Soop's welcoming kitchen!

Hello all, nice to see you.. Soop it sounds as if your talent is very much appreciated! how lovely to give so much pleasure to so many people.

I hope you have better luck tomorrow with your technical trials.

I've brought some nutty chocolate & coconut tray bake to share. No calories at all

Bags we were driving home from the ferry terminal in Troon the other night during that thunderstorm. It was awesome but scary, I was very glad that I wasn't the driver.

I thought when I retired six weeks ago that I'd have much more time to visit the kitchen but that doesn't seem to have happened yet.

#dontknowwherethetimegoes

A very cheery good morning to my lovely Granspals. Thank you for your comments and suggestions regarding on-line renewal of over 70's driving license. Yep, you're right. Because my passport [last used circa 1982-ish] and lurking somewhere in a dusty drawer is, let's say, "out of date" and my photo looks nothing like me, I need to renew the old fashioned way. Suits me fine. I'm an exceedingly old-fashioned girl

You lovely lot have been very busy. You all need pampering. I shall make sure that the chaise is nice and tidy and that the delicious goodies are ready and waiting...along with a selection of teas and fine coffee.

Since painting Bobby and two beautiful cats [mustn't mention their names as the painting is to a surprise gift] I've gone totally arty-farty. Bawbee, the deceased Pomeranian, is looking very much to my liking. I'm also painting the newest addition to the same family...another Pomeranian named Lachlan. Rory sauntered up to the portraits as I was viewing from a distance. He sniffed and lost interest in the time it takes to yawn. I really appreciate his input.

MacSporran and I have registered our votes. He is now perched on a ladder and attempting to trim a wayward hedge. Wish that he wouldn't do such a thing. If said ladder topples...

I shall return later. Take care now. (((hugs)))

I was told by a man today that the application of weedkiller has to be timed according to the weather. Really? Why would I know a thing like that? I said yes I knew that and kept quiet.

My car has been towed to a garage x2 within the same week by the RAC. The last man asked me if I had any petrol in my car! I am lucky, mine runs on a mixture of fresh air and cold water.

My tank was full, I had only run around 10 miles which did not quite empty the tank. I had also put in petrol rather than diesel so that was a plus. I am elderly and obviously stupid also. Grrrr!

I am obviously not fit to be living alone here with Tara. Any takers? (for both of us!)

And female! I bought a new pump for my pebble fountain last week, and the chap who sold it to me asked - very sympathetically, I felt - if I was fitting it myself and when I said yes, would I be ok with wiring it up. I was very tempted to say something rude. In the end I smiled sweetly and simpered a little and said I thought I'd be ok. Then got in the car and swore.

It's really insulting isn't it and all the more annoying as we know they wouldn't ask another man these questions.

My father was determined I would not be, in his words, 'a helpless female' and taught me everything I needed to know re technical details necessary for running a house and car. I have taught my daughters the same.

This is probably why I could spend hours in places like B&Q I love that 'stuff'

Those questions!! Oops

Agus I do also. I am about to spend some time in Wickes. Next week I have 2 men coming to fix the results of the horrendous leak that I had recently. Little do they know that there is a budding project building manager here! I am paying so the advice is free.

I have changed my mind re Wickes- the heavens have opened, it is black outside with thunder and lightening. I will stay here.

My dad taught me too Agus and I passed it on to my dd, who recently has fixed two quite major plumbing problems in her house, while her stupid waste of space husband just ignored the water pouring down the walls!

Girl power!! [

In my marriage I was the one with the power drill which, though it's a bit antiquated now, I still have. The thing my Dad taught me that came in very useful in East Africa was to change a wheel. However, I am more likely to create plumbing problems than to solve them.

Snap Lona. DD1 finally got rid,of her waste of space a couple of,years ago. It was a heartbreaking time for her but she got through it with support from family and friends. And it wasn't because he couldn't change a fuse

When both DDs were older teenagers I would let them choose emulsion for their bedrooms then they painted their own rooms with me giving them a bit of guidance until they knew what to do.

Now if they are not sure what to do, they usually find a solution on YouTube.

Girl power indeed

and for each and every one of you. A pal is about to use our computer. I must tidy the desk in readiness. Paints, brushes, rags, easel, empty coffee mug and, dare I say, a pile of crumbs from a messy digestive biscuit.

Tee hee and hey ho! Back with you tomorrow afternoon. Campbeltown visit in the morning...Tesco, library, greeting card shop, Royal for coffee and home again to Rory, who will have guarded the house and worn himself to a frazzle with the effort.

Yes, thank goodness for YouTube videos! That's what dd does too!

The mess situation they're in at the moment is what's stopping her from dumping him, I think.

Good luck to your DD Lona. Maybe one day she will have had enough but as you know, frustrating as it is, the decision has got to,come from her. Luckily for her she has a strong Mum who is there for her.

I'm assuming Mcsporran thankfully had no dramas with his ladder
Enjoy your outing to Campbelltown tomorrow Soop

Hello...rather a late start for me. Been out and about. Lovely sunny day at the moment. I'm about to return to the portrait of Lachlan, the fluffy puppy.

Lona Wise words from Agus. When the time is right your dear daughter will decide what she wants and what she can well do without. You are a supportive mother. She is a lucky daughter.

Before I leave, I must add an amusing memory regarding my teenage son being given the wherewithal to decorate his own small bedroom. We left him to it. On entering for the first time, we were rendered speechless. He had a black wall, a marigold-orange and purple wall. On the black wall he had painted one of his long, angsty poems. When my father peeped round the door is gasped..."this looks like hell!". My son grinned and nodded. He was going through the Goth stage at the time. He has turned out to be a "regular guy"...

MacSporran made a good job of the unruly hedge. He has treated himself to a new strimmer, goggles and ear protectors.

Can I have hug pleas? It's eleven years today since my husband died. The anniversary doesn't usually upset me, but for some reason today it Hals!

(((Hugs))) Galen.

Thanks. Bella that should have read it has!

Galen (((hugs))) and You've always got your pals on here.

(((hugs))) Galen

Galen (((Hugs)))

Thanks all. I've just had a lovely skype with darling daughter and the gds. toddler was chirpy tiddler was asleep.
Mede me feel much better.

Oh Galen I'm sorry to hear you are feeling upset today.

Here's another ((((((hug)))))) for today and any other time you need some TLC we are always here in the kitchen.

Good to hear you're feeling better

Laughing at the description of your son's room Soop. Sounds as if I got off lightly when DDs did their own decorating. I remember one shocking pink and the other one canary yellow.

Love the angsty poem on the wall though and remember going through that stage