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

Oh, baggs, that sounds so awful. Does rest help? Or the wee dram?

Thank you for your kind thoughts fir DD1. Her DH now has covid. She was coming here to stay out of the way until the oncologist said 'oh, we don't worry about covid now!' So she went home!!

I'm too old for all this!!

Grandmabatty, I’m sorry to hear your DGS is so unwell.Hope your daughter manages to speak to someone at 111 and get some help for him.It’s so awful when the little ones are unwell??

Baggs, you have my sympathy.Painand the realisation that we cannot do as much as we used to is harder to accept some days than others?

Hoping things are better for your DD kitty and hope she escapes covid.

Congratulations to your DGD Brook.Our DGD is rehearsing for her summer dance show and also tells us she is in training for sports day!She’s 6!

We have had a quiet day which was most welcome but feel tired than when we are rushing around?

My post from last night didn’t appear!
Kitty I hope your DD is improving.
Baggs you have all my sympathy. I have gone from “just a bit creaky “ to “ I can walk 50 yds” in 18 months thanks to arthritis. Everything takes so long!
Roast chicken for dinner later - yum!

kitty, just read your yesterday's post. We went through daughter chemo angst last year so you have all my sympathy. ❤️

I'm having a bit of a wobbly and a rage, rage against the non-dying of the blasted costochondritis/arthritis/ME/fibromyalgia (I've had all those diagnoses over the years) that I've had to adapt to more and more since my early twenties and that has had me blinking back tears today after I painted a picture this morning.

It wasn't full on painting. There were breaks while parts dried, while I had cups of tea, folded dry laundry, and so forth.

Back in my early twenties I was cycling about two and a half miles (nothing on a bike!) to work where I was writing a good deal and cycling back. My shoulder blade area and inner right chest hurt so much that I would sometimes put my arm in a sling to rest it in the evenings. I thought it was muscular. Called it my RSQ (right shoulder quirk) or URQA (upper right quadrant ache) and got on with my life. I started doing things left-handed, like cleaning my teeth, ironing, stirring stuff in saucepans, drinking from mugs and glasses, swapping gardening tools between hands... All that proved jolly useful when I broke my right wrist a few years ago.

But the hard part is that gradually, from my late forties, I've had to give up all the active things I most enjoyed: Scottish dancing, at which I was extremely good, swimming, cycling, etc, etc.... even, in the last few years – this is mad but it's true – grating cheese (!!) because of the exacerbation it caused. Somehow I never mastered that left-handed, possibly because of having to hold the grater with my right. God! the things I've had to think of!!

I've recently taken up painting after (pre-covid and we've recently got back to it) helping a peripatetic artist with a class for people with dementia. I was just a general helper but I've learned a lot from watching and listening and, given that MrB has painted recreationally for some years and has lots of the 'gear', thought I'd give it a go too. As yet I'm not good at it. I have many "brush miles" to go but that's part of the fun, the finding out what works.

So this afternoon's figurative thump in the chest has kinda floored me with self pity. I thought this kitchen would be a safe place to let it all out. I am now going to drink more tea and eat chocolate. I might have a wee dram alongside to dull the pain.

Brook that sounds so lovely about your dgd. I bet you are very proud. We had thunder and hailstones during the night but I was oblivious! Dgs1 isn't well at all, I'm afraid. He's now got a very sore ear too and is emotional. I think dd is considering calling out of hours for advice. I have been to Aldi and did some housework. Then I made a lovely pot of minestrone soup and a banana tea loaf. I was going to make cherry jam but I don't have enough lemons so I'll do that tomorrow. I'm thinking of your daughter Kitty. Have a good afternoon kitcheners.

Hoping things are a bit better today for your DD kitty ?

We seem to have escaped any thunderstorms up here but it’s still very windy - but it’s good for the bedding that’s drying on the line

We thoroughly enjoyed watching DGD in her dancing show at Eden Court last night, she did ever so well as we were all very proud of her. She had a little speaking part (not much) but her highlight of the evening was that she had to wear a little microphone on her face - I think she thought she was very grown up! So much work went into the show, I admire all the teachers and helpers to get everything and everyone organised so well

Hope your DGD is feeling a bit better SueD - I agree about the long summer evenings too
Hoping your wee DGS is feeling a bit better too * grandmabatty*
Take care all, I’m off to finish sewing on the cub badges ?

Shazza you can rent glamping pods at Glastonbury now, a far cry from my younger days!

Good morning dear Kitcheners. It looks like another day of sunshine and showers. Bacon rolls for brunch shortly, then I will have a look at today’s Wordles while enjoying a cup of coffee. More clearing up to do, suspect it will be at a slow pace. There seems to be much poorliness in the kitchen at the moment, including family and friends. I hope today will bring some good news. I’m still being told I’m not eating enough so cake is back on the menu . I will be back ?

Good evening dear Kitcheners. Another lovely day. Our French doors are still open but a bit worried about bugs coming in to the light.

Our friends have gone home after coming for a takeaway and drinks. It’s done my friend good to get out with recovering from her op and covid.

I’ve read all your activities today. Lots going on and a couple of your poor little GC not very well hope they feel better soon. Kitty hope your DD is much better tomorrow. ?

Just talking about Glastonbury tonight and next year is my friends and my 60th birthdays. I was saying I’d love to do Glastonbury once. Clarted up in mud, face painted. Going to toilet in a smelly pop up cubicle. Dancing to the music and possibly a drug or two?? mmm maybe not but the thought is there.

Speak tomorrow. TOYA love to all x

I hope your dd is home soon, Kitty.

I had a migraine earlier so am a bit peelie wallie this evening. Listening to some mellow Leonard Cohen music now.

I found a slip to wear under summer dresses in M&S today so am pleased with that. Also some ‘product’ to use on my hair to tame it - well, that’s the idea!

Poor little GD is apparently coming out in more CP spots. She was sleeping peacefully but a thunderstorm woke her up. ☹️ We seem to have escaped the less good weather. The sky is a beautiful pale pinky blue with just a few wispy clouds in the distance. I do love the summer evenings in Scotland.

TOYA. XX

‘Evening All’

Just home from babysitting. An early doors one. Parents went into a couple of wine bars in Urmston town centre then they at at their favourite pizzeria. I’ve had a quick shower to freshen up and decided to put my pj’s on. Comfy now, iPad on my lap.

How is everyone tonight in the kitchen? Some of you might be watching Glastonbury. A busy day one way and another for you kitty I hope your girl is out of hospital soon.

The sun is now shining here after a day of thunderstorms and torrential rain showers. I’m exhausted from sorting stuff out, where does it all come from? I’m glad to have made a start though. Hope the little one is better soon Grandmabatty and hope your daughter is doing OK kitty. Have a lovely evening Brook.
I can’t concentrate so sorry for not mentioning everyone but you know I’m thinking of all of this lovely lot, as Soop calls us. Mr. B has fed me pasta carbonara and I’m ready to have a nap. Still struggling to eat enough but I’m trying my best.

Goodness kitty, what a stressful time. Fingers crossed things settle very soon. Relax now.

TOYA.

I had a lovely but exhausting day volunteering at a local house of interest! Lots of interesting visitors asking mainly interesting questions. OH is currently making bangers and mash for dinner.

That's so lovely Brook. Have a lovely time watching your dgd.

Another gorgeous day here but boy is it windy! DH had to take the gazebo down as it was in danger of taking off

I think one of my DGC had that slapped cheek virus a while back grandmabatty I’d not heard of it before then either, but I think it cleared up quite quickly. Hoping your DGS is feeling much better soon

We’ve tried the iron on name tags here, I bought some of Ebay that had good reviews and they seem to work fine. I think the trick is to have the iron very very hot to get them to firmly stick, but it’s a bit worrying on some fabrics. Talking about lost items though, a few months back DGS lost two coats at school, one turned up fairly quickly but the other one was missing for ages Turns out he uses his coat as a goalpost when playing football in the playground so it could have been anywhere!

Managed to get last minute tickets to 7 yr old DGDs dancing show at Eden Court theatre tonight - I’m so excited to be going! It’s her very first dance show and she’s been working so hard for it - she’s a wee bit nervous too but hopefully she’ll be fine later

Have a lovely evening everyone

Hust calling in for catch up and a lie down.

DD1, who had her first chemo on Tuesday) is in hospital with an infection (thankfully not bad!) and her son's girlfriend has just tested positive for covid. We have had updates on visits by junior doctors senior doctors, consultants, oncologists, the amout of urine passed, not passed, potential visits here out of the way of covid, non visits and now another night in hospital.

Any cake left?

I hope grannmarie and her dh are doing well.

Just like to say that I never found iron on tapes stayed on. With 5 children I thought they were the answer to all my prayers - they weren't.

Maybe back later.

Good! Brilliant news. Urms is back and she remembered that us lot are partial to cake. Virtually calorie-free, naturally.

Baggs What a stunning bloom. Lucky you. Ours is nowhere near as colourful or sophisticated in appearance.

Last night's meal was a treat in almost every sense. The food was DELICIOUS. I had locally caught fish with big, chunky chips...and, rhubarb and raspberry crumble with a double helping of custard. Our friends treated us. The one downside: the background music was too loud. Hence, even 'though I wear two hearing aids, I found it very difficult to follow the conversation. Never the less, we shall return for my 81st birthday celebration, together with the same friends.

Our friend who had his foot amputated is now home and using crutches. Four weeks in hospital! Nurses visit three times each week. He's made of stern stuff. With the love of his wife and family, he will adjust and continue to enjoy life.

gillgran

Susan I would most certainly hope to have the money refunded. Fair dos.

A very kind friend has given us several plants for our rockery. She then extracted a spade from the boot of her car and did the lion's share of planting them. What a star.

Sun shining again today. I did watch the final of the ladies tennis from Eastbourne. I was happy to cheer my favourite player to victory. It's difficult to believe that Wimbledon starts on Monday. I must get all the outstanding chores done and dusted in time for paying umpire.

My thoughts are with you all. I wish you a peaceful and pleasant Saturday evening.

Until tomorrow.

Lovely, happy, promising news from Grannmarie. I am wearing a smile.

Wonderful news Granmarie.
Beautiful day here. We nipped into Edinburgh for a few hours this morning. Haven't been for several months. It was good to have a change of scene though where we live is lovely. Walked Ddog who does not enjoy heat though retains his usual insatiable appetite whatever the weather.
Sending best wishes for a peaceful weekend to all.

Aw, Susan! ❤️

Yy, there are irons with a central cord, Charley. Dd is going back to work after mat leave next month and her Dh is a farmer so v busy right now. She’s building herself a work desk and chair at home today, with a 4yo and an 8mth old ‘helping’ her. Name tapes could be the straw that breaks the camel’s back!

The woman was very embarrassed and gave her the money back Sue.

Good afternoon kitcheners. A nice day here in central Scotland. I have been out for breakfast with an old chum where we put the world to rights ( I wish) and ate poached eggs. The church nearby were bell ringing and the town was busy. A very nice time was had. Dgs1 is unwell and has a virus called slapped cheek syndrome. I had to google it! He's lethargic and sad, poor wee man. I am pottering around this afternoon and evening. Possibly cheese omelette for dinner. I'm tired as I only slept for four hours last night so I may have a nap. Have a good afternoon kitcheners.

SueDonim I rarely use my iron but please tell your DD that any iron can be used by somebody who is left-handed. I could willingly give her instructions.