Soop's warm and welcoming kitchen for kindly folk.

Oh dear, Grandmabatty, you have only managed to make plum crumble and a chicken and ham pie. I wish, wish, wish that I had been a fraction as industrious.

brook The shades of autumn are amazing. Jewell-bright and uplifting. Thank you.

Hello Grandmafrench As always a most entertaining post. Yes! I am greatly looking forward to the new series of 'Shetland'.

I may have made a bit of a bish-up with the start of the latest portrait. Early days. However, I shall prop it where I can beady-eye it throughout the evening. Worst case scenario...I start again. It won't beat me. That's for sure.

Enjoy your Sunday evening, lovely peoples. I shall now read the newspaper. Looking forward to the nine o'clock G&T.

Thank you soop.It’s been a hectic couple of weeks which suddenly caught up with us.We have had a quieter weekend and are feeling ready for the week ahead.

GrannySomerset, I hope things are better for you today???

Glad you enjoyed the party Blossoming.

Grandmabatty, I call a pie and a crumble a baking success!

TOYA and wishing you all a pleasant evening.

Beautiful plants Brook. I especially like the Acers so colourful.
Dh cooking tonight Calf’s liver one of my favourites?

Brooke beautiful colours. I am a baking failure today. After my grandiose statement of the morning I've only managed a plum crumble and a chicken and ham pie. I've spent the day doing an autumn cross stitch. It has rained here most of the day and it's definitely been a day for indoors. Annsixty I'm with you for a lazy day! Muse I'm hoping someone will buy me a bottle of blood orange gin for Christmas. I'll be hinting mightily! At the moment I'm having a Jamieson's whisky with green ginger. It feels very autumnal.

A late afternoon hello to you all.
brook I am full of admiration and envy at your beautiful plants, they are superb.
My garden is what would be politely called untidy, being not polite it is a b…..y mess.
I have asked several gardeners to take me on but they are always too busy, my S who is a keen gardener is cutting himself off at the moment.
This has gone on now for many years so I just wait for him to come round, it is as it is.
My Covid booster yesterday resulted in a sore arm but it has eased off now and I have been “resting up “ today, in other words I have been lazy but oh how I have enjoyed it.
Have the best evening you can everyone…. until tomorrow.

Saturday came and went with a whoosh. I'm now sat thinking now what did I do ! Most of it was spent chatting to MrM about a variety of things mainly his health.

My Cornish weather is suitable enough to sit outside in. Quiet and still here like your weather dogs. I don't have a drier but the polytunnel does quite a good job on days like this. Temperature is 26° in there. So the bedding will be dry by the end of the day. Small pleasures indeed with clean fresh sheets Urms. My daily walks with Mya are that. Good news about your blood test.

I'm with the blood orange gin gang. Starting to stock up as Sainsbury's have the Beefeater one on offer.

Grandmafrench Say hello to Anno. Still lots of crumble left by the way. The rhubarb is working well for MrM ?. He suffers with 'blockages'. Friday night was a curry followed by the crumble. He had his usual breakfast with lots of fibre and glass of prune juice. Bingo! Result yesterday ☺️. Sorry to lower the tone of the kitchen but he was so pleased.

I wonder if I can get MrM to read me bedtime stories Nannytopsy. I struggle to get a good night's sleep.

Lovely to read that lots of kitcheners are enjoying nights out, parties, lunches and "rest days". May you all have many more especially Blossoming.

Hope your DH is feeling better today GrannySomerset and that you find a solution to the legal issue when you tackle it cornergran. All the best for Tuesday.

Tuesday is my day to be boostered and get my flu vaccination. Chancing as because it would mean a visit to two different places and different days ????

I've been busy on and off for the last two days sorting out again our short holiday next April. It was originally to be April 2020 to celebrate my 70th. All booked and paid for. Tried again for April 2021 but the hotel couldn't open until 4 days after our arrival date (covid regs). Newquay airport is now doing the skybus flights again to Isles of Scilly so to take advantage of this it has meant extending our break to 4 nights instead of 3?. Smiles all around. Six months to go.

My DD is hoping for news about the child maintenance next week. She is still sounding positive but will be thankful when it is all confirmed. I think know my DS will be getting his weekend text later tonight. Hope he still enjoying the new job. We plan to visit MrM's son and family soon. They live in Cornwall. His DGD has had to have a nasty abscess removed under general. DS says she is recovering slowly with daily dressing changes but having to lie on her side with iPad suitable propped up.

I'm off to enjoy the last ep of series one of Guilt soop. Are you watching the new series of Shetland? It starts on Wednesday. Love Dougie Henshall.

Enjoy your Sunday evening everyone. Many ?and ? for you all and thank you for the those amazing garden colours Brook.

Blossoming You deserved to enjoy the much anticipated special evening. You were wise to opt for comfortable footwear. Nothing worse than feet that scream because of the wrong shoes. Better to wear a dazzling smile. I imagine that you looked lovely.

corner You are making super progress after surgery. It takes time for the body to recover fully from what was, after all, an 'assault'.

Back to the easel. I shall goodnight a little later.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202110/medium-316761-8c55d7bd-5779-4b7d-b3ca-31e3e1f3d1df.jpeg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202110/medium-895514-2576594a-ff84-4d1b-9b50-617570d02633.jpeg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202110/medium-759383-3508901b-0615-4e2d-863a-2bfc84fc96f7.jpeg

I’m so pleased you enjoyed the party Blossoming and your foot was ok. Sounds like some lovely plans for Christmas too.
I love looking at all the beautifully decorated homes in the Christmas magazines dogsmakemesmile but it’s a dream here too. We seem to have a collection of random decorations collected over the years which don’t really have a theme but I like them even though they’re mis matched!
I’ve spent most of the day pottering in the garden again, its a bit grey and damp today but I got some more things cut back and a few things dug out that were past their best. Beautiful colours on the Acers and heathers just now- I’ve attached some photos
Hope your knee continues to improve cornergran
Hope the baking session is going well grandmabatty you’re a star baker I bet! I’ll pop round to sample it all later!
Take care Yia and enjoy a little rest today

Grandmajean* 'Guilt' is cleverly written and well acted. We are looking forward to the next episode.

I am very busy in my so-called art studio. I therefore apologise in advance for not being as chatty as I would like to be. The hours have wings. I am in a constant state of trying to meet myself coming back from somewhere or other. I'm certain that you all know that feeling from time to time.

Dear GrannySomerset your husband's adverse reaction to the vaccines is very similar to Mr Soop's distressing and disorientating symptoms. He is slowly getting his appetite back. He now has a hacking cough. It has had the stuffing blasted out of him.

Susan56 It is good to see you back in the kitchen.

Urms You have my respect.

annsixty Us lot are chuffed to hear you sounding so upbeat and enjoying the companionship of people that make you happy.

Dogsmakemesmile My favourite autumn flowers are crysanthemums. I particularly like the large headed rusty coloured variety.

Afternoon Kitcheners. Self inflicted rest day today after going shopping yesterday,I should except I can’t do it at the moment.Trouble was I never even bought anything.?
Pleased you had a lovely evening Blossoming it’s so nice to get back to a bit of normality again.Hope your DH is feeling better today GrannySomerset a worry for you.?
You seem to be doing well with your new knee Cornergran it does take a while but worth it in the end isn’t it.

Enjoy the rest of Sunday everyone.

Can dream

Me neither Dogs but I an dream

Blossoming so glad your foot is improving. And as for Country Living I just look at the photographs and I can assure you I never ever reach those levels of perfection. In fact I don't even try.....

I am still in bed Grandmabatty, sat up drinking tea and reading Gransnet. The boots were fine, my foot didn’t play up and there was minimal walking. We are now all determined to get together around Christmas time, and one of my cousins has offered to host ot at her lovely large house, very brave! 2 of my cousins have had Covid but fortunately well recovered now. They had both been double vaccinated and would have felt much worse if they hadn’t been.

I hope things are easier today GrannyS. Dogsmakemesmile I love the. Christmas edition of Country Living, even if I never manage to achieve those levels of perfection!
I’m glad your knee is improving Cornergran, hope the appointment goes well.

Not sure what I will do today, probably not a lot!

Blossoming I'm assuming you're still abed, after your perty (as they say in my neck of the woods). It sounds like a rollicking time was had. I hope the boots were up to it! Cornergran nice to see you. And hopefully you'll continue to improve your mobility. Grandmafrench I might be tempted to dogsit if the reward was a bottle or six of gin. I'm very fond of blood orange gin, just saying in case there's some going spare. Nannytopsy I think halos are wending their way to you. A 24 hour grandchildren epic! You deserve a peaceful Sunday. JaxJacky it sounds like a lovely Sunday ahead for you. I'm jealous of the tapas and Bond. I would enjoy both, if you see what I mean. Urmstongran good news on the health front for you!
Today I'm planning to bake but I'm not sure what. I will definitely makes sconns. A plum crumble is also on the cards. And biscuits of some sort. Chicken and ham for dinner, maybe in a pie. Have a lovely day kitcheners.

Good morning everyone. Early morning as DH needed to walk Ddog at six thirty before starting work at eight. I actually love early mornings. Utterly still. I admit elevenses might be brought forward.
Wash on and now in dryer. Too dreich for hanging clothes out but have back door open as warm.
Nothing planned. Bought a copy of Country Living Christmas magazine so will browse through that. Best wishes to all.

Good morning everyone. I’m pleased I found you all if hanging my head in shame for missing so much. I’ve been generally exhausted, assured it’s normal post surgery plus fibro is playing up which also makes me tired. It’s been hard to find energy to read and post. The lack of energy is making me cross. Enough now!

Knee x-Ray and consultant appointment to come on Tuesday. Hopefully a couple of concerns will be put to rest. Generally it’s very comfortable and mobility is good. Our younger granddaughter is coping with covid, her sister says it’s weird having her so separate, she’s there but not there. It seems it is now clear who makes all the noise . So far the rest of the family test negative, phew.

A worrying legal issue has been parked for now. I’ll tackle it once medical things have settled.

Thinking medical did I see you will have your appointment very soon soop? Hope so. Is your husband steadier today grannys? Can understand your worry. Your party sounds a wonderful experience blossoming. Delighted for you. Hope those decorators will turn up soon ann, you sound for more patient about it than I would be.

Off I go now. Hope you all have a good Sunday. Take care everyone. TOYA.

A very late visit dear Kitcheners but I just have to tell you that I have had a fabulous time at the party. Much hugging, laughter, chatter and love. I have a truly wonderful family and I have missed them so much! Just got home and straight to bed, so tired. GrannySomerset I hope it’s a reaction to the vaccine, I had a bad reaction but not until the night after, I woke up sweating and shaky and couldn’t move my arm or leg. I felt so bad I wondered if it was a bleed in my brain and seriously considered dialling 999. (Flashbacks of when I suffered the brain injury). It began to ease gradually but lasted about 5 days altogether. Will keep my fingers crossed for you. My second vaccine had no reaction at all.

Goodnight all, will catch up tomorrow.

Good Evening Dear Kitchen types

Not very good news, GrannySomerset - it seems it never rains but it just chucks it down for you at the moment. I am another who thinks/hopes that your dear chap may have been struck by the same kind of reaction as Mr Soop. Get some help if he seems very feverish or confused, otherwise with lots of rest and sleep and hydration, the bad reaction may pass after a day or two. Maybe being hit with a vaccine booster when one's immune system is under such strain is far from ideal. There's only so much that poorly people can cope with before they have a bad reaction.

I shall have my Covid booster in another week or so, then wait for a while before using the flu jab currently in our fridge. I do prefer to err on the side of caution - being a fully paid-up cowardy custard. I can recall taking one dog for a walk after she had her Rabies booster and she was really poorly after that. The Vet pointed out that she would have been better resting quietly at home, so we always do that for them and for ourselves now....just in case.

I looked at the flamingos and yes, SueD, I saw what you saw. How amusing! And of course those well built cockling ladies all have extremely unsuitable pink legs! Glad the baby is doing well.

The pub', kebabs, tapas and James Bond - ooooh you gadabout, Jax. Hope you enjoy every moment. Having a wonderful evening, Blossoming - despite the change of boots? Good for you. I once went away for the weekend (a lovely surprise by DH when I thought we were just leaving the office and going for a drink). He had packed all the right clothes and a nice outfit for dinner. I went down to dinner at the hotel wearing one rather smart patent brogue shoe and one high heeled suede one. For some reason the matching ones had been left out of the suitcase! Still, it caused much mirth at our destination and we. had a marvellous time.

Grandmajean wonder if Muse saved us any of that wonderful crumble? No? We must make our own and bring some to the Kitchen for anyone in a comfort-eating mood.

You sound VERY committed to losing weight and getting fit, Urms. Hit it hard and then you'll have some leeway for treats at C+++++++s. We ordered a new scales today - but not for us, for our kitchen. DH pointed out that each time he put something on the scales and then repeated that, it gave a different reading - no wonder I've been struggling with baking!!

Off to bed so that this hotel is open for business by 9.00am, when a large dog will arrive for his few days with us whilst his 'parents' go to Spain for some R & R. We have been promised some wonderful Gin at Spanish prices - so can't complain.

Sleep well, lovely ladies. Stay well too.
Night night from me and France x

Evening everyone! We had the DGC unexpectedly for 24 hours, until bedtime tonight. Suffice to say I needed two stiff gins when we got home. Why do they go straight back to sleep at 2.30 while we don’t?!
On the up side, they helped with planting in the garden. Most of the bulbs are pointy end up! ?
I think tomorrow will involve a lie in and cutting the lawn but little else.

There seem to be a few vaccination reactions about but I think they are better than the alternative. I remember my mum being so ill with flu a few years ago.
Look after yourselves and sleep well!

Poor GrandpaSomerset. I hope it’s just a temporary set back and he is soon feeling brighter.

GrandmaFrench I must confess that until I opened up your photo fully I though it was a scene of generously-built ladies cockling on a beach!

I spent yesterday with my dd and the new baby, who seems a contented little chap so far. His rambunctious sister’s antics don’t keep him awake, surprisingly.

Came back home last evening and my dd2 came too, so we’ve a brief 36 hours with her before she goes back down the Covid mines in A&E on Monday.

We went into Aberdeen today but couldn’t go to the part we wanted to visit because a pipe had broken outside the shopping centre and was spewing sewage water everywhere. ? Still, we managed coffee and cake elsewhere and I bought the makings of a roast beef dinner which we enjoyed this evening.

I’m now going to get dd to explain the arcane workings of the new Sky box we have - it keeps doing the weirdest things.

GrannySomerset -I seem to remember Soop saying McSporran had a bad reaction - this sounds very much like that rather than a deterioration in his PD
Do seek advice- sooner rather than later- if he is running any sort of fever he may be showing similar symptoms to those where there is a UTI. So ??? for you both

I sincerely hope tis but a blip GrannySomerset, everything crossed for you ??.
Hope you’re having a smashing evening Blossoming, it’s deserved.
anne you’re now as protected as you can be.
I remember Urms when you were ensconced in your flat, a quick flit down for food shopping some months ago, having the area alive and vibrant again must be lovely.
Well, MrJ enjoyed his football game, even if Leeds lost, it was a day out, with mates. I walked down to the pub and met him, we’ve both just eaten kebabs! youthful flashbacks.
Tomorrow we’re out with friends for a tapas lunch, then Bond, the busiest weekend we’ve had for a while.
Sleep well you lovelies x

Hope your DH better soon GrannySomerset
Enjoy the party even in the wrong shoes Blossoming
Have just watched episode one of series one of "Guilt" Very good acting.
Can get booster next week !