Soop's Special Kitcheners

number how is your husband? Is he still in hospital? Please let us know.

bags Only you can eat pancakes laced with syrup and such, and remain as slender as a willow. Bah!

Soutra I'm certain that you and your family we enjoy the special occasion. We look forward to hearing all about it.

Charleygirl Doesn't time fly...when us lot get together. I love this kitchen of ours. For as long as I have the breath to blether, I shall keep our kitchen open to all our Granspals I cannot recall a single "falling out" between the Kitcheners...and that is the way we shall remain.

Scotland v Wales this afternoon. Anyone for a tense, nail-biting game of rugby!

We experienced problems logging on to the computer this morning. I was in a tiz-woz because I so wanted my daily fix of kitchen talk. MacSporran [dear man] went into the loft and rummaged around for a replacement monitor. It's a bit ropey and has ciggie burns over the base. It was a "freebie" stand-by from our computer pal who lives in the village. Although it doesn't appear to be smart...it works, and that, my dears, is all that I ask.

soop that is one thing that I like about this thread. Everybody is civil to each other and there are very helpful suggestions given.

Oh yes, soop, such a shame that, on such a beautiful day, I shall be compelled to sit in front of the TV and watch the match!

I do not like rugby but no need for me to watch because Scotland will win!!!

I miss the good old days when a multitude of fans would walk along Princes Street, through the West End to Murrayfield. Mind you, we were young enough to do that and then stand, yelling ourselves hoarse for the duration of the match. Not so easy now and very much more expensive.

anno although it isn't raining there is a nip in the air. Perfect for curling up in my favourite chair, pot of tea, shortbread biscuits, and I shall be screaming..."Come on SCOTLAND..." Rory always leaves the room. Like most cats, he has no interest in the game. All far too stressful...

Charleygirl Should Scotland win, you will hear my cheers from here. If not, it will be on the quiet side.

I just love calling in to your kitchen soop. . . . . such warmth. I don't contribute much but I enjoy just listening. I was wondering if an old fashioned transistor radio (with earphones) would be useful for your friend?

You missed out the celebrations afterwards anno, win or lose Happy days indeed.

Go SCOTLAND!

That does sound like a good idea. Plus batteries?

I was all dressed up ready top go out last night when DBH lost every single meal he had eaten yesterday. I had been hoping that he would be sufficiently recovered to take me out to lunch - but sadly he is here sipping cautiously at butternut squash soup. I am being very positive and thinking, at least I shan't put on as much weight as I would have done if we had gone out. I had one small glass of red instead of half a bottle, for a start!

But tomorrow - this may seem bonkers to you who are not keen gardeners - we are ordering timbers for my very large veg plot. It will be converted to raised beds. It will only supply a quarter of the growing space, but I don't need it to be as big now that I don't have to feed a growing teen and his sister doesn't stay here as often or for as long with her family. I have been unable to dig for over a year now and it has been driving me mad, seeing my potager lying bare.

janerowena sorry to hear about your DH, hopefully he will slowly feel better.

I think that you have made the correct decision, sorting out your garden and raising the beds so that you can still enjoy planting or whatever. Once the beds are raised as before it will give you hours of pleasure. For me it would be a torture because I am no gardener.

Oh jane. All dressed up and nowhere to go all because an inconsiderate DH is ill. Blooming men! Seriously though, I hope he is feeling better and you can both make it out for dinner soon.

Not at all bonkers. After my accident last March, all gardening has been on hold and I am chomping at the bit to get started this year. All sorts of plans in mind and so looking forward to trying some new ideas.

nannieroz You suggestion is excellent. I shall enquire whether or not our pal has such a thing. It's always good to have your company.

jane I'm also sorry that your evening of glam and romance was a non-starter. As for the raised beds...that is such a wise move. I was the gardener in a former life. I have converted many a heap of rubble into something classy. Fibromyalgia has robbed me of the pleasure. A sad fact of my personal ageing process.

Agus and anno wasn't that first Scottish try BRILLIANT! I almost fell from my chair. Scotland are doing well...and must not give too many penalties away in the second half. I'm a wee bit hoarse at the moment.

Oh dear! Sigh, sniff, sob...almost (but not quite) good enough to better the Welsh. The last couple of minutes of the game were agonising. I may need to have a G&T fairly soon. My vocal chords have been seriously stressed.

I love Laidlaw. He, for me, is the tops.

Are there no other Welsh supporters hereabouts? I don't post often either but I enjoy reading.

tanith You've been away from the kitchen for ages. Did you watch the game? Are you a Welsh supporter? If so, well done to your team.

It is a damp Monday in bonnie Kintyre. I opened the emails to find the beautiful face of our youngest grandson looking back at me. At that moment, it was if the sun was shining. I shall include in my album. His mummy tells us that he was enjoying a special treat at Fortnum and Mason.

The photograph that has made me smile is now in my album.

Torben looks so grown up now *soop! A lovely photo, he's clearly enjoying the moment.

Lona He'll be five in April. I would give a lot of whatever to be able to share his birthday again this year. If I caught the bus from here at 7:am I would reach his home sometime after 7:pm...I shall give the matter some serious thought.

A handsome young man now - and that looks like a handsome treat too!

anno Doesn't he appear to be composed? I know all too well that he is longing to tuck in. He's such a darling boy.

And he`s looking more like you in every new photo!
Thank you Soop for asking after hubby, he`s much improved, thank you, they woke him up on Friday, after a tracheotomy, so although he can`t talk yet, he`s conscious, and writing messages. Visiting is going to be restricted this week though, as our local authority, in all it's wisdom, have closed down the main road that our bit of the river bank leads on to, for a week of "essential maintenance", with access from one end only, between 7pm and 7am, and evening visiting ends at 8pm. I can`t go at all in the afternoons because it`s closed off.
Janerowena, I hope your husband`s tum has settled by now.

number Your poor husband has been well and truly blighted since going into hospital for what should have been a straightforward procedure. Not being able to visit him is a right "bummer". I hope that he continues to improve and that you are pleasantly surprised when you do manage to visit him.
THANK you for your lovely comment regarding Torben looking like me. By jove, I'm tickled pink. You have made my day.

jane Yes, I also hope that your husband is over the nasty bout of sickness.

MacS is to have bloods taken at the local surgery on Wednesday. The results will be discussed when he keeps his appointment in Oban hospital the following week.