Soop's warm and welcoming kitchen for kindly folk.

Blossoming there’s a lot of information at the Culloden Battlefield visitor centre, I did some volunteering work there for a couple of years and learned such a lot. It’s only 10 minutes walk from our house so if there’s anything specific you’d like me to look out for then just let me know!

Soo interesting!
I have some family letters dating back to the Wexford Rebellion in the 1790’s when Paw’s ancestors were burned out of the family home (survived-clearly) and they take some deciphering. Not just the handwriting which is hard enough, but the turns of phrase and worst of all, when the writer has written one page then turned it through 90 degrees and written across the lines! I know it was common practice so people in those days must have been used to it, but it is hard work.
The hours can whizz by can’t they?

Quick visit. Apologies, no hope of replying to posts. Our Littlest and his minders are due soon. Had a go at making his current favourite cake, Rocky Road. A plate of the delicious if sticky outcome on the side for any chocoholics in the Kitchen.

TOYA.

That should keep us quiet for a minute or two!

I'd love a piece, corner! Just had a phone call from DH to tell me that he has broken my car!!! Apparently, the gear stick has gone all floppy!! He was doing a volunteer drive, had just dropped the lady off and was trying to reverse. It came off in his hand (or so he says!) I call it my 'my car' as I have always used the 'big' car for carting 5 children and their stuff to various things but actually the 2 cars are interchangeable now. The flipping thing is only 3 years old and has just had a service where we told them there was something wrong with the gears. Off to pick him up now.

Back from the hairdresser. What now? I shall tiddle and fiddle my hair until it looks "lived in". Know what I mean? Of course you lot do.

Some picture mounts have been delivered. Sadly, not the correct aperture for the paintings I have ready and waiting. Mea culpa. I am a little befuddled from time to time. It happens when one reaches a certain decade. Or so I've heard.

Back a little later. The art studio is in need of serious spruce-up.

Who has been making sick jokes about my in--famous rock cakes? I shall check. You mark my words.

Oh dear Kitty, that doesn't sound good. A similar thing happened to me with DH'S car. I had a new baby and a toddler in the back. I was reversing under an archway into his designated space in the County Buildings and blocked the only exit! He was not a happy bunny, neither were his colleagues, who couldn't get out!!
I hope it's nothing serious and sorted quickly.

The sun did come out at lunchtime, as per the weather forecast, so we have been able to get a few jobs done. Mr. B is still in the garden and I have just made a slow cooker chicken korma for later. I’m done with bending and lifting for now as I’m feeling a little nauseous, so will let things settle down. Are you feeling all glam and ‘swishy’ now, Soop? I can’t resist playing with my hair when it’s just been ‘done’.

I hope you are having a good day with the family Jax. I have had a lovely message, another of my beautiful nieces is now engaged to be married. The wedding won’t be for a while yet, which gives me time to think about frocks . If it’s in summer it may be my favourite Weir Fish maxi dress, which hasn’t had a public outing yet. I’ve worn it a few times when out with Mr. B. I also have a lovely and so far unworn black and white midi wrap dress which looks good on it’s own or over a long sleeved top and leggings. I’m resisting the temptation to buy new and I’m enjoying trying out styling my existing wardrobe in different ways.

No cake today I’m afraid, Mr. B will be going shopping tomorrow so will restock the cupboards. We’ve not seen any shortages yet.

soop, I know exactly where you are coming from. I try to wait until I am at least back in the car before I muss my hair up!!

MD, my gear stick actually did come of in my hand at a busy junction in Shrewsbury. I was extremely pregnant, I had an extremely pregnant friend with me plus a 2 year old and an afghan hound! And no one stopped to help us as we pushed it over the junction

I'll be round for Korma blossoming, it's my favourite!

Congratulations Blossoming a wedding in the air is something to look forwards to. On the other hand kitty floppy gear sticks are not, oh dear, let’s hope is nothing too expensive.
Today has reminded us why we usually stay at home during school holidays, Hastings is teeming!
Parking is a nightmare, the queue for crazy golf was never ending, so, at the GC’s insistence we gave up. Time on the beach, money sort of wasted in the amusement arcade, an excellent, long lunch, more beach and boy have we walked. So thank you Blossoming we’ve had a lovely time.
Back out later to watched MrJ’s Leeds play the mighty Arsenal, I doubt we’ll need dinner, lunch was huge, but a snack may be required!this is Imogen, delighted with her ‘mocktail.
Enjoy your evening all x

Imogen is beautiful, Jax
Soop I know exactly what you mean about the newly done hair ! I always used to muss it up. It looked too "set"
My solution is just to have a dry trim then do it badly all by myself !

Awww lovely picture Jax it sounds like a typical hectic family holiday that seem so much hard work at the time but always looked back on with very happy memories
How exciting Blossoming a wedding to look forward to! Congratulations to the bride to be ?‍♀️ I’m sure you’ll find the perfect outfit once you know where and when
I think I’ve been lucky as I can’t remember a gearstick coming off for me, but running out of petrol and an exhaust falling off definitely!

Sound advice, Grandmajean kitty and Blossoming. I have tweaked and twisted and tortured my new hair do. A goodbad night's sleep will finally muss it up to my liking.

Jax Imogen is a very pretty lassie.

Marydoll Was it you who cast aspersions on my rock cakes, or was it Doodle ? I'm about to clarify the situation. I shall return.

Beautiful photo beautiful girl Jax

Doodle Now I know. It was you who made fun of my rock cakes. Ah well, I do like you and I entirely agree with you. So there!

Maw A friend of ours visited Culloden not so long ago. He bought his wife and her two lady friends (I was one), a necklace with a glass orb pendant in which was a little moss/heather from the battlefield. I shall treasure it.

Away to assist Mr Soop with preparation of our meal. After which, feet-up time and possibly a little more hair fiddlin'.

Much love to you all. You are very special peoples.

JaxJacky what a stunning girl. Blossoming congratulations. Soop enjoy your hair twirling. My daughter used to do that when she was young.
Said daughter is having a hard pregnancy this time. She's being scanned twice a week as she has complications with the umbilical cord. That, and her inability to sleep because of back pain mean she's desperate for this baby to arrive. The consultant has said she will only go to 38 weeks at the latest, so a maximum of four weeks to go.
The boy wonder is very demanding. Eggs, sausage and haggis was the breakfast wants. He got eggs which he ate. Then a visit to the fish man and then in the car to the park where we fed swans, ducks and a goose. One swan came out of the water right up to us. I was a tad nervous as it was as big as me and twice as big as dgs. However both behaved. He loves to watch the birds swim about and it's always a problem to get him away. My living room was chaotic this afternoon. I would show you a photo but I'd be too embarrassed. Anyway he's back home and I'm having a whisky and green ginger. Til later.

Good evening all.
I have had a frustrating and long day as I have had no internet or phone today due to some problem the decorators discovered and it has been cold.
Felt fed up until, when things were restored about 30 mins ago, a message pinged up on Facebook ,posted at just after 10am from the friend I stayed with in July asking me to get in touch with her on her mobile.
Long story short she is in hospital having fallen and broken her neck in her home last Friday.
She was on the floor for 7 hours waiting for an ambulance.
Her D had to manoeuvre a waste bin under her to wee into.
I feel so blessed that my problem today was so trivial and over in a few hours.
Lessons have been learned, count your blessings.

That’s very kind of you Brook I will pm you, if I may.

Annsixty I’m glad your problem is sorted, hope the decorating went well otherwise. What a shock for your friend and for you, it really does make us count our blessings

A quick message to thank how touched and grateful I was to read such supportive messages from dear kitcheners. My self esteem was on the floor but thanks to you it is gingerly getting to its feet. I am indebted to your kindness.
My mother remains asymptomatic which is wonderful. I think of all the residents and staff at such a difficult time.
Tomorrow I will start afresh!X

Baggs that’s another lovely photo. I imagine it is quite a difficult skill to master and takes some time to execute.
cornergran thank you for the goodies. Have a lovely time with your family.
Oh that’s a shame Kitty. The cars not that old either. Hope you can get it fixed soon.
i am the guilty party Soop . But they do make exceedingly good door stops ?. We will be calling on your services in December when we plan to open the Argy for a few days at Christmas and New Year. There will be a wee dram waiting for you if you make us some goodies. ?
Jaxjacky what a lovely looking young lady Imogen is. Glad she enjoyed her mocktail.
Blossoming your outfits sound very nice. Lovely news for your niece.
annsixty what an awful thing to happen to your friend. Hope she’s ok.
dogsmakemesmile good to hear your a bit happier. A visit to soop’s lovely kitchen always restores the spirits. ?
TOYA ?

After my baking disasters today, Soop, I wouldn't dare cast aspersions on anyone's culinary efforts!
Doodle, detention for you!

‘Evening All’.

I’ve had a sweet day. With the smalls again (and why not, it’s half term). Mummy was less tired as L’il Miss is getting better and slept well last night.

L’il Miss: “Grandma lets see who blinks first and then they’re out”. Face up close and personal , she does make me giggle, sat facing me on my knee with her little chicken legs over mine. If I go down with a headache and a cold I’ll know why ...

I’m about to re-watch this. Another of my top 5.

Well done GG13 getting your booster. We should be the week after next. Jax Isabel is a very pretty girl. Blossoming I admire your dedication with your family tree. I have the attention span of a gnat.

Right, film time. ?

Yes that’s fine Blossoming ?
That’s awful ann your poor friend, how upsetting. I really hope that she can recover after such a nasty fall
I’m looking forward to the grand reopening of The Argy at Christmas Doodle after its major refurb - oooh the excitement! I’m planning my outfit already ..

I’ve got mine brook. I tried it on again tonight. It’s nice to make a bit of an effort. I got Himself to take a photo I’m not good at selfies.