Soops kitchen for caring and sharing...

Lovely to have you back with us in the kitchen, annsixty. I've missed you. Molly's portrait is now hanging in our kitchen pampered pets gallery.

Susan Good news. That's what we all want to hear.

I have good news for you lot. I've just seen film of the entire swan family - both parents and cygnet. I am thrilled that they survived the skirmish.

On that upbeat note, I wish you all a peaceful evening. I look forward to having a virtual blether with you sometime tomorrow.

Thinking of you all

Evening All - (Was that Dixon of Dock Green, perhaps?)

It's been a funny old day, so much going on and so many small irritations - not least of which a big bite on my arm. Didn't even go into the garden until after lunch, so that critter sneaked up on me before then whilst I was out. We are in the 'No Seeums' season. The whole of June there are swarms of. tiny midgey-types which you honestly can't see or feel - until they've gotcha !! They always go for my DH's head. You should hear the language - him not them!

Those limes, soop. Gorgeous. We had 3 big trees like that in our last garden and it took us a whole week in our first July to find out where the perfume was coming from. It made us feel almost drunk. We tracked it down eventually to the tiny little flowers in the tops of the trees and from where the noise of busy bees was quite deafening.

As far as the sunset photo is concerned.....well, I don't believe anyone could see such a picture from their home, so just stop being silly, soop. You are doing what my DH would call "flagrant off-showing"!! Hope you're well and not weary and enjoying some new found freedom. Actually if you are weary, along with Cherry, might I suggest a slightly less energetic display of dancing in the Argy. That thread would make a very good t.v. comedy - a sort of Dinner Ladies, with booze!

Doodle my Cumberland sausage treat is now past. The lady who makes them deals with all things pork and delivers them to various areas to order. We must get some more, they were delish. Now that you have explained that you're possibly not nimble enough for outdoor ablutions, I think you should still order some emergency supplies for the Argy Bargy. All your clientele there seem to be game for a laugh and I think it would be a good spectator sport as well as relieving you (no pun intended) of WC mopping duties when all the punters have gone home. For yourself, I think we need to seek out some sort of carriage which you and your nice chauffeur chap can take out on trips, one with all home comforts and including a decent loo. A bit like a conveyance the Queen might have - like the Royal train but just a single carriage with an engine one end and space for you to lounge about and view your surroundings in great comfort. It would also need a balcony for proper viewing, a Doodle Caboose to celebrate the end of lockdown? Maybe start a Go Fund Me page for this, what do you think?

Just thinking dragonfly that Dexter would be very put out at our current routine - in that there doesn't seem to be one. I blame the very long evenings. I was just in the middle of clearing away after a cake baking session; DH was (don't laugh) cleaning the shower floor WITH A JET WASHER, when he suddenly remarked that the dogs had no prepared vegetables to go with their dinner. Cue much sighing, eye rolling and looking at watches by 2 dogs. They glared at me sufficiently to order vegetable prep., immediately, but their meals are late today. Bad Mummy and Daddy. Dexter would be outraged, bless his little teddy bear paws!

Do hope you have had a truly lovely birthday. You certainly got the birthday wishes today - well deserved too.

Wishing everyone better health, warm sunshine and that every day must have at least one little treat.

Take care, lovely people, and keep smiling. French caramel rice pudding on the side, with a ladle for extra large helpings.
Bon appetit !

ann I think Molly has decided that is her home- she looks so relaxed.

Susan about flipping time too. I only hope the dietician and the allergy nurse are not going to clash. In some respects, it is just as well that little mite does not know what is going on.

A beautiful day here- about 4 spots of rain- my outdoor plants would like a bit more.

Apparently my local town was full of shoppers but I was informed that the police were also out in force.

Apart from Lidl and Primark, the shops are really for 16-18-year-olds. Our age group obviously does not need to restock our wardrobe.

The aforementioned humidity didn't result in anything more here than one short and not very sharp shower, but as I had my usual 'thunder-head' the storms can't have been far away.
ann, Molly looks incredibly laid-back and so comfortable. I hope you are also managing to remain comfortable. ?

Oh soop that photo of your sunset last night is truly amazing. The view must be so relaxing where you are.

grandmafrench I think you have come up with the perfect mode of transport for me and DH. My Doodle caboose sounds perfect ?
I also think devices such as you mention will go down well at the Argy. No cleaning toilets, what bliss ?
ann how lovely to hear from you and a happy looking Molly. She is very sweet. Hope you are getting on ok these days. ?

Pleased to have your company Susan, I've found a quiet corner and we'll have a cool glass of wine and some tasty nibbles and just enjoy some down time. All comers welcome.

Molly looks a lovely cat ann and certainly looks as if she rules the roost. I hope that you are at least comfortable and not in too much pain.
Glad the swans are safe.
TOYA ?

Looks like you all enjoyed the calorie walnut loaf. I'll have to put some more on my next shopping order ?

I'm pleased you've had a good birthday dragonfly, lovely cake and champagne from your DS , chin chin ?.

Hope your hospital appointment went okay Daisyboots.

NanaandGrampy, I love the pinatas and I'm sure your grandchildren will too when the time allows.

It sounds like there are some steps in motion for gorgeous little Henry at long last Susan. The allergy nurse sounds like she's "on the ball" and she will probably be a big help.

Love the line tree "avenue" soop, what a lovely place for a walk. I live quite near to a beautiful woodland garden. It can get very busy (in normal Summers) and has been attracting quite a few people whilst we have been having lovely weather, so I've been told. I'm still shielding so I haven't been there in a while, I'll wait for a less hospitable day ?.
We did actually go out today though ? for the first time since March. We drove down to the coast but we stayed in the car, it was a beautiful day today and just a little too busy for comfort to get out. It was still lovely though ?.
Our next trip out may well be when it rains ?.

annsixty Molly is gorgeous and as someone I know would say - she looks like one lunched out cat ?.

Oh Molly the little love, she’s picked herself the best seat in the house. We could have a thread called Pet’s Gallery where all our beloved pets could be framed and admired. ????

Beautiful pictures soop. I love pictures with paths and avenues. I always like to imagine where they will go.

Molly looks so settled. Good to hear from you Ann.

I had a lovely day yesterday. My 2 year old DGS sang Happy Birthday, which I have in video and my 5 year old DGD told me all about her first day at school while sitting in the bath. My house is now filled with flowers so have left a large bowl of peonies on the side.

A very good morning to you all,always nice dropping by and catching up.

At long last it looks as if the steps dealing at the root cause of young Henry`s issues are going to be properly addressed Susan and hopefully duly sorted.
Why oh! why does it take all this time when a tiny mite is involved.
Thank goodness for astute parents,but never the less all that stress and strain might well have been avoided....and the little fellow having much less problems too.

You would love our large garden here then Dragonfly,all around and criss crossing are winding pathways,some with shrub borders,others simply lawn,interspersed are low garden lights dotted throughout,at nightime it truly looks magical.
These have been out of action for weeks with the entire lights being refitted so hopefully tonight we shall again be in "Fairyland!"

You would not believe this........but the fact of it being true!
Our car was duly taken into the garage yesterday,returned late afternoon having a new light box and full service.
It has rested still for probably some 4 months......3 of which whilst we are being shielded.
We are absolutely longing for a simple glimpse of the surrounding sea scapes with the splash of the waves,and of course with the car duly ready today could have been THE day................it has not rained during daytime for at least 14 weeks............it is pouring this morning!!
Quite frankly just as well as we are still being shielded here in Wales until at least 15th of August.
We may just break the rules for that one little glimpse!

Just noticed you have beaten us to it Cherry......but we certainly aim to follow!

Always good to have you join us Ann........complete with your molly of course.

Are there any pictures available for a Doodle caboose Grandmafrench????
You have certainly whetted my appetite!
Take good care of her won`t you,I would hate anything untoward happening to her!

The ironing I had pencilled in for yesterday was postponed because I felt extremely "fragile" to say the least,so I think I had better show willing today,hiding away here typing will not get it done!

Hope you all enjoy a pleasant day,hopefully too sunshine and no showers!

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Ha! Very funny comments issuing forth from our lovely lot. You have a knack for raising a smile or two.

I can smell those beautiful peonies, dragonfly. Heavenly!

Here is last night's golden sky. All I did was stand at the window, aim the camera and press the button. Mother Nature must take all the credit. I'm simply a means of sharing what I see with you.

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Soop is not the only one with spectacular sunsets

Hi all.

Sorry for not being in the kitchen for a while but I have been through a tough time.

Long story - my best friend from school has been so ill and she is back in hospital. She has had MS since her early 30s and in a wheel chair. We are both mid 60s. She had a fall at the beginning of the year and broke her leg. It didnt heal properly with the MS so she has had a lot of time in hospital. Then she came home and her bed sores became infected. Now she is back in hospital with suspected gangrene. Honestly I have never cried so much.

On top of all of that her husband is her carer. He was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer just before christmas. In March he had a major operation and is now back home to get better. There daughter has been their carer along with some help. It has been tough on the daughter as she has a 12 year old still at home as well.

All this and the lockdown came along so no one is able to visit my friend in hospital or her husband at home. So sad. Other things going on as well in my life but this is the worst.

Hope you are all well. I’ve just dropped off a Bakewell tart and some lovely hot custard for all to share. I’ll be back later with the traditional hot toddies.

Lots of lovex

Soop — thank you for the photos, the sunsets and skies are fantastic! I have been trying to do a bit of watercolour painting but without success lately. Xx

Galen - thank you for the fabulous photos. I’ll post some of my paintings at a later date. Take care and stay safe. X

Purplepixie What on earth can I say to comfort you? There really are no words. You are indeed a very good and caring friend. I'm sending you a loving, gentle virtual hug.

I went into the garden for a short time and have only just this minute come inside. I've been viciously attacked by Heeland midges. I'm sweaty and feeling so sad for Purplepixie and her friends.

Before I say farewell for today, here is a photo of another wee family of swans taking an afternoon outing. I hope that it makes you smile.

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So very sorry purplepixie. Through all those tears, try to remember just how valuable your friendship must be to your old friend and she's in hospital, so at least she will be getting the treatment she needs. Her DH has had his surgery and so for both of them, you really just need to look forward and hope and pray that they will recover and it all works out. Positive Purplepixie Planning is needed now. We'll all keep fingers crossed for you, always.

No chance of pushing you aside as Queen of the Sunsets, soop, but here's my kitchen door view last evening.

Don't want to spoil the fun here but it does occur to me (wearing my serious head) that there's probably been far too much raucous activity involving that rather seedy Bar which, surprisingly, young Doodle manages. I was amazed to spot not only soop but also dreamkeeper and even lins rolling out of there the other evening. How do you all get such a late pass from the boys indoors, I wonder? Are luxury hot chocolate deliveries now arranged early enough to get them settled for the night, so that the laydees can go off to play? It's a fiendish plan but does seem to be working. Do you girls EVER go home? And what with cricket teams and burly firemen, that should be enough high jinx to wake even the heaviest of sleepers. Presumably hot chocolate with a little extra sleepy dust is being used?

Now Doodle clearly needs comfort to go outing and abouting with Mr D. No mixing with the public, no dodgy cafés or grubby loos, so it seems sensible that a Comfy Caboose should fit the bill. The one illustrated comes complete with a lovely porcelain wc, all sanitary fittings, a very pretty chaise longue, fitted corner kitchen, heating and air conditioning and fitted carpets throughout. There would be an additional fee for potted flowers on the little verandah. All towing fittings for your own vehicle would be included in the cost. You could travel anywhere and not mix with the hoi polloi - or anyone with germs. What do you think? It could even serve as a little sanctuary if you parked it near the Argy some evenings. A place to go when it all kicks off and there are too many dancing soops, singing lemons and the risk of a Police raid.

A small illustration of the type of thing I suggest is attached. I'm sure you could make your own curtains or blinds. Let us know what you think. You could start a jolly new trend - just the thing for a post-lockdown cheer up for other road users!

Do hope those lights in the garden are now all ablaze, Dreamkeeper and your car transports you for your longed-for trip to the sea when that peculiar once-a-year-rain reverts to sunshine again.

Drive carefully and stay safe and have some fun!

Love all the sunset pictures.Wow!No beautiful sunsets here,just another day of thunder and heavy rain?

Purplepixie,I am so sorry to hear how unwell your friend is.Sending love.?

Love the peonies dragonfly.My daughters favourite.I will see if I can find a picture of her wedding bouquet.

Well,we have had a bit of a day here!We took the car in for its service and told them we needed the car back by tonight as we have an appointment tomorrow.The car is not back?after many phone calls they have promised to have the car with us by 10 tomorrow morning which should just give us enough time to get to our appointment.??

On grandmafrench’s advice I bit the bullet and went into a shop for the first time in three months.I have been so nervous about going but Grandmafrench advised going when I didn’t need anything so I could leave if it was too much.There were a couple of people not observing social distancing or wearing masks but it wasn’t anywhere near as bad as I thought.

I am also happy to report that so far Henry’s new dietician is excellent.She has given really good advice and has phoned again today to check in so fingers crossed this is the start of better times for little H.

Thinking of you all.Take care and stay safe.

3 baby blackbirds in my greenhouse. Vine can’t be pruned and cucumber can’t be planted

Having read your post and all the complexities of health issues to dear ones whom obviously mean a lot to you Purplepixie indeed I feel for you .....and those involved....so very much.
Having been involved in these multi problems myself I truly do understand.
I send you a comforting hug and just hope you continue to offer your valuable support.Just "Being there" is far greater than ever you may imagine.

Oops Susan it seems you too have suffered from the garage non treatment,how annoying it is and always when you need the darn car the most!

Although guilty as charged Grandmafrench I hope that when you purchase this very comfy fully fitted Caboose for our Doodle you get two for one,knowing how great my need too?
It would cause one great sensation in this establishment for sure!!
I promise to salute you from the first beach I am able to visit!!

As always,enjoying the glorious views especially seeing the sea brings me out in a rash!
No sea side today,although the rain cleared lunchtime giving us some time to spend outside in our green oases,we only came in just in time!!!
We now have the much threatened thunderstorm!!!

Night night and sweet dreams.

We have had wall to wall sunshine in NW London- a glorious day.

Purplepixie words fail me- what an awful life your friend has had and she is going through hell at present. Her poor husband, coping virtually on his own. Their daughter must be run ragged.

Susan I am delighted to discover that the new dietician has discovered that your DD is actually connected to a phone so with luck, things will improve. Let's face it it can only go in one direction now for young Henry.

Glorious sunsets.
TOYA
PS Doodle is not supposed to be in the Argy, she is underage. If she has been employed to clean tables it must be when alcohol is not being served and there is little window of opportunity there.

Beautiful flowers dragonfly, I love peonies. Susan your daughter has good taste ?.

Purplepixie, what an awfully tough time your friend is going through. I hope her DH is doing well after his operation. As Dreamkeeper says just being there for her can be a great help to her.

Gosh, we are spoilt for gorgeous sunsets. I think soop's golden one gets the top prize though, gold award you may say ?.

Susan good to hear that your supermarket trip wasn't as "hairy" as you thought it might be ?. It's brilliant to hear that Henry's dietician is so good, we all so want his torrid time to end and for him to thrive.

Oh, Grandmafrench your impish post really lights up the kitchen, I have images of Doodle (and others) tootling around a fantasy village a bit like Trumpton or Camberwell Green ?.

The first time I ventured out to Waitrose, three weeks ago, I accidentally got an inch or two too close to a member of staff and was called out for it on the PA! I was shocked and now diligently remember my 2 metres distance. I only go in the evening when it's quiet.