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

We’re thinking of you too, Soop!
I prepared the dried fruit for the C cake today. It is now soaking overnight in rum. I was going to make peppermint ice cream but OH suggested visiting our nearby NT place. So we did. A look at the gardens, a visit to our favourite Burne Jones mural, and finally a cream tea. £5 each for two scones, jam, clotted cream and a pot of tea - Earl Grey for OH and English Breakfast for me. Back home and our gardener and her husband popped round to finish pruning the ceanothus which she started yesterday. Have a good evening. I hope Urms is over her birthday bug.

I think of you often Soop. Group hugs are the way to go. I have organised my will and poa so just waiting for the hard copy now. I chopped back my lavender plants and my garden bin smells amazing! I've left some plants for the bees still. This afternoon I met mums social worker who is of the view that mum will require nursing care and a nursing home is probably the best outcome. I'm very happy with this. So once we have a multi disciplinary meeting, I can think about that. In the meantime, I'll look on websites at possible homes. There's no point in involving my brother as he's not got the capacity to make decisions really. Anyway, I'm a lot happier than before as my fear was they would return her home. Tonight I'm having a glass of wine. Have a good evening Kitcheners

That’s good news grandmabatty I hope you can find a suitable place for your mum without too much hassle. Sounds like you’ve had a productive day with sorting out your will and poa too
I’ve had a busy but good day at the gym and then spent most of the afternoon recovering in Starbucks with my pal. I don’t think I’ll be doing much else this evening.
A bargain with the cream tea llfl 😀

Good evening, Soop and lovely Kitchen people, thank you for the group hug, lovely!

Well done for 'putting your affairs in order', Grandmabatty, I still have decisions to make on that subject. Good news about your Mum, that'll give you peace of mind. I hope you find a suitable place soon.

Sounds like Ladyleftfieldlover and Brook have both enjoyed nice days out, the afternoon tea certainly was a bargain!

I took my friend to the parish coffee morning, she made her way round all the tables, in her wheelchair, catching up with old friends. We had plenty of tea and home baking, a nice morning.

Later I popped round to my sister, she looks after her baby granddaughter on Wednesdays so it was lovely to see her and get some cuddles.

Best wishes to all who are celebrating or catching up with family and friends. Enjoy your meal, Annsixty.
Thinking of the Corners and the Urms', and all looking after loved ones.
TOYA

Hi all, hope you’re enjoying your meal ann.
Thanks for nudging me Grandmabatty I need to redo my POA as it was done some time ago, some peace of mind regarding your Mum too.
A rather wasted day awaiting an Amazon delivery of my low alcohol shandy, MrJ took over while I got a quick walk in. I then took my son’s partner to get her toenails gelled, a deliberately late birthday present and ready for their holiday.
It’s chilly now, as it was first thing, autumn is looming, but from Saturday we may get some warmth.
Thoughts with Urms and himself, Mr&Mrscorner too.

A lovely evening enjoyed by all 6 of us.
Met the partner of my friend’s sister for the first time.
An absolutely lovely young man, really into sport of every kind and obviously has a very good job.
The sort I would like as my SiL or Gsi L.
The meal was delicious but rather overpriced I felt as most eating out is now.
I am enjoying a cup of tea in bed and counting my many, many blessings.
Have the best night you can everyone and a special thought for the poorlies and their loved ones.

Phew! The summer activities are finally finished! Tonight was the garden club summer show ( my job!) and I am relieved that it’s over for another year.
I won two classes, including the photo class - “My favourite corner of the garden” . What with family, WI, PCC and village events it has been a very busy few months.
I have clearly spent too long with “you lot” as I now have my first ever UTI. 😠 Antibiotics obtained.
We go on holiday on Monday - ironing and packing to get on with. And the gardener is coming at 9 am! 😱
Delighted to hear your news yiayia - best wishes for your move!
TOYA

Hello everyone. Pleased to report Mr C is much stronger, is coming to much better terms with the inevitable not so good days while continuing to make friends with his inner tortoise. I’ve banned the ‘this is where you should be at week xxx’ booklets along with the hare. Recovery will take the time it takes.

Yesterdays challenge was sorting an emergency dental appointment. Mr C managed to dislodge a crown, fortunately retaining it. Phew. Our dentist was remarkably unhelpful, our former daughter in law recommended hers. I phoned with crossed fingers and was met with much kindness, understanding - and an appointment for lunch time today. The dentist will assess whether antibiotics are needed, not now mandatory post cardiac surgery but rather assessed on a case by case basis. Always something .

We’re doing OK. I do get tired but then why wouldn’t I? Family have us both under a remote microscope via technology. Distance means they struggle to visit as often as they’d like. Neighbours offer help, it often makes me smile as many are quite frail but still offer. We’re very fortunate

That’s a very pretty corner of your garden nannytopsy. Your young garden clearers sound to have been very enthusiastic ann, they sound great fun if rather indiscriminate. Pleased you enjoyed the meal.

Our POA’s were finally completed last year, I found them hard to do, although Wills seemed easy. Strange eh? You sound relieved about your Mum grandmab, good to hear she will be cared for appropriately. Hope the search for a Home isn’t too exhausting.

We’ve got a wet day ahead if the forecast is right. Garden pottering will be on hold. A shame as I thoroughly enjoy it. Instead I’ll contemplate the huge box of tomatoes our neighbour gave us yesterday. With luck enough freezer space to store some sauce ready for pasta.

Take care everyone. Thank you all for thinking about us, TOYA with a special hug for urms.

Cornergran I am pleased your H “has seen the error of his ways “
Perhaps recovery will be faster when he is calmer and you can relax more not having to watch his every move.
My young clearers were rather indiscriminate I discovered when I realised that a large plastic tray from Lakeside was missing.
It is described as for cleaning oven shelves and is used once in a blue moon for that purpose but it is very useful in the garden for numerous things.
It is now at the bottom of the skip and unretrievable.
It is a lost cause and at £16 a drop in the ocean considering the cost of the skip, the boy’s pay and a very expensive night out.
I shall be reduced to taking in washing soon to eke out the pension.

Incidentally the phrase once in a blue moon was brought home to me last night.
We did see the blue moon last night on our way home, it was a lovely clear night and it stood out and was very large.
It won’t be seen again until,I believe, 2037.

Have the best day you can everyone.

I think irretrievable was the word I struggled for.

It's taken me an hour to catch up on all your news. I can't remember when I last posted ( Had I been on the retreat to Brownshill Monastery.?. very peaceful but nothing like my beloved Caldey). We spent last weekend on the Wirral seeing my cousins..I went up by train on Thursday ( that's when I briefly posted) and DOH drive up after work on the Friday it took him 6 hours and bless him he was tired for most of the weekend...I insisted I drive home...only 5.5 hours...we stopped at the Gloucester services that are on the TV at the moment. It's nothing like a traditional services..we thought we might buy a bottle of the wine that had featured on one of the programmes but at £32 a bottle...we decided that as much as we would like to support small local businesses it was a step too far. I loved seeing my Scouse family.... their sense of humour like all scousers is unique and I get it...( Quick wit is in my DNA too...oft times my mouth operates before my brain...and I look at people staring at me and think...who just said that?....and then realise it was me!!!). We went to New Brighton on Saturday and had breakfast at the Seaside cafe. The whole works...bacon rashers .egg. sausage.beans..black pudding..hash brown ( not that keen) tomatoes fried bread and toast all freshly cooked plus tea for £8. It was lush...
I looked yet again to see if I could find us a holiday (DOH has booked leave from the 9th Sep) and lo and behold up came a last minute to a hotel in Olu Deniz ( good reviews finally too) . So we are off on our first proper holiday in 4 years next Saturday. In another moment of madness on Sunday we decided to get married next June 29th....with his decree absolute due very soon it has been on our minds and I had thought end of June would be lovely and the decider was the man who will be singing at the evening part of the celebrations just happened to have that date free ( he is so popular this was nothing short of a miracle and I felt it was just meant to be....like meeting DOH was too). Our lovely priest said it would be a privilege to support us in our wishes. A nuptial Mass probably won't be possible but it is important to us both that a church service is part of the day. I will try not to bore the pants off you all over the next few months with all the details.
Now so much lovely news from lots of you...
Yia... How wonderful you have a moving date... It's been such a long while coming... But I'm so happy you'll be in your new home soon.
Grandmarie... Your day trip South sounded idyllic...seaside and family and memories to cherish.
Ann... There is no stopping you now with your scooter...I think it's going to do you the world of good to be able to get out especially on those days (we all get them) and you feel a bit low. I'm glad you had a nice meal out too and the ( over)enthusiastic garden clearers have done a good job.
Jax...much as I don't want to...I have to agree that it feels like the season is changing gradually... That said I did have an hour on the sunbed yesterday.
Corner... It's good to read that MrC is progressing albeit maybe not at the speed he would like... That's the hard part of post surgery isn't it...your head says I can and your body says..you dare. I'm not surprised you are tired. Is there a tonic you could both take...to help boost MrC's appetite and to ...well just boost you!!!!
Soop...I felt your pain re clearing the loft. Thankfully our bedroom is in the loft space at the cottage so storage area is minimal...unlike when we moved...it took 3 days just to empty it...and another 3 to sort it all out. Never again.
Brook well done for doing 2 classes at the gym...I was a bit over enthusiastic yesterday and paying the price today. I've cancelled the injection into my ham strings... It's not going to solve the problem ... Everyone winced when I told them about it so it's obviously painful and I can't see the point of its not going to provide more that short term relief.
LLFL...Well done to OH for suggesting the trip and a bargain cream tea made it a real treat . ( I do love a cream tea... I'm definitely a jam then cream girl.
GrandmaB... Good news that your wishes for your Mum have been fulfilled...
Scapa...your trip looked and sounded wonderful. DOH wants to go in the soon to be acquired Motor Home... That will be some road trip!!!

Blossoming...I hope the soup therapy continues to help your poorly tum. All that talk of soup has made me want to make some.
Well done NannyT on winning at the garden show. I used to love the Summer Horticultural show in our previous hometown. It was like being on the set of a 50s TV programme... marquees filled with produce... flower arrangements..arts and crafts and cookery entries too....
and ladies in pinnies serving tea and cakes while a brass band played on the lawn and the children watched a magic show. It was a perfect way to spend a summer afternoon.
As always prayers and good wishes for everyone who needs them especially Baggs and the Urms.

Neine. Many congratulations on setting a very important date. You’ll not bore us with details, we’ll all be wishing you well. I’m in awe of your ability to recall everything and respond. No chance for me! Just wanted to say I also love Caldey. First visited about 58 years ago. When I worked I’d arrange a stay in Tenby just so I could visit Caldey and de-stress. Headed there after significant bereavements too. It’s on our ever growing treat list for next year.

Oh congratulations are in order Neine for setting a date next June - so very pleased for you both! ❤️💐💍🥂

Ooh, Neine, congratulations! We’ll all be going out to buy a hat ready for June 29th! 💒
Annsixty your garden clearers sound very…um…thorough. At least the job is now done.
Is that a banana tree in your garden corner, Topsy?
I hope MrC’s tooth has been sorted, Cornergran.

We did our wills and POA a few years ago. I suppose I ought to update our address and move them to a local solicitor but otherwise, once they’re done, they’re done and you don’t need to think about them again.

I’m feeling very relieved that after Dh had some worrying symptoms it’s turned out to be nothing major at all. I’m counting my blessings and I hope they can extend to all who have health concerns.

It’s cool but sunny here today. Dh is at the dental hygienist while I am ‘supervising’ a chap installing thermostatic valves on a couple of radiators. Once that’s done and Dh is back we’ll pop out for some food for this evening and tomorrow.

Plans are afoot to go out with dd and the GC this weekend, which promises to be warm and sunny. Harvest is finally in full swing so her Dh is currently fully occupied from morn till night with that.

Nothing much else going on just now, sometimes boring is good!

TOYA. Xxx

Many congratulations Neine we will love to hear all the details.I’m sure you will like Olu Deniz,we went years ago and loved the beautiful coast line.
Sounds like you had a lovely evening annsixty.

Still recovering from the weekend, too much partying!Eldest DS’s birthday tomorrow and another family dinner.😂We are packing and getting rid of things everyday now, it will be nice to have a holiday after this and just relax for a bit.

Enjoy the rest of your day everyone.Special thoughts to the Corners and the Urms.🌻

Congratulations Naughtyneine I am sure you will have many hours of pleasure planning for your special nuptials 🥂

annsixty I feel your pain, we in the not too distant future have got to have a massive garden clear out and reorganisation. I am looking forward to the end result but not the work involved 🙀

corner positive news from your DH

yiayia moving is hard work, start taking the vitamins 😜

Thinking of our dear soop , Urmstongran and other friends who are poorly or have poorly relatives 💐💐💐

Hello all! The C cake is in the oven. I finished mixing it this morning but left baking it until I got back from my Book Group. Ten of us in the village cafe, eating lunch and talking about books. I am still recommending Piranesi and the Marriage Portrait. I also made a batch of chocolate peppermint ice cream. I coloured it a pale green as requested by my granddaughter. I think tonight’s dinner will be an assortment of leftovers. We have spag Bol, prawn curry, strawberries…
Have a good evening. Thinking of Urms. I look forward to news of her trains before too long!

Good afternoon dear Kitcheners. The weather is decidedly autumnal here at the moment, which suits me! I have done very little today, feel quite lazy reading about all your busy days.

Great that you’re getting out and about Annsixty. It’s been lovely to see Urms dropping in. I’m glad your DH is doing well Cornergran. Congratulations to Nannytopsy and huge congratulations to Neine, that is a very auspicious date!

Veg soup this evening, my appetite is not good at the moment so I’m finding it quite easy to avoid stodgy foods.

Have a peaceful evening all, TOYA.

Many congratulations to Naughtie and her DP. Suedonim that must be a relief for you. Cornergran I'm glad your DH is no longer fighting against his temporary limitations but going with the flow. Annsixty overzealous gardeners!
Today I have been at a private showing of my art tutor's work. She is being filmed for a documentary and the BBC are involved I think. Anyway, the director asked who wanted to be interviewed and everybody stepped back, so I said I will. I started the ball rolling and she has loads of interviews to choose from. It was a really good afternoon. I met lots of people I know and some I don't. I also met a well known singer called Horse and a well known local artist who has invited me to her studio to help create a salon experience. So it was a really interesting time. Home now for pie and beans for dinner. Back down to earth with a bump! Enjoy the rest of your day kitcheners.

It is uplifting to pop into our kitchen and discover that many of you lovely lot have reasons for celebration.

We visited a pal in the village who is now fully recovered from a bug that blighted her life for a few days. Our next door neighbour is still recovering from Covid.

Middle son and our daughter-in-law, who live in Rutland, will be visiting Scotland in the near future. We are making plans for "treats" during their stay. In October, Mr Soop's sister, her daughter and son, who live in Australia, will be visiting us as part of a long trip through GB. After which, Mr Soop's niece and her friend, who also live in Australia, will be be visiting. As we haven't a spare bedroom, our good pal in the village has offered them use of the apartment attached to her home. Such a kind gesture.

I'm away to watch The Chase. First of all, I need to empty the washing machine. I have suspicions that someone, other than we two, pops in and sneakily deposits their own laundry without my permission.

I enjoyed the group hug. My best wishes to you all

How lovely soop to have so many family visitors queuing up to spend time with you, so much to look forward to over the coming months.
Your day sounds really interesting gbatty, well done you for getting involved, make sure to let us know if you’re going to be on the telly!

I’m just in from the garden, it’s been a lovely sunny afternoon and I’ve got lots done. This morning I took DH along to the gym on a free guest pass so he could test out some of the gym machines on his new knee. He got on really well and there was quite a lot he could do that would further strengthen his knee - I think he might be signing up. But if he does he’ll definitely have to go at a different time to me - I can’t have him spying on me 🤣

Good news about your DH SueD that must be a relief
But as always thinking of Urms and others going through tough times just now ❤️

Hi all, many congratulations neine🎉🎉.
Pleased to hear Mrcorner has reset his horizon corner, he’ll relax a bit.
Bet your house smells lovely llfl, ours smells of garlic as I’ve made a lasagna.
Phew SueD a relief for you both.
I’ve done little today, it rained, is cold and very dreary, I’m pleased it’s due to buck up a bit from tomorrow on.
M&S order collected, blood test booked and more tomatoes given away.
No matching gym outfits please brook🙂!

P.S. may I have your autograph please Grandmabatty.

Jax !! 🤣🤣