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

annesixty. I'm relatively new here and not sure what operation you had on your hip. I'm taking it you had a hip replacement. If so, are you still doing the exercises the physio at the hospital gave you?
I had mine done 3 1/2 years ago and am still nervous. Caught my toe against root on my morning dog walk and my heart was pounding. Fortunately, I take all my walks slowly. Why rush I say?
When the sun's out, do a little and often. The confidence comes slowly back and the tiredness gets less.

I'm trying to find one food that is not adversely affecting Mya's digestion system. Thanks for the advise on my thread N&G. First one I've posted! It's 4 portions of just dry food (wheat free) for two days.

Thank you Jaxjacky and Grandmabatty .

My Aunt and Uncle lived in a new build in Hazel Grove when they first got married 64 years ago now. I was their bridesmaid and my lovely uncle spoilt me rotten until he married and had children of his own. My Aunt is still going strong and was 90 last September. We hope to see her as soon as possible.

I think that and the Derby connection must make us almost related!!

I can only imagine how you feel Ann. I went to Waitrose the other day and couldn't wait to get back to the safety of my own home and I have not had the major op that you have. You are a brave and strong woman and will get there eventually.

suziewoozie I love your name. I'm not brainy enough to be connected with the Guardian crossword. Although, I might like to think so.

You lot May I say that all your colourful collectables are beautiful.

Grandmafrench Your quotation is very appropriate for Mr and Mrs Panache. I would like to echo those words.
Thank you, Ann for updating us.

The sun is shining. I have ironing to tackle but I have now discovered that there is an hour of tennis highlights on BBC2. Thank you to whoever it was that reminded me. I had no idea that we could view any of the matches.

I'm ashamed to say that I'm still feeling lack-lustre. Ashamed because I've so many reasons to be thankful. It's something that has crept up and now lodges some place in my inner being. I have no intention of having a moan here in our kitchen. In fact, I intend keeping the glums under wraps until the mood passes. As it surely will.

I shall return with a a little later.

Lovely flowers, Puzzler.

Annsixty years ago we used to regularly visit friends who stayed in Dirleton. I think that's in or near Stockport. We had lovely times.

Grannygravy we've just returned from a walk. Lots of puddle splashing and crunching through the few snow piles left. Then a chat with a lovely neighbour. The swings were out of bounds as there were too many other children on them. Dgs will be two next Monday. He's an absolute delight for me.

brook I actually live in Hazel Grove, it always seems easier to say Stockport as most people have heard of that.
Actually Stockport is rather rundown these days with empty shops, dozens of them.
Next to go is Debenhams, M&S have gone, and the lovely Chestergate store is now Primark.
Sad days.

Thinking of panache and MrP at this difficult time, thank you for the update Doodle

Beautiful pictures of your great grandchildren soop they all look so happy ?

nannaandgrampy I’m just like you and many others I’m sure, my DGC really light up my life, I’d be lost without them. Two of them age 6 and 7 I see quite often as they live close by, but my other two age 3 and 6 I’ve not seen since last summer as they live in Cambridge. As soon as we’re allowed to travel though I’ll be there?

Lovely to see you posting but sorry to hear you’re struggling just now Annsixty I think it’s just one day at a time and little things to begin with and only do what you’re comfortable with. Hopefully when the spring weather arrives you might feel more like venturing out. I took a tumble on the ice yesterday, luckily no damage done but it’s made me very wary from now on. Although I live in Inverness now, I used to live in Edgeley in Stockport and my children were all brought up there. My mum lived in Heaton Mersey until she passed away a few years ago and my eldest daughter lived in Marple until she moved with work to Cambridge...

Anyhow enough of my ramblings, I’ve baked some lemon drizzle cake if anyone fancies a slice with an afternoon cup of tea - enjoy your day everyone ?

^Grandmabatty* our 1yr old is shouting at me from his high chair, we have had a long walk but got caught in the wind and rain on the last 1/2 mile home!!!

to all our dear friends in sadness and poor health.

? for Panache and her dear husband, Annsixty and Muse in particular. I hope the lovely Mia gets better. Puzzler61 the flowers are lovely. I'm taking the opportunity to post while dgs has a nap. Then after lunch, sausages and beans for him; egg mayonnaise sandwich for me, we'll walk to the swings. It's a bright day and a bit breezy. I might make pancakes later when he's gone home. I'm hearing little noises so have a good afternoon all.

Soop have you developed a sideline you’ve been keeping quiet? There’s a new crossword setter in today’s Guardian called Soop.?

Annesixty you might have a touch of post op downer, it’s very common after the anticipation/adrénaline/excitement, almost a high leading up to your op,you can then drop down. It’s hugely exacerbated by the Covid circumstances. If you were going out to meet friends/family for coffee or a meal and had bern regularly as soon as physically possible, you may feel differently. Now it’s become a mountain to climb out of your secure space, have a chat with your GP, it’s not uncommon. Best of luck ?

Sending thoughts and prayers to Panache and DH I hope they are getting plenty of help.

Thinking of you Anne and hope you get a bit more confident soon.

At last my psoriasis seems to be getting better,I wonder if the jab made it flare even so I’m pleased to have had it.

I will post a picture of the diamond painting when finished Soop may be some time!

Ann as you say it seems that this prolongued isolation is getting to most of us now. And if we have other serious problems on top of that ......
First and foremost we're social creatures.
Sending positive thoughts, and prayers, to you, the Panaches, and everyone to keep hoping.

Hello kitchen friends. Panache and her DH are in my thoughts and I leave flowers especially for her.
Thanks Doodle for bringing an update.
I think lots of people will feel like you about venturing out annsixty. Just try a little walk as Charleyg suggests and if you can do it each day you’ll be surprised that your confidence (and stability) will return. ?
I gave my walk a purpose and bought a bunch of flowers. They must be leftovers from Valentine’s Day as this week they have 2 red roses in the bunch.
Wishing Galen, Mya and Sam a big Get Well Soon.

Ann to get you back on your feet you need confidence. Have you still got your Zimmer? I am hoping you have no steps outside your house but I would use the Zimmer to walk maybe 50 yards down the road, turn and return home. Short walks, little and often and hopefully you will regain confidence and become less tired. You can slowly increase the distance but always remember you have to return!

After a couple of weeks you could try the same using crutches and eventually a stick. Are you doing gentle exercises at home to build up your muscles? Good luck- you can do it.
TOYA

Its so nice to see you here Ann. I totally understand where you're coming from. I know you don't need an aid for walking but would you feel safer with something? I know how independent you are and I'm sure you'd fight against help but sometimes taking it might help.

And for the supermarket why not use one of the electric scooters most stores have. I can see you whizzing round the aisles.

And you're not whinging - you've had so much to deal with and we're happy to be hear to listen and support you xx

Good morning all.
Reporting for duty from a dull but mild Stockport.
I can’t pretend I am anything like back to my normal self, in fact I am struggling, but then, aren’t we all.
I have been realising I may never see “normal” again.

The hopes and expectations I had for my hip op have not been met.
That is really bad of me because the pain has gone, the results of such an op is, for most, not all, a little miracle.
The awful grinding pain is gone and I get about fine in the house with no aids at all, but I am scared to go out.

I have been confined to the house for so long, I don’t feel safe.
Currently two friends are in our local hospital after falls, one has been there nearly 3 weeks having broken her hip and her femur.
As of last week she was still in bed, she does have severe osteoporosis and has broken several bones over the past 3 years. The other has broken her shoulder and damaged her hip and has very low blood pressure.

This has made me very scared to venture out.
I had my vaccine four weeks ago today and last week my GD got a taxi and took me to Sainsbury’s, my first visit to a shop for eleven months, I did enjoy it but halfway round I was so tired we had to pay and come home.
Now I wonder, will I ever get my strength back?

“Enough already” of my whinging and feeling sorry for myself, I must make the most of life as is now and not hark back.

For those of you who have illness yourself or in loved ones, I feel for you and send the kindest and most loving thoughts.
Lockdown is enough to cope with without additional cares and worries.

I will try to post more often now, I won’t make promises but I do read most days and I thing of you all with affection.

Morning all !

I love the idea of droning in some marmite sandwiches to Galen Jax !

Ooooh I want to be 'comely' too GrandmaF ! That's a cracking description !! The 'porky' term from the little boys came from our VERY well fed Norfolk pigeons who often look too porky to perch!

I love the heart Muse , what a lovely thing to receive. Sorry to hear Mya is poorly again, what a worry.

The 2 little boys are my youngest grandsons Molly , they are 6 and 9 and they light up my life along with their 2 cousins who are 14 and 11. If I never have anything else in my life , having them has made it complete.

Today, Grampy has to do a Click and Collect and I am off to the West Wing for some crafting !

We both have our vaccinations booked in this week now and who knew I could get so excited over an injection ???

Sending a little happiness to all who need some x

Thanks a lot doodle. Please send loving thoughts to panachr and her dear man.

Thank you doodle. They will be in my thoughts. Hope they can both sleep comfortably tonight.

"Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops - at all "

Sending you love and strength and hope, dear Panache ??

Thank you for letting us know Doodle. They are often mentioned with love.
Milk puddings? Yuk from me too. And no one has mentioned tapioca - the true frog spawn!

Dear kitcheners. Sorry not got time to catch up on all the news at the moment. I know many of you think of Panache often and have sent her good wishes recently. I just wanted to let you know that MrP is being made as comfy as possible by the Palliative care team and others but he and Panache are very weary. I’m sure Panache would be grateful for any prayers going in their direction.

I feel physically sick reading about rice and semolina. You forgot sago! All totally disgusting.

So sorry to hear that Mya is unwell again- poor young lady. vets are not cheap as I very well know.

Look after yourselves

Oh Lordy, sorry musejust seen your post, it takes me so long to recall everyone and type it in. Sorry to hear Mya is still not right, a worry for you, but what a thoughtful, loving card. I will mention it it in a loud voice to MrJ as I have a birthday soon, no subtlety here!!