Soop's welcoming kitchen for friendly folk

In my thoughts, sending hugs panache
A glorious day where I pootled about and did not do much, apart from washing and sorting out what needs to go from the back garden. We have two men coming next week to clear accumulated rubbish, mainly great lumps of concrete, they’re behind the shed, out of sight, but got to go. My new seed tray inserts arrived this afternoon, the trays are coming tomorrow, then I can get on. Frittata for dinner, glass of wine, electric blanket (at bedtime, I don’t sit with it wrapped around me ?)!
Stay safe and enjoy a gentle evening.

Love to you both Panache.
My windows need doing Grandmabatty - are you open to offers?
It is 5 months since my last haircut and that wasn’t a good one, so looking for a new salon. A lady is advertising as a mobile hairdresser, taking bookings for April. Do I give her a go? Not done the home hairdresser before.

‘Evening All’
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We’ve had a lovely day. Sunny here in Manchester! Met up with the smalls. Himself and his boy wonder went off on a circuit - round the park so little miss and I didn’t see them for nearly an hour. Apparently racing was involved too, haha! Great fun - grandad had a shower and took two paracetamol when we got home.

He’s just been watching the rugby. Outplayed by Wales ???????

Panache I’m so sorry to hear what a tough time you’re going through. I can only imagine your distress.
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Wishing you all a peaceful night ahead. I’m listening to Liza Tarbuck on radio 2 my favourite show of the week. She selects her own eclectic playlist every week.

‘Goodnight All’.

Good to hear Mya and Sam are doing well.
What a lovely boy little Boris is.
Thank you Yiayia and Puzzler my eyes are a bit better today. I haven’t been out so I think that’s helped.
soop hope Fern comes back for dinner soon.
We’ve not had anything planned to day so I have been doing some painting and reading. Bacon and eggs for supper so nice and easy.
Sleep well all. ?

Thank you for the messages about Mya. Lovely to hear about Sam.

Loved the Snow Moon last night. Really lit up our bedroom. Had to look up the meanings of these moons. March is the Worm Moon .

www.space.com/39238-full-moon-names.html#:~:text=March%2028%3A%20Full%20Worm%20Moon&text=Some%20more%20northern%20tribes%20knew,day%20and%20freezing%20at%20night.

The jets used to fly down the Derbyshire Dales Valley (when I lived there). Low and Loud. Now in Cornwall we get the Air Ambulance Helicopter flying over us. The new one is so fast. They are flying almost constantly during peak holiday periods.

Enjoy the lovely weather kitcheners.

Nannytopsy ? . No chance! I will have lots of sitting down contemplating the windows before actually cleaning them. In addition, I'm the world's worst window cleaner. They invariably are smeared, no matter what I do.

Grandmabatty. How great it is to have someone else say that.
I am also a bad window cleaner, no matter what method I try , they look good until the sun shines on them and then, depression sets in.
I even bought a Karcher window vacuum but that now languishes in the box.
All brilliant ideas gratefully received.

Annsixty we can start the smear club! I've tried every method, like you, and I never get them sparkling. I'm a trier though.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202102/medium-649644-kirsty-and-ted-on-his-3rd-birthday.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202102/medium-880275-toby-in-yellow-coat.jpg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202102/medium-114369-dsc02504.jpg

Greetings from a gloriously sunny, calm Kintyre.

Panache You already know how well you are loved by us lot, and, yes, if we could magic our way to be by your side, you would have boundless help during this sad and stressful time.

Earlier, I spoke to our friend whose nephew committed suicide recently. It appears that he planned his death down to the last detail. He cooked a special meal for his flat mates. They had no idea what was on his mind. Everything came to light because he had recorded his intentions on his computer. He was a very clever and gifted young man. Lockdown contributed to a downward spiral that tragically ended with his death. I cannot help but feel that, had he shared his depression, he could have managed to cope until life held more promise.

I do not wish to be maudlin, especially on such a beautiful day.
Having no visits from "our cat" for almost three days has upset both of us. I have asked villagers to keep an open for her.
Mr Soop cooked chicken last night. He left the kitchen and back doors ajar...just in case she was within sniffing distance.

I shall share my photos of Ted on his 3rd birthday and Toby on the swing. Also snowdrops taken as we walked this morning. I shall now say farewell until tomorrow.

Today is my 85th birthday - amazed I've got to this age considering the ups and downs of my life and mis-spent youth.
The best parts of the day were first, a long conversation with my sister, she and partner live in Edinburgh.
Then a Team meeting with all 4 offspring spouses and grandchildren, arranged by eldest daughter. Bless her.
Husband and I quite emotional.
2 sons live in Thailand and India. and the 2 girls in England, so we don't often see them in the flesh, especially now with covid.
These Team/Zoom etc arrangements are a Godsend.

Many happy returns, fennel! How lovely that you “zoomed” your family.

soop, that’s a really sad tale about your friend’s nephew.

Come back Fern, there’s a lovely home waiting for you.

Great family photos too’

Hello everyone, just a quick pop in to catch up.

Lovely photos soop. Don't littlies bring such joy. The picture is of a very cheeky Wolfie.

I love snowdrops and have spent a fortune on them over the years - we have 1!!

Heartbreaking to hear of that young man soop. There seems to be an awful lot of sadness around at the moment. The brother of DD2's best friend (since they were 13) has been told his cancer is untreatable and he only has a few months to live - he will be 39 in August!!

Thinking of everyone with sorrow and pain in their lives.

kittylester the last time I blinked Wolfie was a baby in arms. He is growing up so fast.

soop I do hope Fern pops in for supper this evening- she is a naughty minx.

Lovely pictures but I am sorry there is no news of that special cat. Hope he/she puts in an appearance soon.

Today is my birthday and I have enjoyed talking to children and grandchildren, but was totally undone this morning. DH produced a birthday card (from my stash) but was unable to write anything decipherable on it. That this most literate of men can no longer write his own name is so sad and reduced me to unaccustomed tears. But we have flowers everywhere and a very cheering balloon (was it Pooh who said that nobody could be uncheerful with a balloon?) so all in all a goodish day.

A very Happy 85th Birthday Fennel it sounds like you’ve had a lovely family day with everyone wanting to celebrate with you! Family at its best. I hope you finish today with a relaxing evening doing whatever makes you happy ?
Some beautiful photos of Wolfie, Ted and Toby shared today - thank you, they all look so happy ?
Impressive snowdrops soop just like a beautiful white carpet, how stunning

Lovely photos and children.
Come home Fern your staff await.
Happy Birthday Fennel ???
Roast lamb with rosemary and garlic tonight smells good.
Enjoy your evening all.

Two birthdays! Happy birthday to Fennel and GrannySomerset who’s is tinged with sadness ?
Great photos of the littlies soop and kittylester our littlies are getting biggies now, we’ve all pencilled in May 21st for a family bbq/meal ??I think the biggies might stay over, giving DD a break, as a single Mum, working in a school it’s been harsh.
A while at the allotment today, work in progress as I only got it last Autumn, a lovely day, but must remember, not quite March yet, winter may not be done yet.
panache thinking of you.

Sorry I missed sending birthday wishes to fennel and grannysomerset. A day of mixed emotions.

One of DH's long time friends from Dental School sent a Christmas card a couple of years ago which was indecipherable - really upset DH so I have some idea of how that must have felt. It was trying to find information to help his wife that led to my volunteering for the Alzheimer's Society. I hope you have been able to accessed their services.

jaxjacky, we have much bigger littlies too - that's why we all dote on little Wolfie!

Sadness and happiness mingled here today. Fennel and grannysomerset happy birthday to you. Soop those are lovely photos of your little ones. Kittylester that's a lovely photo of Wolfie. I have had a busy day. I cleaned all the windows and glass and they look fine as there's been no sun shining on them. ☺️ I also spent two hours in the garden tidying it up. My front garden is now neat and I've swept up the terrace/patio in the back. I've blethered to neighbours as well. Just that little bit of human contact helps. Then my lovely cousin appeared with a gift for my dd whose birthday it is on Tuesday. We stood outside and blethered for ages. I've made a large pot of pasta Bolognaise which will do me for a number of meals. Currently I'm enjoying a glass of wine and waiting for the pasta to all merge together. It's being grateful for small things, isn't it? ? For anyone having a hard time.

*Evening All’
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A lovely, sunny family-feeling Sunday. Our roast lamb dinner was just bluddy delicious. Extra fab. We’ve all made them haven’t we, ladies - when the roasties are floury in the middle yet crunchy with meat fat on the outside, the meat tender and tasty, the assorted veg hot to eat and the gravy just the best.
I know - self praise is no recommendation!
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Afterwards we were FaceTime’d which my stepfather really enjoyed. Table sided now, dishes & pans washed whilst Himself drove the patriarch of the family home.

I’m savouring the last glass of soft Pinot Noir from the bottle. Cook’s treat.

GrannySomerset that was a poignant read. You will keep that card, I just know it. You will look back on this day with a mixture of emotions I’m sure. Belated birthday wishes for you. x
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Hope everyone has a peaceful night ahead. Life is hard sometimes. No wonder we say ‘this will pass’ it means the good tines too, which is why they are special and must be savoured. Even perfect roasties. x

‘Goodnight All’.

Hello lovely Kitchen types.

Sending you belated Birthday wishes, Fennel. Strange times indeed, but family determined to get together and send you love must have given you a lift and made your day. ?

GrannySomerset. You must have been very moved by such a loving gesture. What you wrote certainly affected me - and my DH. Glad you have each other, family and love, and flowers and the comfort of a ? Happy Birthday !

Glad that there are thoughts of Spring and weather to match in the UK. And some hope? Such a long, long, time a'coming. We are all holding our collective breath.......

Come back to Mummy & Daddy immediately, little Fluffy Trousers Fern. Wonderful photos of the little chaps - Wolfie, Ted and Toby. How lovely are they....and always full of smiles.

Get planning the most enormous celebration, Jax. I dream about it all of the time. Towards the end of the summer we must have or be part of some big shindigs.

By that time, hopefully Grandmabatty and Ann will have collaborated in some foolproof window washing venture?!
I would have thought that the Kärcher would be foolproof, Ann? (Or maybe not?). I do miss my cleaning lady for the windows. However, I do keep trying. A half bucket of warm water with a few spots of washing up liquid, a microfibre cloth and then dry/polish them with an old lint free towel or some kitchen roll. They do look good - or maybe I just have adopted very low standards? The jury's out on that one.

Have a calm and comfortable Sunday evening all.

All the wishes, all the hugs and strength to you, dear Panaches.

Keep safe, everyone. x

Missed it was your Birthday GrannySomerset but hope you had a good day ????

soop lovely family photos again ? Hope Fern returns home again soon.
Fennel congratulations! Wow. Many happy returns ???? lovely zoom chat with the family too.?
Kitty how Wolfie has grown. I remember when he was born and all the chat in the kitchen about his name. Lovely little chap.
Grannysomerset happy birthday to you too. ?. With all these birthdays in the kitchen we should have some cake. Your DH is still showing his caring for you by giving you a card , signed or not. I bet it meant a lot.
Hope everyone has a peaceful evening.
Galen how are you? Missed you in the kitchen.
TOYA ?

Ooops grannysomerset I missed wishing you a Happy Birthday earlier, I hope you’ve enjoyed your day even though there was some sadness there too ❤️

Happy late evening birthday wishes for fennel and grannysomerset, a mix of emotions.

Can’t believe fern has gone walkabouts soop, how very dare she worry you. I’m sure she’ll be home soon.

Love all the photos, I’m another who can’t persuade snowdrops to stay kitty. I have visions of them packing their bags, linking arms and heading off into the sunset.

A much less active day here. A gentle walk (aka one of Mr C’s route marches) followed by a call to a friend. It’s the anniversary of her husbands death, although some years ago she has found the isolation of covid has increased her sadness. The addition of some admin has nicely filled the day.

Tomorrow is our 52nd wedding anniversary. We will give each other a long service medal before I disappear for a fasting blood test - timing could be better. Will be back for a brunch and with luck a trip to a local garden centre.

Look after yourselves everyone. TOYA.