Soop's kitchen for kindly folk.

Oh my... So much to catch up on. I'm trying to think what I've been doing.... Sunday was a catch up day I think... Lots of gardening done...DOH assembled the new water feature ( a slight mishap resulted in a few choice words but we are hoping that it will still work...I remained resolutely in a border with my head down until things had calmed down). I was full of good intentions to cook but we ended up with a Chinese take away.
Monday ...I hurt ( and still do)...but there was a big shop to do (very low on dog food ...not good). I did manage to pick up a very pretty garden spinner in amongst chicken...new pots....and wine!!!!
I thought about not going to the new individual water exercise class but thought it might ease things up a bit. It's not one to one but we all have exercises specific to us so one person may be marching up and down while another like me was attempting to climb up the side of the pool. Tuesday I felt really off colour...my friend who got married invited me over for coffee.. But I felt so grotty when I got back I went to bed and stayed there until late afternoon. My IBS has reacted as normal to stress so today will probably be an at home day. I've done all the washing and ironing but should go to church and tidy up the flowers. We'll see how things go. There is to be a parish BBQ on Saturday and we are doing the catering so I really hope I feel ok soon.
Yia.. I'm so glad the survey has come back ok. Fingers crossed it all goes quickly now. You have every right to be a proud Yia...a lovely picture
Happy travels SueD and Brooke
Blossoming...I hope the new meds are helping.
GrandmaB ...I think I'd have had more than one gin to get over the days you having..maybe you could think about having a holiday to give you some restorative time.
Corner...my heart sank when I heard on the radio about the doctors strikes and the timing of them.
Jax ..nice news about your win...I didn't get anything this month.
LLFL...I hope your spirits are lifted by your visit to the beach...I love them at all times of the year and a visit to a craft centre is a must if there is one locally.
Ann... What a horrible thing to happen I'm glad you are starting to get better now ready for your hols. Maybe your neighbour is just panicky in case she thinks you may cancel going next week... I'm hoping it's that as the last thing you need is to have spend time with someone who is unsympathetic!!!!! I hope GD enjoys her trip away.
I loved how you all commented on the flowers and my outfit. It was like having lots of sisters ( which in a way we are) sharing my day.

Thank you to all of you for the support and kindness over the news of my sisters death. The funeral is going to be at the beginning of August. If I go I will sit in the balcony area to avoid any confrontations that might occur. I'm quite nervous about the whole thing but have told DOH him being there would probably provoke things so better that he doesn't come.
It's a big debate on how soon to pack for a trip away in our house. Prior to our first holiday away DOH mentioned getting packed a week before we were going...I must have looked aghast but not wanting to hurt his feelings said well we could make a list. It all went a bit downhill from there as he had 7 of everything on his ... Having had 4 children this would have equated to 28 pairs of knickers, socks,dresses etc in the past so my strategy has always been 3 ...one wear ..one drying..one spare. Also I don't pack until the day before....BUT... everything is washed and ironed and ready to be selected to take away. ( All the bedding is changed too). Bless him..the shock of only taking 3 of everything was further compounded by there being not even a sight of a suitcase until 12 hours before we were due to go. Such is love though...he didn't say a thing....just twitched a bit.

What a lovely chatty post neine, you really do have a way with words and it’s good to catch up with all your news
I’ve just arrived here at Inverness airport and sat in the lounge with a coffee. Thank you all for your kind wishes. The flight appears to be on time, I’m keeping an eye on the Easyjet flight tracker Fingers crossed onward train is ok too. We’ve light rain here now and my hay fever is really playing up - I’m hoping it’ll be a bit better behaved in Cambridge
Can’t wait to see my Cambridge family, the two DGSs are 6 and 8 now and growing up much too fast!
Good to grow your own produce Jax, well done you

A sad start to our day. Yet another good friend, who lives in our wee village, has died. His daughter is now facing her forthcoming cancer surgery without his support.

I continue to wait for the computer replacement. In the meantime, there is the consolation of Wimbledon.

My love to you all.

I’m so sorry, Soop. What terrible sadness. . Hope that computer is soon resident in your house!

Lots of news from you, Neine! 👍

Hope you’re almost at your destination, Brooke.

I’m at my ds’s, the children are playing Junior Monoply and arguing about who’s cheating. 😂 The sun is out but it’s not too hot, just pleasantly warm. Tomorrow I’m going to buy some secateurs and attack the garden here.

Good evening dear Kitcheners. This has not been a good day. I have learned of the death of a friend and fellow brain injury survivor, this has hit me hard, I will miss his wit and wisdom. This is the second of my ‘brain gang’ friends to die this year. I have also learned a family member has been diagnosed with cancer. She is a young mother of two children, this feels so cruel.

Tomorrow MrB is taking me away, it’s my birthday and will be a busy weekend. Not really feeling celebratory at the moment. I’m not fit company right now, I may be offline for a while.

Look after yourselves and your loved ones, they are so easily snatched away.

Such sad news again Soop.
We had a good final day of our holiday. We went to Aberdovey for the day. It was damp and chilly again but we walked on the beach, ate delicious ice cream and had a pub lunch. OH is now watching Wimbledon while I make a start on packing. I think we’ll have sandwiches for dinner and maybe some fudge! I am looking forward to being home tomorrow - I’ve enjoyed our holiday but I love being at home. I’m also looking forward to Saturday. I’m meeting younger son in London and we’re going to see the Georgian exhibition at the Queen’s Gallery. Have a good evening.

Good afternoon, Soop and lovely Kitchen people.
Dear Soop, I am so sorry to hear about your dear friend. Thinking of you, and of his poor daughter. 💕🙏
Neine, I laughed out loud about your DOH 'twitching ', true love finds a way to compromise! I hope you are feeling a bit better now. Just a thought, is your sister's funeral being live streamed by her church? Maybe that would be a possible alternative for you? Hope I haven't caused offence.
Brook, I can feel your excitement at going to see your Cambridge family, safe journey and have a wonderful family time.
SueD, enjoy visiting your family, and the good weather. It's been another showery day here, but Granddog and I have been out for 4 wee walks so far.
Grandmabatty, not long till your family holiday now, I'm sure youre looking forward to it. We had a wonderful time there in May, can certainly recommend.
Annsixty, I hope your pain is easing and you can enjoy your holiday in Llandudno. Good to know you have your mobility scooter arranged.
DH bit the bullet and bought a new lightweight folding one, it's like a wee transformer, folds/ opens by remote control. Much easier for getting in and out the car.
Jaxjacky, your produce looks so fresh, perfect specimens, well done you!
DiL1 gave me lovely courgettes and salad leaves from her raised beds, DS1 built them last year so this is their first results, lovely.
I had another physio appointment for my wonky knee yesterday. It is still swollen and sore at times but I can still get about, slowly. I have some new exercises to add to my wee routine, but on alternate days now because I am doing the dog walking. 🚶 🐕 It's a good job he's an old boy now and has slowed down considerably, cos I certainly have!
Wishing happy holidays to all on their travels, sending love and prayers to those with illness, worries or sorrow.
TOYA

Blossoming, crossed posts, so sorry to hear about your dear friend. 💕💐
Ladyleftfieldlover, I've enjoyed hearing about your holiday, and the beach photos. It's great to have a change of scene, but there really is no place like home.

Blossoming I can sense this combination of such very sad news has hit you hard, take your time, I hope you have a gentle birthday.
Are we there yet brook? Have the best time with the youngsters. You too SueD you sound content.
More sad news soop I’m sorry to her it.
Safe journey home llfl it is good to get back.
I picked Imogen up from her taster day at college earlier, she really liked it, Criminology and Psychology are her A level choices thus far. She doesn’t go until September 2024, things may change.
Fish and chips from the chippy tonight, it’ll be what is now a rare treat.
Enjoy your evening all.

It’s such a blow to lose friends, Blossoming

I forgot to mention earlier, ds1 took his last chemo medication yesterday. He has tests at the end of the month to see if all the treatment has done its job. It’s been a long nine months, that’s for sure.

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202307/medium-243487-f94d6728-adee-47a4-b561-3cf125026aa0.jpeg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202307/medium-548185-12fc1e9b-907b-42e4-a741-6c22012cb90d.jpeg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202307/medium-948808-120ec300-c899-43e0-b4cf-3f102b3c3f56.jpeg

Final photos of our hols - Aberdovey today:

Sorry soop my condolences 💐💐💐

As usual, I have no chance of keeping up with all your news. 😘🙋‍♀️

Soop and Blossominglosing a friend hurts very much. You both have my sympathies. Ladyleftfieldlover lovely photos. Aberdovey isn't a place I have been but it looks very nice. Suedonim I will keep my fingers crossed for your son. Grannmarie thank you for your good wishes. I'm looking forward to sunshine and warmth. I hate flying so I have that to endure though. I hope your knee improves quickly. Brook enjoy being with your family. They grow up so quickly. Naughtie you are very funny.
I picked up new clothes for my holidays. Normally I'm a Greek widow kind of gal - black and more black- but I have gone colourful for these holidays. Lime green, pink, turquoise etc. You'll certainly see me coming!
This afternoon I visited a friend and we blethered for hours.
Tonight will be a quiet one. Have a good evening Kitcheners.

So sorry to hear such sad news soop and blossoming
Sending you both gentle hugs and much ❤️

Such sadness for you soop and blossoming. I’m so sorry .

Advance birthday wishes blossoming, understand your mixed feelings. Hope all goes well.

Those options took us back over 60 years ladylfl. It’s that long since we were at Aberdovey. Where does time go?

Thank you for remembering Mr C neine. There has been no official cancellation but like you we can’t see how surgery can go ahead. I’m going to ignore firm instructions from the admissions folk not to phone the hospital and try to call them tomorrow. Sometimes there are insufficient staff to answer the phones. We just need to know one way or the other. Advice is to stay away from folk for two weeks prior to surgery. Frustrating to have to repeat - again. .

Happy holidays to those setting out, welcome home to those returning.

Have a peaceful evening everyone.

Lots of sad news on here tonight.Thinking of you all.💐
Nice post Neine you always make me smile.
Have a good flight Brooke enjoy those GS’s.
I agree with driving the stretch limo about town Charliegirl. It seems GS’s road was the widest for the limo so they all met outside.
We are going to have a few days away next week a couple of days near Chatsworth then,the weekend with DS2.The stress is taking it’s toll so will be good to have a break.
We went to the celebration of our dear friends life this afternoon.It was very emotional but so lovely to see so many of her friends and family.A wonderful tribute to her.
Have a lovely evening all sleep well.

I hope you can enjoy your birthday tomorrow blossoming , a sad time for you at the moment so please take care.
It must be so frustrating not knowing and worrying for you both corner, I hope you can get some reassurance from the hospital tomorrow
I’m all settled here in Cambridge now, a nice and easy journey and DD1 and my two gorgeous DGSs picked me up from the train station earlier. I’ve had a delicious dinner and just come through to my bedroom

Imogen sounds like a really clever girl Jax, well done to her
Keeping everything crossed for your DS SueD, hopefully it’ll be good news after the tests are done

So sorry to hear of more sad news for Soop and Blossoming. It does seem to come in waves as we get older, doesn’t it? Hope the house news continues promising, Yia, such a wearing business.

I have had an expensive day - car serviced, MOT and two new tyres, plus insuring it for two weeks for DGD1 and her school experience. Not quite bread and water for the rest of the month but painful nevertheless. Lucky to be able to do it.

So sorry soop and Blossoming*.

corner at this rate you and Mr C will be staying away from everybody except immediate family until Christmas.

I received my car insurance quote for the next 12 months and wondered if I was buying a car or shares in the company. I have never claimed but I suppose my age is against me.

I watched Andy Murray this evening and I do hope he continues at the same high standard tomorrow. They are very evenly matched. It is good enough for a final.

Morning, I hope you get some positive information today corner.

Charleygirl I've just received my car insurance quote too. Up over £100 a year. And I haven't claimed in years either. It's disgraceful

Sadness for soop & Blossoming, my condolences to you both.

It's much warmer here in East Anglia today & still extremely dry. Our garden is parched.

Blossoming, I hope you are able to have a good day out, thinking of you & sending all best wishes for your birthday.

Enjoy your family time in Cambridge brook.

Warm thoughts for all in the kitchen.

Thank you all for your words of comfort. I am feeling very low and have no wish to bring more sadness into our kitchen. You are all very special Granspals.

soop sending ❤️

Soop and Blossoming... Sometimes words just don't convey the depth of feeling that is shared by us all when sadness hits one of us..( or two today). Blossoming celebrate all that is good today if you can.... That's what your friend would have wanted...raise a glass to him and tell him you will continue the journey you have both stared with his memory close by as you do. Xx