Soop's warm and welcoming kitchen for kindly folk...

Well, that's it. I've done everything I can in preparation for tomorrow, when I am going to DS.

The cats have been packed off to the cattery, and I have cleaned and refilled their litter tray.
The mince pies and sausage rolls are defrosting in the fridge, as is the Christmas pudding. The cake is iced and decorated, although I forgot to moisten the marzipan before applying the white fondant icing!
The ham is cooked.
The last presents have been wrapped, and the last cards written. The DGDs' gift bags are full.
I have washed and dried the towels, washed up and had lunch.

All I have left to do is pack my bag in the morning ready for my stay at DS's.

I have lit Christmas candles in the hearth.
And am now sitting down with a glass of sherry and watching 'Miracle on 34th Street', my favourite Christmas film. I try to watch it every year.

Wishing everyone in this lovely forum the best Christmas they can have.

Baggs what a lovely happy photo of Minibaggs that is. I
hope her boyfriend’s family are as open minded and accepting as they are religious.

I only got my iPad sorted out by our lovely tech guy this morning, so I’ve had a very quick catch up of TEN days news and just want to send special loving thoughts to Hellogirl, SueD and Annsixty.

I’ll have to catch up in bits and pieces with all of you and I probably will forget much but it is lovely to be back in the kitchen.

Hi 👋 soop hope all is well, thanks for the mention

That’s a really lovely picture baggs such happiness there! I’m sure she’ll be a hit with her bfs family. Sending you and your DD much ❤️

Just now I’m sat in the lounge at Gatwick airport waiting for my flight to Inverness later, there was a bit of train disruption from Cambridge so I’m here nice and early. I’ve had a lovely few days at DD1s and family, and now my thoughts are turning to DD2 and family, I try to split my time as best as I can between the two lots of DGC but inevitably I see a bit more of the ones at home. Two very different daughters both with very different personalities and very different views on parenting so it’s quite interesting to see
Hopefully DH has enjoyed a few days peace and will meet me at the airport later

Enjoy whatever you’re doing today and TOYA

I'm so glad the funeral service went well, hellogirl. Of course you cried buckets [hugs]. How lovely that David's work mates could be there.

Minibaggs is spending Chritmas and New Year with her boyfriend's family (she and he were here for a few days over last weekend). She was a bit worried about being liked and accepted by bf's family who are very religious (we are not). The dog likes her anyway 😁

Hellogirl1 You were in the thoughts of us lot throughout yesterday. The service sounds very much like one both Mr Soop and I would choose. We both send our love to you and your family for a peaceful festive season. XXX

Urms Your gettogether in Horsforth. Also, the cosy evening beside the fire and Christmas tree in the wine bar sounds like the perfect way to end your busy day.

Llfl Are you sure that you've created sufficient calorie-rich treats to grace your table? I would guess that the answer is YES! Well done, you.

Jax Snap! I get down on the floor to wrap gifts. The getting up again is not a pretty sight. I tend to grunt a lot and my language isn't what is termed as "ladylike".

hulahoop May this Christmas bring you peace. It is what you deserve.

Hello SueD, mumofmadboys, corner, brook, Blossoming and annsixty

Sending you much love, Hellogirl.

hellogirl a very late visit from me but just wanted to say I’ve been thinking of you today 💐

Hellogirl you got through the day, that’s all that was needed. I think your son was obviously well loved and respected by many x

Goodnight dear Kitcheners, hope we all get some rest tonight.

I can only echo Cornergran in her wish for a peaceful night for you Hellogirl.
Today has been the culmination of a traumatic time for you and all your family.
It sounds like David had a fitting send off for a well loved man.
Thankyou for your kind thoughts for my friend and me.

Thank you for sharing your day with us hellogirl. You’ve been in the loving thoughts of so many people. Tears were to be expected, a very sad goodbye. Wishing you a peaceful night.

What sad news regarding your friend`s husband Ann, I hope both you and her are bearing up OK.
Everything went well today, apart from me crying buckets. It was a beautiful non religious service with a celebrant, 4 lovely songs played, I didn`t know any of them, but the words were very poignant and fitting. Lots of people there, the crem was packed, standing room only, David`s workplace closed for the afternoon so that his workmates could go to the funeral. One tiny blot, but neither here nor there, his middle name was spelt wrong in the order of service, instead of Lyndon, they printed Linden.
Thank you all for your very kind thoughts today and recently, they`ve been much appreciated.
Oh, by the way Maw, that colour so suits Rosie!

Thus far we’ve avoided the loss of water so many locally, some less than half a mile away, restaurants, pubs, all closed at their busiest time of the year, disgraceful in the 21st century.
Mr J has been at bowls, so I’ve wrapped his presents. Getting down on the floor to do it is ok, leaning, bending, stretching and getting up are a different matter.
The defrosting starts tomorrow, with a fridge shuffle around and tidy up.
As Urms said Hellogirl, we all care x

‘Evening All’

Himself & I drove over to Horsforth in Yorkshire to swap Christmas presents from us all this side of the Pennines with our eldest daughter and soon-to-be son in law. The motorway was busy but constantly moving there and back. We had a lovely catch up at theirs for a couple of hours and an easy lunch. No stress involved. I always shudder though driving along Saddleworth Moor - the highest motorway summit in England. My ears always pop.

Home. Wine Bar (Himself deserved his pint) wheee it was warm and cosy sat next to their huge Christmas tree.
Up to eat chilli taken from the ice box in the fridge this morning (Mrs Organised).

Hellogirl I trust the funeral for your dear boy went as best as could be expected today. Words at this time just seem inadequate but you know we all care.

Soop sorry I have not yet answered your question regarding oh hernia his wasn't too big so small I'm only.
Sending 💐 to hellogirl hope today has gone ok.
Annsixty what a shock for your friend .
Last year on this date I was in hospital having my second mastectomy so Christmas passed me by, I hope for my family this ones a bit better (,I know it's probably selfish ) when others have had sad news.

Hoping today went as well as it could in the very sad circumstances Hellogirl.

Hello everyone. Well, I’ve iced the cake and decorated the chocolate log/shed a bit more. I’ve over-egged that pudding, but as it’s mainly for my granddaughter, I don’t think it matters. I also dabbled some spare Royal icing on the chocolate meringue roulade I’ve made for Boxing Day. There’s a bolognaise in the oven. OH is picking up younger son from the station this evening. I’ve seen him in London a few times, but he hasn’t been back home since the summer. My Private Eye was finally delivered today. Just eight days late My cleaners came this morning so I hope the house can stay sparkling for the next few days! Not with permanently moulting cats it won’t!

Hellogirl, I do hope that today went as well as could be expected. 🌺🌺🌺

Neine About 17 years ago, we were walking in the countryside when A crippling pain in my chest stopped us in our tracks. Mr Soop fretted about it being a warning of a heart attack. I had tests and the result was a hiatus hernia. Medication has kept that pain away ever since. I was worried about you.

Welcome back to some of our friends that we haven't seen for a wee while. You are all most welcome.

Thank you soop I always read but rarely post.

I have lost a long message to you lovely lot. My fault. I scrolled back to see if I had omitted to mention anyone. When I returned, the message had vapourised.

I am extremely cross with myself. If, after I've done the ironing, I have time to return, I shall do so.

One message I recall was to Neine.

Soop. It's true. I should get folk to visit more often ☺️. I even managed to deliver the neighbours Christmas cards too. I'm off to wrap a few more presents while my mojo is to be found.

annsixty Your friend will be both shocked and, relieved that her husband died peacefully beside her, in their own home.

Hellogirl1 Today is a the day that you finally say goodbye to dear David. However, like your husband, he will remain a constant within your heart and memory. Bless you. Bless your family. X

Kate1949 Lovely to have you with us.

Grandmabatty Much the same thing happens to us whenever we receive short notice of visitors calling by. Heck! The place gets a thorough blitz and, within a relatively short time, the dust of ages is dispersed. It's a mini-miracle in the making.

Sad news ann and what a shock for your friend. .

Thankyou all.
I am upset but I have had another long chat with my friend and we are both so grateful both our H’s had such peaceful deaths.
We are almost mirror couples all a similar age, children all with identical gaps and born within weeks of each other and both married for over 60 years.
We have all been blessed in some ways.
I know of two funerals today, acquaintance's son , in his 50’s like Hellogirl’s and another friend has her cousin’s tomorrow.
What a very sad time.
On a lighter note myD and GD left this morning after quite a decent visit so no worries there.

Hellogirl and ann

Grannmarie I've had a mad hour! My aunt phoned to say they're bringing Christmas gifts over this afternoon. I looked at the mess and nearly wept. However it forced me into a tidy up and I've managed to wrap their gifts. I look organised just don't peep into the dining room! My energy level isn't the same yet. Fingers crossed it recovers quickly.