Soop's welcoming kitchen for friendly folk

I agree urmston it’s definitely people that make all the difference, I hope you enjoyed sharing the memories of your dear mum and the malt whisky of course. How lovely of the hotel to say he’s been missed too.
I hope your daughter is ok, whatever is troubling her and I’m sure she appreciates you listening. My youngest daughter sounds just like yours, I’m often at the receiving end of similar phone calls which last for ages and I just listen and let her offload on me. Think it helps - her not me?
What a lovely present grandmabatty I hope your DD thoroughly enjoys it and she’s had a very happy 30th birthday ???

Quite agree with your Mum urms. We have a daughter who just needs to let it all out - good and bad - and I hope that I learnt not to be like my my mum but just to be there.

Silence is just what's needed sometimes - but they need to know that the listener is on their side.

And, isn't it good that its you she wants to talk to?

Bonne soirée to the Frenches and I hope it's been a memorable anniversary for you. It has been yet another uneventful day here, except that a friend rang up to tell me she had found a lump in her breast. As I have history - though luckily benign - I was in a position to empathise. Otherwise, I was thrilled to find that some plums I had stewed in the microwave had boiled over, leaving a nasty sticky mess. Well, at least the microwave got a very thorough scrubbing.
Watching a programme about DNA matching where people are trying to find relatives. Ancestry has told me about three matches, one of whom is my granddaughter, another is my niece and a third is my cousin's grandson, none of which was news to me!

Thank you Brooke I hope she enjoys it and things open up soon. Urmston your mum sounds like she was a lovely person. ?

Oh she was indeed Grandmabatty. We were so very fortunate to have her in our lives.

I do agree kitty. But I’m so glad she has the most lovely, calm and supportive partner this last 8 years. Prior to that, as well as being ‘the port in a storm’ I so worried about her, on her own. Life isn’t easy for singles. She used to say ‘it isn’t easy being the 5th wheel, mum’.

I’m a sensitive bod. I’m one of those who subscribes to the notion that a mum can only ever be as happy as her unhappiest child.

Mind you, years ago this same Yorkshire Lass (childless through choice, who probably in fairness doesn’t quite ‘get it’ understandably ...) said about her own grandma ‘oh I don’t think so, or poor grandma (hers, who had 6 kids, my husband, her dad, one of them). probably never knew a day of happiness in her life!’

??

A late cheery wave and lots of smiles to my favourite Gang of Soop'ers.

Thank you from both of us for your lovely wishes. A thoroughly enjoyable day was had, mostly garden sunshine sitting and pottering, the ceremonial planting of another shrub, some tea in my dear Mum and Grandma's ancient bone china cups, some home made chocolate cookies, and later - a lovely bottle and a very enjoyable pork dinner - the name of which has now escaped me.

Best news today which will be shouted to the city walls tomorrow morning........I've only gone and got myself a vaccine appointment. Zippity doodah and yippee !!!!!!
Thursday morning. Tiny little problem - it will involve 350 kilometres of travel.....each way. And I'm still laughing. Well it's not as if we get out a lot and it might just be a wonderful drive, lovely weather and we will have a small picnic to accompany us.

Do you detect a certain desperation in my cunning vaccine plan? You are not wrong. My Doctor said - and I quote - "I cannot give you the Astra Zeneca vaccine, you are too old". (Bit harsh?). "However, even though the rules will shortly be changed in France (yes, one step backwards Mr Macron and Mrs Merkel)", if you want an appointment just get online and keep on refreshing the page and don't give up. You'll get one."

So I did, and I have. In this country you can make all medical appointments through a big online company which notifies you and the Doc or Specialist of any appointment made, gives you a time, sends you a text to remind you (and keep reminding you!). This is what I did. Suddenly there were two appointments at a place I hadn't checked. Well, I was a tad overexcited on my special day and booked it. And yes, I was a bit surprised when I bothered to locate the vaccine centre on the map! Mmmm - quite a distance! Credit to my DH, he never blinked. Well, not to my face, anyway. Of course I could cancel, but I'm determined not to miss out and just keep on waiting.

So, Thursday morning, off we go. Leave here at 6am and hope to arrive in good time before 10. (I sound like I'm trying to steal Susan babysitting thunder, here) I have a second vaccine appointment - just in case I didn't quite believe the distance we travelled for the first - on the 30th.

Anyroad up, as they say, you can tell that my Day was made. I am one very happy bunny.

So pleased that the Kitchen sounds calm and peaceful this evening. I did post this morning on the GM thread that I was thinking of you, and this anniversary, Urms. So glad you had a lovely day of memories to share. I lost my Mum less than 2 years ago - I still have sad moments, but am beyond relieved that she never had to live through this last year. I expect you feel the same.

You are all the kindest souls....I feel privileged to be able to prattle/blether/share sadness and jokes and peep inside your lives.

Nighty night, Kitcheners. Sweet dreams. You're the BEST.
xx

Apologies, I`ve been missing for a few days, never much time lately.
Lovely pics of all the littlies.
Belated birthday wishes to the birthday ladies, and belated Anniversary wishes to Mr & Mrs Corner.
Happy Anniversary (just made it!) to Grandma and Mr French.
Urmston, that`s the first time in many years that I`ve known someone to talk about "siding" the table, not since we left Lancashire eons ago.
Yesterday I decided to bite the bullet and took Mia to the vet for her expensive (

Got cut off in me prime there!
I was saying the VERY expensive dental treatment that Mia needed. She had 9 teeth removed, the bill was £658.75!!!
M great granddaughter was 1 on Sunday, I`ve seen her twice, at 3 days old and at 5 months. She`s now walking, and so cute in her photos, as is her brother.
Soop, so pleased that Fern is home again. By the time lockdown ends I`m sure she`ll be an integral part of your household.

Lovely cauliflower and spinach balti tonight + selection of breads from the freezer.

Kept busy with the glorious weather. It has kept my mind off not hearing from my daughter. We've exchanged a few texts over the past two weeks but with her work commitments and my granddaughter, her life is hectic. I worry though as a long delay between our long calls tends to mean she's struggling. Normally we chat every other day.

I made a decision to move (to be with who was to become MrM), six years ago. It took me 100s of miles away from friends and my family. Little did I know what impact emotionally it would have on me. New lifestyle with MrM is great but I miss parts of my old lifestyle.

Whilst waiting for her call I'm passing the time though tonight reading everyone's news. Mums and Daughters seem to be the theme today. 10:45pm no call. Perhaps tomorrow. I'll send another text before bed.

Hugs to all Mums and Daughters?

Thank you so much Hellogirl
Not sure what has surprised me most, the bill for Mia's teeth (hereafter to be known as Hell's Teef?) or the fact that your little GGD is already 1 year old and you've only seen her twice. That's so sad. Same for so many, but sad all the same.
Still, imagine the celebrations when you are out and abouting full time again!!!! Meanwhile, I hope that poor little Mia is soon comfortable again and that you will be too - just as soon as you've had a long lie down with a cold flannel, some smelling salts...... and a stiff drink. Maybe take some painkillers for your wallet, too.
Stay safe and well x

Sounds as if you're a much-loved Mum to her, muse, so she'll be on the end of the 'phone again very soon, you'll see.
In the meantime, enjoy your life with Mr M and don't ever feel guilty. Of course sometimes you'll miss some of your old lifestyle, but we're going to get to the end of our plague conditions and you'll be able to spend your free time doing just what you want again - including visiting all those you miss. Make some happy plans in your head and don't beat yourself up over decisions you made to change your life. Your Daughter will only be happy to know that you're happy....betcha !! . Sleep well.
Right, I'm finally shutting up and going to bed - a small chorus of relieved voices is now allowed. ??‍♀️?

Just made it to the kitchen in time to add my good wishes for Mr and Mrs grandmafrench. I’m pleased your day was just right for you and late though it may be a huge cheer for your vaccination dates. It’s OK, I haven’t disturbed Mr C who is sound asleep, it takes more than a cheer to wake him .

A mixed day for you urms, these anniversaries make us thoughtful. Sad though your day has been I’m pleased there were good memories.

I hope you hear from your daughter soon muse. I have similar worries when our sons arent communicating, always fear the worst before (mostly) discovering it’s just a busy life that’s triggered the silence.

I’m still getting over the shock at the cost of Mia’s dental treatment hellogirl, wow, and I thought my dentist was expensive.

Just seen the time. Sleep well everyone. TOYA.

I have been attempting to log on and visit our kitchen for almost an hour. I cannot log on to our emails and, for some time, I've not been able to access Facebook.

Invited the system to do a speed check. No response! A buggeration and some.

One good outcome so far. I was mistaken and thought the dental appointment was for today. Good news it was not. Bad news...it's tomorrow instead.

Oh soop. Not internet buggerations again. Everything crossed here you’ll soon be connected again.

Had a bit of a morning. My knee gave way while I was carrying a large, very full and heavy crystal glass vase. Down I went, flowers and water catapulted across the living room floor with me in a puddle feeling more than foolish. Mr C rushed off for the carpet shampoo machine to suck up the water - I did think he might have rescued me first . Fortunately the vase remained in one piece as did I, a bit sore but nothing broken. the bonus being a very clean patch of carpet. Isn’t it wonderful how water spreads?

My second treat if the day was the arrival of an appointment for colonoscopy on 16th. How lucky am I? Can’t wait .

Otherwise all is well here. Most of the dust removal accomplished, grocery delivery was without a hitch and very soon it will be time for a chat with a good friend. Not such a bad day after all.

Look after yourselves everyone.

Hellogirl1 Mia's dental bill is almost as big as the national debt. Bless her. You, too. All that I can add is - she is worth it.

muse If my son's fail to respond to an email right away, I accept that they are busy. With each passing day, I become fretful. After several, I am a tad paranoid. There is always a good reason for the delay in their responses. It's just that I am neurotic (at times) and fear all manner of dastardly stuff and nonsense. In fact, when youngest son was in his teens, he told me that, if I didn't hear from him, it was a good sign. He would always contact me if he was in trouble or needed something (like funds).

Grandmafrench Bravo! You will join the happy vaccinated throng. Long way to travel, mind. Well worth the journey.
It's true what you say about holding on to our wee dreams of happier times in store with family and friends.

anno Baked on plum juice. Yikes! I was talking to two J's Witnesses a long time ago, when I caught the whiff of boiling-over plums. I excused myself to discover the most unholy of messes which took the rest of the afternoon to shift.

Grandmabatty That certainly is a super special gift that you chose for your daughter's 30th birthday. She will be delighted.

corner I am relieved to hear that you were not badly injured when your knee gave way. The vase also remained intact. A double whammy.
I've had countless colonoscopies. Never something to be relished. Good thing is, the deed doesn't last too long and 'though uncomfortable is not painful.

Cornergran ouch! I'm glad you weren't injured. And ouch for the colonoscopy too. Soop thank you. She had a good birthday. I wonder how Grandmafrench got on with her long trip for a vaccine? I've had a very quiet day. The weather is not nice. We have an East coast haar which hasn't lifted all day yesterday and today. And it's cold! Moaning Minnie here has the heating on and I'm going to have a cuppa and a chocolate biscuit. Take care all

Hope your O.K Cornergran sounds like you need a new knee.
It’s rained all afternoon here,Milo put his nose outside and decided he doesn’t like rain?
Latest diamond art work, a card for my DIL birthday I think she will like it she does love her horse.
Good luck tomorrow Grandmafrench have a good trip.
Stay safe everyone.

Yiayia Your daughter-in-law could not wish for a more personal and beautifully created card. You are very clever.

Grandmafrench We wish you a safe and uneventful journey tomorrow.

I am logging off a little earlier than I would like. The internet is not behaving. I am concerned that we shall need to go through the rigmarole of phoning the BT helpline. The very notion has made me panic.

I shall hope to be back with you all after the dental appointment at lunchtime tomorrow. Wishing you a fond farewell.

I apologise for my inability to keep up with the kitchen comings and going’s. I am absolutely convinced that Lockdown has turned my brain to mush!!!!

Highlight of my day was my mammogram this afternoon, I felt sorry for the technician as I was so unused to close contact with another human I couldn’t stop talking ??

I shall settle down and try and catch up

TOYA ?‍♀️

Afternoon people, last of the new kitchen (finished about six months ago!) boxes sorted today, from what was called ‘the medicine cupboard’. A carrier bag of old/can’t recall what it was for/ sticky cough and throat sweets/aged sun creams thrown out. Various light bulbs stored under the stairs, three tyre pressure gauges? put in the cars, spare carbon monoxide monitor put aside for DD plus a spare thermometer, good grief! Anyway, job done now and about time too.
DH finished work about 2, anyone else had a sausage roll sandwich for lunch I wonder, he didn’t get, or ignored my 5 a day comment ?. I also went to the vape shop, you phone first, order and pay, when there, knock on the back door and give your name; to an onlooker, it looks like a right drug deal.
Quite worn out now, a small glass is called for ?

Grannygravy I always find mammogram a bit nippy, if you know what I mean. At least it's over. I also know what you mean about chatting to another adult! JaxJacky enjoy a glass or two. Pork medallions in a sherry, honey and mustard reduction with new potatoes, carrots and peas for tea.

Such good news about your vaccine appointment grandmafrench and even better that you get a day out with a change of scenery too - enjoy your trip!
I’ve not done much today, the weather has been much colder with grey skies, the sunshine well and truly hidden. It’s salmon and fresh veg for tea later when I get round to making it. It sounds like you’ve had a busy, productive day jaxjacky I wish I could be more like that ...
Beautiful artwork yia and so lovely to have a handmade card.
Pleased you’re ok after your fall with the vase corner and no damage done, hope there’s not too many bruises tomorrow
Hope your DD has been in touch today muse and you’re not too worried now

Oooh, I'm coming round grandmabatty. We are having meat pies, fried potatoes and peas. The pies are made by a local pie maker and delicious but yours sounds better.

Dinner is always something from the freezer on Wednesday as it's a Zoom carer's course day. Today's was exceptionally fraught (including a man in his yfronts) and then I had to complete my Sainsbury's order. DH should count himself lucky I know where the kitchen is.

In other news, we have a plasterer coming next week to do the hall ceiling!!!!

corner really glad the vase was intact!! Try not to get too excited about you colonoscopy! I hope you are ok!

gg squashed boobs are one of the prices to pay for being allowed out!!

Sorry about your suggestions soop but you do have an excursion to look forward to.

Enjoy your trip too gf.

Off to heat some bought pies.

TOYA

soop if your internet refuses to behave I’d suggest you get back to your previous named contact and create! Hope it’s not needed,

Exciting news about your hall ceiling kitty. You’re right yia it’s time for a knee referral. Won’t be quick I know. The card will definitely be well received, how could it not be?

Hope you enjoy your outing tomorrow grandmafrench, I’m sure you will. Travel safely.

It seems it’s time for food here. I’m reluctant to carry anything breakable just now so the Butler will be on duty.

TOYA.