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

I hope you holidaymakers have a lovely time and better weather than we are experiencing.
It has been beautiful, sunny and warm for the last few days and today when our local park is having a fun adventure day for young children it is raining and very, very windy.
So upsetting for the organisers and so upsetting for the children.
The park has been very busy and the children have been able to see all the preparations and getting excited.
British summer weather at its most predictable.

I have been to the park the last two days on my scooter and was looking forward to seeing the fun today, however, never plan….
Have the best day you can everyone.

Thanks Septima we’re just about to start our journey now 😀

We'll be following in your footsteps in a couple of weeks, Scapa. We've visited Orkney every year but one since 2012. I love it there, too; we always feel so relaxed there so we're really looking forward to it.

Brook, have a lovely time. We did the Ullapool to Stornoway crossing in June and worked our way south to Uist. It was our first visit there, too. We were lucky to go during those warm and sunny weeks and loved the long, white sandy beaches as well as the archaeology.

Thinking of everyone who needs a bit of TLC.

Just popping in to quickly wish everyone a restful night 🌙. Blossoming I love ❤️ that dress - gorgeous colour. Lights out for me now as I have an early start in the morning for nanna duty 😴

Neine it is no time since you had your hip replaced, did you have an accident and loosened the cement? It does seem odd having a telephone conversation when I would have thought that a physical examination was required to see when the pain starts and with which type of movement.

Grandmabatty those two young fellows look a bundle of fun but very tiring for you now you are marginally over 29. They will keep you on your toes, mentally and physically and it is lovely that they have such fun each time they visit.
TOYA

I never wear tights Jax, I struggle putting them on! I wear either over the knee socks or lightweight leggings and ankle socks. They look like tights with my boots on.

Evening Kitcheners. Thank you all for your lovely words about the boys. They are so special to me as your grandchildren are to you. Blossoming that is a lovely dress. I love the colour teal too. Brook your volunteer role sounds very like one my drama group used to be involved in, many years ago. Have fun! Yiayia it won't be long, surely, and you can get in and settled. Happy travelling to Brook and Scapa. The Scottish islands are beautiful.
I had a pleasant catch up with friends today. Sadly, we all have various aches and pains to contend with. Then I visited mum who was ok. I've seen her cheerier. The ward was very noisy tonight and I've come away with a headache so a quiet evening for me. Crusty rolls for dinner as I can't be bothered cooking. Have a good evening Kitcheners

Glad you’re zoom went well brook have a lovely trip to the islands, you too on Orkney Scapal.
Hope you’re feeling better today Yia such a stressful time.
Our kitchen has had the most thorough clean today, including the oven, all units, fridge, again as I spilt some milk, microwave and the floor a good wash. We’ve friends coming Saturday who are cooking for us, long story and I’m sure it would’ve been fine before, but..
After that I had to douse my kale and sprouts as a cabbage white had sneaked in bypassing netting and at least one caterpillar was having a field day.
It’s been warm but cloudy all day apart from the last hour, sunshine for a while.
That dress will really suit your colouring Blossoming sadly I’m too habitual in wearing jeans, the thought of tights makes me shudder 🙂, but, you never know!
Enjoy your evening everyone.

That dress looks really gorgeous Blossoming - love the colour and style! I bet it’ll look really lovely on you
I really must try to wear more dresses, I tend to live in jeans and leggings these days

Good evening dear Kitcheners. I don’t know where my day has gone! I very naughtily ordered a new dress from John Lewis on Tuesday evening (I deserved it after enduring the Boob Squasher!) and it was delivered today at lunchtime. I decided not to open until we got back from the blood test clinic. We had also decided to have lunch afterwards so we wouldn’t be rushing. Well the clinic was heaving and we waited for 2 hours before being seen! All done now, but poor MrB was about ready to start eating the furniture by the time we got out. So a late lunch for us and I think it will just be a snack later.

The dress is lovely, I got the petite size as I’m 5ft 1ins, beautiful fit but still more of a maxi than a midi. The teal colour is fab. It will look lovely with boots in the autumn.

(That’s not me in the photo) 😂

Glad the scooter has done you good Annsixty. Lovely pic of the boys Grandmabatty. Have a lovely island adventure Brook.

Sounds like you’re having such a lovely time llfl, good job you’re following all the rules though 🤣
It’s been a busy morning here, I had my first training session on zoom for my new volunteering job, it’s helping medical students with their training etc. Today was a virtual clinic where the medical student had to take the volunteer patients history, symptoms, medication etc and decide next steps. The volunteers were provided with different patient scenarios which they had to act out for the students All very interesting, will see how I get on!
Hoping those contracts are exchanged very soon Yia and you can settle into your new place soon, sounds like it’s been a real rollercoaster of emotions for you
Lovely to see you SueD don’t worry about trying to catch up
Tomorrow we’re off on the ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway, a few days on Harris and then onto Lewis. I’ve never been there before so looking forward to it - and taking clothes for all weathers.
Enjoy your trip to Orkney scapa, another lovely place. I’ve been there a couple of times and would love to go back sometime

Looking forward to our trip to Orkney at the weekend for a few days. It is my “happy” place. It is the land of my forefathers and have been going there since I was first taken at six months old to see my granny seventy years ago. Beautiful islands whatever the weather which is just as well 🤣.

I think I haven’t contributed for a week or so and now there are too many posts to catch up on. 😫 I’ll just do the last couple of days.

I’m so sorry about the lovely Duncan, Bladeannie. What a splendid chap he was.
I hope your move happens soon, Yia.
😳😳😳 at toilet rules, LLFL!
Neine the new group you’re involved with sounds much-needed by folk.
That sounds like a good day, Annsixty!

Sorry for those I know I’ve missed out but I think of you all.

My youngest dd has been here with her boyfriend for a week and it’s been so good to see her. Apart from a brief evening,I haven’t seen her since February. We’ve been busy doing this and that all week and now they are gone it’s very quiet in the house.

We’ve also seen my local dd and the children. They’d been down south to stay with my ds2 & family and my 22mth old GS came back speaking in sentences. Most of them contain NO in them somewhere but never mind! 😂

Schools went back yesterday here so we did our weekly dance run with GD. Back to routine again. It felt cold this morning and it’s very grey and dreary today.

Take care everyone and have a good day. Xxx

Morning Kitcheners.Will try to catch up.
BladeAnnie so sorry to hear about Duncan he was special.🌹
That’s lovely to hear the scooter is getting you out and about Anne
Your trip sounds great LLFL enjoy.
Beautiful boys Grandmabatty.

I have had a bad migraine for a couple of days, probably stress!!We are still waiting to exchange and both of us feel at breaking point😖whatever happens we will move can’t go through this again.Oh well, time to do battle with the solicitor again.
Thinking of all especially Urms.

Hello kitchen people. I’m all over the place with timings! I hope all is well in the kitchen. I have been in Port McQuarry with my brother and his partner this week. I’m flying back to Sydney tomorrow. I think we’re going to a Koala Centre today, which I’m looking forward to. I’m also looking forward to being back at my sister’s and having some MEAT! Is it a fact that when a carnivore entertains a vegan they make allowances and provide what they will eat! Well I did. So, my question is, why haven’t I been offered roast beef and Yorkshire pudding? Anyway, they have been very hospitable even with rules about which loo to use for which activity! 💐 for Urms and others who are suffering angst.

Wee smashers, Grandmabatty, they'll be great pals growing up together.

Hello 👋 Neine, the cruise we did around Arran only happens occasionally and is always a sell out. However, Waverley sails every day from May to October, various routes on the Clyde coast. I saw on their Facebook page that she has sailed under Tower Bridge, not sure when, but I saw photos of the Bridge opened to accommodate Waverley.
Monday was our first ever sail on Waverley, well maybe try a different route next year.

Sorry, it was Blossoming doing the Timewarp!

Hi all, you certainly achieved ann freedom!
How thoughtful of you Grannmarie.
What lovely mischievous looking boys Grandmabatty.
neine I always think of the Timewarp from Rocky Horror, ‘put your hand on your hip’!
Aren’t small airports lovely, we saw their plane land, waved at them walking from it (they didn’t see us) half an hour wait for bags, home two and a half hours after we left. They had the best time.
Hope your ‘session’ goes well tomorrow brook.
Right, must sort dinner, ttfn.

BladeAnnie, I`m sorry to be so late, but wanted to say how very sorry I was to read your news about beautiful Duncan, your house will be feeling very empty for a while.

Hi Everyone..well I certainly slept better. Thank Goodness. I even managed a quick restorative nap yesterday afternoon too. I did a good tidy up in the garden and have some top plants to go in ( to top up early planted summer bedding that's looking a bit sad now). I've make a chicken and roasted vegetable pie...I always feel soooo virtuous when I use up leftovers. Not sure what it will taste like but looks wonderful.
I did my aqua gym stuff today then went to visit another of the Gala Girls ( I nicknamed us that as we all met at the pool). She is the one with FND and may have to leave her home if her landlord sells. She was tearful but I had arranged for another friend to come in her official capacity...she assists people with form filling and puts in referrals to the correct agencies to help people like J. When I left she had perked up a bit too.
I've got a telephone appointment tomorrow with the orthopedic consultant...I think it's felt that the only way things are going to be resolved is to have a hip revision... I'll see what he says but do think that I will cancel the cortisone injection as that's really only putting a plaster on a fracture.
Grandmarie... The trip looked lovely...do they only do once a year?
BA...a big hug for you. Our pets imprint themselves on our hearts and you so did the kindest thing for Duncan.
Jax...I forgot to wish you luck in the quiz on Monday...I hope it went well.
GrandmaB...I hope the wee one gets it's sorted very soon and is not in too much discomfort in the meantime.
Blossoming...I loathe mammograms even though I know they are life savers. It always makes me laugh when they manhandle your boob on to the shelf... Then squish it down almost flat ( not a simple task for a 36F)... Then they ask you to put your hand on your hip like you are about to break into a Highland fling with the other hand over your head..and then they say. DONT MOVE....I am always tempted to say...I know I may look strong but believe me there is no way I am able to move 5 tons of machinery using only my right titty. I haven't said it yet as I'm normally not able to breathe but I do hope I get the chance to....

Aww lovely picture grandmabatty, handsome wee boys! x

So very pleased for you ann you definitely sound such a lot brighter after getting out and about on your scooter - a very big well done to you
Today I’ve been to the gym for a couple of classes which I really enjoyed, much hilarity in the Aqua aerobics class trying out new equipment and everyone getting very splashed, we had so much fun, it’s a good job no one could see us 🤣 Then across the car park to Costa for a toastie with my pal and a coffee. Finally a trip to Tesco and I’m done for today. Tomorrow brings a whole new challenge of a training and observation session on zoom for my new volunteering job - all new to me but hopefully I’ll get on ok
Slowly but surely Blossoming with the steps, you’ll soon build up the numbers.
Hoping for the best possible outcomes for your friend and your brother facing challenging times kitty
So kind of you to take your friend to the coffee morning grannmarie, sounds like she really enjoyed her outing and got special cuddles with the new baby
Hoping the holidaymakers are safely home now Jax with lots of happy memories made 😎

Dgs1 was very happy to return to nursery. Dgs2 was also happy that dgs1 returned to nursery. 😂

Good afternoon, Soop and lovely Kitchen people, it's been a very sunny day here, that always happens when the children go back to school. DDiL1 sent photos of DGS1 and DGD in their new uniforms, very smart. I've just had texts from them saying they enjoyed the first day back, so far so good!

It was also first day back at our parish Coffee Morning so I picked up my dear friend ( who had her leg amputated last November) and brought her to the church hall. She can transfer really well from her wheelchair to my car. I'm not sure how to fold down/ reassemble her wheelchair so I just fold down my back seats and lift the whole wheelchair in, it's not heavy. The joys of a Honda Jazz, very accomodating! She got a lovely welcome from the Coffee Morning Ladies ( she was in their team) and the PP and parishioners. One of our oldest parishioners, a lady of 92, was there with her DGS 's family, including her new 8 week old great granddaughter, so my friend had a wee cuddle with the beautiful baby! I'm so glad she enjoyed her outing and I'll try to keep taking her as regularly as possible. It's very dependent on nurse/ carers/ family visits, but very worthwhile.

Neine, I hope you had a good sleep last night, and feel a wee bit better today.
Blossoming, I'm glad you got the mammogram over and done with. Your wee walk sounds just ideal, trains and boats and birds, well done you!
Annsixty, you sound much more confident on your scooter already, good for you! It's a great way to get out and about and meet people, very uplifting.
Grandmabatty, I hope the paediatric appointment comes through soon and puts your mind at ease about wee DGS2's procedure. Poor wee lamb.💙
Like you, I am fighting fruit flies.I made an apple cider vinegar trap last week which has been quite successful. My sister insists on adding a squirt of washing up liquid to her trap, but so far the cider vinegar has done the job.
Jaxjacky, that is one chilled young man in the pool, great photo! You'll be glad to have themback and hear all about their holiday.
Brook, I hope you and MrB have a wonderful holiday on Lewis and Harris, fingers crossed for good weather for walking. 🚶 🚶
👋 Hello to those I haven't mentioned today,
thinking of you all. 🥰

How lovely, Ann. I am so pleased you bit the bullet.

BA, I was sorry to hear about Duncan.

I apologise for being awol so much. I promised myself that I would visit the kitchen daily - sadly, events have conspired against me.

Happy events - we have had DD2 and her girls here for 2 weeks. Dd goes home from Tuesday to Friday for work but it's lovely to have them all for so long.

Sad events - my friend and my younger brother both face difficult times and I am trying to be supportive to both of them.

This getting older malarkey isn't all fun, is it?