Soop's welcoming kitchen for kindly folk...

Good luck with it all, Bloss. At least you're being seen to now

Well done Bertie! Gosh, it doesn't seem any time since he was born! They grow up so fast.

Good afternoon dear Kitcheners. Back home after a gruelling morning at the hospital eye centre. Journey was OK, got seen very quickly, lots of tests, eye drops, bright lights and so forth. More scans arranged, an appointment to be arranged with a retinal specialist in the new year. It’s likely they will remove the left cataract under local anaesthetic, subject to the retinal scans and approval from the retinal consultant. Any muscle correction surgery to the right eye would have to be under general anaesthetic. Anyway, no decision yet but I’ve been given the probable options. There’s never anything simple in my medical history!

Lovely photo Kitty and well done Bertie.

My stinging eyes are trying to close, love to you all and thanks for your support especially when you have your own troubles.

Thought this might make you smile - Bertie has basketball training with the local professional side. Bertie in nearly 11 and not short for his age.

He won man of the match last night for which his prize was a kit bag and this photo.

Made me smile!

Hello all. Another late catch-up from my bed! I had a successful trip to Oxford. My iPad didn’t need a new battery; I didn’t have to pay for a book in Waterstones because I had enough points on my loyalty card and finally, I bought a pair of much-buckled black leather ankle boots. I made bangers and mash for dinner and then popped round to see a friend. I would normally drive in this frosty weather but she has no parking. I walked and it was grim. Very icy, so I was holding onto various walls! All wrapped up in a thick coat, huge scarf and a hat. Sleep tight.

Good evening, Soop and lovely Kitchen people!🥰

I've just enjoyed a bowl of slow cooker stew, lean shoulder steak with lots of veg, carrots, onions, mushrooms, leeks, sweet potato and mixed herbs. Very tasty! I left it cooking this morning while I spent the day Christmas shopping. We've done a lot of online shopping this year, but I wanted to go to the Woollen Mill shop down the motorway to get some nice Pringle winter shirts and jumpers for DH. I also got myself a wee bargain, a lovely longline Country Casuals cardigan on the sale rail! Then to Boots and Next for pretty gifts for the three Ds in L.

Yesterday was childcare, DGS2 and I were home alone as DinL2 was working from work, away to Glasgow on the train, and DH is not yet fit enough to help with babysitting yet. So we did a video call and the Wee Boy showed Papa his cars then sang Twinkle Twinkle ✨ for him. It made DH's day.

Jaxjacky, I laughed out loud at your advice to Naughtyneine 🤣 I'll remember that when I see a bottle of Gaviscon.! Fingers crossed for Imogen, and I hope your wee DGS recovers quickly.

Grandmabatty, I hope your wee grandson is on the mend, poor wee lamb.

Blossoming, hope all goes well for you tomorrow.

Aww, BBC Radio Scotland is playing Christmas songs, and Tim Minchin's White Wine in the Sun has just come on, one of my all time favourites. It reminds me of our Australian family and the Hogmanay we spent on the beach in Perth W.A . I digress...

TOYA, especially those with illness, worries or sorrow.

Oh Jax wouldn’t that be brilliant for Imogen, I hope everything stays ok over the next few months and she’s seizure free. Hoping your DGS feels better soon too
That drama sounds good Urms thanks for the tip
Take care when travelling tomorrow Blossoming and hope all goes well

‘Evening All’

Hello kitcheners isn’t it Baltic out tonight! We’ve had a sunny day so it was frosty but cheerful but I’ve just walked home from my daughter’s (not far) and my goodness it was cold. Toasty now in my pj’s, slippers and a cardigan (I hate dressing gowns too much material flapping about).

The Boy Wonder told us after school he’s in the final for the chess tournament in his junior year. He said “Sam nearly beat me - he’s such a good player. I almost moved a piece and then was so glad I hadn’t!”.

I’m cosying down later to watch Kate Winslet in a drama at 9pm on Channel 4. Two hours! I think she’s a fantastic actor. I loved her in the American mini series ‘Mare of Easttown’. In the drama tonight, her daughter in real life plays her daughter! It’s about the mental effects on teens from social media. Looks promising anyway.

Hope all goes well tomorrow Blossoming good idea to allow extra time. You sound organised brook! We plan to buy our tree on Monday for our verandah. Ooh, just looked up and I can see a plane winking in the distance coming in to land at Manchester airport ... reminds me we will be on one in four weeks. I love being here but I do love being ‘over there’ too. Best of both worlds.
❤️

Hi all, next time neine put your tipple into an empty Gaviscon bottle!
For those who recall, our granddaughter Imogen had a seizure 18 months ago, none since, she had a consultant appt today, another in 8 months. If, we really hope so, then, she’s still seizure free she won’t ‘be epileptic’ any longer. It will make a difference, mainly on how she sees herself, 15 is a tough age. I had amazing support here when it first happened, it will not be forgotten.
Whilst my daughter was with her, I had our grandson, who had a temperature, probable virus diagnosed by GP, so worrying right now. Consequently, not a lot done today, MrJ is cooking sausages mash and beans, lovely.
Have a pleasant evening all x

Good evening lovely Kitcheners. I have been busily trying to put my house in order while Mr. B has been busy sorting out the shed and making sure everything that needs to be in winter storage is done. Tomorrow we have to be out early for my ophthalmology appointment. Snow is forecast for this evening and freezing temperatures so we need to allow extra time for the journey.

Sending healing vibes and virtual hugs for all in need of them, TOYA.

Urms Your post couldn't be more pertinent. I agree whole heartedly. Stuff doesn't matter. Those we love are priceless.

Naughtyneine I trust that you made up (when you arrived home) for being ladylike enough not to have had a teeny taster on the bus.

Llfl Now you really will have a birthday to remember. Having your sister travel so far must be a wonderful thing for you to look forward to.

Dear Baggs, thank you for your postcard. X

BladeAnnie MrSoop and I both appreciated your Christmas card.

Away to sort the veg for tonight's meal. I always enjoy munching on a raw carrot.

Until tomorrow, my very best wishes to you all.

Jax I am also flummoxed. I am not a lover of footie. However, there have been a few matches that I found skilful and entertaining.

kitty A loving and supportive husband is a wondrous thing. Keep positive and get better by the day.

Good afternoon kitcheners. Ladyleftfieldlover how lovely that your sister can join you for your special birthday! Brook it sounds like you are organised for Christmas.
I went to town early this morning to get some Christmas gifts. It was so quiet, I was glad I had. Back home, I made a wholemeal loaf so I'll leave some in the kitchen. I've put up most of the decorations and I just have the dining room to tackle. I'm going to write cards this afternoon too. Tomorrow I need to head to Stirling for my brother's specific jigsaw, and a couple of things for DD. I'll probably wrap everything at the weekend. Tonight I'm having macaroni cheese for dinner. Have a good afternoon kitcheners.

Hello kitchen pals, just sat down now for lunch looking out at the very cold and frosty garden. There’s a few birds on the feeders but nowhere near as many as we used to see. I’ve not been out yet today, I’ve been wrapping Christmas presents and finishing putting up the indoor decorations. I’ve checked my present list and there’s still a few more to get, one for my best friend and a few extra bits for the DGC. I’ll probably pop out later when DH takes DGS to his football practice
It’s lovely that your sister will be with you next year for your birthday celebrations llfl something to look forward to
Thinking especially of everyone with worries and poorly families

Hello again. I’m writing this in bed! I went to a festive thing this afternoon with other volunteers from the interesting house near where I live. We met in a freezing cold hall and kept our coats on. A few cakes and tea or coffee and a difficult quiz. This evening I walked to the village social club where the WI committee meet. A bunch of us walked past a multitude of flickering and vibrating Christmas lights, which together with one friend’s faulty torch, caused a migraine. Fortunately I always carry a packet of sumatriptan with me so I took one as soon as we arrived. They work pretty quickly so I was able to get down most of what was said. Will I be able to read my shorthand tomorrow? My sister in Australia has just confirmed that she has booked flights for next April so she can be here for my 70th. I hope you’ve had/are having a good evening.

Finally on my way home after the marathon last 5 days. I'm on a coach that normally carries the Exeter football team to their away matches. I bet they are allowed alcohol on their way back. We passengers are not....I have got one of those weeny bottles in my handbag... but there is quite a fearsome looking woman sitting opposite me so I dare but take a swig out of it.. I'm having a large one when I get home even though it will be fine 11... Tomorrow is yippee....Hair day... It's looking distinctly .. dragged backward through a big bush. So I will be going the whole hog... Highlights...roots.. cut. The 3 dogs are off to the groomers too so we'll all look glam by tomorrow night ( hopefully). DOH has taken the day off for my birthday on Friday and friends are coming down for the weekend. I haven't organised anything yet apart from making the beds up but it will all fall into place I'm sure.
I'm popping to Mass in between dropping the dogs and hair and will pray for all who are feeling sad..worried or poorly.
I'm going to make some filo pastry mince pies tomorrow... I'll pop some on the side with mulled cider for whoever fancies it.

Maw your poor wee grandson. My heart goes out to him and his parents. And to you too. Brook dgs2 is no better apparently. Dd sent a photo of an unhappy wee mite. Urms you speak truly when you say people are more important than stuff. I put up the Christmas tree earlier and I'll finish the decorations elsewhere tomorrow. Have a good evening Kitcheners.

Thoughts with those whose loved ones who are poorly, causing heartache and especially those grieving 💐
I had a joyous gift today, which epitomised the true meaning of Christmas to me, it moved me.
Got a bargain at the butchers, 10 large pork and cider sausages, eating date today, £5, straight in the freezer.
So, in between the humdrum of life things that made me smile.
Enjoy your evening all x
(bit flummoxed here, no football ⚽️!)

Just seen your post Maw regarding your little GS, fingers crossed it is nothing nasty.

SueDonim thinking of your DD.

DH is out and instead of doing the ironing I am wasting time on GN, on the sofa with a glass of vino (well it’s the season to be jolly after all)

(((Hugs))) to all our dear kitchen friends in need.

Hoping things aren't too bad for your GS, maw. What a worry xx

‘Evening All’

We’ve been up into Oldham today to see my uncle, picking up my stepfather en route. We had a lovely couple of hours chatting and set off home before the rush hour traffic. It was a poignant visit. Family photos were produced some of which I found very sad. No mum, no aunt now and no beautiful cousin - who was 10 years younger than me.

It made me realise (and say) that people are so much more important than ‘stuff’ in our lives. Time spent with those we love is beyond compare.

But then you lovely crew know this already. x

Oh yum! Thank you MrB

Mr. B has bought reindeer cookies from the bakery today, please help yourselves

Good evening dear Kitcheners.
Just popping in after having a quick scroll through. DH is working late tonight. Dinner is on so I’ve a few mins.
There are a lot of worries on here tonight so to you all I send my very best wishes, special thoughts, virtual hugs and lots and lots of 💐💐💐.

Pleased to hear you are getting better every day kitty, I already knew you have a wonderful DH. It makes such a difference as I know.