Soop's welcoming kitchen for kindly folk...

Good evening all.
I am comfortably in bed after visiting a friend who has lots of family problems.
I don’t normally go out in the week but we can’t meet up at the weekend for a couple of weeks.
She wanted to have our usual weekend takeaway but I wasn’t feeling it, I prefer to make it a weekend treat so we just had a couple of glasses of something red which I enjoyed.
Very best wishes to all under the weather or who have difficulties with family and friends.
It is good that we can tell our worries here and they are understood and sympathised with.
As I came home by taxi I saw a house two roads away all lit up for Christmas, far too early for me, another month yet I feel, well maybe three weeks.
Have a good night all.

Ah, yes, I’d forgotten your friend wasn’t near by, Corner. It’s so sad, isn’t it? I’ve just heard tonight that my oldest friend, of 50+ years is in hospital. She’s had some sort of brain bleed but they wouldn’t send an ambulance as she wasn’t priority so she lay on her bed for two days before her goddaughter found her and somehow managed to get her to hospital by car. She needs a scan but it’ll be six months before she gets one.

Blossoming that’s very upsetting. I hate that we now live in a world where it feels like everyone is out to fleece you.

There’s not really any change in our cat, Brooke. He’s just sleeping away with occasional nibbles at food and water. Thank you for asking after him. Soop you haven’t painted his portrait although another friend has! She gave me a picture last year of both my ‘boys’ - it’s a lovely painting.

We went sofa-surfing today. Not as in having sleepovers in people’s houses but checking out sofas in shops. We could do with a larger sofa in our family room. I came home with three fabric samples, so I guess that’s a start! I shall have to compromise on shape though as Dh doesn’t like the same one that I do.

TOYA. Xxx

Shazza perhaps it would be helpful to look at a couple of air fryer threads which had been around recently. I love mine which was actually made in London and not in China. It has saved me money so my oven is used for storage now. Please do not buy the smallest, your son may regret it once he is used to it.

Corner very difficult especially as you cannot hop in the car to visit your friend. Hopefully she will have close family who is able to visit. With luck, Mr. C will receive a date fairly soon. The sooner the surgery the quicker he will be on his feet again.

Well done with your childcare grandmabatty I hope you get a little rest tomorrow and keep that heating on. It sounds like it’s been really very cold, same as in Inverness I think with that freezing fog

That would also have upset me too Blossoming but thank goodness it was sorted out, good on you for stopping it in time.

Our last night here in this little Andalusian town in the hills, we’re travelling to Malaga tomorrow for the last week or so of our adventure - I’ll be thinking of you urms and letting you know how we’re getting on😀

Good evening Kitcheners. Brr! Its so cold here. 3° and the fog is rising. Blossoming how distressing for you! That would have bothered me. Mumofmadboys you are a true Samaritan. I hope your little Ukrainian family settle in well. Shazza I have a small air fryer and it's really good. It makes terrific roast potatoes. Urms at 3° I need the heating on. I have a healthy amount in credit though so that should see me over the winter. Grannygravy your bedroom decorations sound very festive and cosy.
Well, two days of childcare done. Dgs1 is coming for a sleepover on Friday and that will be fun. Tomorrow I'll visit mum. Then back home for some mail to sort out. Have a good evening Kitcheners.

Good evening dear Kitcheners.
We’ve had a busy day trying to put a dent in the Christmas shopping but it’s not easy. We aren’t natural shoppers and walk around with no clue and eyes spinning. No wonder I need a glass of wine. 🍷

Soop I don’t know much about air fryers either so i will go to Curry’s and have a look and get advice. Just want a user friendly one not to big that will suit my son.

Mumofmadboys enjoy your weekend. You really have been fantastic to your guests. You’ve shown true kindness💐

Speak soon and have a good evening. 🌻x

Nasty Blossoming I use a credit card on eBay, not that I use it often.
It’s cold outside, plumber back tomorrow, pipework needs doing and a chemical flush of the system (whatever that means!). But it’s running great right now.
Quickest dental visit ever today, 10 minutes max to try prototype dentures for the fit, a bit of fine tuning and good to go.
Your bedrooms sound delightful GG13 I could test for you 🙂
Enjoy your evening all x

Good evening dear Kitcheners. I’m feeling a little upset as someone tried to steal £600 from me via my PayPal account today. Fortunately I spotted what they were up to and put a stop to it, but it still feels like a personal attack, if you know what I mean! I’ve changed all passwords and security info to be on the safe side. I don’t use it very often, I only have it because you couldn’t buy on eBay without one. I don’t know if that’s changed, I may close the account as there do seem to be a lot of cyber attacks on it these days,

‘Evening All’

Brr! It looks chilly out there tonight (not that I’ve been out). I was thinking of going to the Trafford Centre but couldn’t be bothered. I’m the world’s worst shopper. Even when I do go I use a list and I’m in and OUT - and even then I have to be ‘in the mood’. Today I wasn’t.
😁

Himself is out. He’s taken the Boy Wonder to his football practice. At least it’s indoors now but obviously chilly as the boys will be sweating so he wears his Big Coat to watch. He will be home in an hour.

I’ve poured myself a glass of Merlot. It’s cosy in here, I’m wearing a long sleeved tee and soft pants. The oven is on though with chicken and baked potatoes cooking nicely, still no need of heating yet. I’ve set the table. I’ve spent far too long on GN today adding my pearls of wisdom to various threads - honestly I think I’m addicted when I’m home.
😱

I do plan to leave the apartment tomorrow for a few hours.
Probably.

I bet your bedrooms look really festive and Christmassy GG13 how beautiful and magical for the little ones! 🎅 🎄
How’s your gorgeous little cat doing today SueD?

MOMB I do hope your UA family settle into their new home they have been very fortunate to have you and your DH as their host family.

I have put the Christmas bedding on all the guest beds and the GC’s room has also got fairy lights wound round wrought iron bed heads.

Dear corner You are a kind, supportive friend, and have been for so many years. If your friend is comfortable and well cared for be assured that in her own mind, she is happy. You will naturally feel tremendously sad that her dementia is robbing her of her memory. Try to focus on the positive side. You may well share a chuckle when you next meet. Mind you, I realise that it is far from easy or natural in the present circumstances. Please keep sharing with us. We are here to listen.

SueD Your cat is beautiful. Have I painted a portrait of him at some time? He looks familiar.

MOMB Your forthcoming treat is totally well deserved.

Hello, Baggs (hugs)

I'm away until tomorrow. TOYA.

Thank you all for your kindness. This is such a gentle place.

It’s isn’t that we aren’t permitted to see her sued, we’d be welcomed by the staff, it’s geography. We’re 220 miles away from her current location. We did see her in hospital in the summer, perhaps sometime next year may be possible although Mr C is being assessed for heart surgery so it’s wait and see time. When we were both 70 I made a book for her, dementia was only beginning to make itself known, we laughed together at the images. With luck we’ll do it again in a few months.

Goodnight everyone. Sleep well.

Thank you, Brooke.

Here he is, a few days ago. He’s gone all scraggy since then.

Aww, hope your little cat does ok SueD

Oh cornergran I do feel for you, how upsetting and there’s absolutely no need to be feeling foolish for being upset, sending ❤️
Hoping you feel better soon Balou and thanks for the treats
I’ve had a lovely really interesting day today catching up with my friend who lives here now. A long leisurely lunch Spanish style and lots and lots of talking - she’s much more of a talker than me, I’m usually a listener! DH left us to it and went for a wander on his own, I was a bit worried about him as he doesn’t speak any Spanish but he was fine and didn’t get lost. Back to our apartment for a quick change and then out again this evening for tapas and flamenco music
That’s such great news about your Ukrainian family momb and what a kind gesture from the landlord too. I hope you enjoy your well deserved holiday and well done to Blossoming for the recommendation. I agree with Urms it’s lovely when we can help each other in that way
soop you definitely deserve that halo, I hope you enjoy your Xmas pud when it arrives, we’ll done to neine for sorting that! 👍

Corner . That’s so sad. I’m not quite sure from your post - are you never allowed to visit your friend again? She may well have good days as well as bad, when she’ll remember you. Would you be able to create a simple ‘memory book’ of your shared years - pictures of your school and you both in school uniform, your weddings and so on? It won’t stave off the problems forever but it might keep a spark alive for a little longer.

Glad you enjoyed the cinnamon toast, Shazza!

MOMB that’s an amazing thing to have done - facilitating a family starting a new life safe from Putin. ❤️

Hope your DEXA scan went well, BA.

It’s been cold but dry and bright here. I met my best friend for coffee and cake in a garden centre this afternoon. There’s nothing better, we had a splendid time. The GC (not grandchildren ) had pot-grown trees for sale, up to 6ft tall. I’d never bought one because they were too small but now, I think I’d like to try one out and see if I can keep it going. It costs about 50% more than I’d usually pay for a real tree, but if it does just two Christmases, I’ll have made a profit on the deal.

My lovely old cat had a visit to the vet this evening. He has recurring cat flu and hasn’t been at all well, not eating and his nose is all bunged up. He's also very thin and wobbly on his legs. He’s been given a third antibiotic plus an anti-inflammatory so we’re hoping they help. Otherwise, I’m not sure the future is too bright for him. However, he’s currently snuggled up on my Dh and looking content.

TOYA. Xxx

I think it’s marvellous on GN that Blossoming has inspired momb. I love how occasionally posters do that.

Oh Cornergran I really feel for you ! The day my much-loved auntie no longer knew who I was I cried buckets. It’s like a bereavement

I hope you have a fabulous time MOMB, the private road from the main road down to the lighthouse has just been re-surfaced so should be a smoother ride!

‘Evening All’

We are home & cosy (with the oven door left open after cooking salmon for dinner - every little helps ha!) after taking the grandchildren to their swimming lessons this evening. It was torrential rain, dark (we are really mindful in the car park of little fingers and car doors) and cold. The Boy Wonder is in the ‘Rookie Lifeguard’ class and L’il Miss in her rainbow swimsuit and goggles was learning to dive. The swimming coaches are so friendly it’s no wonder the classes do well. “3,2,1 Blast Off!’ encourages the children in L’il Miss’ class to do their best!

The after swim showers are like a bear garden. It’s my least favourite part! It’s busy, wet shivering children, parents and grandparents loaded up at this time of year with coats too!

Anyway, happy tired children and done for another week learning a life skill. We always call at the cafe on the way out for Rocky Road slices for them to eat at home as a well deserved supper!

Corner

Horribly wet day here in Wiltshire, where’s the sun gone?
I got wet walking DDog early this morning, came home, showered etc , met my sister for coffee and got soaked again- it was so gloomy in town it seemed more like 5pm than 10am.
Anyway, we had a lovely catch-up.
I spent this afternoon doing not much in particular; I’m definitely lacking oomph but I don’t think the weather’s helping 🙄
I certainly overdid the longer walks with hills on two days last week, I won’t be doing that again! I do wonder if my health problems are contributing too, I have an ‘urgent’ review booked …..mid December ☹️
Anyway, let’s hope tomorrow is brighter😊 I’m off to crafts then making pâté in the afternoon- I will leave a pot plus crackers in the kitchen for you all 😋

Cornergran 💐

Just come in to sit and think for a bit. Our dear friend (she an i share 70 years of life) has finally moved to a care home which looks to be very comfortable. Far better than a hospital ward for sure. After leaving a few days for her to settle in I phoned at the time suggested by the thoughtful staff and for the first time she didn’t know who I was. I’m more upset that I ever thought I could be. Foolish I know as of course there will be good and bad days. It’s so hard not being able to see her. We shared so much of childhood and teenage times, supported each other through adult life, there’s now no one else with those memories. I’m already feeling foolish for being so upset, many have and are experiencing the same thing. A cruel illness.