Soop's welcoming kitchen for friendly folk

5 past midnight and our freshly laundered bedsheets await me.

Muse and Mya have had a good Monday.

Blue skies this morning. I went back to bed at 6:30am after taking Mya out. She had eaten well yesterday (the new food) and not pooped despite two long evening walks. Any way the 6:00 alarm call was a success. This evening's walk's been the same so I'll rise at 7:00 tomorrow.

grandmafrench Mr Ben was my children's favourite. Yes, I'm frazzled and wish I could totally blame the pandemic but I can't.

My efforts yesterday for MrM seem wasted. Progress on our house build has been hindered and interrupted from every side since we started 4 years ago.

I'm trying to feel so positive about the news today but it's tinged with sadness. Our holiday to celebrate my 70th (postponed from last April) I fear will now be cancelled as I know we can't move the creche stay for Mya. I'll probably make a third attempt for the end of April 2022. All I got from MrM was "hmm".

What a yoyo of a day.

Goodnight you special people, as grandmafrench says. That includes you too grandmafrench.

Pleased to hear that all went well in Batty Towers today and little Logan had a great day. Bet you'll be too full of cake to comment much for a while! ?

Well that was a massive 'road map' with enough numbers, dates, statistics, timing, comments, hopes and dreams to confuse the hell out of most of us, I shouldn't wonder. I shall hold on to it as a sort of aide memoire so that I can see whether it turns out to be accurate or not. Suppose that it's still very difficult to judge - without knowing what's going to happen with further infections or dodgy variants. Fingers crossed that this time the UK is truly going only one way. No reversing and no mistakes.

Know what you mean about Mr Johnson, soop. Those sleeves and the endless hairnets, harnesses, hi viz jackets and hi tech accessories, eh? Why can't he just be presented as a man-in-a-suit, with a bit of gravitas, perhaps? It's been said before but to me he is truly Mr Ben. D'you remember the children's t.v. series of that name in the very early 70's? This little cartoon man in a bowler hat, dressed for the City, used to disappear into a fancy dress shop and emerge as a completely different character for the duration of the programme. That, to me, is BoJo. (except Mr Ben was far more sartorially attired and knew how to behave!)

Hope your internet connection reappears without delay. Why don't you just own up that you've been using all those shillings for the meter on the provision of fine dining for That Cat, with any change used for some wee drams for you and lovely MrSoop. I cannot believe that B T 'errible (Scottish section) can have let you down yet again. This time we Grans will march North and launch an attack without any warning!! ?

Hope the KFC worked well, Yiayia and relieved that you didn't have furry laundry, Jax. That sends me into a loop, guaranteed. (Though most things do these days!) Wish we had a chippy to lend support to. I did actually make some the other day, lovely fat homemade ones which I then served in one of those pretentious tiny wire baskets - because it stops us eating more than a handful. They were probably delicious just because they were so more-ish.

What lovely comments to make, brook; Puzzler and Urms. ???So appreciated by moi. I'm afraid that I don't find it hard just prattling to the loveliest bunch of people, who tolerate all my prattling! No talent or kindness required, I just respond to how I'm treated - like most of us. To me, this Kitchen feels just like being out on a nice day and bumping into people you want to spend time with and hearing their news. We are sometimes sad and sorry and filled with anxiety for each other, also good wishes, great interest, great hopes. Other times we just find our funny bones and see how ridiculous and outrageous and hysterical life is - and ourselves in it. Laughter is naturally the best medicine. Long may we stick together and support each other and be able to laugh. Not just in these rotten times, but always.

As you fall asleep, just try to remember how special you are.
Night night, sleep well and maybe dream of Spring and the road to freedom? xx Hugs, ???

I’m in the Grandmafrench appreciation society too ?? ??‍?
We are lucky to have many, many lovely kitcheners ?

Hi all, hoping all dogs, Mia, Mya and Sam are well this evening. PM’s should now be working apparently.
I had a letter today telling me I have a rise in my state pension that I haven’t got yet, it’s imminent. Grey all day here, but daffodils are budding on my walk, nearly open, a welcome sight. Grandmabatty what a cake! a piece of art, what a clever and patient DD, I hope Logan has had an equally stunning day. DH put the washing on this morning, but didn’t check the pockets! I was waiting in trepidation, I’m the offender, with tissues, but it was fine - the banality of my day. He’s off to the chippy soon, supporting local business has become a weekly event. Have a pleasant evening.
Thoughts with panache x

‘Evening All’
?

It’s been the most gorgeous sunny afternoon here in South Manchester. I went for a long stroll with takeaway coffees with my friend (11,000 steps she told me). I had to peel off my gloves, then my scarf as we walked!

Oh no poor us - no soop! Not gremlins attacking the broadband access again?
?

I too think GrandmaFrench is one of the nicest (and most interesting) posters on GN. Whenever I spot her name on a thread I think ‘oh goody’.

I’m off to ring my stepfather. We chat together twice a day as it’s pretty lonely for him on his ownsome. He can’t wait until he’s able to meet up and watch an afternoon game of bowls with his friends at the club. Not long now....

Hope everyone has a pleasant and peaceful night ahead. x

‘Goodnight All’.

Its grey and wet here in Surrey.

So very pleased to hear the schools are going back on the 8th,my grandsons will be so pleased.We can wait a while for everything else.

DH is making KFC tonight! Will let you know……
All good wishes to you all and healing thoughts to our doggy pals?

Good evening all. I have a message from soop who is having trouble accessing Gransnet. She apologises and wishes you all a good night.?

As you say polomint it's lovely to have such a sunny afternoon. As ? wrote
"If winter comes, can spring be far behind?"
We have regular bird visitors in our tiny back garden and they seem to be gearded up for the generation to come.

Thank you everyone for your lovely messages about dgs's birthday and his cake. My daughter makes lovely cakes and people often ask her to make special cupcakes for them. She's very creative. We had a lovely two hours in a local park. Because of the beautiful weather, it was busy but everyone kept distance. My son popped over for an hour and they had such a good time. The fresh air and blue skies make such a difference, don't they? I'm back to babysitting duties tomorrow. Have a good evening all.

What a beautiful sunny afternoon. Spring is just around the corner. My crocuses are in flower but no sign of daffodils yet.
Went for a long walk in the nearby park with my little dog which he and I thoroughly enjoyed. Although the car park was busy, the actual big grassy bit was not. I dont know where everyone was but it was nice to have it to ourselves.
Just salmon and baked potato tonight for dinner followed by a lemon cheesecake. Keep safe everyone

Just popping into the kitchen for an afternoon cuppa and a shortbread biscuit if anyone fancies one ...
What a lovely cake grandmabatty I hope Logan is enjoying his very special 2nd birthday! ????
My youngest daughter who lives nearby is feeling much less stressed today as the two DGC have both returned to school and she can focus on her work. DGD age 6 was up, dressed and all ready by 7am this morning - so excited to be seeing her friends again. It seems such a little thing but it’s so important to them. I’d just like to see all children back at school as soon as possible and don’t mind waiting a bit longer for other restrictions to be lifted if they can all go back safely
Hope all poorly pets feel better soon, I don’t own a pet myself but I know how upsetting it can be when they’re poorly ? ?
Thank you grandmafrench for just being so kind and friendly to all posters ?

Grandmabatty That is a right royal cake. Happy second birthday dear Logan. Wishing that us lot could attend your party. We're all very young at heart.

annsixty What make of dog is Kevin. I really like his name. My son had a cat that he named Jeffry

Grandmafrench When will Bojo stop faffin' (sleeves rolled up, getting in the way of folk who are trying to do their jobs) and do something awe-inspiring? As for road maps, it's a bit like level playing fields and singing from the same hymn sheet...fanciful words that make me cringe. Action! That's what we are waiting for.

muse Us lot appreciate you. And, I'm certain that Mya does too. Only she cannot quite put her gratitude into words.

polomint Although I have enjoyed the occasional mug of hot chocolate, I have yet to sample one containing marshmallows. I must add the experience to my bucket list.

Urms I want a mask like your stepfathers. And, I want one of those GHIC thingies.

What a wonderful cake Grandmabatty still love the Lion King.
Hope Logan has a very happy 2nd birthday.?
Thinking of Panache?

Still keeping fingers firmly crossed? for Sam, Mya and Mia to
be returned to good health soon ?

That’s a King of a cake Grandmabatty. Happy Birthday to your little grandson. He’ll be one very excited little boy today. Have fun with him - it’s a lovely age. ?

Wow, what a cake! Happy Birthday little man.....surrounded, as always, by loads of love. Have a wonderful day, GrandmaB - get on and make more memories (and eat more ??) x

Grandmafrench you are absolutely correct! The boy is two today. I've added a photo of his cake which DD made. Their whole house is covered in lion king stuff. Both sets of grandparents put together to get him a large outdoor toy. As well as that, I've bought him clothes and a car and a drawing mat for grandma's house. We are going for a walk in a local park this morning and my son is joining us so that will be nice. Off to have coffee now.

Nearly bedtime for all sensible Kitcheners? Hope everyone is o.k. Urms for heaven's sake, help that dear SF of yours find a decent mask. That one is full of holes and is likely to get him into trouble! ? Hope you had a lovely family lunch!

Are you, like the rest of us, muse, getting a bit frazzled with it all! I tend not to scream - we now have neighbours. I used to do a good scream which would only attract the odd raised eyebrow from my sheep. Now I am reduced to one-note humming. This alerts all in my range that I am coming up to boiling point and might blow at any moment!! I suspect that the problems with your little dog are not helping. Dare I say that one day (preferably soon) we are all going to forget these wretched times with the promise of much more interesting things to take up our time. Anyway, be of good cheer, we Kitchen types ("us lot" as soop calls us), are kindly souls with hugs and listening ears, so don't fret alone!

Ann how could you forget to tell us about little Kevin? He sounds fun. What sort/size is he? Hope you are managing trips out and feeling a bit lighter in spirits. brook how lovely to hear from your DS - and to see him as well. One of my neighbours lives in Switzerland. His home nearby is a holiday home and the family are normally here every other month. He is totally fed up that he is now confined to camp. If they leave to come here, they have to quarantine when they get here and then when they get back home again. As he put it, "not much of a holiday". So, they wait. We all wait.....

I'm guessing that gorgeous boy is 2 tomorrow then, Grandmabatty. What wonderful thing will you be surprising him with?

I shall wait to hear of Bojo's next epic plan tomorrow. I'm still reeling from the idea of a roundabout under the Isle of Man! Wonder what dear EllanVannin thinks about it all. ? Do you think he sits in the bath and concocts these plans, or perhaps on the loo? The ideas are a bit random: more the sort of stuff that might be dreamed up by Elon Musk rather than the PM of the UK. Still, it'll maybe keep him out of mischief for a while.

Did Medvedev not listen to your instructions words of encouragement in a shouty voice, soop? Well, that'll teach him. Sorry your efforts were in vain. Fern seems to be spending more time with you now. Fingers crossed that she might just become a house cat soon......you never know.

That hot chocolate has made me sleepy, polo. Nighty night all. Wishing you sweet dreams and a better day tomorrow from whirly, windy France. ?

Just popping in with some hot chocolate and marshmallows if anyone wants some before going to bed.
Lovely calm night when I took my wee dog out for his last piddle.
Night all, pleasant dreams

Nannytopsy sorry.

Hello my Kitchen friends. You have made me so emotional this evening. Good thing I'm typing my words as I couldn't say them without the tears.

Thank you Casdon, Grandmafrench, Grandmajet and Soop for your words about Mya. Sorry if I have missed anyone.

Didn't get chance to get onto GN to say a Sunday hello to Mick. I'm back to scooping up in the morning, whilst MrM made me my poached eggs. Then quickly took Mya out - a dash for the door x2. I decided yesterday to buy a small bag of Harringtons Hypoallergenic Grain Free Chicken dry mix. She smelt it this morning and walked away but about mid afternoon ate the lot and more, straightaway this evening. I'm not going to change her food for at least a week. I'll look up Burns Free Casdon.

Sometimes I have to do a silent scream. There are times when MrM 's answer excuse for everything grates. Terrible wife aren't I after he made me a lovely poached egg on sourdough toast. . I spent 6 hours collecting data he needs for a phone call he needs to make tomorrow. I'll let you know if he makes the call.

I'd join you for a Jura Nannylopsy but I've just put a slug of brandy in a coffee.

Gorgeous photos of daffs Puzzler61 and Kittylester. My heart lifted today as I walked Mya. The 30 odd daffs I planted are finally opening. Lovely sight despite the rain.

Hellogirl. Well done with the oven. Another Mia at the vet. Hope all goes well.

Left one comment today on GN. Well two now. Not like me. Will get some reading done before bed.

Eagerly waiting BJ's "broadcast' tomorrow.

Beautiful flowers in the kitchen today, thank you all ?? I really love this time of year when everything starts growing and the spring bulbs appear. I think I’ll appreciate it even more this year and see it as a sign of things gradually getting better and new beginnings on the way
I’ve just had a lovely video chat with DS, I’ve not seen him for well over a year as he lives with his partner in Switzerland. He seems to be doing fine though and quite happy which is all good and puts my mind at rest
I totally agree grandmabatty , soops kitchen is definitely the most friendly and welcoming place to be with the door always open ?

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202102/medium-749327-920888c7-8574-42aa-a41e-9520ade3b310.jpeg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202102/medium-770908-e94dd608-ed7b-4123-88e6-679522de15b9.jpeg

‘Evening All’
?

My stepfather enjoyed dinner with us today. Guess who’s got his brand new UK GHIC card yesterday then? Organised last week by Himself on line for him. He’s now ready for a holiday in Ibiza when restrictions are lifted!

I’m going to watch James Nesbitt at 9pm in the new 4 part drama set in Northern Ireland. Looks promising.

Till tomorrow everyone. I hope we all have a pleasant and peaceful night ahead. x

‘Goodnight All’.

You are so welcoming to everyone Soop. I always feel a warmth on this thread. Lots of lovely flowers. I've roasted a chicken and I'll make an apple crumble so that's me sorted for a couple of days. Tomorrow is dgs birthday and we're going for a walk in a local park in the morning. Have a good evening all.

Jaxjacky The colour of your flowers are very special. A beautiful photograph.

annsixty How could you possibly forget mentioning your new grand puppy? As soon as you have a photo of Kevin, please share with us. There is plenty of space in our pampered pets gallery.

I was talking to a villager this morning. She had a terrible reaction to the vaccine. Thankfully, she recovered very quickly.

Medvedev lost his match in the tennis final. I really like the man. I shouted encouragement loudly...to no avail.

I need to mount the exercise bike for the 30 minute spin to no place. Don't ask me why. I must be a devil for punishment, or something.

I'm leaving you with my very best wishes. I shall look forward to spending time with you again tomorrow.