Soop's X Special Kitcheners

Today is a Public Holiday in Malta (St. Joseph) so it has felt like Sunday all day.

I was up at 3.45am to take dear SiL to the airport. Poor lad, my heart aches for him having to leave his little girl, but she will be enveloped in love here with us

All day my eyes have been straying to the wonderful watercolour of my two furry family members soop you are a marvel and a wonderful artist. I can't remember when I have received a more special and appreciated gift. Thank you again so much.

I went mad tonight and using some ready cooked chicken drumsticks, I made the mumsnet chicken and tarragon pie!
It was so delicious I must make it again.
I an really very lazy out of practice about cooking from scratch.
My daughter said she'd cooked a tinned salmon and tomato risotto that her children loved, must get the recipe from her.

That sounds yummy Galen, I'll look it up.
I'm also struggling with cooking from scratch; I have a shelf full of cookery books but not the inclination or oomph to try opening them
Lazybones I must do bette, just lack the interest in food......

Hello my darlings. I trust that all is as well as it can be for one and all.

Thank you, Bella

It is our pal's birthday. We've been spending part of the day with him in the care home. He was in perky spirits and so were other residents that we're beginning to know better. This afternoon, other members of his family will be gathering and a big surprise is in store...his beloved black Labrador, Susie, will be the guest of honour. My goodness, will he be chuffed.

Galen the salmon and tomato risotto sounds tasty.

loopylou Why the lack of interest in food? Are you feeling unwell? I hope not. (((hugs))) x

It's good to hear your friend is perkier I hope you, he and all of the family have a lovely afternoon.

Much appreciated and thank you for the hug soop, I'm fine, it's just that I find cooking such a faff!

DD's back home this weekend so I'm perusing vegetarian meals. She's been out in the back of beyond south of Russia for 7 weeks and is craving anything other than boiled pasta, rice and potatoes! Apparently anything boiled has fat added too, nauseated at the thought

Have a lovely weekend everyone I hope x

Enjoy your daughter's company, loopylou Does she have an interesting job? Does she live with you or nearby? I'm a nosy old wotsit. Tell me so, if you wish.

I've finished a portrait of my sister's son's chocolate Labrador. MacSporran will kindly help me to pack it safely and I shall get it into the post first thing tomorrow. The collection is at 9.30, so no lazing about until I've seen it on it's way to the Midlands.

Of course you're not!
DD works for a multi-agency aid agency and is setting up new drug trials for multi-drug resistant TB (MDRTB) in Uzbekistan. It's a very vital and cutting edge area of work (and will also be doing it in South Africa and Swaziland) in a country where two out of three people have TB or MDRTB and, being both Muslim and communist, there are multiple layers of bureaucracy to get through, starting with getting everything translated in to Russian. One of the many issues is that how many have TB/MDRTB as an opportunistic disease on top of AIDS. It's very interesting but also harrowing as children and adults involved.
Sadly TB is the world's third killer, very underfunded and until now treatment has been two years long with horrendous side effects and subsequently poor compliance, using the same drugs I gave to patients 40 years ago
She lives in London when at home, but is abroad for about half the year.
Am a very proud mum

loopylou A vital and extremely worthwhile job that your daughter is doing. No wonder you are proud of her. She is doing something extraordinary. I had no idea that TB remains such a huge problem. You have opened my eyes to a subject about which I have no knowledge. It is kind of you to share your news with us. All I can say is...BRAVO to *loopylou and her kind and caring daughter.

Thank you x

What an amazing job, loopylou. But the food sounds dire.

Hear hear! You have every right to be proud loopylou

nannieroz111 Where have you been hiding? It seems ages since you last popped into the kitchen. I trust that all is well with you.

So...who will be joining me as I wish Scotland's rugby team all the very best for this afternoon's match. I KNOW that they cannot possibly win the overall event. I simply hope that they will play a hearty game and not give away too many penalties. Over the last two games, I felt that they were much stronger and have put in a good show. As my dear late father would say...'It's not the winning that counts, but the taking part'. Only we often feel otherwise.

It is a gorgeous day in bonnie Kintyre. MacSporran and his helper are to work in the garden. I shall either watch Scotland v Ireland without distractions...or, if Scotland get a hammering, I may need to attend to a pile of ironing and watch only the good bits!

I've been here soop sitting quietly in a corner........ sometimes I don't have much to contribute, but I do so enjoy the banter in your kitchen. Not to mention the and

Enjoy the rugby........ Hope your team wins!

I hate rugby so my TV will be switched off. I have been invited to a birthday party for George who will be 8 today. His parents are neighbours. George is delightful but there will be 9 other screaming children at the party and it is too cold for them to play in the garden. At least I only have to walk 4 doors away so an early exit is on the cards.

nannieroz111 It is lovely to have you here. You are always most welcome.

Charleygirl Ouch! It's going to be a rowdy do. The party and the match.

I am at my daughter's babysitting tonight so she can get out before the new baby comes. Dgs is supposed to be napping but there us a lot of bumping and chattering. He asked me to change his nappy.

"Can you get me the wet wipes?' say I "I want dry wipes says he. "
It turns out he has been asking his mum to warm up the baby wipes before using them. Silly sausage.

Nelliemoser You have a very bright grandson...and most particular with it.

Oooer...Scotland are lagging behind Ireland at half time. I'm hardly daring to watch the action.

Scotland lost their very important game against Ireland. Ireland were worthy winners. As my father used to say...'it's not the winning it's the taking part...' Still doesn't make me feel any better, I'm afraid.

Didn't do the ironing. I've been sketching an elegant animal that goes by the name of Grace...a name that truly suits her.

Oh dear soop, my neighbours won't be happy.
DH and DD have warned me they'll be watching England at 5.00pm......I'll be beating a retreat to the peace of your kitchen, not being a rugby fan. I'll be perfectly happy sitting watching the sea ( in reality I've just realised I haven't seen the sea for over a year!)

I'm going to take refuge in here too! Rugby isn't the thing in our house but football is and 'we' just lost 3-1. DH is not happy and he and various children are sending each other 'bracing' messages! It's only a flipping game! The sea is restful isn't it loopy?

What a vital job your daughter's doing, loopylou. You are justly proud of her. Lovely to have her with you enjoying a break and non-greasy meals!

A surfeit of rugby this afternoon methinks. I am watching England - France with half an eye - don't really care who wins, since my team are worthy winners of the wooden spoon.

Hypnotic and sooooo soothing.......
DD is jumping up and down, DH apparently knows all about rugby (more than the ref/commentators anyway)....heaven help me

Might just have to do something anywhere other than the living room!

Oops! That was for kittylester

Thanks anno

"Oh flower of Scotland
How must your hang your head in shame
Your rugby football
Is scarcely worth the name
Oh Bill McLaren
In his grave is spinning
Just send your selectors homewards
Tae think again"