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

It’s quiet today. I have been shopping, then gardened and by 5 I was shattered!
A quick curry and now sitting in front of the Traitors with a glass of wine!

Hi kitchen pals, a much quieter house here now this evening, the dgc have gone back to their dads and it’s just the little puppy left, she’s going home tomorrow. I should go back to the gym tomorrow but I might just leave it until next week and have a lazy day instead. I’m out of my usual routine and always miss the dgc when they’ve left
A lovely quilt llfl well done 👍
Sorry to hear about the family worries Jax , hope it’s soon sorted. Lovely that Imogen is travelling and making new experiences though
Hoping everyone sleeps well tonight, take care all

‘Evening All’

It’s good to be home and the train journey was smooth and relaxing. Staff at Carlisle were amazingly helpful and friendly.

I got in at 3:30pm, kettle on, tiny wheeled case unpacked.

Scrambled eggs and hot buttered toast for tea which was delicious. Just right.

I’ve watched the Traitors and I’m about to make a mug of Horlicks.

LLFL your quilt is gorgeous!

cornergran I hope you and your DH are feeling better today. Your cough may just be a coincidence, did you get a leaflet when you had your Covid jab? That may have a list of side effects to give you a clue.

gg good luck with getting The Imp to bed early! My DGDs were counting the hours until Traitors as soon as they got in from school. I’m home now after a day’s dog minding, then looking after the DGDs after school. DD2 brought them home and stayed for a cup of tea and cuddle with the dog who was in seventh heaven to see her. DD2 is having an extension built and the dust and humid weather are affecting her asthma so I’m a bit concerned especially as her OH is away on business.

DD1 and her DH were home early for a change - 6.15;instead of the usual 7.30! It meant I drove home at the tail end of the rush hour, and with an accident blocking one of the busiest routes out of town. A 15 minute drive took more than half an hour, lots of impatient drivers about too, but at least I arrived home safely.

I hope fgt had a trouble free journey home.

Enjoy the rest of the evening folks.

I had a flu jab 2 days ago and Covid jab today. I have never had a reaction so this jab will be interesting.

My leak -proof hwb leaked last night but not the entire contents. Luckily it was mainly the other side of the bed so my side was fairly dry. I have another, just bought.

I was dressed for January, others for July. I felt cold.

Look after yourselves.

Sorry.. I meant 7:30 GG13.
My daughter called in earlier, lovely catch up, youngest grandchild is causing some grief, makes you feel helpless but also cross at others.
Imogen is off to Munich for a few days soon with a friend, fulfilling her year of deferred university to earn and travel.
Hope FGT had an uneventful journey home.

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…

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

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

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 🙋‍♀️

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

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

Productive though GrannyGravy

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.