Soop's warm and welcoming kitchen for kindly folk.

Chocolate ice cream is definitely medicinal in this kitchen blossoming, no worries there and it’s especially good for sore ankles and feet
Sounds like you’ve had a busy day Jax but how lovely of you to take people to and from their appointments together with whatever they need to travel with - you’re one in a million and hopefully much appreciated by the clients
Well I might be speaking too soon but it’s all quiet in our house just now, two tired DGC are tucked up in bed, DGS is reading his football book and DGD is talking to her teddies … I’d love to open a bottle of wine but will leave it until tomorrow when they’re safely back home
I’ve not had a decent Italian meal for ages grandmabatty I definitely need to get out more as there’s a nice Italian restaurant in town that we must try out sometime

Such a lovely new kitchen, all freshly ready for us! ❤️

Kitchen is most appropriate for today, as I’ve hardly been out of mine. There are two Christmas cakes baking away in the oven as I type. I dragged out all the cake tins from the cupboard as it was such a mess. There are tins in there I don’t recall ever buying, plus a rather nice roasting tin I don’t think has been used. I chucked out the skanky old one I’ve had forever in favour of the new shiny one!

I also made a chicken korma curry this afternoon and there’s bread being made in the bread machine. Both of those will be coming with me tomorrow when I visit dd1 and the Bouncing Baby Boy. Dd2 has been staying with her sister since Monday and she’ll be coming home with us tomorrow evening until Sunday.

My son in America has bought his flights to come over and see us all in December. It’ll be two and a half years since we’ve seen him. The rest of the family can’t come, due to work and school, but at least this is a step nearer to normality. I plan to give him their Xmas presents to take back with him so need to get cracking on that!

The weather is due to turn a lot colder with us tomorrow. It was 16deg yesterday but is forecast to be 8 or 9 tomorrow. Winter drawers on, as my mum would say!

A peaceful evening to you all. Xx

Brilliant news about your sons visit SueD and definitely something to look forward to in December!

Hello lovely new kitchen.Warm chocolate brownies will go a treat with your ice cream Blossoming.Hope your ankle is starting to ease.
Had a lazy day,I’ve been doing my diamond art, key rings this time very easy and make ideal small Christmas presents.
Hope your O.K Muse. Sleep well everyone.

Mmm, never mind your doings Yiayia photo’s of you in your outfit please…??.
Actually, where do you get your kits from please? Thanks x

Good Evening Dear Kitchen Peeps!

I don't understand what happened, soop. I hope that wasn't my fault. I didn't mean to cause alarm - having once posted and failed (because you all disappeared), I still had no idea as to how you know when it's time to stop posting and leave. Only this evening when people started counting the messages, did I realise where you can see the numbers. You are neither having senior moments or failing in any way, soop. Our jolly removals take some time, doesn't matter if you're late. You're the boss remember, so you may do as you like. x

Thrilled at your December news, SueD - such a long time without seeing your Son. Bet you're beyond excited. Sending hugs to that little babba.

A lie in tomorrow, Susan That's a very much more sensible time, isn't it? Easier to have fun when you're not stressed by the journey or half-asleep ?‍♀️

Your giddy social life is definitely on the up, Ann. Who'd have thought it one year ago - probably not you, for a start. Think we are ALL very pleased that new leg has worked!!

Thanks, I shall give Hollington Drive a miss then, Grandmajean. I was tempted but there's a lot of other stuff I can catch up on instead.

Take care of that foot, Blossoming if you want to get your party frock on and not walk like Long John Silver on Saturday night. I can't check if I have already commented on your Seasalt velvet purchase, but it sounds really lovely. And little boots too. Bet you're so looking forward to it - so you must be well.

Corner are both your legs now in working order? Do hope so and trust that you've benefitted from the Physio.

I expect you are completely plum tuckered after wrangling the GC's Brook. If they are tucked up in bed now and you are quietly getting your breath back, that's a good feeling. Jacky, that's some workload today - so good of you to support those less able. I think as your Thursday night Fairy Godmother, I shall allow you to escape future shirt ironing at least until after 25 December. DH needs to look out more big, camouflage jumpers ! Actually, it's not such a new idea. Years ago, I worked with a number of very well bred, very well spoken, very scruffy "Sloanes" in central London. They used to arrive in the office each morning in a perfectly normal manner. All was well until they later took off their jackets. The great reveal displayed that shirt collars and cuffs had been ironed, nothing else. They generally looked like unmade beds - most off-putting!

Others had sometimes not been home - ooh the shame! However, the most memorable incident happened when I walked in and I was offered a big hug. Why? Oh, just give me a hug please, I've got a hangover. I eventually relented. What on earth? Who was this suddenly fat person? He was someone who had gone out to dinner and then spent all night with a friend in the Casino. His newly-acquired 'weight' was actually bundles of banknotes which he had won.....stuffed into every pocket and into his belt!! He was on Cloud 9. I'm not a gambler but I was seriously impressed. (He was later encouraged to go home to change/visit the bank!)

Do you see what lovely creatures were hanging about in the lagoon this sunny evening? They never get quite close enough for me to get a really good shot but they're here if anyone needs one.

I'll wish you all a good night, restorative sleep and nice dreams. I'm up first thing for a blood test. Living in France, I could seriously list this as one of my hobbies, I think.

Take care, dear people. All those away from the Kitchen. Thinking of you all/TOYA xx

I’m floating along on an opioid haze at the moment Grandma French. I can’t have aspirin or brufen, so I have a small supply of co-Codamol only to be used in dire circumstances! It’s feeling easier but that could be the drugs. I will see how it is tomorrow evening, fingers crossed. I felt awful this morning after a sleepless night, I don’t think it will keep me awake tonight . Goodnight you lovely lot

Oh, A lovely new, warm & welcoming kitchen.
A great photo, Grandmafrench, & another lovely post. I hope your back is no longer giving you problems.

Blossoming, I hope you soon feel better, & that you are able to get out & about again asap.

We are planning to get to Norfolk this weekend, we have a birthday to go to, it's my sister in law's 70th, so a large family get together.

Warm wishes to you all.

Good evening the kitchen! Love the new decor and brownies too!
DH is dozing in his chair and I am trying to stay awake for Question Time.
We had water dripping into the kitchen this morning - a leaking joint in the bathroom ?. It has been isolated and a plumber will be here tomorrow. What a nuisance!
Sleep well everyone! ? ?

Late call. I heard mention of chocolate ice cream and brownies.

Jax Taxi was for MrM. Thursday is a dressing change day at the surgery. I usually get some shopping done or take Mya for a quick trot around the car park whilst he there. My, he was busy in there today and my prompting for information worked. Tonight I saw a photo he took. Not seen the ulcer for quite a few weeks and there is some improvement. His dressing was changed to make it more comfortable. We normally get a text for our flu jabs but the nurse has offered to do his on his next visit and suggested I ring tomorrow to come in as well. I can also book for us both to have the covid booster. She will do the lot. Nannytopsy He hopes to get his stocking soon.

Grandmajean and soop I've just started watching Guilt but series 1. I missed it first time round. I did like Mark Bonnar in Shetland so I'm sure he will be fantastic in Guilt. I've heard that Shetland is starting on 20th October. ?

Baggs. I am so intrigued and had to look up temari. Now I'm wondering how the chain saw is used. Look forward to seeing what you've created.

Susan I'll join you for that nap. Had two days of busyness in the garden. Care to join us Jax and Blossoming. I'm sure we'd get through a few brownies and chocolate ice cream together before nodding off. Thank you Yia.

SueDonim what an exciting Christmas to look forward too.

An amazing shot Grandmafrench. You have some beautiful surroundings. Perfect way to describe your life in France. A hobby that keeps giving you both such pleasures.

I think you've made the right decision Charleygirl. If they are extracted you then have to decided whether to replace or not. I've been in that position a few times.

Night night soop and ?for the kitchen friends I've not mentioned.

It is a glorious day. We are going into Tarbert for a few odds and ends. A bit of a treat. When we return, I shall stay awhile and catch up with all your activities.

Good morning dear Kitcheners. I had a lovely sleep and feel much better for it. My foot still hurts and I am staying in bed today. It is on the mend though so fingers crossed all will be well tomorrow.

Great news that Mr. M’s ulcer is looking better Muse, l hope he is feeling more comfortable now.

I love your photo, GF and think I recognise the lagoon with flamingoes, having seen either that area or very similar on a train journey along the coast between Montpellier and Perpignan. I had a lovely holiday in the Languedoc-Rousillon.

Love the photo Grandmafrench. I'm glad your foot is mending Blossoming. Soop it's a lovely morning here too. Have a nice time in Tarbert. Muse it's good news that Mr.M is healing.
I'm just off the phone from a friend. Two hours later! We can blether for Scotland, us two. I've also made a sandwich loaf so the house smells of fresh, warm bread. Dd had another scan this morning and the baby is breech. Hopefully it'll turn but she's 32 weeks pregnant so looking unlikely. This afternoon I might do a bit of garden tidying. Until later kitcheners.

Hi all, pleasing news on the invalid front Blossoming and MrMuse, long may it continue.
Beautiful scene Grandmafrench I’ve been in contact with French friends and the grues (cranes) are flying south, an amazing noise.
I’m doing ‘not a lot’ today, we’ve dropped his car off for it’s MOT and Asda are delivering later. Using them this week as they have whole Gressingham ducks on offer, crispy duck with pancakes is our Christmas Eve treat, then I use the fat for roasties on the day.
Washing is nearly done, but it’s grey outside, kitchen it’ll be then. Off to the pub tea time for a catch up, so I need to get a chicken casserole on the go.
Catch you all later.

Hello all, lovely new kitchen.
I have had the sort of morning where, at 12:30, I felt it was mid afternoon.
I am having decorarators here next week and last evening my GD and her friend moved the furniture for me.
Hall had one tall bookcase, one large table with drawers and a small chest of drawers.
This morning I have been dealing with the contents of same and throwing stuff away.
The landing had a large chest of drawers but It just holds bed linen so it gets sorted regularly.

Also this morning I have had a hedge, which runs all across the bottom of the garden trimmed by about 5 feet, it has let lots of daylight in.
They also removed a willow which had died over the last year.
As you can see I am continuing to SKI.

It is a beautiful day here ,very sunny and mild, I hope it continues over the weekend.

My D has “a friend” I am told that is all he is, who has suddenly developed a heart problem, he had an angiogram on Monday and is being admitted on Monday coming for bypass surgery on Tuesday.
I just pray he will be ok.

Keep on improving all under the weather and for any sick husbands.

Good to hear you sounding so upbeat annsixty. I am impressed at your energy in tackling life and hope your newly beautified home gives much pleasure.

Have found two black and white WW2 films to watch with DH this afternoon to compensate for being so fierce this morning as I stripped his bed before so much as a cup of tea. I console myself that bottling it all up wouldn’t be good for me but I really do need to practise greater self control.

It’s a beautiful sunny day here, so frustrating lying in bed looking at it. I’m not taking any chances though, as I don’t want to miss tomorrow’s party. I’m able to walk into the en-suite without screaming in pain. I need to wrap a present for the birthday girl and iron Mr. B’s shirt, I can do both of those things tomorrow. Before you tell me he can do his own ironing I must say that it’s something he struggles with due to a neuro condition affecting his hands and shoulders. He does so much already I can’t complain, and I iron sitting down so it’s not too bad,

Lovely to hear about your productive day annsixty, carry on SKIing.

Those incidents are so disheartening GrannySomerset, don’t beat yourself up, we’re only human. Enjoy the afternoon.

TOYA

Urms You have taken the words out of my mouth. I feel that I am with friends. It counts for a lot.

Blossoming If I could, I would gladly iron Mr Urm' shirt for him. You, my dear, rest and prepare yourself for the party.

Grandmafrench Had I been born a bird...I would have been a flamingo.

I am still in the so-called art studio. Extremely pleased with the shaggy dog portrait. Now for something a little trickier.

Just checked with decorator about Monday to be told he left me a message two weeks ago to say he was a week behind.
I can only say I never got it and am rather cynical.
The house looks so bare when you walk in, furniture gone and no pictures on the walls.
Oh well theses things are sent to test our patience.

annsixty...and breathe. X

As you lovely lot may be aware, I'm having exploratory procedures regarding my ongoing drop-bot, early November in a private hospital (a costly but necessary decision on our part.) We arrived home after our morning trip into Tarbert to a telephone message from the GP's surgery. I have the option of a test in a Glasgow hospital for early December. Sod's law!!! We have opted to go ahead with the private hospital appointment and, should I have hope of further surgery on the NHS, I understand that I may do so. I am both relieved and a little confused. Seven months of waiting for the NHS appointment and, like the buses, two come along almost together.

soop that is absolutely typical. I agree, if you can get it all done and dusted in early November that would be great. Methinks the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing.

Blossoming you took the words out of my mouth re the ironing.

ann I only hope it will be another week before the decorator comes. You want to be settled before the cold
weather really starts.

I met two GNs for coffee today- there are normally 4 of us but one could not make it. It is so nice doing normal things again.

I had my flu vaccine about 2 weeks ago and my Pfizer booster today so that is me sorted.
TOYA

That’s what happened to me Soop. I had private consultations with knee and hip surgeon,next thing an nhs date for surgery.It is indeed sod’s law!
Great photo Grandmafrench makes me want to be there right now!
I get my diamond art from Craft Buddies and good old Amazon Jax, I’m waiting for the official wedding photos, only took a selfie of Dh and I and it would make a good Halloween pic ?? Have a lovely time at your party Blossoming your outfit sounds just right,you can’t beat velvet.
Enjoy your evening everyone.

So pleased for you Soop