Soop's kitchen for kindly, caring folk...

Thank you, Jaxjacky. I'm glad you and Mr J are enjoying your wee break in Oxford. Well done on avoiding the showers!

Just a quick late night pop in...I don't normally have the TV on during the day but I switched it on at 4.30 and just seeing Huw Edwards in his black tie told me all I needed to know. I did weep when the news finally came for the end of an era the like of which I won't see again. She kept her promise to us for the whole of her life. May she rest in peace now, back with her beloved Philip. We've been gripped by watching Shetland so caught up with last night's episode. I'm not a big fan of Autumn apart from the good programmes they seem to put on. I can't face putting my flip flops away just yet and in truth its still mild here in Somerset so I'll send some sun up to North of the Border to earn you all a little. Thank you for your healing wishes from everyone Soop. I did have a little giggle as I had a sudden vision of lots of little darts of breaking thoughts heading from all over the country directed at mt Noo Noo. It's still very iffy but I'm sort of managing it... Getting lots done first thing whilst it's not so painful and then having to sit/lie regularly from then on in. Welcome to Red... You will love this place... It's full of genuine kind people. I hope happy holidays are being had...and SueD ? for you. I've a feeling a lot of TV/radio watching/listening may be happening tomorrow so I've left some chocolate fudge brownies in a tin on the side. Night Night all. Xx

Dear you lovely lot, I am feeling far too sad to add anything cheerful to our kitchen.
The Queen was an extraordinary lady. We have much to thank her for.
We are preparing to attend the funeral of another lovely lady who died suddenly, here in the village.
Here is the sunset on the evening of the Queen's death.

Sad times soop thank you for the beautiful sunset picture

Thank you, Soop.

Just lost my post TOYA

Beautiful soop and as a sunset of one’s life, for our Queen, very apt.
We’ve walked and walked today, eaten, now back to hotel.
Blossoming picture for you.
Have a peaceful evening you special kitcheners x

May the lord bless her and keep her. I have found today very emotional. We have set up the book of condolence in church and now can relax.
And it’s a weekend of grandchildren ! Bring it on ?

I had such a surreal day yesterday. I had to go and meet people who were clearing old carpets etc from my mum’s house, then visit my mum, who isn’t in the least grateful for anything. She just issues imperious orders from her hospital chair.

On the way back from seeing her, I ran into some flood waters and my car died. It’s now been sitting in a gigantic puddle in a country road for over 24hrs. The recovery people hope to be able to get it tomorrow, when the waters have gone down more.

All the while we were intermittently trying to keep up to date on the news situation regarding the Queen. Having lived for 25 years not far from Balmoral, it feels close to home and we’re all rather sad.

I feel I need a stiff glass of wine before I go to bed tonight!

TOYA. Xxx

SueD, ?

And one from me too, SueD ?

Sunny Saturday afternoon greetings to all our Kitcheners. We've had a busy day thus far. Now I have sheets to iron. After which, I shall return to catch up with the latest news.

Hello everyone. We’ve just waved goodbye to son, his partner and granddaughter who were here from last evening. We watched the Accession Council this morning which we thought was amazing. Even ultra Republican OH was moved. At lunch we toasted the new King. I cooked Guinea fowl and all the trimmings with raspberry cinnamon torte for pudding. My 6-year old granddaughter was a real help in the kitchen, making raspberry purée, whipping cream and making breadcrumbs. Her mum is a non-cook but fortunately her dad (our son) is a whizz in the kitchen and granddaughter often helps him. I am now about to read the Saturday papers and maybe watch some more Royal news on the television.

A very quick visit, while I have internet! It’s warm, sunny and beautiful here. Rain forecast for tomorrow so will spend the day sea watching.

Such beautiful colours!

Blossoming More beautiful photographs. Thank you.

Ladyleftfieldlover I'm pleased to hear that you enjoyed the company of your son, his partner and granddaughter.
I also watched the Accession Council and agree with you...it was extremely moving.

We appear to have a plethora of newspapers containing different accounts of the late Queen's life, together with dozens of lovely photographs. Her smile was infectious. She was an extraordinary lady in countless ways.

Mr Soop took the photo of me enveloped by Gunnera a few hours ago.

TOYA. Enjoy your evening. We shall hopefully meet again tomorrow.

Beautiful pictures soop and blossoming thanks for sharing. That gunnera is impressive Soop
A beautiful sunny day here in Inverness so I’ve been catching up with the washing and the gardening

And so it starts! We are watching a recording of the first rugby match of the season. That’s Saturday and Sunday afternoons booked then ?
We have taken the DGC to an art exhibition and now we are winding down to bedtime. Pass me the sherry bottle please!

Home again, we had a great couple of days and will definitely be back to Oxford, much left to do.
I’m trying to work out where you are Blossoming perhaps we’ve been told and I’ve not paid attention.
You’ve been dwarfed soop!
Dinner on, glass of wine, not an espresso martini which I had last night.
Have a gentle evening all. Hope your car is ok SueD.

We’re home too after a few days literally across the country visiting our poorly friend, her daughter and her daughters husband along with some time for ourselves.

There was much enjoyment alongside a deep worry for our friend, we are afraid for her future. It’s also made us think about our own position should serious illness strike, especially dementia. With no family close by we’d be in a major pickle that’s for sure.

In between we sought out and enjoyed visiting calming places. Cambridge University Botanic Gardens, the wonderful cathedral at Ely, Wimpole Hall a National Trust property including a rare breed animal farm. Also the steam railway at Dereham, memories of a time past.

Both exhausted now, not surprising really. We really must remember our heads are at least 30 years younger than our bodies. Wouldn’t have missed any part of it though.

A few quiet days ahead for us, sadness for our friend is combining with sadness for the loss of our Queen. Time to focus on routine.

Goodnight everyone. Sleep well. TOYA.

Your wine was excellent, Brooke and Granmarie. I slept for nine hours last night! Another annoying day spent trying to sort out my car. It finally got recovered at about 7:30 this evening. I’m not hopeful for the outcome, the recovery driver told me that if water has got in via the exhaust pipe, the car is usually written off. What will be, will be, I guess.

Not much else to report, really! It was lovely to see the sun today and lovely to see the photos on here.

TOYA. XXX

I'm glad you got a good night's sleep, SueD. That's something I have trouble with these days.
Fingers crossed ? for your car.

TOYA, NNGB.

Lovely photos, Blossoming, enjoy your holiday. ?

We are in Galloway Jax, staying in a lighthouse. Yesterday we visited Portpatrick, back home tomorrow after a visit to Wigtown with all its wonderful bookshops.

Sunday greetings to our lovely lot.

Blossoming We've had the pleasure of browsing around Wigtown's bookshops. It was a number of years ago, but I remember it well.

SueD Sending good vibes your way. Rotten news regarding your car.

Nannytopsy You made me chuckle. Thank you.

Welcome home again, Jax and corner.

The death of the Queen knocked us for six. However, as the days pass, we are able to look back and remember her warmth, her sense of fun and thank her (inwardly) for being totally and tirelessly dedicated.