Soop's welcoming kitchen for the sharing of...

kittylester what a lovely surprise for DD3 and her partner and what a great idea by bertie and persie. No wonder it made you cry.
Well said dreamcatcher and beautifully put.
Now must get some sleep now as have set the alarm for 5.30 so as to take a couple of doses of painkillers before leaving for the hospital in the morning. No such thing as Easter Monday in Portugal. It would usually be a normal work day but unfortunately not for many at the moment. Except of course for the wonderful nursing and medical staff who are working so hard to keep us safe.

Dd2 and her neighbours do that once a week too maw - a brilliant idea that we might adopt!!

Kittylester how absolutely lovely ?
Suppressed my inner (shy) introvert and rang round my 4 nearest neighbours - 2 on their own, 1 of whom shielding,1 couple whose octogenarian mum has moved in for the duration and 1 with young children and suggested we meet for pre-lunch drinks out the front on drives/front garden, even the pavement! Own chairs, own wine, own glasses, social distancing observed and enjoyed a very pleasant hour and a half !
So glad I took the plunge!

Where on earth did you find that child? How simply beautiful!

We have just had the most amazing thunderstorm so will not have to water the garden.

I hope you dont mind if I share with you what happened this afternoon.

DD3 and her partner (who were meant to be flying to Las Vegas to get married today) were given a treasure map by Bertie a d Persie today. When they got to the end they had a surprise wedding eremony complete with key ring rings, a lovely speech by Bertie and flower petals strewn by Persie. Wasnt that lovely? It made me cry!

Grandmafrench What is it about gardening? I start off thinking...I shall do this area this afternoon. When that area is looking good, I turn a corner and think...that needs doing. And so on. Almost three hours work done, swept up debris, tools put away. A long look to be sure that I'm well happy and...hey ho...indoors in time to have a shower and such. We'll be raising a glass of cheer to every one of you at 9.00

Thank you for your company and all the kindnesses that your share with others.

Wee Man - (Torben), our youngest grandchild, will be celebrating his 10th birthday tomorrow. We have a treasure trove of happy memories of time spent with him as a little child. I shall include one such memory with you as I say goodnight.

Thinking of you ALL.

Should have said, that was such a heartfelt post DK/Panache, and it needed to be said. x

Smileless that is why I prefer to stay here.

I honestly don't think some people can help themselves Smileless. It is horrible to see and being nasty doesn't have much to do with being or sad or anxious really. Maybe it's down to being easy targets! Keep away, that's the answer - people need to work on some of that anger and bitterness and not vent it to all and sundry.

Lins the cauliflower cheese was super. It's a bit of comfort food, I feel. Don't think I can watch Pres. Mac because what can he say to give us cheer? Everyone's guess is that he'll be speaking about June as the next possible date that we could be set free. If it's earlier than that, it will probably not come with guarantees - how can it? We are possibly just coming up to our peak here now, a couple of weeks before the UK. All high numbers still. Still, we will try to look past that......I'm trying not to focus on your creme egg. Lucky you, AND Xmas pudding. Oh the lives that some of us lead.

Maybe when I've refreshed this page I will see that the lady in charge has come in from the garden and a mountain of hard labour to check up on all her Sooper people, bless her.

I'm away to help carry mountains of hedge cuttings out to our driveway for a very early collection tomorrow by a man + truck sent by the Town Hall to help residents in our time of need. The tip has been closed but will reopen very soon just for garden waste, I think. I will first find my mosquito repellent! Have a nice evening all. See you tomorrow. xx

Happy Easter to you all, a little late in the day I know but I've been finding GN rather difficult recently; not in the kitchen of course but elsewhere.

Even when nastiness isn't directed at you personally, it's unpleasant to see it aimed at others.

cornergran and maw

Thank you for your post Dreamkeeper so very well said and such a shame that it needs to be said at all.

Wishing you all peace TOYA x

Happy Easter Kitcheners.
GrandmaFrench I love cauliflower cheese and yours looks delicious. Hope you've enjoyed your lounge in the garden. Are you and Carillion all set to watch President Macron later?
tanith your GS is doing a very worthy job, well done to him.
It is a very strange Easter for us all, I have little energy today. I'm watching Death on the Nile and resisting the temptation to eat a Cadbury's Creme egg. We have roast lamb later so don't want to spoil my appetite.
Nannytopsy I've got a Christmas pudding too, not sure when we'll have it. I've also got mince pies in the freezer as we didn't eat much last Christmas. It is MrLins's birthday at the end of May, saving the pudding for that in lieu of a cake. Save the date.
So glad your son had his chocolate egg Kitty.
cornergran ?

soop I agree, a good exchange. You may also keep my share of the pudding and the custard as well as the hot cross bun. I much prefer savoury or a bar of chocolate.

There was thunder here and the heavens opened. At least I do not have to do any watering later.
YOYA

GrannyGravy Sounds very much like a perfect getaway. Enjoy! Don't get too many crumbs on the bed covers. As if!

I am away to work in the garden for a couple of hours of peace and tranquility. We shall chocolate and a hot cross bun at 4:00.

After which, I shall pop in to update myself.

Welcome jacq10 I see that you've visited us before? Please continue to share our kitchen. There is plenty of room and we welcome like-minded people. I shall enjoy one of your wee cakes at teatime.

Nannytopsy Pudding and custard. I am delirious with anticipation.

Nannyfaraway Enjoy your family Skype gathering this afternoon. I'm certain that it will raise many a welcome smile.

Carillion Easter greetings to you and your husband.

Dreamkeeper Your post needs no comment. Perfect!

Sending virtual (((((hugs))))) to all the kitcheners in need.

I have retreated to my bedroom with a latte and a packet of chocolate digestives with Carry on Camping on the tv.
Not my ideal Easter Day, but I am fortunate that I can hear one GS bouncing on the bouncy castle in my garden and the baby is making full use of their lungs!!! BBQ has been requested by the five year old so that is dinner sorted.

Don't let the b***ers get you down MawB I think outside of our kitchen things are getting rather fractious due to this flipping virus.

Happy Easter, keep safe and well ???

Well now...where to start...right this minute I'm wishing that I had a magic wand. If so, I would wave it hither and thither and put an end to everything that is causing you lot distress.
We are here to provide a listening ear. We enjoy each other's companionship. We will continue to do whatever we virtually can to support each other through this ghastly crisis.

Kindness costs nothing. A little given, goes a very long way. You are all in my thoughts and we shall do whatever we can to comfort each other.

Maw Switch off from stuff and nonsense that offends you. You are a lovely, intelligent, inspirational lady. In fact, our kitchen is home to so many like-minded people. Thank you.

Charleyg It would be a great shame to let the Easter holiday Champagne lose it's fizz. I shall drink yours and in it's place I shall pour you a well-rounded red. Fair dos

tanith and so much more.

kitty I too was thinking of Wolfie as being a babe in arms. He's such a sturdy young man. He looks very much "in charge".

Daisyboots dragonfly hulahoop Susan corner Urmstongran GrannySomerset Galen Bellanonna Gentle (hugs) and many more for all of you over this weekend.

Grandmafrench The cauliflower cheese looks (and smells) delicious. I can almost taste it.

Well said Panache and I wish you too a happy and peaceful Easter.

In this unprecidented of times I have to simply add why are a certain section of the public so ready to pounce on some and cause further discomfort and plain unhappiness at times.Some folk have a strong back bone and will be better at shrugging off these unpleasant comments but many are far more vulnerable at this time especially.
It is far from being an ordinary Easter but I think reaching out the hand of friendship and kindness one to the other is the very least each one of us can do.........whether young,old,fighting fit or on a Hospital bed.
Having faced the most difficult of times since the age of 42,fighting deadly cancers of my own,caring for my crippled 80 year old Foster mother through terminal cancer and then "doing my bit" for others by raising the county`s first Support Group,and then being one of two in raising our first Cancer Care Centre,working there over many difficult years.Eventuallyfinding myself far too unwell to carry on with yet a further run of serious illnesses.
Over the past almost 2 years finding my own dear man suffering a terminal cancer and my own health again constantly "playing up" I think it gives me also a platform from which I can speak out,and if it is to uplift or aid another I guess I always shall have something to say!!!
To you Maw and anyone finding themselves attacked as it were for simply speaking their minds I have to say,Please let us fully realise the Easter message and let us offer kindness,uplift and caring from the depth of our hearts,
There are far too many people in this Country alone right now suffering in a tremendous fashion.Let us never add to that.
Be Kind,keep Safe and may each one of you have a peaceful Eastertime.
Panache.

daisyboots glad you are still getting treatment. Do your family live far away. It must be difficult not seeing the new great grandchildren. Take care of yourself.
maw Happpy Easter to you too . No simnel cake here I’m afraid but I do have chocolate! All from Mother’s Day which I haven’t touched due to giving it up for lent. Today I intend to open the boxes ?
kitty I’m so glad your son got his Easter egg. I can’t think you were doing him harm by leaving it on the doorstep. Hope he enjoys it.
That’s a lovely story about your DGS tanith. Glad he has found something that works for him. I imagine things are very hard for the poor staff not knowing what each day is going to bring.
cornergran sorry you feel you need a break from GN. You will always be welcome in the kitchen so stay with us if you can or pop back in when you are able. Take care
Thank you for the cakes jacq10.
Happy Easter all. Hopefully you will all have some ☀️ today.?

Happy Easter dear kitchen friends, sending love and TOYA xxxxx

Maw ???

Hi everyone I'm back at last. Been busy with various things. My college closed when the schools did but have still been doing classes over Zoom.
Feel sad that none of our girls are home for Easter but will be doing a group family Skype this afternoon hopefully Ellie will join in too.
She is 17 months old now and getting quite good at interacting with us on Skype.
How is everyone doing in this lockdown? Are you all keeping safe?

Happy Easter - stay safe everyone and thank you for being here.

Happy Easter everyone

MawB Not quite Simnel Cake but there is almond essence in there along with grated marzipan. Hope you enjoy. You were the first person to pm when I shared with GN the passing of my husband. It was such a comfort. I joined GN when my DS was going through his divorce but didn't post until my DH passed away suddenly. I don't really do social media but think I would be happy to pay something to GN as I do so enjoy the Good Morning and Soop's Kitchen. Hope you enjoy a wee cake.

Well done to Tanith’s grandson! Happy Easter everyone in whatever form it takes! My SiL pointed out it has been a very biblical year around the world - floods, fires, locusts and now plague. We just need the frogs!
My mum always made plenty of Christmas puddings and we usually had the last one on Easter Sunday. This year I have quite a large one left, so it will be on the table with a large jug of custard ( what else ??) after lunch.
The whole family will be on Houseparty at noon - better put my face on!