Another welcoming into Soop's kitchen for those who care to share...

Enjoy Switzerland Brook. I went with the Girl Guides a very long time ago!

Hi all, snow picture please brook we’re not going to get any now! Have the best time, at least it’s not raining for you.
In the dining room llfl.
A quiet day of hefty showers, hailstones at one point and glimpses of sun. The best thing - I drove my car, yes it was a bit sore, but not painful, yippee.
I’m sending big hugs, hope and happy thoughts to you and himself Urms.

Never say never jax. We recall snow at Easter - in April. Can’t help hoping not this year and brook will send photos which will be enough.

Enjoy it all brook, a wonderful change from the day to day.

Wishing you both well as always urms, that man of yours has a wonderful spirit for sure.

Funny old day today. Sorted my finance juggling this morning, two big bills covered. Had a very short chat with our friend across the country. It was third time lucky to get through to her in the Home. I’m not at all sure she realised who I was. I’ve quelled the sense of upset and am determined to persevere, we go back 70 years and dementia or no dementia I’ll still try to be with her in whatever small way I can.

We wandered out at lunch time for a snack and came back through a dramatic hail storm. Wow, it’s a wonder the car wasn’t dented and I for one was delighted to not have been walking about in it.

Not much else. A chat with one son while he was driving home, a message from the other to day he’ll come and re-membrane the leaky shed roof in the morning. We’re more than grateful if a little guilty, his working life takes far too much of his time and there is a family to think of too.

ladylfl I’d be leaving the stained glass wherever it would be seen the most, it’s lovely and a real achievement. Don’t hide it away.

Not a word was said about dentistry to me nannyt. My TKR is two years old. Perhaps things have changed, they seem to daily. Hope it’s sorted soon for you.

Time for sleep now. Thinking of all with personal mountains to climb. Goodnight everyone. Sleep well.

Afternoon all. A lovely day here. I had a washing out which dried! Dgs2 played in the garden and was most put out when his mum came for him. I made a huge slow cooker pot of lentil soup which looks tasty. Then I visited mum who, sadly, was having a confused day. After that I made rhubarb jam and got seven pots out of it. It's a beautiful rosy pink colour. So, all in all, I've enjoyed my day. Gammon steak and chips for dinner later. Enjoy your day Kitcheners

Good evening dear Kitcheners. We have had a lovely weekend at the railway museum’s steam gala. The weather has been dry though quite chilly but we were warm in fleeces, hats and gloves. The sun has put in an appearance, just a few fluffy white clouds scudding about. I‘ve been practicing taking photos with my new iPhone and found it much easier than my previous android phone.

MrB is making omelettes for tea, with some naughty air fried chips. I think we’ve earned them 😊

I’ve walked around so much I’m exhausted, we will probably listen to a few podcasts this evening and then an early night.

Will be thinking of you and himself Urmstongran

Take care all.

Soop I hope you have the answer to why you’ve developed a clot. Is it improving at all? I hope MrS gets his referral soon. 🤞Enjoy those new chairs!
Oh my goodness, Neine, re the source of your pain! I hope they don’t waste time in sorting it out for you. Best wishes for the annulment meeting.
You had your house walls painted as well, *Yia? Win:win! 👏
My dd2 visited Switzerland last year with her boyfriend, Brook. They went on to Italy later, it was a lovely holiday.
I hope you soon get your pain problems sorted out Cornergran. It’s really not acceptable to leave people in such agony.
Unwelcome news re an infection, Topsy. I’m so sorry.
That’s a lovely photo, Blossoming very clear.
Thinking of Urms and Himself as they face challenging times again.
👍 to driving, *Jax!
My son in the US has just been bemoaning the lack of availability of rhubarb in the States, GMbatty. Strange, really, when it’s so easy to grow.

Quite a few days have passed again. Thursday I met with a friend and on Friday we looked after GS. He was so sweet - as we left nursery he saw the nearby care home and began shouting ‘Go care home, go care home!’ Nursery take some of the older children over to see the residents every couple of weeks and they all have a whale of a time. The residents love to see the little ones and the little ones love being petted and fed juice and biscuits. 😁

We saw dd yesterday afternoon and later had our dinner with her, which was lovely. Today we’ve been in the garden. I planted some rhubarb and some shrubs. All from Tesco but I figure they’re pretty inexpensive so if they don’t grow, I haven’t lost much. I also repotted my poor indoor plants that have been victims of the kittens. They’re hidden away now, to recover, I hope. Lastly, I pruned the hedging round our house. It’s not very high, about a metre max, but because it’s only two years old, it’s quite uneven. I had no idea what I was doing but never mind!

Steak for dinner this evening then a bit of menu planning for next week.

Take care, everyone. Xxx

Hello kitchen people.
I’m relaxing on the sofa snuggled under my British Airways blanket.
I cooked beef and beer stew with dumplings for dinner followed by an old fashioned chocolate mousse. A glass or two of Prosecco helped it all go down.
Palm Sunday church was interesting. We started at the RC church, which I had never been in before. A reading and a couple of prayers and then we walked round to the CofE church for the rest of the service. You could say it was an ecumenical service , but our priest conducted most of the service - the RC priest preached.
It is good to hear OH in the kitchen clearing up! I cooked, he clears up.
Have a good evening. Urms has a difficult week coming up so I’ll be thinking of her and Himself.

Yes corner I think we’ve even had it down here late on. Busy SueD, I too will be menu planning later. What a lovely sky Blossoming ours clouded over, again.
A win of lamb shoulder in the meat draw, that’ll do for next weekend and MrJ jet washed the patio, so I’ll be allowed out!

https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202403/medium-380303-ncv1uqzrsuwdx4cgagjukw.jpeg https://www.gransnet.com/uploads/talk/202403/medium-419118-qu2vwlklr9mq9zsayyrmfw.jpeg

Good evening kitchen pals, a really enjoyable day here in the mountains but soooo cold 🥶 about -3° at best today with a cold wind. We were very well wrapped up and enjoyed some winter walking in the snow and watching the skiing. Goodness they go so fast here, even young children whizzed past looking very experienced. We both just about managed to stay upright with the help of our walking poles. DS and partner enjoyed their skiing and we met up for lunch together. This evening back in the apartment we’ve all enjoyed a typical Swiss cheese fondue - very filling but delicious.
Gorgeous picture Blossoming, pleased you’re out and about
Well done with driving Jax you’ve been much more patient than I could have been - attached some snowy pictures especially for you ⛄️
Hoping everyone has had a lovely weekend and take care all x

Smashing pictures brook thank you, it’s coming up for a year ago when Imogen went skiing, the Dover debacle, I’m glad you’re all having a great time.

Hello kitchen people. You are all very quiet. I hope everyone has had as good a day as possible. I am thinking especially of the Soops and Urms. I did my usual waitrose shop, which included collecting 6 bottles of my favourite fizz. They had a special offer of 25% off.
OH has been making his pea and ham soup this afternoon. I made a Simnel cake. A slightly different recipe with freshly squeezed orange juice and zest and extra mixed spice. It’s made in a loaf tin! Also, it is in the oven for longer and at a lower temperature.
It is OH’s turn to cook tonight. I think it’s chicken. There’s also some chocolate mousse left over from yesterday.
Have a good evening.

Good afternoon kitcheners. It has rained all day in Polmont and been very cold too. Brook I think you might return to some snow. I hope you enjoyed your trip to the top of the mountain by cablecar. Ladyleftfieldlover it's definitely been a day for ham and pea soup. Your whole meal sounds delicious.
Today dgs2 and I had a good day. Lots of reading books, playing with cars and general mayhem. Sadly we didn't get out because of the weather. However dgs1 and dgs2 ran around my front garden after nursery pick up. They have been dropped off, I've had dinner and I'm building up the strength to tidy the kitchen. Enjoy your evening Kitcheners.

Good evening all.
After a week of feeling grotty (very) my GD rang the surgery and got me an appointment.
She took me up in her very delayed lunch and yes, I have a chest infection.
Very inflamed throat but no infection there so lots of hot drinks and paracetamol.
I should feel better in 3/4 days.
I am so seldom ill it has come as a shock.
Hope everyone picking this particular virus gets help and recovers soon.

Yes, I spoke too soon about snow Grandmabatty sorry brook.
Busy on the voluntary phones today; tracked down one of my prescription drugs, sigh of relief, quiz in about an hour.
I’m not surprised annsixty you’ve à had a lot going on in the last few months, I hope you swiftly recover, stay warm.
I hope today went reasonably well for Urms and himself.

Get well soon Annsixty. Keep warm and lots of fluids. Jaxjacky I wish you success at the quiz.

Hoping Urms and her DH have got on ok today, sending ❤️
Sorry to hear you’re feeling poorly annsixty please look after yourself and get well soon
We’ve had a brilliant day here in the mountains, really good skiing for DS and partner and winter hiking for me and DH. We had clear blue sky and sunshine most of the day but very cold high up in the mountains. We’re travelling home on Wednesday grandmabatty so hoping there’s only light snow when we get home as I’ve had more than my fair share for now ⛄️
Hope you do well in the quiz tonight Jax
Take care all x

Apologies for my late visit to Soop's welcoming kitchen.

This evening DH and I went to our friend's daughter's house. Her Mum was brought there today ahead of tomorrow's funeral. It was good to be able to see her, she looked like herself and very peaceful. We said our goodbyes and a wee prayer, then shared memories of happier times with her daughters and their cousins. I brought the girls a selection of photos of them, their Mum and Dad, over the years.
I'm very much aware of our own mortality since our lovely friend's very sudden death. Memento mori.

I'm trying to keep up with the kitchen news.
Thinking of the Soops, Urms and Himself, all those worried about the health of loved ones. ( I've joined that group recently, can't go into detail), sending love and prayers. 💕🙏

Jaxjacky, so glad that things are improving for you, especially the driving. Normal service will soon be resumed!

Neine, I hope that the annulment interview went well.

Thank you, YiaYia. I hope you enjoyed your break, brilliant to return to a freshly painted house. The decorator came last week to give me a quote, hoping to go ahead soon.

Cornergran, it's lovely that you can still keep in touch with your childhood friend. I'm sure she appreciates it.

Grandmabatty, I'm sorry to hear that your Dear Mum is confused. When our dear Mum reached that stage, we ( my sisters and I) consoled ourselves that at least she was safe, well cared for and regularly visited. Ages and stages. Thinking of you. 💐

Lovely photo, Blossoming, I'm so glad that you and MrB enjoyed your outing.

Your wee DGS sounds so cute SueD, I laughed at ' Go care home!' We saw The Wee Boy last weekend, he fair lifts my spirits. The highlight of his visit was skiddling at my sink, he loves a good skiddle.

Ladyleftfieldlover, your meals sound absolutely delicious. I smiled at your ecumenical service, it reminded me of Father Jack ( on Father Ted) being coached to say, 'That would be an ecumenical matter!' Our Palm Sunday Mass began with the whole congregation in the car park/ gardens of the Church, being issued with new palms, then processing behind our big laddie PP into the Church. The neighbours were entertained!

brook, your photos are beautiful and your holiday sounds amazing! Well done for getting out on your walking poles to make the most of the experience.

annsixty, I'm so sorry that you are not well, but glad that your DGD is there to keep an eye on you. Get plenty of rest, fluids and painkillers, hoping and praying that you feel better soon.

Sorry if I haven't mentioned you by name, I've read all your posts, thinking of you all.

Funeral tomorrow then hospital visit directly after the funeral tea.

TOYA, NNGB.

Thinking of you today grannmarie ❤️

granmarie .

Grannmarie I hope today goes well. I'm sorry to hear that you have family health worries. All my best to you.

Thank you, kind ladies.

Good evening dear Kitcheners. It was a wet and dreary day yesterday so I pottered around indoors, edited my photos from the weekend and got on with some admin. I knuckled down to the annual ritual of checking my personal tax account on the HMRC website, all is in order. I haven’t forgotten the time they sent me a demand for over £2000 that I didn’t owe, and had quite a tussle to get them to admit their error. After all that I fell asleep! I did get a few decent photos, here’s one of the trains 🚂

Today we have been to Lidl for the weekly shop, then to a butcher in a nearby village, recommended by our niece. So it will be Tennessee burgers tonight, and we also bought some pork and black pudding sausages for later in the week. MrB is cleaning the car, he is still experiencing dizzy spells but not as severe and is feeling better in himself.

Sorry to hear you’re so poorly Annsixty hope the infection clears soon.

Thinking of you today Grannmarie and our dear Urmstongran

Forgot the photo!

Grandmarie...special prayers for you and your friend ( and her family too) I am always comforted by the words of Rossiter Raymond
'For life is eternal,
And love is immortal,
and death is only a horizon,
And a horizon is nothing
save the limit of our sight.'.

Topsy...I feel for you having to postpone your op...I think I would have probably not owned up if I'm truthful... There was a heart stopping moment when I thought my hip op wasn't going to happen when they read that I was allergic to nickel ..luckily after 15 minutes they decided it was fine and I was taken to theatre.
Blossoming...it's good to read that you are getting stronger and enjoying an outing now
and Mr B is improving too.
Brook...my friend lives in Geneva but only 5 minutes drive to the French Border so she shops in France as it is soooooo much cheaper. I thought I had misheard when in a butchers there I heard the price of 2 pork chops was 35e.
Jax...I thought of you as I turned my knee over doing something stupid and couldn't stand up. It's taken to giving way the last couple of days..and getting up from a chair or the toilet is a bit of a painful palaver..... I'm trying to ignore it. !!!!
Saturday went well...I was very nervous but without cause as it happened... There were tears at some of the memories that were dragged up from the depths that I'd hidden them but some moments of pure happiness at the telling of how life changed 5 years ago. Even though we were in separate rooms our words of how our lives have changed were very very similar. We will just have to wait and see now what is decided.
DOH looks like a different person to the one of a month ago. He is relaxed and happy and very much enjoying his new role...I had to giggle a bit... apparently his Dad tore him off a strip for nearly 15 minutes ( in a gentle way) and told him never to not share what was happening with me ever again...he told him I was his soul mate and not to lose me. DOH has oft said that if he upset me he'd have the wrath of his family to deal with ...it seems he wasn't joking!!!.
I'm on a course tonight ... It's for the Safer Families group who offer practical help to struggling families... For now my role will be to befriend and help in any way I can. I hope that I am emotionally strong enough... I'm not one of those people who can just pop along..do what's needed then leave and not think about it until the following week...I think I might struggle but I won't know until I try will I?

I remain in the quiet corner. I care for you all, especially those of you with challenges to deal with.

Here is a photograph taken through the sitting room window.

My love and best wishes to my favourite Granspals.