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

Soop it seems to be tomatoes. I have never been able to tolerate fresh tomatoes but have previously been OK using peeled canned tomatoes in dishes such as chilli or pasta sauce. I don’t know what I can use as a substitute but I’m sure I’ll work something out.

Glad you’ve both improved Nannytopsy and Blossoming.
Urmstongran is taking a break and having some family time in the UK.
Far less windy yesterday, but squally showers, wet today, then a respite, now it’s light drizzle, hopefully improving tomorrow. It’s been relentless really, one water butt overflowing, two are capped off for now.
Sounds very special with your granddaughter brook.
A quiet couple of days, off to bowls tomorrow, filling out GDPR forms, not playing, I imagine the green is sodden.
Enjoy your evening all.

Cross posts, SueD, good to hear from you and thank you for your concern for The Heathrow One, 🤣, he's fine now.

Good evening, Soop and lovely Kitchen people.

Soop, you are a busy bee, well done on all your clearing and cleaning.

Grandmabatty, I'm so glad to hear that everything went well at your dear friend's funeral, I'm sure you did her proud. 💕

Blossoming and Nannytopsy, great to hear your energy stores are replenishing! I'm hoping for some next week to continue spring cleaning and tidying up the garden.

LLL and GrannySomerset, enjoy your family visitors.

Neine, that's just how I feel about Soop's special Kitchen and the lovely people in it.💕

Hoping all is well with Urms and MrUrms.

Brook, I share your exhaustion and I've only had one grandchild this week! It's lovely to have them, making lots of happy memories.

I'm putting my feet up and relaxing, DdiL1 has just collected DGD, they're off to join DS1, DGS1 and Granddog at their holiday house on the coast for the weekend, before the kids return to school next week. We've had a busy week, I've really enjoyed having DGD, she's growing up fast, going to High School in August. We spent one afternoon in the ' mall', she loves shopping in Boots and Primark at the moment! Yesterday afternoon we went to the movies to see the SuperMario film. I think I was awake for most of it, DGD enjoyed it. Today we went swimming 🏊, great afternoon. She's a good wee swimmer. We had a few cosy evenings on the sofa in pjs watching Malory Towers, a nice time was had.

Lazy evening ahead, hope everyone has the best weekend possible. TOYA NNGB. 🥰

That sounds like a Spring Clean Soop! I need to reorganise my kitchen. My get-up-and-go for these things has gone but hopefully it’ll be back one day and I’ll crack on with it.

Glad you’re feeling better, Blossoming. You too, Nannytopsy.

Goodness me, that was a harsh introduction, Naughtyneine! You were brave to give GN another go.

I don’t think I knew Izabella on here. I hope Urms is ok. Is she in foreign parts just now?

Today we had garden men here to enlarge our patio, which is a posh word for ‘lay some extra slabs down’. . I managed to get the slabs from neighbours who were changing theirs for a different type (new build houses) so I feel virtuous in reusing and recycling. I’ve also had a washing line put in so can now line dry the laundry.

We also had 18mo GS here, who was just so desperate to put on his shoes and join in with the workmen. Luckily he eventually went for a sleep - amazing how babies can sleep through the noise of angle grinders and so on!

No particular plans for the weekend, we’ll see what the weather brings. There are road works taking place a few miles away but it’s having a terrible knock-on effect on that side of the city and surrounding villages so it may take a bit of planning to go anywhere.

Take care, everyone. Xxx

Llfl Your message with reference to our kitchen is super special.

Blossoming What is it that upsets your digestive system? Now that you know, you can beware and steer clear of future buggerations.

GrannySomerset Wishing you happy memory making with your visiting family.

Nannytopsy Continue to make a good and lasting recovery from the dreaded Covid. We two have managed to steer clear thus far. We know scores of folk who have had a rotten time because of it. It does take time and plenty of rest in order to restore your zest for life. (hugs)

brook In spite of not visiting Brodie Castle, you made the day special for your grandchildren. Isn't it a treat to peep into the bedroom and see them in the land of nod? Well done.

I awoke earlier than usual. Decided to clear everything under the kitchen sink. Washed umpteen dusters afterwards. Then into the cutlery drawer and three other cupboards. After which, I had a thorough clear-out of the computer/art studio/music room. And consequently, I'm bushed. I shall now put my feet up and sup a refreshing brew.

Night night. Enjoy your Friday evening. Be with you again in the morrow.

Good morning all. I had quite a good night, no bathroom trips so fingers crossed it’s OK.
Good to hear you’re feeling better NannyTopsy, despite this recent attack I have had more energy recently. It’s such a good feeling isn’t it?
Enjoy your visitors GrannySomerset.
I’m sorry to read you had such a bad first experience of Gransnet Neine but glad that you found your way into our lovely friendly kitchen.
I’m going to risk some lunch today, veg soup and a roll, then MrB will take me to pick up my gout meds and do a little shopping. Oh the excitement

Morning Everyone... I'm playing catch-up at the moment. I worked in London on Wednesday and we decided to drive up and back in a day so a 4am start and back at just before 9pm. I took over driving back as we got onto the A303 ... just as the worst of the weather hit so it was a challenge to say the least. We took Finlay and Storm (DDog 2) with us and they were brilliant. DOH took them to his sister's whilst I was working and they played with her dog and wore themselves out. Yesterday Fin made up for being wonderfully good by being spectacularly impish. He stole multiple items from my make up whilst I was putting it on...when I zipped up the bag..he ran off with my HRT...I retrieved that and he charged off with the face massager thing...and when I took that away he attacked the mirror. It was actually very funny and I couldn't be cross with him.
Today is a year on from my hip op...I joined GN to find out from others who were waiting or had already had a THR and most of the posts were quite scary as they all seemed so well prepared for their ops with equipment ( a week to go and I had nothing as we had only moved into the cottage 6 days before). I don't think my ''oh well it will all be ok' attitude and slightly off the wall humour went down too well and I was seriously put in my place at one point which was really upsetting as you lot know I cover up what's really happening with humour...I left the group and that was nearly the end of GN for me but just as I was reeling away with my tail between my legs I stumbled into Soops kitchen and found a haven of love, support and friendship and laughter. Thank you all for offering me all those things then and continuing to do so . 💐💐💐💐

I keep wondering about Urmstongran too and hoping all is well with her. It’s strange how much I miss some regular posters if they go off line even when they have given warning that they are taking a break - it’s a bit like neighbours we see regularly but don’t know well who move away.

Some busy Easter weekends reported. I have Canadian visitors for coffee and DS, DDiL and dog overnight so had better head for the shower and get today started.

Good morning everyone! We are late to bed people, so not early risers but I have had to set the alarm every morning this week. Today, the gardener is coming in an hour.
Not good news Blossoming but at least you know what to avoid now.
In March 22 DH & I came back from holiday with Covid. Finally, this week, my energy has returned! I knew I didn’t feel right. Hopefully I can get lots more done in the garden.
I wonder how Urmstongran is getting on without us? It was good to hear of Izabella .
Hope you all enjoy the best of days.

Good evening all. Just a quick visit as I have digestive problems again. The good news is I have worked out what’s causing it, thanks to my food diary. The bad news is I had it for dinner yesterday!
Have a good evening all x

Enjoy your rest after a busy few days LLFL, you deserve it. How lovely that your sister has kept in touch with her friend for all those years
Hoping you’ve had a quieter day weather wise Jax, it’s been very cold and showery here, but I think we escaped the worse of the wind
We didn’t make it over to Brodie Castle today, the weather was too miserable really so we took them swimming instead. I think everyone enjoyed it and they were hungry afterwards. Both of them are now tucked up in bed - hopefully asleep soon
DH and I are going to probably fall asleep on the sofa! 🤣

Hello everyone. I am now relaxing after a hectic few days - holiday, Easter weekend and sister and niece staying! They have now gone off for a few days to catch up with old friends. In fact my sister is due to have lunch with the girl she sat next to on her first day at school. That’s 60 years ago. Our new cleaner started today. She’s local and did the job as required. OHs beehives have been delivered but as he’s been under the weather he hasn’t really looked at them yet. Have a good evening.

Jax Mother Nature certainly can be intimidating at times.

Llfl I am impressed with your energy. The visits that you arranged for your sister and niece to see your aunt and uncle were thoughtful and kind. I imagine that your sister enjoyed revisiting the pub that she was familiar with all those years ago. I always enjoy a pub lunch. The atmosphere is somewhat more relaxed than a formal restaurant.

brook Enjoy time spent with your grandchildren. We are still talking about our recent reunion with our youngest grandson who is thirteen today.

Grandmabatty I think that it is very wise to arrange one's own funeral. A very simple farewell with the minimum of fuss...followed by shared memories and a decent wee dram. That's what I would prefer.

Jaxjacky that sounds very scary! The storm seems to have hit hard

Hello everyone. Well, what a busy day. I drove my sister and niece to visit our aunt this morning. Fortunately I had warned them what to expect and that she wouldn’t recognise them. It was a difficult visit but we were glad to have gone. My sister and niece know they won’t see her again. We then went to see our uncle who although physically quite unwell, is intellectually undiminished. He has a live in carer but still managed to take the dog for a walk every day. He is writing a short history of his village. He and my aunt are 91. Then lunch at a pub my sister last went to over 30 years ago. I am driving them to Oxford tomorrow to collect a hire car so they can go and visit old friends. My brother and his partner arrive next week and my sister will return to prepare my birthday lunch. Have a good evening.

Good to hear of successful family get together and Mrsoops improving health.
That sounds tough Doodle💐
Today reminded me of Winnie the Pooh and a blustery day, a short film from years ago. It poured down, blew a gale, encouraged the bbq to waltz on the patio and meant my daughter had to avoid a fallen tree.
So, a bit of dusting, trip down the village in between the squalls, phone calls and tv catch-up was my day.
Enjoy your evening.

Well done grandmabatty it couldn’t have been easy for you
Good to hear Mr Soop is on the mend now and busy planting heather in the rockery
We waved off our final visitors this morning, it’s been busy but lovely seeing everyone particularly for DH as it’s 2 of his sons and their families who’ve taken time out of their busy lives to travel a long way to see us. We’ve just got the DGC here for a few days now as DD2 and SiL are visiting DS in Switzerland. They’ve not always got along that well over the years so I’m pleased now that they’re meeting up and keeping their relationship going. My DS and his partner have a very stylish apartment which isn’t really suitable for young children hence DD2 leaving the DGC with us!

Good afternoon kitcheners.y friend's funeral went well. Which was just as well as she planned it! I managed to do the reading without falling over or stumbling and I'm now in my jammies watching tv and eating crisps. I'm very tired and all talked out as there were so many people at her funeral who I knew. I'm having bacon and eggs for dinner later as that's what I fancy. MrDoodle best wishes to you. Poor MrSoop. I'm glad he is mending. Have a good evening Kitcheners.

Doodle It's good to have you back with this lovely lot. Hospital visits feature regularly on our calendar. Sending all good wishes to your dear husband.

Mr Soop attended the local surgery this morning. The healing of his head wound is progressing nicely. He returned home all tidied up, large scab removed and a lovely wee dressing on the area that had been cauterised (and bled profusely when he accidently knocked it.)

Away to attend to a few domestic must-dos. Mr Soop is planting heather in the rockery.

Mr Isabella It is very thoughtful of you to share news of Isabella She was a frequent and most amusing member of the kitchen clan. Please will you pass on all good wishes...and a gentle group hug.

Thank you, MrIzabella, how kind of you to update us about your lovely wife. I have often wondered how Izabella of the Shire was getting on, it's so good to know that she is so well cared for. Sending best wishes to both of you.

TOYA, NNGB

My heart just sang when I read news of Izabella. Thank you so much, MrIzabella for letting us know.
I only 'knew' her briefly as I joined in lockdown in late 2020, but her prose style from the Shire and content was a joy to read. I often thought about her.

I am really pleased that she is being well looked after. Thank you again.

Thank you so much for letting us know the latest on your wife, Mr Izabella. I first “met” her when she had fallen off her bike - some time ago now - and she used to treat us with lovely, well- written stories about her life. I’ve missed her but I’m glad to hear she is being well cared for.

Not been in the kitchen much recently (lots of hospital visits with DH) but just wanted to say thank you Mr Isabella for news of your very lovely wife. I certainly do remember her for her humour, wit and her ability to find fun in almost any situation. So pleased her needs are being met. My sincere best wishes to you too.