Soop's warm and welcoming kitchen for kindly folk.

That’s just perfect Urms you look stunning ..is it from one of those posh shops in the Trafford Centre?

I hope you’ll have your semmit on under that Urmstongran, you’ll catch your death! .

Hello, I’m back in the Kitchen, having despatched ds2 back to his family in London. We’ve had such a lovely weekend. He didn’t have room to take his Xmas cake and pud as he only had hand luggage. Never mind, that’ll just necessitate a trip down to him, won’t it?

There’s a lot to catch up on here! To give you all the strength to wade through my post, I’ve brought sultana slabs, topped with icing, and Portuguese custard tarts.

I’m glad your mum is ok so far, Dogs. Long may that last!

Did you have a rainy trip home to Inverness, Brooke? We in NE Scotland seemed to have escorted the worst of the rain so far….

Kittylester we have some gear stick tales, too. Dh once had a Triumph Herald’s gear stick come off in his hand. The entire car was a wreck - he had to access it by climbing in via the boot! Then when my boys were small we hired a car one weekend when ours was broken. There were no proper firms where we lived in the N of Scotland so this guy was a bit of a cowboy. It was a yellow Ford Sierra. Dh was parking up in a multi-storey in Inverness when the gear stick came off in his hand and we had to push the car into a parking space.

We got the train home at the end of the day and Dh phoned up the guy to tell him what had happened and asked for our money back and to cover the train fares. He came to the door to get the car keys but refused to refund us. As he walked off he asked ‘Where’s the car?’ and Dh said ‘I’m not telling you until you repay us.’

Next morning, he reappeared but stayed in his car while his adult daughter handed over the money. He shouted from the car ‘So where’s my car? and Dh replied, ‘140 miles away, in Inverness’ and slammed the door shut against the explosion that emanated from Mr Dodgy Car Hire! ?

Soop I’m going for a haircut on Sat so I’ll be doing the same as you by the afternoon, messing my hair up to my exacting standards!

Ooh, a wedding, Blossoming! Do you need help choosing a hat? You mentioned the Farquharsons - they’re also a local family in my area, big estate owners. I imagine there are several branches.

Imogen is a bonnie girl, *JaxJacky. We had considered the name Imogen for our youngest dd but when she was born, she was so angry and not at all how I envisioned an Imogen to be so we chose something else!

for your poor dd, Grandmabatty. Every day seems like a month at the end of pregnancy, doesn’t it?

Annsixty that’s a reminder to keep things in perspective. I hope your poor friend is soon on the road to recovery.

The temari look beautiful, Baggs, like stained glass.

I’ve certainly had a busy few days here. Ds2 had arranged himself some insurance on dh’s sports car so he went off in it to visit his sister with a grin like a Cheshire Cat on his face! He’s now counting the days until his children leave home so he can get a sports car too. The children are seven and four. . He also sorted out the final box from the garage, containing his junk…er…possessions.

Just as we dropped ds at the airport today I remembered that Dh and I have a music gig to go to in Perth tomorrow evening! Eek! I had slipped my mind totally. We’re supposed to be staying at DD’s on Thu and accompanying her, our GD and the baby on a visit to a pumpkin patch. We’ll just have to do two trips to Perth on consecutive days.

Then we’ll be back Fri evening, the aforementioned haircut on Sat morning followed by a local pot luck supper in the evening at the village hall to meet up with all the neighbours we haven’t seen for so long. It’s got a vaguely Halloween theme eg bring a pumpkin if you wish.

I need to conjure up a pot luck meal and am clean out of ideas. Any thoughts for something that can be rustled up quickly? No particular dietary needs apart from no fish, almonds(!) aubergines or olives. It needs to be something that stays warm on a walk to the hall.

Last but not least Dh had his flu vaccine and cv booster yesterday. We’re 24+ hours on and no side effects so far. ?

Peaceful dreams to you all. Xx

It’s the Farquharsons of Whitehouse Sue. They’re very well documented but my cousins and I only recently discovered the connnection from documents in the National archives. I knew I was related to Farquharsons from around Strathdon and Glenmuick. My Aberdeen great great granny was from Glenmuick and her mother was a Farquharson. Unfortunately I am not the rightful heir to the Balmoral, Braemar or Crathie estates

Anyway, I really must shut down the iPad and get some rest! Sounds like you’ve been a busy bee, sleep tight.

Goodnight dear Kitcheners.

Suedonim a big pot of stovies! That would stay warm, I'm sure.

Ah yes, Glen Muick is the one near me! Did you see that the chief of the clan died recently? Interesting obit! www.scottishfield.co.uk/culture/obituary-captain-alwyne-farquharson-of-invercauld-mc/

Urmstongran

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.

You know when you say somebody would “look good in a bin bag” ? Never expected to see anybody actually try! !

Ooh, that would be asking for trouble, Grandmabatty! Everyone’s got their own stovies recipe and everyone’s else’s recipe is just plain wrong. Warfare could break out. Don’t wanna be responsible for that. ? ?

Grr Maw you pinched my line. I was going to ask Urms what she’d done with my bin bags. ?
I hope you’ll be joining us in the Argy at Christmas too. All will be welcome.
Of course grandmabatty will be in attendance I’m sure with one of her ‘gentlemen friends’. Who will it be I wonder, George or Tom?

Good morning, all this baking going on. None in our house, no particular sweet tooth’s and aware as we age of friends who are pre diabetic, similarly jam. DD and GC’s bake occasionally.
SueD Imogen does have her moments!
Hair being done, I remember my Mum having a ‘set’, after mine’s trimmed, first thing I do is stick my head under the tap and towel it off.
What an interesting history Blossoming I can understand the fascination, part treasure trail, part mystery. One of my Uncle’s did my families, we had a stonemason who carved the font on Whale Island and way before that a pirate.
Off home today, hopefully l. room is decorated, I’ll get the washing machine on, we’re off again for a few days next week.
Hope you’re Mum is still ok dogs.

Good morning everyone. Slightly gloomy here and am going to keep busy emptying cupboards and setting stuff aside for charity shops. Ddog's dog walker away so a friend is taking him out. He doesn't know yet but suspect she will get an effusive welcome. I can't wait to walk him again myself.
Wash on.
Wishing my kitchener companions as good a day as possible.x

Urms I did a double-take when I viewed your party outfit. A tad under whelming, for my liking.

annsixty Your dear friend must have been beside herself when waiting so long for the ambulance and medics to arrive. What a terrible shock for both of you.

Doodle dear, I've a few rock buns that were leftovers from the opening of the Argy. They are in the freezer. Earmarked for the Christmas bash.

Dogsmakemesmile Had we lived close to each other, I would have joined you in the quiet corner. Sometimes, we all need spend time with someone who is going through a bit of a tough spell. No need for words. The company is vitally important.

Grandmabatty...our wonder woman.

Maw Tyke!

SueDonim Carry on. I'm happily tucking into the sultana slabs and the Portuguese custard tarts. I may be some time. Crumbs all over the place. Sticky hands unfit for household duties. I'm chillin'.

Ladies, I'm stepping back from GN for a while as I find I spend too long on here and take comments to heart. I think it's better for me to leave. I wish you all the very best.

Grandmabatty What on earth has upset you? Please share. We do NOT wish to lose you.

Nobody here has upset me Soop. I'm sorry if I gave that impression. I have become reliant on the site and spend too long on it. I need to reset I think. I will be back but not for a wee while.

I’m very sorry to hear that Grandmabatty May I wish your DD good health through the rest of her pregnancy.
I will miss you, please don’t stay away long ? x

I second those thoughts Grandmabatty
Don’t be a stranger as they say and I hope very much your DD’s pregnancy goes well and you soon have a beautiful new GC.

I understand, Grandmabatty, please promise to stay in touch. We are all looking forward to the birth a special little person. BIG virtual hugs for you.

I have been wrapping birthday gifts in readiness for posting to family. Far too many November birthdays. A tad inconsiderate.

Hair looking more "lived - in". About time too.

Love to you all until we meet again tomorrow.

Grandmabatty I can understand how I think you may feel but I hope you find your way back very soon and always remember that online friends are here for you.
I hope you are feeling better annsixty and have got over your “supercold “ I have always felt the “common cold” is a misnomer - nothing common about it is there?
My (half) brother has been to lunch. Some of you will know the background, how I only found out 5-6 years ago that he exists and how he sadly lost his wife just a year after Paw died. He is coping very well on the whole but my goodness what an unreconstructed male he is! My sister in law was a wonderful homemaker as well as being a talented and artistic seamstress and knitter, but I think she was wrong to do everything for him. He refuses to cook for himself, preferring to eat out or “ping cuisine” and has a very old fashioned view of “pink” or “blue” jobs around the house. He could almost be our fathers generation ! I decided not to give him a hard time but was quite shocked!
So as I overcatered as usual, there is broccoli and Stilton soup on the side, garlic bread, oatcakes, cheddar, Brie and Boursin and a jar of date and apple chutney. Enjoy!

We’ll all miss you so much Grandmabatty please stay in touch as and when you can.
I realise it’s a busy time for you and hope all goes well for your DD.
Please look after yourself and pop back when you can, even if it’s just to the kitchen to say hello and share some cake Sending hugs and ?

Thank you Maw that’s a delicious spread that I’ll tuck into right now. Good that your half brother visited and you enjoyed each other’s company even though you’ve different views on things
I’ve had a lovely but busy day, splashing around at the Aqua class at the gym, then coffee and a sandwich at Starbucks with my friend after the class.
I’m now packing my suitcase for a trip to DD1 house in Cambridge. It’s still half term there so I’ll be seeing the DGC for a day or so before they’re back at school next week. Can’t wait to see them all again. My youngest DGS aged 4 has asked me to bring him some shortbread - bless. No time to bake any so it’s shop bought of course but he won’t mind!

Take care Grandmabatty
Have a lovely break Brook
Glad your hair now " lived in" Soop
Bad hair days are one of life's little irritations.
Tea with grandchildren over. DH washing up then a game of dominoes methinks.
Quite wild out there now.
As my old Aunty would have said
"A night for the house"

Home earlier and there’s nothing like it. I hope you’ve caught up with your friend annsixty what an horrendous experience for her, wishing her a quick as possible recovery, meantime, to be safely home.
Good to see you’re recycling in a stylish manner Urms ?
Enjoy your time with the GC’s brook, precious.
November birthdays soop indeed inconsiderate, my busy month is July.
Stay tucked up and safe all x

I wish you well, Grandmabatty and hope all goes well for your daughter.