Soop's warm and welcoming kitchen for kindly folk.

Hello kitchen people!

It is lovely having elder son and my granddaughter staying for a couple of days. Son’s partner couldn’t come as she’s working. Granddaughter is now 8 and very good company.

It is good to hear what other Grans are getting up to. So, have a good rest of the day.

Hello 👋 Urms and SueD, crossed posts! I notice that you both mentioned the joy of
seeing your loved ones experiencing aspects of 'normal life' again, how we take it for granted. Our loved one who has been very ill and had major surgery followed by complications talks hopefully about
"getting my life back". I pray for that every day.
Rosie'sMaw, what a lively family gathering! I believe your brandy was purely medicinal!🤣 I sympathise with your knees, mine have been misbehaving again.

Oh wheel me to bed -I am zonked!
Lovely family lunch in St Martins Lane - 19 of us! But oh dear, DD3’s little boys were off the wall -SIL still away for work - and she had more than her hands full with trying to contain them- despite having our own area of the restaurant. D2 did what she could but Flynn got wound up too and we were glad to have Toby and Will (12 and 14) as the sensible ones !
The play/show “Spirited Away” at the Coliseum was amazing but too old for the little ones so D took them home on the bus (on her own - I was really worried)
London was heaving, as were the trains. , I stood all the way down on the train and wish I had stood coming back instead of being squished into a corner with no way to straighten my poorly knees.
Enjoying a brandy to wash down 2 paracetamols - don’t try this at home, children!
Tomorrow I shall be busy doing nothing
NNGB

Good evening, Soop and lovely Kitchen people. Dear Soop, I share your delight that MrSoop had gracefully accepted some help in the garden, allowing you both to continue to enjoy it without too much effort.
Doodle, I have a lovely vision of you and yours, toasting MrD and sharing special memories. May these bring you comfort in the days to come.

Brook, wishing your wee DGD a speedy and complete recovery. I remember my boys sleeping for hours on end when they were not well, I had to wake them to keep them hydrated but the big sleeps seemed to be restorative, just their bodies' way of conserving energy and healing.

Welcome home, Jaxjacky and Cornergran. I agree, it's very nice to go travelling but it's also very nice to return home! We had real issues with airport assistance at Malaga this time, causing lengthy delays, very stressful.

NannyG4, thinking of you, your Dh and family at this difficult time. I'm glad you have family around you and you can walk on the beach. Nature helps.

Annsixty, sounds like you had a great meal out with your friend. I'm glad you're getting out and about, social interaction is uplifting.
I was at a super Turkish restaurant near Glasgow last night with my sisters and friends for our Book Group night out. We were discussing A Man called Ove by Frederick Backman. We had all enjoyed it and scored it well. It is now in the lead of the books we have read so far this year. I was exhausted when I got home, after our very late return the previous night! Wee long lie this morning...

Thank you, Blossoming, good luck with your new shower room, let us know how it goes and please send photos! I'm beginning to think about replacing my bath with a walk in shower...

Grandmabatty, I wish I had your energy! My housework gets spaced out throughout the week. I hope your Mum is a wee bit brighter now.

Rose and Lilac, 👋 hello and welcome to Soop's Kitchen! I think we are having a bumper year for snails.
The Wee Boy and I were in the front garden for a while today before the rain came on. I was doing some weeding while he was 'rescuing' 🐌 snails from around my hostas and transporting them to safety in his dumper truck. It was good to see family after our holiday.

Enjoy your holiday Grannygravy and family! Hope YiaYia and all on their travels are having a wonderful time.

Hoping and praying that Neine and all those unwell recover soon.

Wishing everyone a peaceful Saturday night and a restful sleep.
TOYA NNGB

Brook hope your DGd gets back to her normal self soon.

Oh dear, I’ve missed so much, I don’t know where to start catching up in the Kitchen. Maybe sympathy, best wishes and lots of love would cover everyone? ❤️❤️❤️

I’m back in the UK after our trip to the US to see ds1 and family. It was so good to spend time with them all and especially to see ds living a pretty normal life. Their children are on holiday now but we had a chance to see the new school that oldest will be attending from August. It’s vast and has a school theatre that most UK cities would be proud to possess. Our own local town looks so shabby and down at heel compared to the neat and tidy place where ds lives.

We also enjoyed decent weather although in all honestly, living in Scotland, our bar for good weather is very low. it was mainly between 25-30deg, some cloudy days and thunder but the kind of weather where you don’t need to think about coats/cardigans or watertight shoes. I also drove a car on the ‘wrong’ side of the road for the first time. It was a challenge but I didn’t go far and took things slowly so managed ok. Ds reckons I’d now easily pass an American driving test. 😂

Our homeward trip wasn’t as arduous as outbound although by the time we got back to Scotland our bags and everyone else’s on the plane, had gone walkabouts. They were delivered to our house the next day but I felt sorry for the many tourists whose bags went AWOL.

Our first task once home was to get Dh a GP appt. Luckily, that wasn’t a problem, phew! He caught a cold from ds and GD and it went to his chest so he’s now on antibiotics. I think he last had a chest infection almost 40 years ago and last took antibiotics about 15 years ago. He’s responding to the AB’s though still sounds like a sea lion at times.

We got the distinct impression our kittens did not miss us one jot! They were happy to see us but not overly fussing around us. I think they were happy with the cat sitter and with ds2 and family visiting. Faithless creatures, aren’t they? Goodness knows why we love them so much!

Our next challenge is that the house repairs from our flood begin next week. A storage company comes in Monday to remove as much as possible into their warehouse so the workmen have a clean run at the place. I’ve no idea what to keep back and what to send away, it’s like moving all over again. 😱 Then the walls will be stripped and reinstated, which will require the power to be off but they say we can still live here! I’ve no idea what we’ll do with the cats. This is all information I have asked for time and again and they only gave it to me on Thursday when I’ve no time to make arrangements. The work will take about a month and apparently is a ‘simple’ job, according to the project manager. I hope I never come across a complicated one is all I can say to that.

Upward and onward, though, stuff upper lip and all that! At least my garden is flourishing even if it’s too cold to sit outside. My roses are such a joy right now. 🌹

Take care everyone. Xxx

‘Evening All’.

We’ve had the most lovely afternoon at a pub in Dobcross. Himself drove (40 minutes) and my heart sang when, as he drove he said “this feels great, I feel like me again’. Oh the things we take for granted, rushing about in daily life when we are well and how much they can mean to those struggling.

Just popping in to say hello🙋‍♀️

We are enjoying our time in Cyprus, hot sunny and relaxing.

Sending (((hugs))) Doodle and GrannyG4

Corner DD’s university halls overlooked Langston Harbour, lucky girl.
Well I have gone from being thoroughly chilled in the northerly wind this morning to baked in the sun this afternoon. What strange weather we’re having, pretty disappointing for June. I actually lit the wood burner yesterday, I couldn’t get warm.
I have been gardening, trying to tame an overgrown border where everything has grown too well except the roses which were completely swamped. I started by thinning plants but resorted to yanking armfuls of purple toadflax, phlox, poppies, willow herb and those violets that form tangled mats (but rarely flower 🤬) I still have roots to dig out but it’ll be easier without 3’ tall greenery. There were plenty of 🐌 and slugs 🤢
Then I will give my poor roses a good soaking and feed 🤞🏻
I thought of you Soop and dear MrSoop and your garden as i tussled with the foliage.

I hope you found some comfort yesterday Doodle in the love surrounding you and your family.
Sounds like your granddaughter is having a rough time brook let’s hope the antibiotics do their job.
corner I used to live on Hayling Island years ago, Langstone is joyous.
I’m glad you enjoyed your meal ann sounds delicious.
Washing done, weather sun/cloud and windy, cool in the shade, not good enough, we’ll be at the longest day before sitting out for an evening.
Newspaper has been thoroughly read and I’m left with the crosswords.
It was rather good being back in our own bed last night.

Aww thank you grandmabatty I think she’s a bit better today thank goodness x

I hadn't realised that your dgd had been so unwell Brook. I hope she recovers quickly.
It's been a housework day at Batty Towers. Everything cleaned, washings done and ironed, bedding changed and windows cleaned. I have pulled gammon in the slow cooker for dinner later and I'm relaxing with a glass of wine. I hope you are all well.

Thank you Doodle ❤️

Good evening dear Kitcheners. Such a lovely message NannyG4 I’m glad you found some peace. Welcome home Cornergran, Jax and Grannmarie. I have travelled far and wide but now I appreciate my own surroundings and I need my comfort!

Always lovely to hear from you Soop, hope you and MrSoop are both doing well despite buggerations and frustrations,

I’m getting quite excited now to be planning the revamped shower room, although there will be quite a wait. It has given me a lot to think about and a lot to do, with MrB’s support of course, which is a help.

TOYA ♥️

brook glad your DGD is feeling a bit better. Hope she picks up soon.
NannyG Im glad you’re somewhere where you can enjoy the beach and sea. You need somewhere peaceful to let your mind rest a bit. I think of you every day. x
Thank you all for your kindness. The kitchen was always such a place of love and support.

Hi to all kitchen pals, it’s been another sunshine and showers day here in Inverness, cold and more like March than June
I went round to see DD2 and family, DGD seems slightly better today but still a long way to go. The doctor thinks the virus has gone into a chest infection so hopefully the antibiotics will work their magic soon and she’ll start to eat again and not sleep so much
I’ve tried to do a bit of gardening this afternoon but the showers kept coming so I’ve given up now
Your holiday sounds so lovely corner, I’m tempted to try to book a few days away but waiting for the weather to improve a bit
It’s always good to have an extra pair of hands in the garden soop even though Mr Soop is head gardener!
Take care all x

NannyG4 Thank you for your beautiful message. I was thinking of you yesterday, Doodle. Please may your happy memories comfort you during this sorrowful time. Baggs, you remain in my thoughts. Perhaps later this month, we may meet when I attend the Vale of Leven.

Mr Soop had a visitor yesterday. Chris, the gardener arrived to chat about the growing concerns relating to the management of the garden we created, from a pile of rubble, some twenty years ago. In a week's time, Chris will return to spend time helping to dig up the evasive plants that are threatening to swamp our shrubs. I was both relieved and delighted that the visit proved to be successful. As I've already mentioned, Mr Soop likes to think that, despite his age and health issues, he can cope unaided with our plot.

I send you all my best wishes for a pleasant and peaceful weekend. Especially our Kitcheners in need of comfort and support.

Back from a few days in Hampshire. I’m a home bird, this is the first time I can recall wanting a longer stay anywhere. We overlooked Langstone Harbour, there were squirrels and boats to watch, birds to listen to and a real sense of peace, good food too. Oh well laundry to do today so back to reality it is.

I’m glad there was sunshine and happy memories for you all yesterday doodle. Be gentle with yourself now. You too nannyg4. My love to you both, baggs and all with heavy hearts.

Laundry calls. Have the best weekend you can everyone.

NannyG4 a lovely message thank you ❤️

It’ll be chaos and noise for me grandmabatty 🤦‍♀️

Good Morning my lovely friends...
I wish all of you the best day you can have under your circumstances, grab a little happiness where you can... I've just been for a walk on the beach, my heart is so heavy but it was truly uplifting and peaceful...
Please take care and fondest love to you all......
Pleased all went well yesterday Doodle xx

I'm glad the funeral went well Doodle. Time spent recalling happy memories, is time well spent. I'm thinking of NannyG4 and Baggs this morning too. I hope everyone has a gentle day ahead, full of peace and serenity or chaos and noise, whatever suits you!

So pleased for you Doodle that your day was full of happy memories.
It is still hard to deal with but happy times are a blessing to look back on and bereavement is an inevitable part of life that we must expect and deal with.
Those of us who can look back and be thankful for the good times are indeed blessed.
I have been out for a meal with my friend across the road.
It was a delightful occasion, lots of chat and a delicious meal, I had sea bream with grilled prawns, veg and sautéed potatoes.
Absolutely superb.
A few alcoholic drinks were taken , not too many but I am so thankful that I can still enjoy such pleasures.
Sleep well everyone and for the unwell and their carers my most sincere thought are with you all.

Thank you all for your kindness and good wishes. We had a good day. Tears obviously but lots of smiles and happy memories too. The sun shone and we were able to sit out by the river and enjoy raising a glass to DH. I’m so tired now I can hardly keep awake so bed for me soon, bless you all for thinking of me and our family x

That sounds painful Jax hope your elbow is better soon and welcome home to both you and grannmarie

Welcome home * Grannmarie* sounds like a there’s a back story.
NannyG4 I too find the sea soothing.
We got home late morning and enjoyed our trip to Dorset, but the weather was definitely chilly, particularly early and later, first thing I did was stick our heating on for an hour. Then I checked the garden, veg, pots and baskets - all good, our friend watered.
Tesco delivery at 4; 6pm GP visit for me, bursitis in my elbow, then I joined MrJ in our local, Chinese for dinner, healthier eating commences tomorrow!
Doodle the hardest of days for you and your family 😘