Soop's kitchen for kindly folk.

Afternoon everyone.It started chilly and cloudy here but now very warm.
Get well soon Neine.
Hope you’re enjoying Derbyshire Ann my DS2 lives very near Chatsworth House, the country side around is lovely.
My GS number 2 is in Canada this week with his school.Sounds like they are having a great time what a wonderful experience for him.
Not much property around this week a ground floor apartment to view tomorrow.We will see.
Have a nice evening all,enjoy the sunshine if you have it.
Thinking of the Urms🌻

Good afternoon, Soop and lovely Kitchen people! 🥰

Neine, so sorry to hear that you are in pain, I hope tomorrow's treatment helps. I now have an appointment for physio for my wonky knee!( I injured it around Easter, still on daily pain relief..🤞physio helps.)

Soop, what a beautiful pet portrait, so lifelike, big soulful eyes. I'm sure your sister will give it pride of place.

Shazza, many congratulations on the birth of your baby grandson, such happy news!

Grandmabatty, I hope you are well, and your wee 'wounded sojer' recovers quickly. Sorry to hear about your DD'S ear, I'm sure antibiotics will sort it in good time for your holiday.

I had a lovely day out yesterday with DDIL2 and wee DGS2. We started off at his ' Young Explorers ' class, where the theme was The Coastguard...there was a child sized rescue dinghy with wee life jackets, and lots of sand and water play. He loved it! The class is at a local farm park so afterwards we walked around to see all the animals, including ostriches! A nice lunch then a stop off at the play park on our way home, then we had the paddling pool out in their garden. Tiring , my leg was throbbing, but so glad to enjoy time with them.

Annsixty, enjoy your break with your friend, it sounds beautiful.

Nannytopsy, enjoy your break, the boat trip sounds great. We love a wee sail too.⛵

Hello 👋 Jaxjacky, I'm sure your daughter will be having a ball in Las Vegas, there is so much to see and do. We were there for DSis 2's 50th some years ago, and returned just before the Icelandic Ash cloud grounded the flights.

Brook, I'm glad you've escaped jury duty especially on the nicest week of the year so far! Too nice to be indoors.

I've been knitting in the sunny garden, procrastinating actually because I must return to my 'Photobook Challenge' which is consuming hours at a time, but it is a labour of love. ❤️ I was organising DS1 's christening photos from 50 years ago, and I was transported down Memory Lane, reminiscing about my dear parents, who were younger then than I am now. My grandparents are in those photos, and also our family dog...I must be more focused on maki g digital copies and choosing the best selection possible...

Thinking of *Urms and her DH*💕🙏

TOYA

soop, No,sorry, I don't have direct contact with Urmstongran just now. I know that some other friends on here, (& on the Good Morning thread), are in touch, & keeping the rest of us "in-the-loop". I join the many well-wishers in hoping for successful treatment for Mr.Urms.

Warm thoughts for all in this friendly kitchen.

I'm out of sorts today...woke up hurting what send like pain everywhere but in essence was the dreaded hamstring ... Right knee and left hand. It was so grotty I had take the strong meds which have made feel sick and weary. I was supposed to be helping at the community cafe today...I made the soup yesterday (Delia's old fashioned Summer Soup) but still had the roulade to make...It all felt uphill .. I've had to force myself to do things as all I really want to do is lay down. Grrrr. I've made an appointment to get a massage and electro therapy tomorrow so fingers crossed it will pass soon. Sorry to moan.

Good afternoon kitcheners. Soop I might be persuaded to have a paddle, however the weather has turned here and has been cloudy with a cool breeze all day. So the pool lives to be splashed in another day.
Talking about splashing, my outside tap got stuck full on this morning when I was attempting to water my garden. I could not turn the bloomin thing off as much as I tried. So I had to call on the help of my 80 odd year old Neighbour who came with his trusty thing to turn taps off and had it sorted in a jiffy. The humiliation. I was also absolutely soaked right down to my shoes which seemed to grow in size. The stones and the bins got a healthy soak though. Dd has a nasty ear infection and a ruptured eardrum again which came on in the middle of the night, poor thing. She's hoping it heals before our holiday in July. I made a large pot of leek and potato soup this morning and I'm roasting chicken breasts to make chicken Caesar salad later, if anyone fancies it. I also over ordered potatoes so I'll make a potato salad too. Have a good afternoon kitcheners.

We went into the harbour village of Tarbert to post my sister's pet portrait. I was able to make use of my stroller because the pavements are beautifully well maintained. The village has a long and attractive walkway beside the harbour. We sat and watched plenty of boating activity. There is a gentleman who tends the troughs of flowers...many wild. It is a drive of about 25 mins from our home. I also treated myself to a new Val McDermid who done it novel.

Are you lovely lot dropping by and secretly adding to my pile of ironing? Are you sure? Are well, back to the ironing board. Keeps me out of mischief.

Thank you for your kind comments.

gillgran Do you have further news of Urmstongran and her dear husband?

Nannytopsy Hmm, a nice pub with good food in the charming location of Norfolk. Sounds heavenly. You can have some of our scorching sunshine if I can persuade it to travel south.

Grandmabatty I'm willing to bet that the paddling pool will cheer the boys no end. Will you have a splash around? Mr Soop had a very brief leap about on a trampoline-style thingy in the play area in Tarbert. It scared me witless. I was concerned that he might take a tumble.

annsixty When I read that you and your friend are enjoying a deserved wee treat in the beautiful county of Derbyshire, I could sense how relaxed you were feeling. Continue to relish every moment.

Morning! It’s very early for me. We are in North Norfolk for a short break. Nice pub with good food! We went on it to Blakeney Point yesterday on a boat trip to see seals which was great fun. More exciting for my inner birdwatcher were the Little Terns! Home later today.
Glad you are enjoying your trip ann - we love that part of Derbyshire.
Unlike you Scots, we have had heavy cloud, cool winds and even rain. It always happens to us!
Hope everyone has a good day.

A really lovely portrait, soop, you certainly are talented, I'm sure your sister will be delighted.

I've been thinking of Urmstongran & her husband today.

Good for you brook that your time in court was short..!!

Hope you’re having a lovely time ann.
What a disappointment neine, I’m sure there’s a holiday waiting for you, get those fingers searching.
You showed willing brook!
I hope that’s a large cool drink Grandmabatty, paddling pool is a great idea.
We were back to ‘middling’ at quiz, I’ll blame our absent team member.
Hear from my daughter in Las Vegas, just briefly, as it should be, next communication I hope will be when they’re boarding to come back.
A quiet admin and garden day.
Thoughts are with Urms and her husband as he starts his chemo.
Enjoy your evening.

What a lovely picture soop - such a cute little doggy face!
Another gorgeous sunny day here, I spent the morning at Court but thankfully I wasn’t needed to be a juror as none of the reserves were needed. So we were all free to go after a couple of hours - a lucky escape
We picked up DGD from school, took her to her dance class and have now just dropped her off at choir - she’s not staying over tonight so it’s a free evening for us 🍷
Sounds like you’ve had a busy day grandmabatty, hope dgs2 is feeling better soon, I bet the paddling pool will help!
Hope you get another holiday sorted neine so you can look forward to it 😎

Soop that's a lovely photo of the dog. I'm sure your sister will love it too. Ladyleftfieldlover I'm a bit scared to mention the summer word! May and June often can be glorious on Scotland while July and August can be a wash out. Today has been just glorious. I had both boys all day, neither of whom are well. We were in the garden for a while this morning then both napped. Dgs2 slept for two and a half hours. After lunch we walked to the swings then had an ice lolly in the garden shade then back inside. Dgs1 is much improved but dgs2 is not himself, compounded by falling off the couch and he burst his lip. I've dropped them off home and I'm sitting having a cool drink before I tidy the garden then make dinner. The last of the gammon with new potatoes and salad. I ordered a paddling pool from Argos which will be delivered tonight. Have a good evening Kitcheners.

Hello soop. What a beautiful painting!
I spent most of the morning doing WI admin and there’s more to do. We have four new members so lists have to be updated and their details put on the national data base. Waitrose for me this afternoon while OH watered the garden. He has a committee meeting tonight so I’ll watch television. It’s OH’s turn to cook dinner so I think it will involve a selection of Chinese ready meals. Have a good evening people - do we think summer is just around the corner? Our roses are looking good.

Ta da! Finished portrait numero 3 (without having to discard and start over and over again).

Here it is. It will need packing carefully and posting tomorrow.

Haven't yet read all your latest messages. Will do so after an hour or so of ironing.

I'm very late to the opening of our new kitchen which is so welcoming... I've put some smoked mackerel pate and crusty bread on the side for anyone wanting an early lunch. Sending lots of love and prayers to Urms and Mr Urms today and hoping all gifts as well as possible today.
Glad your tummy has settled Blossoming and that little ones that are poorly feel better soon. Fingers crossed maybe this week Yia you will find your new home and be able to go to Greece later in the year.
Good Luck Brooke ..I hope it's not too taxing or unpleasant.
Ann .. Have a lovely time...it will do you so much good to be out and about enjoying our beautiful country..in the sun too.
GrandmaB.... Content is a very good word... I'm feeling it too.
Well the deed is done...I am the (not proud)owner of a new swimsuit. I decided to go straight to M and S on the premise that their underwear always suits me so hopefully swimwear with be the same. I went with a positive approach and picked up a selection of suitable ones (it's only going to be used for aqua aerobics and swimming as I haven't given up wearing a bikini yet (I can hear the gasps from every corner of the UK) . Anyway there was a bit of a nasty moment when I thought someone else was in the cubicle with me and I was thinking..well a bit of startching and ironing is needed there my girl...until I turned round and found out it was my reflection. Honestly you would think that we ask the profits M and S make they could put in a more flattering mirror in their changing rooms. DOH got a bit of a glint in his eye when I modelled it so it can't look too bad or maybe Love is blind.
I've been in the garden constantly... Every possible moment...planting....dead heading...and replanting as quick as I put them in Finlay whips them out again. He is the sweetest naughtiest pup. I watered everything early this morning including the paths which were still slightly wet when I sat down for a cup of tea in what we call the morning coffee area. I popped on a new strappy top today in a dove grey colour ...it now sports very fetching paw prints all over it as Fin decided he needed a cuddle and jumped straight onto my lap (first time). Its ok tho as I've got matching sets of prints over my shorts and down my legs too. !!!!
Soop...I loved the picture of the dog...what a face. Your garden is a testament to all the hard work you and Mr Soop have and do put in. I hope all is well with the blood tests. Did anyone else enlarge the pictures of the glorious gardens that have been posted to try and identify the plants?
We had to cancel our holiday as Easy Jet overcooked the hotel and the alternative wasn't nice. Mind you I think we had a lucky escape all round as apparently the original hotel had a pub in the basement!!! Not my idea of a holiday abroad so it's back to the drawing board.

How nice, a great new kitchen, & so many of you gathered already.

Enjoy your time in Derbyshire, annsixty, it sounds lovely.

Your latest pet portrait seems to be going well, soop, well done.

Warm thoughts for you all.

Enjoy Derbyshire ann so pleased you’ve got chance to go away for a couple of days and make the most of this beautiful weather
A gorgeous sunny day here - as good as it gets really. I’ve been busy in the garden then a quick pick up of the DGC from school and dropped them off home.
I’ve not been selected yet Jax but I’ve had a couple of phone calls today, apparently I’ve been selected as a reserve juror and I need to attend court in the morning 😳
Content is a lovely feeling grandmabatty I’d be happy with that too
Hi to Doodle 👋

Just popping in to say I am away in Derbyshire near Chatsworth for a couple of days with my friend across the road.
The weather is super but I just need to say how very Beautiful Derbyshire is looking, it is a veritable picture postcard everywhere you look.
I feel very lucky to still be able to do this.
I can see nothing but fields and some cows from my window.
I cant post photos from my phone, you will have to imagine just how lovely it is.

Sounds like you’re on a roll soop!
Glad your garden is nearly sitting and enjoying point topsy, worth the effort.
Content is a lovely place to be Grandmabatty.
I wonder if brook has been summoned to court? 🙂
I’ve put tiny parsnip seedlings into a tub, watered and been for a walk. Am currently ‘tracking’ my daughter who is off to Las Vegas for a holiday, without the children, but with a girlfriend who’s upgraded them. I hope they have the best time.
Early dinner of chicken as it’s quiz later.

Grandmabatty To feel content is a true gift.

I am delighted with the latest pet portrait. From the outset it was pleasing. I had a feeling in my water that it would be successful. Tomorrow I put it into a mount. I shall photograph it to show you lovely lot. On Wednesday, it will be posted.

It's beautiful here too Soop. Slightly breezy but oh so lovely. It sounds like the pet portrait is going very well. I have cleaned out the summer house of its spider webs and many dead spiders and insects. The door is wide open to let the air through. I'm chopping down a dead Hebe too, in between sitting under the parasol enjoying the weather. I had a lovely chat with my new neighbours across the road and was invited to see what they had done with the back garden. They've made a marvelous difference already. The previous owner was a lovely lady but was well in her 90s and found the garden difficult. I shall continue to potter in and out this afternoon, then a visit to mum before my ham salad for dinner. I'm very content today. Have a good afternoon kitcheners.

A gorgeous day in bonnie Kintyre. Not a whisper of a breeze. Hence the bloody midges are on the rampage. I love all creatures great and small...however, I loathe midges.

Had bloods taken. Blood pressure on the low side. Have gained a stone in three years. Nurse says that's nothing to be ashamed of. Will know whether any results will need further investigation at the end of the week.

I must return to the pet portrait. Dare I say that I am chuffed with the progress made There, I have said so. I shall pop in again later this afternoon.

Enjoy your day in the sunshine.

Hello all in the new kitchen, I don’t make it in much at the moment as life is a bit busy. Thought I’d just pop my head round the door to see if there’s any goodies I can eat to wish you all well. Glad to hear Sweetie Pie is still around Soop. Much love to you and MrS.
Take care all

Is your mum home, GMbatty? I hope she continues to improve.

It’s been a nice day here. Went to the GC with ds and family then we looked after the GC while the grown ups went into town for shopping. We took the GC to my DD’s and they played with her children, all running about the place and laughing maniacally! The baby was in seventh heaven with all these small people around him.

We then brought ds’s children home and they’re in bed now (but definitely not asleep to judge by the noise!) while ds and dil have gone out for a drive and walk somewhere. Tomorrow ds and dil are both away all day so we’re looking after the GC all day until 10pm.

TOYA! Xxx

That’s really good Jax well done to you - I bet your GP will be impressed!
A shame you can’t get over to Greece yet Yia but hopefully by staying home you’ll find your ideal property which must be out there somewhere…
It’s been another gorgeous day here, I’ve been busy in the garden, but my hay fever has been quite bad and I’ve struggled with sneezes, a blocked nose and itchy eyes 😞 … the antihistamines help a bit but make me quite sleepy in the evenings so I’ll be off to bed soon
I’ve been called for jury service next week but had to phone the helpline number earlier this evening to see if I was needed … a recorded message said not to attend but to wait for a phone call in the morning….. will see what tomorrow brings!
Hope your DGS and DD feel better soon grandmabatty
Take care all and have a lovely evening