Soop's welcoming and supportive kitchen for kindly folk...

Stunningly beautiful day and also dry today so when I noticed a couple of nice plants perilously close to the build site I moved them elsewhere.

Why has the fridge freezer suddenly started making a loud graunching noise?! Such a short time until the kitchen is all redone, so infuriating!

Hope all is well kitcheners!

Wonderful messages from so many of you darling people - big surprise to my DH who wants you to know how thrilled he was and how thoughtful you all are! Reading your messages after brunch in the garden with sunshine and orange blossom and noisy bees was just the best way to start a Sunday. Thank you. A lovely birthday was had here.

Muse those two lines must have chimed with all of us sometimes. The Kitchen is always a place to shelter, however we feel.

Syn 'graunching' is what white goods do when they feel unappreciated. Unfortunately it often takes just one to start and gradually everything else joins in with a slightly different version of the same song. Think the song is called "Expensive"! Hope you can get it fixed and carry out some damage limitation.

You're such a love to let us know how you both are Panache. It must be hell and for you to keep finding such extraordinary bravery is astonishing. Heartfelt hopes that you will be able to keep going and survive on the little moments of peace that you are able to share with your dear man. Hopes too that the hospital treatment will stabilise him again. Much love to you both xx

Off to bed so will wish you all a calm and restorative night's sleep, birdsong and sunlight in the morning and peace in your hearts. Keep safe - and again - thank you all for being your lovely thoughtful selves.

Good morning from a sunny Shire alive with vibrant with birdsong. The front pasture is alive with SO many blackbirds seeking sustenance. The magpies are obviously busy somewhere else and the heron remains precariously (or so it seems) perched on the duck house.

As I can see the previous post on my screen I note I have missed Monsieur Francais's special day. I do not know you sir, but offer felicitations - plus many more years experiencing joie de vivre!

Also Panache a true stalwart. I salute you.

Today CH (current husband) is being whisked off to the eye department. What seemed an excellent result for macular surgery now appears to be less so as time has gone on. We shall see.

I am mentally preparing a painting suitable for a nursery but that will have to wait for inclement weather. I refuse to be indoors whilst the weather is suitable for gardening - my haven. Also the reason why we have layers of dust accumulating but apparently someone is popping up to sort that out later while I swim. I have been discharged by the "falls" team but can self refer back anytime. Do they know something I don't I ask myself?!

Does annesixty still post along with kitty and dragonfly
- all noted on my crib sheet?

I hope all have the best day possible, that soops floors shine, and those with problems and difficulties find the strength and fortitude to cope.

Hello kitcheners, I’m just back home from a lovely walk as I thought I’d best get the exercise done first today before enjoying the garden this afternoon.
I’m the same with my garden Izabella and can’t stay inside when it’s good weather outdoors. Listening to the birds sing and watching the wildlife is definitely one of life’s simple pleasures that I enjoy. Hope the eye department can do something to help your CH too

Good afternoon darling Kitcheners.

brook We have also just returned from a stroll. The sights and sounds of new beginnings lifts the spirits.

Back shortly

Just a quick wave while dgs is sleeping. He's outgrown the travel cot and much prefers my bed! It's a lovely, peaceful day. We've been to the park, played in the sand, fed the ducks then walked to Aldi and had a quick shot on swings. A nap now and then out in the garden after lunch. Back later

Man came to read the meter. Phone rang for the second time this morning. I answered. The line went dead. It happens from time to time. 1471 informs us that the caller's number begins with 00. A buggeration with bells on.

Izabella Your post is super positive. I wish your CH well with his eye department consultation.

Grandmafrench Your response to Syn's graunching fridge freezer is very appropriate. I love the word graunch.

I've been in touch with Maw. I have a few extra images of Hattie but, she fully understands that they do lack fine detail. We've therefore agreed that I may us a smidgeon of artistic license.

Before I begin the initial sketch, I am forced to attack the pile of ironing that appears to be on the brink of collapsing off the bedroom chair. My pal for whom I performed a weekly ironing marathon (until Covid dictated otherwise) is suggesting that I may wish to continue with the Wednesday morning ritual just as soon as it's permitted to do so.
She claims to be sick and tired of doing it herself.

Grandmabatty I like the sound of your day thus far. You remind me of how we used to enjoy caring for our grandson when he was a wee man.

muse
^I come back here from time to time
I shelter here somedays^

I cannot begin to tell you how moving I find that special simple quotation.

When, long ago, I wished to open a forum that provided a sanctuary, a meeting place for the sharing of life's ups and downs, celebrations and challenges, those words expressed my intention perfectly.

Letter arrived today to inform me that the remaining breast screening shows no sign of negative changes. My late mother had a bi-lateral mastectomy. She was twenty years younger than I am when she died.

Sounds like a lovely day grandmabatty enjoy the little one ?

Glad to hear that soop, I am another who has been around so much longer than my own mother thankfully.
Your forum is indeed a sanctuary and you are a good friend to so many.

So pleased you have received the encouraging report from your breast screening soop.
It must be a worry hanging over you until you get that positive report which enables you to pack it away in a box at the back of your mind.
I hope everyone is finding their day is passing in the best of ways.
I’m spending it catching up with friends, in the fresh air, and it’s a wonderful feeling. ?

I am hiding in my bedroom (DH laughs when I call it my bedroom, as it’s actually ^ours). We have a Sky man here updating our satellite tv, apparently we can now record five programmes at a time on both boxes, I would’ve ecstatic to find five things I want to watch ??

I have been to the gym for a personal training session then Callanetics, it’s good to be back in my weekly routine, seems a step on the road to normality (unless our PM decides differently)

I have also tackled my make-up bag, thrown out most of it so when I am brave enough to visit John Lewis I can have a spend!
I also sorted out all the little toiletries which I have amassed over the years. They came in handy when we flew with hand luggage only, they are now in the guest bathroom for when we are allowed guests, hopefully my sister and family.

soop it’s always a relief to receive positive health news ?

DS4 is currently recovering from breast surgery, which had been delayed numerous times due to Covid, just waiting to hear that all the tissue removed was benign ?? He is not a very good patient and is eager to get back into the office, finding it difficult to explain to the children (3 & 1) why Daddy cannot play with them or pick them up.

Take care folks ?‍♀️

Wishing your DS a complete, speedy recovery GrannyGravy.
After all your working out today I should think you might take a little nap on that comfy bed while you are hiding in there .... ? ?

Hi all, a very moving quote muse a perfect description. GG13 my mind is imagining you hiding in your bedroom ready to shout BOO! I do hope your DS recovers well with positive results from the surgery.
soop and relax....very good news.
On this glorious day, (but we do need rain) I have cleaned three toilets with associated sinks/bath/shower, washed floors and am deserving of a gold star. This afternoon was spent picking up messages from those folk who need lifts to, generally medical, places and linking them up with the very kindly folk who offer such a service. We only take calls until 5, so my duty for this week is done.I shall soon commence watering, did I mention we need rain? ? DH has come home with a sore knee, most unlike him to mention anything, out with the Voltarol, after I’d explained the need to uncap it, he didn’t have his glasses on...quelle surprise.
Have a gentle evening all.
* Panache*you too.

Grannygravy I also wish that your son makes a full and speedy recovery.
I liked the days when we had fewer choices for television programmes. Mr Soop has four "prodders" for choosing channels. It sometimes takes (what seems like a very long time) to achieve what he sets out to do.
It is very satisfying to rid the tired cosmetic collection and, even more pleasing to start afresh. Happy purchasing.

Jax Please be gentle with Mr Jax's sore knee. Voltarol and TLC in abundance are essential at such times.

Puzzler Good friends and plenty of fresh air...the perfect pick us lot up.

Synonymous It is the people who make "our kitchen" the special place to visit and share whatever needs sharing.

I shall away. The ironing was very taxing. Far too much to deal with in one session. Almost there, so I'm well satisfied.

Until we meet again. Thank you for your company.

Phew! Everyone has had a busy day, either cleaning toilets etc, or clearing out makeup bags, or hiding in a bedroom or walking on a beach etc. I have dropped off dgs and he was very unhappy as he wanted me to take him back to the park. I felt bad for dd as he wouldn't go in the house. Eventually we got him to show me his toys in his garden and he settled down. grannygravy I hope your son makes a full recovery. Soop excellent medical news for you for once. I'm pleased about that too.
I've made a chicken and ham pot pie and I'm just waiting on it cooking, then I'll mash potatoes to go with it. Have a lovely evening all.

Yay I am on a device that is already connected to GN. The last couple of weeks every time I tried to catch up with you all I was on a device that wasnt and I just cant remember my passwords these days.
Good to hear you had positive news about your breast screening Soop I must be a relief.
Had more chemo on Friday which means steroids beforehand so had some energy at the weekend. Yesterday was a beautiful day and we are finally moving on towards the end of lockdown in Portugal so my husband took me for a drive to our nearest proper seaside resort about 20 miles away. I had a lovely time just being out in the car and not just on the way to the hospital. It was very busy there and there wasnt much social distancing which is a pity because it is one of the towns who wont be moving forward like the rest of us today.
Of course today the steroids have gone and I feel very tired and have actually dozed most of the day.
Now I am going to catch up with the posts of the last week.
TOYA xx

Pleased you had some good news Soop and I hope your DS also gets some good news soon Grannygravy
Second jab this morning and very pleased to have it.It’s been a hectic day we looked after Boris the puppy for most of it,he loves eating plants and moss Milo the cat is not amused!!
Some good news my GP rang and I should get my rheumatologist appointment very soon I really need better pain control so can’t come soon enough.
It’s been such a warm sunny day long may it last.
Take care everyone enjoy your evening.

‘Evening All’.

It’s been a gorgeous hot day here in south Manchester. We had a very necessary trip to the Trafford Centre (a clever one-way system in place for all shoppers) to buy new clothes & shoes.

I’m a good bit fatter than I was last summer and it’s no use hoping any diet will transform me in time for this summer, plus I’m sick of wearing the same clothes for years because shopping isn’t so joyous when one isn’t happy with one’s shape is it? - so I had a splurge regardless. ... Ah well, I’ve done my bit - and it’s good for the UK economic recovery I told myself!

Once home, we dumped the bags then went straight back out to sit at a local bar downstairs and enjoy the sunshine (I caught the sun!) with some food and wine.

You’ll enjoy hitting the shops too when you’re ready GG13. A little retail therapy for new make up will be grand. At least you’re exercising - keeping fit instead of (like me) keeping fat.
?

Sorry, meant to say great news for you soop - the relief of good news from a test is wonderful isn’t it? Poignant about your mum. x

So glad that you could have a bit of a change of scene Daisyboots, we went down to the nearest bit of coast on my birthday last month, fortunately within our local authority and it was so good just to see the sea. I took a picnic for us to have in the car, a caramel biscuit and drink of water each

Urms, I’m very envious of anyone buying new clothes at the moment, I desperately need new sandals amongst other things but our shops are only just open and I think the sandals aren’t in yet.

Isabella I always enjoy your posts, they are so articulate and show your love of nature. I was trying to explain your illness to DH and his nephew the other day, unfortunately I failed miserably and they just looked at me as if I was stupid.
Would ice on your husband’s knee help the pain at all?

soop I am so pleased that your screening report is positive. ?

The handle of our fridge/freezer is definitely graunching We have two, ours is a good solid make with a reasonable size fridge and a smaller freezer on top. The one in the old cottage is a cheaper one, still with a decent size fridge and a three drawer freezer under it. The seal has gone on the freezer and has been kept tightly closed with a baby lock for the last couple of years. We planned to replace it this year. It is of course our fridge that the handle has broken on.

Creeping in quietly. Apologies, can’t catch up with everyone’s ups and downs. Hope more ups than downs.

Here’s a photo of the protective Mum and her ducklings on our little river, tiny little things but so inquisitive and determined to keep up. You may need a magnifying glass to see them .

TOYA.

Hope you enjoyed your shopping in the Trafford Centre Urms - I wonder if it’s changed much? Years ago when I lived in the area DH and I used to meet there on a Friday evening after work, get something to eat in the Food Court and then do a bit of shopping - the food hall at Selfridges being my absolute favourite. Happy days!
Good news about your screening soop and hope your DS is well on the road to recovery GG13
Hope you get your rain soon Jaxj I can send you some if you like ?