Soop's kitchen for kind and caring folk...

‘Evening All’,

Glad your spex turned up soops. I need mine constantly (varifocals). They reside on my bedside cabinet, are worn as I get up until I go to bed. If I take them off (shower) I feel totally discombobulated until I pop them back on again. How did we ever manage without them? Got the grandchildren to read to us I suppose (aged 50!). I think the Chinese invented them. Must look that up ….

Busy but pleasant day back at home. No heating necessary (yet) as the sun this afternoon warmed the main room great - our balcony is south facing. Been out to collect repeat scripts, called in the larder and the curtain shop - they will come to hang curtains next Friday. Voiles washed and back up in our newly emulsioned main room. We are delighted with the job done whilst we were away. I like to time ‘jobs’ to fit in when we are not here to avoid the hassle.

Good evening, Soop and lovely Kitchen people! 🥰 I'm so glad you found your glasses. I lose mine, and various other things- keys, bank cards, important paperwork- on a regular basis. I should have a Direct Debit to St Anthony's Bread...it is a tradition to ' pay him' i.e. put something in the donations box when you pray to St. A. for your lost item. Sounds really strange, I know, but it usually works.

Redcar, we have a ' Wonky Knees Club' in Soop's Kitchen, you are most welcome to join! I went to the pool yesterday, did some physio exercises for my knee, it certainly helps.

Dustyangel, hello 👋, good to see you! Sorry you're having such wild weather in Portugal 🇵🇹 just now. Keep safe, thinking of you and your DH.

Hello 👋 Neine, hope your wee dogs behaved for the rest of your journey! They sound like real characters. 🐕🐕

Best wishes to you too, Hulahoop, hope you're feeling okay.

brook, ITIKWYM, if they're happy, we're happy. Hoping and praying that things work out for your DD and DGC, and that your wee DGD feels better soon.

GG13, I hope you're having a relaxing evening after your busy day with your DGC.

Aww, Grandmabatty, poor wee boy! It's so hard to console them when they've set their wee hearts on something. What a testament to your tasty soup!

Great news about your local, Jaxjacky, I hope your new landlord reinstates the Quiz Night!

Aww, Ladyleftfieldlover, so sorry about your travel problems. Hope the weather behaves and you and your DH can enjoy your cruise.

I had a long lie this morning, unusual for me but I just felt really tired. Hairdresser this afternoon for my cut and colour, my DSis 2 was in at the same time so it was quite convivial. The staff are lovely and keep bringing us tea and biscuits while the colour is ' taking'.
TOYA, especially those with illness, worries or sorrow. Please forgive me if I haven't mentioned you by name but I have read all your posts now and I am thinking of you all. Wishing everyone a peaceful Friday evening and a good night's sleep, NNGB.

Crossed posts, FGT, welcome home!

Good Evening, sorry it’s so late just thought I’d post a photo taken last night from our front garden xx

Welcome, AskAlice and Mamaa.🥰

Grannmarie Your post is very informative and, may I say, amazingly inclusive. Many thanks.

mamma your photograph is wonderful. A lady in our village took something similar on Thursday night.

It is wet and windy in Kintyre. White-capped waves skipping across the sea. Better weather promised for tomorrow.

Youngest son (who is fifty) together with his best mate are about to embark on crossing the Sahara on "monkey bikes". They will also travel across the Atlas mountains. The venture is in aid of raising awareness and giving voice to those suffering from the severest effects of climate change. I wish him success.

Still no word of when Mr Soop is to see the new surgeon who will deal with his cancerous scalp lesions. We fully appreciate that the NHS is under huge pressure and the waiting lists are seemingly never ending.

Wishing you all a peaceful and pleasant weekend.

I second soops sentiment about grannmaries post, so kind and inclusive, thank you 🥰
That’s a real adventure for your son soop well done to him and his friend. Hoping Mr Soop gets his appointment through very soon
Gorgeous picture mamaa thanks for sharing
It’s been a cold but sunny day up here, but the rain started about an hour ago. We’re off on another adventure tomorrow, a week in Northumberland, DH wants to do the Hadrian’s Wall stuff, I’ll be happier with a long scenic walk somewhere - As long as it’s not bucketing down all week we’ll be fine and I’m looking forward to a change of scenery. It was a last minute plan as the DGC are off school now for a fortnight and away with their dad next week so we’re definitely not needed!
Love to all in the quiet corner, I’m just going to settle down and watch Strictly x

I wear varifocal x too FGT and have been known to call MrJ if I’ve put them down whilst showering and can’t see them!
Warmer weather due here next week brook, I hope yours stays dry.
A quiet day, newspaper read from cover to cover, quick call with both children, we’re all meeting at my daughters tomorrow for a late lunch after Fin’s football.
I need to put bulbs and violas in the garden, I’ll wait until next week, my Raynauds hands wouldn’t cope.
Enjoy your evenings.

grannmarie if it’s ok with everyone I’ll join the Wonky knees club! The physio says it’s soft tissue damage and will take 6-12 weeks to get better. I’m doing the exercises she gave me and hope they improve the situation.
llfl I hope the weather has improved and that you’ve been able to join your cruise ship. Have a great time.
soop you must be so frustrated at the wait for Mr Soop’s appointment with the surgeon, I hope that your son’s adventure in the Sahara and Atlas Mountains goes well.
I’ve had a quiet day today, had a walk to the post office, then rested my knee.. Changed the bedding but decided not to put the 10.5 tog duvet on yet. I’ll leave it a few more days and then decide. Had phone chats with both daughters, both their 6 year old daughters had the flu vaccination this week, and both a little out of sorts today. I may see them tomorrow if the girls are better.
brook I hope the weather improves for your trip to Northumberland tomorrow.
grannmarie thank you for your kind and inclusive posts, much appreciated.
Have a peaceful evening everyone.

‘Evening All’.

We’ve had a good day - saw our littlest and youngest members of the family for an hour before lunch. I’ve missed them!

I’ve just finished watching ‘Rebel Superstar*’ a biopic on Liz Taylor.on BBC2 via iPlayer . Thoroughly enjoyed the 3 (45 minutes each) episodes back-to-back. Probably most of you were watching’Strictly’ which for some reason I’ve never watched! 💃 🕺🏿

I’ve felt a bit jittery (it happens now and again) so distracting myself has helped tonight. Sometimes, unbidden, thoughts can just poke one in the ribs can’t they?

I haven’t watched strictly for years but binge watched the Elizabeth Taylor thing recently.

LlFL... Fingers crossed everything has settled down and you are now on your cruise.
FGT...jittery is more than understandable... Wishing you lots of nice distractions to help those times.
Redcar... It's quite an exclusive club that sadly lots of the Grans have inadvertently joined. Fingers crossed that the exercises help and soon.
Brook.... Have fun on your adventure... very cocktails or hot toddies according to the weather ( I think it might be erring towards the latter though methinks)
Jax....yay pub is going to open again...will they do quizzes still do you think?
Soop....I'm praying this will be THE week that Mr S gets his appointment through. You have both been so patient.
Well work went very successfully yesterday...paying men to drink beer is always a winner I find😂😂😂. It was fab to see some of my regular team too. The two dogs went on doggy day care to their cousin Billy the cockapoo. Much fun was had by all. The new sleeping arrangements in Henrietta Moho are working well and I almost enjoying it. (Please note I said almost!!!!!) We are on the M25 at the moment and I am posting so I don't have to look at the huge numbers of cars/lorries/motorbikes who all seem to be heading to Kent too. It's amazing how quickly I have forgotten what it was like to drive on manically busy roads. I don't miss it at all.
Granmarie..I didn't know you had to sort of 'pay a fine' to St Anthony ...I am very much in debt. 😱
Have a happy Sunday afternoon everyone.

The grass cutter finished about an hour before the rain arrived so at least part of it looks smart. Some clown decided to park in the middle of my long lawn and got stuck. The mess he made is very deep and I may have to add a couple of bags of soil to fill it and then add seeds.

Many are under the impression the well-cut strip of grass is council property- the only thing owned by the council is the road.

Has Sweetie Pie popped by recently for a meal or three? He is so lucky.

I also had a long lie today and it was only an aching hip which made me move. I have a feeling it will not "see me out".

I had my 9th Covid jab last week, no problem so I will pop in for the flu jab tomorrow then I will be sorted. To date, I have had no ill effects from either.

Just popping in with some snack lunch goodies for anyone eating later.
My GD and I went to a much hyped and to us expensive, overpriced farm shop last week.
So my offerings are Hebridean oatcakes with pate, very strong Stilton and Hummus with baby plum tomatoes.
To me Stilton should be tasty but creamy.
However help yourselves.
Chilly but dry here in Stockport.Casserole in red wine with roasted veg for dinner.
Take care everyone.

I'm doing ok thanks GranmarieHope you are well . We have just been to collect youngest grandsons c---s present it's quite big so hiding it has been a challenge. Oh not feeling 100% so a quiet afternoon is on the cards.Jaxjacky it's good to hear your local is reopening we have not many left in our area now. Hope all poorlies feel better soon.

Just put the chicken in the oven, so dinner should be between 5.30-6pm which is early for us but the GS’s have school tomorrow.

I am really enjoying a series of chic lit books at the moment, I know they are not for everyone, but they suit my mindset at the moment.

It has suddenly got rather overcast and the temperature has dropped, hasn’t stopped the boys racing round outside on their scooter and bike though, I so wish I still had that amount of energy.

Hello Kitcheners,hope you are all well.

DH is doing O.K he hates the catheter but otherwise seems to be improving.My northern DS is here for a few days and is a great help.I’m struggling a bit with an arthritis flare so it’s helped to have him do all the heavy lifting etc.I’m seeing my rheumatologist on Tuesday so hopefully will get an injection to keep me going.🤣We are going to DSI’s house for dinner this evening, feeling blessed that we have three very caring sons.

Take care everyone.I hope you have news soon Soop

Afternoon kitcheners, we are both full from lunch at my daughters, jacket potatoes, multiple choice of toppings and salad, followed by cheesecake (not just any cheesecake..🙂). Our grandson scored two goals and was man of the match, but was miffed as he was taken off before his potential hat trick.
Hoping brook has arrived at digs for the week and it’s not raining.
MrJ is resting his eyes!
Yes, I have every hope there will be a pub quiz, meat draw and possibly more, watch this space, I’ve submitted our wish list.
Have a pleasant evening.

I am so fortunate to have you lovely lot in our kitchen. You never fail to cheer me. Bless you.

We've shared some with pals in the village. Lots of laughter. A cure for most of life's buggerations.

Sweetie Pie (little tyke) should call by fairly soon. This morning we had a mother deer and her fawn visit. They chomped away on the rotting gunnera leaves. They seem to class them as a delicacy.

Son had a disappointing second day on his Sahara venture for charity. His "monkey bike" broke down. We've topped up his fund for such eventualities. Perhaps he should have hired a camel. Here is a photo of him with camels in the background.

Wrong photo. Here is the right one...

‘Evening All’.

We’ve enjoyed a Good Day. Catching up with various members of our little family group. Everyone commented upon how well Himself is looking. As Professor Mansoor said in July “you will never get fed up of having people tell you that”. So true. An incredibly empathetic doctor.

It’s stayed dry hereabouts but became noticeably chilly around 4pm. I was wearing a short sleeved jersey dress and denim jacket. No tights or leggings (tanned legs!) but I think that’ll be the last time this year. I need to be in warmer layers starting tomorrow. I shall evaluate my winter wardrobe and write a wish list after looking at favourite sites on line later.

Oh, that photo is superb, Soop! Your son looks mightily disgruntled, may I say! I hope he’s back on two wheels soon. 🏍️
I’ve also caved into reality and accepted it’s no longer summer FGT. Leggings and woolly jumpers it is.
There’s some tasty meals being consumed by Kitcheners this evening, yum! We had a Mary Berry recipe, of rugby casserole with the most enormous jacket potatoes, followed by British strawberries and cream.
Glad your Dh is improving, Yia.
Charlie, someone parked on your lawn??
I’ve got bulbs to plant as well, Jax. I decided to wait until the mini heatwave (read ^not quite as cold as usual^) arrives to do mine. My garden is still looking good, so much in flower.
Enjoy Northumberland, Brook. I don’t know it that well but have liked what I have seen. Though it allegedly holds traumatic memories for my dd - her big brothers threw her annoying imaginary friend off Hadrian’s Wall in approx 1990 and he’s still trying to climb back over, she says! 🤣🤣

It’s been a quiet week GC-wise, as they’re on school holidays and currently away staying with friends. Back on Tuesday, I’m sure we’ll be seeing them then. We’re battling the NHS to get things moving for Dh; what began at speed at the start of September has slowed to a glacial pace and I’m scared we are going to run out time.

I’ve been trying to get an appt at our surgery for over a week for a painful shoulder. It seems even harder to get a physio appt than see a doctor. I’m in so much pain at times especially at night and having to take so many ibuprofen to keep it under some sort of control. I think I’ll have to go private if I can’t see anyone in the next day or two.

Not much else to report, I wish you all a peaceful night. Xxx

Hello everyone. Cornerland has been uneventful as we’ve attempted to recover from covid. As of this morning I am officially negative and have been busy explaining to any remaining bugs that means I will feel well. It seems the bugs have other ideas.

Your poor son soop, he must be cross that it’s happened.

Bulbs planted here today, some mini daffs in the garden (the only bulbs that seem to flower reliably in our garden) and tulips in a tub or three planted more in hope than expectation.

Healing vibes to all poorly folk, goodnight everyone. Sleep well.

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Hi kitchen pals, we’re here in a gorgeous little cottage in Northumberland. It’s been a beautiful day, wall to wall sunshine although a bit cold. We visited Cragside, a NT property which was so beautiful, there’s a couple of photos attached, also our lunchtime picnic table!
Impressive photo soop hope your DS is sorted out again on his bike soon
So funny SueD your poor DD and imaginary friend, traumatised at a young age! Hope your shoulder eases soon
Sending ❤️ to everyone in the quiet corner x

‘Evening All’.

Another day in a dress and no tights as the sun was shining SueDonim again today! I think I’m pushing my luck. Rain is expected in a couple of days.

We’ve had yet another Good Day. I’m getting (too?) used to this. Lucky us. Christie’s two weeks today for a CT scan and to see the Prof. Until then we enjoy what we have while we can.

Yia baby steps.