Soop's welcoming kitchen for kindly caring folk...

Oh nearly forgot the reason I popped in, I have been foraging for vegetables today and make great amounts of leek and veg soup. I’ve put a tureen (is that the right vessel - holds a lot?)
on the side in the kitchen.
A little late for lunch, but maybe a starter prior to your evening meals.

Hello to everyone today. I hope the new weeks is bringing optimism and relief from ills and pain for our friends soop, ann, Grandmafrench, Daisyboots and anyone I’ve missed.
Galen that is such a colourful throw, just wonderful and cheery.
soop if no when that little black cat makes a return visit please have your camera ready as I’d love to see it.
We had a black cat for 21 years and she was a loyal friend.
Grandmabatty the only squirrels that come to our garden are grey - although when we lived in Germany we had more red than grey.
Bet yours is foraging nuts to see his family through winter (when he’s not pilfering your bulbs) - I hope he remembers where he buries them!
TOYA

Soop hiw lovely that you have a wee cat friend and the wildlife near you is gorgeous. The nearest I have is a squirrel which visits my garden and pulls up the bulbs. And it's a grey one, not even red.

Izabella You are indeed a poet. "Pearly grey Shire" is a perfect description of weather hereabouts.

Grandmafrench I'm feeling relieved that the worst of your pain is fading into oblivion. It sounds very much like a slipped disc. Sheer unadulterated buggerations. Continue to take life at a leisurely pace.
You too, Daisyboots

Galen Stunning! I wish that I had your skill.

Thank you, Puzzler for your kind words.

I've a little exciting news to share with you.
A beautiful black cat appeared in the garden and familiarised itself with Rory's outdoor den/chalet. He went inside and slept a while. We also put a small dish of supper out for him and he ate it. This morning, he was back. He then wandered away into the forest. I've serviced the chalet in readiness for a return visit.
Friends living three miles away in the village, also have a black cat visitor. Others have also seen it. It is possibly one of the kittens, living rough and rescued from an old deserted farm building, taken to the vet to be neutered and set free to live their lives as they chose. Four were eventually adopted.
The cat is looking very healthy. It isn't very old. Friends have since confirmed that the cat who visited us, is the same that has several "minders" (not owners) in and around the community.

Today's visitor to the garden fence was a beautiful deer. Photo attached.

Good morning from a pearly grey Shire.

Galen I have genuine crochet envy. I aspire to that sort of project. It is beautiful.

I can't crochet to save myself. I've tried, but never progressed beyond a curling rats tail, half chewed looking mess. I'm sitting very quietly so not to awaken sleeping dgs. My neighbours must think me a nosy old bat as I'm expecting a delivery and don't want them to hammer on the door and wake him early, so I'm peeping out every time I hear someone. Izabella your Sunday sounded lovely. Grandmafrench I'm glad you are feeling better. Did you find out the cause so you can avoid it happening again? It's foggy here again. It was thick earlier, lifted briefly and then descended with a thump. When his lordship gets up, we'll go puddle splashing before lunch. Homemade chicken nuggets and a chilli dipping sauce for him as he likes spice. I'll have a bacon butty and no doubt he'll want some of that too. I'm having the rest of the haggis from yesterday for dinner. I hope everyone has a good day.

Crochet!
Here’s a little throw I made a few years ago.
It’s my dgd’s comfort blanket still

Izabella. You have just made me laugh out loud - it does sound as if the stage is set for such a relaxing evening for you both - but it appears the crochet may need to go?.

I am so much better, thank you for asking.

Sounds like a super meal you have produced. We’d all feel smug after that. Interesting that a batch of mince pies have disappeared into the ether. Lots of Grans have complained that their get-up-and-go has got up and gone, and for others, their mojos have vanished......but you may be the first to have reported missing mince pies! Any chance that CH might be involved? Perhaps some questions need to be asked?

Enjoy a rest this evening NannyT. How horrible it is to be all lop-sided with a painful knee. Our Armistice commemorations here will, of course, take place on Wednesday....at the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month.
Normally, a parade in every village, wreaths, the reading out of all the local names lost in all the conflict, the Last Post, then a glass of wine with the Mayor or, in our early years here, a wonderful meal with all the old timers and medal wearers and everyone else in the village. This year it will be very restrained.

Bet you were like Speedy Gonzales when Mac reported that little black cat, soop. You must adopt a moggy - if only to use up your secret stash of Sheba before it passes its use by date. ?? I reckon the ideal little chap will turn up quite soon and you’ll not resist.

Hope you’re not too worried, Susan. I was reading the GM thread a while ago. What a mess. But your DD may be ok, it might all work out. Shall keep everything crossed for you - just don’t wear yourself out fretting. ??. Night all, ? sleep well.

OH dear daisyboots that indeed looks like a lot of ouchiness. I hope you are improving. And grandmafrench are you feeling better?

I am a little smug having managed to cook a roast joint of home reared lamb and all the trimmings plus Delia's B & B pudding to follow. It may sound an everyday thing to do, but I am increasingly finding such exploits more difficult. My second batch of mince pies have disappeared into the ether.

CH and I are now relaxing to the sounds of Mose Allison and the remains of a bottle of Rioja. The crochet project continues interspersed with expressions of annoyance.

Take care everyone and a restful night to all.

Wishing the kitcheners a Good evening. It’s been a dark and dismal day outside but we’ve got through it.
Wishing all our off colour grans - soop, Grandmafrench and grans having problems getting about annsixty, Nannytopsy a much easier week to come.

Glad to hear of the improvements Grandmafrench and best wishes to daisyboots. I managed to hobble slowly to church and back ( about 400yards in all) this morning for the Remembrance service in the church yard, but it was a struggle. I am very disappointed that ibuprofen and paracetamol are my gp’s answer to an arthritic knee!
Our socially distanced service spread onto the lane and I was very amused that people refused to let a tractor through until it was finished! A very different affair to the parades through Leicester that my husband and son took part in with the Scouts!

Such good news from the US! A great relief that the evil Trump will have to go.

Daisyboots All that I can say is...bless you. You've had a ropey time recently. The ordeal in the hospital sounds grim. I'm surprised that you were not kept in longer. You certainly deserve a fulsome explanation for what happened during the infusion. And, as for the bruising, it looks very nasty. Thank goodness that you didn't break a bone. Do take care of yourself and get well soon.

Grandmafrench Are you feeling better than you did yesterday? I hope so. Us lot are rooting for you.

I'm feeling slightly under the weather after the latest infusion. However, my system appears to be handling the sessions better with each visit. I've no complaints.

MacSporran called to me earlier and said that we had a black cat visiting our garden. I was there in the blink of an eye. It was a beautiful creature. Certainly not malnourished. It wandered off into the forest. I did fill a wee bowl with a meal of Sheba. It remains untouched. I shall retrieve it later. The sky is looking heavy with rain. In fact, I believe that I heard a distant rumble of thunder.

I am about to watch some of the snooker final. Feet up. Brew. Sunday paper. Simple pleasures.

With kind regards to you all. I shall return to catch up again in the morning.

Hello all. Thank you so much puzzler - I am indeed upright and (almost) sensible today. Spent most of yesterday squirming around on chairs and couches and in the end went off and struggled to find any comfort in bed. Miracles...I fell asleep. Suppertime came and I took the very last Voltarène tablet. This will last me for 24 hours whilst I recover. I'm not a fan of drugs - especially anti-inflammatories, but I was getting desperate. Bedtime came and I still had to sit for an hour on the edge of the bed, one foot on the floor and leaning forwards against a pillow I was so tired and still so uncomfortable. Moving or flexing in any direction was impossible. What a nightmare! Eventually managed to lie down and stopped grumbling. Slept mostly and woke up to be able to sit up and today I have gradually felt like a completely new person. (Except where would I find one in France on a Sunday in lockdown?!). Heaven knows what I did to myself but I have carefully moved around today and am now feeling about 80% better. Tomorrow I shall mail my Doctor and ask for another prescription. Last one was from my Doc/Osteo just over 3 years ago - with 30 in a pack this should prove I am no druggie! Such a boon, though, to have for such emergencies.

Thank you all so much for the kind wishes. Speaking of pain and worry, I'm sending you my very best daisyboots - you are so patient. What a disaster your fall - your poor leg. Feel a bit better very soon, please, and push for that 2nd opinion.

Ann I am thrilled to bits that you are making such wonderful progress. Finally you got your turn and there's been no stopping you since, has there? Hope you really enjoy your little glass with that nice meal and your GD's company.

All this talk of mince pies. I am STILL waiting for my suet delivery for the mincemeat. I usually make ones with frangipani tops, but, wow, maple syrup and pecans sounds the business!! Think we have to focus on getting past 31st December, corner. Just eat our mince pies and pull up our big girl pants - it is otherwise quite distressing. However, come the New Year, come the Revolution, there will be no more 2020.....the worst wasted year of everyone's time and temper that anyone could ever have produced. It will cease to exist and hopefully we will all have eyes on the future and a new life with less worry about the old one that was mostly stolen from us. Take care of ourselves in the meantime and count our blessings.

Go Galen....that's a lot of liquor! Grandmabatty and soop - a friend in the States mailed me to say that they are so relieved in Florida that she feels almost drunk at the result. She said never mind about Biden, she would have settled for anybody - probably given Mickey Mouse a shot (especially as he needs the money). Anything at all as long as they got rid of that demented despot !! Quite a good result for a Saturday night, methinks, and some necessary brakes put on to some of the 'doings' at No. 10. Let's feel more hopeful.
Hugs to all from a sunshiney South of France

Ouch daisyboots, please rest, that must really hurt.

Quiet day here, we’ve just had a cuppa and enjoyed a mince pie. We usually wait until December, oops.

You’re right ann, it will be a long winter. I’ve just come to terms with not being able to see close friends again this year and have packed small Christmas gifts ready for the post. It’s really squashed me, daft I know.

Look after yourselves everyone, TOYA.

Grandmafrench can you hear my dulcet tones over the sea in France?
How are you feeling today?
I hope you’re not as delicate as yesterday, but sending you the gentlest of hugs just in case. ?

Daisyboots that leg looks so sorry for itself and for you.
Take good care and let others look after you.
We are in for a long winter so that advice goes to all of you.
Best wishes to the Panaches if they are reading, hope all is well.
Have the best Sunday you can everyone.

Thank you Puzzler61 for your kind words plus the hot chocolate and flowers.
Feeling brighter today although still very tired despite a good night's sleep.
Have a good Sunday.

Dear Daisyboots I feel for you and send you a special Soop’s kitchen mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows on top and a posy of flowers. ?
You’ve endured an awful week and the fall was one thing you didn’t need. Your poor leg!
Please try to keep happy thoughts and times in your mind to erase the bad experiences of the past week.
It must have been a delight to visit your friend for a few days - friends are precious - and who would have thought you would come back with ...... mince pies ?!
We love them too and have already started on some special Sainsbury’s ones that have a filling of mincemeat, maple syrup and pecans. So moreish.
Take great care of yourself.

As they say on the TV look away now if you are of a nervous disposition. Or in other words don't click on the photo because it's a bit gruesome

Phew! Today I have read through from the start of the new kitchen and hadn't realised I had been AWOL so long.

What a lovely view from your window Isabella and congratulations ? on your medal which is very well deserved.
I am so pleased you are progressing well Ann60 after your op and well done on going for a walk on your own. I really felt for you being in so much pain for so long when you couldn't have your op.
I hope you aren't suffering after your Zoledronic acid infusion Soop Mine have been cancelled for at least 3 months as I had to have dental treatment two weeks ago.
Belated happy birthday wishes to those of you who have been celebrating this week. I remember when an older friend of my parents was about to receive his 25p extra saying that it would by a loaf of bread. By the time my mother received it it would buy a first class postage stamp. I wonder what 25p would buy now.

It's been lovely to see everyone's beautiful photos and they have really cheered me up.
DH and I enjoyed a few days in the Algarve at the home of my special friend. We had a relaxing time and were able to buy a few favourite English food treats. We brought back mince pies for my Portuguese best friend because she loves them.
I was due to start the new chemotherapy on the 30th and thought it strange I wasn't called for the usual C19 two days before. When I got there I couldn't have the chemo without the test which someone had forgotten to book but was told I would be having the biological treatment. I knew nothing about this treatment. Anyway after waiting several hours in the corridor I was admitted. They started the infusion and after an hour I had a crushing headache and was shivering because I was so cold. So obviously a reaction. After two injections and then an infusion they said would make me sleepy I woke up 2 hours later with my husband there talking to me to wake me up. They took my blood pressure removed the needle from my arm and said I could go home. No explanation or anything. I am due to go again to start the chemo on the 20th November. So now I am going to ask for a second opinion without delay. I havent felt too well since then and it has been made worse by my fall in the kitchen on Tuesday evening. I have made a bit of a mess of my left leg but luckily no bones broken thank goodness. The fatigue does not seem to improve and even just walking around the house is such an effort.
Anyway hopefully I will feel more energised soon. Wish it was as simple as installing new batteries.
TOYA and hopefully I can keep up to date with you all from now on

I'm sorry you are still in pain Grandmafrench. I hope it gets seen to soon. I don't mind admitting I was tearful at the good news from USA. I think the world was gazing into an abyss and we've avoided disaster by a hairs breadth. I'm not a great fan of President-elect Biden, but it's such good news that there's a woman in the white house and a woman of colour so I've opened a bottle of fizz and I'm toasting Kamala.

There is so much celebrating going on with the news from across the pond, and I am sad to say I have gone off alcohol.

I didn’t have a drink obviously while on codeine but was looking forward to having one to celebrate my new hip and of course “ the fall of Trump”.

Do I want one? Absolutely not , I just don’t fancy it at all.

It is my GD’s b’day today, she is 22, she isn’t concerned as she she doesn’t like a drink in the house, only when out with friends, and not always then, especially if she is eating, it is with a meal I like a glass or two of wine.
Hey ho.
Have a pleasant evening everyone with not too many loud bangs outside.

Just a thought, will Trump go or will he have to be carried out kicking and screaming?

Grandmafrench A host of gentle hugs are winging their way from here to your bed. So sorry that you are in pain. Rest and please get well real soon.

I was doing the ironing. News broke of Biden's win. It was if the world had suddenly began to turn itself into a more decent place. I'm thrilled. I shall celebrate with a large G&T and I shall not wait until 9 o'clock. No siree! Let's all God bless America. Good riddance to that most unpresidential of presidents. Trump was a disgrace. End of.

Sorry to have neglected you. It's been another of those days. However, it ends on a very happy and thankful note.

Continue to take great care of yourselves. We'll meet again tomorrow.

HOORAY!
????????

Good Afternoon Peeps from my bed of pain. I’ve done something odd to my lower back and I cannot sit, walk or lie comfortably. Came back to bed after lunch and will shortly take an anti inflammatory in the hope I can sleep tonight.

From said bed of pain I have been able to see that my neighbour has already been out 4 times today! She never walks - even down her drive - and is definitely a true French person in that she thinks rules are for other people! The weather is appalling this afternoon, heavy rain and of course, only essential shops are open. One of life’s conundrums especially as she hardly goes out in normal times......

When we had a big garden, we had a family of 5 Lesser Spotted Woodpeckers who used to make holes in our lawns with their mighty beaks and then spend hours eating ants! They are such pretty birds with their lovely swooping flight.

A lovely picture you paint of the start of your winter garden season, Izabella. When I read what you write about the peace, I always remember the line “one is nearer God’s heart in a garden, than anywhere else on earth”. Sitting outside anywhere is wonderful, I think. So calming.

Maybe the old country tales are right, puzzler. I was always told that masses of berries signalled a harsh winter - food needed for the birds. Very pretty, even so, all those colours.

Sounds as if your littlies have turned table clearing into an extreme sport, corner. They are so funny when they just love to help.....but yes, it can be nerve-wracking.

There’s a big bunch of stunning little GC’s on this thread, with gorgeous names too. I always look forward to the photos. My youngest one is 14 now. No good at all for cuddles and squeezes - even if all that hadn’t been banned!

Just heard that Biden’s taken Pennsylvania. How wonderful. Hopefully the Judges will dismiss all the Trumpeting about fraud (from a man not wholly unfamiliar with the word) and he’ll be unable to bring any litigation anywhere against anyone, man up, pack and leave! What a relief - my American friends will really be celebrating.

Hoping that missing/quiet posters are o.k. Warm wishes to the Panaches, to Doodle, purplepixie and those I’ve not read about for a while. Good weekend, step away from the ironing and do something enjoyable.
Hugs to all ?? Keep safe!