Soop's super supportive kitchen (with a wing for poorly menfolk)

eilyann You too are in my thoughts.

kitty Yes, I wrote the "boys" a personal letter each. I have had a huge amount of comfort in return.

Any day now, the long awaited letter will arrive confirming the surgery for the "drop-bot". Life can be so irritating. After four years of waiting and hoping for the end of the rear-end troubles, I have to shelve the possibility of a solution for the time being.

Grey I trust that your treasured Parker pen will become your grandson's precious keepsake.

The time has arrived to wish every one of you a pleasant and peaceful Saturday evening. I fully intend returning to spend more time with you in the morning.

My love to all a Granspals with tough times in store.

How old is that little darling?

Oops forgot to say that the picture is Jemima Elizabeth, known as Mim....and if she was a cake there’d be none left! ?

Doodle it is not the first time and I doubt if it will be the last that I get the sex of children mixed up. At that age, to me, they all look the same.

Mamissimo I did the same a few days ago and have not seen such a horrendous collection for a long time. In my local branch they appeared to have two sizes, 8 and 20- heaven knows what happened to those in between- surely nobody bought them?

Soop I appraised my DH of the situation with your feral cats, which he found both intriguing and touching that you should go to such lengths on their behalf. When I told him that you had a new lodger, he said he was surprised they weren’t beating a path to the door considering what was on offer!
A welcome from me to all those new to the kitchen, and a big hug to those in need of one.

Mammisimo your GD is very cute! I hope you get to cuddle her very soon! And doughnuts are my go-to in times of extreme stress, so I will partake if I may, because I have just been trying to buy trousers in Marks and Spencer?‍♀️! I came out empty handed. ‘Nuff said!

DS came to lunch today and we had beef stew with dumplings. He had two helpings and then peered into the dish and said “Is anyone going to eat that?” Well, no, not right at that minute they weren’t, but..... “Can I take it home? DiL is working today and it will save me cooking for her this evening!” So, she is having beef stew, too! He has a good many “is anyone going to eat that,” moments when he comes here. At least nothing gets wasted. In fact, he is a far better cook than I will ever be!

I have been refurbishing my forty-four year old Parker fountain pen so that I can hand it on to GS, as I can’t remember the last time I used it, and it may go some way to improving his hand writing. It is nearly as old as his mum! I put a new cartridge in it and wrote a few words and almost changed my mind - I had forgotten how nice it felt in my hand. But I rarely write anything more than shopping lists and birthday cards these days, so I will bid it a fond farewell. It can be a belated birthday present!

Well, I wish you all a pleasant evening. I have a good book that was waiting for me at the library so I shan’t be moving from my chair for a while!

What a lot of worrying stuff going on in the kitchen. It's a good job that it is such a supportive place.

Soop have you told your boys?

Anno, I'm sorry to hear that your sister has gone downhill but a blessing that you were able to go to see her.

Synonymous you have a hard time ahead. Keep coming to the kitchen.

Welcome to you newbies. Did you bring cake? I know we have doughnuts but there are lots of us to feed - just don't let the inmates of the sideward get to them first.

What a lovely photo Mamissimo. Just what we need to cheer us up.

Someone said, upthread, that it's the waiting that gets to you - they were not wrong. DH has his appointment for his small op to remove the offending 'bit' and is very tetchy for someoen who 'is not at all bothered'! And he has just gone through all the 'death' stuff This is not as awful as it sounds. It's so I know what's what re pensions, investments etc. but now I'm on edge.

DD2 and the girls are coming on Monday for a few days which we though would be a good distraction but now I'm not so sure. DD1 is off to Finland tomorrow and rang up to have a tearful chat with her Dad, DD3 keeps 'just ringing for a chat' and DS2 keeps asking how we are? DS1 seems to be studiously ignoring it. It's building a huge head of steam and, really, it's not that bad.

With hugs and best wishes for everyone with worries at the moment.

I think the little fellow may be a girl charley but either way, very beautiful.
Hello to annaliese, susan and all new visitors and a welcome return to Lona and all the poppers in ?. soop you’ve touched so many people’s lives, no wonder all these people are popping in to keep an eye on you and wish you well.
My DH really needs to be in the poorly wing at the moment because he has a bad cough but I’m keeping him home so as not to pass it on to the others. I am blessed with one who doesn’t complain so quite happy to look after him ?
synonymous hope your DH gets all his appointments done a timely manner. This is a big thing for you both to go through and the sooner done the sooner you can try and move on with your lives. Good to know your family will be around to help.
Hello everyone. Don’t have time to reply to all (and don’t have the memory to remember everything) but I have read all your posts. Nice to virtually see you all ?

First step along the road Soop I know you will cope with whatever comes with your usual calm stoicism and humour.
Still haven't had my results, which we are taking as a good sign - no news etc!
to all who are waiting, for one thing or another!

Mamissimo Such a delightful photograph. Thank you for sharing.
^Us lot* will not let the squidgy doughnuts go to waste. They are irresistable. She says, wiping the sugar from her mouth on the cuff of her blouse. Messy tyke!

Charleyg Tough talk...keep up the good work. I may need to do a surprise inspection of the ward a little later.

Please insist on the inmates patients being decently attired.

Well done, dragonfly

Thank you, Gaga. At least the weather has improved no end. The scenery is marvellous at this time of year.

Mamissimo there has to be a strict regime in the ward. The wives sent these fellows to us for a reason and the wives want to see the error of their DHs ways totally changed. One fellow, on return, found the kitchen in his own home and could make a cup of tea- that is classed as a result.

Others now know if they use the kitchen, and some are superb cooks, there is rarely hired or unhired help to clear up after them. They have to do it themselves.

Who is that delightful little fellow?

Just caught up with all the news in the kitchen and sending very best wishes to you dear soop.

So sorry that you have been dealt this card but I know you will face what has to be faced with courage and serenity - as you seem to do with every set back that life chucks your way. You are an inspiration.

Safe travels on Monday and fingers crossed that the plans made for your treatment do the job.

Charleygirl you are tough on those poor boys....a nice Bloody Mary for breakfast would give them one of their 5 a day and put them in a good mood for the day - and the celery is a good wallop of fibre ?

Team Mamissimo feels they need to keep their fingers crossed at the moment because apart from the inconvenient car issues we are all staggering along nicely. The meds are nicely balanced at last, DD1s pregnancy is going well, DD2 is content, DS’s girlfriend in Australia has decided to come home early and my DGD Mim is coming home from Dubai today.

In my happiness I got the internet order wrong so there is a large tray of squidgy doughnuts that need eating today.

I wish I was a fairy who could sprinkle magic resolutions for everyone but I know my turn will come round again....and in the meantime...doughnuts!

GG that will not be a problem after the weekend. Staffing is a bit tight because of the lurgies going around. I cannot seem to get rid of my cold and I would hate to give it to any of the boys because they make such a fuss, poor lambs. I hope he is not expecting alcohol because it has been banned- even the medicinal variety because the boys were abusing it. One does not need medicinal whisky or brandy at breakfast.

synonymous I had a hoist fitted to my car for use with a scooter or wheelchair. It was electric

Just popped in for a quiet sit down, we had some sad news late last night. A dear friend died, they were in a hospice so very poorly, had their family with them at the end.

One of our other dear friends is receiving Hospice at Home care, I actually dread hearing the phone ring at the moment.

Sending thoughts and good wishes to all poorly kitcheners and their husbands / partners.

I hope those men have been behaving themselves, if and when there is a free bed may I please book in Mr.GG13?

It is half term here next week and I shall be on Granny duty most days, will pop in when I need to escape the chaos.

synonymous how hard it is for both of you and the waiting makes it harder. I am sure once your DH has the operation things will fall into place and hopefully it will not be as bad as you imagine. I can only send you virtual hugs and flowers but they are there all the same.

Corner funny how our advice is not appreciated. I often think I can do things in half the time and often do but I am wondering if maybe I should not have been so efficient!

soop funny how the sun puts things to rights. We are going into a lovely time of year and I am hoping that will lift the spirits.

Did my Park run walk in record time today maybe because I walked with a 40 year old who set the pace. Was quite pleased as we chatted all the way round and I didn't get too out of breath.

soop that is excellent news if the black feral cat has decided to use the facilities in this 5 star hotel. The chalet beats finding a bush- more comfortable and fewer draughts.

Thank you for your supportive messages. You are the best...I says so.

ann Molly is one very lucky girl cat. She'll recover from the inconvenience.

Last night, the feral black cat elected to curl up in the wee chalet. She had dined on a full dish of top-brand dried cat food. We were both grinning like silly kids.

It's a bonnie good day in sunny Kintyre. My best wishes to every one of you lovely lot. A very special warm welcome to those of you who have joined us. Susan56 mrshat GrannynisePECS megan Alygran Nannytopsy If I've failed to mention any newbies, I apologise most sincerely. The more, the merrier...and, who knows, maybe there is cake to sample. I'm every hopeful.

Anneliese I love your name.

Panache I tried to respond to your kind pm. The response wouldn't register. Can't think why.

Synonymous You will be wearied by the events that affect your husband and the surgery he's to undergo will been daunting. Having family support during such times, is priceless. My thoughts are with you.

dragonfly x

Soop I’m full of admiration for you. What a great role model you are. Onwards and upwards now ??

My S has just returned with Molly from seeing the vet for a checkup after her little op.
Apparently she should have been kept indoors until next Saturday which is her final visit.
My S pointed out that the nurse quite definitely said she could go out after two days. Now do I face Molly's wrath at being kept in for another week or just let her out?

An exhausting trip yesterday synonymous, hope you can do something to lift the spirits with your daughter today, now breakfast is out of the way. I was going to say aren't husbands funny creatures at times, I guess really I should say aren't we all.

My 'advice' re the DiY hasn't been well received, oh dear, surely everyone knows its best to use a step ladder rather than wobble about on a sofa. Or is it just me that thinks that way?

Take care everyone.

Synonymous?. If it’s any consolation, my DH also seems incapable of breakfasting without me! And yes, it is muesli (I can’t stand the stuff!). Sometimes I like to throw a spanner in the works by saying I don’t want breakfast ?.......!

Synonymous