Soop's newest kitchen for the gathering of kindly folk.

Good evening lovely Kitcheners. I’m feeling a bit flat right now as I really have tried hard with my Diabetes Prevention Programme but my blood glucose has actually increased by 1 point! I’m looking at a more plant based way of eating to hopefully give things a kick up the proverbial. I have struggled with being active thanks to two gout flairs and an attack of vertigo over the last few months. I’m sorry to be a Moaning Myrtle but I was hoping for some improvement.

Onwards and upwards.

Ahh theres SweetiePie lovely to meet you!

That’s such a lovely thing for your DS to organise soop a very special birthday celebration to look forward to with all the family - what could be better!
The expected rain hasn’t arrived here in Inverness yet, it’s been cloudy all day but no rain so there’s a few newish plants in the garden that’ll need watering. I’ll leave it until tomorrow though as I’ve had a busy day with the gym, a swim and the dentist - agh! Fingers crossed it’ll be all ok now though for another 6 months
Chicken kievs from M&S are just going in the oven so nice and easy again tonight
Hope your DGS is much better soon grandmabatty an extra special hug when you see him
Take care all will catch up later

Ladyleftfieldlover I like the Magic trousers. Am wondering whether or not to treat myself to a pair. They look so right for casual summer wear. Maybe I will. Maybe not. Having filled two more large bags with clothing that I shall never wear again, I should make do with that which I have decided is suitable for me. Watch this space.

The rain is clearing. Sweetie Pie hasn't visited today. I took a photo of her yesterday, as promised. Sadly, it is not one of the best. I needed a different lens. Hey ho!

Until tomorrow. TOYA

Ladyleftfieldlover Black Magic trousers, Time for a looksie on Google.
I would also like to live within a short distance of a wonderful pub that serves roast dinners. Think again before dining out with that difficult-to-please friend of yours. I think that it was most inconsiderate of her to make such a fuss when you were together.

Blossoming That is such a pretty, peaceful-looking spot. We also give space to weeds that insects like. In fact, our back patch is strictly for the birds and bees. Nothing manicured. All as nature intended.

Urms I enjoyed reading your post. In particular, I liked your comment regarding your husband's kind gesture. Give him a wee hug from me, please.

Grandmabatty Poor little man. Ear infections in one so young can be both painful and difficult to treat. I hope that something can be prescribed to cure the recurring problem as soon as possible. Take good care of yourself. You are a very special person.

Grannmarie Your post is positively bursting with happiness and gratitude. How lovely. We are also planning an entire family reunion for my 81st. The dear sons are in the process of planning matters.

BlueBalou My word, you have been busy. You most certainly deserved a large G&T. I had my favourite red wine last night. It was delicious.

Jax We are fans of Grace. Well written and well acted.

Fennel Exciting times in store. The anticipation of a family gathering is wonderfully uplifting.

Chocolatelovinggran. Every evening we have a piece of chocolate. I make it last as long as possible by allowing it to melt in my mouth. My secret wish is for an entire Mars bar. Thank goodness I haven't yet succumbed. I've a few extra pounds that are remaining difficult to shift. Know what I mean?

Well, haven't you lovely lot been extra specially busy. It always the way. I pop in thinking that there might be a few messages and discover otherwise. I shall need to read through all your happenings before I can comment.

A very long phone call from middle son. He is planning an entire family reunion for my 81st birthday. I am buzzing. As you do.

Thank you for your kind words Chocolatelovinggran. He's normally a sunny wee soul. Hopefully they can get to the bottom of the numerous ear infections.

muse we're expecting a visit from our second son in June too.
We haven't seen him for years. They live in India and have adopted 4 Indian orphans.- talk about teach them to fly!
A bit too far for me now but have been twice.
He has a new job now and needs to renew his visa.
As for the garden - it's suddenly going mad. I'm sure this dlobal warming is bringing things on earlier. especially the dandelions .I do a little bit of clearing but if I did too much I would fall down face forward - I do miss it. luckily dear husband can still cope.

Oh, Grandmabatty, how I feel for your little one (and his family) in the throes of an ear infection. It's a horrid affliction, and I can remember my own childhood earache across the (many!) years
Hopefully, he'll outgrow them.

They loved it brook although we let them cheat as we were holding up the group behind us, I haven’t played for years, I’ll feel it later.
How tranquil Blossoming, the only water I’ve seen today is ditches with golf balls in!
Pleased all holidays are going well Urms and were wonderful * Grannmarie* is yours soon Yia?
We’ve just eaten chicken in red wine, lovely, I’m having a glass and may well have two, sleep will be sound tonight.
Grace on soon, enjoy your evenings x

Grannmarie I'll do a test in the morning. I'm glad your husband and you have had such a good time. Urms what a lovely man your husband is!

I would be very wary of going for a meal again with that friend Ladyleftfieldlover. I have a dear friend with whom I avoid giving recommendations of/for anything, simply because she always finds faults with whatever it is ☹️
A lovely day here in rural Wiltshire, I have sorted out pots for the tomato plants, potted up a dozen white hellebore seedlings that were growing in the patio, done 4 loads of washing and turned the heel on a pair of socks I’ve been knitting for several months ??
Oh, and cooked a roast.
I think I deserve a G+T now!
Beautiful photos soop, I love the scent of a bluebell wood, heavenly!

Good evening all.A beautiful day here in Surrey,we’ve had lunch in our local by the Thames.Just watered the garden now chilled for the evening.
Enjoy your evening everyone.

*Mr Urms*?
Grandmabatty, I hope you feel better soon. Can you do a Covid test, just to rule it out?

Good evening, Soop and lovely Kitchen people
!
Thanks to all for your kind wishes, we arrived home safely yesterday afternoon, all went well with the airport assistance. I would certainly recommend it.

We finished off our wonderful holiday week with a lovely family get together and lunch to celebrate DH'S birthday with our three sons, lovely partners and grandchildren. DH was totally spoiled with special gifts and cards, he thoroughly enjoyed having the family together. I had ordered the cake and buffet from a lovely local deli before we went away, it was great to have it all delivered. The food was beautifully presented, ready to place on the table! It saved me a lot of work.

Thank you for the beautiful nature photos, I love looking out at the sea/river, very calming.

Great to read of Grans out and about, meeting up with family and friends. LLL, I have a friend like yours...she has a heart of gold, but can be a loose cannon in social situations.
I like the sound of your Black Magic Trousers...where do you buy them please? I definitely need some magic after all the recent wining and dining!
As the Kaiser Chiefs might have sung,
I predict a diet, I predict a diet ??
Back to low carb, limited wine this week...story of my life!? Tomorrow I must unpack my suitcase....

I'm counting my blessings, something my dear Mum always advised. I'm a very thankful, happy Gran. Wishing you all a lovely Sunday evening.

TOYA, NNGB ? ?

Hello kitcheners. It's been a lovely, warm day here in central Scotland. I had a lovely lunch with a lovely friend and we blethered for ages. Fish and chips it was. Then I nipped in to dd and the boys. The baby has another ear infection, poor wee soul. That'll be the third in three months. I did a spot of weeding and pruning later. I've had soup and toast but my stomach is a bit dodgy today so that'll do me til tomorrow. I feel I'm coming down with something. Probably the cold which the boys have. Have a lovely evening all.

Buenos nochas Urmstongran. Please say hello to Mijas for me. I have spent many happy times there.

Sounds like a wonderful day Urms, how kind of your OH.

Glad you had a tantrum free lunch LadyLFL ?

Stunning photos soops - Nature at her most beautiful indeed. It’s good to take ‘time out’ occasionally and appreciate it. I like your favourite stopping point Blossoming no wonder you like to sit there awhile. I would too.

‘Evening All’

We’ve had another wonderful day. Left at 10am and walked up into Arroyo de La Miel and got the bus to Benalmádena pueblo. A pretty Andalusian town 15 minutes away where we enjoyed coffee, the shade and people watching as you do. Then back on the bus up to Mijas. Quite a few more tourists compared to when we last visited, in August. People are getting braver again it seems. The shops, bars, restaurants and taxis will be happier this coming season I expect.

Reason #No.6 why I love Himself:
He is observant and kind.
When we were on the bus coming home at 6pm he noticed a couple who had got on and were talking to the bus driver. Apparently they had no change for fares and the bus wasn’t equipped to pay by card. They were just turning to alight and find another ATM for their card when Himself appeared beside them (I wondered where he was off to!) and paid their (inexpensive) fares. He smiled and waved away their their thanks assuring them it was ‘only buttons’. ?

Good evening all, nice to see you Dogsmakemesmile. I’m cultivating a wildlife garden, that’s my excuse for all the weeds . I hope Jaxjacky and brook have enjoyed some r&r after the grandparenting duties. Lovely bluebells soop.

I’ve done a wash and been for a walk by the river, spending a few minutes at my favourite‘sitooterie’, shown in the picture. Now showered and snuggled up in a fleecy top, trousers and fluffy socks while Mr.B makes sausage and mash for dinner. Back on the porridge and soup tomorrow. It’s been a beautiful day but turning chilly as the sun gets lower.

I forgot to say I ordered a pair of black Magic Trousers which someone suggested! I wanted a denim pair too but they were sold out.

Another lunch out today! This time with OH so no temper tantrums from anyone. The village next to us has a wonderful pub which does the best roast dinners. OH had lamb and I had beef. We had starters and puddings too so I am stuffed. Probably just a bowl of muesli tonight. I watched Beck last night. Love it. Although I had to explain the last half hour to OH as he went to bed before the end.

Just saying hi to everyone in the kitchen this evening, lovely to see muse and Dogsmms here today too?
Simply stunning pictures soop nature at its best. Thank you also for the lovely wine recommendation, I’ll have a look for that one next time I’m out shopping
It’s been another lovely warm sunny day in Inverness but with a bit of cloud around
The DGC went home mid morning and after we’d tidied up the chaos we spent the rest of the day in the garden. I definitely needed the peace and quiet ?
The golf sounds good Jax i think my DGS would like that too so might give it a try sometime