soop's kitchen for friendly folk and precious pets.

I gave the ultimatum today, I want everybody out and finished by Saturday. I am not having the blinds fitted when the place is filthy. The new laminate is not coming until the 2nd week in April and if necessary I will have had a builder's clean, it will be worth it.

I then have to sell my glass dining table and chairs and that I think may be a problem.

ann what breed is the puppy?

Grace is enjoying her retirement, hopefully no more scares from that household.

Georgie seems to be improving, luckily we are heading towards spring/summer to give her better weather to get her incontinence sorted out. Better if she does her business outside than using nappies indoors 24/7.

Lovely photo by the way, grannyqueenie!

Glad to hear that the sun is shining on Maison Charley and that the workmen are behaving themselves! Long may it continue. ?

My day did not get off to a good start. I was thinking, just before I got up, that I might road test my new walking shoes today out in the sunshine. I was then hit with the most horrendous and uncontrollable "digestive disorder" that led to me being extremely distressed and DH having to do an hour and a half of cleaning up after me, bless him. My GP changed my reflux medication on Thursday and I can only think that it was that, so I will now stop taking them until I can speak to him as I cannot risk a repeat of this morning! Consequently, apart from half an hour of half-hearted weed pulling, I have not ventured very far today, sadly, and I'm fed up. I would say if there is any cake going in the kitchen I would like some to cheer me up, but better not, eh?

Hello everyone.
Well I had a lovely lunch yesterday. J made a lovely Caesar Salad and even bought anchovies just for me. The only problem now is that I am full of kitchen envy.
It is all so fresh and sparkling not to mention efficient and chocker with new gadgets. I must just dream though?
I hope you will be as happy with yours when it is all finished Charley
Another beautiful day here, we are lucky.

No I think we're safe now Charleygirl although it's very blustery down here.
You have been amazingly (almost) stoical throughtou this dreadful building saga. I'd have lost the will to live ages ago. The electrician is unbelievable. I would definitely "pursue" it if only to give yourself some kind of closure . I'm guessing the electrician is not affiliated with any association. He needs reporting to someone. Good luck tomorrow.

The weather is very pleasant here today- it appears to be warmer out than in. My washing is drying, one of the fellows is re-pointing so I am happy bunny.

There is another electrician coming tomorrow to fix the more dangerous things such as sockets fitted close to the floor under the sink and washing machine so if there was a flood I could be electrocuted. The first one is not going to get off free, I will see what this fellow says tomorrow and go from there.

You appeared to be lucky with the weather grannyqueenie, I am hopeful that the snow stays there and does not gravitate to London.

Wondering where you went grannyqueenie - my Borderland!

Good bossing around work MacSporran I'm sure it's not easy keeping a strong woman out of trouble!! I do hope your leg is mending
slowly but surely soop
Good news on Georgie, you've done great job Jud .
Ann that's lovely news about the puppy, what an exciting homecoming for your grandson!
We had a lovely journey to the Scottish Borders today, sunny skies and at times snowy hilltops with beautiful skies.

The pending sunset looks promising. I shall photograph it and share with you tomorrow.
Enjoy the start to the weekend.

Charleyg You have every right to stand your ground. Us lot are on your side. I've made a placard. It reads...'Justice for Charlie'...or else!

N&G I'm still waiting...for the chaps to sort out stuff in our loft.
We took some lovely garments into the Red Cross shop. We decided that we'd prefer any proceeds to go to deserving causes. Bugger the "posh shop"...

Izabella When you've mastered the rhubarb cake recipe, I bags a slab taster. Presumably you will bake it calorie-free. I've a figure to take care of.

annsixty Yay! Have yourself a very pleasant ribbon cutting afternoon. That's what we all wish for you. I'm actually excited for your grandson. Wow! What a treat he has in store.

A warm welcome to our latest kitchen, Jud. Good news is what us lot like. Georgie is a wonder girl. Please pat her gently on the head on my behalf.

Hello anno I hope that the sun is shining for you this afternoon. It feels so much warmer. Everything in the garden looks much improved. I would like to do a bit of hoeing but I dare not do so as MacSporran is being bossy caring.

soop I am fine really. I had a discussion with the boss last night and we are probably going to go down the legal route with the electrician because neither he nor I should pay yet again for the electrician's shoddy work, ie leaving sockets hanging out, "dead" sockets not removed and white sockets although "dead" still in situ. I have never forgiven him for leaving me one evening and night in February with no electricity or heating but kindly leaving me a torch. The electrician should know what I am like by now as he has heard me vent my anger often enough. The builder should never have paid him fully, he will learn from his mistake.

Greyduster Accurate scales! Who need 'em. I no longer weigh myself. I know when the weight is accumulating when my jeans are a tad too snug. Like now. I had a scone with cream and jam at lunchtime. There was an immediate spurt of podge on my waistline. That has to shift. I've a wedding to attend. Outfit looks lovely. Determined to wear it with panache.
The surprise visit will have made your day. It's good to catch up.

Crafting I squirreled away a bottle of bubbly for any latecomers. Sit yourself down and I shall join you in a glass. Talking of glass... the sea is mirror-like. There is barely a ripple between the beach and Jura.

MawB Little darling boy. He looks so "growed up". I could hug him.

Swanny

CharleyG When you're smilin', when you're smilin' the whole world smiles with you...either that, or the men in white coats come calling.

grannyqueenie It's a pity that you'll be so far away when you visit the borders. We could have met for [café] and I hope that you enjoy a pleasant journey. The weather is grand.

What type of dog is the puppy Ann? He sounds a lovely surprise for your GS and the cats are okay with him to date.

I have spent a pleasant time looking at new laminate flooring for the lounge. It will not be laid until the builders are long gone along taking every speck of dust with them. I have found an after builder clean company that actually use their own materials and do not expect to use my expensive hoover to pick up pieces of rubble. It is the responsibility of the builders to clean the place but in case it is not up to my exacting standards, I have this company in mind.

It has been pleasant spending the day on my own for a change- no noise. The second in command had to take his type 1 diabetic wife to hospital for blood tests and as he lives miles away it was useless coming here later for half an hour or so.

The sun has appeared but it is cold. I am going out for lunch on Sunday with a friend so that is something to which I can look forward. It is Mothers Day so it will be hell on earth but my friend refuses to try any other restaurant. The parking facilities are good which is a bonus.

Lovely picture of Flynn, MawB. He is a confident and determined young man, isn't he!

How lovely ann what a welcome home surprise for your GS . Hope you enjoy the 'ribbon cutting' ceremony and to take with you

How could I forget?
My D picked the puppy up yesterday. The 3 cats have been fine with him so far. He has a crate inside a playpen and they have inspected him through the bars without hissing or fur raising. They had a somewhat disturbed night but he is lively this morning.
My GS for whom he has been bought is flying home from Bermuda tonight after spending 2 months with his father and he doesn't know the puppy is home.

Ah here you all are! Here are some freshly baked fruit scones courtesy of DH. So I'll pop the kettle on and make a pot of [tea] I've been catching up with all your news.

Ann so sorry your holiday was a bit of a disaster. Your DH's confusion must have been difficult for all to deal with, especially for him. Here is a hug for you. Enjoy your lunch out. I hope it lifts your spirits.

soop I am still cringing after reading your description of the dressing on your leg being changed ? I am a bit squeamish. Hopefully steps are taken to prevent this happening again. Cleaning out kitchen cupboards doesn't sound to me like putting your leg up! Just look after yourself for a change!

MawB Aw wee Flynn is growing up so fast. Lovely photo.

Charley when is your house nightmare ever going to end? It might have been easier to buy a new one.

Georgie says hello to all her supporters. She is getting stronger and more active every day. Being able to let her outside more is helping with the walking, running and incontinence. The medication seems to be helping control, but a long way to go yet. Nappies still required overnight and in the house.

It is lovely to be able to retreat into the 'kitchen' to lick my wounds after being on the Martin McGuiness thread. My own fault really. I knew it could be contentious but didn't anticipate the old feelings of unease coming back to haunt me.

Lovely sunny day. DH has just sallied out to sort out the summer house so I had better make myself busy. Lots to do. Have a good day all, in spite of lots of buggerations.

Good morning all and it is a beautiful one here.
As I only post doom and gloom I though I would tell you I am going out to lunch today. My ex DiL has had a big project of knocking the kitchen, dining room and conservatory into one big family room, and I am going to view the completed work.
I am calling it the ribbon cutting and I think a glass of something fizzy will be offered.
I think we should do the same for you Charley but will that day ever come?.
You really are a trooper, I would have gone beserk weeks ago.

Lovely picture Maw . Ann ?. Charleygirl your constant buggerstions ( a new word here for the kitchen courtesy of my spellchecker!) with the builders never cease to amaze me. Interestingly we have a builder working on something locally. Positively steaming ahead, everything seems to get delivered on time, tradesmen appear and move on quickly. However. The conversion is for himself. Point made.

Glorious day here in paradise. More work in the greenhouse I think and a little weeding on the rockery perhaps. Bella is sunbathing on the windowsill with the odd glance at passing ducks. She has come to the conclusion that they get the better of her but she still has that wistful look in her eye.

On to more practical things. If anyone has a tried and tested recipe for rhubarb cake that would be good. Or any other ideas what to do with the present glut from the garden. Oh and I now how three wonderful new shelves in a cupboard courtesy of my SO. Makes things much easier.

Totally out of cakes etc., so nothing to contribute apart from warm thoughts and hopes for a good day for everyone in the kitchen. ?

Now where did I leave the wellies?

Good morning all !

Been busy the last day or so. My lovely brother helped us empty the loft and then there was a knock on the door. House viewers that the agent had forgotten to tell us about !!!

Not only was every room now full of things in transit from the loft, but Id just made sandwiches and we were all filthy!!!

Hey ho! We couldn't send them away ...so Grampy apologised )( profusely) and showed them round, I made extra sandwiches and they stayed for lunch!!

If they don't buy my house I'm billing them !!!

Charley it is getting beyond ridiculous now !! It is perfectly reasonable to expect the workmen NOT to destroy your home as they re decorate !! I'm happy to come over with Corner and explain the error of their ways to them !!!

Glad the sleepover went well Swanny. I think they go through stages and I'm sure he'll be keen to come for sleepovers again soon. The early call though did make me chuckle , this popped up on my Facebook this morning from 4 years ago :

04:23 Laura : I think Stevie will be awake and playing with Jackson Nana.
Nana: it's 04:23 Laura I think they're still asleep !
Laura: lets call Mummy and see .

Needless to say we didn't !!

Flynn is coming on in leaps and bounds Maw what a sweetheart!

What a lovely surprise visit Grey - sort of thing that makes your day eh?

Make sure you ARE resting soop keep the wedding trip firmly in mind.

Kitty those sorts of courses are such a waste of time and money . I feel for you.

Well , I'm sure I've missed stuff but must dash. We have promised ourselves a day out a week or life seems to slip away doing chores etc. So the boxes from the loft can wait- we're off to visit a new farm shop. I'd like to say its to stock up on local produce but the reality of it is we're going to test out their breakfast offering in the café :-)

charley, say the word and we will be there. I'm very, very grumpy this week, it would be a public service for me to have someone to be bad tempered at. Beyond a joke now. Yes, an ultimatum is needed. A strong word with whoever is in charge. I am certain he wouldn't tolerate this in his own home. For goodness sake how hard is it for the painter to put sheets down and cover your floors? Basic stuff that. Sorry, me moaning about it won't help you. I'm in awe of your strength. Stay strong. Lots of hugs coming your way.

charleygirl I despair on your behalf. How you have retained your sanity is beyond me.
My "He had it coming" clip seems mild compared to what these idiots deserve.

I think that I will have to give an ultimatum and that day will be next Saturday. Not a room has been finished and I am not having new laminate flooring fitted in the living room if the ceiling has yet to be painted. There is paint on the new flooring in the 3 bedrooms, I do not want last night's fitted flooring to be marked. I cannot believe that we are hirpling towards the end of March- silly me thought that they would be out closer to the end of February. The short working day with multiple fag breaks does not help. When they apply themselves the job is done well.

He looks so confident mawb, a photo to treasure.