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

kitty Your icicle photo is a winner.

For a few minutes, I've been unable to access GN. I was convinced that I had lost my previous message to you all. In fact, earlier, I was being cut off as I tried to send messages on my FB page. Is it the cold weather? Is it something amiss with our bloody connection? Whatever, I'm not a happy bunny.

N&G You are most welcome to have my forthcoming dental appointment. I would sooner give birth (she says with a rye smile).

Hello to all our lovely kitcheners. That includes dear Ann and Panache and Izabella.

Right! I am very, very miffed. I have lost a long second update with you lot. I am in fact having troubles with the internet.

Thank you for the marvellous icicle photo, kitty, it's a winner.

Nannytopsy I think that you are right. We have warnings of snow coming up from N. Ireland.

Grandmafrench How is your foot/leg pain?

Dear ann, Panache, Izabella et al, please be aware that you are in our thoughts.

The message that I thought had lost somewhere in the ether, appears to be here after all. Well, it wasn't when I last checked.

Hi Soop waves at you from snow bound Polmont. I have cleared a space for ds to park in when he arrives later for dinner. And I have trudged to Aldi for the necessary ingredients for mushroom stroganoff and tiramisu. I'm having lunch then I'll pootle about doing a bit of housework etc. I hope poor Mia is better Muse . Take care all.

Forgotten full stop! It is I who waves at you from Polmont. Grr.

Good afternoon - just popping into the kitchen to say hello and am so impressed by all the lovely photos '-thank you for sharing. I'm sharing a photo of my favourite herbal tea mug. I have different favourites for different drinks because...... just because!! This one is special because DGD brought me it when she was really tiny. I know it's a Christmas mug but it's also got a ginger cat on it!! Laugh of the day for us yesterday was Duncan!! Usually Mr BA is down first in a morning and feeds him but yesterday he'd got a very early call and was still the office when I came down. Duncan had an empty dish and was busy telling me he hadn't been fed so I appeased him. Of course he had duped me and very pleased he was too with his second breakfast!! Virtual hugs to all who are in need and please stay safe

Mugshot!!

BladeAnnie That is a splendid herbal tea mug. Such a cheerful design. What's even more special...your granddaughter gave it to you.

Grandmabatty. Soop waves back from a sunny, snow-free Kintyre.

Aww thank you Soop . I just can't put it away until Christmas when little Ruby bought it for me!!

BladeAnnie No way should this wee treasure be stored for Christmas herbal teas. Use it lots...

Soop et al - always cheers me up to read this thread. in fact Gransnet in general is a lifeline for me.
With a few exceptions .
Wish I was better at posting photos - I ought to take lessons.
As for losing typed replies etc - this happens to me a lot on Hotmail - then I find it safe and sound in Drafts. I often accidentally tap a wrong key.
Our current pleasure comes from feeding the birds (2d a bag?) And watching from the window - their behaviour is fascinating. Especially now when it's so cold and all covered in a few inches of snow. I hope they have a warm place to sleep.
Which reminds me - yesterday I went doon t'Toon on the bus and saw a poor young man sitting on the cold ground wrapped in a duvet. I gave him some money and asked where he was going to sleep. He said when he's collected £10 "they" will give him a bed for the night.
We should count our blessings.

Afternoon All. A very breezy and freezing walk on the sea front this morning has had me in something of a doze this afternoon. Sun is shining, birds are singing and you know, I truly am not worried I’ve done not a thing.

Things given by our grandchildren are special for sure bladeannie, the cat is a bonus.

Still not a flake of snow here, no, not really complaining as I find driving in snow anxiety making and walking on snow a recipe for cold feet and a sore rear when I invariably slide over. Having said that I was totally fine on ice and snow whether fresh or compacted when we visited the Arctic Circle two years ago. So much to see I couldn’t think about sliding over let alone attempt to do it

We’ve daffodils in my Mum’s vase brightening a corner of the living room, happy to share if the photo genie is friendly.

Stay warm and safe everyone. TOYA.

Fennel Your encounter with the young man brought tears to my eyes. It's at such times that I wish I had plenty of money to spare. I would gladly share it. No one should have to spend the night on the streets until they can produce £10. Wicked!

corner The photo genie is indeed friendly. Thank you.

I've pedalled for thirty minutes to the music of Abba. I prefer the gentler tunes. Loud shouting seems to make me cross.

Logging off for today. Please take the best possible care of yourselves. You are very important peoples.

Afternoon all,

A truly sobering encounter Fennel . I'm in favour of scooping up all waifs and strays and taking them home with me . My Nana used to say expect the best of people and that's what you'll get -some people just need a hand up.

Sam is back from the vets. We thought things were resolved but when the vet checked the wound out it is still weeping nasty stuff. So another week of antibiotics and anti inflammatories before a decision is made on an op to remove the sac of the cyst.

We did chuckle, the vet came out in full PPE to collect Sam from the courtyard. She dropped her slip lead over his neck, Grampy unclipped our lead, Sam reversed out of both leads and ran indoors to the nice receptionists who always fuss him. Not a backward glance !! He's definitely not afraid of the vet!

I am with you Soop - Id rather give birth than go to the dentist. Needs must however and I am looking at some substantial work when/if ours opens again.

Glad you're feeling a little better Yiayia .

Its lovely to see so many people in the kitchen. It truly is the best of GN x

Love your mug BladeAnnie it must cheer you every time you use it.

That’s so sad about that poor young man Fennel I do hope he gets a bed tonight.

Have a nice evening everyone stay safe.

Well I now realise just how broke the nhs is.
THEY DONT HAVE SNY MAR,ITE!??

Marmite peprhaps

That rubbery NHS toast is inedible without Marmite!

No Marmite..we’re all doomed ? After an incident earlier when a roll of soft cheese ended up in a welly boot, the thermostat lost contact with the boiler. Batteries found, replaced, twice - told DH to put glasses on, normal heating resumed, phew. Tesco delivered, no replacements, so we’re on for crispy duck and bits tonight, easy dinner, glass of wine is in order I think.
I really hope that young man gets a bed tonight Franbern there but for the grace of...

Fennel stories like that young man really brings home how lucky we are to have a roof over our heads and food in our fridge.

‘Evening All’
?

Tonight, to share my Good News. I’m joyous ?

1. I don’t have diabetes (blood test Tuesday)
2. I have a Covid vax appointment for next Wednesday at noon, 5 minutes up the road.

I have just put the veg under a light on the hob. Half a shoulder of lamb is resting on the side. To celebrate we have opened a bottle of Pinot Noir. Table I set, mint sauce at the ready.

Right, I’m off to make the gravy whilst counting our many blessings in these difficult times.

Wishing everybody on here as pleasant and peaceful night ahead. x

‘Goodnight All’.

Congratulations Urmston - as you say we have much to be grateful for. We have carried on sorting photos and I have begun an album each for the children.
There’s a long way to go but it gives us something to do while it is icy.
Have a good evening everyone.

Woop, woop Urmstongran ?

Good news Urmstongran hope that bottle of Pinot Noir is going down nicely ?
One of my ongoing jobs is also sorting through lots of photos Nannytopsy, I’ve started a box for each of my children and I’m choosing the best childhood photos of each of them to keep. And then a box of my special memories too.
I’ve posted a similar picture before but the woods at the back of our house are looking beautiful just now - I too count my blessings everyday ?