Soop's comforting kitchen for the sharing of...

I know exactly what you mean Urms and I love it when the next generation choose to meet up too. My children and their cousins and all their children meet occasionally.
There’s a lovely breeze at the moment which I hope keeps our patio cool for our lunchtime visitors - it can get overwhelming out there.
Got to go - your buffet lunch will be ready at 12.30.
Cold ham, salmon, coronation chicken, new pots, salads and tabbouleth. Tuck in and help yourselves to Pimms or wine.

Morning. Just jumping in without having read above posts so forgive me not referencing them. Actually have read Nannytopsy's so would love some salads and new potatoes later...afraid I can only offer some sorbet and ice cream. Not cooking atm..
Very still here. For the umpteenth time I have just said to Dh that I think there will be a storm. I can hear him rolling his eyes..
Friend coming shortly for coffee. Rarely do stuff on a Sunday morning but Dh on call so will be good to see someone.
Not doing much currently. I usually feel I need to have a new project as September approaches. Usually an excuse to buy new stationery for that new term feel. Still miss buying the children their new uniform/lunchboxes..
Thinking of you all.

Good morning dear Kitcheners, it’s much fresher here after yesterday’s rain and still pleasantly warm. Mr. B was out late last night having a gaming competition with the nephews (computer games, not gambling). He enjoyed it very much, I think it does him good to get out. I had a lovely evening listening to my book and nibbling on Wensleydale cheese with cranberries and delicious Fine Cheese Co. crackers . All logged in my food diary, of course. Cheese and crackers to share on the side. Mr. B is making the bacon rolls for brunch so I will pop back later.

Have a lovely Sunday all.

Urms I agree whole heartedly.

So many delicious offerings in our kitchen. Do reassure me...they are virtually calorie-free.

We had a storm last night. It wasn't vicious. Sheet lightening and the low rumble of distant thunder. The garden has been revived, thanks to some steady rainfall.

I am about to pedal the bike that goes nowhere. I shall pass the time listening to Alan Bennett's diaries. I am well familiar with them, but I am never bored by the repetition.

Hello everyone. I was all set for a quiet Sunday when elder son WhatsApp’d and asked if he and my granddaughter could come for the night. Of course I sad they could. His partner has a lot of classes today so can’t come too. So I’ve been sorting out their room, thinking about meals and OH cut the lawn! They are going to Barbados to house sit for 6 weeks in a couple of weeks, so this might be the last opportunity to see them before they go. It’s possible I might see them briefly next Saturday. I am going to the Summer Exhibition with younger son and realised too late that there is a train strike? I had thought about getting the bus from Oxford but younger son suggested I drive up to Kew. Park at elder son’s place and get the tube. The tube will still be running. Why are things so difficult?

I would leave some freshly baked bread in the kitchen, however it didn't rise well. My fault as I let my KitchenAid do all the work. Kneading by hand is best. Here's one of my life drawing studies from yesterday.

Hello everyone. Lemon and almond cake on the side.

Thank you all for your kindness yesterday. Equilibrium now restored. Our friend is in hospital on i/v antibiotics, her daughter can sleep, both will be incredibly useful.

Some rain has given the garden a new lease of life. It won’t be long before I’m complaining about rain, it’s very welcome now.

Enjoyed being with our son earlier, much as we love our granddaughters it’s good to be able to chat without them sometimes.

Out for a meal this evening. All in all a decent day.

corner at least you have some peace now. You and Mr. C cannot be expected to drive 250 miles at the drop of a hat. Hopefully everybody slept well last night.

I rather envy you having a meal out this evening. A GN invited me for supper but they live many miles away, so it will be freezer fayre here I think.

It is 29C here but at least there is a breeze.

My newish washing machine decided to have a rest a few days ago but with a full load inside. Another GN gave me a tip but being partially sighted I could not see the touch controls so I ended up buying a cheap £5 torch from Amazon and my machine is beavering away. I thanked her by PM.

In this heatwave, I cannot do without my machine even though I can only work on 2 programmes.

All completely calorie free Soop. I have been riding my bike along the path around Loch Kathrine, thanks to my iPad and photos of past visits made into a slide show . I have practised my newly learned Gaelic words and phrases too, I must look out for a Gaelic podcast or book to listen to. I can soon make up a virtual Hebridean cycling trip from my photos.

Mr. B has made coffee so I’m going to chill now, laters!

So glad it’s been a better day Cornergran and well done on the washing machine problem solving Charleygirl

Blossoming there is a TV channel called BBC Alba which has programmes in Gaelic

Corner Today's news is better. Good!

Blossoming We have a water colour painting of that lovely loch. We bought it in the early days of getting to know Scotland.
You are more tech-savvy than I am. Listening to discs as I pedal is as good as it gets. I managed 25 mins. Now preparing to do a second 20 mins or so. Thank you for inspiring me.

Charleyg That was £5 well invested. Good for you.

Grandmabatty I am impressed with your life drawing. Do you use pastels? I have never tried that medium. The flesh tones are beautiful. Very true to life.

It poured with rain. And, now the sun is beaming down on a much refreshed garden.

Mr S is about to listen some of the Proms that he has recorded. I shall need to close both doors during my next pedal mini-marathon. The wheels squeak. The handlebars creak. Tut!

Good afternoon dear you lovely lot. I wish you all a pleasant evening.

Until tomorrow.

We’ve had lots of rain this last 24hours, but very warm and sunny in between the showers so I’ve had the washing in and out all day. Good you’ve fixed yours charleygirl your washer is definitely an essential
What a lovely surprise visit llfl - enjoy the family time before they’re off to Barbados … I’m a wee bit envious of that!
Very good picture grandmabatty you’re very talented in many different things
Enjoy your meal out cornergran you deserve it. Pleased that things have improved a little bit when your friend too
Enjoy your cycling soop and blossoming give me a wave if you’re near Inverness ?
Just about to get a salad ready and pop a quiche in the oven, nice and easy tonight - enjoy your evening everyone

Thank you Brook, I’ll take a look.

Soop they are pastels. I find I'm better with them than acrylics.

Rosie and I have just been scared out of what few wits we posses between us by al almighty crash from outside.
The TV aerial has blown down and is hanging by a wire!
I have put some heavy teak garden chairs in the area underneath so that if it should fall further it won’t land on Rosie or me.
Great.
Boiler circuit board, then the TV aerial - don’t dare go near the car!

Better news cornergran hopefully the hospital will appraise the situation, fingers crossed.
I hope your BIL is now stable Yia and can resume his rehabilitation.
It’s just started spotting with rain, it’ll have stopped in a few minutes, none since June.
MrJ’s flight has been delayed an hour, Eastern are dire, never again, ETA 9:30.
So, the evening glass of wine is water, boring!
You have talent Grandmabatty i think you’ve got my share too as I have zilch in all areas of art.
Have a pleasant evening all. x

Good heavens Maw, whatever next? I hope you can get that sorted.
You are very talented Grandmabatty, love the shading.
What a pain Jax, it will have to be a nightcap!

Goodnight, sleep tight lovely Kitcheners, back tomorrow.

Thank you ladies for your lovely words. I struggle with life drawing. My eyesight isn't great so my style is impressionistic! Maw that would have given me a big fright! I hope you can get it fixed soon

‘Evening All’

Goodness Maw I bet the two of you jumped out of your skins!

We’ve been out and enjoyed drinks then a curry with old friends in Cheshire. My stepfather joined us and had a great afternoon catching up with everyone. I think the last time he saw these people was at mum’s funeral. Anyway it’s been wonderful. So many shared memories with old friends and neighbours - we all had such a laugh ... it definitely is the best medicine.

I,m not here often but it’s so good to hear all the cosy ,heart warming stories from all of you . No „ doom gloom“ in soops kitchen . Just been picking blackberries and frozen them to make a blackberry and apple crumble in the autumn

Goodness me Maw bet that made you jump, hopefully you can get it fixed soon, is the TV still working or kaput?
Hope Mr J is home soon Jax
Sounds like a good way to spend a Sunday Urms pleased you had such a lovely day
Still raining here in Inverness, I just knew that when it started it wouldn’t stop!

Evening everyone.It’s been a very warm day now a slight shower but still warm.
Excellent picture Grandmabatty you are indeed very talented.Hope Mr. J is home soon Jax.
Harper has settled very well,we were walking him very early this morning as it was going to be hot,a first for us.?
BIL is stable and hopefully home soon??

As Urmstongran was unable to post a Matt cartoon on the GM thread today as he is possibly in a 21 hour queue at Folkestone, I’m sharing this with the Kitchen

Pleased to hear your news Corner.