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

Hello kitchen people. It’s just after 7 am in Sydney! I had dinner with my ex sister in law and her partner last night before watching the 3rd place women’s football. They were looking after my 2-year old great nephew. Who knows when I’ll see him again! His parents won’t be going to the French wedding next month. My niece is expecting a second baby and having a dreadful time with sickness. My just married niece is hoping for babies soon but the remaining niece is having problems. Lots of baby talk. I am looking forward to flying home on Tuesday - back on Wednesday. I’ve had a lovely time but to quote Dorothy, ‘there is no place like home!’

Sunday afternoon greetings to our dear Granspals here in the kitchen. I am still playing catch-up. This week has taken me away from my usual routine.

The local funeral director visited us on Friday. He is such a lovely, smiley gentleman. We discussed what we wish to happen to us when we die. Simple private cremation (no mourners). Simple service in the village kirk. No black. Donations to charity instead of floral tributes. He said..."I would wish something similar for myself". We had a blether, laughed a lot, he enjoyed the coffee and went away with a packet. All very satisfactory.

We watched the Lionesses and wished for a successful outcome. Sadly, it was not to be. Such energy, skill and determination. I was totally exhausted by the time the final whistle blew.

A warm welcome to our new Kitcheners.

There are many beautiful photographs for which I thank you.

My love to all of you with a health issues. My best wishes to all our pals enjoying a well deserved break.

I shall raise a glass of cheer to you lovely lot as the clock strikes 8:30.

Grandmabatty it’s not the normal way our friends visit, but was rather lovely and will make a few future jokes.
Enjoy your last few days llfl and have a safe uneventful journey home.
Fingers crossed it’s dry on the Scottish isles for brook and Scapal.
A pottering day in the breezy sunny intervals, some weeding and watering.
I am cooking tonight, a chicken crown with veg, no luck in the pub meat draw, I did give away four cucumbers, perhaps I should donate a veg prize? Some might not buy tickets in case they won it!!
Enjoy your evening.

Jaxjacky a lovely treat for you both! And for your friends too. Good evening Kitcheners. I have had such a lazy day! I made roast butternut squash and sweet potato soup which tastes very nice. I did a very small ironing and I've run the dishwasher twice, so no mess around. I have dinner on- potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower cheese and gammon - and I'm having a glass of wine. Deconstructed Eton mess afterwards. I will raise a glass to you too, Soop. Have a good evening Kitcheners

We have had a lovely sunny day here in Stockport.
I haven’t ventured out as I haven’t been 100% for the last two days.
Very weary and rather depressed.
I must accept it is old age creeping up faster than I like.
My friend across the road is back from her holiday and has been very attentive after my not being in touch for a few days previously.
She now has her scooter and is very anxious for us to be whizzing round the park together, I have said I will go tomorrow.
She is also very keen to book a few days away in October.
I have to make my mind up.
I decided last time out that I no longer want to travel on a motorway with her.
I am thinking of all of you who aren’t well or are looking after loved ones.
Have the best evening you can everyone.

Sorry to hear that ann I think we all have days when we dwell on our age and how things change, hopefully tomorrow you’ll have a cheerier day.
Would two scooters fit in her car? If not it may be a good excuse not to go, or is there somewhere that avoids that particular motorway?
May you find a small chink of happiness this evening 💐.

Good evening dear Kitcheners. I had a bad night with neck and shoulder pain so didn’t feel up to much today. It’s been quite warm and sunny. After a brunch of bacon rolls and mugs of tea MrB took me for a drive to Fleetwood. Sitting in the warm sunshine and looking at the sea was so soothing. We have just had parsnip and carrot soup with wholemeal rolls. I’m now feeling warm and sleepy, an early night for me. Goodnight, TOYA

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Evening all, now in Orkney my favorite place after an uneventful journey. Crossing was flat calm. A couple of photos hopefully of sailing past the Old Man of Hoy and then arriving at Stromness. Weather forecast not great unfortunately but never mind.

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Such gorgeous pictures Scapa enjoy your holiday on Orkney
We also watched the lionesses this morning soop, willing them on to win but sadly not to be. We went out afterwards and enjoyed another longish coastal walk to the Gearrannan Blackhouse village. Some of the houses are used as holiday accommodation now but they still look quite authentic. The weather has been sunny today but tomorrow probably not.
Pleased you enjoyed Fleetwood Blossoming, it’s always good to sit and look at the sea
Both your dinners sound lovely Jax and grandmabatty, we’ve just had tagliatelle with carbonara sauce and a bit of salad and sat looking out of the big windows to the view beyond
Hope your outing tomorrow goes ok ann, take care sending 💐

I truly hope the holidaymakers are enjoying.
My SiL visited Orkney many times after her H died to visit her family members and came to love it.
She was visiting well into her 80s.
I have had a very nice mushroom omelette and two glasses of red and aftr a quick tidy of the kitchen will be off to bed.
My GD is out with a friend and will be late in.

‘Evening All’.

Just that really. My occasional dipping of a toe in the water.
I do read your posts every night. You are such a supportive and kind bunch of folk.

I miss how I used to be. Carefree and suchlike. Life can indeed turn on a sixpence.

Best wishes to you all from me.
x

How lovely to see photos of Orkney. I used to live in Thurso, many moons ago, and if you couldn’t see Orkney, you knew the weather was bad! Loved the lamb in your photo, Brook. I think he’s saying ‘Oi! Gerroff of moi land!’.
I’m glad MrC is reassured, Cornergran and hope he’s continuing to make progress.
Great photo of your family Yia!
Your holiday has flown by, LLFL! Safe trip home.
Annsixty. I think you need to do what you are comfortable with, not what makes your friend happy.
Soop thank again for making this such a warm place to be.

Like others, we’ve had a pottering day today as well. We went to a small garden centre which, much to our delight also had two cats to amuse us! One in particular followed us round and completely distracted us from our task. I bought some pink potentilla and some small lavender Munsteads.

Then to Tesco for a few bits and bobs and finally home, where I planted the things I’d bought and also a honeysuckle that’s been in a pot for a while. I have had some raised beds made (about 15cm high) and I can see I’m going to enjoy filling them.

We have yet more health worries in the family (not my ds, who seems to be doing well) and two friends have recently died, one only 50yo. Another friend is awaiting test results and sometimes it all seems too much. I’m trying to keep my chin up, though and count my blessings. We’ve been in our new home a year now and seeing all my GC, near and far, growing up is a sheer delight. 😍

TOYA. Xxx

Sounds like a good day SueD - we pottered yesterday and were pleased with what we achieved. The children have been with us since 2pm and have very good. We BBQed and then taught them Rummikub which I had delivered by the big river yesterday. They have got the idea and beat me! (Although most of my time was spent helping them!)
We have the granddog too, who needs a walk tomorrow. Tuesday we have two visits to DS’s (DGC’s home) to let the 5 granddogs there out and check on the puppies. I feel a little bit put upon there …
soop you sound very organised - the here and now is keeping us busy, let alone planning for the future.
Urms thank you for popping in. You are both in my thoughts.
I suppose I should be in bed, instead of watching the football!
NNGB 💤

Good to see you urms. You, your husband and family are never far from my thoughts . Sleep tight. Xx

Sorry life has seemed hard going ann, hope the planned whizz around the park with your friend serves to lift your spirits. As for a holiday, well agree if you want to go, refuse if you don’t. I know it sounds more simple than it actually is, it would just be such a shame if you had a miserable week.

Goodnight everyone. Sleep well.

Good to see you in the kitchen Urms. You and all your family are never far from my thoughts. It seems the whole kitchen are supporting you. 💐

Pleased to see you here again Urmstongran, I often think of you, your husband & family. Take care of each other.

Warm thoughts for all in soop's friendly kitchen.

Kind and uplifting thoughts to Urmstongran and all her family.
So thoughtful of you to keep popping in.
We all know how hard life is for you.

Love and prayers Urms x

Lovely to see you here Urms sending much love ❤️

Urms Please may I add my love to the long list of messages from this lovely lot. You are a very special person.

ann The whiz around the park together with you friend may be fun. Think long and hard before committing to a holiday.

Nannytopsy Both Mr Soop and I have no qualms regarding "the future". We simply want a no fuss send-off.

Sue Our kitchen is what it is thanks to all the special Granspals who frequent it.

Scapal and brook thank you for sharing your delightful photographs.

A very pleasant gentleman has visited with a special box and a bracelet that will enable me to summon assistance in the event of a fall should Mr Soop be elsewhere. It's a comfort to know that I will have back-up.

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Well it’s definitely a wild and windy day here on Lewis. But we’ve ventured out and saw quite a few interesting things, the Callanish standing stones, the Carloway Broch, the Norse Mill and Kiln and the Arnol Blackhouse, all within a 30 minute drive from here. No walks today though as it’s just too windy and wet. So we’re back at our cottage and going to eat early and sit and look at the view. There’s a jacuzzi bath here too so I might just sit in there for a while and relax
Good that you’ve got a means of summoning assistance if needed soop, my mum had something similar and it gave her peace of mind.
Enjoy being busy and helping out nannytopsy, I’m sure it’s much appreciated. I always like to feel useful although I’m not needed much these days but wish I was!
Hoping llfl is well on her journey now
cornergran hope Mr C is behaving!
Sending ❤️ to Urms and her DH

Ooft Kitcheners. It's been a challenging day. Dgs2, not quite two, is fully in the toddler tantrums stage. Screaming lots if he doesn't get his way, throwing things, arching his back etc. He was very hard work earlier. Most of the time, he's a sunny wee soul and chats away but when he's bad... We dropped off dgs1 at nursery then walked to Aldi. Once home, we walked to the swings, then back to play in the garden then another walk. He played with some playdough for the first time and wasn't terribly impressed. We read lots of books. Anyway, both boys are back home, I'm back in my home and I'll shortly visit mum. Gammon salad for dinner later. Have a good evening Kitcheners

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Over the Churchhill barriers today to the Italian chapel then St Margaret’s Hope. The chapel is such a calming place and such a n amazing piece of work by the Italian prisoners of war. The shipwrecks in Scapa Flow are getting smaller and smaller with time.

Sounds like a busy day grandmabatty hope your mum is ok this evening and you get a good rest later. I remember those toddler tantrums well, hard work at the best of times but quickly over - thank goodness!
Lovely pictures Scapa enjoy your time away

Thank you for your message, Urmston, like others I think of you every day now you are a member of the club none of us wanted to join. You can only do the best you can, and it is so, so hard. I wonder how the GC are coping? Probably better than the grown ups.

Sensible * Soop*, planning for the future. As my dear MiL used to point out, you don’t die a day earlier because you put your affairs in order and you make life much easier for the people you love. Reminds me I must redo my will.

Dear ann, don’t be bullied into anything you don’t want to do - some people are amazingly self-centred.