Soop's Kitcheners...

Good afternoon to you all. I've been catching up with my pal's ironing [an enormous basketful] and listening to the debate in the House of Commons. There were some very good points debated. It seems highly likely that we shall be providing whatever air cover is necessary to assist with combating the relentless barbaric onslaught by I.S. Aren't we the fortunate ones to be living in a true democracy.

Welcome Purpledaffodil I like your name. Are you very new to us, or have I not been around when you call by for a blether? I hope that that lot have made you feel very comfortable. I look forward to getting to know you better.

So then, that Dale has been seen off the premises. How dare anyone presume to be able to barge into our kitchen under false pretences. Rory is livid. I can tell by his expression.

Talking of Rory, our pals commented on the fact that he refused to eat for the first two days we were away. Now, I'm talking mere morsels of vet's special biscuits [costing £37 a bag] but chicken! In fact, he refused to leave his hidey hole under the bedroom chair. By day three he had come to his senses...sort of.

ffinnochio As anno says, if you had been bullied on GN we would have rallied and hastened to your defence. A true friend would not do such a thing. Forget, take a deep breath and move well away from her.

Soutra your comment made me chortle.

Galen happy cruising...try to keep out of trouble. We look forward to hearing all about the good bits....

moomin When I worked in the wee shop in Fowey, there were various huge bowls of potpourri, including lavender, that was delivered by the sack. The perfume was almost overwhelming whenever I opened up after a weekend. Heavenly!

rose does "fash" mean "fuss" or "bother yourself"? Does "mithered" mean "put upon"...I'm sure Baubles will put our minds at rest.

So - first day of Autumn today ? The weather didnt seem to think so it has been like Summer, lovely and warm, so 2 friends and I sat outside at Frost's Garden Centre in Woburn Sands this afternoon with coffee and cakes and put the world to rights. Oh it's a hard life being retired!

"Dinna fash yerself" means "Don't let it discombobulate you"

I expect it comes from the French verb "se facher" to get angry. Lots of Scots expressions come from French, I believe partly because of Mary Queen of Scots and her courtiers and the close links between Scotland and France known as the Auld Alliance on the basis that "my enemy's enemy is my friend" and both countries fought the English! . So for instance a big serving dish is called an ashet (Fr "assiette") and you buy a gigot (pronounced jiggot) of lamb (Fr "gigot")

Sorry, got a bit carried away there!!

Galen Enjoy yourself!

Hello all - this is my new name- (the golfer from Pork Pie Town)

Hi Tee - I guessed! Glad you are still here! I don't tell my friends that I'm on GN for just that reason!

Hi Soop I'm newish too. I pooped in and left dome flapjacks when you were away.

Oh no, what I meant was popped in iPad again taking control

What a lovely welcome Soop. I have been around for a year, but have never spoken up in your kitchen before. Have been lurking in a dark corner though. Lovely atmosphere you have here. Great cake too

Anya your indiscretion is surely the subject of "that " other thread!! And there we were blaming Angus

Thanks folks, I sure will. It's only a week though, the biggy, 3/52 is ate end of November still, it'll be a break.

Soutra Many thanks for enlightening me. What you had to say was very interesting and educational.

WELCOME dear Teetime and anya I know for certain that you will be most welcome in our kitchen. Sit yourselves down and enjoy the company and lots of . And you are included too, Purpledaffodil

Galen you are a wonder...I can well imagine you enjoying the finer things of life...raise a glass of Champagne to us lot please.

For Bella and all our Kitcheners needing TLC xxx

As you are aware, MacSporran had the scan two weeks ago. Today he received a letter from the consultant who suggested that he may have a form of lymphoma. The lymph glands in his neck alerted us and it appears that he has enlarged nodes under his armpit and groin. Next step is to return to Oban hospital for a biopsy from the groin. Apart from feeling tired and losing weight [in spite of a good appetite] he feels well.

I've been wondering about Mr. Soop's results, and am sorry to hear this news soop, but am delighted he is in good spirits.

Ah, soop that's not the news you both want to hear after all these weeks of wondering what was making MacS feel so poorly. I hope the tests and treatment are not too burdensome and he's feeling better before long.

Sorry to hear that about the tests Soop

Soop I've known people have useful lives for over 40years with the right treatment and that's improving all the time.

Soop and MacS. Take heart. Like Galen I know people who were diagnosed with lymphoma years ago and lived/are living long and happy lives.

soop and MacS, positive thoughts and best wishes to you both of course, and a big (((hug))) for himself too. Galen knows what's what!

I am so so sorry about the diagnosis Soop- had been wondering about MacS and how he is now feeling. Everything crossed that they will find an effective treatment and that it won't be too unpleasant .

I don't often visit the kitchen as you are such a close bunch and always feel I am 'de trop'- but i do think of you often.

So where you in the Leicester area visiting family? We used to lived in East Leicester for many many years.

Dear soop - think positive thoughts and trust the Drs. MacS has the right idea in keeping so positive. You are both much loved and have oodles of support from all four corners of the UK and beyond so it will turn out well. Just come into the kitchen and find your pals if you need to have a virtual hug - there's usually somebody tucked in a corner ready to oblige!

Apricot flapjacks are on the table if you fancy one?

My thoughts are with you both dear soop and MacS . I, too, am so sorry to hear the scan results were not what you had hoped for and I hope all will be well.

My poor DH came out of hospital today. You will not believe this, but his eldest sister has also been diagnosed with cancer this week. She had a bad fall a couple of months ago but wouldn't see the doctor. However, her daughter took her this week as her breast had been leaking fluid and sure enough they have found a tumour. It has already spread to her bone marrow and other places. My DH is very upset about her as well as his younger sister who is also quite ill with ovarian cancer. It just goes on and on

Apart from this, he is not feeling too bad from the chemo and hopes to go to the Air Show tomorrow to see the Red Arrows. I have just watched them from our roof, albeit in the distance. They never fail to amaze and impress.

I have no goodies to bring but plenty of if you care to join me in drowning my sorrows. to you all, especially those with worries.

soop and bella

Hmm I expect you and macsporran could have done without that diagnosis but I am sure you will both approach whatever lies ahead with your customary strength of love for each other, positivity, courage and cheerfulness which characterises everything I read about you. DH was tteated for Lymphoma 5 1/2 years ago and banged it on the head. I know every case is different but his treatment did not cause any nasty side effects that I was aware of and as far as we are aware he is in full remission. I do feel very sad for you however having to face yet another challenge when you deserve to be able to hunker down beside a cosy fire and enjoy the lovely views. Life ain't like that though so I am sending the most positive vibes I can and wishing macsporran inspired medical expertise and the best modern technology to put him on the road to recovery.

Bella it truly never rains but it pours