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

Great debate here grannyg. Will it be Vigil or Trigger Point. 50/50 split vote. 😂

Hope the week ahead is good enough for us all.

I have had a productive day, washing basket is empty including hand washing (which I detest doing)

Roast pork in the oven, then a sit down to watch Vigil later on.

Hope FGT2 has a stress free journey to her Ibizan hotel 🙋‍♀️

I am sorry to read of illnesses and conditions making life difficult. I hope everyone improves soon.

FGT we saw Queen in 1977, I think, at Earls Court. The babysitter fell through at the last minute so we had to take 2yo DS. Didn’t have a ticket for him so we wrapped him in a blanket and smuggled him in. The concert opened with an almighty wave of sound, DS fell asleep immediately and didn’t wake up the entire time.

I’ve had a few difficult days but yesterday my dd1 took me out for lunch and we browsed the shops. Today I’ve defrosted my allegedly frost-free freezer. I got rid of all the packs of UFO’s (unidentified freezer objects) and now everything fits in and the drawers are easy to open. There’s a certain satisfaction to be gained when you manage to dislodge that ‘keystone’ bit of ice and the whole lot comes tumbling down, even if you are then ankle deep in slush. My cats looked on in astonishment - ‘What are you doing, Mother?’ 😂

Good evening Kitchen pals. It was cold and rainy this morning, we stayed home and had bacon rolls for lunch. It brightened up this afternoon so we got our walk around the dock after all.
There’s never much happening here GrannyGravy but that’s how I like it!
Take care of your cricked back Redcar and I hope you’re feeling better today * Grandmabatty. Safe travels FGT2, I hope you have a wonderful time.
TOYA xx

Safe trip and happy landing fgt

There was a distinct grumpiness in the air when we realised no more Casualty until next year but then as Mr C said, it will come soon enough.

Nothing exciting happening here. A lot of routine along with a dollop of worry about one son and two grandchildren. Also a dose of feeling sorry for myself for no good reason. A good shake is what is needed I think.

Strange the things that are cheering, our paddock, aka the lawn, is green again and I smile each time I see it. No more orange crispy bits. Most plants have survived, our development gardeners have agreed to tame the out of control magnolia and trim the forsythia to save me climbing to do the latter. A lot to be cheerful about.

Time to sort some veg. Mr C goes into decline if Sunday doesn't mean a roast, beef today followed by baked stuffed apples topped with a large dollop of cream.

We’ve been reminiscing about Hill Street Blues and the things we used to enjoy on tv. So just be careful out there everyone.

fgt I hope you have an easy flight and a lovely time in Ibiza.

grandmabatty I hope the scan is scheduled before Christmas, time is marching on. Time appears to mean nothing now. At least the pain has gone. I hope two young men don't jump on you and have some consideration.

The sun is appearing so I am waiting for my washing to finish.

I am having a massive clear out of paper, I hope the novelty doesn't wear off.

Thank you ladies. The stabbing pain has receded somewhat although the tenderness is still there. Im waiting for a scan appointment to decide next steps. I appreciate all your concerns x

Himself & I saw Freddie Mercury with Queen in one of their concerts back in the day. It was at Manchester City’s football ground - when that was at Maine Road - before they had the new stadium built at the Ethiad.

Jax, Charleygirl I enjoyed Casualty tonight. Nice to see Charlie and Ethan.
Grandmabatty I agree, ring 111 if you get worse. (My sister is waiting for gallbladder surgery)
Blossoming, sorry you weren’t well enough for the wedding. Hope you feel better soon.

jaxjacky the Tribute concert was shown again last week and I watched it then (saw it first time round) but didn’t go to the actual concert. I hate seeing Freddie singing “those were the days of our lives”, he looks so ill( as he was of course).

A quick visit to the kitchen. I’m worn to a frazzle.

It’s lovely having elder son and granddaughter here. She is going into Year 6 on Monday! Unbelievable.

OH will be extracting more honey off his bees tomorrow. He will have around 60 jars.

FGT2S - daughter and I have been on a few breaks together. Helsinki was the last time. We always share a room (two single beds) but I think next time we’ll have separate rooms! My snoring keeps her awake and her teeth grinding keeps me awake.

Sleep 💤 tight.

Grandamabatty trust it to be the weekend but please dont self treat. Get help from 111.
Jax I wasn't expecting 2 hours of Casualty tonight. The first hour was a bit frantic, but the second hour was much better. I don't know how long since Charlie left but he has aged, probably like the rest of us. The beard didn't help.
I can't believe it isn't returning until next year. At least I know.

Oh Blossoming how poignant to be glad for your niece yet sad about your absence on her special day. I’m sorry, as I’m sure we all are, to hear you are not well enough to have been part of the celebrations. 💐

Hello everyone.

Oh Grandmabatty you are so stoic. I do (as a person who very much suffers with health anxiety, especially so now I’m on my own) admire your fortitude but please, now, I agree with others on here, it’s time I think to call for advice dear lady.

We are just in from Arroyo. Honestly dear Kitcheners, I brought the washing in from the balcony line, took off my mascara, brushed my teeth and guess what? Turned round and Sleeping Beauty - aka as our Yorkshire Lass - was flat out on the bed! Troubled to help? Absolutely no way José!

We’ve enjoyed a very boozy afternoon with friends, then dinner together (with more wine, I may pay the price tomorrow 🤷‍♀️).

It’s now 10:30pm here in Málaga. Warm. I’ve just splashed some cold water about my torso (bliss!) and I’m about to lie prone on the bed next to my daughter. Under a silent whizzing fan. As you do here.

Hot again tomorrow at 32°C. 🔥

Goodnight all. 😊

How interesting brook, I understand your fascination, great way to spend an afternoon, aren’t unexpected finds a treasure.
I’m recording Queen Redcar and was at the tribute concert in 1992, it was brilliant, but sad.

Hello Kitcheners. I’ve just lost my post, so will start again!
Changed the bedding this morning, washed it and dried it outside. I must have tweaked my back hanging the sheets out as it’s been very uncomfortable all day, not helped by continuing to hack back the prickly tree in my garden. It’s a blackthorn and was obviously a present from the birds as I would never have planted it. It had one sloe on it, not enough for sloe gin!
Both DDs and families came over this morning, the only time they were free this weekend. The 8 year olds have cricket commitments this afternoon and tomorrow. I had a lovely long cuddle with one of them which I really enjoyed!

brook your visit to the archives sounds really interesting.

blossoming I’m sorry you had to miss your niece’s wedding and hope you’ll be able to see lots of photos of the occasion.

grandmabatty I hope your pain eases soon.

Thinking of those in the quiet corner.

Night night everyone, I’m watching an ancient concert by Queen on tv, but will be in bed soon.

Grandmabatty please ring 111 if you are not any better.

Thank you Blossoming I can understand you feeling sad about being unable to attend the wedding, hopefully you’ll get to see lots of beautiful photos, sending you a gentle hug 🥰

Good evening dear Kitcheners. I was feeling rather sad earlier. Today my beautiful niece who has MS got married and I wish I could have been there, but I’m just not well enough. I’m pleased for the happy couple though and I’m glad it’s been sunny all day here. Grandmabatty I hope you’re feeling a bit better and I agree with Jaxjacky. That sounds like a fascinating day Brook, I loved spending time in the archive in Aberdeen when I and my cousins were researching family history.
Goodnight everyone, TOYA xx

Hi kitchen pals, hope everyone is doing ok

grandmabatty sorry to hear about your pain, good advice from Jax

We’ve had such an interesting day here. There was a doors open day at the Highland Archive centre so we went along expecting to be there half an hour or so, but it was so very interesting we stayed much longer. It’s a modern building built alongside the River Ness, downstairs are the registrar rooms that are used for lots of things including weddings, civil partnerships, registering births and deaths and so on, then upstairs is where all the old records and historical books are kept. They showed us around the ‘strongrooms’ which are high tech and very well protected against fire, humidity, water damage etc. There were rows and rows of books, boxes and files all stored in those tall shelves that move along runners. Then there was a conservation room where a very talented lady showed us how they can restore books, maps and pictures using various techniques to make them legible again, look better and last longer. Then more rooms with old photos, books, memoirs etc all carefully displayed with information explaining them. We could have spent the whole day there but we went into town, got lunch then had a browse around the farmers market that was on today
An easy dinner from M&S tonight with wine finished off a lovely day

Hope you can get your new iPad sorted easily now Jax

Take care all and enjoy your evening

Sunny day, I cooked some beetroot from the garden earlier, it’ll be pickled.
MrJ went to watch bowls competitions at his club, the new adapter for my iPad has been delivered along with a bulk pack of tissues.
My guilty soap, Casualty, has a mega bill tonight, wine will be consumed.
Enjoy your evening all.

I hope you saw my GM comment Grandmabatty, it shouldn’t be going on this long, I would ring 111.

I've been in bed all day with this gallbladder pain. I've had no fat at all today, just dry toast. Anyway I will head back to bed soon. Hopefully tomorrow will be better

Not a lot happening here at Gravy Grange.

About to go and start cooking dinner.

Have a good evening 🙋‍♀️