Soop's Extended Extension.

It is a cyclic thing, isn't it? Unfortunately the worst part of the cycle always coincided with my resolution to return. However, after pottering round the edges - don't like the term 'lurking' as it sounds sinister - I'm diving back in. Life has been very stressful for quite some time and a happy place to share the better bits of news/gossip is so tempting. Won't inflict my cakes on you but I'm a dab hand with a corkscrew!
(mc)em.

Nice to see you back mcem- giving us a massive clue to your previous identity! It's a dreich morning here but strangely there isn't any precipitation... yet. Cosy here in soops mysteriously stretchy kitchen. I think there's still some tea (best Ceylon) in the pot. No rugby on tele today and the winter Olympics are all but over. Now I will have to 'get a life'.

Here is a packet of decaffeinated Earl Grey. My son left it here so that he would be able to drink it when he dropped in. I have "borrowed" so many that I had to buy a replacement.

About to make rock buns (quick and easy) so will drop some in later.

I remember making rock buns at school. They were worthy of the name. They were also about the only thing my English granny could bake. She was not a genius in the kitchen.

Hello mc*Em*. Little early for a corkscrew. The wind is blowing and the sea is wild and I am still in bed (watching Andrew Marr) so porridge first. I try not to get involved in all this tetchiness - can't understand it. It's better to keep the head down beneath the parapet until it's safe to come out again.
I wish someone would bring me a nice cup of tea, I shall just have to stir myself and get my own . I had a sleepless night and at 3 am was watching an amazing programme about the Somme which didn't exactly lull me off to the land of Nod!

Hello mcem and welcome back! I have resolved to stay chilled, calm and serene whatever tosh controversy arises on GN. Keep calm, eat will be my mantra

Why do I miss all the clues?
I'll just sit a while to let my porridge settle, if I may? Gut is rather fragile at the mo' and rushing around after eating is a sure -fire laxative ( sorry if that is too much info).
I've brought my worry beads with me, the DGC are travelling down by train on Tues, first time together without adults altho DGS will make sure DGD is looked after!
Galen your little poppet has your eyes!
Gally: reasons to be cheerful No. 1...... you won't have to watch the performance again!
Soutra, I love your secret, nice to get good news on a miserable Sunday!
Right I've sat long enough, work to do.

Good morning all. Don't feel too bad considering I had 3 glasses of vino last night, it's just the thought of emptying boxes and putting things back in their place after decorating which is putting me off starting anything.
May see you later for a cuppa
Have fun

Been sitting quietly here in the living room on the laptop, while DH has slept loudly through in the bedroom. Not like him to sleep late, but think it may have been something to do with a couple of painkillers for his achy back....(plus a couple of beers last night)! Oh - here he is, wearing his draggy old dressing-gown and he's just realised that he's got odd slippers on ! Setting the tone for the rest of the day, I think ?

DH has just gone to Get On With Something. Hint Hint.
OK, time to go.

Soutra Will your little secret not be a secret when it is 16 weeks old? I will be excited for you when the secret is out - shhhh!

Well now...what a bithee bithee lot you've been! I pop in thinking that I shall possibly be all alone. No way! How lovely it is to hear the merry blether and the chink of tea/coffee cups. Each and every one of you is a special Granspal.

bags thank you so much for the fresh batch of delicious flapjacks. You won't need to hide any from Mr bags because us lot are going to polish them off before they go stale. Safe driving. Enjoy your day.

Soutra's wee secret is safe with us. We're well aware of when to shout congratulations and pop the bubbly. And, we're good at keeping "Mum"...but hopefully for not too long.

Marelli The sight of Mr Marelli has made me chortle. Bless!

OGM you had better forego a fig flapjack, what with a jippy tum...I shall eat your share. Fair dos.

anno My mother made the best rock buns ever. We had to dunk them in a glass of milk because they were solid.

mcem Lovely to have you back.

Gally you must be in need of something uplifting. MacSporran is about to play the piano... Rhapsody on a theme of Paganini. He also tells me that the washing machine is on the spinse and rin cycle.

rosequartz The sooner you get started, the sooner you can sit back and relax. I know just how difficult it is to get motivated. I need to get pedalling on my exercise bike. I've taken time out since I was poorly. My backside is no longer tender. I've no excuse. Just can't get saddled and pedalling. Maybe start the routine tomorrow.

Washing machine now beeping to grab my attention. I must away for a wee while. Back again soon.

Have any of you been watching Salamander? I have enjoyed it.

Popped in for a nice cuppa, and a slice or two of bags's delicious flapjack. No wonder I'm the size of a bungalow!

soop I always wanted to play the piano. MacSporran has a wonderful taste in music
I shall stay all afternoon I think, it's so calming in here.

Good luck with your course bags, stay safe.

Welcome back mcem, I'm no good with clues either

I've done it again. Cooked for myself a beef and ale stew that would feed six. My freezer is overflowing. What can I do?
I'll just sit here quietly and compose myself, I think.
Hello Rory!

What happens Galen? Do the ingredients magically multiply in the cooking pot?

Oh Galen. What to do? I have just shoved together a chicken and vegetable and anything-else-that-came-to-hand casserole. 2 friends coming tonight and I am sure it would feed at least another half dozen. Not sure if I could work my way through it during the next week and not a lot of space in the freezer. I don't think I will ever manage to cater for just 3 or less, having spent 30+ years catering for at least 6 at a time
Keep playing MacSporran. It's lovely and very soothing while I try to work out the best Home Insurance quote & [shriek] emoticon

Galen I would love to help you eat the beef and ale stew. Are there dumplings? My freezer is wee. Pity you're so far away. I would certainly help out...if I could.

Lona MacSporran's music-making is melodious. It's funny that Rory always heads for the piano whenever it's being played. He likes to lie dangerously close to the piano stool and falls asleep in a trice.

At 2.30 there will be an ice gala from Sochi to enjoy. Then the final closing ceremony. I've enjoyed the games very much. The athletes have given some spectacular performances. Apart from being able to whizz round the ice rink [and not fall] I would choose to be a member of the bobsleigh team. Exhilarating!

The wind is picking up. Whited crested waves. Scudding clouds. Time to light the fire methinks.

We'll my day was made for me by one of the young archery coaches. Somehow I mentioned I'd be 70this year. He looked startled and said that he thought I was in my mid 50s, probably just being tactful, but, what a nice lad!

I hope you batted your eyelashes at him Galen and smiled sweetly.

I've been out for a walk and come home with my hair like a wild bush, it's very blustery out there.
Next thing, my very kind neighbour came out and started vacuuming up all the leaves in my front garden, wasn't that nice of him?

Of course!
I'm trying to imagine the old git next door doing it for me?
No, I have a vivid imagination, but that defeats it!
Isn't it nice and peaceful in here? Does anyone mind if I take my shoes off? My feet are killing me.
All I've done is make loaf of bread, made tomato soup and put a loaf on go bake. I'm shattered.

Galen Good for you

Lona I feel that I should go for a windy walk but I'm suffering from lack lustre. Won't it be a treat when the days become longer and lighter. Your neighbour sounds very decent. It was kind of him to vacuum your garden. I'd love one of those gadgets. Great fun!

Totoiseshell has called for an early supper. As I top up her dish, I call out to her. From under the hydrangea bush, just a few paces away, she responds with a gentle meow.

Has anyone heard from Sel? I know that she went away to sunnier climes for a wee break. Just wondering how Mr Sel is keeping.

DH is snoring - can you hear him? Apologies if it's too loud for you to chat.

rosequartz I do not believe for a moment that he has done so much work today that he is worn out. You, yes because you have had to fit in preparing lunch, supper, coffees and teas as well as the sorting out since you finished the decorating.

Now that it is newly decorated, can we move to your house and give soop a break for a while? She must be exhausted with the all of the coming and going. I will be there in the morning, I am too tired tonight.

He has been very busy!! Finishing off moving furniture, sorting other stuff in there, then went out and dug up some fruit bushes. Made me feel guilty because all I did was put books back on shelves, argue with myself about which ones to keep, then spent the afternoon sorting photos ready to re-sort another day. In the meantime the lunch and dinner cooked themselves of course.
He' s awake now, mind what you say. You can all come if you bring cake,( not much room in there mind)