Soops Kitchen, a place of refuge, reflection and revelry.

It’s quiet in here today.

I have chopped onions and tomatoes ready for my Christmas chutney which I will cook tomorrow. Other than king a chicken and ham pie for dinner this evening I have been rather lazy.

Face isn’t sore, but I will probably frighten small children and horses 🙀

Wishing you all a good nights sleep 🙋‍♀️

We’ve had a busy day as expected but all good. There’s a jigsaw half completed on the dining table so we’ve moved to the conservatory to eat this evening. The day has passed quickly, the dgc have played well together but it’s been non stop all day and I’m exhausted. I think I’ll be the first in bed this evening, I’ll leave grandad up with the dgc to finish the games and put the puppy to bed
Pleased your face isn’t too sore GG
A chicken pasta dish for dinner is almost ready, thanks to dgd who is a very good sous chef!

We’ve done almost nothing today , floored by yesterday’s covid jabs. It’s a mystery why as we’ve both had no reaction in the past and why we both have a reaction is yet another mystery. Oh well, it will pass 🤞

Good to hear your face isn’t painful grannyg. Not surprised you’re exhausted brook. I remember those days well.

I foresee a very early night here. Feet up now. Wishing you all a good rest.

cornergran most people I know have been completely floored by this winter’s Covid jab, even if they’ve not had a reaction before.
My back was so achy yesterday I didn’t know what to do with myself in the evening. I’d had a bad night on Sunday night, with very little sleep, as I was cold. Yesterday morning I stripped the bed, found the electric blanket and put it on the bed ready for colder nights, then had to find the winter weight duvet. After looking in several places and opening various storage bags, I eventually found it under the bed in the back bedroom! Had the usual tussle to get a cover on it then put it on the bed. I had a good sleep last night!
Then I tried to trim down the roots of a shrub that had been completely pot bound, unsuccessfully. One of the DDs or their OHs will lift it into the bin for me on a future visit.
Today has been better. I did some ironing, then visited my dementia friend who was asleep all afternoon. She’s having her flu and Covid vaccinations tomorrow at home. I hope she doesn’t have a bad reaction as she won’t know what’s happening.

I’m glad your face isn’t painful grannygravy.

It’s not surprising that you’re tired brook, grandchildren have a lot of energy and chatter! I hope you sleep well tonight.

Best wishes to all who are in the quiet corner.

Night night everyone.

Hi all, good you’re not in pain GG, sadly none of ours eat chutney, but I’ll be on the stuffing making next month.
Hob and splash back, along with fridge cleaned, skirting dusted downstairs, then windowsills.
Took delivery of Christmas cards and the last advent calendar, crackers next.
Then we went to the pub, not so many people there, but sat with three friends - there’s a sort of 5 o’clock club, meet up, two drinks then home. Good to get back and catch up, cottage pie and veg very tasty, but eaten carefully.
Our bed change plus electric blanket tomorrow Redcar it was raining this morning, glad yours helped your back.
It is hard work brook ours rarely stay now at nearly 14 and 19, I miss those times.
Good evening all 🙂

Hello kitchen people,

What have I done today? Not an awful lot.

Three batches of laundry. I made a delicious shepherds pie from the left over leg of lamb. I also popped round to a friend’s house.

I’m on Ancestry and today I was told there is some new DNA - Northern Italy. The only other overseas DNA is Germany and Scandinavia. The rest is northern England, Southern Ireland and Cornwall. Interesting,

I’m off to bed soon, so sleep 💤 tight everyone,

I had my flu jab today and will have the Covid one next week. If there is a reaction, I want to know which is the culprit.

I must have been on pLnet Zog when I did an online order to Sainsbury which arrived today. No meat, fish, fruit or vegetables. I have a feeling I added items, meaning to return before delivery. Lesson learned.

My cleaner was here today so a spotless house. I am about to retire.

Evening everyone it’s 11pm and after a busy and really enjoyable day touring around Northumberland (Amble my favourite place but others equally lovely in their own way) I almost decided it was too late to post. However here I am in my bed posting!

We came back ‘home’ and I suggested a thank you drink for them both in the village pub (I love it, oak beams, low ceilings , dogs, no food, no tv and just over the road).

My cousin’s partner said ‘no, you both go and I’ll make a risotto see you in 45 mins). We didn’t need much persuading (!) and returned to the most delicious smell of supper in her kitchen.

It was a Tesco sprout onion and bacon risotto and I kid you not, it was so bluddy delicious - I shall be making it for my neighbour friend a week Saturday when it’s my Strictly turn to do supper!

It’s in their website for anyone interested.

Anyway we sat in their kitchen eating and drinking, chatting and laughing they are such an easy couple to be with. I’m enjoying this visit more than I expected to it’s so relaxing.

No tv tonight no radio no music at all (not usual for me I like Classic FM
playing quietly in the background but hey) but we had lively discussions about current affairs and family memories so the hours passed pretty fast.

A GNetter friend who noted the area I was visiting today, recommended one or two places of interest and we visited one last afternoon. Apparently one of the largest 2nd hand book shops in the country. It was wonderful!

My cousin’s and his partner had never been before (thank you Maw for the recommend) and so it was a real find! They said they will definitely return soon.

Right it’s late and that enough waffling from me!

Glad you're enjoying Northumberland Fgt, lots to see and enjoy, including Barter Books! Have you been to Blanchland or Alnwick Garden (the poison garden is, erm... interesting)?

We're just a short distance south of Northumberland.

Kind thoughts to everyone.

Glad you are enjoying the NE FGT.
I have gardened today and tonight it’s WI. I have a feeling we are thin on the ground tonight and I’m not sure how many will be dancing. Could be embarrassing!
The butler has been assessing the cellar with Christmas in mind. We are making a quick trip to Calais in a couple of weeks. It appears that we have plenty of good stuff but we are short of plonk. We will sort that out. 🤣
Enjoy your evenings!

The Christmas chutney is cooked and in jars, I have had my delivery of Christmas wrapping paper, tags and cards.

Other than that it’s been quiet here at Gravy Grange.

Good evening kitchen folk. Today has been an extra childcare day. I picked up the dgs from the other grandparents then took dgs1 to football camp. Afterwards dgs2 and I went to the toy shop for a new toy. I ended up buying a few. Once home, I had a cup of tea then took him to the park at the end of the street which has been renovated. Then home for lunch. In the afternoon we went back to the park, then picked up dgs1 from football. At home dgs2 wanted to play with water pistols so me and him went into the garden and squirted each other. Dgs1 used my phone to film the both of us and the boys found the sight of grandma being James Bond hilarious. Dgs1 suffered from fomo so he took over and they both ended up soaked. Back in, I dried their clothes while they watched tv and coloured in. Dsil arrived to pick them up, had a coffee and a blether then took them home. Peace! Dinner will be salmon and broccoli with a baked potato. Enjoy your evening kitchen folk.

Productive though GrannyGravy

Hi all, it was rather fresh this morning for my shower! The day warmed and bedding was dried, electric blanket now in its winter abode - for me.
Booked my car in for its oil change next week, we haven’t done a lot of mileage this year, so a full service isn’t necessary according to our mechanic, he’ll do basic checks.
At a favourable price two whole ducks (Chinese duck with pancakes on the Eve) and a whole Turkey have been ordered. A new shower mat turned up, the old one has done the job and headed for the bin.
I’d be very tempted in Françe Nannytopsy for other goodies.
Enjoy your curry FGT we have a chicken one for dinner, not nearly the same though!
I hope no reaction or minimal Charleygirl.

Hello everyone.
Pleased you’re enjoying Northumberland fgt, it’s a lovely county. I haven’t been for years, we had a week in October many years ago and stayed in Alnwick. We visited so many places, including the bookshop and Alnwick Castle and poison garden which was in its infancy at that time.

I went to the coffee morning in the church hall this morning, and was having a really nice chat to a friend when we were interrupted by a lady who is well known for monopolising any conversation. After an hour of her I’d almost lost the will to live!!

nannytopsy I’d definitely fill the car with lots of goodies as well as the wine when you visit France. I miss those day trips.

I really must get my brain in gear and order some Christmas cards, not sure which charity to support this year. I usually order from the Royal Osteoporosis Society but they’re not selling cards this year.
It seems too warm here to be thinking about Christmas. 20 degrees today and warmer tomorrow.

charleygirl I frequently have unwelcome surprises when my food delivery arrives and wonder if I really ordered some of it! This week it was two pieces of Parmesan, totalling 500grams! One of them will be frozen and hoping it will be edible when defrosted!

Enjoy the rest of the evening everyone.

Another good day here on the NE coast. The scenery really is stunning. Yes Septimia we went to Blanchland yesterday (and Amble).

Today we actually went into Hexham proper as so far we have been skirting around it on the way to other places.

We went into Hexham Abbey built 760AD. It was pretty impressive and I took loads of photos. Then we wandered around the lovely independent shops and I was tempted to buy one of two little things that I know will bring me pleasure once I’m home.

We’ve just got back after eating curry in a contemporary restaurant. I nearly always choose chicken madras and boy it was HOT 🔥

Home tomorrow by train Carlisle to Manchester Oxford Road and thence change platforms and straight to the over the road from me. Perfect. It’s been delightful here in so many ways.

We’ve had a busy day here but all good. The dgc have been ok, played lots of games, took the puppy out for a walk, dgd made some scones and dgs disappeared to his bedroom for a while to play on his switch. Tomorrow their dad is picking dgs up mid afternoon for basketball training and then coming back in the evening to pick up dgd. They’ll be staying with their dad tomorrow night as DD is in London with her work.
I know that bookshop well fgt it’s such an interesting place, my son used to live in Alnwick and we were regular visitors. I was probably visiting Alnwick Castle and gardens at a similar time to you Redcar! Safe travels home tomorrow fgt and pleased you enjoyed your break
I’ve not really thought about Christmas yet but I’ll need to get going soon
Sounds like a good day grandmabatty please send the video!
Hope everyone sleeps well, take care all

DD has just messaged to say they will be here from Christmas Eve! DDiL has already booked in. I need to seriously clear some space in the freezer!

I have had no reaction from my flu jab so I may have the Covid tomorrow. I will then have Monday to recover as it appears to be a week of meeting friends next.I have never had a reaction but it appears there may be a first time.

A sunny day but I need the heating on in the evening.

I was searching for something today, didn't find it but found £100 which was very acceptable. I only use money now when paying for cabs so that will be handy.

We’re still in hibernation after Mondays encounter with our Covid jabs, irritatingly tired, red and sore injection site First time either of us have has an adverse reaction. Friends have been fine, we think the pharmacist was trying to poison us 😂. In any case hope yours passes without incident charley.

I’m not sure the two can be connected but I’ve developed a horrid cough and have virtually no voice. Mr C is delighted about the latter, not the former as it’s keeping him awake!

It was a sunny and warm day here, we did venture forth for some air for an hour before I returned to sleep and Mr C to converse with the current jigsaw. I’m not sure all the conversation was amicable. 🙄

I’d best try for more sleep. Hope everyone is resting. Night night.

Nearly there with the enormous quilt! I clipped on the binding this afternoon so the final job is sewing it in.

The Imp is here for his weekly sleepover, he is currently in the shower in my bathroom.

I have had the car man round this morning to valet my car and winter proof the soft top. I walked down the hill for a manicure and pedicure, not so keen on the walk back.

Hopefully I can get him in bed before Traitors start.

Night night 🙋‍♀️

Llfl the colours in your quilt are lovely. So vibrant. GrannyGravy good luck with getting him to bed!
I had 2 gardeners sort out my garden today, a young man and a young lady. They started at 9 and left at 4 and have made a fantastic difference. The young man was particularly knowledgeable about plants. I am so pleased it's tidy. Even if the landscaper doesnt appear, I can keep it going. At lunchtime, my friend arrived and we went to a different restaurant for lunch instead of coffee. That was nice too. I saw a friend from art there with her friends and then saw someone I had been at school with. Lots of chat and catching up and I arrived home just as the gardeners were tidying up. I made a mistake though. I told them to leave the very heavy garden waste bin at the end of the path ready for emptying tomorrow-except it doesnt get emptied for a week! Dsil has been called upon to move it back. I'm going to have a quiet evening. Enjoy your evening kitchen folk

Grandmabatty

Llfl the colours in your quilt are lovely. So vibrant. GrannyGravy good luck with getting him to bed!
I had 2 gardeners sort out my garden today, a young man and a young lady. They started at 9 and left at 4 and have made a fantastic difference. The young man was particularly knowledgeable about plants. I am so pleased it's tidy. Even if the landscaper doesnt appear, I can keep it going. At lunchtime, my friend arrived and we went to a different restaurant for lunch instead of coffee. That was nice too. I saw a friend from art there with her friends and then saw someone I had been at school with. Lots of chat and catching up and I arrived home just as the gardeners were tidying up. I made a mistake though. I told them to leave the very heavy garden waste bin at the end of the path ready for emptying tomorrow-except it doesnt get emptied for a week! Dsil has been called upon to move it back. I'm going to have a quiet evening. Enjoy your evening kitchen folk

Thank you!m

Action stations Nannytopsy!
Hope you’ve improved today corner both of you and glad your jab was fine Charleygirl
Very prettyllfl
Best of luck for a sleeping grandchild by at least 8:30 GG13
Oops dinner ready…