Soop's warm and welcoming kitchen for kindly folk.

Good evening Kitcheners. Jaxjacky my back is fine, thank you.
Today was a trip to Edinburgh to see Swan Lake by Scottish Ballet. It started off by my friend and I discussing what the Christmas ballet might be. The gentleman, whose table we were sharing, put us right. Nutcracker,he said. How did he know? He is the conductor of the orchestra! We had a lovely chat and found people in common. He was a lovely chap. The ballet itself was good in parts. The primary ballerina was outstanding, her partner not so much. There was another young male dancer who filled the stage every time he appeared. He had real star presence and I expect to see him in the future.
Then back to my house for a fish supper. My friend has just headed home after a cuppa and a blether and I will get my jammies on soon. Have a good evening Kitcheners.

Sounds like a really lovely day grandmabatty

LLFL I’m so sorry your boys have fallen out and its repercussions are being felt far and wide. I hope it’s something that can be put right eventually.
I hope tomorrow is a better day for you, Blossoming.
Congratulations on the new arrival, Annsixty and I hope mum and baby are recovering from what sounds a bit of an ordeal.
You’ve taken our good weather, Jax! We’re back to cloudy and dull.
What a lovely happening GMbatty! Something unexpected like that can really make you feel good, I find, a real ray of sunshine.

Thank you all for your good wishes for my Ds. It’s by no means a cure but it gives us more hope than we’ve had for a while. We talked to him last night and to look at him, you wouldn’t think there was a thing wrong with him. It’s all so hard to get your head round.

We had our GS yesterday, part of which unavoidably having take both the kitten and him to the V.E.T. for the kitten’s post-op check up. GS was quite agog at the vet’s! He also made himself useful by back seat driving. It was busy with traffic jams yesterday so he was advising me ‘Nana, BEEP HORN!’ which made me wonder about my daughter’s driving.

Today, as it was dull and cool, we pottered to a Lidl and Home Bargains and bought a few odds and ends, exciting things like toothpaste and bin liners. We know how to live! 😂

TOYA. Xxx

Thankyou all for your kind comments.
I have been to see the baby this evening , she is a little darling.
It was so lovely to visit a maternity unit and see or rather hear all the new life.
We saw two couples taking their new baby home to start a new life.
It is so long since I saw it with my first child, second was a home birth that I had forgotten the wonder of it.
My young friend is in a bay of 4 beds and the proud families were all visiting.
It is a world I had forgotten.
The babies are with their mums all night so I ‘m glad I will not be there as surely one crying will set the others off and it will be chaos.I hope for a quiet night for myself and for you all.

The same here SueD we stopped at Home Bargains on the way home from Nairn for washing up liquid, shampoo and oven cleaner - the perfect end to a day out! 🤣
Such exciting times for all the new mums annsixty, so lovely you could visit

Sounds a wonderful visit ann, new babies are very special. The poor Mum though, quite an ordeal.

I’ve no helpful words ladylfl, these things cause such pain, so sad for you.

Lovely times grandmab. To be treasured as I’m sure your forthcoming trip will be soop. I wonder if we value these times more as we mature.

There were some special times for us last week in East Anglia where wonder of wonders the sun shone. Two interesting and very enjoyable if exhausting trips out as arranged by the coach company and a very special day focused on our friend

It was very reassuring to see the Home in which she has a bright, comfortable room and above all is cared for by cheerful, helpful and very kind staff. I was honoured with some touching, close moments when she was very present. At one point after a particular comment emotion overwhelmed and I had a little walk to settle myself.

Our goddaughter facilitated the day with kindness and sensitivity. It was one I’ll treasure although it saddens me to know I’ll not have time with my friend in that way again. How I’d love to be able to visit every few days and share her life. Now if I had a helicopter to hand . There are photos though and good memories.

We’re both tired today. Yesterdays journey catching up, although an easy, facilitated process it did take 10 hours including stops. Fortunately some sunshine followed us home, two washer loads dried and mostly ironed. I’m very pleased.

Lunch out tomorrow in our favourite little garden centre. May bring some plants home with us, we have empty troughs to fill. The garden is looking pretty just now. Two rhodedendrons flowering in pots, the montana doing its stuff, aquilegia and geum blooming along with rows of what we always call London Pride No idea of its proper name. Oh yes, a climbing rose has two blooms. It’s only a tiny garden so not much room if heaps of pleasure.

Time for sleep. Goodnight everyone. Sleep well. TOYA.

Another night when I am wide awake! I have caught up with everyone’s news. Ann what a lovely post. Our littlest is 14 weeks now and such a delight. The new mum has happy times ahead.
llfl I am so sorry your family is in this situation. Perhaps you daughter could move them towards counselling?
Hope you are on the mend Blossoming.
soop when do you go off on your travels? Say hello to Rutland for me please!
We had a lovely day here yesterday - the forecast changed and instead of a weekend of rain, we have sunshine. This morning we have church then the local side of the family are coming to lunch. 4 meat eaters, 2 veggies, a toddler and DGD who is the fussiest eater and will not eat anything on offer to the rest.
I need to get out in the garden and get on top of Spring. Such a late start after all the rain, and now everything is growing madly! The new gardener is coming again on Tuesday. He was fairly good, only trod on a few plants but is pretty patronising. I do actually know what I am talking about in the garden!
Hope you are all sleeping peacefully and enjoy tomorrow and the bank holiday on Monday.

Nannytopsy poor you. I hope you got back to sleep for a while.
I have been entertained by dgs2 while dd took dgs1 to football. However they returned sharply because the time of the football had changed to earlier. Dgs1 was very disconsolate. He cheered up at a packet of crisps though. We all went out and blethered to various neighbours who were in their gardens.
This afternoon I visited mum who was quite bright and alert and chatty. It was nice to see. When I came home, I made the filling for a chicken, leek and mushroom pie. It has to cool down before I put the pastry on. I've stripped the bed, washed all the bedding and it's going back on shortly. So a productive day for me. I hope everyone is enjoying their Sunday.

Good afternoon kitchen pals, we’re just home now after a busy enjoyable day. We’ve been helping DD2 check out some new build properties as she’s hoping to move house in the late summer - I don’t know if that’s feasible but once she’s got an idea in her head there’s no stopping her ….
I didn’t get chance to do any gardening today, it’s been a bit grey and cloudy and I think rain is due later. But DH did put his weed and feed on the lawn so he’s happy 🤣
I’m sure we do value time spent with close friends and family more as we get older cornergran, I know I do anyhow. Your friend sounds like she’s very well looked after and I’m sure she appreciated your visit. Memories made
Goodness nannytopsy you were awake early. I hope you’re not too tired today and you’ve enjoyed your family get together. I don’t usually wake up that early but sometimes struggle to get to sleep straight away
Sorry to hear your DGS was disappointed grandmabatty but pleased the crisps helped. You’ve been busy again today!
DGD is still at her first music festival with her dad, they went yesterday and she’s having a great time apparently with her hair braided, face painted and being carried around on her dad’s shoulders most of the time. Lots of kids there and very family friendly thank goodness as I was a bit worried when I first heard she was going!

A lovely trip away corner with a bittersweet visit to your friend, well done to your goddaughter, she got it just right.
I hope your lunch went well *nannytopsy, a little nap after they’d gone maybe?
Better put your granddaughters name down for Glastonbury brook, if it worked like that!
It’s rained here on and off all day apart from the last hour, it often happens early evening is the best time, storms predicted tomorrow.
So I’ve done little apart from sorting underwear, a pile to go is sitting in the bedroom.
Chicken in the slow cooker, MrJ won some lovely casserole steak in the pub meat draw earlier.

Good evening dear Kitcheners. I’m feeling much better after a lazy Saturday and a night’s sleep. It’s been a beautiful warm sunny day here. Been out watching trains in the sunshine. I started to feel a bit woozy and nauseous after a couple of hours, so came back for a rest. I’ve eaten some soup and some toast and it’s stayed down. Onwards and upwards.

Hope you have all had a good day ❤️

Good evening everybody. We’ve been out to a christening and had a lovely afternoon catching up with old friends. These times are, for us, extra special.

Nannytopsy Thursday earlyish.

I apologise to you lovely lot for being absent without leave. I haven't stopped busying myself with a Ben Nevis of preparations. You know how it is.

Sweetie Pie (feral feline) has had both breakfast and a substantial lunch. And now...he has departed without a meow of thanks. However, we were chuffed to see him looking dapper.

The bedroom is a mess. I've been trying on garments in order to select what would be suitable for our trip. It's a "woman thing!"

I have a pile of ironing to tackle, during which I shall watch the snooker final.

Enjoy your day. Those of our dear Kitcheners who are not feeling chipper...reeeeelax.

Good afternoon, Soop and lovely Kitchen people. 🥰 I'm just popping in to say 'Hello',👋, I'm doing OK, thank you so much Brook.
I'm thinking of all of you, reading when I can and keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers, in your joys and sorrows. This Kitchen is a safe haven indeed, thank you Soop and all who visit.

I'm delighted to hear SueD's wonderful news about her DS, I share Annsixty's joy in the new baby, I'm glad to hear Grandmabatty's DMum is enjoying a bright and chatty spell, long may it continue.
I'm sorry to hear about Ladyleftfieldlover's sons' falling out, concerned for all feeling unwell or worried about the health and wellbeing of loved ones, touched by Cornergran's bittersweet relection on her long distance visit to her dear friend, glad that Neine is still popping in to this special Kitchen, so happy that the Urms' enjoyed a special celebration and I'm very excited for the Soops' in anticipation of their big family reunion with the thoughtfully chosen mindings.

Forgive me if I haven't mentioned you by name, I have read all your posts now and I'm thinking of you all.

We've had a busy, stressful time with family health worries. I've been away from home for a spell, helping out. Our loved one is making slow progress now, so I am back home again trying to resume normal service, after a fashion. Other concerns have arisen elsewhere, so I'm a bit more anxious than usual at the moment, but hoping and praying 🙏 for the best possible outcomes for all affected.

Wishing everyone a pleasant Monday evening, the sun has appeared briefly although thunder was forecast so I'm thankful for small mercies and a washing outside! Good luck for your quiz, Jaxjacky, I'm missing my Monday evening quizzes now the TV 📺 schedules have changed.
Take care, TOYA.

Grannmarie it's good to hear from you. I'm sorry that other worries have popped up. 💐 I'm having a lazy afternoon. I was going to garden until I spotted the slugs and massive snail waiting for me! I have a big phobia of them so turned tail back inside and I'm listening to music instead. I hope everyone is well.

Lovely to hear from you Granmarie.

Recovering from a sleepless night happens, to us all doesn’t it!
We had the family for dinner last night very hectic but always great to see them.
Tomorrow we will be visiting our poorly friend.They are not able to leave the house so to chat about old times hopefully helps a little.
It’s rained here all day so miserable can’t wait for a bit of sunshine.

Have a wonderful visit Mr MrsSoop enjoy.

Rain here too Yia and not very warm either. So I’ve done ‘not a lot’ but shopped online for a few bits, essentials of course!
Thanks Grannmarie, we’ll need it, I’m sorry you have troubles in your life, I really don’t like the anxiety that hijacks you when worries are lurking.
My son and family called in, they’d ordered a book for my birthday in March and it’s just available, that, flowers, plus it was lovely to see them.

So sorry to hear you’ve extra worries now grannmarie hoping things improve a bit soon, look after yourself too, sending ❤️

It’s been quite warm here but cloudy all day, no rain though. I’ve been digging in the garden, I’ve taken a few overgrown things out so I think it looks better although I’ve a few gaps to fill now
I washed a couple of winter jackets so I’ll be brave and put them away for a bit now … I’ve still not given up my fleecy leggings yet though…
I know that feeling soop when you go through your wardrobe looking for suitable things to pack, it’s not an easy decision when you’re not sure about the weather or what you’ll be doing!
Yuk grandmabatty the downside of gardening snail 🐌

Hello kitchen people. What a very wet day.
We have a Madame Alfred climbing rose on our back wall. A picture of said rose around 10 years ago popped up on my Facebook page today. It looked beautiful with probably over a 100 white blooms. This year there is not a single flower. Plenty of buds but no flowers. Actually we have lots of photos of this rose because when my elder two children were living at home we always took their birthday photo (May) in the garden with this magnificent rose as a backdrop.
Have a good evening everyone, especially those of you with difficulties.

Thank you, lovely people, for your kind wishes
NNGB

And finally life has slowed down a little.... I've had lots of work just recently...working for Electoral Services not a permanent position but one I've done for many years years. The finale was Presiding Officer last Thursday at the elections. This time DOH was my poll clerk. It's a very very long day...6am to 10.30pm by the time we had dropped off the Ballot box but although I had been awake since 3am trying to work out the best way of arranging the Polling Station the day didn't drag and DOH and I enjoyed having the day together too. Aside from that I had to organise people to attend some Focus groups too...and the subject was political opinions!!!!! We were both quite weary on Friday but at least I was at home unlike DOH who was nearly asleep at his desk by mid afternoon. We did manage to escape the previous weekend in Henrietta Moho... down to Dawlish. I have tried really hard to enjoy the Motor Home experience but it really isn't me and in the end I have owned up to DOH that it's not something I want to do. We have 3 dogs including a large one and it just isn't fair on them either... I don't want to leave them behind when we go away each time but when it rains (as it did) it's no fun for them or us. The decision has been made to keep Henrietta until after the Summer and then sell her. We'll use the money to have weekends away but to places that take dogs and holidays where I don't have to cook etc. I do tend to get claustrophobic which doesn't help either. I'm not sure if I've mentioned that it's now looking likely that I will have to have my hip operation redone ( a revision it's called). (Charley girl will probably not be surprised by this) It's not something I relish but if it's going to stop the situation getting worse and get rid of the pain then it will be worth it. I wouldn't be able to manage in the Moho for several months post op so that's another reason to cut our losses( hopefully not too many) and move on.
The Annulment is taking a while as we knew it would and for some time I have been worried that if anything should happen to me DOH would be liable to Inheritance tax etc as we are not married SO...I have become very practical and on June 27th we are entering a civil partnership...I want the minimum legal arrangement possible as in essence I won't feel 'married' until we have our religious ceremony so it's just us and 2 witnesses ( the couple who got married last year and I did the flowers). I may even just wear jeans ( I don't expect I will come the day but such is my nonchalance about it). DOH is very happy that finally I will have his name ( it will be double barrelled as I'm having my maiden name too).

So there's my news.
SueD...my heart sang when I read the brilliant news about your DS. May he have many many more years of health to enjoy life with his family.
AnnS...I hope you decide to go away... Sometimes the things we least want to do turn out wonderfully. A new baby girl too... It's amazing isn't it that we never forget those moments when we become Mums. It was my youngest D birthday last week and I replayed the day she was born in my mind. Such a wonderful day. Who could have known how it would all change . I cried.
Grandmarie. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I hope whatever it is that's bringing you such worries and heartache is resolved very soon. ❤️
Urms... Thinking of you too and hoping for the best outcome of the latest scan.
LlfL...I too am sorry that your son's have fallen out and hope that time will soften the anger that's in their hearts just now and they can be reconciled. I think you are wise to stay back from the situation as far to often from personal experience you end up getting the blame in some way.
Blossoming... I'm wishing you a good week... With no nausea or wobblyness.
Corner... I'm am so glad you have managed to visit your DF. At least now you can be reassured that she is safe and well cared for too. Hold on to and smile at those wonderful memories of times past when you feel sad. Thank goodness for garden centres to lift our spirits too.
Yia... Thinking of you too and your friends.
GrandmaB... Well done you on being sensible re your back and the garden...unlike me yesterday who is paying the the price today. DOH says it sounded like I had Tourettes in bed last night as every time I moved I yelped ...at least I didn't actually swear. !!!!
Soop... Not long now till your Going South Adventure. I'm hoping that your 'big try on' was successful and are now packed ready for the off. I'm looking forward to hearing all about it. Safe Journey to you and Mr Soop. Xx
I know I've forgotten to mention some of you...but you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Naughtyneine I am very sorry to hear you are having a revision hip replacement. I am happy to give you advice- I spent 30 years doing it!

That little minx "Sweetie Pie* knows how to tug at the heartstrings and then leaves without a look. He will be back.

Bless you lovely lot for continuing to make our kitchen a very special place.

Still rushing around like a headless chicken! However, we are almost reaching the point when we can begin to believe that everything is under control.

Mr Soop had a phone call from the Glasgow hospital this morning. He has an appointment in two weeks time to have the cancerous lesions on his scalp (that are at a very ugly stage) removed, followed by a skin graft. A friend in the village is to drive us to and from the hospital. Mr Soop will be heavily bandaged. He will need to return a week later so that the healing process can be monitored.

Time to prepare lunch. Wishing you all a pleasant day.

Nearly there soop. Good Mrs has an appointment at last for a necessary, if not pleasant, procedure.
I’ve been a poll clerk three times neine once at a station where we had a group of horse riders and quite a few tractors turn up! I hope your civil ceremony plans proceed smoothly.
One bin bag of really old clothes for the Air Ambulance to have for the material and one bin bag of reasonable clothes for the local charity shop have been sorted. Honestly, I thought I didn’t really hoard, but socks and more socks, I only wear them in the winter.
It’s gloriously sunny here, windows open, the first bluebottle to chase out of the kitchen and washed woolies to hang out.