesterday but looks a bit grey today.

I am going with my sister to have her chemo today. They had stopped it as it had affected her heart, but after a few weeks on tablets, they have said she can have it again. It is one of the 'wonder drugs' and had been keeping her tumours stable so fingers crossed.

Lots of love to all kitcheners, particularly those who are having a lot to deal with.

How nice to hear from you Bella and I hope you enjoy your visit. It is very brave of you to go with your sister as it must bring back the times you were doing the same for your DH. I hope the weather is kind to you with warm sunny days and just a little gentle rain if that is what you would welcome. We actually are sick of it

Thank you, annsixty. I'm certainly enjoying being a bit cooler. The temp in Malta was around 37C when I left, but with the humidity it feels unbearable. I really mustn't complain as I grumble all winter about being cold! There's no pleasing some people

I've actually been with my sister for her chemo before as she has been courageously battling her cancer for five years now. Never thought DH would go first, but that's life, you never know what is around the corner.

Hope you are feeling ok after the treatment for your eyes. Anything to do with eyes makes my toes curl up so I think you were extremely brave

Hi Bella this weather must be a welcome relief for you, and I'm sure your sister is delighted to have your company for her chemo session.
Hope you get some rest tonight, it's no fun having sleepless nights.

ann60 I know you're having a tough time at the moment, so I'm sending (((hugs))) and some xx

Galen Get well soon and come back down to earth!

Hello everyone!

Nice to see you Bella and your sister must be extremely glad to see you.

Galen - get well soon!

Ann ((((hugs))))

I haven't been in the kitchen for a few days - life got hectic again! Things seem to have settled down nicely for a while in the Lester household - wonder when the next lot of whatsit will hit the fan? Since DD3 moved out I have had no cake to bring but I'll set about making some hot buttered toast and some

Take care everyone with troubles.

Welcome Bellasnana and healing vibes to Galen and all who need them.
Wasn't that a fabulous Prom last night? I love the CBSO at the best of times, but the rapport their (now ex) conductor has with them was just wonderful. I was looking out for a girl I remember from school and the daughter of a friend, who was playing one of the trombones and rewarded by a nano second glimpse at the end. However, I am in trouble for finding the CBSO Chorus ladies' outfits dull and frumpy (and saying so ) but honestly, they did them no favours!!! The sound was heavenly and I suppose that IS what matters!

I remember the early 70's when DH and I used to head for the gallery and stretch out on the floor at Prom concerts. Happy days!