Soop's warmly welcoming kitchen

Bright and sunny here and yet the weather man predicted snow by Easter. The weather is taunting us by giving us a breath of spring and then plunging us into winter again. I walked down the garden yesterday to see what damage the frosts had done. A number of plants are brown round the edges but surviving, others look as if they might not survive, but the heathers I planted last year are flourishing, so the two new (white) ones I have acquired will be planted either today or very soon thereafter. I found a lovely hellebore yesterday that I know I didn't buy so goodness knows where it has come from. It's very deep red - almost black - with lovely glossy petals. All my other hellebores are self-seeded but none as unusual as this. Have a lovely day everyone.

soop all of your relatives will love your paintings as we have.

Another dull day here- I am going out for lunch with a friend so I will not be too bothered.

Tara loved her duvet day in yesterday and has now gone to explore the world.

The dance show was amazing. Watching my eldest DGD doing a lyrical dance made me cry. She is very tall and towers over her contemporaries and is not the most graceful but the dance was beautiful. I am a very proud nanny.

Fat finger again,it was his opinion and many not meant!!
How ruined is a post by fat finger?

My H and I once took our touring caravan to the Norfork Broads.
I recall him saying after we had done a boat trip through miles of reeds, if only I can find some paint to watch drying my life will be complete.
How meant people have I upset?
It was opinion not mine but....

Well, I don’t so yes please . Thanks baggs.

My father in law lived in Oulton Broad and we had many holidays there. We often rented a beach hut at Lowestoft- great memories!

I read that question twice Baggs, thinking that you were looking for someone to bump off!

Does anyone in here suffer from peanut allergy? 'Cos I have a tinful of fabulous peanut butter cookies....

granniequeenie I would so love to sample your cake. Best leave a slice in a secret place. As you well know, that lot are cake mad. Me...I can take it or leave it (I jest!)

We've enjoyed a day filled with sunshine. It's too warm for a log fire.

I'm listening to a Neil Diamond CD. His voice is like warm chocolate. His songs bring back memories of a "youthful me".

Have pedalled for almost thirty minutes. Rosy cheeked as a result.

Now it's time to log off and settle down to read the newspaper. A glass of red wine to look forward to later in the evening.

Enjoy your Saturday evening. Thank you for your company.

That made me laugh n&g but I suspect that if the floor business goes horribly wrong it may be grampy who’ll be in need of some serious prayer! The orangery looks lovely btw. The squirrel photo is just brilliant, well spotted that woman!

soop I was just thinking the same as maw - a gallery with cake and Kintyre views, perfect. The much loved recipients will be thrilled with those pictures I’m sure, they are just beautiful.

morethan2 that’s good to hear news of your dil, what an emotional journey for you all. I’m especially heartened to hear of her progress as I’m supporting a young local mum recently diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and just at the start of her treatment.

Ann what a hard road you’re travelling these days. I’ve not been in the kitchen much lately but you and others with difficult lives have been in my thoughts.

Right this definitely diversionary activity, there’s a cake I’m supposed to be making. If it turns out as planned I’ll leave some on the side for all to share xx

corner Blue Peter was one of the very best. I remember Valerie Singleton and that pleasant young man who now presents Countryfile. The funniest episode was when the zoo keeper brought a baby elephant into the studio,

Afternoon All. Not much sun here today, still the overcast sky didn't get in the way of a very satisfactory and therapeutic shopping trip. Couldn't find what we went for, never mind the alternatives are very nice indeed . The only down side was no room anywhere for lunch, still we were back early enough that we didn't starve. Amazon has easily sorted the original items, now why didn't I think of that in the beginning?

Oulton Broad was one of my favourites when we lived in Norfolk N&G, so long ago now though. The squirrel made me smile and also triggered some sadness, we had so many visit us in our last home, not one here and I truly miss them and their antics. One used to come to the patio doors and tap on the glass if there was no food. I know they are a menace if they get in the roof but ours seemed to prefer to stay in the trees and on the fence.

Oh dear, flooring. I still shudder when I recall our last venture into floor laying. I won't scare you with the details. Just wish you and grampy luck.

Two year olds are certainly exhausting and fun in equal parts sar. I do get a bit sad because we don't mind ours very often. There are much younger and geographically closer family who regularly help out which of course we are pleased about. Enjoy the dance show, I'm sure your granddaughters will be stars.

I've creatd an Easter something. I usually do an indoor tree (Blue Peter has a lot to answer for) but there aren't enough suitable twiggy bits to make it this year. Picture a candle (battery) in a sort of a white wire cage festooned with multi coloured eggs, lambs, chickens and a small hot air balloon piloted by a rabbit. You can't? No, didn't think so! Mr C said it was 'unusual', which was unusually tactful of him.

We're promised some sunshine tomorrow, if that is true I plan a garden stint, been indoors far too much this week and the fresh air will be wonderful.

Take care everyone.

anno Thank you for your kind remarks. The wolf will be given to nineteen year old grandson. Here is a photo. I too love wolves. There was a very interesting programme on TV some time ago. It was about a couple who nurtured a pack of wolves. Amazing!

soop, I love your gallery. You should open a tearoom and display your work. There are plenty of people here who would willingly contribute cakes and scones, if we can all move up to Kintyre. My favourite among your paintings is the wolf. Don't know why, perhaps I have an affinity with the species.

callgirl1 You tell 'em. Otherwise us lot will organise a protest march.

It's a bright and beautiful early afternoon in sunny Kintyre. During our daily walk we encountered a sudden, sharp shower. Met with a few villagers and blethered, returned to a pot of coffee (alas, no biscuit for me...)

NanaandGrampy May I suggest that you submit the squirrel photo for entry in the next wildlife calendar competition. It's a winner.
As for the floor. Deep breath, stiff upper lip and shoulders back. Best stay out of Grampy's way until he asks for your opinion.

Sar53 A feisty two year old can run you ragged in next to no time. Well done for helping the family to prepare for the big event. Will you be able to have a photo of the girls taking part in the performance?

Maw ((((hugs))) a plenty.

Great photo N&G and that’s a squirrel-proof container too.!

Crafting I attempted to PM you and then discovered that I could not. Be aware that 48 hours after you send a review you will have to sign for the £50 voucher as I did early this am. Very efficient.

N&G that squirrel will not starve any time soon- the poor birds, depriving them of a meal.

Poor Grampy I hope that he does a good job- what is he laying? Will Sam be comfortable? Somebody has to look after that poor dog.

Now that I am home again Tara is now eating and has decided to have a duvet day today. Each time I go upstairs she thinks I am returning to bed- much too early even with the clocks going forward tonight.

Morning all !

Glad you enjoyed the photo of the fen , its near Oulton Broad . I just thought the colours made me happy!

Beautiful collection of art soop !! Your family will be thrilled to receive them

Lovely surprises Maw , nice to have thoughtful friends .

Saw your post Jane wondered if it was a relative of this guy who doesn't let gravity get in his way of a good meal ! ( see picture)

Grampy is laying the new flooring in the orangery today.... I'm just going to leave that there - Pray for me ;-)

soop what lovely paintings. I would love to be able to draw but I think that talent passed me by !!
maw I totally agree with you such harsh comments from some people.
I'm spending a few days with DD1 in the Midlands. The two oldest DGD'S are in a dance show tomorrow, two performances, and it has been full on rehearsals after school every day this week. Mum and girls are shattered. My role has been to look after the youngest, two years old and very feisty. Such good fun but OH so tiring. SIL arrived back from the States today, he's trying to keep going and the girls were so excited to see him, but I think he's ready for a good night's sleep.
I'm looking forward to seeing the show tomorrow evening and I think everyone is hoping for a relaxing Sunday.
Best wishes and hugs to all that are going through tough times.

I`ve got 3 pictures here that I could loan to Soop`s gallery, one each of Pepper, Mia and Duke. There is another of Duke, but his owner, Dawn, has that one, but she may be persuaded to loan it out for a short while. And a tearoom with cake would be a worthy rival to Glenbarr tearooms!
I recently have had my bedroom redecorated, recarpeted and refurnished. The new furniture was delivered 2 weeks ago tomorrow, but one of the wardrobe doors was wrong. The delivery men said the correct door would be delivered in a few days, but last Friday I rang to ask when it was coming. She knew nothing about it, the delivery men hadn`t put a report in. She said she`d start the ball rolling, but it` not rolling very fast, so tomorrow I`m going to be on the phone again.

I agree with you Maw so I will sit and gaze at the view that Soop has given me and try not to let my computer fingers wander......

PS Soop have you not thought of opening a gallery?
There could be a tearoom with cake too!