Soop's X Special Kitcheners

Oh no - I saw what a mess my rug got into! Your poor dog! I have found that the vacuum is the most effective way I have ever found of removing DBH from in front of the tv to get up and mend something. It was worth the outlay for that function alone.

My old dog has a very fluffy tail Jane and when I let Robo loose he's usually careful to leave the room. But the other day, probably tired after a long walk' he was so fast asleep that it crept up on his unawares and snangled his tail.

That woke him up!

No cleaner - but I have to do the same before I can let the robot vacuum out to play. It objects strongly to shoelaces and flokati rugs, anything lying around and chair and table legs shorten its cleaning time so that it needs to recharge more often.

I do miss the weekly cleaner I had when I was working full time. Can't really justify it any more nkw I'm retired.

Just delivered 4 GC to three different schools and one nursery - all within 20 frantic minutes driving between four different destinations, fighting the early morning traffic.

Feel like I deserve a quick sit down in soops kitchen with a nice coffee and a hot buttered crumpet. How many calories in a virtual one?

It is a useful discipline, I am clearly a closet slob (and not so closet!)
Only every 2 weeks -wish I could run to justify every week!

Soutra eaxactly what I have been doing so I have not been on line!!

Nobody up yet?

Cleaner coming today so must dash round and tidy up!

I love that series, too - and DBH is always to be found glued to any Brian Cox programme.

I'm glad to see that Sox and number's OH are doing well. We had car problems too soop. DBH's car wouldn't start, the garage had been so sure they had fixed it. Neighbours had to help push it out of our drive so that we could get mine out - which was when we remembered that it hasn't been driven since DBH had a deer run into it a week ago, and although we had looked at it briefly, we hadn't done so well enough, there were bits and pieces hanging off or missing (headlight cover) all over the place. We had to drive off with half the car held together with gaffer tape and a prayer. And made sure to be back before dark!

We went to Anglesey Abbey yesterday to see acres of snowdrops and have lunch out. I need to do something like that every year, to make sure that Spring really is on its way. Seeing so many snowdrops, aconites, iris reticulate and hellebores out on such a scale is wonderful. As is the afternoon tea that follows.

I've been watching 'Italy Unpacked' with Andrew Graham-Dixon and Giorgio Locatelli on BBC2 9.00 Fridays. Both MacS and I love the programme. I believe that the final journey - travelling through Veneto region and visiting Padua and Vicenza can be viewed this coming Friday. Not only is the scenery stunning but the two presenters are perfect in the sense that they are knowledgeable, creative and great fun. I seldom recommend a television programme with such unbridled enthusiasm.
I also love any programme presented by Professor Brian Cox. Had he taught Science in the school I attended, I would have loved every lesson.

Good Monday morning to all my Granspals. It is rough out there. The wind is fierce and the sea is extra lively. The handbrake spare part is with the garage. Afternoon in Campbeltown whilst it's being fixed. We shall therefore be visiting our pal in the nursing home.

Crafting Does anyone really care what shape your biscuits have turned out to be. Not us lot...they sound absolutely delicious.

Galen We'll look forward to seeing a picture of your throw when it's finished. Why not keep it for yourself? Would one of your family members like it for a special birthday gift? Should you consider selling it, your skill and time, together with the cost of the wool, has to equal a high price tag.

I've done another 4" of the throw I'm currently crocheting. Only another 20" plus the edging to do! I'll put a picture of it on the crochet thread.
What to do with it when I've finished I've no idea. The wool cost about £80 and I got it half price. It's peruvian highland sheep wool and lovely and soft.

Had a lazy weekend recovering after hectic half term. Just popped in to deliver some strangely shaped chocolate and marshmallow biscuits (Waitrose recipe card that looked good in the shop). Supposed to be heart shaped but I didn't have a cutter so they are round (ish). Taste ok but you might find your jaws clamped together after you've eaten one. Melted marshmallow is quite gooey.

Having enjoyed a successful session with the paint box, I'm about to log off and have a much looked forward to G&T. Pussy cats will almost certainly be calling in at the takeaway any time soon.

If the part that our car needs arrives at the garage tomorrow, we'll be going into Campbeltown. At the same time, we shall visit our pal in the nursing home. He's been rather poorly with an infection but is showing signs of perking up and is hopefully on the mend.

Lots of love to you lot...wishing you a pleasant and peaceful Sunday evening.

Until tomorrow.

Oh Soutra I'm working yet again from a photograph. The dog is about eight months old...a very sweet Jack Russell. Not doing a bad job at the moment. MacS has just delivered a and Tartan shortbread. I waved my hand as if to say..."no biscuit" and then, because I have the will power of a flip-flop, I picked it up and chomped on it. Result...crumbs all over me and the keyboard.

Missed Kitty, hope she has a lovely time, Wales, especially the North, is beautiful.
Very wet and windy here, and cold, not looking forward to going outside at visiting time later.

How do you get him to sit still and not smudge the paint, soop. ? (What colour is he going to be when you have finished?)

dustyangel How very thoughtful of you. On our very first "date" MacSporran gave me freesias. Ever since that occasion they have been my number one favourite.

It is a very soggy day in bonnie Kintyre. I'm about to start painting a wee terrier (dog)...wish me good fortune, please.

I've brought you a bunch of my just out freesias soop. They are better in a vase than the garden at the moment as the wind is flattening them there.

Numberplease I'm pleased that your husband is improving, even with him getting stroppy. I've come to the conclusion that convalescing husbands are more difficult tiring than when they are in hospital.
for you and Soutra.

I'm thinking of Bella and trust that she will pop into
to the kitchen sometime soon.

Glad to hear you are having a break, kitty. You need it! If the weather we're having now is coming from Wales (it usually is), don't forget your wellies. We have had, in succession, rain, sleet and wet snow. Not a day for a brisk country walk.

A very breezy good morning to our lovely kitcheners.

number Your husband has had an awful time lately. I feel so sorry for him (and you.) As you hadn't told us otherwise, I imagined that he was, by now, back where he belongs...home, sweet home. A big, warm hug from me to you. x

Anya I'm delighted to hear that Sox is with his family. Thank goodness that he happened to visit your garden. He could so easily have been badly injured, or worse, had he strayed on to a busy road. Also, of course, he was malnourished and had an infection from which he could have died. I would like to think that the family of Sox will write a letter to you. I know that I would.

Kitty I hope that you have an enjoyable visit to Wales.

loopylou You have painted a beautiful picture in words. I can visualise the striking contrast between the sunlit tower and the dark, brooding sky. It does make sense to carry a camera in your pocket. I've often regretted not being able to record a particularly stunning image.

Anya lovely to hear that Sox has been reunited. I do hope that he does not stray again.

How lovely Kitty, I love Wales, enjoy your stay.
I thought of you soop and your wonderful paintings, yesterday when I saw the most amazing sight in Bath, on my way home.
The photo I wish I could have taken was from the bottom of the South west side of Lansdown hill with Beckford's tower on the top, brightly shining in sunlight but the sky behind it absolutely black. Don't imagine I'll ever see it like that again. The cupola on top of the tower is gold and the contrast was incredible.

Ah Wales! have a great break Kitty

Enjoy your break kitty