soops kindly kitcheners and perfect pampered pets.

Whoopee!
I've been reappointed for a further year!
Now I won't be dying of boredom!

Time for me to close the internet. Stuff to do. Cats to feed. I shall return early tomorrow afternoon and hope to catch up with the latest happenings.

Thank you for your company.

tanith I wouldn't be surprised to see a covering of snow sometime soon. The wind is evil. MacSporran has an appointment for a video interview in Oban on Tuesday. It's because he has applied for his very first passport. Would you believe that, just two weeks ago, it would have taken place in Campbeltown. A right buggeration...such a long drive and, if the roads are bad, he'll have to postpone.

Greyduster Congratulations on having a grandson whose school won a silver medal for cross country success. That will have put a on your face.

kitty We've a close friend with prostate cancer. He's about to start chemotherapy. Such worrying news for your friend. In my humble opinion, your friend who has become a new grandmother (and is expected to "make an appointment" before visiting the baby) must feel wretched. It's one thing to ring and ask is it convenient to visit...but, to be told in no uncertain terms to make an appointment seems rather curt and uncaring.

Just popped into see how everyone is as I've been a bit busy what with one thing and another. One of the more pleasant things at the moment was lunch out with some very old friends (a fairly regular treat) only to be told that the husband of one of them is to have an op on his prostrate tomorrow so they can remove something that 'looks as though it shouldn't be there!' As things have been a bit fraught round here with wider family issues (not my lot for once!) I was looking forward to a fun catch up. This particular friend has put up with me for a long time (over 35 years) and I feel so sorry for her. Another friend has just become a granny for the first time and has been told by her DiL that she isn't welcome to pop in to see the baby without an appointment. Flipping heck!! Sorry for the chunter.

We had lunch at a pub in Charnwood Forest and were disappointed that the few snow flakes that fell were not more as it is really pretty and almost Swiss looking when there is a good covering.

I think the recipe book is a brilliant idea, soop - how lovely for the young couple to start married life with recipes from the family. And, why are your snowdrops so much further on than mine?

The scones sound delicious but I'm still full from lunch but I do hope you are feeling better Izabella.

It's very cold round here GD so I bet you were glad of warming soup. You are very kind (and daft as a brush!) to support your GS. Good luck with the green icing tomorrow.

Callgirl, I hope none of the dust makes it's way into you house - yuk!

Glad you had a good day Maw, while I would have enjoyed the Flynn bit, I hate 'pampering' and always lie there thinking 'hurry up, I've got things I could be doing!'

Keep us posted re the hospital Lona - how long will you have to stay?

Wonder how N&G's viewings went?

Anyway, off to worry a bit more and to cook some fish for dinner.

Luckily Soop, the ones that fell were brass, not glass or china. In the other room, where they were next, we have a lot of glassware on top of the fireplace, which I removed, because there`s a large, ornamental rifle on the wall above!

callgirl1 I hope that your ornaments survived the tumble. Mia is welcome to join Rory who is snoozing and dreaming noisily on the best tartan rug on top of the bed.

Greyduster I like the sound of the pea soup with smoked sausage. I shall add a very good recipe for bread and butter pudding with grated orange rind and marmalade.

There are workmen next door, practically gutting the place, but the noise is horrendous. This morning, when they were drilling the other side of our fireplace wall and alcove, the ornaments were falling off my little fancy shelves, they`re still on the floor, after a while I decided to leave them till they finish for the day. I honestly was scared the house was going to collapse around us this morning. Mia hates it, if it goes on much longer I think she`ll pack her bags and leave home!

ann You are in our thoughts.

Soop I think the recipe book is a lovely idea; something to really treasure. We were stationed in Holland for a while and I worked in the base library with Dutch staff. They gave me a book of Dutch recipes when I left. I've made a few dishes out of it - one of which was a particularly good pea soup with smoked sausage in it.

Just having a peek in the kitchen door Charleygirl its trying really hard to snow here, and I'm not far away

We had a few flurries of snow while out this afternoon. GS had a good run - put in a heck of a spurt at the end (he must have heard me cheering him on - everyone must have heard me!!). Our school team came in second place for year five boys, so they all got a silver medal. But my goodness it was cold. I took a flask of lentil and bacon soup (home made) and we sat in the car and ate it - it was very welcome. I took tomato for the lad, but he didn't want it so DD ate it! Nice to be back home with our feet up!

i cannot believe it, Tara wanted to spend another day indoors. Having slept close to wherever I was today, she has now retired to bed.

The builders popped in today to discuss a date for the next job etc. The minute Tara heard her new best friend's voice, she ran downstairs to say hello to him. She received loads of cuddles in return so everybody was happy.

It has been a dull but bitterly cold day here today but thankfully no sign of snow although it is cold enough for a few flurries.

Lona Please keep us updated when you've attended the hospital appointment.

Tizliz and Lona I'm going to have rootle around in my recipe memory bank. Ever since we moved to Scotland, MacSporran has been the in-house chef. I'm chief bottle washer.

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That's a lovely idea soop what a great family you have, I bet there will be a lot of contributions.

I wish you lot would stop talking about delicious scones in here, I'm trying very hard not to eat anything remotely self indulgent and I love cream and jam on scones!
Very envious of your pamper day Maw, I could do with one of those.
Izabella nice to hear that your 'get up and go' is alive and kicking, it's what we do isn't it?

I've got my appointment at the hospital next Monday. I'll let you know how it goes.

When my oh met his long lost german family they made him a book with stories and photos from all the family, it is lovely - even the bad English is charming. Also as one generation is getting very old it is good to get these stories diwn on paper.

Our granddaughter who is to marry her very special Dutchman this year, has suggested that they would be thrilled with a book of personal favourite recipes, together with photos and messages. There is a link to which the family and friends can visit in order to contribute. The book will become a precious family heirloom in due course. Isn't that a lovely idea?

Good afternoon my lovelies. The sun is shining but there is a biting cold wind. The snowdrops are at their very best. We wrapped up well and went for our usual walk. Photo to follow.

MawB How could anyone not enjoy a proper pampering. It must have made feel very special. Also, having goodies to take home with you...I would love that. Flynn is such a happy little boy. Freshly bathed babies are utterly cuddlesome. It seems an age since we enjoyed bath time with Torben. He would laugh aloud and soak everything within splashing distance. Many a time I've returned home with a watch that had difficulty keeping time. My silly fault - I should not have worn it in the bathroom.

Greyduster It matters that you are to be cheering your grandson during the cross country run. Good for you. Good for him. Enjoy a warming cup of something delicious when you return home.

Jalima Butter in the fridge syndrome...

A gentle pat on the top of the head for "our Georgie."

Oh dear Greyduster not exactly a cosy day indoors with the odd cup of coffee/tea etc. A cross country run could take a long time- I will be thinking of you as I sit here with Tara by my side and a steaming cup of coffee on the other.

Izabella thank you. I have both kinds of paprika but don't get to use the smoked that often. I'll give it a whirl this weekend. You don't sound as if you are in "take it easy and nurse your injuries mode"! There are a lot of us about!

It is trying to snow here and we are destined to spend the afternoon in the open watching GS run a cross country. He asked if we would be going and I could hardly say "No, I'm going to stay in bed where it's warm, but I'll be thinking about you, darling!"

Charleygirl yes you are absolutely right but it is amazing what can be done with one hand. Also you never know what you can do unless you push yourself and I am sensible enough to know when to stop. Thank you for your concern however. Greyduster it was 450g flour and three quarters of a tsp., and the smoked paprika is best. Mawbroon there may be one left, but they are better warm. I don't eat them as I have to continue my LCHF regime, but they disappear rapidly by assorted men gathering in corners of the kitchen!! I think OH needs to do something with eggs for dinner tonight. Our hens are laying well atm.

Chin tickles are sent to Georgie and a concerned look was elicited from Bella when I read her the update. She seems intent on walking under my feet at the moment in her "carers" mode. Big one handed wave to everyone else.

Sling on, seed packet in hand and off to the greenhouse to pop the broad beans in.

Maw delighted to hear that you had a lovely day and the little man is as happy as ever.

There was little chance of your DH starving even if he had missed the supper staring out at him. Typical of a man.

It's known as the 'butter in the fridge syndrome'
it starts off with not being able to find the butter in the fridge and having to ask where it is. It is eventually found by a female right in front of your eyes. Then it moves onto more obvious objects such as the eggs, milk and after a few weeks he will no longer be able to see the orange juice - or soup.

(however, we don't keep our butter in the fridge!)

Here is plenty of butter for the scones which look just delicious.