Soops kitchen for caring and sharing...

Phew! Good morning from the Shire. An unfortunate leave of absence due to a saga trilogy of unplanned events culminating in 12 hours in A/E, a short admission and eventual return home. Now settled, if not totally painfree, but not wishing to wallow so will move on ........

If there is anyone new here - hello- and as the usual occupants of the kitchen will realise, I have been unable to recap on posts, so I hope all is well with everyone. I did, however, notice a rather exquisite picture of a feline resplendent in tabby hues. Just like my very first furry companion. She was my first ever 'pet' aged 16 as I had to wait until no longer at home. She was worth the wait and gave 19 years of of affection - on her terms naturally. Interestingly a stray moved in 2 days after she died.

So virtual friends, I leave you in my sweet smelling flower bedecked home. Crumbs adorn the floors and surfaces and the lavatories need a clean but a dear friend is more than used to sorting out after current husband, whose sight continues to deteriorate poor love.

I shall spend the day resting, listening to music and reading to CH. Todays request is an anthology of poems. A welcome change from A Beginner's Guide to the End^ A practical guide to living life and facing death - his one time preoccupation shortly after my diagnosis ?

Take care each and everyone of you. Remember mishaps happen in a trice !! TOYA

Good Morning Kitchen Peeps

Hope you have some happy times planned for today...or happy plans and dreams for later. Gorgeous day here and I’m mid garden pot watering and moving some garden loungers into the shade where it’s 25 degrees already.

Reading and relaxing today, but Chestnut meringue ice cream cake en route for the Kitchen, to bring smiles - especially for those who need them. Calm and positive thoughts to you all...and hugs for those who like them. x

Charleygirl, what would happen if you filled in the form entering in the box 'lost long reference number' or if the box is insufficient ' lost LRN' ?

Or could you try a fictional reference number with the proper number of digits? There must be a way to communicate with the computer!

Grannygravy, thanks for the croissant. May I make the coffee?

I have such an understanding local council. I pay annually to have my garden waste removed. I mislaid the sticky piece of paper which is for the outside of the bin. I tried to get another but I need the long reference number which is on the top of the sticky piece of paper so amazingly I cannot get a new one.

It is grey and dull here- I think I may have an appointment with a vacuum cleaner after more coffee and some toast.

Just wanted to pop in and drop of some croissants fresh from the oven along with some fruit and honey. ?????????

Will now sit down and catch up with you all.

I “have been “

Hello Kitcheners.
Just a quick visit to say thank you for the kind messages during my “fragile” few days - at least I hope it is only a few, as I have knocked for six.
Despite a stressful night with those awful wide awake night terrors about life, the future, and everything around 3, I have now woken up feeling much calmer and I’ll be fine. But thank you

A hair appointment maydonoz?? You lucky thing! I am still in the queue for a phone call so heaven only knows when I will get a haircut! Mind you, if it is too far off, my fringe will be long enough to reliably tuck behind my ears and maybe I won’t need a cut!
Charlie cat is sitting along my legs while I drink my coffee in bed - he fed, went out to drink from the bird bath, fed again, onto our bed. He is very set in his ways!
Banana loaf on the table for elevenses.

Thank you Puzzler 61 for your good wishes, I look forward to seeing them tomorrow and having a glass or two of red wine with lunch, will have to start the Chilli con carne early as have hair appointment at 11am. Will do the rice on my return, but DH will help with salad etc so we'll get there!
Thank you and goodnight all, sleep well.

Cheers ? to the newly engaged couple maydonoz.

Cake is enjoyed very quickly in the Kitchen but please feel free to donate whenever you’ve been baking. ?
It will always be gratefully received ?

Soop don't worry, I've saved a slice of cake for you, it's still fresh but DS2 and fiancee will visit tomorrow to toast their newly engagement so I will offer them a slice too.
This cake has gone round well, and shared out nicely.

Dear Cherry....aah so you’ve just caught up. How can I talk about you if you’re skulking? So pleased you sound better. We’re all in awe of what you do but yes, your WP must be given credit for his very important role. Without him....well, we don’t want to think about that. Let’s stick to happier topics - Puzzler’s jolly trip to the woods with Prosecco & Friends, or what about soop’s questionable behaviour in the Argy drinking establishment. It makes me laugh, and even more so when Doodle tries to run it as a respectable establishment?. Bless her, she does try. I think she’s going to have to consider a re-branding, maybe call it The Lost Cause, or even The Lost Ladies. Certainly gives a whole new meaning to “lockdown!!”

Have a calm, entertaining and “incident-free” weekend, WonderWoman. Shall be thinking of you. x

Psst. soop it’s Tom Jones in the Argy tonight. Have you found your knickers yet? ?

n&g how are you? Still crafting? How lovely to see the boys ?
puzzler hope you had a happy birthday.
purplepixie glad your friend is getting better. That’s good news.
cherry I have been a Kitchener for many many years now and one thing I know for certain. If you pop in once a day, once a month or once a year, you will always be made welcome. Never feel afraid to come in to this lovely cozy place and never say you don’t have the right to come in because our lovely soop always welcomes one and all. That is the point of the kitchen. Even if soop tries to load the blame on me for her fall from grace (forced poteen on her indeed?) she is always welcoming to all.
I think you are a wonder woman too cherry and your WP.
As you say see you in lockup later. ?

N&G delighted you got to see the little people. Bet you have to pinch yourself to believe it happened? ?

Cherry Thinking of you and urging you to keep on battling as difficult as it may be sometimes.
Come on into the Kitchen, you will find the friends and the ambiance very soothing. ?‍?‍?‍?

I've been hovering outside the kitchen door for a few minutes wondering whether to pop my head round the door and say ? I make such rare appearances, because of one thing or another, that I feel that I don't have the right to come in anymore.

I had to come in though, even if briefly, to say Grandmafrench you've made me blush. I'm definitely not a wonder woman, I definitely don't have the figure. I am a woman and I am a wonder but the latter is just to the medical profession who are interested in getting their hands on my brain when I no longer have a use for it ?. As for deserving a medal, I think that honour should go to my WP. He has his own health issues but looks after me with the most tender care and has saved my life more times that I want to think about. He's the one who has to ensure my safety, monitor my condition, witness the disturbing sight that a seizure is and administer rescue medication if I need it. I, on the other hand, am unconscious of it all. I will take a bow though, just to put in my unruly hair that has grown so long it's developing ringlets ?. ❤️ for you Grandmafrench.

Doodle, see you in the penintentionary as Panache says.

Look after yourself soop and you Susan ??

Take care Kitcheners.

Grandmafrench , have you stolen my tabby girl? They look so alike. ? Thank you for birthday wishes,
NanaandG, cornergran and soop.

Soop, doing nothing is just what we all wanted you to do today.

I’ve been to the Woods and walked with 5 friends who were colleagues and although our company closed down we are now firm friends who no longer work together.
One brought Prosecco and plastic glasses. In normal times we have a restaurant meal out to celebrate everyone’s individual birthdays but that hasn’t been possible.
And do you know what? I enjoyed the walk in the woods, and the Prosecco more ?

Have you had a brilliant day, Puzzler? Hope so. Since it appears to be Cats Gallery today, I am sending a photo of our Bella with more birthday wishes and, possibly, an eye on the cream in that wonderful cake. She's actually worse than me!

Continuing the pool theme, I'm sure you'll all be fascinated to know that whilst I drank tea and entertained cats early this morning, my DH was out in the wonderful sunshine doing a little more pool grappling. Well, he might just have not paid too much attention because one minute he was leaning over with an enormously long-handled brush and the next, he was leaning over with a large twinge in his lower back and lots of bad language. Not sure that it's ever a good idea to start any kind of stretching and manual work so early that your muscles aren't properly "warmed up". He did it once before many
years ago, attempting a flying tackle to get a small bird from our cat. It always worked and the bird flew off, but DH had to go straight to the Osteopath. Will they never learn?!

Loved your comment on your own pool experience, dragonfly. Think you were well out of that situation!

"If I have to do 6 more months now in solitary, I'll make it". NannyG* you brought a lump to my throat, you old softy you. How well deserved was that visit, it must have made such a difference to you.

Purplep The awful situation with your friend and her family was so difficult for you but, slowly does it, it now looks as if things might be changing. We've got everything crossed for them all. Bet you're so relieved that you have better news now.

I am now joining with Charleygirl, N&G and Cornergran: annsixty......whatever happens, PLEASE don't waste the best opportunity to tell your Doctor when he contacts you that you cannot go on with an incapacity which is causing you so much pain and unhappiness. It's brilliant that you have received an out of the blue contact about your overdue tests. They have just spotted you have been overlooked, they now need to do everything they can to put that right. Enjoy your lovely meal with your GC, and plan on lots more happy occasions before and after your surgery. You need your life back, you've no need to feel that your days are numbered. It's sad that you have to speak up and speak loud enough to get some action for yourself, but I'm sure the Doctor will listen now and get the ball rolling. You've waited long enough and with great patience. Just tell him !

Have a lovely evening, all. Hugs x

N&G I am thrilled for you. We all deserve such treats from time to time. Please, whatever you do, don't forget that we enjoy your company.

Purplepixie I'm delighted that Your friend's worrying setback continues to steadily improve. You are a true friend. Bless you for your kindness.

corner (hugs)

I have been doing just the thing you lot keep going on about. Very little. I've had a laid-back day. I'm rested and ready for a peaceful evening ahead. No harm in that.

I apologise if I've left any of my Granspals out. I am thinking of you all and wishing you a pleasant weekend ahead.

Happy birthday with bells, dear Puzzler and may I also add that both Tabby Girl and the cake are fantastic.

Ann Bravo! And us lot knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Molly was meant for you.

Charleyg Tara is one of the canniest cats on the planet. How often have I told you so.

Grandmafrench It's all Doodle's fault. Ever since she trapped me in the snug of the Argy, she has been a very bad influence. She keeps topping up my glass with poteen. It's really not the drink of choice but it's free on special occasions. When I'm suitably tiddly...well...it's not something I brag about. As I say - it's all HER FAULT sniff - wipes nose with lace-edged hankie and wanders off for tea and biscuits with like-minded ladies.

matdonoz I'm following a long trail of crumbs in this kitchen. So, where precisely did you leave my slice of apricot cake?

Another here tempted in by the cake. A very happy birthday puzzler, enjoy every minute.

Good for you n&g, our sanity is important. We did something similar a week ago, it’s certainly kept spirits up.

The cat photos have raised a smile here. Please ask the GP if he/she would be prepared to try to expedite your surgery ann. No harm in asking.

TOYA.

Hi all in this lovely warm kitchen. Sorry I haven’t been around for a little while but these are strange times.

Good news in the fact that my friend is on the mend and the hospital are wanting to send her home. Her daughter, who is currently looking after her dad says that she needs help and so the authorities have been notified. She will get out of hospital once more help is brought on board. All good news as her dad is getting stronger every day. I cannot imagine what they are all going through and just try and think positive for them all.

Thank you for being there for me and listening (reading).

I’ll be back later with some pineapple upside down cake and a large teapot of tea!!!

Sending love and hugs to you all.x

Afternoon all,

I’m practically a stranger here these days ?

Good to hear they sorted the issue with your tests Ann , it does make me wonder sometimes about the whole mobility thing. I think if you are able bodied you don’t understand how it’s the small stuff that throws a process out.

Ah Puzzler I remember the days a doctor came out as a matter of course and knew your name. As one of 4 children and parents without transport our Doctor often called by and would draw cats on his prescription pad for me while he dealt with whatever the issue was . Belated Happy Birthday wishes to you !!

I’m going to whisper now .... but we saw the little boys yesterday ! 6 months since we last saw them and my how they have changed. And how we’ve missed them and our daughter of course. If I have to do 6 more months now in solitary I’ll make it ?

Happy day all!

Thank you Charleygirl . I can’t imagine a life without cats, I think you feel the same? I’ve had them around as long back as I can remember.
Flowers too. Love a vase of flowers or to see them growing in the garden.
I wish you and Tara a Happy Weekend ?

Puzzler happy birthday and yes, that tabby is very comfortable it would seem. Those cakes look scrumptious. I did love the flowers you frequently had on display.

Ann Molly loves her abode and is so relaxed. Things appear to be moving- it is getting closer to surgery.

I think our cats are secretly pleased they have found their forever home.
TOYA