Soop's Kindly Kitcheners

I'm in foreign land but popped in here in need of a roper cup of tea, always available in sops kitchen ??. Alea, hope you're feeling brighter. Nelliemoser, that is such a work of art cake, what a lucky birthday boy

Alea you are safe here, those words will not be mentioned, they are not words that we recognise. Just relax and sneak a piece of that gorgeous cake.

I am surprised that your DH's hb is lower having had yet another 2 units of blood. Have the docs tested whether he is bleeding internally? It is a worrying time for both of you .

u cant beat egg and chips lol.

Slightly battered and bruised, I have ventured above the parapet to say how absolutely ace that cake is Nelliemoser!! You have set a high standard so have you planned DGS2 's birthday cake yet?

In the hope that I am safe from the words, "carrots, high horses, lectures, " etc, the lure of the and the was hard to resist especially as I am a bit housebound this afternoon with DH laid up in bed.
He really hasn't picked up since his stroke 3 weeks ago and despite a 2 unit blood transfusion a week ago when his Hb was on 7.6, he had to go back for another yesterday after Thursday's blood test came in on 7.1.
Wondering whether he had a bad reaction last week as it is meant to make him feel better, not worse.

That cake has been so well made- you have obviously put in a lot of time and effort. I agree, it is too good to be eaten but that would not stop us lot from trying!!!

I am looking forward to Strictly tonight but as I said on another thread, 6.15pm start is too early to settling down to watch TV. Moan over.

I received a letter from the vet surgery today re Tara's annual vaccinations. I wonder if they would be open at 10.30pm?!!! Admittedly last night she was home really early- 8pm. Maybe it was cold outside and she wanted to share the central heating which was on.

Nelliemoser A big gold star for a brilliant cake. It looks far too good to cut into. Your grandson will LOVE it.

Good morning kitcheners, apologies for showing off.
I really enjoyed myself making this but don't ask me to do it again for a good few months. It took a lot of time. I have been working on this since Wednesday and before that I did a test run.

DGS1 is three tomorrow. One birthday cake to suit any small boy. Thanks to t'internet for picture ideas and lots of tips. I even sneaked onto mumsnet to get some good technical tips. I did anonymise the cake in case of DDs objections
The cake is somewhere under the fondant icing. This is a lovely cake recipe very chocolatey and moist.
www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/celebration_chocolate_18175 (All credits to Mary Berry.)

You are welcome to try the cake. I will just whip up another one tonight to take to the wee boys party.

We went blackberry picking this morning. Apple and blackberry crumble on tonight's pud menu. Yum!

It is overcast here in bonnie Kintyre. Apparently the rest of the week looks promising, thanks to well positioned 'high pressure'. Our garden is sorely over-stocked. There is plenty of clearing to be done before it looks tidy yet again. I would so love to be able to hire a gardener. Someone with bags of energy and the wherewithal to clear the toughest of tangles such as the gunnera. It stands almost 12' high and the seed heads are enormous.

Saturday early afternoon greetings to all our lovely Kitcheners

I understand that Alea is feeling sad about something that has happened on another thread. I cannot comment on the matter because I have no recollection of the post.

All I can say is, *Alea has had a difficult time recently with worrying health issues from which her husband is still not fully recovered.

The kitchen is always open and we are here to support each other no matter what goes on elsewhere.

Alea and (((hugs)))

Hope you are all right Alea hugs for you.

alea whatever it is we are here ((huggs))

I'm worrying about Alea...hoping that she tells us what is troubling her by the time I log on again tomorrow morning. Now I must away. Not a lot done abbot the hoos since returning from Lochgilphead.

Thank you dear bags...I had at least five rejects. I am satisfied with the outcome. Such a relief because I get my Sloggis into a right twist throughout the entire exercise.

I love that dog portrait, soop. I'm sure the person it's going to will too.

How useful are darling grandsons? Very! Our wonder Will helped talk me through a tricky time this afternoon. The FB page refused to close. I was stranded up the creek without the proverbial paddle. Love that boy to bits.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/201509/medium-80949-100-1950.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/201509/medium-223681-100-1952.jpg

Alea Why so sad? Please share if you feel that it might help. I've only just logged on. Your message worries me.

janer I also like Richard Branson. It is a beautiful, happy photograph.

We have been to Lochgilphead to pick up the portrait that has been framed. It has turned out very much to my liking. Now for careful packing and the sending thereof.

I think soop probably has a spectacular sunset every single night. I am really envious, I see very few as we have a high fence to that side of our house. I so miss the sunsets.

I like Richard Branson.
Lovely sunset Soop

It's Richard Branson - they went to Necker Island. I now know why my sister told me a quiet holiday in Europe - Bethany had no idea where they were going! The photos are just fabulous. I was tempted to look at the prices but knew they would just make me weep and think of our aging cars and student loans.

Second thoughts...I do believe that you are right, number Well, well, well...

number I thought that it might be Harrison Ford.

I took the following sunset on the 22nd. It was brief but lovely with it.

That wouldn`t be Richard Branson in the picture would it?

Charleygirl When it has rained today it has hammered down. It is also rather chilly.

As for your Tara...isn't she a little madam. Rory refuses to budge from his watch-post on the mat. Door is ajar. He will not get his paddy-paws damp, let alone drenched. He is such a softie.

Ditto in NW London soop. I have been out and about most of the day and the minute I sat down at home with a mug of coffee, it started to rain- perfect timing. Although the sun has been shining, it has not been very warm. I have the heating on for a couple of hours most evenings now.

The 4 legged lodger is still out and I doubt if I will see her before 9pm. At least she is appearing an hour earlier.