Soop's Kitcheners

Good morning Crafting...our weather seems to have gone around in a circle. It's extremely blustery again, 'though nowhere as formidable as it was mid-week. I found at least two dozen jackets to my pal's liking. She has opted for one by Precis. New with tags at a super price. She's well chuffed.

I have to agree with your remark to Baubles. It has happened to us.

As for that Galen she had better stagger through the kitchen door bearing gifts for us lot or else!

Charleygirl I bet the crew will pipe her off the boat. It's a good thing that we love her.

Keep safe and warm soop. Another lovely photo from you, it's always good to see a rainbow.

I've come to sit in your cheering kitchen for a bit. I went to my BiL's Celebration of his life yesterday and although it was a meant to be a happy occasion, it has left me feeling very sad. I don't know whether it was thinking of all the people who weren't there or memories of 50 years ago and what different people we all were.
I was going to say I'll put the kettle on but I've just realised what time it is, so I've brought a choice of bottles and hope you will all join me in an aperitif.

dustyangel It is natural that your feelings are tinged with sadness. On reflection, as you say, so many dear people are gone and the passage of time continues to change every one of us. At this time last year, our closest friends were hale and hearty. One has lung cancer and her twin has had a serious stroke. Another pal has early stage dementia. My lovely husband is also unwell. However, we carry on and enjoy what pleasures remain. Good memories comfort us. I'm wishing you well. And...what's more, I shall raise a glass of cheer to you. Warm, tender (((hugs))) x

They had british immigration on board this am.
Hard luck folks:- they're letting me back in after I've been to Bruges.
I presume Belgian chocolates all round would be suitable gifts?

A bit late, dusty, but as I'm in France, I'll join you in an aperitif. I'm sorry for your sadness.
Hearty warming veg. soup for all to mop up the alcoholic juices. I didn't go for my morning walk, as I was trying to do something arty-farty which isn't working. So off out this afternoon. Perhaps the fresh air will blow a bit of inspiration my way.

Will do very nicely, Galen !

The Belgian chocolates will go down a treat. Is it a mighty big box Galen, you know how greedy some of us lot are. I am of course speaking for myself. I bags the hard centres.

ffinnochio The hearty soup sounds comforting on a blustery, wet day. We arty-farty types need nourishment and inspiration. What is it that you are trying to create?

I'm not a chocolate lover Galen, don't have a sweet tooth but having you back with us in the kitchen will be suffice.

Enjoy the rest of your trip.

Agus It's a deal, I shall bags the chocs that you won't be eating.
Come home soon-ish Galen Try not to get yourself detained when you're walking down the gangplank. We've been without you for far too long.

I am aware that you have booked your next cruise Galen but maybe I should not be saying this, butdouble check your date because it will be a day after the ship actually departs, so that they have a quiet, peaceful cruise without anybody attempting to sue the company!

I do hope that you got your crutch sorted. Belgian chocolates sound devine- I will be fighting soop for the hard centres. When are you due home?

Ha, ha, greedy Gertie. You are more than welcome to my share and in future, keep any spoils aside for you

I was a skinny child and my Mother would say, no matter how much I feed Greedy Gertie, I can't fill her.

Lucky you. Agus I looked like a dumpling from day one....and still do.

Charleygirl

Inspiration did come, soop! I've changed tack and decided to do an open weave frame in twigs and little branches (in the shape of a Christmas Tree) that will hang from the beam - and nearer the time will interweave it with variegated ivy and bits and bobs from the hedgerows. Dead rustic!

What a lovely idea, ffinnochio Please take a photo when it is in situ.

It is looking awfully gloomy outside. The sea is darkest charcoal grey. The islands are hiding behind a blanket of mist. It's time to draw the curtains and light the fire and cosy up beside MacS and Rory. I wish all my Granspals a restful Sunday evening.

That sounds wonderful, ffin. At our NWR Christmas meeting last week we had a demonstration by a willow sculptor - very impressive - who showed us how to make a willow ring and now I'm wondering what to do with the one I made. Maybe I'll find inspiration in the garden, though I am the least arty person on Gransnet.

anno. You could twist silver beads round your wreath and finish it off with a red bow. Just an idea

Would I be right in thinking this week brings some medical activity on mcsporran's part? Can I wish you safe journeys and that everything goes well? I hope the weather has calmed down now too and that power cuts which sound so romantic but are in fact a pain the wotsit are firmly behind you.
Hugs to all experiencing sadness or worry at present too. I know that I would prefer to take a rain check on anything coming close to Away in a Manger. Nearly lost it at little DGS's Nursery Jingle and just can't cope with "little baby Jesus" this year!!Anyway cards are written at last and I am making inroads on present wrapping- feel the draw of a slice or three of Stollen though!

Children singing nearly always do for me Soutra so I don't know how you are coping at all.

anno, I think you will find that I am the least arty person on GN. Also, the most deluded. Why else would I have made a chocolate log (a la Nigella) when DD makes the most artistic cakes imaginable. Someone tell me not to contemplate such a thing next year!!

I made a virtual one too for anyone who would like it. Careful not to swallow the robin.

My bread sauce was a triumph though [show off emoticon] there is an art to it you know!!

Do you freeze it kitty? and does it thaw ok?

I do freeze bread sauce ann and it always turns out fine. I'll let you know about the chocolate log!

I have made a chocolate log in the distant past, but DSs are both far better cooks and bakers than I am, and two GDs are also good in the kitchen - but not all at the same time. Have I outlived my usefulness?

If you have anno then you're not alone! Actually, I quite like it

Just hit a snag - the chocolate log needs freezing in a rigid container but I've put it on a huge board - now what?

You'll have to eat it kitty and make another one!