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

Goodness so much to catch up with. Can’t reply to everyone but I have read it all. ann keep your chin up and don’t fret on it. * maw* that has to be the cutest puppy ever. You just want to cuddle her.
Keep safe and keep well all TOYA ?

callgirl I do hope you are okay.

Bellanonna I heard on BBC that certain parts of the country may expect snow at the weekend. Maybe not wherever you reside but it will be somewhere. I believe I can expect 13C- not quite what we had here in NW London today- 25C.
TOYA

Another late entry into the kitchen for me and I've been catching up with everyone's news.

I'm sorry that the nonsense on another thread is upsetting you annsixty and that's what it is; nonsense. Some of the antics I see on other threads reminds me of a primary school playground. Thank goodness we have the kitchen to come too and be among friends.

Thanks for the Aaaah moment Maw, what a cutie.

soop and Madgran how I wish I could paint DS is a fabulous artist and teaches art in Aus. Just don't know where he got his gift from.

Hope the blood tests go OK tomorrow Grandmafrench

We've made the best of the lovely weather and spent the afternoon on our roof terrace in thewith a good book. Well I read while Mr. S. had one of his very long 'power naps'.

He's doing a BBQ as a I type and we're relaxing with a .

Have a good evening everyone TOYA

Late to the kitchen today as I have been weeding, sitting in a deckchair, sowing peas, thinking about doing things that need doing - and not doing them. However, whilst doing nothing I noticed some beauty that had escaped me in the past. I am ashamed to say I had never studied the stunningly beautiful flower I have put in this message, although long admired form a distance. I have a chilled bottle of pink fizz for the first correct answer.

Dreamkeeper you will always be Panache to me, and it was lovely too read your message. Ann I know not of your forum woes, but suffice to say rise above it all. I always find it so sad that some individuals have so little in life that they try to demean and ridicule others.

I love the photo of the puppy. Made me smile, thank you. Dear soop if I make a confession promise not to laugh? I am starting have difficulty in identifying written numbers, often getting in a complete blank muddle . Instead of merely accepting defeat, I have ordered a painting by numbers kit to try and stimulate the brain cells a little more. We shall see and I will try to remember to update you. It is a nature picture of an Albatross. I have such fond memories of amazement and admiration of these birds from The Falklands and Antarctica.

I have just measured out some ingredients and CH is preparing supper later. I shall make a carrot cake on the morrow and will leave some in the kitchen for one and all. Apologies if I have not responded to anyone not well etc. I did read through the forum earlier, but much has been forgotten.

Sleep well tonight everyone, and wake refreshed to tomorrows dawn if you can.

Sounds as if everyone is busy. We've had a pretty frantic day here in the sun....wonder where we found the time for "normal" life before the dreaded lockdown. Still, there will surely be lots of changes made before we're all much older, so maybe just not think too much about it all. We'll stay in the Kitchen and eat Raspberry Scones. How lovely MadGran. I made two Apple Crumbles today, so there is one going spare should anyone feel the need! Yesterday I tried a different bread recipe and different yeast. I won't talk about disasters but what came out of the oven looked and felt a lot like a wall brick...what went in was pretty similar. Won't do that again.

Cherry you've been up to your old tricks again. What a patient soul you are - and you never complain. A dog would be such a lovely thing for you to have but yes, there is always the cost isn't there. Would you want a pup, something to train to help you, or would you consider an older dog - the sort that comes with a lot of calm and a lovely grateful face and all Vet's bills paid for by a charity because nobody wants older dogs? Well, that's how it can work here in France.

Just look at that darling little Luna. Pups are wonderful, but they are certainly a load of work. Bet it won't be too long before she is being referred to by a longer name - ending in "tic" perhaps? Our young chap is called Ludo, but often is called Ludicrous just because he is. Love him to bits though.

Diving birds Soop are wonderful. We used to have a pair of kingfishers in our lake. I came across one of their feathers tucked into a gardening book the other day. What memories. They were like flashing jewels diving over and over and stealing our smaller fish. There were so many fish, we never minded. They would even swoop down and annoy the very grumpy heron who used to stand silently and just stare into the water. Then a twitch of the wings and they were back on a branch in the sun looking just like someone had hand painted their markings. Nature is so clever.

Hoping we might see something of the big Moon tonight - Flower Moon? Can't remember ever having heard about or seen so many different moons when I was younger. This year alone we have had Blood Moons and a Wolf Moon. There was one over the Med' one evening last summer at twilight which actually made everyone run outside from the restaurants with cameras at the ready, food forgotten. It was so enormous and looked so close and low on the water, it was like it was coming into land. We have a few wispy clouds now but there's a breeze so hopefully they will pass and the night will be clear.

Blood test at the clinic tomorrow morning. Woop dee doo. Not. Dreading it because I haven't been very far for weeks. However, I shall take one of my new masks and get on with it, just in case my medication needs changing. We have all been warned here about neglecting our health because of worrying about Covid. At least I get a nice croissant and coffee to come home to, having gone without my breakfast.

Peaceful evening to all and don't forget to leave some room for the usual treats that turn up with purplepixie !

Maw Does Luna have that lovely puppy dog scent?

CherryC Oh my word! What worries me is, what would happen if you had a seizure at the top of the stairs? I cannot bear to imagine how badly you would injure yourself.
A support dog would be a tremendous boost to your morale and of enormous comfort to you. It is the cost of caring for an animal that puts pay to any notions we have of acquiring another pet.

Madgran I started painting 32 years ago. My husband was an architect before he retired and he offered me the use of his paints. I shall share a few with you tomorrow.
Will you please refrain from mentioning raspberry scones and lemon pudding. I am teetering on the edge of insanity as I imagine the taste.

Bella...snow is forecast for some parts of the country next week. There was a year, not so long ago, when our village was cut off by the deepest snow drifts at this time of the year.

Charleyg Guess what? I've been gardening and, without warning, a sharp shower drenched me. After which, the sun shone so I carried on. I am extremely disheveled. In fact, I am filthy dirty and knunckered with it.

Love to you all. I shall return in the morrow.

Bellanonna what could a 10-week old puppy have possibly got up to? ????

*Maw” Miss Moon looks decidedly guilty. What had she been up to?
charley. Snow? Where on earth did you hear that? Just as I have got a few summer clothes washed and ironed.
Cherry, I hope you are feeling better. I would love to be as upbeat as you always seem to be.

Hi All

Soop I did Art O level but nothing else. Always been a hobby but watercolours only in the last 10 years really. I paint landscapes and have aimed to get a looser style over time. What do you paint?

Raspberry scones have turned out great, I am so chuffed as scones have never really been my best bake, for some reason Today I'm making a lemon self saucing pudding...one of my mums recipes and a favourite of my childhood.

Ann I hope you are feeling a bit more settled today.

I keep wondering what Boris will say on Sunday do trying to find things to keep me busy. My pansies in the garden only need do much dead heading!!!

The sun has gone in, just when I was gathering sunglasses, sunhat and Kindle, in order to spend the afternoon in the garden. Too bad! I have things to do, such as processing some potatoes so that I can mash and freeze them - I ordered twice the quantity I needed. Yesterday's soup turned out well and there's plenty in the freezer. I'm also planning a lemon drizzle cake which I will duly share with you. Be patient - it may not happen today. I'm doing a lot more than usual in the kitchen and I am the world's messiest cook - so mop and bucket at the ready.
Oh joy! Now it's raining. ?

Cherry sorry to hear about last night- hope the fog is slowly lifting.

Please do not rush to put away your winter clothes- we, the lucky ones are going to experience 13C and maybe a flurry of snow over the weekend.

soop has a natural talent when it comes to painting.
TOYA

Aaawwwh what a cutie Maw. I'd love to have a support dog and I'm eligible but it is so expensive. There are very very few grants (a handful a year) and then they don't tend to cover even half of the cost.
That's a great cartoon btw.

I agree with soop Annsixty don't go back to the thread to be ambushed by these sad, vile sods.

soop, if your photography is anything to go by (I haven't seen your watercolours) you have a natural gift. My art skills are poor, that's why I always call my "creations" non art. I do enjoy it though ?

I must have had another dratted seizure in the night because I am heavily bruised today. My WP had a terrible night (pain) and went downstairs because he couldn't sleep. He didn't witness anything and nor did he hear a "clunk" so I thin he must have fallen asleep downstairs. Apart from bruising I'm none the worse and feel quite clear headed. The bruises I can cope with, the head fog is worse so I'm hunky dory today really ?

Going to sort out winter coats and woollies to put away now, just decided which couple to keep handy as the forecast for the weekend doesn't look too great ?

Made some flat breads and cooked some sausages I have left on the side, enjoy.

TOYA ❤️

Oh she is comfortable Charleygirl paws under the table!

Welcome to the kitchen, Luna. We'll hang your portrait in our gallery.

That was meant to be “who” ??

Chapess actually!
DD1’s new puppy Luna WH has been with them now for just 2 weeks ??‍?

Maw he is gorgeous- he does not look as though he is entirely comfortable there. Quite inquisitive.

Maw Aaah! Who is this delightful wee chappie?

Indeed we (well, I) would maw. Puppy envy aIive and well here.

I’m so sorry you’re upset ann, sending love and a hug.

Would we like an “Aaah! ???” moment?

Madgran Do you have a favourite subject? I have no formal training. Have you? It was my ambition to go to art school. My well meaning father suggested otherwise.

Grandmafrench Yes, Periwinkle. We have large swathes of it growing in our so-called wild garden.
Right now, I'm watching the Gannets diving arrow-like from a great height into an area of the sea that must be rich in fish. Wish that I could do that - soar on the wind - plunge effortless beneath the waves.

Nannytopsy The changes in the countryside have been dramatic. We have an entire area of adjoining wasteland that is smothered in wild yellow Iris. The buds will open at anytime soon. When they do, I shall photograph them and share.

annsixty We know beyond a shadow of doubt that you are good person. I am furious that you have been pillored for whatever nonsense has been aimed in your direction. I beg you not to go there. Wherever it is. It isn't worth another visit.

Hi Ann, sorry I don’t know what all of this is about. I think my head must be in a fog with too many hot toddies!!

Morning all! Basa fish with new potatoes and vegetables for tea tonight with Date and Walnut cake to follow. All are welcome!

For our clapathon tonight I am going to dress up as a cat while shaking a tambourine. Yes, I have gone mad, but it is a good mad.

Have the best day that you can have and stay safe.

See you all later with the Hot toddies, as always!

ann, it will blow over. I suspect you have been wilfully misunderstood which seems to happen all too easily. Here we know you well enough and will always be here to hold your hand - metaphorically at least until the lock down is over.

I agree Annsixty this has got out of hand and while I am not directly blaming the other person in question, nevertheless the timing amounts to stirring and people are being encouraged to take sides.
I believe I am the only person so far on that thread to have raised my head above the parapet and expressed a contrary opinion!