Soop's warm and welcoming kitchen for kindly folk.

Hello everyone! Lots of trips and busy gardeners. We are working slowly and steadily. I did some pressure washing but only about 1/4 of our large patio. The plants were moved out, then tidied up and rearranged. That job is nearly finished. I probably had the machine on for about an hour over the afternoon. I stopped at one point and our rather unusual neighbour shouted over the hedge “Enough with the cleaning up now - this is getting boring!” and then turned her pop music up full. I don’t think she realises that her voice is so loud that we hear every word from their garden and even what people on her phone conversations say, since they are on speakerphone! Now that IS boring! 🤣
A belated happy birthday Corner.
Nearly bedtime thank goodness!
Sleep well everyone. 💤

We had overnight rain last night, Cornergran! A nice day today, though.
Good luck to all the exam-taking mini-Kitcheners.
We’ve had that sort of day as well, Brook. We’ve been on the go since early doors. It’s tiring being retired!

Although we haven’t had wall to wall sunshine today was a much better one weatherwise, intermittent sun and no coats required. I had to get my car to the garage first thing, for new tyres. It was supposed to have new brake pads too, but they said there’s still 3.5k miles of wear left in them so that saved me some £££.

We tried a new cafe this afternoon and then went to a plant nursery. There’s nothing fancy, no cafe, no chi-chi homeware to buy, no pets dept or tropical fish, just plants. Much of it is locally raised so is suited to our climate and the owner is very helpful. I bought £50 of plants and have my eye on more items to buy when we’re back from our holiday.

We came home and planted up my purchases and some other items I’d bought over thr past couple of weeks. The garden is looking quite full now, though once the daff and tulip leaves have gone, it’ll be seem bare again. I plan to have more shrubs and perennials eventually but for now I’ve put in some annuals for summer interest. I’ve also got lettuce, runner beans and courgette in, so here’s hoping we get a harvest.

Sweet dreams, everyone! Xxx

A busy day here, just sat down after getting DGD to and from rehearsals and choir - she’s just gone to bed now and I’ll soon be following as feeling tired! I don’t know where the days gone really - it’s flown by today
I did a bit of gardening - put some grass seed down on a few bare patches and hope the warm weather helps it grow … I’m off to see DD1 and family in Cambridge on Saturday morning so need to sort my stuff sorted out tomorrow- I never know what to take as don’t know what we’ll be doing .. DD1 will decide on the day …
Hoping Mr&Mrs soop are well on their journey now or already arrived
Take care all and enjoy the better weather whilst it lasts

Sorry that should have been addressed to jax. Cake obviously impacts the brain too!

Afternoon tea was excellent thank you yia. Only one problem, cake makes the clothes shrink. I am the living, breathing proof

Safe journey soop

Thanks Yia to your grandson and all who are sitting their exams.
Another warm day, hanging baskets planted up, I like doing it but make a mess, which I’ve cleared up, until I make another one!
More washing, I love it drying so quickly.
Hope you’ve enjoyed your afternoon tea corner, more celebrations ahead.
MrJ is on dinner duty, enjoy your evening.

Good luck to Imogen today Jax. My GS2 starts his GCSE’s today.They grow up so quickly.

I hope you have a good journey and an enjoyable time with family, Soop! 🧳 🚗 🎈

Thank you all for your birthday wishes. An odd sort of a day, enjoyable for the most part.

We did make it to the garden centre, I now have lots of planting to do . This evening there was an encounter with no less than three very large firemen. No, we weren’t on fire, our holidaying neighbours smoke detector was sounding sufficiently to wake the whole neighbourhood. As it’s a managed development ‘protocol’ required the fire service to attend, which they did very promptly with no recriminations for the wasted call. I felt more than guilty, they seemed genuinely happy to have been called out. Wasn’t expecting that! Tomorrow we have an afternoon tea to look forward to and then on Saturday is family chaos time, I mean a get together, of course I do - maybe! Whatever it may turn out to be I’m really looking forward to it.

I know your trip will be wonderful soop. I also have to ensure our home is pristine before we leave it. As a friend said many years ago, why not leave a note for the burglars apologising for the dust. . Sleep well.

You may not have to worry about your plants drying out sued, it’s so unlikely we’ll be without rain, more forecast from Sunday. Can’t wait!

There’s a need for me to plant todays purchases before we’re drowned again. Hope they can swim!

Time I was off. . Sleep well everyone.

Happy birthday to dear cornergran

I wanted to say a fond farewell as we'll be leaving for our family gathering tomorrow. Our neighbour will be looking after things on our behalf during our absence.

Today has been dedicated to house cleaning and making sure that, when we return, our home will be looking at it's best. To be honest, I fair frazzled myself with what some sensible folk would deem too much faffin.' My late mother was a fusspot before going away for a few days. I seem to have inherited her irritating traits.

As I do not own a laptop, I shall be be having a few computer free days. It may be mid next week before I join you lovely lot in our kitchen.

Please continue to enjoy each others company. You are all kind and supportive Granspals.

I shall away to my bed. Last night was one of the worst nights that I've ever experienced. After reading for thirty minutes, I turned off the light and tossed and turned for four pesky hours. Mr Soop sleeps in his reclining chair in the sitting room. He cannot lie flat as his bad circulation results in chronic cramp. He slept like the proverbial log, which was some consolation. Naturally when he came into the bedroom with our early morning tea I was in a deep, deep sleep.

Bless you all.

Safe journey, please look after yourselves soop.

Jax please think twice about using a watering can because you might not have to bother over the weekend, and I believe thunder is coming with it. I never want to hear the word drought again.

Nearly forgot, safe journey tomorrow soops, have the best time.

It’s so busy in this Kitchen, I can’t possibly catch up with everyone’s messages, so forgive me for missing people out.
Neine how lovely about the Civil Partnership. I know it’s not your final aim but it’s a step on the road. ❤️ You’re very good for persisting in trying the motor home. It’s my idea of hell and I’ve never have set foot in it in the first place! Funnily enough our NDN’s son has appeared with an ancient camper van. It’s so old it has the old style number plate A123 BCD kind of thing. He was out there giving it a good scrub this evening.
Soop I’m so pleased you finally have a date for MrS’s op. You’ll be relieved to have it done. Will it be a day op or will he need to stay in? I’m glad Sweetie Pie has been around.
Happy days with a new baby Annsixty.
Your cruise sounds good, Scapa. We’ve had thunder and lightning in Scotland, too. It came out of nowhere while we were in a garden centre and the thunder gave me such a fright that I screamed out loud!
It’s really turned green up here now, Blossoming. I feel like we’ve had a second spring as all the flowers that were out when we were at my son’s in Hants two weeks ago are now coming out here!
Brook our dental hygienist used to be a sergeant major in the army, all five-foot-nothing of her. She’s terrifying although also very nice!
Happy birthday Cornergran, I hope you’ve had a good day.
I know what you mean about washing Charlie. It’s a rare day when I don’t have a load to do. Baffling, really, when it’s just two of us.
I’m sorry about your friend, Yia, that’s sad.
Awe, little Imogen, Jaxjacky! 🩷 I was thinking today that it’s about ten years around now that our youngest dd left school. It seems no time at all.

I’ve had a busy few days again. We looked after GD while her mummy was busy then later on after dropping her home we went to a travel agent and now have our flights to the US booked - we go in less than two weeks time! Like Soop, there are lots of things to organise, which I’m slowly ticking off lists. Cat care has been sorted and I’ve booked airport parking. Also ordered some packing cubes. I have some basic ones and found them so useful that I want some better quality ones. When you’re living out of a suitcase for two weeks they do allow you to keep a bit of order amongst the chaos.

Yesterday I’ve mostly forgotten already though I went to town look for a small purse and came home with new trainers instead. Today we’ve done the ballet run with GD and Dh had his Covid jab. I’ve also been in touch with the insurance people about the house and have a clearer idea of how restoration will proceed, hopefully after our holiday.

I’ve also got some things to plant in the garden, a few veg such as squash and courgettes and some lettuce leaves to grow in my trugs. I’m a bit worried about keeping them watered while we’re away - maybe the cat people would do it, if I ask? 🤔. My garden has been looking lovely, the tulips have put on quite a display. Sadly, the petals are dropping off now but I’ve had such pleasure looking at them. I’ll put a photo on here, to share them.

Wishing you all a peaceful night, xxx.

A very Happy Birthday cornergran I hope you’ve enjoyed your special day and you got to the garden centre this afternoon
Aww what a cutie Jax where do all the years go, they grow up so fast! Wishing Imogen all the very best for her exams
I’ve had a really enjoyable but full on day in Aberdeen today, part of the volunteering work with medical students. Back home now with a much needed cup of tea and an earlyish night
Sorry to hear about your friend Yia - good that he remains cheerful though
Good idea to ask for help with the lightbulbs charley don’t risk the ladders!

Happy Birthday cornergran 🥳🎂.
A busyish day for me, local market to buy plants for my containers, got my car washed, long overdue, some crocosmia planted and after a shower, I went for a pedicure. I’ve never had one before, it was without the gel varnish as I get that done elsewhere, it was ok and my feet look neater.
Mr J cut the grass, I can’t believe by the weekend I’ll be out with the watering can or the hose for recently planted flowers after all that rain not too long ago.
I’m sorry your friend is struggling Yia I bet he was really pleased to see you.
Imogen had her last official day at school today, now it’s GCSE’s, the picture is her first day.

A lovely warm evening sitting on our terrace at last.
Sorry about your hip Neine.I should have both my hips replaced but still managing on meds for now.🤞

Good news Mr Soop will get his treatment soon.In the meantime have a great family reunion Soop.
We visited our friends yesterday and sadly he had a fall at the weekend.It seems apart from the kidney failure he also has a heart condition and gets very wobbly.So sad but he’s still cheerful and loves to chat.

A very Happy Birthday Cornergran hope you’ve enjoyed your day.🎈🎉🎁🎂
Have a pleasant evening everyone.Hope all is going O.K Urms.

Yes, many happy returns. Birthdays appear nowadays with increasing frequency.

The sun is out here and it is warmer out than indoors. I appear to wash for the entire region so the washing is drying outside.

Tomorrow a young man is coming to tackle the long grass and remove weeds from the block paving which used to be my rear garden. I will naughtily take advantage of his height and ask him to change a couple of light bulbs for me. Safer than me wobbling up a small step ladder.

Enjoy the sunshine because amazingly thunder and rain are forecast next week.

Look after yourselves.

Many happy returns, Cornergran!💐🎂

What a lot of news. Please excuse me not mentioning you all, a very busy kitchen.

It’s been sunny here, hooray. A trip to a charity shop with donations turned into a beach walk, well a walk between seats overlooking the beach, and an unexpected lunch. Mr C did some planting this afternoon while I offered ‘helpful’ advice. .

As it’s just turned midnight I’m a whole year older. Where does a year go? Funny day ahead. An alarm test is booked for the morning, Mr C has a scan at lunch time. You never know we may make it to a garden centre in the afternoon, plants are needed for troughs and tubs.

I’m sorry you have worries granmarie You’re being very sensible about your relationship neine, I suspect the day will feel more meaningful than you anticipate. Also about the Moho. If it’s not fun then best not to force yourself. We had a touring van for many years, when enjoyment ended so did our relationship with it. Different breaks now that suit us more.

How lovely to be part of the baby’s homecoming ann. Poor Molly, she won’t make that mistake again - I hope.

I well understand the pre break sense that organisation has left the building soop. Of course you are and will be organised, it just doesn’t feel like that. Mr Soops procedure will soon come and hopefully the outcome will be good for you both.

I’m hoping to find something new on Thursday brook. Trouble is I don’t know what I want. Hopeless.

My brain is now officially mush. It’s time I tried to sleep. Goodnight everyone, sleep tight.

Good evening kitchen pals, it’s a lovely sunny evening here in Inverness
Good to hear from you neine and to catch up on all your news
How lovely to be on a river cruise Scapal enjoy every minute!
I’ve survived the dental hygienist, it’s all done now for 6 months. It turned into an expensive afternoon though, I bought trousers and a top from Next and more summer trousers from M&S. I’m off to visit DD1 in Cambridge at the weekend so thought I’d best spruce up a bit - she’s always so stylish 🙄
Good that MrSoop has a date for his surgery soop hope all goes well

Good afternoon dear Kitcheners. Goodness it’s busy in here!

Today has been a lovely spring day after a rather gloomy start.

I have been for a riverside walk, everywhere is so green.

MrB has been shopping, chestnut mushrooms for my tea. I love them, he isn’t keen so will have chicken with rice and beans.

Love and best wishes to you all ❤️

Good evening kitcheners from Lyon where we are on a Viking River Cruise. Weather seems to be improving from yesterday when it was miserable although it didn’t stop us having a tour of the Beaujolais wine district with wine tasting. Today a bus tour of Lyon followed by a walking tour. I know so much more about the Resistance here during WW 2 now as well as a demonstration of silk making and printing scarves. I resisted spending the €135 on the one I liked! Oops spoke too soon about the weather, just heard thunder and saw lightening. Never mind nearly time to get ready for dinner!

Neine you do so well to mention so many people. Sorry about your hip but I hope you don’t wait too long. I still haven’t heard about my knee that was “in the New Year” then April/early May, and now I am off the list completely.
LLFL our Madame Alfred Carriere is blooming beautifully despite not having a haircut this winter. She is 3 years old.
We were forecast a wet weekend and rain yesterday but instead it has been glorious and warm too. The garden is going mad. I have tidied up half of the hostas in pots and disposed of a number of slugs. Still plenty to do …
I hope everyone has a great evening. We are off to a Beethoven concert.

Hello all from a bright Stockport.
I had my Covid booster early this morning and by noon I fell asleep on the couch.
I can’t believe it was the jab so I must just be tired.
Reading of the bluebottle, my little cat Molly brought a wasp in yesterday, she had obviously forgotten that she shouldn’t try to eat them.
She gingerly picked it up, dropped it, tried batting it with her paws, tried it with her mouth again and then gave up.
I hope that is a lesson learned for this summer.

I went with my GD to pick up the new mum and baby yesterday afternoon.
She was “let out” suddenly after being told that she would need one more night in.
She is a very, very laid back baby, sleeping well between feeds.
I hope it continues.

My GD was chuckling as they have twice been mistaken for a same sex couple.
A member of the theatre team told them they were a very beautiful family.

I must now get my thinking head on as I haven’t planned tonight’s meal.

Grannmarie lovely to have you pop in, I hope your family member progresses well and Soop good luck to your H when his procedure comes up.
To all of you who post regularly I don’t not think about you, I really do, but my feeble brain makes remembering difficult.
One day I shall. write down individual triumphs and concerns and comment suitably on them.
Until then your are all in my thoughts.