Soop`s Kitrchen,a refuge and sanctuary for genteel folk

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Well we enjoyed a stroll in a nearby forest park, perfect for a wander in the cool of the evening. There’s a long established tradition that a huge cross is erected there every year by the local churches, on the hill behind our wee town. The current cross was made out of debris from the IRA Manchester bombings, so it’s a poignant sight on several levels.

Good news and exciting possibilities with the flat that’s become available panache. I do hope you feel able to proceed with it, making choices while you can is so important and I know that your options are already limited by various factors. Here’s hoping just the right buyer will come along to help you feel more confident about selling your present home.

Ann glad to hear you’re been well looked after, your gd is a very kind young woman. I can understand your daughter feeling she wants to be with you, the longing to be to be with your “own” at a time like this is a very strong pull.

swanny sometimes the unexpected days turn out to be the most enjoyable ones.mcem glad to hear the little family are doing well, hopefully dad will bounce back after a decent nights sleep.... maybe best not tell him him that it may be sometime before he has that opportunity again! corner that ouchy toe thing is very easily done, very sensible to have a relaxing day today. My toes seem to be veering towards a rather unattractive Gruffalo look, I think a visit to the chiropodist is needed ASAP, especially if this weather holds. I certainly can’t be wearing sandals until they’re tamed.

Setting politics aside I can’t help but admire Theresa Mays stamina in climbing Cader Idris. Our favourite Welsh holiday spot is very near there, it’s a stunning location on a bright day.
I don’t think we’ll be heading that way this year and I’m already pining a bit for it!

My plan for tomorrow was to make a start on a bit of garden maintenance. However it seems that dd3 and co are at home having a quiet day, well that’s if sil watching his beloved footie team on tv can be counted as quiet. Would we like to pop across to join them? It would be rude to refuse, especially as my old boy loves the chance to watch football with someone who, unlike me, understands the game!

Well bedtime for me, as always TOYA, whether your heart is heavy or light this evening. x

Good morning from sunny Kent! If you saw Mary Berry last week, she made an apple sponge cake with lemon curd and cream filling. There’s one on the table for you to try - I think it’s lovely xx

Good morning kitcheners I hope you have all had a warm sunny Easter.

I have not popped in as we have had a family wedding on Easter Saturday and the wedding after party yesterday. We and been blessed with glorious weather and two wonderful joyous days with friends and family. The rather large hat that I had purchased for the occasion was very useful as a stand in sun hat!!!

mcem Congratulations on your new Grandson the first cuddle is such a teary all encompassing moment.

Annsixty I do hope you are taking care of yourself, your dear husband is at peace time for you to reflect on the good things you shared before he was poorly.

I know I have missed out on lots of the comings and going’s of this restful kitchen so TOYA ???

Morning all!!

I have missed all that is going on in the kitchen , but our visitors have left and we are restoring everything back to normal. So I will catch up and I’ll be back after that!

Grampy has hurt his back so I shall be in charge for a few days ?...anything could happen.

I’ll leave you with a picture of the ‘erberts’ prior to their Easter egg hunt ( please note Sam’s fetching purple bow tie ! )??

Indeed the weather has truly blessed us all this Easter and how appropriate ........and poignant ........the picture of that Cross GQ
Go carefully on your garden maintenance,but a shame not to use this ideal weather!

I am sure the wedding and all the pictures will be a delight GG13........an Easter Wedding is always extra special somehow.

An absolutely beautiful name for the new baby mcem.......a name that again will command attention.It seems the dad had best learn how to pace himself as thus far he has had an easy ride!!

Whilst of course your Mim has certainly stolen the prize for her Easter Bonnet Mamissimo.......that young lady already has a commanding personality!

Quite a few co incidences there around your son and DiL visiting Nepal,their various explorations and then the welsh town of Brecon it seems 1inamillion Although many miles apart it can often be a small world!

Still feeling your pain Corner toes are so very delicate......and very vulnerable as you now have learned!

I don`t feel quite as bad now hearing I am not the only one to sit on her specs ........thanks for sharing Doodle However they were repaired and I am one extremely grateful person,my glasses are indeed sorely needed these days.

Thinking of you Ann and I hope you are feeling at peace.

Again appreciating all your positive views regarding this Retirement Apartment we have been offered, whilst Swanny your contribution was very uplifting......thank you all,we are still awaiting the call to view......but my mind is already whirring away!!!

A peaceful day I do believe is on the cards and I wish the same to you all........ Plus TOYA

Beautiful pictures N&G. What a delight grandchildren are. Mine Facetimed me yesterday unexpectedly which was a delight. She told me how the Easter Bunny had been in her bedroom and left 2 Easter eggs. She was so shocked as she is now old enough to appreciate it. My DD and DS got together over Easter which I was thrilled about as it is a rare occurrence and having no brothers or sisters I feel their relationship is precious.

I am getting excited over the thought of you actually going into sheltered accommodation Panache. Please keep us up to date with the happenings. It would be such a relief for both of you. Sincerely hoping your house sells and you love the flat.

TOYA!

Yet another day of wall to wall sunshine. MacSporran is anxious to get out into the garden with the strimmer. We've also pots to plant with seeds sent to us from a lovely lady.

Thank you for sharing the photos.
N&G your wee gang brighten up the kitchen with their joyful smiles and good taste in appropriate clothing for the Easter egg hunt.

Back a little later.

N&G Sam is in his element with so many youngsters to take care of him and love him. I almost missed his bow tie.

Well it is very quiet at Duster Towers today. Two lots of locusts have passed through and eaten the cupboard bare, and we may or may not be expecting another lot, but they are not expecting a banquet, just a sandwich (phew)! I managed to rescue half my cake as DD et al went off with the other half. GS was forbidden to have any yesterday having eaten a huge roast dinner and two helpings of pudding! He then wanted to play football, but we said ‘no’ to that too as no-one but him could get up off the sofa!! They had done a fourteen mile bike ride before coming to us, and he was the last man standing! I wish you could bottle that kind of energy! I was so tired last night I fell asleep at half past nine.

We had no Easter egg hunt this year, N&G, as GS was not supposed to have an Easter egg from us - I thought they would be away for Easter, so we gave him pocket money for his trip instead. However, having got the dates mixed up, it seemed unkind for him not to have an egg. Your lovely little crew seem to have been enjoying themselves and are always a pleasure to see! And Sam looks very smart! Do they make doggie Easter eggs? You will no doubt be having a well earned rest over the coming days! Do you want me to send the potted meat poultice for Grampy’s back?

Mamissimo Mim certainly has a penchant for colourful headgear! She will entertain you with her fashion choices as she grows I have no doubt! Lovely girl!

1inamillion I was amused at the thought of Himalayan hot cross buns. DH served with the Gurkhas in Borneo in the sixties and, like anyone who serves with them, has great affection for them. When he was posted, his Gurkha colleagues gave him a pair of silver cuff links in the shape of crossed kukris which were stolen years later. It broke his heart to lose them, so I had another pair made for our fortieth anniversary. It’s not the same as having the originals, but it keeps the memory of those times alive.

Gq that is a very thought provoking photograph of the cross. You seem to have some lovely open spaces on your doorstep to take advantage of. Always a bonus for a photographer! I have done as much gardening as I am going to do until we come back from our holiday at which point we will be up to our knees in weeds as rain is expected while we are away.

Well it seems my young visitors are going to be late, so I will have a bit longer to put my feet up! I will and look in on you all later. Enjoy your afternoon. TOYA.

Has anyone heard from Izabella.

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Hopefully I've posted a pic of those hot cross buns Greyd the other two photos show the Himalayas and the honorary citizenship granted to the Gurkhas ( displayed in the Gurkha Museum in Pokhara) - the people of Brecon have great affection for them too. I'm sure your DH was upset to lose the cuff links but I'm sure he treasures the replacements and the sentiment behind them.

That is a lovely, poignant Easter symbol Granniequeenie

Your 'erberts' look a wonderful group and a gorgeous Sam is in his element by the look of it NanaandGrampy I have duly noted Sam's bow tie, very dapper.
Hope all have an enjoyable evening.
TOYA

Sam knows he can always come here for "quiet time". He does appreciate it.

Another glorious day here- I watched the weeds grow temporarily but it was too hot, even although I needed vitamin D for medicinal reasons.

Tara came home crying about 11 am having left this hotel at 8.30am. I have no idea what or who upset her- I gave her cuddles and she went upstairs to my bed to rest her eyes and when I started putting out bins etc she then left so that will be madam until 7 pm.

Hope it wasn’t that bully tomcat Charley?

1inamillion Those hot cross buns look like a work of art. Good enough to keep. Better to eat.

Greyduster Duster Towers a most appropriate name for your establishment. I like it a lot.

Charleyg Dear Tara, should you evr find that bully cat trespassing on T's turf...call in the likes of us lot. We'll arrive with brooms and hosepipes and stage a sit-in to protect her from interference.

gransal there is no news of Izabella. I wish to goodness that she would pop her head around the door, even if she has no time to linger longer. We would love to know that she is well.

It has been a busy, sunny, fruitful day and the garden looks lovely. Tomorrow is care home visit day. I shall return in the early afternoon for catch-up.

TOYA

Bellanonna and soop- it possibly was bullyboy because he appeared a couple of days ago also. He is huge in comparison with Tara but as I have said before he was in the long queue when brains were being handed out so he does not know how to climb in her catflap. If he did manage, I think the catflap would be around his middle. I do not know where he lives and sometimes we have peace for 6 weeks.

He hates the sight of me which is good because I have sprayed him with water a few times.

I am meeting other GNs for coffee tomorrow so I am looking forward to that.

Our two twenty-something visitors who were supposed to come at three eventually turned up at five fifteen, with their tortoise, Quentin, in tow! He was getting quite inquisitive and chewing things he shouldn’t chew - like the bookcase, and my slippers! DH took him onto the lawn and let him demolish the dandelions instead. (I think we may have to get a tortoise!). The youngsters insisted they weren’t hungry but managed large slices of chocolate cake before they departed. There is still a smigeon left for me - just! It was lovely to see them, even though it was a flying visit. It is the cool of the evening now and there is just time for a stroll. A pleasant evening to one and all.

We have done both of our little families this weekend and now we are safely home. Charlie is pleased to see us!
TOYA

Just wanted to say TOYA. Can’t post much more. I gave up all sorts of odds and ends food wise for lent so today I had the lot......? p.s. mint sauce does not mix well with jelly babies.

greyduster Just read your post very quickly and thought it meant you had 22 for lunch... knowing you’d already had a plague of locusts this weekend I felt a a bit queasy at the very thought so re-read, what you’d written- phew I’m glad for your sake I got that wrong!!
Just home from a very pleasant afternoon with dd3 and co. Our very sweet 12 year old gs was so beside himself that his footie team lost, there were many tears, of course his younger sister (who’s a much tougher cookie altogether) was waiting in the wings ready to tease him about the weeping! But bless him, he managed to pull it together enough that we could still enjoy a lovely meal at their very lovely local Italian place.

TOYA and wishing you what I hope for myself - a good night of restorative and restful sleep x

Just a quick pop in! Have read all the posts but feel too tired to say anything other than how much I enjoyed the lovely photos and all the news and I am trying not to think too hard about mint sauce combined with jelly babies!!!

We had a really lovely weekend together and I returned Himself to the hospital more or less undamaged - well ok sadly he was a bit bruised and has fluid on his stump from a fall in the bathroom. We have certainly learned a few lessons as regards how difficult balance becomes when you lose a leg and what kind of helps like grab rails we need in the house. I really wish the advice and help had been forthcoming before he was injured but what do I know about such things!? Nothing that won't heal we have been assured and what is done is done. As Himself goes off to the prosthetics specialists tomorrow I am hoping he is in a good enough condition to have the cast done and the measurements taken or else he will have to wait for a while before they can try again. It will be a long day with an early start and a 2 hour journey each way so I hope it will all be ok . I am relieved that he is going by ambulance and I don't have to go. I will have a lazy day tomorrow and visit him in the evening when he has returned so that I can find out how things went.
I found it impossible to lift the wheelchair at all but I managed to organise or 'find' some really lovely people to help with that at every point when it was needed. Today the rehab doctor advised me not to rush into buying a hoist for the car as in 6 to 8 weeks time when Himself has his first leg and has learned to walk with it we will be able to manage the wheelchair together. That is the best bit of common sense advice we have had so far!

Thank you for all the encouraging messages which have been much appreciated. TOYA x

Oh I’m sorry to hear about the fall Synonymous, that must have really upset you both but as you say, it is all about balance. I’m glad he didn’t do any real damage to himself, except perhaps to his confidence. I hope everything goes well for him tomorrow.

Good to hear from you Synonymous. Pleased you had a good weekend and hope the fall doesn’t set him back.
Hope it all goes well tomorrow.

Guess a fall was going to happen at some point synonymous, excellent that no permanent harm was done, it must have been scary though. The rehab doctor will be speaking from experience, what good, sensible advice to give you. Like the sound of him . Many years of navigating with my Mum in a wheelchair proved there is always someone who will help lift if needed. Hope all goes well tomorrow and sending good wishes to you both.

Glad the weekend went well Synonomous bar the fall and so glad that the injury will heal and wasn’t more serious.Its going to be a learning game for a while for you both but as the rehab dr advised,as your husband progresses in his recovery,his needs will change.
Enjoy your restful day today?

Supposedly back to normal today but somehow after that blazing sunshine it does take a bit of getting used to coping.
Nothing changes here I am afraid as it is another Surgery visit as my poor man has had such a rough weekend.

However I am one whom always realises how others suffer far more and only coming here for a quick scan I read about your dear man Syn and that rather unpleasant business he had.But again on the uplifting side what a relief and welcome bit of news hearing you probably will have no need to find a hoist as it will not be needed in a little while.
A long journey ahead for him to have the cast fitted but hopefully it will be done meaning he is that one step further on the road to recovery.

I am concerned about Izabella and feel our hands are somewhat tied in the circumstances.I can but sincerely hope she does read the kitchen posts and realises how much we think of her........and miss her most entertaining posts.

I too was moved by your Cross picture and the story behind it GQ.......it was truly so symbolic.

Could you please send Quentin to our abode GreyD..........as there are more dandelions than grass at the moment!!!

With that little bit of frivilous knowledge I shall hastily love and leave you as we head off to the Surgery.
Have yourselves a peaceful day,gradually slipping back into your routines........and of course TOYA!!!