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

Early pop into the kitchen today to catch up. Loved the picture of Soop and Baggs..I like being able to picture you ladies when I read your posts. I had been wondering where Urms had got to...I am sad to read that all is not well with Mr Urms..I thought the scare earlier this year has turned out to be all ok. I'll be praying for them and their family as I do for all of you. I've got a GP appointment this morning to have detailed photos taken of a tiny red area on my face.
We had a lovely day yesterday...an early start to Paignton then onto the steam train to Kingswear...then the short feet ride across to Dartmouth. The music festival was on this weekend so the quayside was bustling with happy souls enjoying the sunshine and sounds. I had a lager and blackcurrant...I hadn't had one of those for years and it took me right back...it was just as lush as I remembered. We went on a cruise up the Dart...past the Royal Naval College..and Agatha Christie's home up to Dittisham where lots of famous people live or have holiday homes including Kate Winslet. We were booked on the last train back to Paignton and had an hour or so to wait so travelled back to Kingswear and walked up to the church but it was shut so we settled into the tiny courtyard of the pub next door and listened to the singer who was really good and funny too. We would have loved to have stayed longer and will definitely see where he is performing next. It was one of those just perfect days.. Memories made!!. It was just what I needed...I was very down last week.. Not like me and I couldn't work out why...then I remembered the last time I had antibiotics I felt the same after a few days and sure enough so it proved to be...it wipes out all the good bacteria as well as the bad. At mass on Saturday our lovely friend was back to sing in the choir. She has been told that if her cancer returns there is nothing more they can do...she looked fabulous with her turban and contrasting headband...and looking at her I felt very ashamed at allowing myself to feel low and it put things in perspective....very much so.
I hope it's a good week for you all and the sun shines wherever you find yourselves.

We’ll done to your SiL baggs, let me know if I can support the fundraising please
I’ve just collapsed in bed after a busy full on day - it’s been warm and sunny so we had a trip to the garden centre this morning, planted up a few pots and then onto Anglesey Abbey, a National Trust property this afternoon. The DGSs enjoyed a run around and the adventure playground and I enjoyed a sit down with a coffee and a chocolate brownie,! Its my last night here tonight as I’m travelling home tomorrow
Such gorgeous bluebells Soop thanks for the pictures
Hope you’re feeling a bit better soon nannytopsy

Good evening Kitcheners. Soop these bluebells are stunning. Grannmarie how funny to think you were just down the road from me!
I picked up my holiday clothes today and they fit! A happy me. I also got a couple of jigsaws for my friend's partner as it's a big birthday for him. Then I bumped into my art tutor and her sister so a wee blether was required. I visited mum and she wasn't great again. It's so up and down with her. She's refusing to drink and that's causing issues. Oh well, nothing much I can do. I managed to get her to take a few sips of water but that was all. Early night for me as it's a childcare day tomorrow. Take care all

Good evening, Soop and lovely Kitchen people! 🥰 Thanks to all for the welcome home wishes.

We've been busy since our return on Thursday evening, but I managed to get the holiday washing done on Friday. The weekend has been close, cloudy and drizzly.
On Friday evening, I met up with my sisters and our Book group ladies at our favourite Indian restaurant- snap, Grannygravy!- I had fish pakora followed by lamb biryani, delicious!. On Saturday DH, DSis1 and I went to Grangemouth- not far from Grandmabatty 👋 - to see DGD in Matilda the Musical Jr, her theatre group show. It was very enjoyable, she just loved being one of the 'Schoolkids'!
Today we drove in the opposite direction to visit DS2, DDIL2 and wee DGS2. We played in the garden until the rain came on, it was great to see them all.
I hope Nannytopsy is feeling better now, and all family lunches and meet ups went well. So glad to hear that Grandmabatty's Mum is a good bit brighter. When our dear Mum was troubled by recurring UTIs, which exacerbated the confusion of her dementia, her doctor kept her on a maintenance dose of antibiotics, to keep infection at bay.

Super photos, Grandmabatty, Cornergran and Soop. Thanks very much.Good luck with your bulldog painting 🎨 Soop! 🤞
Baggs, well done to your son-out-law, I hope the counselling is helping your DGC. Thinking of you, your DD and family, and of course Urms, MrUrms and family. 💕🙏

Enjoy the rest of your Cambridge visit, Brook, glad you're enjoying your garden Blossoming, and good to know that LLFL's lunch was uneventful!

A relaxing evening with some catch up TV and a glass of chilled SV, Mrs Maisel awaits!

TOYA, NNGB.

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The Kintyre bluebells are a joy to behold.

Baggs Love conquers all. and a virtual hug for your son-in-law.

A glorious day in bonnie Kintyre. I am still struggling with the wee French bulldog's portrait. However...no pain...no gain. So it's back to the easel.

Good luck to your SiL Baggs.
We made a curry last. Done the same one before but I felt so sick all night and freezing cold. I have only just got up and I still feel very iffy. Not like me at all!
Hope you are all ok!

My lovely son-out-law is running a hilly marathon in a few weeks' time to raise funds for the hospice where my GSs are receiving counselling while their mum is ill. She may be looked after at the same hospice eventually. Go him!!💚

Until I read back on this thread I’d thought it was Sunday today - I wondered why Topsy had been doing the school run on a Saturday! I think there are a few loose marbles around here.

Pleased to hear your mum is improved, GMbatty. It’s a rollercoaster, isn’t it? Love the colours in your painting, too.

That sounds a lovely day, LLFL. So many of you seem to have good weather. Ours is dismal! The forecast earlier this week was for a bright and sunny weekend. Instead, we’ve had dark clouds all day and now rain, although the garden does need that. Same tomorrow, I believe, and we’ve got the heating on this evening.

We looked after GS yesterday and he was a wee poppet for us. He’s clearly very settled with us now and adores his grandad. Nanna’s alright too, if Gramps isn’t available. Both GC and and my dd are coming for lunch tomorrow. Daddy is away somewhere so they’ll come here to wreak havoc then go home again, haha!

I’ve been busy trying to get an electrician to do some bits around the house, more lighting and sockets. They seem a very gloomy lot. When I tell them what I’d like much tooth-sucking is invoked and admonitions that it isn’t easy to do these things in a modern house. Which is odd, because my DD’s house is 150+ years old and it isn’t easy to do things in old houses, either, it seems. 😂. Anyway, I have secured one estimate so I’ll probably go with that on the principle of a bird in the hand…

I have been thinking of Urms, too. It’s so sad, I hope some time can be bought by treatments.

Goodnight to you all. X

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Were back from a packed and very enjoyable three days, amazing how much we can see with two nights away from home.

Butterflies on day one, Hereford day two and Dewstow gardens on the way back where we had a chatty, happy four hours with friends as well as a wander around this magical place. Oh yes, three cups of tea too . No cake as breakfast was both good and generous. The Robin was very disappointed.

Chilly wind and sun for us too brook. Mr C now resembles a beetroot. He won’t learn!

You’re a talented woman grandmab. Small children ask me not to draw or paint things for them. How hurtful is that?

You’ll prevail soop, I’m certain of it. Hope your Mum is settled today grandmab. If your marbles have gone awol then so have mine grannyg , I’m the less than proud owner of two identical sweaters. Oops.

If the technology will let me I’ll attach a photo or two.

Have a good evening everyone.

A really gorgeous painting grandmabatty you’re very talented and I love the orange colours against the dark background
It’s been a gorgeous sunny day here but like Blue has said, with a chilly wind. I went into Cambridge this afternoon with DD1, lots of people out and about and families picknicking on the grass. We did a bit of shopping and had a delicious coffee and cake in a little artisan bakery - just perfect. I’m looking after the DGSs again this evening whilst DD&Sil go out for a meal, they’re making the most of me being here but I really don’t mind!
Pleased your lunch went well Llfl
Enjoy your time with the family tomorrow Jax 😀

Yes, they hardly need any affection llfl, each to their own though, glad your friend was having a good day!
Funny day weather wise, sun this morning, cloud and sun later, cardi off, cardi on, the garden is liking it, had to get the hose out just now.
Daughter and grandchildren are calling over tomorrow for a short visit, my daughter is off to Vegas in two weeks, without the children, we’ve got a few dollars for her.
Quiet evening here, enjoy yours.

Good evening everyone, a lovely sunny day here but a surprisingly chilly wind - the three loads of washing dried beautifully!
Not a lot happening here, I have cleaned through the house and changed the beds so it’s reasonably tidy.
If it’s warm tomorrow I intend to sit outside, I have caught up with most of the gardening so I can sit back at enjoy it!
I hope you’re all having a peaceful weekend.

I’m glad your lunch was incident-free today LadyLFL

Hello all on a beautiful sunny afternoon. The drive to meet my (sometimes) difficult friend, was glorious. Mainly through lush countryside and little towns such as Lechlade. We had a delicious, angst free lunch. Meanwhile OH visited his bees who are doing well. I have to feed a friend’s fish tonight. Koi carp outside and tropical fish inside. Not my idea of a pet! Have a good evening.

Good evening dear Kitcheners. It’s been an absolutely glorious day here and another forecast for tomorrow,. We’ve been in the garden, also watching the steam trains and now just chilling watching the world go by. Piri piri chicken tonight.

Lovely painting Grandmabatty. Good luck with the doggy portrait Soop.

Grandmabatty Super! Pop over to my studio please. I am fighting a losing battle with my first attempt at painting a French Bulldog in water colours.

It's par for the course. Before I cut off an ear Van Gogh style, I shall re-sketch and carry on regardless.

I've added a happy wee accident mixed media piece, acrylic and pastel. I was playing around with colour for the big Georgia O'Keeffe inspired painting and this came. Pleasantly surprised by how much I like it.

Evening all!
We got lots done in the garden this morning, then it was school run, swimming, gymnastics, youth club with a picnic tea in the park in between. They are finally asleep, with the granddog on DGD’s bed 😊. Once they have been collected tomorrow, more gardening, with a side order of washing and ironing. And a rugby match to watch …
Glad to hear of lots of DGC being visited, holidays taken or planned and clothes bought in expectation.
Sleep tight everyone 😴

I hope that you are enjoying a glass or two of wine Brook. You deserve it. Grannygravy I have just spent a fortune on holiday clothes. I haven't been abroad since before the pandemic so I'm due a splurge. Two pairs of matching boots mean you are set up for next winter!

Glad you’re home safe and sound Grannmarie, I have enjoyed hearing about your holidays and the lovely pics. Glad you’re safely home too LadyLFL, that motorway journey can be so tough m hope you’re resting now. Good that your mother is brighter today Grandmabatty. Have a restful evening Brook and enjoy your glass of wine.

Good to hear better news from your mum grandmabatty hoping she continues to improve
SiL and DD1 are both back home now so I can breathe a sigh of relief - I think there’s a glass of wine due later too 🍷
Pleased to hear you’re safely back home too Llfl and also grannmarie happy holiday memories made
Enjoy your evening out GG13

Hello everyone. I am back in the mothership. The motorway wasn’t too bad but full of lorries. OH was out when I got in and won’t be back until after 7 pm. I’ve posted our daughter’s birthday card (it is her and elder son’s birthday on Monday), made up the spare room, made up my room, had lunch and now I’m half asleep on the sofa. I’m sure we’re all thinking about Urms and her troubles.

Grandmabatty dont apologise we know you care, as does dear Urmstongran

Despite picking The Imp up at lunchtime I have managed to get all things on my to do list ticked off. Much to my embarrassment I found an unopened parcel which I had ordered in lockdown in the bottom of my wardrobe, surprise surprise a really good pair of black suede pixie boots, unfortunately they are exactly the same as the ones downstairs in the shoe cupboard. Do you think you could all look for my marbles please 🤣🤣🤣

Off out to the local Indian Restaurant this evening with DH, I think I shall be having a Tandoori King Prawn Dhansak with a glass or two of chilled white.

An early nightie night from me 🙋‍♀️

Welcome back Grannmarie and thank you for your photo’s.
Let’s hope Yia this one is sound.
Up and down like the proverbial Grandmabatty I hope your Mum now stabilisés up.
I agrée with you brook a kettle works for me!
A day of deliveries, grow bags this morning, Tesco this afternoon, it was sunny earlier, now we have drizzle.
I too have been in contact with Urms for some time, my thoughts are with them every day.
Have a pleasant evening all.