Soop's welcoming kitchen!

Oh go on, let it rip Kitty!

Hello all! I bear

Please let me in, the idiot has come to help put the babies to bed. I know it's good for them but he has been unable to take time off since DD has been suffering and has had 3 days at home this week - doing paperwork!!

I know that lots of people have much worse things going on in their lives but, momentarily, I nearly lost it!

Peace in the kitchen.

Best of luck to your 'mature student' baubles and also finding travel insurance.

It's a long time since I had a decent gooey meringue. Now I want one!

baubles if it is of any help a friend's husband who is in his early 80's and has had recent heart problems, could not get travel insurance but through a broker, got insured for less than half of what he had been asked for before. The holiday is in this country but no insurance, no holiday.

Ah Soop you have my mouth watering now....I adore meringues especially when the middle is deliciously gooey

I had missed that you were away for Torben's birthday. Happy to him! I think there is just a month between your 'wee man' and my eldest granddaughter, it is such an amazing stage, full of wonder and delight.

I'm having a slightly frustrating time trying to organise travel insurance for our forthcoming trip. What we need is backpackers' insurance and while I have one or two quotes most companies won't insure us oldies for this type/length of trip grrrr!

Meanwhile DH is locked away in his wee study, with exams starting next week he hasn't seen the light of day recently. I'd forgotten what it's like to live with a stressed student, the difference is this one is 65!

Please forgive me for not mentioning all your names, but believe me when I say how truly grateful DH and I are for the overwhelming kindness and support we have received from you all. I really can't thank you enough. Bless you all

Last night we babysat a friend's little girl aged 4. She stays overnight when we look after her and what a tonic she is. The house is so quiet now she has been returned to her parents. DH and I are going out for a drive now to make the most of the sunshine.

to all you dear and very special friends.

Lona Such uplifting news. I'm delighted for you and your dear friend. Wishing her a speedy return to good health.

Marmight you are such a tinker boots...love the new name.

kittylester your post made me chuckle out loud.

Agus get well hugs. The arty farty hat is about to perch on top of my very messy, arty farty hair do...which needs a good brushing.

Baubles I like having you visit the kitchen. Shall we share DebnCreme's meringues? My mouth is watering at the thought of melting sugar and thick fresh cream.

Have a very pleasant trip to Provence, anno. It sounds delightful.

It was good to see that you have visited the kitchen. bikergran I've missed you.

The news of Bella's husband has floored me. I cannot concentrate and apologise to those Granspals that I haven't responded to. You are all important to me. Gransnet has enabled so many people to share personal experiences. Sometimes, when the news is good, we celebrate. When the news is sad or bad, we are fortunate to be able to be of some small comfort to each other. I wish that I could give you all an armful of beautiful, fragrant spring flowers.

Dear Bellasnana

I hope you will accept my loving thoughts which I send to both you and your dear husband, also to your family, you will all be feeling devastated I'm sure.

So much love love to you all.

Bella darling girl, please be assured that you are NOT a whinger. You are delightful, positive and much loved. What on earth can I add to the many kind messages you've already received. My heart sank when I read of your meeting with the consultant. I feel so sad for you both. Cancer is such a cruel illness. PLEASE keep talking to us. We are with you in spirit.

Hope I don't bump into him: I am 10 mins from Vaison up in the hills overlooking Les Dentelles - perfect! May Day today so have come home with bunches of muguet/lily of the valley which is a lovely tradition.

A favourite place of Alistair Campbell's Anno

We were sort of in between Draguignon and Frejus.

Bella sweetheart .
Gentle (((HUGS)))

I've been three times with DS1 and family to a caravan site near Vaison la Romaine - with a great view of vineyards and Mt Ventoux.

I'm sure you will have a lovely time Marmight and Anno. . We lived in La Motte en Provence for 10 years. Many beautiful sights to visit but it can be exhausting when it is too hot.

Off to Provence (and possibly the Ardeche) for three weeks in August. It can be very hot but I can take it as long as I don't have to do a lot if sightseeing.

Hallo Marmight there is something quite fun in choosing a new name isn't there? I should imagine Provence is perfect right now, we visited in June and it was too hot. Have a lovely time in Spain.

Bellasnanna you must use us as sounding posts, shoulders to lean on and weep on, knowing you are safe with friends. My love to you both at this incredibly difficult time.

Bellasnana, kind thoughts are with you and Mr B and make sure that you give yourself some tlc as well amidst all the caring for your DH

Best wishes and kind thoughts to everyone who is going through a difficult time at the moment. More spring

Bellasnana so sorry to hear that distressing news. You know that you can pop into the kitchen any time and unburden.

Dear Bellasnana, you are not whingeing - you are sharing your anguish which is the best thing you can do in these distressing circumstances. And listening is one of the things Gransnet does best. ((((hugs))))

Marmight, in the light of your Australian connections, wouldn't Vegemight be more appropriate?

I can only thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your kind thoughts and wishes which are a great comfort at such a difficult time.

So happy you are back, Marmight! Your posts from 'down under' were extremely entertaining, and how are the Italian lessons with 'Dionisio' going?

best wishes to anyone that is facing an uphill struggle....

Wonderful news Lona

Thank you Debs and baubles I'm slowly but surely on the mend

And my heart aches for you and your darling husband Bella.

I can only imagine what you are both going through at the moment. I won't stop hoping that this hellish situation you are in has a chance of a positive outcome.

We are all here for you and understand completely if you feel the need to whinge and moan, please let us help you if you need to vent anytime.

Bellasnana I just don't know what to say but send (((hugs))) and heartfelt prayers to you both. You could never wear out your welcome so must pop in whenever you feel the need. There is always warmth and kindness to be found in this special spot.

Agus I knew you had an accident but hadn't realised the severity. I do hope your progress continues and that you soon feel hugely better.

Haven't really been to 'the Kitchen' for quite some time but today seems like a good one. I come armed with goodies having visited my sister in Exeter and we had lunch at St Bridgets Nursery. Had a lovely time and have come back with some amazing meringues oozing with Devonshire cream.

Now as I feel sure that all this cream is not good for gout then it must be brought in here. The meringues will surely help with everyone's convalescence.

Very best wishes to everyone who is poorly, in pain or troubled right now