SOOP's kindly Kitcheners

Oh I need to mention that I will be eschewing even virtual cake as we now have a date for DD's wedding -19 December! I will force myself to finish the Magnums in the freezer (if there are any left!) and scrupulously avoid the freezer cabinets in Waitrose . I will also be asking our resident super -chic style consultant for suggestions for my MOB outfit. I believe my oppo number may be wearing a gorgeous purple Indian jacket/coat. This will be a very arty farty artistic wedding , so not Jacques Vert and hats. And I need to cover my legs, so trousers or long skirt.

Alea I have visions of a long crimson velvet skirt with a matching long-line jacket for your MOB outfit. Where did that come from? Do you even like crimson? Or velvet? (Ignore me - I'm in a daft mood!)

Alea, I do agree with you about those chorus ladies' outfits. Cheaper by the dozen, perhaps? Gagagran's ideas about a MOB outfit would certainly be eyecatching and decidedly regal - though not sure about crimson.

I'll be interested to see where you go along the trousers route Alea because I have a wedding next year to plan for and, with so many little children floating around I want to wear something that is smart but that I can run in [which rules out shoes with heels!], so I was thinking of a smart trouser suit. For my daughters wedding years ago I went with a Hobbs suit for the wedding but hippy chicque [sp] in the evening.

I wore black crepe trousers at my son's wedding teamed with a very smart silvery (not sparkly) jacket over a black top. In the evening do, which was fairly casual, I changed into a short cream linen jacket. I felt very comfortable, which is the main thing for me.

I cannot tell you lot what a treat it is to pop into "our kitchen" and find so many familiar friends.

Bella darling girl, I wish with all my heart that I lived in Kent right now. I would really enjoy meeting you for a coffee and and a real (hug). Your visit will mean a great deal to your sister. I agree that it is bound to bring back some unpleasant memories for you. I admire your fortitude greatly.

Alea How lovely for us lot to have notice of your daughter's wedding. I'm thinking...a December MOB will have many options regarding her outfit. I shall take a look in your album. If there is a photo of you (full length) I would absolutely love to visualise something becoming for you. Of course, you will have you own opinions...that's as it should be. I am simply a prize nosy parker.

I took some photos through the bedroom window this morning. Mother deer and her wee fawn came right up to our fence. I'm about to look at the results. After which, I shall return.

kitty hot buttered toast would be lovely. My mouth waters at the thought of it.

Alea ...couldn't see a photo of you. That's a pity. I favour a long skirt with a fluted hemline and a matching neat jacket with a beautiful, face-framing stand-up collar.

anno The Prom last night was wonderful.

janer is in my thoughts. x

Gaga It's a treat to have you with us. I thought that your suggestion of crimson velvet was inspirational.

Tegan I like Hobbs fashion a lot. Understated elegance.

Lona feeling comfortable with the outfit one wears (for a special occasion) is of the upmost importance. Anything that rides up, creases badly, clings where it shouldn't, is to be avoided at all cost.

I may be joining you a little later tomorrow. Iron duties in the morning. (((hugs))) for every one of you.

Thank you soop! I was feeling inspired. I just thought a December wedding, near Christmas, MoG in purple, calls for rich jewel shades? I love those sort of colours and I love velvet in winter. I wonder what Alea thinks?

A box of Belgian chocolates (good ones) is on the table for you all to share. A Golden Wedding gift but I would much prefer my kitchener chums to eat them!

Palazzo pants is/are the way to go - I've worn them for lots of wedding. They are easy to wear and comfy and can be quite arty!

I wore a metallic pewter coat and trouser ensemble from Wall for DD1's wedding 6 years ago which looked very nice, then raspberry silk trousers and a pink/green/blue/silk kimono jacket from Hampstead Bazaar for DD3's wedding 3 years ago but know I would have benefited from dropping a dress size at the time. MOG is tiny and petite with lovely silver hair, I am small but alas not petite!!
I am know for wearing trousers and would love something like an outfit I saw Mary Berry in some years ago, a black velvet embellished long jacket/coat with a Nehru neckline with trousers. Black/blue/wine/most colours other than brown or green would be fine.

Should have said "metallic pewter silk/linen mix coat" I think I made myself sound like the Tin Man from the Wizard of Oz

Good morning all, hope it is sunny where you are and your hearts are light?

Unfortunately no to both Alea but I won't bring the kitchen down, so I'll leave you all with some of soop's favourite lemon drizzle cake and some

Alea, I'm afraid that was the vision I had when you first described your outfit but was too polite to say so! I'm relieved that you've enlightened us!

Lona - so sorry you're still troubled. You know you are among friends here. . That drizzle cake is luscious and will help me to keep going with weight loss - half a stone so far and hoping for another two stone by C*******s.

My heart was light until I looked out and saw the rain lashing down and my washing machine is full of bed linen. Grrrr.

I hope life improves for you and your family Lona

I'm sorry to hear Galen is not well, mind you I was beginning to think she had been abducted by Martians! Get well soon Galen.

Bella, spending the summer in Kent sounds lovely, conjures up vision of apple orchards in flower for me. Have a happy time with your sister and I hope she is feeling well.

Do they have apple orchards in Kent? I suppose it should really be hops.

Alea I've got the sunshine
I meant to say that I think your DD's wedding is going to give all of us Kitcheners a lot of pleasure.

oops.

However, Lona I am sorry your heart is heavy, troubles shared do not bring the kitchen down and there are shoulders ready and waiting to be leant or wept on.
We have all had good reason to count our blessings and are wise enough to know that life ain't necessarily like that, our happiness can hang by a very fragile thread. All the more reason to be supportive and comforting when we can. So sending you a {hug} and trying hard to ignore the virtual lemon drizzle!

I will have a slice please Lona even if I am going out for lunch today. A good friend is taking me for my birthday which was last week . It will certainly involve just one glass of something cool, so I will silently raise a toast to you and everyone with problems.

Now Alea you know that the lemon drizzle is calorie free, no excuses!

Enjoy your lunch ann60 you deserve a pleasant break.

My lovely son is really struggling. It looks as though his marriage is finally over after seven months of anguish,and his business is almost down the tubes too. Together with his health worries ( type 1 diabetes and deteriorating eyesight) he is at rock bottom. He broke down last night after yet another domestic incident and you can imagine how I feel.
He is such a kind,generous and happy person usually, I just don't know what his wife is thinking. My lips of course are sealed!

What is that phrase , something like " You are never happier than your unhappiest child"?
My heart goes out to you, easy for me to say he deserves someone better, but he clearly does. Mum's place is to be there and bear what grief you can Thank goodness he feels he can offload on to you and isn't trying to go it alone, stiff upper lip and all that.

Never a truer word Alea, sadly.
My heart goes out too to you Lona, he's very fortunate that he has you to confide in but I know just how hard it is for us mums when our children are in so much despair and pain.....

((Hugs)) to all GNs needing solace and some emotional 'propping up' too x

Lona and lots of hugs for you both.

Lona

So many of us having to deal with family break-up's.