Soop's welcoming kitchen!

I feel like I only visit when I have bad problems....

Yesterday I was out with family for my sister's birthday and the result was a terrible night with cramps and nightmares. I am still trying to work out why.

Also my house has been declared practically unsaleable. Because of the state of the next door house.
So I am still having a fight with the local council.
Sorry I need to dump

Hi soop, I think that looks like a Crinodendron (sp?). My friend had a beautiful tree at the front of her house.

I've just been out with my ds to purchase a new 'bistro' table and two chairs for the garden, if we get some more sunshine.
I'm mighty pleased as it is a tasteful slate grey mesh and looks quite classy. The price was cheap as chips!


Marmight

That is absolutely beautiful Soop. I'm always on the look out for more interesting plants/shrubs. I don't recognise this one but I will look through my books to find some info on it.

Indeed, Agus I find that the most simple pleasures are the most precious...will upload an image of a beautiful shrub which I photographed this morning. Give me 5 mins...

Hopefully driving again in two weeks time! There will be no holding me back then Soop . One thing this experience has taught me is to appreciate the simplest of things so much more

Agus and and especially now that you are getting back to a normal routine. Well done!

It was so distressing watching what was happening to the Art School Soopthank god no lives were lost and this beautiful building wan't completely destroyed. I'm sure there will be a huge effort my many people willing to take part in restoring the Mack

The beauty of Soop's kitchen Alie is no one bothers how often visitors pop in and out. Everyone is welcome whenever they do visit. Nice to see you.

Sorry to hear you're having a bad time just now Marmight. Dropping in here can be good therapy whether it's just for a blether or somewhere to vent. I hope whatever is causing you to have a bad time soon passes

Hope you enjoyed out for lunch with your friends Charley

I managed to do a bit of weeding yesterday, nothing great, just kneeling on a cushion and picking out what I could reach comfortably but it was so good just to be out doing something normal again

AlieO I've missed you. Please keep visiting the kitchen. Your company is most welcome.

Marmight When I read Galen's post, I also gave you a very special thought. I cannot begin to imagine how I would feel if MacSporran was no longer such a special part of my life. Hollow with sadness, I imagine.

Charleygirl Enjoy your lunchtime treat. It is a muggy day. The midges are a right pain in the nether regions. Rory went outside for all of two minutes and returned with them on his coat. They are now busy biting me. I bet our bags is having much the same trouble.

soop I think that you misunderstand Rory- he is useful by staying off the floor, lying quietly, sleeping and not disturbing anybody. That allows MacSporran to do the hoovering in peace. Perhaps if he has the odd half an hour spare he could pop down here? Tara would give him a rapturous welcome, she loves visitors.

I must get dressed soon as I am going out for lunch locally with two friends. My hair is drying and as it so thick it takes an age but I am not complaining.

Galen commiserating thoughts flying your way too. I have been having a bad time of late so can imagine just how you are feeling right now. Not long until your cruise - so something to look forward to?

Galen hugs and from me. Haven't been around much here lately sorry............

I sent Torben a postcard on which I addressed him as "Bumbles"...because he buzzes around like a busy bumble bee. Ever since, he asks his mummy to read that bit at breakfast. Have been on ebay and ordered a wee, plush bumble bee. It has a very cute expression. He should receive it mid week.

We were shocked to see the Glasgow School of Art ablaze on the news. We love that building. Our daughter-in-law studied there. Thankfully, it appears that 70% of the artefacts have been saved. There will much to do in order to restore the damage to the building. No lives lost. Thank goodness for that.

Ironing waiting...Rory refuses to make himself useful. Whereas dear MacSporran is busy vacuuming.

I wish my special Granspals a peaceful and sunny day. xxx

Darling Galen, although I'm a day late, I am adding one enormous hug to all those that have been sent by your Granspals. Yes...a chirpy toddler can certainly work magic. I'm so pleased that your family made contact and were of some comfort to you.

Back to my son number three's Goth phase. He and his friend were the only two lads in the village in Cornwall to wear black from head to toe. The black liberally sprinkled with talc (to look like dust) and hair, that wild it made them look as though they had been short-circuited! Oh yes, and the eye-liner...that was a must. At the time, The Cure was the band with a message. I recall repairing the frayed cuffs of his baggy, holey, black sweater. I was instructed not to do so in future. Cuffs were supposed to be frayed...the more ragged, the better.

On one occasion MacSporran and I waited outside a "music" venue. Son and pal (all in black) came through the doors together with scores of Goths, also all in black. When our lads got into the car, son and pal let it be known that if we could detect nicotine on their clothes, it had nothing whatsoever to do with them. Right!

Galen, , , . Thinking of you

Galen some and hope that your chat with your DD cheered you up.

Youngest son, who studied art as well as other stuff at uni., graffitied the back of the door and one wall in his bedroom. It was surprisingly effective. The music that emanated from said room was, however, quite grim. One Christmas, not so long ago, when he'd just moved into a new flat on Christmas Eve, we painted a Christmas tree on the wall, and stuck decorations on it. Great fun.

A hug from here as well Galen xx

and (((hugs))) galen

from me too, Galen. Good that your family got in touch.

Hugs from me too Galen. Thinking of you.

I also let teenage son loose with paint in his bedroom. When we moved north, he was a big fan of Prince and demanded a pot of purple emulsion which had to be specially mixed for him. Then he painted the skirting boards with bright red gloss. He has since developed good taste.

Galen much needed ((((hugs)))) to you. It's good that your Skype chat gave you something to smile about. x x x

Chats on skype can work wonders, can't they Galen. I'm pleased the chattering brightened you up.

DD went through a Goth phase aged 15 to 16. She painted her room deepest purple - ceiling and walls. When not in obligatory school uniform (thank goodness for uniform) she dressed in black from head to toe but, thankfully, avoided piercings and tattoos.

Now, she is "Ms John Lewis", wears no make-up and finds her own DD, aged 13 and fashion mad quite a mystery!

Plus ca change.........................

for Galen - glad the DD and DGC helped ease the sadness.