Soop's welcoming and supportive kitchen

Morning all,

Good intentions to get up and get on this morning fell at the first hurdle and I am still messing around on the computer and thinking about breakfast!!

Poor lad Grey I suspect those electronic games are a good carrot but of course like all children its all about now...not later :-)

Jackson is feeling much better this morning Corner not quiet fixed because I would have a phone call regarding the promised subway!! Mummy on the other hand is suffering with a very bad back ( something that has plagued her since riding her bike off a bridge at the age of 8 - being a stunt rider !!) .

I love that saying about fish and visitors ann !! I heard another one today when someone said that the name they had been asked to put on a crafting item was longer than the milkman's mac !!

I am continuing with the great move today . I d love to get it all done in time to do some crafting for Wednesday but we shall see !!

Happy sunday all !!

And I bring vanilla ice cream - always good with crumble! There’s a mixed fruit one in the oven too. One by one, my nephews have visited for my husband to do practice university interviews with them and now we are on to the next generation. Sunday lunch and a grilling for today’s candidate!

I’m on my way to the kitchen with custard and cream!

corner I meant to say earlier I hope your 10 days of visitors is not the same guests all that time.
You know what is said about visitors and fish?Both go off after a few days.
I am pleased you have a stocked freezer.
The tooth sounds troublesome, are you sure you can cope until Dec?
Greyduster you are getting to that age with your dear GS, I think nature has a way of blotting out what our own C were like.
N&G I also believe Nana' s food is the answer and the cure all for all ills.
Overthe hills please can I have cream with my crumble?
soop I am sorry but that cat has taken over and moved in, I am envious but too old to take on a kitten.
Anyone I have left out please accept my apologies and forgive me, it has been a long day and I am already in bed.

Evening All. The poor about to be operated on bear had us hooting with laughter n&g. Hope Jackson is better soon, the Subway will do it I’m sure

Face ache is a right pain isn’t it doodle? I’m sure this episode is tooth related but it’s been coming and going since I was diagnosed with fibro. At one point I was referred to a maxillofacial surgeon who was very kind but couldn’t find a fixable cause.

Tinnitus is so unpleasant doodle. Mine is noisier than usual, mix of post catarrh and stress, both aggravate it. One of life’s buggerations that’s for sure but as you so rightly say there are worse things. I also am delighted you have no experience of it soop, don’t join our gang .

Life’s hard without sleep synonymous, rest well tonight.

Good news today, the tooth is definitely going on December 15th. Hooray. Need an x-ray in preparation, no problem . Can cope with the current level of irritant, so will stop going on about it now. Thank you all for your patience.

Accomplished all my pre-visitor cooking today and squeezed it into our tiny freezer so all is well in my world. Even managed a trip out for a cuppa and some new outside lights. We have always had year round (white and tasteful, honestly) lights in our back garden, there are now some in the front as well. Just love to come home to them.

Tabitha is definitely here to stay soop, I’m delighted for you all.

I’m relieved you will have some practical help ann, maybe produce a schedule of works if your ‘helpers’ expectations and yours don’t match.

Wishing you all a restful, peaceful night.

Hello the kitchen! It occurs to me that I haven’t poked my nose in here for a few days and now I have to try and catch up! My own fault! Too preoccupied with family stuff.

Galen, magnesium supplements were what my DD’s FiL was prescribed for restless leg syndrome. It can apparently sometimes be attributed to lack of iron also, but I defer to you as the expert in these matters. I hope you get some relief from it soon, Synonymous. I have had it occasionally, but it is nowhere near as troublesome as yours. A couple of paracetamols usually sorts mine out!

Ann I was as pleased as everyone else to hear that a place has been found for your DH. It has come at the right time, as I think you were just about at the end of your rope, but mixed emotions are natural at a time such as this. He will be well cared for I’m sure and you will be able to recoup your inner reserves.

Panache your posts are like a breath of fresh air and you are the epitome of positivity and the ability to rise above your troubles. Bless you!

Soop, today I went to an art show that you would have absolutely loved. It would have been nice to have you along to discuss the merits and demerits of some truly wonderful offerings from amateur and semi professional artists. I sat in on a talk about the value of the sketchbook. I have resolved to do more sketching. Ahem! Hope Tabitha is still making her visits!

N&G that made me laugh! That bit of recording should be left in place - it could be very educational for little Finley in the future!!

Corner I hope the visiting consultant gets that tooth sorted soon. Especially as “‘Tis the season to be munching!” soon. But not on pork crackling.

Izabella it seems the race to the mince pie finish line is truly underway. I shall have to get my skates on! And that photo is wonderful!

We had GS overnight and it was a joy to have him. Then mum and dad turned up, after their night away, to fetch him home and it all went downhill a bit, with talk of spending this afternoon doing homework before he gets anywhere near his electronic games, signalling a sudden and severe cooling of filial affections! I was glad not to be spending the afternoon at their house! He truly does not know which side his bread is buttered though! Of course, Grandad put on his “When I was your age....” hat, which was absolutely no help at all!! I just kept quiet.

A peaceful, restful, evening to you all, and apologies to those I have missed.

Ooh Nana you are a granny after my own heart. I always want to make mine better as do all grandparents I think. I love the idea of the bear. ?
soop I can just see you and MacS peeking out at Tabitha. I'm sure Rory would be happy that someone else is getting some of your love. x

Evening all!

Sorry I have been absent , moving into the West Wing is harder work than I thought !

Sorry to hear both you and your DH had bad nights sleep Synonymous I always think you can cope with anything if you get a sleep!

Very sensiblel Ann ! You need help not holiday guests !!

I had to chuckle today, my daughter rang and was telling me she had been in the Build a Bear workshop buying a bear for a friends toddler. She wanted to enclose a little message that you record, so she phoned Cooper and Jackson and told them to say ‘ Happy Birthday Finley’

Jackson said ( and I quote) ,’ Happy ... Happy what Mum ? In the meantime Cooper was faring better and was saying the right thing. He then punched Jackson for not saying it correctly, who of course retaliated by shoving him off the sofa . He burst into tears , her husband could be heard in the background veering between laughing hysterically and breaking up the ensuing fight !!

The end result is a lovely bear , that when you squeeze his tummy it sounds like World War 3 has broken out !!

My daughter is mortified and the bear might need to undergo an operation to remove the recording device !!

Jackson has been - as he described it- proper poorly today. When we lived close that would have triggered a visit from Nana bringing things to make him feel better. Obviously that’s not so easy on the spur of the moment but I found the solution - he loves a subway so I have found they deliver!! So when he feels a bit better I shall arrange that ! We Nanas know how it works !!

Sending warm wishes for everyone who feels a bit under the weather !

You know how to really upset my tum Overthehills....... I would give my right arm for just a few bites of my old favourite apple crumble, whilst the mere thought of pouring custard conjures up thoughts I dare not add.............anyone prepared to swop for my Ensure?

Prizes for takers!!!!

Overthehills I almost forgot to say thank you for the apple crumble. I'm rather partial to such puddings. Any cutard to spare? x

It's that time of day. Doodle... I have placed Tabitha's supper dish containing good wholesome food inside the chalet. I'm willing to bet that, in approximately 20 mins, the outside sensor will be triggered. Cue for MacSporran and me to step inside the shadows of the bedroom to watch with huge on our faces. We sure know how to have fun. Both as daft as brushes.

Galen Have you no packing to plan? I would be making a very long list at this point.

Synonymous Smokey most certainly is a top cat with plenty of common sense. Bless him.

Sending good wishes to everyone in the kitchen. I hope that you have a peaceful Saturday night. (((hugs))) a plenty.

I echo all that Synonomous says - it’s such a happy friendly place especially if we’re struggling a bit. I’m leaving an apple crumble if anybody fancies some, just to say thankyou to all of you.

Gosh! I’ve 11 days with no tribunals,. Can’t remember when I had such a break unless cruising. Don’t know what to do with myself!
Personally I’ve found magnesium oil spray good for the restless leg syndrome. Don’t understand how it worked , but it does. Probably voodoo.

You are all so lovely and it does help to talk about things doesn't it. I am amazed at what so many of you are dealing with and yet managing to inject humour into your posts and caring about others too. My brain box is not A1 atm so can't do the lovely personalised posts that some of you do so well. I really enjoy reading them all as they engender such a lovely sense of caring and well being whatever the circumstances.
Smokie has been out in the sunshine and, as is his habit once the sun starts to go down, comes in and sits in front of the woodburner gazing so intently at me that I know full well that he is willing me to light it. He loves the warmth and turns regularly to ensure that he is evenly toasted and to show off his lovely tummy. His fur is quite long there and the way it lies makes it looks for all the world as if he has a zip up his middle. He knows how handsome he is too especially now that his portrait is framed and hanging in pride of place! So much appreciated dear soop!
Wishing us all a restful and sleep filled night. x

My goodness what a busy kitchen. May I offer my DH as a walking / pacing companion to all those with twitchy limbs and restless legs. He is up and about most nights recently.
morethan so glad your DH has survived his trouble at work. You both have enough to deal with at the moment. Your DIL sounds an amazingly upbeat person.
corner so sorry you are still having problems with your tooth. You are the only person I have heard say has trouble with their facial bones. I do too. It sounds daft but sometimes I can't bear to lay on my side as my face hurts. My jaw aches if I lay on my back. That and the tinnitus drive me bonkers some nights but compared with others woes and problems I have nothing to complain about.
maw thank you for the stollen bites. Always reminds me of Christmas ?
Glad to hear about the new carpet overthehills . Good that the fitters will do the heavy work.
willow isn't it funny that cats and dogs always want to go into places they're not supposed to. Perhaps Mr W would like a nice furry cuddle to wake him up ?
Hello Ellanv and Bellanonna nice to see you. You too izabella and thank you for such a lovely sunset photo.
ann good you are having many helping hands. As you say, make sure they know they're coming to work ?
synonymous (love your name) I hope you get a better night tonight. So painful for you and your DH too (men and tablets eh! Hope the mallet warning works ?)
Dear soop I am glad you don't know about tinnitus, I think you have more than enough to put up with without that too. Hope you and MacS have an enjoyable weekend and get lots of visits from Tabitha.?
Panache you are a wonder! Always managing to be interested in others and such long posts. Hope you too have a peaceful weekend and Mr P.
Sorry if I've missed anyone. This kitchen is always so busy I expect there have been more visitors in the time it's taken me to write this post. ?

So happy to hear that so many hands are coming along to help "sort you out" Ann but by all means this is serious business and this is no jolly......however all together it should be a happy atmosphere with you being very much at peace once your home is more or less as it once was.
Time at the end to lift a glass or three with the "happy band" enjoying those Fish and chips..............

At last I feel you are just about getting your own life back .......and not before time..........I am so relieved for you.

Hope for much the same in your abode Synonymous
.....nagging pain is a friend to no one.

morethan I would love to be able to perform a miracle for your dear daughter-in-law. All that I can do, is continue to marvel at her spirited and positive approach in the face of such adversity.
Your sister's generous gift will certainly be well received.
That tummy bug is indeed a buggeration. We know of several people in the village who have succombed. Drink plenty of water. Food isn't so important.

Maw Oooops! I have only just realised that Stollen bites are ready and waiting. My dinner plate is roomy enough for both mince pies and Stollen bites.

EllanVannin thank you for your kind comment. Our kitchen is that much happier, thanks to those who take time to contribute a little time and cheer.

corner Tooth pain is wicked. Have you tried clove oil?

Willow You are right...cats know how to get their own way. Sorry, I had to smile when I read the bit about the pillow outside the door.

Doodle I have no experience of tinnitus. I did know of a lady in Cornwall who had regular bouts of it. She would cry with the pain.

Synonymous Sorry to hear that you have twiching leg syndrome. I don't have such a thing. From time to time, when in bed, my leg feels as though it has been stung by a bee. Honest to goodness, whatever nect.

I received a lovely jug/cup cover from Squiffy yesterday. It's to keep roaming spiders from taking a dip in my night time water tumbler. I'm very grateful for her thoughtfulness.

Thank you, Panache for your uplifting post.

There is tennis on TV. I'm about to put feet up and watch a little. Back later.

Good aternoon all, I have surfaced! As I had such a dreadful evening with such pain in my legs, arms and fingers we went to bed early last night with my electric diffuser going and having rubbed in my magnesium cream and taken my cocodamol with some hot milk! So I am doing everything I can think of and thought I had covered all the bases. I actually went off to sleep after an hour or so only to be awoken by Himself scrabbling around for pain killers. I had thought that he had taken them when I gave him everything else including creaming all his poorly injuries but he tells me that he has been trying to do without them as he doesn't want to become addicted. No wonder he has been so tired and falling asleep in his chair! I have told him that he clearly needs them and promised him to administer a mallet if he doesn't take them! As for me I think I am just going to have to weather it until the jangling limbs stops as I did before when I was post stroke and diagnosed with ME. So please forgive me for having such a whinge!
Nice to see all the lovely photos.

It is a very pleasant day. Wall to wall sunshine. Cloudless sky. But, and there is usually a but, the wind is cuttingly chilly.

Naturally, you lot have been having a full-bodied blether. I can also smell the freshly baked mince pies and other calorie-free edibles. Hence, I'm at the head of the queue just ahead of Overthehills with a dinner plate and a freshly starched napkin. Best be fully prepared for a tasting session.

Ann I am feeling more hopeful than of late. Hopeful of better things to come. It's the closing of one chapter and time for putting into operation a more manageable, less stressful future. If I could, I would volunteer to drop in to lend a hand with stuff that needs sorting.

Izabella Thank you for sharing your beautiful photograph. I am besotted with skies and cloud formations.

I’m sure they mean to do as much as possible ann but I can understand your anxiety. Fish and chips a good idea. I’m sure you will actually enjoy their company once they’re there and I’m glad you’ve got their support for a while. Hope the weekend is ok thus far?

Rather belated sunset from a couple of nights ago and soop mince pies are in the oven.

Busy day today so I must not linger, but I send my thoughts and best wishes to all.

Absolutely Annsixty it is not meant to be a “pleasure” visit although it would be nice if you can all enjoy a meal together - even fish and chips and a couple of bottles of wine, when the work is done!

Good morning all.
Firstly sympathy for the poorly teeth, tums and legs, I get really painful legs as soon as I get inbed and painkillers do nothing.
I am going to have to learn to say no, my D rang yesterday to say she would take a couple of days off work next week to come and help me sort things out, getting the dining room back etc.
Last night she txtd to ask if GD and the dog could come, then later GS said he will try to change his days in to come as well.
I know they will expect a break so I have rung this morning with a strong message informing them they are here to work.
Lots of municipal tips runs, charity shop runs and cleaning.
I also don't intend cooking, it will be ready meals, takeaways or DIY.
A beautiful day here today, make the most of it if you are out and about.

What a wonderfully cheerful post from you Panache. Thinking of you and wishing you and Mr P as relaxing a Saturday as possible.

Aldi Stollen Bites! “Oh no, my downfall”, she cries, heading for the kitchen! Thanks Maw!